This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us is an anthology of sixteen entries co-edited by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby. These siThis Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us is an anthology of sixteen entries co-edited by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby. These sixteen entries by celebrated authors of literature for young people center the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in pivotal moments of childhood and adolescence.
For the most part, this collection of short stories was written and constructed extremely well – it is far from perfect, but comes rather close. Editors and contributors Locke and Melleby assemble the works of sixteen authors and artists whose pieces present a wide range of LGBTQ experiences across genres and formats. Thirteen short stories, two comics, and one written in verse encompass this anthology of diversity. The result is a strong amalgam of confidently written portraits that consider the joys, pains, and complexities that can come with being young and queer.
Like most anthologies there are weaker contributions, but This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us may be the rare exception. Many of the protagonists feel a budding desire for close connection and they overcome self-doubt to reach for it. Not every infatuation works out, and sometimes feelings get hurt, but these outcomes lean toward recovery and personal growth while validating the sadness of loneliness. This collection breaks free from the dichotomy of representing LGBTQ+ lives as total tragedy or one-true-love, happily-ever-after coming-out stories.
All in all, This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us is a vital and liberating anthology perfect for middle graders....more
Birth of the Cool: How Jazz Great Miles Davis Found His Sound is a children's picture book written by Kathleen Cornell Berman and illustrated by KeithBirth of the Cool: How Jazz Great Miles Davis Found His Sound is a children's picture book written by Kathleen Cornell Berman and illustrated by Keith Henry Brown. It celebrates the incomparable jazz legend Miles Davis and focuses on the people, sounds, and experiences that shaped his unique ear.
Miles Dewey Davis III was an American trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. He is among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music. Davis adopted a variety of musical directions in a five-decade career that kept him at the forefront of many major stylistic developments in jazz.
Berman's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, informative, and lyrical. With prudently placed line breaks, Berman's writing mimics the cadence of jazz, and the text emphasizes the often frustrating process of mastering an instrument. Furthermore, quotations from Davis are included throughout the text. Backmatter includes author's note, illustrator's note, discography, and bibliography. Brown's pen-and-ink and watercolor art conveys both the precision and fluidity of the musician's style.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It centers on a young Miles Davis as he navigates Jim Crow era segregation in high school, breaking out to finding his place in a bustling New York jazz scene, and navigating early-career anxieties, strife, and dark days before taking center stage again at twenty-nine. In this rendering, readers are left with lessons of perseverance, critical listening, and the importance of embracing their own uniqueness.
All in all, Birth of the Cool: How Jazz Great Miles Davis Found His Sound is a stirring, soulful, well-researched look at the groundwork that informed Miles' signature sound....more
The Penguin Book of First World War Poetry is an anthology of sixteen entries edited by George Walter. This collection reflects the diverse experienceThe Penguin Book of First World War Poetry is an anthology of sixteen entries edited by George Walter. This collection reflects the diverse experiences of those who lived through the war, bringing together the words of poets, soldiers, and civilians affected by the conflict.
For the most part, this collection of poetry was written and constructed rather well. Editor Walter has assembled sixteen wonderful poems about the Great War – both during and after the war. Well-known poets and more obscure ones nicely balance this anthology with different viewpoints and talents.
Arranged thematically, the selections take the reader through the war's stages, from conscription to its aftermath, and offer a blend of voices that is both unique and profoundly moving. This anthology is divided into five sections with three poems each and a coda at the end: "Your Country Needs You", "Somewhere in France", "Action", "Blighty", and "Peace", which neatly divides each poem from conscription to peace.
Like most anthologies there are weaker contributions and The Penguin Book of First World War Poetry is not an exception. Granted that a couple poems are written better than other – comparatively speaking, but it is only a singular experience – a British one. Granted they were a major player in the Great War, but it would have been nice to have a more worldly view as it was the first war that the world participated in.
This particular edition contains an introduction by George Walter, which examines the genre of War poetry – in particular to the First World War and how these poems impacted the world at the time. Additionally, there are copious and valuable notes on the text, glossary, biographies, and a list of further reading.
All in all, The Penguin Book of First World War Poetry is a wonderful, albeit limited, collection of war poetry – in particular the First World War....more
Æther: An Out-of-Body Lyric is an autobiography memoir written by Catherine Graham. It explores how a cancer diagnosis can change a family forever, tuÆther: An Out-of-Body Lyric is an autobiography memoir written by Catherine Graham. It explores how a cancer diagnosis can change a family forever, turning life upside down with grief, pain and loss that comes with it, but also with the joy, forgiveness, strength and growth. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Toronto Book Awards.
Catherine Graham is an award-winning, internationally published, Toronto-based novelist, poet, and teaches creative writing at the University of Toronto where she won an Excellence in Teaching Award.
Catherine Graham's seventh book of poetry is an intricate reverie, in poetry and prose, which floats back and forth in time, between memories, dreams, and reflections. It's an attempt by Graham to come to terms with the forces shaping her life – particularly the early loss of her parents, as her mother died from cancer and her father in a car accident. Another major trauma is her diagnosis of cancer and the dangers of her treatment.
Æther: An Out-of-Body Lyric is written extremely well – it is far from perfect, but comes rather close. Graham uses many recurrent images and metaphors that carry the greatest emotional weight. Part poetry, part prose, it is more than a memoir of a breast cancer survivor as Graham writes from that in-between world of soft wakefullness and dreaming during post-op recovery.
All in all, Æther: An Out-of-Body Lyric is a wonderfully ethereal narrative which pays homage to family, cancer, and the strange truth that it brings....more
The Cancer Journals is a collection of prose, poems, and selected journal entries written by Audre Lorde with an introduction by Tracy K. Smith. It deThe Cancer Journals is a collection of prose, poems, and selected journal entries written by Audre Lorde with an introduction by Tracy K. Smith. It deals with her struggle with breast cancer and relates it to her strong advocacy and identity in certain social issues such as lesbian, civil rights, and feminist issues.
Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, at least in my part of the world, I thought it would apropos to read this now. Furthermore, this year (2021) my mother celebrates five years remission from her battle with breast cancer.
Audre Lorde was an American writer, feminist, womanist, librarian, and civil rights activist. She was a self-described black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet, who dedicated both her life and her creative talent to confronting and addressing injustices of racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia.
In her mid-40s, Lorde was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a radical mastectomy. Through prose, poems, and selected journal entries beginning six months after the surgery, the author explores the anger, pain, and fear that her illness wrought. Her recovery was characterized by resistance and learning to love her body again.
Lorde confronts tough questions, including the role of holistic and alternative treatments and whether her cancer and its recurrence were preventable. She writes of eschewing "superficial spirituality" and repeatedly rejecting the use of prosthesis because it felt like "a lie" at precisely the time she was seeking new ways of strength and trying to find the courage to tell the truth.
The Cancer Journals is written extremely well – it is far from perfect, but comes rather close. After many decades, this collection remains a raw reckoning with illness and death as well as a challenge to the conventional expectations of women with cancer. Universally, Lorde's rage and the clarity that follows offer readers a blueprint for facing mortality and living boldly in the little time we have. In short, it is an empowering compilation, which is equal parts heartbreaking, beautiful, and timeless.
This particular edition contains an introduction by Tracy K. Smith. Smith explores the inner thoughts of Lorde and how her collection of prose, poetry, and journal entries impacted the ways women and eventually the medical industry views women with breast cancer.
All in all, The Cancer Journals showcases Lorde's big heart and fierce mind in this deeply personal and deeply political collection....more
To Go Singing Through the World: The Childhood of Pablo Neruda is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Deborah Kogan Ray. It describesTo Go Singing Through the World: The Childhood of Pablo Neruda is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Deborah Kogan Ray. It describes the childhood of Pablo Neruda and his fateful meeting with Gabriela Mistral that would change his life.
Ricardo Eliécer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto, better known by his pen name and later his legal name Pablo Neruda, was a Chilean poet-diplomat and politician who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971.
Ray's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Ray deepens her account by judiciously interspersing her warm text with pointed excerpts from Neruda's own autobiographical prose and gorgeous, highly personal poetry. Backmatter includes the poem "Poetry" in both English and Spanish, author's note, biographical information on Neruda and Mistral, and a timeline. Ray's gentle paintings capture Neruda's times and world, which are beautifully rendered.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Chile's national poet and hero grew up in a small town to which the railroad brought settlers, commerce and possibilities. The newly bustling town, his loving stepmother's fascinating stories and his sensitivity to the glories of the surrounding rain forest opened up a magical world of language for the shy, solitary stutterer and shaped and defined his gifted voice.
As a teenager, he met renowned poet and Nobel Literature Prize winner Gabriela Mistral, who recognized his talent and encouraged him to read widely, who would eventually win a Nobel Prize for Literature himself.
All in all, To Go Singing Through the World: The Childhood of Pablo Neruda is a wonderful biography of the childhood of Chile’s national poet and hero....more
My Uncle Emily is a children's picture book written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. A six-year-old boy stalwartly defends his spinstMy Uncle Emily is a children's picture book written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. A six-year-old boy stalwartly defends his spinster aunt in a touching incident based on an event in poet Emily Dickinson's life.
Emily Elizabeth Dickinson was an American poet. Little-known during her life, she has since been regarded as one of the most important figures in American poetry.
Yolen's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Yolen artfully incorporates elements from Dickinson's poetry and life to give readers an inside look at the enigmatic poet from her nephew's fresh and loving perspective. Carpenter's crisp tableaus evoke the period with restraint as adults poised with teacups, girls in lace collars, boys in short pants.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It centers on Emily Dickinson and her young nephew, Thomas "Gib" Gilbert, expanding on some real-life interactions between them to explore the role of poetry in human life. Gib feels obliged to defend his reclusive aunt's honor when a classmate makes fun of her and then can't bring himself to tell his family about the fight. Uncle Emily (their private nickname for her) can tell he's holding back and gives him a poem that explains how he can preserve his integrity – once he understands her poetic language.
All in all, My Uncle Emily is a wonderful examination between a nephew and his uncle – who just happens to be Emily Dickinson....more
Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World is a children's picture book written by Susan Hood and illustrated by Selina Alko, Sophie BlacShaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World is a children's picture book written by Susan Hood and illustrated by Selina Alko, Sophie Blackall, Lisa Brown, Hadley Hooper, Emily Winfield Martin, Oge Mora, Julie Morstad, Sara Palacios, LeUyen Pham, Erin K. Robinson, Isabel Roxas, Shadra Strickland, and Melissa Sweet. It is a collection of fourteen tributes written in simple language of women that changed the world.
Hood's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, informative, and lyrical. Multistanza poems do a fine job of encapsulating each woman's life, and they're bolstered by quotations, supplementary paragraphs, a timeline, and back matter. Backmatter includes an author's note, a timeline, and additional resources. Thirteen illustrators – taking on one tribute each, has done a nice job of encapsulating the tribute and text with many different styles.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. These encouraging profiles of astronauts, artists, and activists both honor past accomplishments and point toward ways young readers themselves might change the world, too.
The fourteen tributes mentioned are: Mary Anning, Ruby Bridges, Maya Lin, Molly Williams, Annette Kellerman, Nellie Bly, Pura Belpré, Frida Kahlo, Jacqueline and Eileen Nearne, Frances Moore Lappé, Mae Jemison, Angela Zhang, and Malala Yousafzai.
All in all, Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World is wonderful collection of inspirational women who changed the world....more
Living Beyond Borders: Stories About Growing Up Mexican in America is an anthology of twenty entries collected and edited by Margarita Longoria. It isLiving Beyond Borders: Stories About Growing Up Mexican in America is an anthology of twenty entries collected and edited by Margarita Longoria. It is a collection of twenty original contributions by Mexican American authors, poets, and artists about growing up in the United States.
For the most part, this mixed-media collection of short stories, personal essays, poetry, and comics was written rather well. Living Beyond Borders: Stories About Growing Up Mexican in America features a diverse array of short stories, personal essays, poems, and comics from nineteen creators of Mexican-American descent. Though each offering has merit individually, the anthology’s kaleidoscopic range of identities and viewpoints shines especially bright. Longoria's careful curate imbues a fuller understanding of Mexican American experiences.
Like most anthologies there are weaker contributions and Living Beyond Borders: Stories About Growing Up Mexican in America is not an exception. However, it is just a few couple of entries that didn't resonate as well as the others, but done rather well nevertheless. It features works by Francisco X. Stork, Guadalupe Garcia McCall, David Bowles, Rubén Degollado, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, Diana López, Xavier Garza, Trinidad Gonzales, Alex Temblador, Aida Salazar, Lupe Ruiz-Flores, Sylvia Sanchez Garza, Dominic Carrillo, Angela Cervantes, Carolyn Dee Flores, René Saldaña Jr., Laura Perez, Justine Narro, Daniel García Ordáz, and Anna Meriano.
All in all, Living Beyond Borders: Stories About Growing Up Mexican in America is a wonderful and eclectic collection of mixed-media entries that celebrates the voices of Mexican-Americans....more
The Mess That We Made is a children's picture book written by Michelle Lord and illustrated by Julia Blattman. The cadences of a familiar nursery rhymThe Mess That We Made is a children's picture book written by Michelle Lord and illustrated by Julia Blattman. The cadences of a familiar nursery rhyme introduce concerns about ocean garbage and what humanity, who made the mess, can do to help clean it up.
Lord's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Riffing on "The House That Jack Built", Lord crescendos cause and effect to show how human actions harm the ocean. Backmatter includes substantial supplemental information which explains landfills and oceanic pollution and suggests more ways to help. Blattman's colorful, detailed illustrations show children peering into a swirling oceanic soup of plastic fragments where ghost nets and plastic bags entangle seals, whales, and turtles.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. In a familiar rhyming scheme, Lord describes how humanity created the mess that infested the planet – the ocean in particular. Midway through, the narrative pivots, which Lord lists some positive actions to build to a triumphant conclusion using the same rhyming scheme.
All in all, The Mess That We Made is a well-intentioned but likely to overwhelm the intended readers and listeners....more
Home Is Not a Country is a young adult contemporary written by Safia Elhillo. It centers on an Islamic teenager when the place one comes from and the Home Is Not a Country is a young adult contemporary written by Safia Elhillo. It centers on an Islamic teenager when the place one comes from and the place one is feel distant and unaccepting.
Nima, is a fourteen year old implied Sudanese American, Muslim. She feels invisible and unmoored, wishing she were a girl mouth open and fluent who knows where she is from. Pining for the love of her late father, and facing constant abuse at school because of her accent and identity, Nima lives alone with her hijabi mother and her only friend is an energetic boy in her building named Haitham, who feels like a sibling.
As rising Islamophobia in their suburban American community increases both the bullying at school, Nima longs for the life she believes she would have had if she had been named Yasmeen as planned. With her desire to become Yasmeen growing, Nima begins seeing glimpses of her other self while beginning to disappear. After a string of incidents leaves her feeling completely alone, Nima meets Yasmeen, launching both into their parents' past and homeland to decide which of them will be born.
Home Is Not a Country is written extremely well – it is far from perfect, but comes rather close. The narrative is artfully profound and achingly beautiful and Elhillo's verse aptly explores diasporic yearning for one's home and a universal fascination with possibilities. The narrative contains light fantastical elements with vivid imagery creates a profound sensory experience, evoking intense emotions in a story that will resonate with readers from many backgrounds.
All in all, Home Is Not a Country is a powerful movingly narrative that delves into themes of belonging, Islamophobia, and the interlocking oppression thrust upon immigrant women....more
Constantly is a graphic novel written and illustrated by GG. It is an affecting account of a young woman's struggle with depression and anxiety.
The unConstantly is a graphic novel written and illustrated by GG. It is an affecting account of a young woman's struggle with depression and anxiety.
The unnamed woman awakens from troubled sleep and tries to complete her morning routine. She does her stretches, prepares coffee, waters the plants, showers, and gets dressed, all the while battling dark thoughts, which are represented by ghostly, grasping silhouetted hands, alternately pulling and pushing at her.
Interspersed are glimpses of the woman's notebook, which reveal jotted notes in often desperate terms, though every complaint is leavened with a kernel of hope.
Constantly is written and constructed rather well. GG has an elegant, austere visuals and minimal text to render this affecting account of a young woman's struggle with depression and anxiety. The young woman's face is never seen fully in any one panel, which underscores her yearning to hide from the world and the color scheme of muted, unsaturated pinks and grays conveys a sense of surface calm barely hiding the chaos of her conflicting emotions. It all unfolds like a film strip, with an eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere.
All in all, Constantly is a deceptively simple narrative with GG imbues with empathy and insight....more
Charlie Parker Played Be Bop is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Chris Raschka. It a sassy children picture book centering on jazzCharlie Parker Played Be Bop is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Chris Raschka. It a sassy children picture book centering on jazz legend Charlie Parker, where young readers will bop to the pulsating beat.
Charles Parker Jr. was an American jazz saxophonist, band leader and composer. Parker was a highly influential soloist and leading figure in the development of bebop, a form of jazz characterized by fast tempos, virtuosic technique, and advanced harmonies.
Raschka's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Raschka combines a text that's as lean as a poem and as mean as a blues refrain with vigorously skewed illustrations gleaming with sly wit.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. In a daring attempt to capture the raw energy of Parker's music, Raschka presents a brief, rhythmic text printed in different styles and varied with playful onomatopoeia recalls the humor and cadences of a great jazz musician or more precise the music he played. It is less than a biography of the musician, but more about the music he played – Be Pop.
All in all, Charlie Parker Played Be Bop is a fun onomatopoeia picture book focus more on the jazz music than the musician himself....more
Papa Is a Poet: A Story About Robert Frost is a children's picture book written by Natalie S. Bober and illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon. Robert Frost's Papa Is a Poet: A Story About Robert Frost is a children's picture book written by Natalie S. Bober and illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon. Robert Frost's eldest daughter reminiscence of her father's influential early years as a poet on their New Hampshire farm.
Robert Lee Frost was an American poet. His work was initially published in England before it was published in the United States. Known for his realistic depictions of rural life and his command of American colloquial speech, Frost frequently wrote about settings from rural life in New England in the early 20th century, using them to examine complex social and philosophical themes.
Bober's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Bober successfully creates this fictional account from Lesley's childhood journal, incorporating lines from Frost's poems to show how his life on the New Hampshire farm shaped him as a poet. Backmatter includes an author's note, photos, Frost quotations, text of selected Frost poems, and bibliography. Working in mixed media, Gibbon contributes pale, folksy scenes of familiar togetherness.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. The book unfolds through the perspective of his 15-year-old eldest daughter, Lesley, who shares her memories of growing up on her family's New Hampshire farm and, later, the family's time in England. Lesley describes bucolic days and nights spent reading, picnicking, writing, and memorizing poems, while always emphasizing the importance her father placed on books and language.
All in all, Papa Is a Poet: A Story About Robert Frost is a likable introduction to Frost as a father, farmer and poet through the perspective of his oldest daughter....more
Before She Was Harriet is a children's picture book by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated James E. Ransome. It is a memorable, lyrical reverse-chronolBefore She Was Harriet is a children's picture book by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated James E. Ransome. It is a memorable, lyrical reverse-chronological walk through the life of an American icon.
Harriet Tubman was an American abolitionist and political activist. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some thirteen missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including family and friends, using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.
Cline-Ransome's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Cline-Ransome’s free verse emphasizes Tubman’s bravery in the face of a multitude of dangers. Ransome’s watercolor portraits imbue Tubman with a steely determination – at every age in lush scenes often set against blazing summer skies and blue, moonlit nights.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. This striking reverse chronology opens with a regal portrait of an elderly Harriet Tubman, after which the narrative chart her decades of work in pursuit of equality. It describes the array of roles Tubman played throughout her life, including suffragist, abolitionist, Union spy, and conductor on the Underground Railroad. Beyond its recognition of all that Tubman accomplished, the book serves as a powerful reminder of how all children carry within them the potential for greatness.
All in all, Before She Was Harriet is a wonderful and near perfect children's book about the amazing life of Harriet Tubman....more
Afrekete is an anthology of twenty entries of essays, stories and poems collected and edited by the team of Catherine E. McKinley and L. Joyce DeLaneyAfrekete is an anthology of twenty entries of essays, stories and poems collected and edited by the team of Catherine E. McKinley and L. Joyce DeLaney. It gives a collective voice to the tradition of black lesbian writing.
For the most part, this collection of short stories was written rather well. Afrekete is a wonderful collection of short stories, essays, and poems that center on a fictional titular character and through her the varied forms of literature that are produced. By and large, the selections are encompassing and covers a myriad of themes from abortion, abuse, madness, sexism, racism, sexuality to societies more acceptance of Blacks with lighter skin.
Like most anthologies there are weaker contributions and Afrekete is not an exception. Comparatively speaking, some entries are stronger than others, but the weaker ones are few and far in between. While not every piece is of equal quality, the majority deserved to be read.
All in all, Afrekete is a wonderful collection of essay, short stories, and poems about the Black Lesbian experience. It is a fresh, engaging journey that will both inform and delight....more
16 Words: William Carlos Williams & "The Red Wheelbarrow" is a children's picture book written by Lisa Jean Rogers and illustrated by Chuck Groenink. 16 Words: William Carlos Williams & "The Red Wheelbarrow" is a children's picture book written by Lisa Jean Rogers and illustrated by Chuck Groenink. It is the fictionalized backstory behind William Carlos Willams’ most famous poem – The Red Wheelbarrow.
William Carlos Williams was an American poet, writer, and physician closely associated with modernism and imagism.
Rogers' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Rogers not only calls attention to the objects included in the poem, but pointedly notes what was omitted. Backmatter includes an author's note and further reading. Telling details in Groenink's thoughtful illustrations amplify the importance of observation.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is a compelling story of how an iconic poem by William Carlos Williams came to be, conjuring the specific people, places, things, and perspective that coalesced into his 16-word verse. Readers meet Dr. Williams, busy treating patients and delivering babies, and African-American Thaddeus Marshall, the neighbor who owns the wheelbarrow – the inspiration of his famous poem. Williams' koan-like poem closes the story.
All in all, 16 Words: William Carlos Williams & "The Red Wheelbarrow" is at once spare and lush: a gorgeous introduction to the power of poetry....more
The Stars Beckoned: Edward White's Amazing Walk in Space is a children's picture book written by Candy Wellins and illustrated by Courtney Dawson. It The Stars Beckoned: Edward White's Amazing Walk in Space is a children's picture book written by Candy Wellins and illustrated by Courtney Dawson. It takes a look back at a child who loved to look at the stars and grew up to become the first United States astronaut to walk in space.
Edward Higgins White II was an American aeronautical engineer, United States Air Force officer, test pilot, and NASA astronaut. White was selected as one of the second group of astronauts. He was assigned as pilot of Gemini 4 alongside command pilot James McDivitt. On June 3, 1965, White became the first American to walk in space.
Wellins' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, informative, and lyrical. A bouncy rhyme scheme distinguishes this profile of Edward White. Backmatter includes a historical note, timeline, and bibliography. Digital illustrations by Dawson have a cartoonish appeal; subtle airbrush textures enliven the art.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It covers White's lifelong fascination with the stars and hesitancy to head indoors. It covers White's childhood activities – including the Boy Scouts, his famous pilot father’s influence on White's U.S. Air Force career, and his eventual work with NASA. Though this picture book conveys slim biographical information, it’s an introduction to a space pioneer that's ideal for the youngest readers.
All in all, The Stars Beckoned: Edward White's Amazing Walk in Space is a wonderful book for children with stars in their eyes....more
Ode to an Onion: Pablo Neruda and His Muse is a children's picture book written by Alexandria Giardino and illustrated by Felicita Sala. The author imOde to an Onion: Pablo Neruda and His Muse is a children's picture book written by Alexandria Giardino and illustrated by Felicita Sala. The author imagines the day when the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda was inspired to write an ode to an onion.
Ricardo Eliécer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto, better known by his pen name and, later, legal name Pablo Neruda was a Chilean poet-diplomat and politician who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971. Neruda became known as a poet when he was 13 years old, and wrote in a variety of styles, including surrealist poems, historical epics, overtly political manifestos, a prose autobiography, and passionate love poems.
Giardino's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Giardino envisions the inspiration behind one of Pablo Neruda's odes to familiar objects. Backmatter includes an endnote, which shares biographical details about "Pablo and Matilde," and Neruda's "Ode to an Onion," in Spanish and English. Sala's matte artwork features thick lines, playfully skewed angles, and motifs from Neruda's body of work appearing in his cluttered seaside study.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Feeling downtrodden after writing a long, sad poem about the lives of miners, Neruda is uplifted by a visit to his friend Matilde's lush garden home. Matilde, an exuberant redhead (Pablo's future wife), recognizes Pablo's sadness and takes him on a walk through the garden, where her passion and optimism contrast with Pablo's bleak perspective. However, after picking an onion and slicing it for lunch, Pablo recognizes its beauty and complexity, something so much more than a lowly vegetable.
All in all, Ode to an Onion: Pablo Neruda and His Muse is a sweet story about the creative process, but sadly, not for information about Neruda....more
Our Work Is Everywhere: An Illustrated Oral History of Queer and Trans Resistance is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Syan Rose with a forwaOur Work Is Everywhere: An Illustrated Oral History of Queer and Trans Resistance is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Syan Rose with a forward written by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha. Queer and trans activists describe their lives and work in this anthology of oral history and illustrated interviews.
Syan Rose makes her trade debut by bringing together a stirring variety of queer voices to challenge normative notions of work. Each of the contributors grapples with universal questions of power, desire, justice and accountability as well as structural and mental racism, transphobia, fatphobia, colonialism, ableism, xenophobia, antiblackness, and rape culture.
Selections include Caleb Luna and Nicole Arteaga's "Reclaiming & Revolting Bodies: Fat: The Play", Mirna Haidar's "Queer Muslim Family", and "Everything You Love About New Orleans Is Because of Black People", a conversation with New Orleans visual artist Phlegm. Readers meet sex workers and their advocates, healing and health justice activists, trans women survivors, and queer martial artists.
Our Work Is Everywhere: An Illustrated Oral History of Queer and Trans Resistance is written and constructed rather well. The drawings throughout are exquisite, and while the swirling, hand-lettering is occasionally difficult to read, the book accomplishes its clear goal – visibility for the marginalized. For each piece, Syan Rose reinterprets the speakers' words into expressionistic layouts, with dreamlike illustrations and a juxtaposition of poetry and prose.
All in all, Our Work Is Everywhere: An Illustrated Oral History of Queer and Trans Resistance is a unique, empowering addition to LGBTQ+ literature....more