Although the message that each of us contain multitudes and don't have to choose to be one way or the other--happy, grumpy, a king, a queen--but can eAlthough the message that each of us contain multitudes and don't have to choose to be one way or the other--happy, grumpy, a king, a queen--but can embrace all parts of ourselves is positive, the delivery gets lost in the verbiage about love being a superpower and how everyone is connected. The idea is important, but the execution left me disappointed. That might not be the case for its intended young audience, who may find themselves and their own experiences in its pages. Created with Adobe Photoshop, the artwork fits the main character's various emotions and experiences, but it lacks depth or variety in composition and perspective, just not my cup of tea....more
The cover of this autobiography is just fantastic, intriguing because it contains so many tiny images of the author at various points of her life, a dThe cover of this autobiography is just fantastic, intriguing because it contains so many tiny images of the author at various points of her life, a design that is appropriate for the subject matter. And while I might not understand or agree with parts of her self-help advice or her path to acceptance, it's clear that this is HER journey and not mine or yours or even that of her well-known husband, Will Smith. It's painful to read about aspects of her life during childhood and beyond, and how all that fame, wealth, and acceptance that she achieved were not enough to make her feel worthy. Instead, she took something of a circuitous path to finding love--not in the romantic sense--but self-love and self-acceptance, and along the way, she seems to have found peace, something that many of us are trying to find. Plumbing her formative years in Baltimore, her mother's addiction, and the attraction the streets and a fast buck earned through selling drugs, the author allows her hard-earned truths to unfold over the course of the book's pages, tracing her relationships with various famous individuals, including Tupac Shakur and Will Smith, as well as some of her television, film, and music projects as well as how she reared her children. Readers looking for celebrity gossip won't find it here, but what they will discover if they read the book with an open heart is a woman who seems to have lost herself and then found the way back to herself and some measure of happiness. While the type of marriage she and Smith have may not be suited to everyone, theirs seems to be a strong connection, and they really owe no one an explanation of their relationship. Is the book worth a read and some contemplation? Absolutely! It just might change some lives and some expectations about the pursuit of happiness. ...more
A companion book [2.5 for me] to the author's previous picture book, My Little Brave Girl, this one focuses on her son and all the dreams she has for A companion book [2.5 for me] to the author's previous picture book, My Little Brave Girl, this one focuses on her son and all the dreams she has for him. While it discusses some of the boy's characteristics and personal attributes, it also contains advice and suggestions for how to learn from mistakes and channel one's energy. Many parents will surely relate to the author's hopes that her child will learn to be kind and how to do the right thing or make the right choices, and perhaps sharing this book with a child will serve as a reminder of that as well as one urging him to pay attention to all the world's wonders. I'm sure it will be a best-seller since so many parents search for books with this sort of message, but for me, it covered familiar territory. The artwork, created with gouache, colored pencil, and with digital tools, consists of spot illustrations and plentiful double-page spreads, all filled with smiling faces and scenes of adventure. Perhaps most importantly of all, the text points out that all sorts of feelings matter, perhaps in hope that some of them won't be suppressed. ...more
Accompanied by digital artwork, the text in this picture book features 12 affirmations, including "I am important" and "I am enough" that will help yoAccompanied by digital artwork, the text in this picture book features 12 affirmations, including "I am important" and "I am enough" that will help youngsters feel valued and empowered. The authors suggest sharing the statements with children and having them repeat them, using first-person point of view, which may help them internalize the sentiments. Rhyming lines support each of the affirmations, which are expanded upon alongside illustrations featuring smiling, engaged young folks who are living their lives to the fullest possible capacity. Teachers, parents, and caregivers might want to share this title with their own youngsters since its positive message can't help but make readers and listeners feel good about themselves. And in this often-troubling world, there is a need for more positivity. ...more
Colorful illustrations created with Photoshop and Procreate are filled with smiling youngsters taking on the world in this empowering picture book froColorful illustrations created with Photoshop and Procreate are filled with smiling youngsters taking on the world in this empowering picture book from a celebrity husband-and-wife team. Using rhyming lines and plenty of encouragement, the text acknowledges the power, imagination, strength, and potential greatness of youngsters and even suggests that they ignore the notion that the sky is a barrier. Instead, they should set their sights high and crash through that presumed barrier. The text also points out that there will be times that are trying and make it hard to persevere, but with enough effort and determination, it's possible to push on through. The repeated question of "Why not you?" is a constant mantra that there is no need to sit back and wait for someone else to take action or become something. Anything that can be dreamed can become reality with enough work. The best illustration has to be the double-page spread showing several children gathered around an enormous chalk heart filled with positive adjectives such as bold, flawless, and unique. It would be hard for a youngster to hear or read this book and not feel both affirmed and directed to make a difference and go for his/her/their goals. Plenty of readers will ask themselves, "Why not me?" after finishing this book. And don't we all need encouragement and a reminder of our own uniqueness and value?...more
This memoir is a 3.5 for me, and I know many teen readers who would enjoy it. Not only does the author provide details about competitive figure skatinThis memoir is a 3.5 for me, and I know many teen readers who would enjoy it. Not only does the author provide details about competitive figure skating that enable readers to feel as though they are insiders to the sport and at times on the ice with her, but she identifies some of the problems with life on the ice. For Manta, born in Washington but reared in Arizona, skating was her one true love, a love that eventually took her to Colorado for serious training and competition. Her career took her from singles to part of a pair of ice dancers. Along the way, she struggled with anxiety, an eating disorder, and trying to figure out her own sexuality. The book contains stinging comments about judges and coaches who commented on her size, her weight, and even her "masculine" stride. As she seeks to reinvent herself as well as feel comfortable in her own skin, Manta faces many challenges but also experiences the joy of love and acceptance from those around her. It's fitting that she and her skating partner, Joe Johnson, finally triumph on the ice in a 2019 performance to "Sweet Dreams" that elicited a standing ovation from the audience. I highly recommend watching it and rejoicing in the power and confidence that comes from embracing oneself completely. The author's voice is fresh, honest, and direct as she reveals her flaws and struggles and the relief of no longer worrying about falling or letting others down or hiding parts of herself. As a fan of figure skating, I wish there had been even more details about training and the competitive events, including music and costume choices. It's also worth noting that reading this book may change forever how fans of the sport regard it. Now go watch this team's performance online. ...more
This adaptation of soccer star Megan Rapinoe's original memoir for adults is inspiring and will expand the idea that many middle graders and teens havThis adaptation of soccer star Megan Rapinoe's original memoir for adults is inspiring and will expand the idea that many middle graders and teens have about sports and activism. The book shares anecdotes about Megan's formative years growing up in a small California town with her twin sister Rachael and brother Brian. Theirs was a supportive family, and the sisters gravitated to soccer, something that they practiced constantly with each other. Megan was shorter than her sister, but she was fiercely competitive. Eventually, both of them would play soccer in college. Megan describes her challenges, including tearing her ACL and the long road to recovery, as well as her successes. There is much description of soccer matches and travel from one game to another once she turned professional. But through it all, Megan becomes keenly aware of the disparity in how women soccer players are treated and what they are paid compared to men. She becomes part of a movement to equalize those salaries as well as becoming an activist for LGBTQIA+ rights and social justice, taking a knee just as football player Colin Kaepernick did. One of the best parts of this book is how Megan shares her own growing awareness of social justice issues and her responsibility to use her fame or platform as she calls it to speak out against wrongs and take a stand. She also shares stories about her romantic relationships, political involvement, and the joy of winning a World Cup as well as the ravages caused by her older brother Brian's drug addiction and incarceration. By the time they reach the last page, readers will feel as though they know this outspoken woman who isn't afraid to step up in support of change even with the possible consequences of doing so. If you weren't a fan before reading this book, you certainly will be after finishing it. She's a hero for these uncertain times. ...more
I suppose that I might be one of the few individuals out here who has never heard of Skai Jackson before. I've never watched anything on the Disney ChI suppose that I might be one of the few individuals out here who has never heard of Skai Jackson before. I've never watched anything on the Disney Channel and never heard of the programs in which she acted--Jessie or Bunk'd. I do recall all the to-do about an adorable girl in some commercials, and I was pleased to note that she is using her fame and position to help others. The book bills her as an actress and activist, and it essentially describes her formative years in New York City as a child model and later as an actress in Hollywood. As she's grown up, her life and career goals have changed, and she's dabbled with fashion and posting on Instagram. While most readers will assume that hers has been a glamorous life--and much of it has--she is careful to share details about her family's economic struggles and the bullying she has endured. Overall, she seems to have a level head and is willing to give back to others and stand up for what's right. She offers some beauty and fashion tips while also pondering the dearth of roles for girls/women of color and the industry's desire for black women who have light skin and look European, an observation that warrants more exploration. I also would have liked to know more about the perils of fame, an idea that she touched on a few times, but warranted more commentary. After all, actors owe something to their fans, but just how much? Fans will love this inside look into her life while those who don't already know her might want to learn more. Although she's proud of her reputation as "queen of the classy clapback," like another reader, I felt a bit troubled by her response to that poster. Maybe there are times when it's best to remain silent. It will be interesting to see where Skai is in 10 or 20 years. One suggestion: I wish she had used captions for the many photographs that are included in the book so that readers would know when it was taken and who the individuals were. ...more
Although four grandchildren usually love hanging out on the weekend with their grandfather, the weather leaves them feeling frustrated and bored. But Although four grandchildren usually love hanging out on the weekend with their grandfather, the weather leaves them feeling frustrated and bored. But Grandude has a few tricks up his sleeve that might get rid of their doldrums. You see, he has postcards of exotic places and a magic compass that will take them to those places. They head to a beach, and enjoy frolicking in the waves until something happens to send them scurrying off to another postcard scene. This goes on for a while with the children--or Chillers, as he calls them--having several exciting adventures before returning home feeling exhausted. While they head to bed, Grandude takes a nap in his chair. I'm not a fan of most books written by celebrities, but this one entertained me and felt as though it were drawn from real experiences--minus the magic--as a cool grandfather kept his young charges busy with stories drawn from his imagination. The illustrations are filled with color and action, and it amused me to think of the elderly dude being able to keep up with those children. After all, they get tired faster than he does. ...more
Bright Adobe Photoshop illustrations complement a picture book intended to empower readers and remind them of their own particular strengths and talenBright Adobe Photoshop illustrations complement a picture book intended to empower readers and remind them of their own particular strengths and talents. It would be good for many youngsters--and adults too--to read these lines as a reminder to be themselves and not try to please everyone else around them. The text and images highlight playful activities such as pretending, luxuriating in a long bath, owning feelings, gathering a crew of friends, and not being afraid to get dirty, but most of all, my favorite one, "Don't give yourself away" (unpaged). These are wonderfully empowering messages and bits of advice, all intended to nurture each child's uniqueness and celebrate the wonder of being uniquely you and nobody else. Parents, caregivers and teachers might want to choose this one to read at the start of a school year or before a new experience to offer support that counteracts all the negative messages and encouragement youngsters receive to be just like everyone else and to follow the crowd. ...more
Juno Valentine loves getting dressed and ready for her day. She's running late, though, because she can't find her favorite shoes. But way back in theJuno Valentine loves getting dressed and ready for her day. She's running late, though, because she can't find her favorite shoes. But way back in the very depths of her closet, a place where she never ventures, she finds an enormous collection of shoes. When she tries them on, they all fit and take her to exotic and far-off places as she walks briefly in the shoes of 14 different women. But all adventures must come to an end, and she comes back down to earth after a brief walk on the moon and as a prima ballerina. She draws inspiration from these groundbreaking women to embellish her own shoes. I liked the idea for this book, and I'm glad there are snippets about each of the women, including Cleopatra, Gloria Steinem, and Serena Williams, in the back matter since I doubt that most young readers would have any idea about whom they are. The illustrations seem to have been created digitally and show up well against the white background. While clothing and footwear are important to someone's identity, I tend to aim toward comfort myself. It might have been interesting to include a footnote as to how the author chose these groundbreaking women. ...more
Bringing to mind Saint Death by Marcus Sedgwick, this book by one of my favorite authors does an excellent job of dispelling many of the assumptions oBringing to mind Saint Death by Marcus Sedgwick, this book by one of my favorite authors does an excellent job of dispelling many of the assumptions others hold about citizens of Mexico and about immigrants who leave their country to come to the United States. While the book does indeed explore the seedy side of Juarez, drug and human trafficking as well as corrupt police officials, it also portrays many individuals going about their lives in quiet heroism. The story is told from the point of view of two siblings--Sara and Emiliano Zapato. Haunted by the disappearance of her best friend Linda and other young women in the area, Sara is an investigative reporter for the local newspaper. Odd things begin to happen in her newspaper office, and she ends up with evidence that someone influential doesn't want her to have. Her younger brother, Emiliano, is walking the straight and narrow path after a brush with shoplifting. But his love for a wealthy girl, Perla Rubi, and his desire to prove himself worthy of her leaves him vulnerable to individuals who offer him a get-rich-quick-scheme involving the pinatas fashioned by a friend's family. Although Emiliano tries to convince himself that these are good men who are just using their connections in order to do good and to provide for their families, he also struggles with what to do since in his heart he knows what he's being asked to do is illegal and wrong as well as contributing to the stereotype that everyone from Juarez is connected to the narcotics trade. When Sara's life is threatened by what she knows and what she has, the family must flee for their lives. The plan is for their mother to stay with a relative and for the brother and sister to head north where their father lives. But Emiliano has no intention of staying in the United States; after all, his heart is in Mexico as is the girl he loves. What happens in the desert as Sara and Emiliano hike through Big Bend National Park will change both of their lives forever. Over and over, I was moved by Sara's courage and her compassion toward others. Emiliano's dilemma is very real and one that is faced by many teens and adults every day--to do the wrong thing for the right reasons or to remain morally steadfast and yet lose what seems to matter most of all. The story captivated me, even though there have been other stories like this one told, since the characters seemed so real, and everything moved quickly during this short time. Clearly, making the right choice does not come without losses and sacrifices, sometimes of the dreams we hold most dear. ...more
While all of us would prefer to remain healthy, there are always going to be times when we don't feel well and could use some cheering up. Filled withWhile all of us would prefer to remain healthy, there are always going to be times when we don't feel well and could use some cheering up. Filled with brightly-colored cartoonish illustrations, this picture book offers encouragement in rhyming text. The text and illustrations provide reassurances that things will get better and the patient will eventually feel much better too. Not only are readers reminded to follow the doctor's orders in order to get well, but the author provides a personal vignette about a illness in his family that inspired this story. While the over-the-top silliness is too zany for me, it will certainly appeal to its intended audience and offer something about which to smile while healing. ...more
What a wonderful example of a child making a difference in the world! Nine-year-old Yasmin loves to read, and she has decided to read a new book everyWhat a wonderful example of a child making a difference in the world! Nine-year-old Yasmin loves to read, and she has decided to read a new book every day. She loves choosing books from the free lending library operated by Book Uncle, a retired teacher, until the mayor threatens to shut down his operation. Even though she cannot vote and is young, Yasmin mounts a campaign involving her friends, family, and neighbors, even some politicians, to make things right again. Readers will enjoy watching the campaign gain momentum, and while they may be confused at the start of the story when Book Uncle recommends a folk tale to Yasmin which seems to have little relevance at the time, as the story picks up speed, the connections and significance will be readily apparent. This import from Canada was originally published in India and offers some insight into the culture and daily life. Readers should prepare to fall in love with Yasmin who refuses to let the system get her down even when things are especially bleak. Filled with humor, many offbeat characters and situations, and true heart, the book is a tribute to the power of reading and someone's desire to make books accessible to all. Having illustrations sprinkled throughout the book enables readers to connect readily with the characters and the setting. ...more
Seventh grader Devin is still dealing with her family's move to California, and playing soccer has helped ease the transition. But there are still so Seventh grader Devin is still dealing with her family's move to California, and playing soccer has helped ease the transition. But there are still so many things about the state that are troublesome, including earthquakes, and after being slightly shaken up by a small tremor, Devin feels as though everything is going wrong, including her soccer skills. After she makes mistakes on the field, fails a test, gets a bad report from the dentist, and thinks the boy on whom she's crushing is interested in someone else, she becomes quite despondent. Luckily for her, though, she has supportive parents and several great friends who come to her aid and help her get back into the groove. Intended for middle graders, this book has plenty of soccer action to satisfy fans of the sport, but it doesn't focus solely on soccer, which adds to its appeal for many middle grade girls, in particular. The situations that plague Devin are those with which many youngsters will be familiar, which makes it easy to relate to the book. It's great to have a book with an appealing female sports figure who also deals with the challenges of everyday while also seeing the effects of her daily life on her sports performance. This is the fifth in the series. ...more
Pretty holiday scenes depicting the delights of the holiday season as it's celebrated with friends and family fill this picture book. Sure to put readPretty holiday scenes depicting the delights of the holiday season as it's celebrated with friends and family fill this picture book. Sure to put readers in the mood for celebration, the book follows a young girl who drops all sorts of hints of what she wants for Christmas. While the song lyrics used throughout the story are usually interpreted as someone pining for a significant other, in this interpretation, the girl wants a puppy of her own. Youngsters longing for their own furry best friend might want to put this in the hands of their relatives instead of making a list of possible presents. ...more
My college students and I were talking recently about fairy tales, and how so many of them don't recall reading folktales or fairy tales. It seems thaMy college students and I were talking recently about fairy tales, and how so many of them don't recall reading folktales or fairy tales. It seems that their typical connection to these stories comes from Disney. This delightful picture book is chockful of fractured fairy tales as it tells the story of a skater looking for a partner in the pairs competition. Little Red Gliding Hood encounters the Big, Bad Wolf on her way home from Grandma's house, but as it turns out, he isn't as bad as everyone thinks he is. In fact, he turns out to be the perfect skating partner for Little Red. The story amused me, and I laughed as I made my way through all the references to familiar fairy tales that accompany the plot. The cartoonish illustrations fit the story perfectly, and I got a kick out of the wolf's skating costume, which is certainly reminiscent of the outfits donned by many a male figure skater. ...more
Many fathers will relate to this picture book because so many of them long for the first word uttered by their offspring to be Dada. Thus, the book's Many fathers will relate to this picture book because so many of them long for the first word uttered by their offspring to be Dada. Thus, the book's double-page spreads reveal a determined and somewhat annoyed looking father animal and its youngster interacting. The father is determined to get the little one to say, "Dada," but even in the case of a cow, sheep, duck, and other animals, it just doesn't happen. Each of the babies just make the animal sounds that come naturally to them until the last page. It's silly fun, and will probably sell a million copies, but I just found the fathers somewhat annoying. They should spend quality time with them or just leave the animals alone....more
In this series for very young readers, Freckleface Strawberry is dismayed at the odd-looking food she is served during lunch. But as it turns out, oncIn this series for very young readers, Freckleface Strawberry is dismayed at the odd-looking food she is served during lunch. But as it turns out, once she screws up her courage and tries the stuff, it turns out to be yummy. With its lively illustrations and humor, the book serves up a gentle reminder to try new things....more
In a book about school and everyday happenings with which students will easily relate, Freckleface Strawberry and her friend Windy Pants Patrick carryIn a book about school and everyday happenings with which students will easily relate, Freckleface Strawberry and her friend Windy Pants Patrick carry some messy food items in their backpacks. When their teacher praises their innovative mountain formations, caused by the gum and doughnut in the packs, they own up to those being there by accident. Young readers and learners will be reassured by the youngsters' teacher's kindness and their decision to be honest. The illustrations are adorable, and it's hard not to be charmed by the charaters and Freckleface Strawberry's penchant for bugs....more