Oh, how easy it is to be blinded by the fame and celebrity of someone else, especially when that person seems to be a friend. In the latest installmenOh, how easy it is to be blinded by the fame and celebrity of someone else, especially when that person seems to be a friend. In the latest installment of a blended Black family living in New York City, Sunday Saunders, who has far too many great ideas but who suffers from a lack of self-confidence, is determined to host a community musical with auditions and performances from various neighbors. But she doesn't know how to pull everything together, especially since she refuses the help of her sisters, Bo, Lil, and Lee, in favor of the promised assistance of television star Talitha Thomas, who has just moved into the neighborhood. Sunday's not the best at planning and organizing although she's creative and innovative, and readers will recognize early on that Talitha is more talk than action and that she's into the project for her own purposes. Even the book's title gives away what is essentially happening. Reading this humorous book with its realistic characters felt like pulling a warm blanket around me on a cold summer night. There's plenty of Black girl magic and familial and community love sprinkled throughout its pages. ...more
I didn't enjoy this novel [3.5 for me!] as much as I expected to. Its characters--Cam, TJ and Kai--are well drawn, and readers will certainly come to I didn't enjoy this novel [3.5 for me!] as much as I expected to. Its characters--Cam, TJ and Kai--are well drawn, and readers will certainly come to care about them over the course of the book. Cam and TJ reunite in Houston, TJ's hometown, where his parents ran a bakery, Cam is on a downward spiral, grieving the death of his lost love, Kai, and trying to make sense of the world, while engaging in various self-destructive forms of behavior. While both TJ and Cam have families of origin, they seem to have the strongest bonds with their chosen family and support each other even when they make choices that aren't necessarily going to lead to happiness. As other reviewers have noted, this one is filled with food and lots and lots of sex as well as the awareness that those we love the most often have the ability to hurt us more than anyone else. But they also have the ability to nurture us and help us heal. I'd probably have enjoyed the book more if it didn't bounce around in place and time so much. While I usually enjoy nonlinear narratives, some of these transitions in time were so jarring as to disrupt my appreciation of the book. And what about Cam's eating disorder? At first, there were hints about his not eating much, but then this part of the book or this part of his journey seemed to no longer matter. Surely, there'd be more pages devoted to that as well as his time in rehab. The abrupt ending also left me wanting more and feeling quite unsatisfied. ...more
Mr. Tiffin, the star of this informative and engaging picture book [3.5 for me!], seems to be the kind of teacher students dream about having. Not onlMr. Tiffin, the star of this informative and engaging picture book [3.5 for me!], seems to be the kind of teacher students dream about having. Not only does he teach them important concepts that will be useful in the future, but he comes up with activities that give them hands-on experiences with those concepts or topics. In this picture book the students learn how a bill becomes law. Before they visit the state capitol, they are tasked with coming up with a bill to present to the legislature. One of the students, Jeremy, suggests crafting a bill making the maple syrup cookie the official state cookie. Although his classmates love the idea, they aren't keen about his cookie choice, and other cookies are suggested, baked, and tasted, before the students vote for their favorite. When the class visits the capitol, they meet their state representative, share their proposal with her, and then much later, watch as she introduces the bill, which is revised, and then eventually passed, becoming law. What a delightful way to learn about bills and government action! The illustrations, created with gouache and pencil, add movement and appealing visual vignettes to the text, depicting how invested the students are in this activity and the wide variety of cookies under consideration. There are even some cookie recipes in the back matter. ...more
Set in Maine in 1930 during the Great Depression and after WWI, this was one of the best middle-grade historical fiction titles I've read in a long tiSet in Maine in 1930 during the Great Depression and after WWI, this was one of the best middle-grade historical fiction titles I've read in a long time. The author captures the feelings and personality of the book's eleven-year-old protagonist, Hurricane McAdams Pierce, who is quiet but finds her voice after her older sister Bronte's tuberculosis forces her to move in with her maternal aunt who lives in a large city. She's heartbroken to leave the only home she's ever known and her beloved dog, Brody-Bear. Although Aunt Claire grew up by the ocean in the house where Hurricane and Bronte live, she's left all that far behind her after marrying into the wealthy Butterfield family. Just like Miss Witherspoon, the teacher who constantly belittled her and tried to get her to speak up more in class, Aunt Claire tries to change Hurricane. Hurricane finds it hard to rebel, but eventually, with quiet but stolid support from her aunt's gentle, tender-hearted chauffeur, Mr. Keats, she does--partly out of a need to survive but also to adopt a stray cat and welcome a boy who sells fish along the city streets. Readers will enjoy watching Hurricane change and come into her own, finally learning to advocate for herself, but they will also love seeing the changes in Aunt Claire. As it turns out, the two of them have far more in common that Hurricane ever dreamed. Every word in this story has been carefully considered, and the author even includes passages about bread lines, bank failures, and PTSD as well as recipes and books by Charles Dickens that Hurricane, herself a budding writer who jots her observations and feelings in her "Words of Encouragement Journal," falls in love with. This was one of those books with well-fleshed characters who slip into a reader's heart, making her sad to see the story end. ...more
With a recipe for bannock in the backmatter as well as energetic, rhyming, and downright fun text, this picture book will have readers craving for a tWith a recipe for bannock in the backmatter as well as energetic, rhyming, and downright fun text, this picture book will have readers craving for a taste of this food eaten by the Inuit and some other indigenous groups. Although I'd encountered the term before, I really didn't know how it could be served or just how versatile it is. It seems to be rather substantial and filling. The artwork [Photoshop or digital] shows various individuals enjoying bannock in their own preferred way. Their facial expressions make their enjoyment quite obvious. What an inviting way for Inhabit Media Inc., the publisher, to highlight a food that seems so important in the Inuit culture! ...more
Complemented by artwork that has been hand drawn on a tablet computer, this book for beginning readers follows the adventures of two friends, Owl and Complemented by artwork that has been hand drawn on a tablet computer, this book for beginning readers follows the adventures of two friends, Owl and Penguin. The graphic format contains three amusing stories. In the first story, the two friends try repeatedly to make their own pizza, but when they are unsuccessful, they find a better way to have the food they crave. In the second one, they build a rather unique snow figure that represents both of them. And finally, in the third story, they venture outdoors for a hike where they experience several different opposites that are cleverly embedded in the story. This one is a good addition to the "I Like to Read Comics" series that assist budding readers in building their skills and stamina. ...more
It took the author twenty years to write this particular story focusing on a little-known part of Holocaust history--the Nazi Lebensborn program. ThisIt took the author twenty years to write this particular story focusing on a little-known part of Holocaust history--the Nazi Lebensborn program. This effort to insure abundant future generations of Aryans with "pure" bloodlines involved women, some of whom volunteered to become pregnant for the honor it would bring, but it also had a cruel consequence since babies who weren't perfect were often killed. In this particular book, the protagonist, Allina Strauss is taken to Hochland Home after her family and village are destroyed and she is assaulted. She works there as a nurse, eventually tending to the children who are deemed slower or more flawed than the others and initiating a program to help develop the skills they've lost through neglect. (This part of the story is fictionalized.) Allina meets a high-ranking SS officer, Karl, who turns out to be nothing like she expects. His involvement in helping some of the Jewish children and families escape is part of his efforts to atone for his blind involvement in the Nazi Party when he was younger. While Allina and Karl might be considered ordinary or little cogs in the big picture, their actions are, indeed, heroic, and demonstrate that it is possible to stand up for one's beliefs and act against the wrongs that are in the world, even though those actions may come with a heavy price. Readers will be deeply invested in this story, told from the points of view of Allina and then of Karl as well as being bookended by another character's thoughts. The characters are complex, the setting unique, and the descriptions of people, places, and events carefully detailed. This is one of those books that will stay with readers for some time, prompting reflection about choices, sacrifice, and the power of love in the midst of impossible circumstances. I thoroughly enjoyed it, appreciating the author's attempt to bring to light this horrible practice of eugenics. I've read a couple of books about this topic so this one is unique in its focus. ...more
Readers will want to check out the endpapers of this holiday-themed picture book--a twist on the story of Rudolph and those other reindeer--to be amusReaders will want to check out the endpapers of this holiday-themed picture book--a twist on the story of Rudolph and those other reindeer--to be amused by the classified ads posted on the pages. In their own way, they're just as funny as the main story featuring an irrepressible moose. Now, many folks consider moose to be ugly animals, all gangly limbs and awkward moves and unattractive features. I disagree as I find them rather adorable. Plus, Elmore, the moose featured here, is irresistible in his earnest determination to land a job with Santa. Although he is unable to fly and clearly not suited for the job, Elmore answers a classified ad for a temporary reindeer position flying Santa's sleigh. Since Santa narrates the story, readers are treated to his perspective on things as he's willing to give the moose consideration but also wary of his ability to perform as needed. Santa gives him multiple chances, and Elmore's keen desire to be a part of his team is evident in the letters he sends to the North Pole as well as in the illustrations showing him trying and failing over and over again. But in the true Christmas spirit, Santa finds just the right position for the eager moose. The double-page spread featuring Elmore wearing a chef's hat and surrounded by goodies is quite charming and leaves a warm feeling in readers' hearts. ...more
Life hasn't been particularly kind to Carter Avery. Not only did his parents die when he was quite young, but his teachers have not liked him at all. Life hasn't been particularly kind to Carter Avery. Not only did his parents die when he was quite young, but his teachers have not liked him at all. (He could tell.) And his impulsiveness and inability to sit still have also annoyed his classmates, resulting in his often sitting alone at lunch. Carter figures that fourth grade will be more of the same or even worse once he learns that he's assigned to Ms. Olivia Krane's class along with his nemesis, Missy Gerber. Although she's fairly new to the school, students have already spread gossip about her. Later, parents will do the same. But there's something amazing that happens between Ms. Krane, who has a large purplish birthmark on her face, and the fidgety boy. With firmness but also understanding and empathy, Carter's new teacher helps him blossom, and teamwork with Missy allows the two students to see other sides of each other. This story is heartfelt, inspiring, and even though some parts are a bit hard to believe, Carter's journey exemplifies the old adage about a self-fulfilling prophecy. The difference in Carter in Ms. Krane's class and in his previous classes is clear. None of this happens overnight, of course, and when he must deal with a substitute teacher, Carter struggles again. But oh, how lovely it is to watch him blossom and see his classmates come to appreciate him. This one is a 3,5 for me, proving once again that this author has an ear for dialogue and knows quite well what goes on classrooms today. It would be a great choice for future teachers or a teachers' book club to give insight into how to handle students like Carter but also to reflect on what sort of teachers they are. ...more
Adele's plans for winter break are interrupted when she has her first menstrual period, and along with it comes the ability to see ghosts. As it turnsAdele's plans for winter break are interrupted when she has her first menstrual period, and along with it comes the ability to see ghosts. As it turns out, her family has kept this a secret, and now she's the latest medium in a long time of them. While her grandmother wants nothing to do with this particular ability, Adele starts to see its value, becoming immersed in community activism and trying to stop efforts to buy up properties and make it impossible for locals to afford housing in the neighborhood. There's a sweet budding romance between Helen, Adele's older sister, and another character, and the artwork captures the essence of Montreal with its icy streets, snow, and cafes. Fans of the Witches of Brooklyn series will probably enjoy this one as well since it features a medium and a snarky, self-confident protagonist in Adele while also saddling her with worries about her facial breakouts, just like any other middle-grader or adolescent. Part of the plot is over the top, but most readers won't mind. ...more
As shown in this middle-grade novel, sometimes gifts come in unexpected forms and disappointments can lead to paths that turn out to be the right onesAs shown in this middle-grade novel, sometimes gifts come in unexpected forms and disappointments can lead to paths that turn out to be the right ones after all. That's what happens for eleven-year-old Andie Jennings, who lives with her family in Morning Glory, Virginia. The town's seen better times, having lost much of its population and appeal after the closing of the local factory that produced and bottled a delicious drink called Juneberry Blue. When the results of Andie's Test aren't what she expects, she turns to other means to have her heart's desire granted. The setting is idyllic, and the descriptions of the various foods and recipes make readers' mouths water so much so that they'll be tempted to find the town on a map or online. There are quite a few characters who make brief appearances, making it sometimes hard to keep up with them. The supernatural element and mystery add another layer to this story, making readers believe in the impossible. Fans of fairy tales may enjoy this one since Andie makes story boxes and tells her own versions of fairy tales to her little sister, Bunch, until she decides to start writing her own original stories. ...more
A different picture book has this one's ISBN so I've added it without one. This one is a 2.5 for me, and it's clearly an ode to all that mothers do foA different picture book has this one's ISBN so I've added it without one. This one is a 2.5 for me, and it's clearly an ode to all that mothers do for their little ones and the joy they bring to their lives. I've provided a lower rating than I might otherwise simply because I've read many stories like this one. From flying kites to sheltering from the rain to staving off fears and tending to wounds, the various mommies in this slim picture book are always ready to lend support to their offspring. The softly-colored illustrations are filled with instances where Mommy stands tall and is adept at toy repair, baking, storytelling, and yes, even making rainbows by baking a cake with layers the colors of the rainbow. Love infuses every page of this picture book, which empowers youngsters and reminds them that they can do just about anything because of the support of those wonderfully versatile and patient mommies. Hard-working mothers will be able to relate to having to be a jack of all trades and the importance of encouraging a positive sense of self-esteem in their children, and young readers may smile as they recognize some of the simple ways that a mother can make life fun....more
When Emilia's mother sends her on an errand to the grocery store after giving her daughter a corte, a traditional Mayan skirt first worn by her grandmWhen Emilia's mother sends her on an errand to the grocery store after giving her daughter a corte, a traditional Mayan skirt first worn by her grandmother, Emilia is nervous about going out by herself. But the wind sweeps her up into the air, offering her a different perspective on the place she calls home and its unique sights, sounds, and smells, and she somehow starts feeling brave, even brave enough to ask for a cookie, dance in the street, and sing a birthday song to a neighbor boy once she is grounded again. Readers will want to check out the back matter, which has a couple of photos and a Note from the Author about the inspiration for this story. While some youngsters feel great pride in their culture and cultural traditions, that isn't always the case, which makes this one featuring a shy young Guatemalan girl especially important. The endpapers even pick up the colors in Emilia's corte, which is itself the center of attention on every page even when Emilia is depicted as rather small as she floats through the air. ...more
Tiger Tales continues to impress with its appealing, well-constructed board books. And while Thanksgiving is still several months away, it's never tooTiger Tales continues to impress with its appealing, well-constructed board books. And while Thanksgiving is still several months away, it's never too soon to reflect on what makes us grateful. A close-knit bear family shares the festivities with some other forest friends in this board book featuring rhyming lines and touch-and-feel textures, including a soft, fuzzy baby bear tummy and a plump, corrugated turkey boasting nine feathers of various colors. While animals probably don't enjoy the feast of hot rolls, cranberries, turkey, and pumpkin pie on the last page as much as humans would, the message of sharing and friendship comes across clearly. There's even a small mouse clutching a cranberry atop a cornucopia on the table as the guests and family line up for a slice of pie. Apparently, eating dessert first is a tradition for these bears....more
This book, the third in the series, reunites its protagonist, Winnie Zeng, with her frenemy David and her former nemesis Kelly as the three are among This book, the third in the series, reunites its protagonist, Winnie Zeng, with her frenemy David and her former nemesis Kelly as the three are among the shamans invited to the Shaman Youth Tournament during winter break from school. As always, there are humorous moments, plenty of magic, and some surprises along the way. Winnie trains hard and somehow manages to pull out several victories during her competitive rounds, thanks to her own hard work and the support of her grandmother--oh, yes, and some delicious and sustaining cookies appropriately called Confidence Black Sesame Cookies and some Ube Coconut Sugar Cookies [recipes are in the back matter]. But Winnie has the feeling that all is not right at the tournament, and there is mischief afoot and danger for the entire world. This satisfying, cultural rich continuation of Winnie's adventures will keep fans of the series on their toes even while they root for Winnie to embrace her inner strength and dismiss her doubts. ...more
Margot, the protagonist, in this delightful picture book, really is quite marvelous and a great role model for young readers. Because it's her friend Margot, the protagonist, in this delightful picture book, really is quite marvelous and a great role model for young readers. Because it's her friend Oscar's birthday, she has baked a cake and is hauling it across town as a surprise for her friend. But along the way, she runs into various other individuals who are having a bad day for different reasons. One is unhappy about his haircut, two are frustrated because their bicycle chain is all tangled up, and three are disappointed because the ice cream shop has run out of ice cream. At each point, Margot offers encouraging words, lends a helping hand, and doles out slices of cake. But cakes aren't endless, and by the time she reaches Oscar's place, there is no more cake to share with him. She need not worry, though, since Oscar has a surprise in store for her. Readers will love Margot's positive attitude and her approach to life as she somehow always finds a way to make everything work out. The illustrations feature colorful animal characters and a delicious looking cake, so delicious that I'd like a bite too. ...more
When twelve-year-old Fern Silvana and her mother leave the only home Fern has ever known, she's less than willing to forgive her mother for her decisiWhen twelve-year-old Fern Silvana and her mother leave the only home Fern has ever known, she's less than willing to forgive her mother for her decision to leave their self-sustaining community in upstate New York. Even those there are strict rules and the members live off the grid, growing their own food, avoiding cellphones and contact with the outside world, Fern feels comfortable there and loyal to the leader, Dr. Ben. As her mother drives cross country to Driftaway Beach, California, all Fern can do is think of some way to return to what's familiar to her. Over time, though, as her new friend Eddie asks questions with difficult answers and her mother tells her about some of the negative aspects of The Ranch, Fern begins to think she's wrong about what she thinks is the truth. Maybe the outside world isn't so bad, after all. She loves the library and some of the sweet treats Babs, a family friend of her mother, bakes. As she questions everything she's been taught to believe, she still plots to find a way to contact Dr. Ben and return to The Ranch. She quickly realizes that she's made a mistake on the return trip, managing to escape in a dramatic restaurant scene. The author effectively depicts Fern's gradual disillusionment with some of Dr. Ben's teachings and Dr. Ben himself while also portraying Eddie, Babs, and Fern's mother, who seems to always be looking for happiness in the next place or the next place, so vividly that readers will care what happens to them. This is one of those middle-grade books that touch readers' hearts and stay with them long after the last page has been turned. It reminds them/us of the importance of home and a place of our own....more
A diverse collection of animals gather together for a picnic featuring cake. But an eagle swoops down and makes off with the picnic blanket and everytA diverse collection of animals gather together for a picnic featuring cake. But an eagle swoops down and makes off with the picnic blanket and everything that's been laid out on it. Off the animals go, determined to find their stolen property. This wordless picture book, originally published in Dutch, takes young readers on a journey, up and down a mountain where they meet various other animals who have spotted their missing stuff, including that cake and the cake cover. Youngsters will enjoy trying to find the objects and noticing the change in the guest list for this outdoor celebration. I loved looking closer at the artwork and following that mouse family. The mother mouse looks so tired and so relieved, and yes, there seems to be plenty of cake, freshly baked, for everyone. ...more
This author is new to me as is the whole genre or subgenre of Southern fiction. Even though I'm from the South, I didn't realize there was even such aThis author is new to me as is the whole genre or subgenre of Southern fiction. Even though I'm from the South, I didn't realize there was even such a thing although it makes sense that there would be. Although this is my first book by Donna Everhart, it won't be the last since it's clear that she's conducted research and immersed herself in the Civil War period, which happens to be one of my favorite periods about which to read. For those who might argue that a book set from 1861 to 1865 could not possibly be relevant today, I would firmly disagree. With all the turmoil and wars, declared and undeclared, as well as social unrest in the world today, there is much value to find in the stance of the book's protagonist, Joetta McBride, and her husband Ennis. The two of them are neutral regarding the conflict between the Union and the soon-to-be founded Confederacy. After all, they own no slaves and aren't interested in owning any as they farm their rural North Carolina acreage themselves. To Joetta, the war seems to be fought on behalf of wealthy plantation owners, and it seems that many of the soldiers are not from that particular class. But Joetta's father-in-law talks so often about the heroism of being a soldier and how it's work that is better than farming; his enthusiastic support of the Southern Cause prompts Joetta's son, Henry, 15, to enlist. Joetta insists that Ennis follow Henry and bring him home. But various events prevent Ennis from returning, and Joetta becomes increasingly isolated and threatened due to her views on the war. Because she allowed some Union soldiers to drink water from her well and befriends a young boy, she's seen as a traitor. The descriptions of how lonely Joetta feels even while watching her younger son, Robert, grow increasingly distant from her, and having to tend to everything on the farm almost single-handed are detailed, moving, and immersive. Readers will feel the hunger pangs and fears the characters experience and be filled with admiration at the courage of this woman who chose to stand up for what she considered right. I've read many books about the Civil War, but this is the first one in which the main character didn't support either the North or the South. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and I was impressed with how carefully the author tells the story. Once again, I was reminded of the impact war has on the home front and how desperation and times such as those described in the book can lead to heartless actions. ...more
Pair this one--2.5 for me!--with My Day with Dad. This colorful picture book for newly independent readers follows a child as she spends the day with Pair this one--2.5 for me!--with My Day with Dad. This colorful picture book for newly independent readers follows a child as she spends the day with her mother. It's a very busy day as they head to the park before visiting the art fair, listening to jazz on the street, making purchases at the farmers market, and preparing soup for dinner. The day ends on a perfect note with Dad's arrival. Some youngsters will be able to relate to the story and experience. It isn't clear if Dad is just dropping by or if he lives there, but if the couple is separated or divorced, they clearly have an amicable relationship. Be sure to check out the double-page spread with the family at dinner while their pet cat and dog have thought ballons above their heads as they imagine what they'd like to eat. ...more