Janey, a fourth grader, is excited about living in the Caribbean on her family's boat, the Merimaid, but she also misses her best friend, Rae, and theJaney, a fourth grader, is excited about living in the Caribbean on her family's boat, the Merimaid, but she also misses her best friend, Rae, and the comforts of life onshore. When she meets another girl, Astrid, who is older than she is, she immediately gravitates to her and wishes her life were more like Astrid's. But as it turns out, Astrid isn't living the fairy tale existence Janey thinks she is. In fact, there are several scenes when her actions toward Janey are suspicious and downright cruel. This is one of those rare stories in which raw, honest emotions spill over on several pages despite the story's exotic setting. Clearly, growing up is not always as smooth sailing as might be expected. The colorful panels and relatable characters add to the pleasures of reading this one, which should be a hit with middle graders who love the sea or are looking for something a bit different in their reading choices. Since this is the first in a planned series, I will be eager to see where Janey's parents take her next. ...more
I don't quite know how he does it, but this author always, always manages to tell stories in a way that makes me care about his characters, even thougI don't quite know how he does it, but this author always, always manages to tell stories in a way that makes me care about his characters, even though they are nothing like me, and prompts me to see the world as being a little brighter and humans as better than I have before. In his most recent title, he explores the power of friendship and artistic expression through the stories of four teens who spend a splendid summer together in a town by the sea. Their homes are not exactly sanctuaries as there is violence in some, death and dying in others, and carelessness in still others. But none of that matters when they're together. Their stories are told through the eyes of Ted, one of the boys, 25 years later, as he and Louisa, an 18-year-old artist, deal with loss and their connection to a recently deceased artist who has given her, a homeless girl, his most famous and most valuable painting. As usual with this particular writer, there are moments of immense pain and heartbreak, but there are also moments of joy and humor, and readers can't help but feel uplifted by his words and the time they have spent with these characters. ...more
These graphic novel versions of the classic and beloved series are really solid, perfect for middle-grade readers. The artwork depicts the twins, JessThese graphic novel versions of the classic and beloved series are really solid, perfect for middle-grade readers. The artwork depicts the twins, Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield, perfectly, and readers will feel as though they, too, are dealing with the issues faced by the siblings. In this case, in the sixth book [3.5 for me!], the girls try to be welcoming to a new classmate, Brooke Dennis, but she's so negative and superior that even Liz becomes annoyed by her behavior. As often happens in these books Jessica plots revenge, but Liz realizes too late that there are good reasons for Brooke's behavior. This story serves as a good reminder to readers that there's often more to others that meets the eye and that assumptions are dangerous....more
Following a family tradition, Tien's mother gives her a jade bracelet for her birthday. But compared to her classmates' flashier bracelets, this one iFollowing a family tradition, Tien's mother gives her a jade bracelet for her birthday. But compared to her classmates' flashier bracelets, this one is "green, plain, hard-as-a-rock bracelet that doesn't shimmer, sparkle, or shine" (unpaged), and Tien feels embarrassed and disappointed when she goes to school. Although her mother tells Tien about the bracelet's specialness and how she needs to look more closely at it to see its beauty, to see how precious and rare it is, just like her, she agrees to take her to the store to pick out a different one that is more like her classmates'. Once there, Tien has a change of heart and returns to school, eager to show off her precious jade bracelet, aware not that it's a part of her heritage and something that can acknowledge one's origins as well as remembering the past. This touching story is a reminder that flashy isn't always the best and that family traditions have significance. Pair this one with The Granddaughter Necklace by Sharon Dennis Wyeth (2013) since both books cover similar territory but in different ways, and both tug at the heartstrings. The soft artwork, rendered with watercolor and colored pencil with digital editing, complements this sentimental story, based partly on the author's own experiences, perfectly. ...more
Sisters Lucy and Nera are completely different, sharing only their birthday. When they receive a lunafish for their eighth birthday and it grows quickSisters Lucy and Nera are completely different, sharing only their birthday. When they receive a lunafish for their eighth birthday and it grows quickly, they disagree about what to do with it. Nera decides to sell it to an aquarium, but as things turn out, that's not a very safe or happy place for the creature. The cartoon artwork fits this outlandish plot quite well since it takes place in space and on the Moon. I just felt sorry for the little fish that outgrew its bowl so quickly. ...more
For some reason, this picture book [2.5 for me!], which was originally published in Great Britain, just didn't appeal to me. The artwork seemed too buFor some reason, this picture book [2.5 for me!], which was originally published in Great Britain, just didn't appeal to me. The artwork seemed too busy in places and too flat, and the plot was just beyond silly as Jess and Jack arrive at a zoo empty of all its animals. They follow clues, including scat and feathers, to the woods, where the animals are partying hard, part of a birthday celebration for a new baby. Of course, the youngsters join in with gusto. The rhyming lines make the story move quickly, and it might delight its intended young audience, but it left me feeling rather tired and wondering where they found that birthday cake. ...more
THE perfect gift for a newborn, a baby shower or anyone who loves poetry, this keepsake book honors those important moments--the milestones--in a babyTHE perfect gift for a newborn, a baby shower or anyone who loves poetry, this keepsake book honors those important moments--the milestones--in a baby's life. As she tends to do, the poet, Lee Wardlaw, deftly blends warm sentiment with touches of humor in the 11 poems found here. For instance, for all its importance, the baby admits to having missed all the excitement of its first day in the poem "First Day" because it was sleeping. Written from the newborn's perspective, starting with a child's first day, the delightful poems chart those milestones, including a first tooth, first book, first steps, and first birthday, all of which lend a sense of wonder and authenticity to the lines. For instance, in "First Steps," the child's efforts to stand upright and walk are described thusly: "Teeter, / totter, / step, / step, / dip / bobble / wobble / step, / step-- / TRIP~//" (unpaged), an experience that every parent must surely have watched with concern but also excitement. "First Game," perfect for reading aloud because of its delightful language, is an homage to the familiar peekaboo game that youngsters love to play. The little ones in this collection are animals--bears, foxes, bunnies, raccoons, all lovingly depicted in the artwork in soft colors and without too much clutter in the background so that the focus is on that child. And to add to the book's preciousness, there is even "My Milestones," a section in the back for each reader or his/her/their parent to fill out with the appropriate information. The gold lettering in the title on the cover makes this whole book seem just as special as the child to whom it will belong....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
I really needed to read this biography [4.5 for me!] of the legendary civil rights activist because it seems more and more that our nation is mired inI really needed to read this biography [4.5 for me!] of the legendary civil rights activist because it seems more and more that our nation is mired in hopelessness, despair, and profit, and I wanted to bask in the story of someone who remained dedicated to his cause and continued to cling to the nonviolent way. My expectations were satisfied in this thorough, engaging book, arguably THE book to read about John Lewis. Relying on interviews with Lewis and more than 275 interviews with those who knew him, this well written book covers his formative years as well as his leadership in SNCC and his travels with the Freedom Riders as well as his time as a representative from Georgia in Congress. Biographer David Greenberg includes various tidbits about his daily routines, his food preferences, his attire, and his art collection, all intended to humanize Lewis, as well as lines from some of his speeches. While no one is perfect, Lewis remains as an example of moral leadership and someone who would surely be appalled at what is happening in our country right now. I finished the book filled with respect and in awe of the man even though I still have questions about some parts of his life's journey, including his involvement with the LGBTQIA+ and religious communities, and perhaps more about his childhood and school days. That notion of his about getting into good trouble continues to resonate with me and many others. For those of us who love history and biographies, this was quite a page-turner. ...more
Sissy has simply had it with her two-year-old brother, Chooch. As little ones often do, Chooch likes to help, but his version of helping ends up makinSissy has simply had it with her two-year-old brother, Chooch. As little ones often do, Chooch likes to help, but his version of helping ends up making a mess or causing problems or distractions. These actions are shown as Sissy watches on, growing angrier each time. Things come to a head when he ruins her clay pinch pot. She scolds him, and her parents, in turn, reprimand her. When Sissy flees to her bedroom, Chooch follows her there, offering comfort. Sissy's parents have calmed down and try a softer approach with her, revealing evidence of how she once helped and pointing out that Chooch looks up to her as a teacher. Containing some Cherokee phrases, which are explained in the back matter, this picture book is relatable for any culture since it's fairly common to resent a younger sibling, at least initially. But it's also culturally rich due to the various activities in which the family engages and the inclusion of Cherokee phrases. Although I had not read it before the YMAs, I can certainly see its strengths. The illustrations, created with watercolor, gouache, printmaking, collage, and digital, are easy on the eyes. The fact that both the author and the illustrator are Cherokee makes the book even more special. The illustrator doesn't hesitate to lavish attention on simple scenes; for instance, the opening double-page spread shows a close-up of Chooch looking at and reaching for his birthday cake adorned with two candles. The next page pulls away from that close-up to show the family gathered around the table while Chooch sticks his hand into the cake. In yet another scene, Chooch is heading down a hill on his tricycle while his father, who is backlit and in the dark, is working on the bicycles. Readers will predict that there's going to be some sort of a collision. The double-page spread in which Chooch touches Sissy's face as a gesture of comfort is particularly touching, and it's likely to prompt a pause or a double-take on the part of readers. Not only is the color palette chosen by the artist warm and comforting, but there are important cultural references within the artwork: the picture of Sequoyah above Sissy's dresser, the colorful ribbon bands on her dress, the floral patterns, birds, and broken arrows in her grandmother's mural. Even the back matter pages contain significant artwork in the form of a packet of seed corn and a crawdad. That double-page spread showing a friend gigging for crawdads is resplendent with the pinks, reds, and oranges of sunset as fireflies. The directions of the black gigs or spears, one held by a friend and one leaning up against Chooch while he looks down at the water and the crawdad he's holding, clearly ready to drop it back into the water, draw readers to the center of the page where what's important is happening. There really is so much to appreciate about this quiet picture book, and repeated readings helped me enjoy it even more. ...more
Striking acrylic gouache illustrations appropriately filled with golden wheat in this picture book [3.5 for me!] complement an important story that ofStriking acrylic gouache illustrations appropriately filled with golden wheat in this picture book [3.5 for me!] complement an important story that offers insight into why there continues to be bad blood between Ukraine and Russia. Since the events take place during 1932-1933 and are narrated by Zlata, a young Ukranian girl, the topic of this famine-genocide, long covered up by authorities, becomes accessible but also enraging. As Russian Communists infiltrate the area, they demand more and more taxes and food, forcing Zlata's family to hide as much as they can. Eventually, they take the farm animals and even Zlata's beautiful shirt with its intricate Ukranian embroidery, a gift for her eighth birthday. After they take her father, Zlata's family has almost nothing left. Still, her mother reminds her that they still have certain traditions to which to cling and draw comfort. Ironically, as it turns out, their family was betrayed by her best friend Yeva's father, but Yeva eventually tries to atone for his actions. The text makes it easy to understand how others might turn on their neighbors in order to survive and how continuing to find or make beautiful things like that shirt keep hope alive. This story of resilience, based on actual events, handles the Holodomor gently in a way that young readers can understand, and the back matter, including an Author's Note, adds more background and historical context, noting that 3.9 million Ukrainians died from hunger from 1931 to 1934. How amazing to regard embroidery as part of a way to resist oppression! The slender threads of hope and resilience that must have kept so many Ukrainians alive are present in how this story is told and the book's design, including colors and patterns on the endpapers. ...more
Although it isn't the land or the lands that are motherless in this engaging novel [3.5 for me!] set in England and in Lagos, Nigeria, the two daughteAlthough it isn't the land or the lands that are motherless in this engaging novel [3.5 for me!] set in England and in Lagos, Nigeria, the two daughters at its heart are certainly motherless, one due to an early death and the other due to her mother being emotionally unavailable and manipulative. Funke, called Kate when she moves to England after her mother's death, and Liv, her cousin, are characters about whom it's easy to care. As an unexpected betrayal changes the course of Funke's life once again, Liv, too, faces challenges, but each girl reacts differently to those challenges. The way everything wraps up is a bit too convenient, but that won't matter because readers will be rooting for a happy ending, relieved to see that Margot, Liv's mother, gets exactly what she deserves. As written in this story, she may be one of the worst villains to ever appear on the printed page. The story of the bond between two cousins plays out against the backdrop of racism, sexism, sizeism, colonialism, and identity. I thoroughly enjoyed this book even with some of its predictable aspects. ...more
Although they're very different books, this older title by Ann Napolitano explores similar territory as her most recent publication, Hello Beautiful. Although they're very different books, this older title by Ann Napolitano explores similar territory as her most recent publication, Hello Beautiful. Her writing is as exquisite as ever, and the insight she has into her characters is impressive. In a nutshell, one of the most important questions this story raises is what to do with the life one is given or how to handle second chances. The book's organization builds tension for readers while also plunging them into the worst possible scenario: a cross-country flight from NYC to LA that crashes in Colorado, killing the crew and all the passengers except one twelve-year-old boy, Edward Adler. The author describes various passengers on that flight from going through security to the crash while also following the sole survivor as he moves in with his maternal aunt and uncle and tries to rebuild his life with help from Shay, a neighbor girl. Not surprisingly, some of the relatives of the survivors and other interested parties are convinced that he must have been saved for some particular reason. And perhaps, while debatable, that is the case, but it also could be argued that his survival is simply luck. While readers don't learn much about most of the passengers, the glimpses they are afforded into some of them reveal them to be on the brink of new starts or at the end of long life journeys, some more satisfying and sympathetic than others. As I read this one, I also kept thinking about the meaning of family, whether birth or found, and the importance of community and healing spaces. Readers will miss these characters once they finish the novel and wonder what might have been as well as rejoicing in what will be. While its topics may seem depressing, ultimately, though, this is a book that is suffused with hope and healing. ...more
With lively Procreate artwork, this book for early readers [2.5 for me!] has a simple but amusing plot. Ava's new parrot refuses to accept the name heWith lively Procreate artwork, this book for early readers [2.5 for me!] has a simple but amusing plot. Ava's new parrot refuses to accept the name her family chooses for her, apparently imprinting on the name "Mandy," which is Ava's mother's name. The parrot causes all sorts of trouble, even escaping outdoors at one point. Ava's mother eventually has no choice left but to share her name with the feathered friend. The book also provides several examples of pairs, which makes sense, given its title. While I appreciate the author's attempts to embed that important concept in the storyline, I worry that it might get lost among all the material concerning those names. Still, for some youngsters, it offers a brief introduction to the concept. ...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
Handsome digital artwork that utilizes jewel tones and interesting shapes and movement complements a story about heritage in this picture book [3.5 foHandsome digital artwork that utilizes jewel tones and interesting shapes and movement complements a story about heritage in this picture book [3.5 for me!]. The narrator, a young Armenian child, eagerly anticipates birthdays because of the delicious food and warm fellowship they offer. Readers can almost smell the rose, mint and sumac with which the house is decorated. But this year the child becomes keenly aware of the value of stories, sometimes told through objects that have been passed down generation to generation or brought from great distances, tying one generation to another and on and on back into the past and forward into the future. The child's recognition of the importance of stories is expressed poetically: "Our stories are like rivers that lead into oceans, like seeds that fall from flowers, like pages of this book that come from trees" (unpaged) as well as acknowledging that these stories are "like stars that I hold inside, so when I am in the dark and I feel lost, I can light my own way" (unpaged). The child is eager to hear even more stories, and a letter from the author suggests that readers seek out stories from their own ancestors, an activity that bonds generations, fosters pride, and keeps cultural traditions alive. ...more
This colorful, child-friendly oversized picture book is a 2.5 for me, but youngsters of a certain age will love it far more than me. Betty, a yellow cThis colorful, child-friendly oversized picture book is a 2.5 for me, but youngsters of a certain age will love it far more than me. Betty, a yellow chick, is turning six, and readers move through the book's pages in search of specific objects such as her glasses or lollipops or answering questions about their own preferences for pizza toppings or their best dance moves. The interactive nature of the book as well as those bright colors and multiple panels on several pages adds to this one's appeal for its intended audience. All those images gathered together feel a bit cluttered to older, tired eyes, though. ...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
While high school graduation marks an end to formal instruction for many, it's also the beginning of the rest of their life journeys. For some, the neWhile high school graduation marks an end to formal instruction for many, it's also the beginning of the rest of their life journeys. For some, the next steps will be a job or volunteering or perhaps travel. But for others like Sarah, the subject of this graphic novel, graduating means going to college and trying to figure out her academic major. It also offers a chance to reinvent or find herself as she moves from Wisconsin to Minnesota for her freshman year. But college isn't what Sarah expected. At times she feels overwhelmed by the assignments, the schedule, and making friends. The fact that her boyfriend back home dumps her adds to her misery, isolation, and loneliness, but even when she returns home for the winter holidays, she doesn't feel as though she fits there or that home is her home anymore, a feeling with which many young adults will relate. While my own college experience was nothing like Sarah's, many of the panels and emotions will resonate with those who are 16, 17, 18, and 19. There are several humorous scenes as well as depictions of heartbreak and disappointment, and several narrative strands are left open-ended and unfinished, which can be disconcerting even though this aspect of Sarah's journey and that of others mirrors life perfectly. It will be interesting to see if Mai follows this one up with "Sophomore Year" or "Senior Year" so that readers can watch what happens to her next. This one is worth the read. ...more
Friendships, even the best ones, can be challenging to navigate as this attractive picture book shows. For most of the time, the two girls featured onFriendships, even the best ones, can be challenging to navigate as this attractive picture book shows. For most of the time, the two girls featured on its pages get along swimmingly, even managing to make compromises and taking part in certain activities just because one friend enjoys them so much. But when a birthday celebration goes awry due to some blown out candles, the friendship is severed. The text describes the rift between the girls in child-friendly terms as they vow to never play with each other "for a million years and one week" (unpaged). Eventually, a glitter- and glue-filled apology note does the trick, though, and they are back where they started from. Most young readers will agree that unicorns, sprinkles, and friends are essential, as seen in the digital artwork. The girls' smiling faces and shared activities are show vividly here. The comparisons between the relationship are perfectly described here: [When it's right] "Friendship feels like being hugged by a blanket right out of the dryer" and [When it's wrong] "Then friendship feels like being hugged by a porcupine while sitting on a cactus." This one might be useful to share with a class as a read aloud that will help them deal with their own friendship dramas....more