As other reviewers have said, I will read anything written by Nic Stone. Her books raise important questions and don't provide easy answers, and her cAs other reviewers have said, I will read anything written by Nic Stone. Her books raise important questions and don't provide easy answers, and her characters are complex and relatable. If you haven't read the previous books in this series [Dear Martin and Dear Justyce], definitely check them out first, and of course, if you have read them, you won't want to miss this one since it features some of the characters in the previous books. The protagonist, Jared Christensen, a privileged college white boy who considers himself to be woke although that doesn't stop him from enjoying the advantages his skin color and family wealth afford him, decides to run for Junior Class Council President on a platform calling for equity and inclusion. He has two opponents--John Preston who is vocal in his disgust with representation and quotas and Dylan Coleman, a Black transfer student with a similar agenda to Jared's. Dylan's involvement in the election prompts much soul-searching on the part of Jared, who questions his own commitment to equity and the causes he says he supports even while feeling attracted to Dylan. As an outlet and way of being honest with himself, he writes letters to his friend Manny, who died two years ago. What makes Jared's story so special and worth reading is how his emotions and actions will feel familiar to many readers just like him whose hearts are in the right place but who don't always follow up their intentions with actions. Realizing this will make some of them/us feel quite uncomfortable and guilty, but the book encourages honest, healthy dialogue about his behavior and that of others while also examining the influence of family on the values of their offspring. It's also worth pondering how important winning is and what each of us might do if we had explosive, damaging material in our hands that could help us win an election. While some parts of the book didn't ring true and I wondered about that Constitutional Law class as well as how challenging it must have been for Stone to write about a white character, I also had to confront some of my biases and remind myself that white authors have been writing Black characters for quite some time. Don't hesitate to read this book and then be sure to discuss it with others in and even outside of your circle and comfort zone. ...more
The richness of Persian culture is on display in this lovely picture book [3.5 for me!] through words and eye-pleasing artwork that is appropriately eThe richness of Persian culture is on display in this lovely picture book [3.5 for me!] through words and eye-pleasing artwork that is appropriately embellished with stars, lilies, the tree of life, and lotuses, among others, and a tapestry of colors, including red, green, and orange, all with cultural significance. The book itself is a letter of invitation from a Persian boy to a new friend that he hopes to have visit him. Readers can see themselves as the invitee if they wish or simply take the invitation as one youngster to another. Anticipating that his guest may be surprised by what he will find in his home, the boy goes to great pains to describe the practice of removing shoes, the foods and beverages they will consume, and even the loom on which his father weaves carpets. The two will play games, and when his guest leaves, the boy will offer a paper bridge he's cut out, a sign of doosti or friendship. Not only does this book please readers' senses while offering a glimpse into Persian culture, but it also serves as a tool to accomplish what the author describes in the Author's Note: "Through friendship we become capable of transcending cultural barriers, celebrating diversity, and embracing inclusivity" (unpaged), a much-needed message in these troubling times. Readers will also note the boy's cat, who appears between the two friends on the book jacket cover and then under the book jacket, again, standing on a watermelon. This is one of the loveliest picture books I've read so far in 2025. It left me feeling warm and welcomed. ...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
The fifth in the popular Sisters Ever After series, this one is a must-read for fans of fairy tales and those who prefer theirs to be fractured or revThe fifth in the popular Sisters Ever After series, this one is a must-read for fans of fairy tales and those who prefer theirs to be fractured or revised. Focusing on the young sister left behind when Rapunzel disappears from her castle and ends up in the Realms, prompting years of attempts to find her and bring her back. Since she was supposed to rule the kingdom, her absence forces Cinna, to learn the ropes of being the future queen, something Cinna isn't sure that she even wants. Through the years, Cinna writes letters to Rapunzel, hiding them in hopes of someday sharing them with her when/if they meet. The author takes quite a few liberties with the original story, salting this one with humor, intrigue, and sly asides from Rapunzel, who is nothing like what Cinna imagined. There are some strange twists and turns, but fans of the series will lap the story up even while trying to sort out who is trustworthy. If singer Meghan Trainor declared that "it's all about the bass" when it comes to body shapes, in this delightful story, it's truly all about the braids since the hair of Cinna, Rapunzel, and their mother is magical, prompting interesting fighting scenes with magical beasts and descriptions of various kinds of braids. Those just might make those of us with thin or short hair wish for longer, thicker, more abundant locks. Alas! Failing that, we can read this book and sigh over the magnificence of Rapunzel's tresses. Add this one to a collection devoted to fairy tales. ...more
Animal-loving Tate worries about how animals in the wild manage to survive. Looking for a new friend and intent on saving them, she writes letters to Animal-loving Tate worries about how animals in the wild manage to survive. Looking for a new friend and intent on saving them, she writes letters to various animals, including a lion and an orca, offering them a new home and describing its benefits. But she's rebuffed by each one. But attentive readers will know that she need not despair. If they've been examining the illustrations closely, they will have noted a rather scruffy dog lurking in the background, not far from her house. The dog writes a letter to Tate telling her that he's the one she's been looking for--a best friend. I love the inclusion of the letters and how the dog, now named Panda, receives all the benefits Tate described in her own letters. While those other animals know how to survive in the wild, dogs like Panda really don't, and as the book concludes, the wild was a place "where he was never meant to be" (unpaged). The bright and color-drenched artwork was created with Adobe Photoshop and a Wacom tablet. The two best double-page spreads show Panda stretched out in full length with tennis balls all around him and one in his mouth, and another one with him, all spruced up, lying alongside Tate as she reads in bed. The bright light from a lamp shines on the two new friends. Read this one as a reminder about what friendship means and to encourage youngsters to take action about issues that matter to them. ...more
Having read and enjoyed the author's previous book set in rural Oregon, I was eager to devour this follow-up featuring several of the characters introHaving read and enjoyed the author's previous book set in rural Oregon, I was eager to devour this follow-up featuring several of the characters introduced earlier. If Missing Clarissa focuses on a missing girl or a disappearance, this mystery novel twists that idea around with a plot featuring Lola Brosillard, a missing girl who turns up back home five years after she went away. Lola's family is delighted to have her home. Her mother throws a welcome home party and relishes in her daughter's more obedient, passive behavior while her brother Luke, who is often stoned, seems content to have his sister back. But one family member, Mattie, is skeptical about Lola and sure the girl who claims to be her sister is an impostor. Blair and Cam, the best friend detectives from the first book, seem to have switched roles in this outing as Mattie comes to them for help. Blair is hoping for a book contract that will appeal to true-crime buffs, but Cam, still suffering from PTSD as the result of the trauma she experienced during the search for Clarissa, is hesitant to do anything that might endanger her or her loved ones. As Blair starts falling for someone who might not be the best choice for her, Cam worries about her future with Sophia, who is away at college and preoccupied with her studies and extracurricular activities there. The resolution of the mystery surrounding Lola comes rather swiftly at the end as the suspense builds quickly. I'm not sure if the author plans to continue to feature books with Cam and Blair, but reading these two books one after the other made me care about these two well-developed and relatable characters. ...more
Sixth-grader Noah, who is on the autism spectrum, feels completely lost after his friend, Lewis, died in a car wreck. The two of them had many things Sixth-grader Noah, who is on the autism spectrum, feels completely lost after his friend, Lewis, died in a car wreck. The two of them had many things in common, including the fact that both of them were trans. Lewis was obsessed with a cryptid called the Mothman, an interest that Noah shares to some extent although he's not completely convinced of Mothman's existence. Because he's so lonely and curious, Noah decides that his science fair project will focus on Mothman. He writes letters in a journal for Mothman that he leaves in the woods near his Pennsylvania home, hoping for some sort of response. He also makes friends with three girls in his classroom, Molly, Alice, and Hanna, when he sees them acting as wolves during recess. Slowly, he starts to trust them and shares some of his secrets--about being trans and about Mothman. As the day for the science fair draws near, Noah takes drastic action to find proof that this cryptid actually exists. The letters, lists, and journal entries allow readers to be immersed in Noah's heart and mind as well as briefly in Hanna's. The tension builds as the story nears its conclusion, and the parallels between a cryptid or what others may consider to be impossible or monstrous and being trans are impossible to miss as an important part of the story. While there are some odd, puzzling line breaks among the letters, Noah's writing is moving, lyrical, and filled with heartfelt observations about loss, identity, and fitting in. Those who are skeptical about cryptids just may change their minds after reading this book....more
Artwork created with Photoshop and Procreate relies on soft shades of green, pink, and blue as well as fiery reds and pulsing purples to accompany a lArtwork created with Photoshop and Procreate relies on soft shades of green, pink, and blue as well as fiery reds and pulsing purples to accompany a letter of encouragement written to the author's nephew. The text and handsome illustrations point out the natural beauty of this world of ours and all the things that make it worth cherishing, but both also offer vivid reminders of the dangers this planet faces if something doesn't change. That responsibility rests on the shoulders of the future generation, something which gives the author hope. From an adult perspective, I appreciated how frankly the text addresses the challenges that lie ahead. Add this picture book to a collection featuring green books or one that champions individuals who have made important changes in the world. After all, one person can make all the difference in the world, even by planting the seed of an idea....more
Inspired by her grandfather's tales of his own adventures and his fondness for the planet's wonders, Tessa decides to write a love letter to the EarthInspired by her grandfather's tales of his own adventures and his fondness for the planet's wonders, Tessa decides to write a love letter to the Earth. She describes and imagines all the places she will travel, the sights she will see, and the beauty of this green and blue planet while the ocean's sounds can be heard in the background. Her letter is filled with eloquent writing as she pays tribute to Earth and dreams of diving deep into the ocean, swimming beneath waterfalls, and sliding down the dunes of the dessert. Fully aware that humans have harmed the planet, Tessa finishes her letter and then walks along the shore with her grandfather, wondering if perhaps there is still time to save Earth and if maybe her message will help raise their awareness. Not only is the text appealing, but the illustrations, filled with colorful images of nature's wonders and two vertical double-page spreads featuring the ocean and the rainforest, celebrate the richness of the planet's various habitats and the animals that live there. The back matter includes additional information about some of the dangers to various species, suggestions about how to help, and even a "Dear Earth" letter template for youngsters inspired by Tessa's example to take action in some way, possibly by writing to elected officials or industrial polluters. Add this picture book to a classroom collection devoted to the environment or even one focusing on how one person, even someone as young as Tessa, can make a difference. ...more
This picture book covering a topic rarely discussed in children's literature is a 3.5 for me. One of the benefits of reading is learning about topics This picture book covering a topic rarely discussed in children's literature is a 3.5 for me. One of the benefits of reading is learning about topics or aspects of certain topics that are unfamiliar, hidden or ignored for one reason or another. This picture book is an example of that, opening many eyes, including mine, to the role of Indian Muslims during WWI, something about which I knew very little. While history books, films, and documentaries often recount various battles and the number of casualties, there is little acknowledgement of the toll war takes on those on the home front, even generations removed from the individual who went to war. Undoubtedly drawing on the family stories told about her great-grandfather, who served during WWI, a young girl writes a letter to him in which she attempts to satisfy her curiosity about what life was like for him. The author effectively mimics the thoughts and questions of a girl, maybe about ten or eleven, as she wonders about how his family reacted when he left home, what comfort he took from drinking tea when he was cold, whether he shared his food with others, if he learned any other languages, how effective his home remedies were for his injuries, and ultimately, what comfort he took from the recitation of words of faith while he was dying. Although his great-granddaughter will receive no answers to her questions that increase in intensity over the course of the picture book, it's clear that this man and his ultimate sacrifice have not been forgotten. Nor should they. The pages featuring the great-granddaughter show her thoughtful posture as she pens her letter, and the artwork featuring her great-grandfather, a man she never got to meet, is filled with muted colors, browns, greens, and expressive faces as well as scenes of shared pleasure and uncountable losses. The back matter provides statistics about the role of Muslims during that war as well as a glossary of unfamiliar terms and interesting asides about the need to accommodate for dietary and religious needs during the war and the various contents of Princess Mary Gift Boxes that were distributed to the soldiers fighting on the ground during what is known as the Great War. As with similar stories of loss, readers will finish this book solemnly, perhaps prompted to consider all those lives and dreams cut short while considering whether such sacrifices are worth it. Teachers using this picture book will want to provide some historical context for the times and the conflicts that led to WWI and the aftermath while discussing why so little is known about individuals such as this great-grandfather and others like him. ...more
Although this is something of a genre departure for Jasmine Warga, who also wrote the touching immigration novel in verse, Other Words for Home, and tAlthough this is something of a genre departure for Jasmine Warga, who also wrote the touching immigration novel in verse, Other Words for Home, and the equally-appealing The Shape of Thunder dealing with a school shooting, it is just as tender and emotional a read as those other titles. In Warga's sure hands, a Mars rover comes to life and rolls right into the hearts of the book's readers. Narrated by Resilience, the rover, the story follows him as he is built and prepared for his mission on the Red Planet. Guided by a bossy other rover, Journey, Resilience is the focus of several NASA scientists, most notably, Rania and Xander. Over time, as he prepares for what lies ahead and his tasks of collecting samples from Mars and getting another rover back online, Resilience begins experiencing human emotions, feelings that he doesn't have the words for. Since the story is told from Res's point of view, readers are treated to his slow processing of what's happening and how he and others are feeling. Sophie, Rania's daughter, also writes letters to Res, offering a different perspective on some of the events concerning Res as well as her own fears and struggles as her friend group changes and her mother's health worsens. Res faces various challenges on the Martian terrain, aided by his drone, Fly, but he is determined to go home and return to Earth one day. The short chapters, dramatic descriptions of Res's trek across Mars, and distinctive voices of Res and Sophie draw readers in and make them care about both characters while holding their breath about their ultimate fates. This science fiction title will have many readers thinking about whether a machine can feel joy, pride or fear now or in the future and if so, whether those machines are actually more human than some humans. The letters written by Sophie provide an interesting contrast to Res's journey since she herself is on something of a journey of self-discovery, dealing with some of life's mundane issues as well as being fascinated by Res's trip to Mars. Her first letter was assigned by her teacher, Mrs. Ennis, and presumably it was sent to Res, but I couldn't help wondering if the other letters ever reached him or if he understood them. If so, perhaps they offered him insight into those Earthlings he was leaving behind. The book ends with an emotional punch that will leave some readers emotionally wrung out but also hopeful for the future of humankind. Final words: Even students who aren't sci fi fans will enjoy this one and perhaps want to learn more about those actual Mars rovers, Curiosity and Perseverance. ...more
This one is a 3.5 for me. As readers quickly realize, a movie theater in Majestic, Pennsylvania, was the scene of a horrific tragedy, one that the novThis one is a 3.5 for me. As readers quickly realize, a movie theater in Majestic, Pennsylvania, was the scene of a horrific tragedy, one that the novel's protagonist, Lucas Goodgame, feels that he should have somehow averted. Filled with guilt and mourning the loss of his beloved wife Darcy, Lucas befriends Eli, the brother of the shooter, after the boy sets up a campsite in his back yard. Together, the two of them concoct a plan for a movie about monsters that they hope will help the community heal. During this time, Lucas writes unanswered letters to his Jungian analyst, Karl, whose wife also died during the violence, and while he himself has moments of clarity, he also is convinced that Darcy comes to him at night in the form of an angel and he struggles to confront several truths while being supported by many individuals who love him, including Jill, his wife's best friend, and Bobby the cop. When Lucas finally breaks down, it's in a very public fashion, and readers realize that he's been holding himself together so that he can help others but has failed to help himself. As author Matthew Quick has done in his earlier novels, in this one he examines mental health and the aftermath of a community tragedy honestly here, perhaps offering paths to healing and hope as well as a way forward. Clearly, even amid the very worst of times, there is love if only we are able to recognize and embrace it. I wavered between a 3 and a 4 for this one because the idea of art/drama offering a way to heal resonated with me, but I often found Lucas's thoughts and behavior confusing and wondered why those around him didn't get him the help he needed more quickly or recognize the signs that something was not okay. ...more
This is another worthy historical fiction from the talented Geraldine Brooks, and one that any adult who loved Little Women during his/her/their childThis is another worthy historical fiction from the talented Geraldine Brooks, and one that any adult who loved Little Women during his/her/their childhood will surely want to read now. Returning to that particular story by Louisa May Alcott in which the March patriarch is missing during Christmas, having gone to war, Brooks imagines that he serves first as a chaplain and then a teacher in the South during the Civil War where he experiences first-hand a crisis of faith and belief in himself and witnesses first-hand the horrors of slavery. The letters he sends home to Marmee are filled with descriptions of nature and are upbeat and optimistic, a counterpoint to what he's actually living through and seeing. Over and over, he finds himself unable to live up to the image and expectations he has for himself, and some of his mistakes are quite costly. Since the book is set during the latter part of 1861 and early and middle parts of 1862 in war-torn Virginia, readers are thrust into the conflict between the North and the South from the book's very beginning. As March settles into his new roles, he reflects on his own past--when he traveled the South as a peddler to make money, when he met and married his wife in Concord, the birth of their girls, the loss of his wealth as the result of supporting John Brown, and the involvement he and Marmee have had in the abolitionist movement. The author admittedly takes some literary licenses with the timeframe since the cotton plantation on which March spends so much of his time is now being leased by a Yankee, maintained by formerly- enslaved individuals who are promised wages for their labor. The attitudes of many Union soldiers and leaders at that time toward Black men, women, and children seem just as troubling, if not worse, than those of Southerners. The effects of war and violence are described vividly here, and readers will empathize with just how lost March himself often feels, especially as he seeks to atone for his misdeeds but no longer has the health or ability to do so. Once March is hospitalized and Marmee takes over the narrative, it's clear that this war has also had devastating effects on her too and she realizes that this husband, this man she thought she knew so well has secrets that may be hard for her to accept. Just as compelling and emotionally rich as Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier (another Civil War novel from a few decades ago), the book is also a well-drawn portrait of a marriage and the necessary compromises in such a union as well as how the harsh realities of war and a nation in conflict play havoc with the idealism of one man. ...more
While on a trip to Delhi, Fatima writes letters to her mother as she visits special places and feels connected to the woman through those sites. At fiWhile on a trip to Delhi, Fatima writes letters to her mother as she visits special places and feels connected to the woman through those sites. At first readers may think that Fatima is sending missives to her mother who is waiting for her back home, but they will quickly realize that isn't the case, which makes the letters that more poignant. Fatima is greeted by family members and friends, and enjoys delicious food, shopping expeditions, and visits to mosques, minarets, a poet's home, and finally, the cemetery where her mother's body rests. Each page and letter seem to be torn from Fatima's heart as she relives part of her family history and marvels at this unique metropolis that consists of the old and the new laid out side by side. Six thumbnail sketches at the back of the book highlight some of the places Fatima visited. Readers can tell that this is a trip that she won't forget and that she came to know her mother--and herself--better by traveling to Delhi and soaking in the places that were important to her. The paper used and the ink and background of the pages give readers the feeling that they are reading someone's private mail and how much that person (Fatima) yearns to know and understand her mother through her city....more
What a delightful surprise this chapter book, rated with 3.5 stars for me, turned out to be. Fifth grader Susie B. (Babuszkiewicz) has what she calls What a delightful surprise this chapter book, rated with 3.5 stars for me, turned out to be. Fifth grader Susie B. (Babuszkiewicz) has what she calls "butterflies" in her brain, causing her thoughts to flit around at times. Susie B.'s story is told through a series of letters she writes to Susan B. Anthony at the behest of her teacher, Mr. Springer, who uses those letters as part of a series of assignments related to the Hero Project. In those letters, readers learn all about what makes Susie B. tick, how she thinks, and her determination to run for president of the Student Council. While her platform is rather idealistic, it also reveals how frustrated she is with how often the same individuals are singled out as outstanding by teachers. She calls them the "usual geniuses," and she and her best friend, Joselyn Salazar, plan to shake things up by running for office. But Susie B. has a lot to overcome since many of her classmates find her odd, and several follow the lead of Chloe Howard ("Old Fakey Fake," to Susie B.) in making fun of Susie B., and there are a couple of popular students running for the same office. When Joselyn hatches a plan to win by becoming friends with Chloe, Susie B. is at first puzzled, then goes along with it briefly, but quickly realizes that she just can't keep her feelings and thoughts about the girl to herself long enough for it to work. But Joselyn seems all in when it comes to hanging out with Chloe, ultimately betraying Susie B. And while she's discovering truths about herself, Susie B. is also discovering some unpleasant truths about Susan B. Anthony and her racism and willingness to deny suffrage to Blacks in favor of suffrage for Blacks and women. Susie demonstrates this ire in her letters to Susan B. Anthony so powerfully that readers might wish she could write back to Susie B. Susie B. and her classmates realize that many so-called "heroes" had flaws and were examples of paradoxes. Her top-ten list of what she learned from the project contains excellent advice on life, and of course, being Susie B., there are eleven items on the list. Teachers will want to read this list as a reminder that all of their students matter, and not just the smart or attractive or easy ones, and for insight into how someone like Susie B. thinks and feels. Susie B.'s fondness for writing and her riffs on paragraphs and how teachers specify a formula for how many sentences a paragraph must have, according to the grade level, filled me with delight and appreciation for how her mind works. Fourth and fifth graders will want to read it for the story, the lessons, the drama, the unique format for storytelling, and maybe, just maybe, to see themselves and their experiences reflected....more
I continue to enjoy this series, written entirely in letters and a newspaper article or two. In this particular title, the third one, Andy (with whom I continue to enjoy this series, written entirely in letters and a newspaper article or two. In this particular title, the third one, Andy (with whom the two animals share custody) and his best friend Noah become estranged after the class pet, a leopard gecko, disappears, and Noah loses his turn at bringing Louie home for the weekend. Simon the cat is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and make Andy happy again. Baxter the dog is completely on board with that idea, but Simon isn't interested in having help from Baxter. As in the other books in the series, the two correspond through letters to one another that capture their personalities and Baxter's inventive spelling. The competitive animals must rely on clues from Bubbles, Muffet, Guppies, and they get a great deal of help from Snail, who goes into spy mode and passes on his mail delivery responsibilities to Edgar Allan Crow. Once Simon realizes that geckos eat snails, he and Baxter become quite worried about his wellbeing. Of course, things are resolved in a satisfactory fashion in the end with the two pets continuing their correspondence, with Simon counting the number of misspelled words in Baxter's last letter. There's even a Doggy Dictionary translating Baxter's words. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations complement the text, making this book so much fun to read, especially with its unique characters and distinct voices. ...more
Drawing inspiration from her travels around the world and her classroom visits, the two-time Caldecott Medalist celebrates the wonders of this amazingDrawing inspiration from her travels around the world and her classroom visits, the two-time Caldecott Medalist celebrates the wonders of this amazing place we call home through the words of a boy named Quinn who writes a letter to a "Visitor from Outer Space" (unpaged). He describes Earth, its terrain, its families, its animals, its challenges, its weather, its modes of transportation, and the need to lend a helping hand to others, before offering to share his room with this possible guest. The earnest text, written in the voice of a child, and the stunning--yes! there really is no other word for them!--illustrations, created with Chinese ink and watercolor, and will prompt much reflection about this wonderful planet we call home and its inhabitants and what we owe to it rather than what it owes to us. There is a strong note of personal responsibility for the environment and our fellow citizens sounded throughout this picture book. Honestly, every time I think that Sophie Blackall has offered up her best work in a picture book, she manages to surprise and delight me as she has done here. If there are visitors from other planets contemplating a stop here, they would do well to read this book before arriving....more
Literally a love letter from the author to the librarian who helped her find a safe place, this picture book will surely prompt tears from some adult Literally a love letter from the author to the librarian who helped her find a safe place, this picture book will surely prompt tears from some adult readers even while celebrating the impact libraries and librarians can have on the lives of others. When her parents move from Colorado to Iowa for her father's new job when she is five, the narrator misses all the things that made her home so special. For several months, her family lived in the houses of various relatives who offered them shelter, but "Nowhere was home. Nowhere had a special spot for me" (unpaged). But a family visit to the local library affords the young girl a place that felt like home and allowed her to meet the librarian, who was especially welcoming. Even after the family's fortunes improved and they moved into their own home, the library was still important to her, so important that she became a librarian herself and now gives back in the same way that librarian, Debra Stephenson, did to her. Youngsters may enjoy seeing photos of both librarians and Lydia when she was five and making note of the endpapers with various objects associated with libraries, including the old-fashioned book check-out card. The illustrations, created with watercolors, colored pencils, and graphite and then digitally assembled, are fresh and show the child's wonder at this special place that seemed so magical to her as a child. My favorite two double-page spreads show Lydia gazing in delight at the book shelves and Lydia and her beloved librarian smiling at one another. While this book mostly focuses on the importance of finding a place of one's own, readers will also want to consider how difficult it is for youngsters and adults who must move from one place to another, having a place to shelter but not a home that they can call their own. While this is Lydia's personal story, there will be many readers and librarians who will be able to relate to its contents. ...more
Based on events related to the throne of England from 1470 and 1485, this historical fiction imagines what might have happened if one of the two princBased on events related to the throne of England from 1470 and 1485, this historical fiction imagines what might have happened if one of the two princes, sons of Edward IV, had survived rather than dying while in captivity. The boys' uncle, Richard III, has imprisoned them and seized control of the throne. With them are two childhood friends, commoners Eleanor (Nell) Gould and her brother Toby, who have been brought to the Tower in order to distract the young princes. Twelve-year-old Nell and the prince, the would-be heir to the throne, were born on the same day and have maintained a friendship over the years even when he was sent off with another relative to learn his duties as future king. Nell has a crush on Edward (she calls him Ned) even though she knows they can marry since she's the daughter of a butcher. She learns to read and write and even helps out at a printing shop. Although readers know from the beginning that things will not turn out well for those princes, having the story told from Nell's naive perspective only makes the betrayal of Richard even more reprehensible. The author admittedly has taken liberties with various elements of the story, but doing so makes it more accessible to middle grade readers. Nell is understandably traumatized by the deaths of her brother and her friend, and she blames herself for not acting to stop the murder, and it takes her quite some time to heal. Her story makes it quite clear that allegiances often shifted quickly, and that this was a violent and uncertain time in her country's history. It often seemed that many individuals, especially the children of royalty, were mere playing pieces in a game of power....more
Digital illustrations created with Photoshop complement a correspondence between a dog and a cat, two family pets belonging to Andy. The images capturDigital illustrations created with Photoshop complement a correspondence between a dog and a cat, two family pets belonging to Andy. The images capture the personalities of the two writers as well as containing little touches such as a green snail literally delivering the posts to their intended recipients--a visual representation of what is known today as "snail mail." This book and the letters follow up on the success of the previous Dear Beast. In this installment, the ever-so-proper and somewhat stilted Simon writes to Baxter (also known as Beast) in order to obtain information about his involvement in the upcoming Pet Parade. It quickly becomes clear that Simon is having second thoughts about his own lack of enthusiasm for participation, and he pumps others, including Bubbles, Stinky, and Cheeks for information once the correspondence hits a bump over his insistence on proper grammar and correct spelling. The letters are amusing, and the characters are appealing, combining to make this book and series just right for early readers. Parents, caregivers, and teachers might enjoy sharing this one aloud if they use the correct voices or even using it as part of a series of lessons on letter writing. Surely, there are still individuals out there who write letters and send postcards. If not, this book just might encourage a revival of interest in doing so. ...more