As one of those conscientious individuals who does her best to separate trash from materials that can be recycled, I knew that I wanted to read this bAs one of those conscientious individuals who does her best to separate trash from materials that can be recycled, I knew that I wanted to read this book as soon as I saw its title and cover. While it didn't address some of my questions or expectations since I thought the author would follow the path of one particular load of trash or the contributions of one community from beginning to end, it did something even more important. In painstaking detail with statistics, interviews, and anecdotes, the book reveals the sordid truth behind trash and its fate. As it turns out, not surprisingly, most of the world's trash, including stuff that is deemed "recyclable," comes from the more affluent countries and ends up being shipped to poorer countries rather than in our cities' back yards. There is money to be made and saved from these efforts, even though how these discards are handled turns out to be more harmful to the environment than some of the fossil fuels being used to heat our buildings or power our cars. And despite what we've been told, plastics really aren't recyclable. They might be broken down into smaller bits, but they never really go away. Filled with humor, anger, and empathy for those who make a living sorting through or burning trash from foreign lands, this expose is a must-read for elected officials across the world and a wake-up call for the rest of us. With some historical background about consumerism, references to Vance Packard and Rachel Carson, the book left me feeling terribly guilty and responsible for my own careless lifestyle while wondering how to avoid plastic in the future, buy fewer items, and solve the problems identified in its pages. It completely answers the question of where all that trash goes. ...more
I've loved everything that this author has written, especially Plan A, which just knocked it out of the park. In this one, her latest, she explores soI've loved everything that this author has written, especially Plan A, which just knocked it out of the park. In this one, her latest, she explores some of the negative aspects of Artificial Intelligence while also examining the importance of families, both birth and found, and the importance of being seen and heard. Through the lens of the protagonist, Eleanor Diamond, whose father, tech god Hugo Harrison, has never acknowledged her or her older sister Rosalind, readers watch as Eleanor learns some hard truths about her father and his ethics. For years she's lived in awe of him, longing for his love and recognition while also feeling ignored by her mother and sister. When she has the chance to be a nanny to Arlo, Hugo's young son, and work with Aurora, his famous and beautiful wife and stay in their Seattle mansion, she leaps at the opportunity, changing only her last name. The more time she spends with this family, the more confused she becomes, growing increasingly uncomfortable with how carefully curated everyone's life is and Hugo's ambitious project intended to replace mothers. As alluring as Hugo's world is, not all of it is real or meaningful, and it's clear that both he and Aurora fail to realize that there's a difference between paid help and real friends. For some, the references to comic books and a comic heroine, Miss Fury, may be confusing, but she serves as Eleanor's alter ego, and is important to include as is the back story about her creator and other comics. I also loved the Soggy Pages Book Club and would wish for such a support system for myself if I were still a teen. Readers will probably finish this one with an inclination to do some soul-searching and thinking about what is real and what isn't and why the distinction matters. I read some of the more negative reviews about this book, and while I respect the fact the everyone has different reactions to books, I didn't agree with their comments. The book isn't perfect, but its positive points far outweigh any flaws. ...more
This picture book's clever title is more amusing than its content. Squeak is the mouse in question, and Squeak has a fondness for green slime, of whicThis picture book's clever title is more amusing than its content. Squeak is the mouse in question, and Squeak has a fondness for green slime, of which the illustrations aptly supply several examples. Not only is the slime rather gross and oozie, but when he nibbles on it, the slime changes him, somehow releasing his inner monster. As the panels in this picture book show, Grandma simply can't tolerate the new version of Squeak, and after he changes several times, she takes drastic action. This one is a 2.5 for me, but its intended audience will probably lap it up and ask their teachers and caregivers to let them make some slime, but it'll have to be green slime, of course. ...more
Today many of us take getting from here to there, no matter the distance, for granted. After all, we have various road signs and maps to get us to ourToday many of us take getting from here to there, no matter the distance, for granted. After all, we have various road signs and maps to get us to our destinations in efficient ways. But it wasn't always so. With handsome digital artwork, this informational picture book takes readers back in time to the earliest cartographers and attempts at mapping the world, then moving forward to showcase various advances. The text is clear, concise, but interesting, and there is even a timeline ranging from 25,000 BCE when the world's oldest map was engraved on the tusk of a mammoth to present day maps made by orbiting satellites. It's hard to read this book and not feel amazed and impressed, and for those of us like me who tend to be directionally challenged, grateful. ...more
Drama between the scions of the Carver Nuts and Dark Delights Chocolate factories is at the heart of this amusing and somewhat empowering picture bookDrama between the scions of the Carver Nuts and Dark Delights Chocolate factories is at the heart of this amusing and somewhat empowering picture book that resembles a comic book. Benjamin Carver III (also known as Mr. Smarty Pants), a genius who is allergic to peanuts, has used his ingenuity to invent devices that help him cope with that problem. But the two rivals clash when Dark Midnight (also known as Deon) steals his special factory book, and Mr. Smarty Pants calls for help from his friends. We need more Black and Brown protagonists who are intelligent and determined like this one, but some of the humor falls flat, some of the character motivation lacking, and the artwork detracted from my appreciation of the story, leaving it a 2.5 for me. Still, youngsters will see themselves in this character and even the peanut allergies as well as finding the book a quick read, which makes me happy to see it published. This one is a 2.5 for me....more
Although this book's target audience may be adolescents, those of us who are far past that age and certainly not digital natives, can learn a great deAlthough this book's target audience may be adolescents, those of us who are far past that age and certainly not digital natives, can learn a great deal about Artificial Intelligence from it. Not only does the author provide a history of AI as well as pondering its possibilities, both positive and negative, and how it's already changing our lives, but she does so in a relatable way with examples and anecdotes, even discussing its effects on jobs and future careers, Surprisingly, it may be that those who are most educated or in fields such as medicine, education, and journalism will find themselves easier to be replaced by AI than they originally thought. While Brockenbrough doesn't explore deeply some of the ethical concerns behind this increased reliance on AI, she raises important questions that readers--no matter their ages--will want to ask themselves after they finish the book. Reading this book made me feel much more informed about the topic, and while it's clear that there's no stopping AI, how it's used matters. This book is a great starting place for anyone curious about AI, and I hope more individuals will read and discuss it. ...more
While many youngsters are familiar with bicycles in their current iteration, they aren't likely to know much about the history of this form of transpoWhile many youngsters are familiar with bicycles in their current iteration, they aren't likely to know much about the history of this form of transportation, the subject of this engaging picture book [3.5 for me!]. The artwork, created with pencil and then colored digitally, covers most of each page, allowing readers to view the various forms of the early bicycle and consider how hard it must have been to ride some of these versions. Anyone interested in engineering or design will be intrigued by the text and illustrations that offer an accessible introduction to the subject. From 1817 with machines that were almost completely wooden and had no pedals to ones with two wheels and a pedal but no brakes to those with oversize wheels and a hefty price tag and finally, the arrival of affordable bicycles in the early 1900s--almost 100 years of tinkering--the bicycle played a part in leveling the playing field for everyone when it came to transportation as well as being a part of the liberation of women. The information is presented in an engaging, humorous fashion, and interested readers can learn more in the back matter. It was, indeed, a rather bumpy ride to the bicycle as we know it today. ...more
Goodness! If you want to feel old, then consider that the Rubik's Cube turns 50 this year. Those of us of a certain age can remember when this colorfuGoodness! If you want to feel old, then consider that the Rubik's Cube turns 50 this year. Those of us of a certain age can remember when this colorful block puzzle first arrived in stores and how youngsters and adults were obsessed with solving it. I had thought it no longer was sold anywhere, but apparently, it remains popular. This well written biography [3.5 for me!] about its creator, Erno Rubik, describes his formative years and early fascination with shapes as well as how he eventually became a teacher. In order to help his students understand the concept of three-dimensionality, he built models, and then, curious about cubes and whether he could build a big cube out of smaller cubes, he began experimenting. The text and illustrations are particularly effective in depicting his struggles and his many failures. When he finally solved the design puzzle he'd set up for himself, he was inspired by the pebbles along the river. He was 29. Interestingly, the back matter claims that it took him a month to move all the pieces back to their original position. The lively mixed media and digital collage consist of bright colors just like those used in the Rubik's Cube with even the endpapers appropriately honoring this popular puzzle amid tiny sketches of cubes and other relevant objects. Add this one to a classroom collection dedicated to inventions but beware of including a Rubik's Cube among the collection since the puzzle is quite addictive. ...more
With its clever title and six large sturdy flaps to lift as well as peek-through holes, this board book acknowledges the wonders of nature in an interWith its clever title and six large sturdy flaps to lift as well as peek-through holes, this board book acknowledges the wonders of nature in an interesting way. By focusing on biomimicry, the text introduces youngsters to some of the inventions inspired by nature. Since new technology based on the natural world is similar to the originals, readers may find it quite interesting to note how both the innovation and its inspiration work. There are riddles to solve, and the back matter even includes six small flaps that can be lifted to see what elephants, fireflies, kingfishers, geckos, sharks, and hedgehogs inspired. Youngsters are even encouraged to think of a problem that could be solved by copying some aspect of an animal. This one would be a great addition to a science classroom library. ...more
Inspiring and timely given the ubiquity of various types of protective masks, including the N95, worn during the recent pandemic, this picture book biInspiring and timely given the ubiquity of various types of protective masks, including the N95, worn during the recent pandemic, this picture book biography celebrates the life of the Malaysian doctor who invented the prototype for the masks used in hospitals today. Wu Lien-teh grew up in Malaysia, won a prestigious scholarship to the University of Cambridge, and eventually pursued his medical career in China. There, back in 1910, more than a century ago, he faced a unique health care challenge and came up with the idea for the mask to combat the pneumonic plague that was sickening and killing many individuals. After he persuaded many folks to don the masks, the plague ended in four months, perhaps a note worth considering for those in this country who continue to refuse to wear masks. The author has included details about this innovation as well as the push-back he received for his masks as well as the discrimination and prejudice he faced during his career. There's a timeline, plus photographs, and additional information in the back matter. Interestingly, the story is told by Wu Lien-teh's great-granddaughter. This hidden figure sorely needed to be recognized, and teachers will be delighted to add this accessible, well-written, and informative text to their collection. The digital illustrations are clean and crisp, and taken along with the book's clever title, large white strip of gauze and flapping physician's coat, they pay appropriate trip to this clever, resilient man who seems to have been something of a superman or a "masked hero," as the title would have it. Such a small thing that would have such an impact on lives! I'm grateful to the author, illustrator, and publisher for highlighting this part of history and this man. ...more
As this planet's human population continues to grow, it will become increasingly important to find new ways to grow crops without harming Earth. This As this planet's human population continues to grow, it will become increasingly important to find new ways to grow crops without harming Earth. This picture book uses colorful digital artwork and accessible text on a round-the-world trip exploring 12 different approaches to farming. Through its pages, readers visit a salt farm in Kaua'i, a food forest in Kenya, and a terrace farm in Chile, among others. There are even farms where produce is grown in circular patterns and those where food grows inside a biosphere. Back matter amplifies the brief facts presented in the text about each of these unique approaches to growing food, and there's even a helpful map so that readers can locate each farm while pondering how much effort it would take to engage in this sort of farming and what the advantages to the planet are. This one might be a good choice for an elementary or middle school science classroom library. It will surely make some readers marvel at the ingenuity of some humans who find a way to maximize available spaces and places....more
It's doubtful that there's a science-related topic that this particular author/illustrator hasn't covered during her prolific career. In this updated It's doubtful that there's a science-related topic that this particular author/illustrator hasn't covered during her prolific career. In this updated version of her Stargazers picture book, Gail Gibbons provides an introduction to astronomy and the stars. Not only does she explain the differences between two types of telescopes as well as how they work, but she also identifies various constellations and discusses the origin of their names. Complemented by vivid watercolor illustrations that are clean and crisp, the text may encourage some youngsters to set their sights on the stars for future careers while also prompting a sense of awe and wonder in anyone who spends some time outdoors and looks up to see those heavenly bodies shining above them. As usual, she also provides thumbnail sketches with interesting facts and refutes some common misconceptions about the stars. As always, Gail Gibbons has a knack for simplifying even the most complicated aspects of a topic. This one is a keeper for lower elementary classroom libraries. Even the book's title and its cover are rather enticing. ...more
Readers who don't appreciate the wonders of the human body will want to keep this informational book handy--pun intended. Covering quite a lot of terrReaders who don't appreciate the wonders of the human body will want to keep this informational book handy--pun intended. Covering quite a lot of territory related to the hand, including what hands can do, their uniqueness--no two hands are alike--how they show someone's age, how hands have been used for measurement, and even how left-handed individuals have been demonized over the centuries, the book is quite browsable, allowing readers to dip in and out of it at will. There are even pages describing hand decorations and how hands have been depicted in classic works of art, prosthetic devices, and yes, tips on hygiene and the proper way to wash one's hands. This information will be valuable during the next pandemic. The text is broken up with colorful artwork, and part of the background is provided through comic strips. Some of the tidbits [features of "Famous Hands" and "Hands by Profession," for instance] seem a bit random and possibly intended as filler since their usefulness in adding to readers' appreciation of the topic wasn't clear. Still, reading so much about hands will give youngsters a fresh perspective of this important body part that is often taken for granted and how important hands are in every day activities....more
This picture book biography about the man mistakenly known as the father of ice cream is a 3.5 for me. Although Augustus Jackson, the book's subject, This picture book biography about the man mistakenly known as the father of ice cream is a 3.5 for me. Although Augustus Jackson, the book's subject, certainly didn't invent ice cream, he popularized it and developed techniques that made it faster, kept it colder, and allowed it to be shipped some distance from his store. The author's enthusiastic accounting of Jackson's evolution from kitchen helper at the White House to cook to owner of his own ice cream parlor as well as entrepreneur and innovator is evident in every carefully-chosen word of the text. Youngsters will be intrigued that he left home at an early age to seek his fortune, moving from Philadelphia to Washington, DC. And who doesn't love ice cream, the treat that makes everyone smile? There is little doubt that young readers won't have heard about Augustus Jackson, but after reading this story, they'll have a whole new appreciation for the icy treat and this man that made it possible for so many to enjoy it even when there were no freezers. As for me, having eaten far more than my own share of ice cream, much more than was healthy for me, I was torn between feeling gratitude for Jackson's techniques and wishing they'd never happened so that I couldn't find ice cream so easily. The book's illustrations consisting of digital paintings feature smiling, eager faces and amused onlookers as Jackson prepared his ice cream and as he sometimes walked through the streets with his product, reciting lines intended to entice customers. Reading this book and learning about the accomplishments of a man who changed lives in this small but significant way is a sweet treat in and of itself. The book's back matter also contains directions for how to make ice cream and an Afterword with even more information about Jackson as well as his photograph. Jackson truly was the "ice cream man," and the text uses terms intended to make that clear. Readers will also want to pay attention to the endpapers consisting of several dishes filled with different ice cream flavors. Absolutely delicious!...more
With its softly-colored illustrations created with watercolor, pen and ink, and Photoshop, all set against plentiful white space, this picture book isWith its softly-colored illustrations created with watercolor, pen and ink, and Photoshop, all set against plentiful white space, this picture book is a 3.5 for me. It sounds several notes clearly that make it appeal to me: 1. It features dogs and a girl with a strong bond with her dog. 2. It describes an experience that will be familiar to many of us who have special talents in certain areas but fail miserably in one or two, making failure a baffling time. In this picture book, Izzy is clearly a whiz at making things. She's clever, creative, and an excellent problem solver. But after completing several simple projects, knitting a sweater frustrates her. The proportions are all wrong, and even though she tries making a sweater that fits several time, she has no luck. The artwork shows just how frustrated Izzy is. But that frustration doesn't last very long since she makes adjustments on her last sweater, cutting it so that Max can wear it when they go outside in the cold. Max loves the warmth, but when Izzy realizes that some of the other dogs are cold, she decides to do something about it. She may never be able to get a sweater that is just right for her, but there will be several warm and comfortable dogs, thanks to Izzy. Young readers will appreciate her positive attitude, too, since she is adept at making adjustments when her original plans don't pan out. The book's title is perfect for its contents, prompting readers to wonder how exactly someone might knit for dogs or write a book about how to teach dogs to knit. ...more
Fans of L. Frank Baum's Oz books may want to give this middle-grade graphic novel a try since there are several textual and visual references to that Fans of L. Frank Baum's Oz books may want to give this middle-grade graphic novel a try since there are several textual and visual references to that world in its contents. Even the idea of a Tin Man in search of a heart only to have it broken, as happens to us all at some time, is reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz as is the wizard's gift to Campbell, the Tin Man in this story, and several references to tornadoes. Campbell is living in a junkyard when a young boy named Fenn stumbles upon him and enlists his help in building a rocket. Fenn and his sister Solar had been working on that project together, but Solar is no longer interested in doing so. She seems to have no time for Fenn; instead, she chooses to spend time with some sketchy adolescents, including Merrick, who is cruel, rude, and dismissive of Campbell, insulting him at every turn. Solar is rudderless at this point in her life, unsure about her future, arguing with her parents, and desperately missing her grandmother. It's not clear exactly what's at the root of her malaise other than that loss or why she's acting out, but she also bonds with Campbell, which infuriates Merrick. Readers might expect a romance to blossom between the two of them, and maybe it will in the future, but for now, Campbell helps Solar recognize her self-worth and mend fences with her brother. While there are some holes in the story and the flashbacks of Campbell interacting with his father can be a bit confusing, this one is certainly worth a read. Some readers will finish it and continue to think about what it means to have a heart and how easy it is to get lost and need someone else to help you find your way back. ...more
I'd rate this a 3.5 for its originality and the fact that the premise will make readers think quite a lot about death, loss, and the grieving process.I'd rate this a 3.5 for its originality and the fact that the premise will make readers think quite a lot about death, loss, and the grieving process. The ending seemed obvious from the start, but I still enjoyed reading it because of its originality and how something very much like this could happen. Sam Elling is a gifted software engineer in Seattle. When he loses his job because his algorithm for a dating company is too successful, he tinkers with projects at home and spends time with Meredith, the woman he met through that very program. Life is good for the couple, but after the death of Livvie, Meredith's grandmother, Sam uses her online profile--gleaned from emails, video chats, Facebook posts, and texts--to create a computer simulation of the woman to help Meredith through the grieving process and help her let go. But Meredith becomes quite attached to this replica of her grandmother, leading Sam to wonder if what he's created is more harmful or more helpful. This becomes even more complicated once he and Meredith decide to start RePose, based on Sam's initial program with some tweaks, with another family member, to help others deal with their losses. Despite the challenging subject matter, this book is filled with humor and tenderness, but it also makes readers think about they themselves handle loss and whether it is more healing or more painful to prolong the goodbye in such a way, especially since the simulation is so very real. While I was struck by the originality of the plot, I finished the book feeling emotionally exhausted and worn out by the many--maybe too many since they started to blend together--secondary characters and the various emotional burdens they were carrying. ...more
This one is a 3.5 for me. Although I could do without the canine professor spouting all that knowledge about astronomy, the book's intended audience wThis one is a 3.5 for me. Although I could do without the canine professor spouting all that knowledge about astronomy, the book's intended audience will appreciate that feature and his telescope sidekick. The content of the book, though, is stellar, as it provides a concise history of astronomy, starting with the earliest stargazers, including Aristotle, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Galileo, and moving to more recent scientists such as Einstein and Hawking. Since the information is embedded in a comic book format with panels and balloons for conversations and facts, readers will find reading it to be a breeze. Plus, even adults will learn something new. I'm not a fan of the artwork, but I appreciate how accessible all of this information is, even with the inclusion of black holes, dark matter, and the search for extraterrestrial life, all topics about which little is known. There's even a game to play upon finishing the book, which just might inspire further interest in budding astronomers or individuals who dream of working at the International Space Station. ...more
This inspiring picture book, based on a true experience, is a 3.5 for me. Celebrating the imagination and innovation of Richard Turere, a Maasai boy lThis inspiring picture book, based on a true experience, is a 3.5 for me. Celebrating the imagination and innovation of Richard Turere, a Maasai boy living in Kenya, it highlights a problem that several countries and regions surely must grapple with--how to preserve both the animals on which the residents depend for survival and the predators that attract tourist dollars. In this particular case, Richard needed to protect the cattle herd belonging to his people from the lions that sought the animals for food. After building a fire and fashioning a scarecrow to intimidate the lions, techniques that weren't successful, Richard gathered together various parts to make lights that would flash on and off, an invention that frightened the lions away from the cattle. With his Lion Lights, he had solved a problem that had bewildered experts and herdsmen for years. With some close-ups of the area and the inventor, the luminous illustrations evoke a sense of place and Richard's determination to solve this problem. Back matter offers additional information about the Maasai as well as a glossary. Add this book to a collection devoted to inventors, boy power or how one person can make a difference. It sounds as though Richard is busily working to solve other problems. ...more
This inspiring collective biography offering helpful advice about how to change the world is a 3.5 for me. So often youngsters and teens become concerThis inspiring collective biography offering helpful advice about how to change the world is a 3.5 for me. So often youngsters and teens become concerned about an issue such as climate change but don't know how to channel those feelings into some sort of action. This book offers ways to do so, and does so in very specific fashion with suggested websites, organizations, and starting points. Thus, it isn't necessary to simply wring one's hands about the state of the world; instead, readers can mine the book for examples of individuals who are already working to save the planet. In its contents readers will read about 34--yes, 34!--different women who are taking action against toxic materials in water and beauty products, for instance, as well as those who are finding ways to deal with waste, plastic, and advance the Green New Deal. Others are determined to end the world's reliance on fossil fuels in creative ways while still others are concerned about the large amount of food that is wasted or thrown out while so many humans are starving. The book contains profiles of these amazing women and their projects or companies, providing brief information about their backgrounds and what led to their commitments to the green cause. Each profile contains brief soundbites about what they consider something they are "oddly bad at" or "oddly good at" as well as some of their less eco-friendly behavior before they became aware of its harms. Most encouraging, the book also includes some of the mistakes these women made along the way and how they dealt with those mistakes or overcame them. Readers will surely come away from the book inspired to do their bit for the planet, filled with a sense of hope that maybe it isn't too late to save us from ourselves. Most interestingly, the author acknowledges that while small, individual actions such as not using plastic bags or straws matter, it is those larger political movements and projects described here that truly may be the turning point. She clearly acknowledges the value of activism and spreading the word about whatever issue matters to readers. While I appreciated all the content and suggestions, I still wondered about what someone with little political clout or a small network of friends can do. In many cases, these women had access to wealthy donors or supporters who made their dreams come true. ...more