This artist's unique vision tends to result in images and stories that touch readers' hearts, evoking a sense of poignancy and sentimentality that linThis artist's unique vision tends to result in images and stories that touch readers' hearts, evoking a sense of poignancy and sentimentality that lingers long after the final page is turned. In this particular book, a mother and son have recently settled into a new place and are lying in bed sharing memories. This experience is surely relatable to readers, especially older ones, but youngsters will be able to relate as well. The background for many of the pages is dark since it's nighttime, but the memory scenes are filled with bright colors, and the exchange between mother and son is indicated in different text colors--orange for her and blue for him. There's a moving double-page spread showing the boy and the woman lying in bed, staring out into the darkness, that is simply perfect, depicting, as it does, so many emotions and thoughts that must be running through their heads as they reminisce about happy times, maybe happier times as well as some moments that weren't happy at all, and then recollect their journey to this particular place. Perhaps surprising it is the boy who suggests that this new home can be something worth remembering, perhaps a fresh start and one not fraught with worries or second thoughts. Readers don't know why the family has left their original home or what has happened to the father, which makes the story all that more relatable. Like the boy in the story, readers will realize that the moments they are living through right now may someday become the memories that stick in their minds. The illustrations, created with watercolor, gouache, and digital assistance, are memorable, and prompt a second and a third look....more
A Step from Heaven will always be one of my favorite YA books, and I usually like this author's work, but this one--2.5 for me--just didn't work. ObviA Step from Heaven will always be one of my favorite YA books, and I usually like this author's work, but this one--2.5 for me--just didn't work. Obviously, there is a need for more books for teens about mental health, which made me excited to read this one. The cover made it clear that mental health would be part of the book's content, and the author tried hard to immerse readers in the mind and experiences of Grace King, whose mother has schizophrenia and who disappeared years ago, leaving behind Grace and her father, who apparently spends his time and money looking for a cure or clues about what causes it. Grace, of course, worries that schizophrenia is in her genes, and as she starts hearing sounds and experiencing delusions, it's clear that she's right to be concerned. The author deserves credit for trying to show her readers what the mind of someone with schizophrenia might experience, but so many parts of the book become confusing, and it isn't always clear what is reality and what is in her mind, especially when it comes to her home and work life. Ultimately, this doesn't work, and the end result seems rather muddled and unsatisfying, prompting readers to question just what they read and just how believable the narrator actually is or what the truth of any of this actually is. It's too bad because the premise is promising and could have played out something like A Beautiful Mind. ...more
I'm certainly not the only one who wishes to be able to tell stories in the way that Jacqueline Woodson does. Whether through the sparing language of I'm certainly not the only one who wishes to be able to tell stories in the way that Jacqueline Woodson does. Whether through the sparing language of a picture book, her chapter books or her own memoir, she writes as though it's effortless, somehow reeling in her readers with her lyrical prose. Often, she sets her books in Brooklyn, an area with which she is quite familiar. In this case, the story takes place in the Bushwick portion of Brooklyn during the 1970s when parts of the city are burning and folks in the protagonist's neighborhood are always on guard for the next fire. The plot revolves around Sage, a seventh grader with mad basketball skills, and her friendship with a new neighbor, Freddy, who also loves basketball. Sage seems to be a confident youngster when the book opens, but a rude remark from an adolescent on the basketball court causes her to question her identity and whether it's okay to play ball with the boys rather than hang with the girls her age, a dilemma surely faced by others like her. Although she loses her way for a time, she eventually finds her footing once again. If this were all the book was concerned with, it would be enough. But Sage and Freddy are aware of how some friendships are lifelong while others fade away due to circumstances, just as homes and neighborhoods change and are no longer the way they were in our memories. As comfortable as Sage is in her familiar terrain, readers will understand her reluctance to leave behind what's familiar and the place that has made all her memories. It's difficult to read this story without thinking about the mingled joy and sorrow of moving forward, leaving the past and those individuals in that past behind. As she often does, Woodson sprinkles in moving vignettes featuring secondary characters such as Jacob who stay in readers' hearts long after the book concludes. This one bears a second, a third, and a fourth read, and is, of course, vintage Woodson, encouraging readers to read, think, and feel between the lines....more
This fascinating novel about art, passion, and relationships is a 3.5 for me. While I didn't always understand the motivations of the two main charactThis fascinating novel about art, passion, and relationships is a 3.5 for me. While I didn't always understand the motivations of the two main characters and wish they had taken different actions at various points, I found both of them interesting, complex, flawed, and stubborn. In some ways it's as though the author has taken the best and the worst of each of us and merged them in this book. The narration moves between Jean, who lives in her parents' home in a rundown neighborhood in the Allegheny Mountains, and her stepdaughter, Leah. One by one, Jean has watched as the other houses in the neighborhood have been abandoned and boarded up, but Jean remains in her home where she spends years creating metal sculptures from bits and scraps she's collected from flea markets and other sources. Once quite close to Jean, Leah has moved on with her life after her father and Jean split up, but she's felt confused by Jean's attempts to share her nascent artistic vision with her as well as disconcerted by some of her life choices. After Jean's death from a fall while working on her "manglements," as Jean calls them, Leah returns home to find those amazing works of art. The descriptions of Jean's creative process and inspiration are quite interesting as is her relationship with Elliott, the down-and-up young man who helps her during her later years and to whom she feels indebted because of a misunderstanding--or perhaps because of a true understanding. It's also quite interesting to ponder the events described in each installment through the different perspectives of Jean and Leah while considering what makes bonds strengthen or weaken. With references to the nation's political climate during the MAGA resurgence and a title that speaks well to the book's contents, this short book calls for introspection and self-examination, prompting some readers to look at their own relationships and how easy it is to drift apart while also misjudging others. I'll be thinking about this one for a while. ...more
This book received plenty of rave reviews upon its initial publication, and I can easily see why. Although it focuses on a most unlikely hero--or perhThis book received plenty of rave reviews upon its initial publication, and I can easily see why. Although it focuses on a most unlikely hero--or perhaps, antihero--a church deacon known as Sportcoat who spends much of his time consuming hooch concocted by one of his friends, this piece of historical fiction, set in 1969 in the Causeway Housing Projects in South Brooklyn in New York City, introduces several other fascinating characters while also exploring relevant topics such as poverty, gentrification, racism, and the easy money made from drug trafficking. Readers new to this author's work are in for a treat, as he assembles long sentences, plentiful description, and an astute eye for human behavior, warts and all, as well as the good that lies within many individuals, if only one digs deep enough. All the action unfolds as the result of Sportcoat's shooting of a local drug dealer, once a promising baseball pitcher, an event from which spiral all sorts of life changes, retributions, and meandering observations. For those readers who don't appreciate asides or prefer a straight narrative, this one won't be pleasing, for those of us who prefer more layered, more nuanced explorations of individuals and their neighborhoods along with some humorous moments, this will more than meet the bill. Ultimately, as we know from our own life experiences, some mysteries are just not meant to be solved. While the story could have taken a completely different path while covering negative elements, the author chooses not to do so, instead highlighting the hope, joy, and even possible redemption that await us, especially when surrounded by a supportive community. Many of the residents of this particular neighborhood have moved there from the South in search of a better life, only to find that this is a false promise, something that must surely hold true for many who have been drawn to a different land or place, and something upon which to reflect. ...more
I was unfamiliar with this author's work, but now that I've been introduced to his writing, I plan to seek out his other books. While parts of it mighI was unfamiliar with this author's work, but now that I've been introduced to his writing, I plan to seek out his other books. While parts of it might be familiar to horror fans--a locked trunk that the protagonist drags with her on her journey--others won't be so commonplace, making the reading experience quite unique. Set primarily in Big Sandy, Montana in 1914-1915 during the Westward Expansion, the book follows Adelaide Henry, 31, as she flees her family farm in California for a new start in Montana where no one knows her. Like others, she's drawn by the possibility of owning land through "proving" herself by planting crops and making the acreage sustainable. While I was familiar with this government carrot intended to attract settlers out West, I hadn't realized that there were women like Adelaide, who is Black, who also were lured to the area by the idea of free land. But rural Montana is a lonely, isolated place, and all Adelaide has with her is that trunk, the contents of which are revealed late in the story, effectively building suspense. Interestingly, this book defies genres in many respects, containing elements of mystery, horror, historical fiction, westerns, and the supernatural while addressing topics related to gender, race, culture, and socioeconomics. The chapters are short, and some readers will be annoyed that characters met early in the book turn out to be more significant than expected, but those surprises pleased me and made me want to push on through the book, which covers some dark territory while revealing what it must have taken to survive in such a place, especially if the homesteader was a woman. The importance of community and a few strong, loyal friends is noteworthy throughout the narrative, but particularly near the end. ...more
This graphic novel horror story by the creator of the excellent graphic adaptation of Speak is a 3.5 for me. While parts of the story may seem familiaThis graphic novel horror story by the creator of the excellent graphic adaptation of Speak is a 3.5 for me. While parts of the story may seem familiar to readers--quiet, plain woman marries a dentist who seems to have a few skeletons in his closet--others may not be so expected. The main character, Abby, leads a fairly mundane, all-too predictable life in rural Canada, working as a cashier at a local store, trying to please her husband, and tending to his daughter, Crystal. But at night, she has a rich fantasy life filled with a knight, a princess, and a tower. She also detects some fractures in her image of David, her husband, and his personality as well as the stories he's told her about his previous wife, Sheila, who supposedly died of cancer. When Sheila's ghost makes contact with Abby, she becomes even more uncertain about this man she has married. The artwork, created with digital brushes, graphite and ink, is filled with rich reds and blues that swirl against a stark black background during her fantasizing alternating with blacks and whites depicting her everyday life. Parts of the story are left intentionally vague, allowing readers to form their own conclusions about certain scenes and characters while others remind them that there is always much more to someone than what's on the surface. I'm sure I'm not the only person who is still thinking about those final pages and that ending. ...more
This moving historical fiction--a 4.5 for me--is impossible to put down and important on so many levels. Reading it puts into perspective the current This moving historical fiction--a 4.5 for me--is impossible to put down and important on so many levels. Reading it puts into perspective the current situation in Ukraine and makes readers wonder how and why so much of the history described in the book has been lost, forgotten or ignored. I'm embarrassed to admit that I had no idea about the so-called "famine" in Ukraine that resulted in the death of millions of Ukrainians in 1933, but now that I know about this Holodomor, it's impossible not to keep thinking about it. The narrative moves back in forth in time and place from New Jersey in 2020 as Matthew, a bored 13-year-old kept at home during the early days of the pandemic, begins spending time with his great-grandmother and learning about her history, to 1933 Kyiv during that famine as well as 1933 Brooklyn. On the surface, it seems impossible for the three different strands of this story [from Matthew, Mila, and Helen] to connect, but eventually readers learn how they do. Reading this well-written, emotionally engaging middle-grade book will leave a strong impression on readers, who may find themselves wondering what they might have done in various situations or how things could have been different or even to question the lies we tell ourselves to justify certain beliefs or actions. This is not an easy read since the author includes scenes of betrayal, starvation, and imprisonment as well as background about the dangers or leaving the words of those in power unquestioned or unexamined. It just might be the most important children's book published during this past year. As such, it is a must-read....more
Twelve-year-old Justine Crieve simply adores her new teacher at the parochial school. But Justine isn't the only student who is enchanted by Mrs. PricTwelve-year-old Justine Crieve simply adores her new teacher at the parochial school. But Justine isn't the only student who is enchanted by Mrs. Price. She's young, glamorous, innovative and is rumored to have a tragic past. She also selects various students for extra tasks and the chance to spend time with her after class, something that many folks today won't understand as a privilege, but in 1984 when most of the book was set, it was. Justine, the narrator, has lost watched her beloved mother die from cancer during the previous year, and she longs for acceptance, love, and comfort. She and her best friend, Amy, are not among the most popular pupils in their grade, and they spend much of their time together. But strange things begin to happen in the class as students start realizing that their belongings are missing. Even as Justine starts being singled out for attention by her teacher, her classmates start pointing the finger of blame at Amy for the thefts. Justine begins to have different suspicions about the culprit, especially after Amy dies and the losses continue. Since part of the story is set in 2014, readers are treated to glimpses of Justine's present life as she visits her father who is in a nursing home and doesn't even remember who his daughter is. I won't spoil the rest, but I will say that this psychological thriller set in New Zealand will have readers guessing until the very last page. While the book covers some familiar territory and adult readers will recall wanting to be singled out as the teacher's pet, it also takes some surprising twists and turns as it explores guilt, culpability, betrayal, and memory. The lengths someone may go to make sure that they remain a favorite are downright shocking. Catherine Chidgey has created complex characters who often behave in surprising ways in a compulsive page-turner that prompts reflection upon jealousy and belonging . ...more
The three short captures in this early reader book cover a lot of emotional territory, plucking plenty of heartstrings along the way. The start of a pThe three short captures in this early reader book cover a lot of emotional territory, plucking plenty of heartstrings along the way. The start of a promising series, the story follows two dogs who live in an animal shelter. Their names--Bear and Moose--don't really fit them, but they're still proud of them and eager to find a new home, preferably one together. When a woman named Cathy is charmed by the two canines and brings them home, they are delighted with the freedom and adventures. But when she puts up a fence to protect them, they are determined to see what's on the other side and make a temporary escape. They dig a tunnel and take off for a while, always intending to return. When they come back, there's a surprise waiting for them--a scruffy orange cat in need of some TLC. Cathy adopts the cat, Tiger, but it takes the two dogs being willing to sleep in the cat's bed along with some toys in order for the new addition to the family to settle down. Perfect for its intended audience, this story will resonate with animal lovers with its themes of belonging, friendship, and family. Since there are several colorful illustrations spread throughout the text, readers have a chance to see the animals in action and hope that all rescued animals have such a happy ending. ...more
This delightfully honest, humorous, and refreshing quasi-autobiographical memoir [3.5 for me] of the author's experiences once her family moves to DeaThis delightfully honest, humorous, and refreshing quasi-autobiographical memoir [3.5 for me] of the author's experiences once her family moves to Dearborn, Michigan is must-read. Filled with witty observations and reflections on her own personal journey as she explores her identity as a Muslim teen in the urban part of the United States as well as at home as one of five daughters and in high school, this book will speak to many teens who have experienced similar journeys as they try to find themselves, try to fit in, and figure out who they are. Readers interested in books about identity will recognize that culture is only part of that journey and that the journey is only beginning. There are so many humorous parts to this book, including its title, that will give readers pause and with which they'll relate. It will be eagerly devoured by Muslim girls, but also should be essential reading for anyone trying to understand themselves and others. There are so many parts to enjoy, including the large artwork, but my favorite two would be when Huda approaches high school as though it'll be a cinch only to learn that this isn't the case, and when she throws her mother under the bus during a conference with the principal. Both capture high school perfectly....more
Originally published in Italy, this graphic novel will have great appeal for youngsters who love to dance, especially those who are drawn to ballet. MOriginally published in Italy, this graphic novel will have great appeal for youngsters who love to dance, especially those who are drawn to ballet. Many of them will relate to Ellie [Electra], the book's protagonist, and the deep desire she has to dance even though her interests clash with her mother's. After Ellie's family moves to a new town, her mother nudges her to try various sports in order to make friends. But not a single sport appeals to Ellie, and to make matters worse, she sucks at all of them. When she sees a ballet for the very first time and a new classmate, Nicholas, introduces her to his friends, Ellie realizes she's found her niche and a way forward. But persuading her mother will take all her skills. As is typical with these sorts of stories, Ellie must deal with a bully, figure out what she wants, and then fight for what she wants. But if she could possibly dance on stage, why, that would be worth all the trouble. The book features some interesting secondary characters, including Ellie's supportive cousin, Chloe, and a relatable plot. Fans of children's ballet will appreciate the story and the artwork as well as the depictions of all the practice sessions although Ellie's success comes a little faster than might be believable. ...more
All eleven-year-old Alex Freeman wants is a friend. And this is something he wants desperately since he hopes having someone who has his back will helAll eleven-year-old Alex Freeman wants is a friend. And this is something he wants desperately since he hopes having someone who has his back will help when he moves on to the next phase of school. Alex's autism leaves him open to teasing on the part of some of his classmates, and the author does an admirable job of describing some of his behavior that others might find annoying or confusing as well as identifying some of his coping mechanisms for dealing with stressful moments. In order to win the friendship of Jared, a popular boy at school, he tries various strategies, including learning to run faster, master a computer game, and teach his dog, Kevin, tricks to perform at a large dog show. He wants a trophy from that show so badly. Alas, that is not to be, but along the way, during the five days before the big event, Alex realizes that he actually does have a friend or two--and not the ones he tried so hard to impress. Plus, the love that he and Kevin share is not unimportant. As the book's title indicates, it is "all the small wonderful things" that we may not notice that enrich our lives. Readers will root for Alex to figure out his worth and to succeed on his own terms. The ending is a bit too good to be true, but most readers won't care. This one is a 3.5 for me. ...more
Having enjoyed this writer's earlier YA books, I was eager to see what this picture book--3.5 for me-- would entail. Clearly, this is a family who hasHaving enjoyed this writer's earlier YA books, I was eager to see what this picture book--3.5 for me-- would entail. Clearly, this is a family who has immigrated from their homeland for unspoken reasons. Each double-page spread celebrates a different type or word for love, 11 in total, ranging from one in which the "souls are closely entwined" (unpaged) to "love that burns, that yearns to touch homeland-heartland soil one last time" (unpaged). The repetition of the sentence, "There are eleven words for love, and my family knows them all" (unpaged) effectively connects the different types of love described here while each love concept is highlighted in Arabic script in the upper corner of one of the pages. The illustrations are strikingly different from the typical artwork in children's books, consisting of images created with watercolor pencil and collage laid out on textured cardstock, which lends emotional resonance and sentimentality to the text. Readers won't want to miss the endpapers as they contain images worth studying as well. It's clear that this is a family that is remaining true to its culture even while perhaps living far from home. The ending pages seem a bit abrupt, and it would have been helpful to provide some context or another page or two. Nevertheless, this is a picture book worth adding to a school or classroom library, partly for the diverse cultural representation it brings to a school, but also because of the variety of expressions of love that may expand youngsters' concept of that sentiment. ...more
Sixteen-year-old Iris has plans, big plans, for her future. She's working hard at a local drug store where she's been promoted to assistant manager beSixteen-year-old Iris has plans, big plans, for her future. She's working hard at a local drug store where she's been promoted to assistant manager because of how responsible she is, and she's saving her money for college. When she realizes that she's pregnant, she knows that she's not ready to be a mother and that giving birth to a child would alter her future in countless ways. With the help of her mother, her boyfriend, Lorenzo, who is 18, she decides to drive cross country from her Paris, Texas, home to Oregon where her grandmother lives and where she can have an abortion legally. That's not an option in Texas where she lives because she is about six weeks pregnant. Along the way, Ivy and Lorenzo have many adventures, visit local towns with the names of other, more famous places such as Lima and Rome, see some amazing and not so amazing sights, fall further in love, and meet some amazing women. While the folks Iris encounters during stopovers are either family friends or relatives, each one has stories about their own abortions or some of the historical restrictions on women's reproductive health and behavior. While I appreciated these women's stories and willingness to share their secrets as they provided aid to Iris, I also found it rather unlikely that so many of these women would have had relevant stories to relate. The fact that Iris and Lorenzo have never had sex and that she seems to be vilified by almost every resident of Paris once her pregnancy [and later, her abortion] is revealed add drama and tension to the story, but also seem almost too predictable and disingenuous. Surely, there are individuals in Texas who would have been willing to help Iris and are pro-choice. The constant refrain of the word "choice" makes the story almost veer into heavy didacticism. Despite these quibbles and the unkind aspersions seemingly cast on all Texans as well as the message that it's necessary to leave rather than stay and promote change from within a community, this is an important book, one well worth reading, discussing, and reflecting upon. To say that it's timely is an understatement, given the recent Supreme Court ruling on Roe v. Wade and the response of many states to that ruling. ...more
This fourth book [3.5 for me] in the American Royals series wraps up in satisfying fashion for its fans, tying up loose ends, ending and beginning relThis fourth book [3.5 for me] in the American Royals series wraps up in satisfying fashion for its fans, tying up loose ends, ending and beginning relationships, and marking the start of the rule of the Queen of America. As did its predecessors, the book includes chapters from the points of view of Beatrice, Samantha, Nina, and Daphne. Picking right up where the third book concluded, this one immerses readers in the social and political world of Washington, DC, but through alternative history. While romantic relationships and fashion continue to be important in the storyline, it's pleasantly surprising--and encouraging--that these women are learning to chart their own paths, some making difficult decisions and life choices while others realize that it is possible to change. Fans of British royalty and those who are enamored with the thought of this country being led by monarchs and a dynasty of Washingtons will gobble this one up. ...more
Laura Rodriguez Colon regrets the actions she took that led to her parents being moved into rehab and her having to live with her aunt, a woman she doLaura Rodriguez Colon regrets the actions she took that led to her parents being moved into rehab and her having to live with her aunt, a woman she doesn't know at all. In this novel in verse, told through Laura's voice, readers are immersed in the sixth-grader's plans to be reunited with her parents, no matter what. As she goes through a sort of grieving process for the life she once had and places all her hopes on getting in touch with them, Laura writes and sends letters that don't get a response, finds a true friend in Benson, and befriends a puppy that she names Sparrow. Her decision to teach him how to be a certified therapy dog is part of her efforts to arrange for a visit with them. Along the way, Laura comes to realize that she isn't to blame for what happened and that she has others who love her, including Aunt Titi and Sparrow. Laura's journey isn't an easy one, and there are passages here that show her misplaced anger toward others, including her dog, that ring true. While her new home may or may not be temporary and it's nothing like the one she shared with her mother and father, for now, it's the best place to be. Fans of the author's other book, Iveliz Explains It All, or Barbara O'Connor's How to Steal a Dog will fall in love with this one, which is filled with raw emotions and tender moments, as well. ...more
This middle-grade novel is a 3.5 for me, leaning toward a 4. Two twelve-year-olds spend the summer running and training for a half-marathon in Half MoThis middle-grade novel is a 3.5 for me, leaning toward a 4. Two twelve-year-olds spend the summer running and training for a half-marathon in Half Moon Bay. That's 13.1 miles, folks! Although the two protagonists actually share a birthday, they don't know each other until Mia's family moves in with her grandmother while her father is in Alaska taking care of his own mother. He had been building his dream home, but economic concerns have put that on hold and the family members separated temporarily. Lonely, unsettled, and missing all that was familiar, Mia happens to start running with Drew and his father when the father invites her to do so. Drew's world is also shattered when he learns about his father's health issues, something his mother tries to keep from him. But as the two youngsters train, running further each day, they realize that they are stronger than they ever imagined and that running gives them a break from life's other challenges. During the actual race, they lean on each other in order to finish. Both characters are well-developed, and the fact that Mia's parts of the story are told in poetry while Drew's are in prose adds to the book's uniqueness and reader appeal. The author's descriptions of running, whether during those daily training sessions or during the actual race will have readers reaching for their own running gear and heading out for a run. Thank goodness the author avoided making Drew and Mia fall in love or develop a crush on each other. It's encouraging to have books available that honor friendship between a guy and a girl. This one is a solid selection for a classroom library since its subject matter and the experiences of both Drew and Mia are so relatable. ...more
As so many other reviewers indicated, I can still remember reading and rereading Heidi, the classic story on which this picture book is based. It's haAs so many other reviewers indicated, I can still remember reading and rereading Heidi, the classic story on which this picture book is based. It's hard to imagine a children's book published in 1880, but it certainly has stood the test of time. While this much abbreviated version of the story [3.5 for me!] leaves quite a lot out, readers still get the gist of the original story, which might prompt them to want to read or hear that one as well as this one. But what makes this one worth a second look are those marvelous illustrations, created with paper that has been cut by hand and digitally and then collaged, Appropriately, Heidi is front and center on many of the pages, frolicking in the mountains with Peter and the goats, racing through the house with Clara, and trying to find her way home. One image in particular stands out: Heidi's head and arms appear on top of a mountain peak as she clutches a small house in her hands with such a look of yearning as to absolutely break a reader's heart. In some respects, these images make up for the lack in the text, translated from French. It's fine to have this one around in order to rekindle interest in the classic story, but it clearly could never replace the original one. ...more
This informative picture book is a 3.5 for me. As the temperatures in the Arctic start to drop, a black-capped tern takes to the skies and heads southThis informative picture book is a 3.5 for me. As the temperatures in the Arctic start to drop, a black-capped tern takes to the skies and heads south for the winter. As with many bird species, hers is not a short journey as she must fly all the way to the Antarctic region where she raises her chicks before heading north once again. Along the way, the bird notices other species in the midst of their own migration. She spots whales, caribou, geese, turtles, and Monarch butterflies, and although she might be tempted to stop, she knows she can only rest briefly before moving further south. She knows she's in the right place when she spots other terns just like her. The use of repetitive language ["It was time to move south for winter" (unpaged)] and poetic text ["Round, round, round the butterflies fluttered" (unpaged)] heightens readers' interest in the story and their appreciation of the resilience and determination of this small bird, while the eye-catching and sense-soothing illustrations infused with soft colors effectively capture the journey of the tern and others through splendid double-page spreads and occasional vertical panels separated by white space. Even the endpapers feature muted images of terns moving across the sky. There are plenty of children's books about migration, but this is one of the most attractive ones I've seen. ...more