The protagonist and plot of this book [3.5 for me and a fast and engrossing read!] are great examples of how one shouldn't let outer appearances deceiThe protagonist and plot of this book [3.5 for me and a fast and engrossing read!] are great examples of how one shouldn't let outer appearances deceive them. After all, even the quietest of mild-mannered individuals--in this case, a middle-aged sweater-wearing librarian named Hana Babic--have stories and sometimes a dark past. For three decades Hana has lived in Minnesota, tending books and her farm as well as her memories of the Bosnian war for independence when Serbs and Bosnians fought. The story moves back in forth in time from the 1990s, mostly 1995, in rural Bosnia, and then years later, in Minnesota. Hana's quiet life is interrupted by the news of a friend's violent death. Naturally, this puts Hana on high alert as she tries to discover who knows her secrets. As she seeks to avenge her friend's death and protect the small life entrusted to her, Hana takes increasingly dangerous steps. Most readers in this country (the United States) probably know very little about the Bosnian war and some of the war crimes that occurred against Muslims during that time, making the sections entitled "Bosnia" in which Hana's experiences during the war are revealed in shocking detail eye-opening and disturbing. While there are some false notes sounded in the narrative, overall, this was a solid read, engaging, thoughtful, and fully rendering the long-term effects of trauma on teens like Hana. I can see why it's been garnering rave reviews, but it certainly isn't an easy read. ...more
Both a great beach read and insightfully humorous social commentary, this debut novel [3.5 for me!] couldn't be more timely or original. The book's prBoth a great beach read and insightfully humorous social commentary, this debut novel [3.5 for me!] couldn't be more timely or original. The book's protagonist, Julie Chan, struggles to make ends meet while her twin sister, Chloe Van Huusen, is living the high life as a social media influencer. Due to their parents' death, the girls were separated when they were four and have had little contact since then. After Julie receives a brief and aborted phone call from Chloe and then gets no response to her calls, she travels to Manhattan to check on her. Finding her dead, she impulsively decides to assume her identity and becomes involved with a group of influencers called the Belladonnas--beware of anyone or anything with that name!--who were her sister's friends. Initially, Julie is down to earth and immune to the lifestyle that their posts and views afford these women, but she's quickly lured into posting her own stories and photos due to the lucrative nature of these activities and the allure of all the positive feedback she receives online. Page by page, it becomes clearer that the old Julie Chan really is dead, and this iteration of her needs the adulation provided by online activity. While the book could have been even better by exploring this aspect of social media a bit more, it's still a strong debut, with whip sharp writing and insight into the hearts of humans. ...more
Poems and short stories compose this tribute to the resilience of young people during and after the pandemic. Sometimes slightly disjointed and as disPoems and short stories compose this tribute to the resilience of young people during and after the pandemic. Sometimes slightly disjointed and as disorienting as the virus's relentless incursion across the globe, the book gives insight into the lives, thoughts, and feelings of various young New Yorkers during that bleak and confusing time. As the book's title declares, there is hope that life will go on and that there will be joy, even from the seemingly smallest moments. From Malachi Craig's surreal imaginings of the aftermath of the pandemic after losing three years as the result of COVID-19 to Tariq's description of the seven stages of quarantine to Hyacinth and Electra's reminder that we need each other and on to Zamira as she watches her older sister, Tamara (Tam) double-glove to stay as safe as she can as she delivers groceries throughout the city, all of them and several others are "just trying to make our ancestors proud / even when our backs are against the wall" (p. 145). Readers will long for more from each of the voices that are speaking here and hope that things will improve. ...more
A small spark ignites a fierce fire that threatens to destroy the habitat of various animals living on the African savannah. The animals head to the rA small spark ignites a fierce fire that threatens to destroy the habitat of various animals living on the African savannah. The animals head to the river for safety while a hummingbird tries tirelessly to put out the fire, carrying drop by tiny drop to the conflagration. At first the animals belittle her, knowing the futility of such a small amount of water against the blaze. But upon reflection, first the elephant, then the others, including ants, gorillas, and warthogs, join her, inspired by her assertion that she is doing what she can do. With all those animals pitching in, the fire is extinguished. This moving, inspiring fable is a great reminder that even in the hardest of times--perhaps times like right now--one person can make a difference, and we can/must do what we can. The motion-filled, colorful, intense illustrations, created with acrylic and India ink, are just as memorable as the book's message. Even the tiniest drop CAN make a difference, and a tiny bird--or person--can lead the way, inspiring others. ...more
The idea behind this colorful picture book is rather cool, presenting a different take on moving to a new house. A young mapmaker painstakingly createThe idea behind this colorful picture book is rather cool, presenting a different take on moving to a new house. A young mapmaker painstakingly creates maps of the town, the neighborhood, various points of interest, including the school, the park, and the house in which he/she/they have lived. For fun, the cartographer has included drawings of a maze and a pirate map. There's even a suggestion about where to place the bed. This amazing, time-consuming, and lovingly drawn effort results in A Book of Maps for You, placed right by the front door alongside a carton of eggs. What a thoughtful way to welcome someone to their new home. The title page shows the house, almost empty, while the artist works on those maps, and the last double-page spread shows the new young resident looking at the map book while unemptied moving boxes wait to be unpacked. As usual with this picture book artist, the illustrations are easy on the eye, created with a dip pen, fountain pen, watercolor, and colored pencil, a lovely homage to home and caring, even when the artist doesn't know who will be seeing the map or this book, for that matter. Perhaps some young readers who are getting ready to move from one house to another will follow in the protagonist's footsteps. ...more
Eye-enticing artwork, created with gouache, acrylic gouache, crayons, colored pencils, paintbrushes, combs, and other materials, accompanies a story aEye-enticing artwork, created with gouache, acrylic gouache, crayons, colored pencils, paintbrushes, combs, and other materials, accompanies a story about an unusual journey. The lyrical language in this picture book [3.5 for me!] adds to the story's magic as a young girl takes a motorbike ride with her Amma through the villages and rural parts of South India. The images and words capture the heat present even late at night as well as the mysterious experience of riding through the dark during this unexpected adventure, during which it seems that they "reach the end of the world" (unpaged). Unconditional love seeps through every word and page as the two share these special moments when anything seems possible. There's a nostalgic, almost regretful feel to the story since these moments won't last forever and can't be recaptured. Be sure to check out the Notes from the Author and Illustrator to learn more about the inspiration behind this picture book. ...more
Color-drenched digital artwork fills almost every inch of this moving, inspiring, relatable picture book [3.5 for me!] that will speak to anyone who'sColor-drenched digital artwork fills almost every inch of this moving, inspiring, relatable picture book [3.5 for me!] that will speak to anyone who's ever traveled to an unfamiliar place. In this case, the narrator, a young girl flies from California to Taiwan with her parents and grandmother. She's disconcerted by her first flight, street signs in a new language, and the possibility of flying cockroaches. Still, her Nainai coaxes her to explore her surroundings and to climb a mountain outside the city. Along the way, the woman shares her own memories of growing up in Taiwan. The journey up the slope isn't easy, but stopping to look at various objects and creatures of interest helps them keep going. Once they reach the summit, others greet them, remembering her grandmother and delighted to meet her granddaughter. As they take in the view, she wonders about her grandmother's feelings about having left this special place and whether she has regrets. So many special memories of the past collide with the new ones they are making right in this moment. The text is melodic and made even more meaningful through the Note from the Author, which explains her connection to the story and experience. ...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
It's the summer before seventh grade, and Beatrice's father insists that she attend summer camp for a week in order to branch out and hone her social It's the summer before seventh grade, and Beatrice's father insists that she attend summer camp for a week in order to branch out and hone her social skills. There's nothing she wants to do less, but to provide comfort, she brings along her stuffies. Roger, her stuffed bunny, serves as her guide, comfort, and conscience. But she and Virginia, one of her cabin mates, get off on the wrong foot--and it's on. Virginia embarrasses her by reading part of her diary aloud, revealing her crush, and then Bea retaliates. Roxy, who is Viriginia's friend and the peacemaker, tries to keep both girls happy. Eventually, Bea realizes that Virginia and Roxy both have issues and that she might be braver than she thought. Maybe, just maybe, camp isn't so bad after all. The fact that girls mature at different stages, and that's okay, is encouraging and will make many readers feel seen. This graphic novel is a fast read and oh, so relatable for many middle graders. Once again, the message that making assumptions about others can lead to the wrong conclusions comes through loud and clear. The book's design is refreshing, clean, crisp, with plentiful white space and only a few panels on each page. ...more
The sixth installment of this feline superhero graphic novel series finds Agent M unsure about his loyalties, especially since the untrustworthy SunnyThe sixth installment of this feline superhero graphic novel series finds Agent M unsure about his loyalties, especially since the untrustworthy Sunny has his head turned around. While Science Kitty deals with mangobots who've been convinced that Max Meow is a distraction, things get crazy in the Cat Crusader's hometown. There's explosive popcorn that has to be tamed with butter, a special milkshake machine, and treachery afoot everywhere. Not only is there nonstop action, but the book features splashy panels filled with color and bits of snort-worthy humor; for instance, Tyrano Wreck, Furry Bureau of Investigation, and laboratory retriever. Read this one if you're feeling a bit grumpy. It will make you smile. ...more
Hans Christian Andersen's own story seems just as fantastic and magical as the ones he wrote and shared with others. It's safe to say that ours would Hans Christian Andersen's own story seems just as fantastic and magical as the ones he wrote and shared with others. It's safe to say that ours would be a much less delightful world without stories such as "The Ugly Duckling" or "The Snow Queen." And to think that he had very little formal education and that he never found the love he was searching for! This elegant tribute to the man whose fairy tales have been published around the world is a must-read for anyone who enjoys underdog stories or wants to know a little more about Andersen. Young readers might appreciate having some of this background about his formative years and his later ones. Created with watercolor, graphite, and pen and ink, the dreamy, softly colored illustrations evoke a feeling of the past and could easily have been used to complement one of Andersen's fairy tales. The entire book took me back to my own childhood when I was enchanted by these tales, reading them over and over again. ...more
Following a family tradition, Tien's mother gives her a jade bracelet for her birthday. But compared to her classmates' flashier bracelets, this one iFollowing a family tradition, Tien's mother gives her a jade bracelet for her birthday. But compared to her classmates' flashier bracelets, this one is "green, plain, hard-as-a-rock bracelet that doesn't shimmer, sparkle, or shine" (unpaged), and Tien feels embarrassed and disappointed when she goes to school. Although her mother tells Tien about the bracelet's specialness and how she needs to look more closely at it to see its beauty, to see how precious and rare it is, just like her, she agrees to take her to the store to pick out a different one that is more like her classmates'. Once there, Tien has a change of heart and returns to school, eager to show off her precious jade bracelet, aware not that it's a part of her heritage and something that can acknowledge one's origins as well as remembering the past. This touching story is a reminder that flashy isn't always the best and that family traditions have significance. Pair this one with The Granddaughter Necklace by Sharon Dennis Wyeth (2013) since both books cover similar territory but in different ways, and both tug at the heartstrings. The soft artwork, rendered with watercolor and colored pencil with digital editing, complements this sentimental story, based partly on the author's own experiences, perfectly. ...more
Originally published in French, this picture book couldn't be more timely as droughts around the globe and increased populations make water a particulOriginally published in French, this picture book couldn't be more timely as droughts around the globe and increased populations make water a particularly precious natural resource. While most individuals think about humans when they are made aware of problems caused by climate change, the planet's animals are also at risk since they need water just as much as the rest of us do. This book's text and illustrations take readers to a savannah in Africa where various animals come to drink and cool off. Over the course of a day more animals arrive, and they drink, draining the watering hole. It's quite clear that the larger, more dangerous, animals have it easier in some respects than the smaller ones since they can make it impossible for the others to drink. A lone ostrich, a latecomer, finds no water there. But an elephant, relying on centuries of passed-down wisdom, arrives and digs until she finds water so that the thirsty animals who missed out earlier can drink and survive for another day. Back matter includes practical tips about how to save water. Of course, the solution is much more complicated than that, but this book raises youngsters' awareness. Add it to a science classroom library or share it as a class read aloud to generate a discussion about the topic. The author's careful use of words makes the text flow nicely. It isn't hard to imagine how one of us might feel if we drank the very last drop or watched as someone else did so. ...more
I'm probably not the right reader for this one since I'm not married and never have wanted to be married. I liked the author's other two books, Daisy I'm probably not the right reader for this one since I'm not married and never have wanted to be married. I liked the author's other two books, Daisy Jones & the Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, much more since they seem more nuanced than this one. The plot involved a couple, Lauren and Ryan, who met in college, and have been married for six years. The love between them seems to have died, and they barely communicate or have sex. In a last-ditch effort to save the marriage, they agree to separate for a year, hoping that the time apart will remind them why they loved one another and give them time to grow and assess matters. Not surprisingly, this strategy works, partly because Lauren reads the unsent drafts of Ryan's emails to her. As I read this romance, I kept thinking about what would have happened if one of them wanted to reunite and the other one didn't as well as the emotional damage done to one another and the men and women they dated during the interval. It seems obvious that communication is the key to a successful, healthy relationship, but what if the partner isn't listening or is so self-absorbed that messages aren't heard or are misinterpreted? Relationships are so complicated. There's not a lot of description in this one, and the story is told mostly through dialogue. For someone who loved her job, Lauren rarely mentions it or identifies much of what she does at the job. It might be popular, but this book is one of the author's weakest ones....more
Cleverly placed die-cuts of different sizes, shapes, and locations guide readers on a surprising journey starting with an apple seed and ending with aCleverly placed die-cuts of different sizes, shapes, and locations guide readers on a surprising journey starting with an apple seed and ending with a long-range view of the universe, of which Earth is only a small part, as important and as small as that apple seed that started it all. The connections from one thing to the next are sometimes predictable, sometimes surprising. The artwork, created with pencil and then finished digitally, is easy on the eyes and striking at various points. This short book prompts reflection about our planet's place--and ours--in the larger picture. ...more
Dealing with loss and grief, whatever the form, is never easy. It's important that youngsters come to understand that death and/or loss are a part of Dealing with loss and grief, whatever the form, is never easy. It's important that youngsters come to understand that death and/or loss are a part of life, and even adults struggle with the emotions surrounding loss. In this moving picture book, Giselle, the protagonist, is quite observant and can tell that her father is feeling particularly sad on this day. While it could be that her mother is simply missing or has left the family behind for an adventure, it seems clear that she's dead, judging by the items that are on her dressed--earrings, perfume, and rings, all carefully dusted by Giselle. As Giselle thinks about happier times, she remembers how her mother used her imagination to dream and pretend that all the things they planned to do were happening now. Inspired, she drags her father into a series of imaginative adventures, including flying on a plane, attending a concert on the moon, and time traveling through a book, in this case, a scrapbook filled with family photos and mementos. Despite its subject matter, the story is hopeful, offering one path to healing. The luminous, color-drenched, surreal illustrations, including a much larger-than-life turkey sandwich, were created with textures that were painted and then scanned with Photoshop and Procreate. Giselle's shining example offers a way forward for others in similar circumstances. ...more
This delightful modern fairy tale [3.5 for me!] hooked me from the first page and kept me engaged all the way through. Because parts of it will remindThis delightful modern fairy tale [3.5 for me!] hooked me from the first page and kept me engaged all the way through. Because parts of it will remind readers of other, more familiar stories while also having its own original take on princesses and their kingdoms, reading it felt as though I were being plunged into some mysterious world where things had sadly gone awry. Learning exactly why that was the case and watching the Snow Princess learn from her mistakes, even while she desperately tries to earn her father's love and gain his attention made me understand her and even feel some compassion for her even while being worried for twelve-year-old Ela, when she steps into the Princess's world accidentally and changes everything. While forgetting the dangers involved in getting what they want and the twists and turns fate may have in store for them, many readers will relate to the behavior and emotions of both girls while also understanding the need for wishes to come true. The storytelling in this fantasy is elegant, and the descriptive passages made me shiver with cold as I felt surrounded by snow, snow, snow, unrelenting snow. ...more
I'm not sure why some reviewers found the writing of this nonfiction title to be mediocre. I enjoyed the entire book thoroughly. While there were a feI'm not sure why some reviewers found the writing of this nonfiction title to be mediocre. I enjoyed the entire book thoroughly. While there were a few spots that could have been more tightly edited or connected more carefully to previous parts of the story, the overall product left me fascinated. As is the case for many readers, I had no idea that the origins of such a prestige university as Stanford had such a bizarre origin story. The Gilded Age [1885] during which Jane and Leland Stanford cofounded the university as a tribute to their son who died when he was 16 was certainly rife with wealth in the hands of a few and often could be considered ill-gotten gains. The personalities of the individuals who populate this book seem larger than life. And trying to figure out who might have killed Jane Stanford, who died after being poisoned with strychnine kept me reading as fast as I could. I had my suspicions from the beginning, but there were plenty of individuals whose behavior and motivation kept me guessing. And oh, my goodness! what a rat David Starr Jordan, Stanford's president, turned out to be. In my naiveness I suppose that I expected better behavior from university officials, but it seems that there were plenty of folks who didn't want the truth to come out or justice to be served, simply because they worried that the university's reputation would suffer and that it wouldn't receive the money it expected. As I took all this in, I wondered just how much things have changed from then to now. This was well worth the time I spent reading it since it unfolds just like a mystery or detective story. ...more
Small Knight may have conquered many of their anxieties in the previous picture book, but that doesn't mean that they're gone for good. Many readers wSmall Knight may have conquered many of their anxieties in the previous picture book, but that doesn't mean that they're gone for good. Many readers will recognize themselves and their emotions as Small Knight sets off on a journey to find Tiny Bear, their beloved stuffy. The journey is long and hard, and that pesky old Anxiety Monster is right by Small Knight's side every step of the way. But knowing that Tiny Bear is probably lonely, scared, and depending on its friend for rescue keeps Small Knight going. The artwork, created with watercolor and ink, complements the story perfectly as it shows just how large Anxiety is and how it can be tamed, decreasing in size over the course of the last pages, even if it never quite disappears. This picture book has promise for opening up channels of communication between youngsters and caregivers about fears and anxiety....more
Sixteen-year-old Ros Demir, who is half Turkish, is one of those protagonist readers will love to hate, even while seeing parts of themselves in her. Sixteen-year-old Ros Demir, who is half Turkish, is one of those protagonist readers will love to hate, even while seeing parts of themselves in her. She makes plenty of mistakes and might be one of the most self-absorbed characters since Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind. Uncertain about her future college plans, conflicted about her Turkish heritage, and nursing a grudge or two, she offers plenty of humor and life lessons to teen readers. Still stinging from rumors about her reputation and the loss of her best friend, Lydia, from years ago, she's on the hunt for a handsome boyfriend, who will basically be a prop in her pursuit of a spot on the high school homecoming court. As she stumbles from betrayal after betrayal, she leaves behind plenty of messes, only realizing at a late hour just what she's done and owning responsibility for her actions. As I read this YA title, I couldn't help wondering what might have happened if she'd put all that energy toward something more worthwhile than a crown. Gosh! I thought homecoming courts and all that hoopla had gone out of style. Some teen readers will gobble this one up, perhaps rooting for Ros to get the boy, while other readers may hope that she has learned her lesson and will be a kinder, more thoughtful person. ...more