Twelve-year-old Ave Rendon Chavez, who is nonbinary, is determined to dislike Lawrence, Kansas, where their mother and nine-year-old brother Ramón havTwelve-year-old Ave Rendon Chavez, who is nonbinary, is determined to dislike Lawrence, Kansas, where their mother and nine-year-old brother Ramón have moved so their mother can work at the university. Behind in Mexicali, Mexico are their father and older sister, Cruz. The language and culture is so very different, and Ave feels completely lost and homesick. Things get even worse once Ave learns the truth about their parents' future plans. While exploring the city and running from one place to another, Ave finds some peace of mind, and they eventually are embraced by a new friend group who love running as well. The differences between Ave and Ramon and how they deal with this unfamiliar world are striking, and even though it's clear that Ave could make more of an effort, it's also true that fears about losing one's culture and leaving others behind are quite real. Topics of identity, cultural assimilation, and displacement as well as what makes a place a home are explored powerfully in this graphic novel. There are some places where transition or some sort of marker indicating a flashback would have been helpful since some of the shifts back and forth in time between past and present are jarring and disorienting. ...more
Fifteen-year-old Ezra Cloud relocates to Red Gut Bay in Canada after he comes under suspicion after a violent incident resulting in two deaths. Still Fifteen-year-old Ezra Cloud relocates to Red Gut Bay in Canada after he comes under suspicion after a violent incident resulting in two deaths. Still dealing with the loss of his mother and his desire to live on the reservation and soak up indigenous ways, he's relieved in some ways to put Northeast Minneapolis behind him for a while and spend time with his grandparents. His father, a college professor, worries that he won't get justice since he and Matt, the boy whose house burned, had an encounter during school. Matt enjoys picking on Ezra and his best friend, Nora. Once Ezra arrives at his grandparents' home, he begins running traplines with his grandfather, staying in a remote cabin while learning survival skills and hearing his grandfather's stories, which include a heart wrenching story about the fates of two family members. The story contains plentiful descriptions of trapping, skinning, and preserving animals as well as encounters with various wildlife, including wolves and a majestic bear. Parts of the plot seemed outlandish or too convenient to me, but I still enjoyed watching Ezra grow into a confident young man. And while I understand that trapping animals for food and fur was necessary for survival, I hated to think of all those beautiful creatures dying because shoppers wanted fur coats. The book's cover is perfect for its content. ...more
Although the writing didn't particularly impress me since it was a bit clunky, simplistic, with odd coincidences, and it didn't build tension the way Although the writing didn't particularly impress me since it was a bit clunky, simplistic, with odd coincidences, and it didn't build tension the way that might have been expected, I'm still glad that the book was written since it's an important topic--residential boarding schools for Native Americans and the generational trauma that resulted from those experiences--and one only rarely, if ever, addressed in books for children or middle graders. In this one, the protagonist, twelve-year-old Summer, who is Cree, soaks up the culture and comfort as she's surrounded by family members living on the Cree reservation in Alberta, Canada. She and her cousin, Autumn, become interested in history, spurred on by the strange dreams Summer has about a girl who is running away from the boarding school during freezing weather. Plus, as the members of the community prepare to gather for a protest march, some of the elders, including Summer's own grandfather, slowly start sharing their own stories about those boarding schools and as some of the mass graves near the former schools are unearthed. There are several culturally rich passages and references in the narrative, and the story itself is hopeful despite its troubling subject matter. ...more
The rhyming lines in this picture book express the feelings a father feels for his offspring. The little family of sea otters explore the ocean and thThe rhyming lines in this picture book express the feelings a father feels for his offspring. The little family of sea otters explore the ocean and the beach while the father anticipates the grand adventures that await his child. The artwork relies on soft, warm colors for a soothing color palette, and the text provides reassurance that no matter how far that otter roams, love will follow. Since otters often rest on their backs in the sea, holding hands, several of the illustrations seem quite realistic and pleasing to the eyes. Many youngsters will feel comforted at the sentiments expressed here, and any fathers reading the lines might need to stop for a moment to wipe away a tear or two. This one might be worth sharing for Father's Day as a reminder that family is important. I always appreciate this illustrator's work, and it's the perfect choice to accompany the text....more
Originally published in the Czech Republic, this picture book follows a young girl, Minimoni, as she tries to figure out the meaning of love. Along wiOriginally published in the Czech Republic, this picture book follows a young girl, Minimoni, as she tries to figure out the meaning of love. Along with her devoted dog, Max, as she searches for answers, she is increasingly baffled because of its complexities, its seeming contradictions, and even what seems to make no sense. After all, how can love be in the air if she can't see it? Although her conclusions may not satisfy everyone, but the impressive, star-filled final double-page spread and the page right before it, are reassuring, hopeful, and maybe just what the world needs now. Cue "What the World Needs Now" by Jackie DeShannon or Dionne Warwick. Good for her, though, since many of us are still seeking those answers. ...more
Seventh grader Bea Mullins, the protagonist in this middle-grade novel [3.5 for me!], may remind many readers of themselves. Even though she's tall anSeventh grader Bea Mullins, the protagonist in this middle-grade novel [3.5 for me!], may remind many readers of themselves. Even though she's tall and might seem suited for basketball, she failed miserably at that particular sport as well as others. When flooding in the Toronto middle school gym necessitates some sort of extracurricular physical activity, she reluctantly joins the inaugural girls' hockey team with some urging from her best friend Celia. Although she likes watching hockey on television with her father, she's never played. Still, she tightens up her skates, borrows her brother's equipment, and heads to the rink, planning to stay out of the limelight--and action--as much as possible. But several embarrassing videos of her mistakes make her even more uncomfortable with playing. Still, there's something about practice, skating, and working as part of a team that excites here. Plus, there are sparks between Bea and Gabi, an Olympic hopeful. Is Bea ready to take risks, both on and off the rink? The budding romance is at the heart of the story, of course, but there is also a relevant plot concerning how hard the team has to work in order to pay for rink time and how inequitable pay is between men and women professional hockey players. The story held my attention all the way through, and I rooted for Bea to start to feel comfortable in her own skin and not worry so much about what others thought of her. ...more
In this cleverly designed book readers follow a jay hawk in search of something to eat. But the bird isn't just looking for fast food; instead, she waIn this cleverly designed book readers follow a jay hawk in search of something to eat. But the bird isn't just looking for fast food; instead, she wants food for now but also for the colder months when food will be hard to find. Readers move through the book as the jay flies through the forest and surrounding areas, including fields and meadows, determined to find what she needs. There are several flaps to lift in order to reveal what she's found and whether she has first dibs or if another animal has beaten her to it. This approach was an engaging and satisfying way to introduce various plants and trees to a young audience. ...more
Although the concept behind this middle-grade fairy tale is clever enough, at times the execution seems lacking. That's understandable, given that theAlthough the concept behind this middle-grade fairy tale is clever enough, at times the execution seems lacking. That's understandable, given that the plot concerns two familiar fairy tale characters [Cinderella and Belle] who end up becoming part of the other's story. Ella finds herself trapped in the Beast's castle, and Belle is stuck in a cellar waiting on a wicked stepmother [not hers!] and two stepsisters. While it might seem easy enough to get all this sorted out so that the characters can take their rightful places in the stories where they belong, their plight is complicated by a curse and someone's wishes. Entertaining on several levels, especially since neither of these girls behaves quite the way readers might expect them to, this is one of those books that might be even better appreciated after a second read or after reading the next book in the series. There were a couple of places where I had to stop, backtrack, and remind myself who was whom and where each character belonged. Fans of fairy tales will love this one, though. ...more
Beginning in 1492 and concluding in 2003, this book follows four generations of a Sephardic Jewish family from Spain to Turkey to Cuba to Miami and baBeginning in 1492 and concluding in 2003, this book follows four generations of a Sephardic Jewish family from Spain to Turkey to Cuba to Miami and back to Spain again. In the first section, Benvenida, whose mother has taught her to read and write, and her family must flee their home during the Spanish Inquisition unless they renounce their faith. They journey by sea to Turkey, but there are losses along the way. Flash forward to 1923 when Reina, a budding feminist and skillful oud player, is banished to Cuba by her father for what he considers an act of rebellion. Flash forward again to 1961 as Reina's daughter, Alegra, at 12, volunteers to help eradicate illiteracy in the rural parts of the county, but her service is interrupted when her family is endangered due to her father's opposition to Fidel Castro. Flash even further forward as her daughter, Paloma, visits Spain with Alegra, Reina, and her father, in order to connect with parts of her family history. Culturally rich and filled with characters and situations who sometimes seem larger than life even while being quite relatable, this novel taught me quite a lot about the prejudices that have existed over the centuries and parts of Jewish history about which I was completely unaware. The impact of those who came before us and their experiences, culture, and resilience cannot be overstated. While at first I was disappointed to be left with gaps between the first generation and the second, in the end, I could understand the author's decision to focus on the ones that she did. The fact that parts of the book were inspired by her own family lends even more significance and poignancy to the stories. ...more
Cento poems were unfamiliar to me until reading this book [3.5 for me!], but I loved how the author incorporated lines or phrases from 38 classic poemCento poems were unfamiliar to me until reading this book [3.5 for me!], but I loved how the author incorporated lines or phrases from 38 classic poems from poets such as Mary Oliver, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Walt Whitman, and James Weldon Johnson, among others, structuring them along with some of her own additions into a unique poem that sings a song of praise about forests. For readers or educators familiar with found poems, this technique takes that one several steps further, resulting in an inspiring final product. Readers will surely be swept up by the imagery as well as by the breathtaking, movement-filled gouache illustrations that rely on moody, intense colors to chart one person's journey into the woods. The play of light and dark in several scenes is impressive, capturing what it looks like when moving deep into the forest. There's a helpful note on how to write a cento poem in the back matter as well as background on how the author wrote hers. ...more
Set in Maine in 1930 during the Great Depression and after WWI, this was one of the best middle-grade historical fiction titles I've read in a long tiSet in Maine in 1930 during the Great Depression and after WWI, this was one of the best middle-grade historical fiction titles I've read in a long time. The author captures the feelings and personality of the book's eleven-year-old protagonist, Hurricane McAdams Pierce, who is quiet but finds her voice after her older sister Bronte's tuberculosis forces her to move in with her maternal aunt who lives in a large city. She's heartbroken to leave the only home she's ever known and her beloved dog, Brody-Bear. Although Aunt Claire grew up by the ocean in the house where Hurricane and Bronte live, she's left all that far behind her after marrying into the wealthy Butterfield family. Just like Miss Witherspoon, the teacher who constantly belittled her and tried to get her to speak up more in class, Aunt Claire tries to change Hurricane. Hurricane finds it hard to rebel, but eventually, with quiet but stolid support from her aunt's gentle, tender-hearted chauffeur, Mr. Keats, she does--partly out of a need to survive but also to adopt a stray cat and welcome a boy who sells fish along the city streets. Readers will enjoy watching Hurricane change and come into her own, finally learning to advocate for herself, but they will also love seeing the changes in Aunt Claire. As it turns out, the two of them have far more in common that Hurricane ever dreamed. Every word in this story has been carefully considered, and the author even includes passages about bread lines, bank failures, and PTSD as well as recipes and books by Charles Dickens that Hurricane, herself a budding writer who jots her observations and feelings in her "Words of Encouragement Journal," falls in love with. This was one of those books with well-fleshed characters who slip into a reader's heart, making her sad to see the story end. ...more
Although this picture book covers the importance of a gathering place where family members and friends can come together and yes, as the title indicatAlthough this picture book covers the importance of a gathering place where family members and friends can come together and yes, as the title indicates, there is "space for everyone" or space will be made, I agree with another reviewer who pointed out that the move from one home to another is abrupt and needed more visual and textual support. And honestly, if I were in the midst of packing my stuff and moving, I wouldn't necessarily want folks dropping by for a bite to eat before the work was done. Plus, readers are several pages into the story before they realize that Zainab, the young protagonist, is worried about how much things will change once the family moves, hinted at when she asks her mother if the hot beverage she's drinking will always stay the same. While it's perfectly fine to keep readers guessing, this seemed far too vague for my tastes or for most young readers. And then, there's a big leap from the night before the move to the family already being settled in their new residence. A couple of more pages or additional text would have helped. The warm and comforting artwork, created with Procreate, excels in the depiction of the father and the table as well as the foods laid out on it, but some of the facial expressions and hair of his children seem strange. For those readers unfamiliar with Nigerian cuisine, some back matter might have been helpful. Still, for anyone in search of children's books about community, this one will fit the bill. ...more
Since I'm not familiar with many Icelandic traditional tales, I was pleased to read this one. Its plot will be familiar to those who have read many otSince I'm not familiar with many Icelandic traditional tales, I was pleased to read this one. Its plot will be familiar to those who have read many other folktales from around the world, but it's still told in an appealing, forthright manner. The plot concerns a boy whose parents send him to find their missing cow. After great effort, he eventually does, partly with some help from the animal. But before they can make it home, they are chased by two ogresses. The cow, who is clearly magical and worth her weight in gold, saves the day three times by suggesting that the boy pluck a hair from her tail, which she then uses for an enchantment. I liked the large drawings with different perspectives, including close-ups of faces and a view from the feet as well as one showing what happened to the pursuers. Some youngsters may want to compare this story with others that are similar, noting how they are alike and different. ...more
With warm, whimsical, and incredibly detailed illustrations, this picture book [3.5 for me!] will keep youngsters entertained as they follow Charley MWith warm, whimsical, and incredibly detailed illustrations, this picture book [3.5 for me!] will keep youngsters entertained as they follow Charley Mouse from house to house in the Wild Wood and Magic Forest. Since Charley is something of a neatnik, she truly enjoys her job cleaning others' homes. There's something almost magical about each page, filled with rich jewel tones and interesting flora and fauna. And to add to the book's appeal, Charley is tasked with finding certain missing objects as she moves through the houses. She might want to take care around Mr. Fox and Mr. Wolf, who have a few secrets in their rooms, but she'll be able to relax around the Unicorns with their sweet-smelling droppings and savor the sweetness of the house where the Gingerbread family lives. This oversized book might be best shared after readers have been introduced to fairy tales since the characters will then be familiar to them. ...more
Although readers may think they've solved this mystery, set in a remote Colorado cabin during a blizzard, early on, they'll want to keep reading becauAlthough readers may think they've solved this mystery, set in a remote Colorado cabin during a blizzard, early on, they'll want to keep reading because they are probably wrong. Just the very notion of eight teenagers from an exclusive prep school on an excursion with only one adult chaperone seems to be horrifying to me. But the fact that there's all sorts of history and bad blood among the students means that this trip won't end well. As the body count mounts up, secrets are revealed, and it's anyone's guess who will die next. Although there are holes in the plot and none of the characters are particularly appealing, it's still fun to read this one since it's told from multiple points of view and the suspense never lets up. Readers will want to make sure they really know their future travel companions and hold onto their cellphones. The epigrams at the start of each section give clues as to what's going on, which made them interesting to consider. ...more
When eleven-year-old Marcus and his mother travel to Malmo for the summer for her job, Marcus is excited to have a brand-new start where others see hiWhen eleven-year-old Marcus and his mother travel to Malmo for the summer for her job, Marcus is excited to have a brand-new start where others see him as the boy he is rather than deadnaming him. He and his new friend Mikkel couldn't be closer as they share all sorts of adventures and spend time skateboarding. But all that changes when Mikkel sees his passport photo and becomes convinced that Marcus has been lying to him all along. This short glimpse into the life of a trans boy also contains a secondary plot concerning the inability of Marcus's father and his grandmother to accept him as he is rather than what they wish he might be. While the topic is important, especially today, its seriousness is offset by plenty of humorous moments. Middle-grade readers will root for Marcus to find his place and his happiness. Interestingly, this book was originally published in Germany in 2016, but it doesn't seem dated at all. ...more
The Reconstruction period after the Civil War is an interesting time, brimming with emotions and rife for storytelling. It's not an exaggeration to saThe Reconstruction period after the Civil War is an interesting time, brimming with emotions and rife for storytelling. It's not an exaggeration to say that this debut novel is one of the best accounts of life during that period that I've read and one of the most unusual. The Walkers--George and Isabelle--have a large homestead that has largely remained fallow. George impulsively hires two brothers, Prentiss and Landry, who are newly emancipated from a nearby plantation, to help him plant and tend a peanut crop. The brothers agree, hoping to save up enough money to make their further travels to the North easier. The reaction of some of the citizens of Old Ox, the nearby town, is less than pleasant. But tragedy occurs when the Walkers' son Caleb returns from war, reunites with his closeted lover, and Landry sees their tryst. While some readers may not appreciate the slow burn aspect of the story, its complex characters, whose actions often seem surprising or puzzling, are the stars here, fascinating examples of humanity at its best and at its worst. Historical fiction fans will enjoy this one a great deal, reflecting on the impact of certain choices and how lives can be changed at a moment's notice. Wonderfully descriptive language filled with insight and heart make each line a delight to read. I'm so pleased to have discovered this author and eager to read his next book. ...more
Historical fiction fans know that there are numerous books set during WWII. While it might seem that all the stories about that era that are possible Historical fiction fans know that there are numerous books set during WWII. While it might seem that all the stories about that era that are possible to be told have already been told, that isn't the case. This one, for instance, covers the period right before Adolf Hitler comes into power in Germany in 1932, moving from Berlin to Paris in 1936, and then to New York City in 1944. The protagonists, three women who are strong in different ways, find their lives connected in a surprising coincidence. All three--one a famous writer from Maine on a cultural program to Germany, another a Jew living in Paris and working at the German Library of Burned Books, and the third, fighting against a Senator's determination to censor the books sent overseas to servicemen fighting in the war--believe in the importance of words and books to offer hope during the most troubling of times. Many readers like me will be unaware of the existence of the two libraries, including the American Library of Nazi-Banned Books in Brooklyn, until reading this story, even though they are familiar with the Nazi book burning. While the events described here occurred decades ago, the plot and attempts to restrict access to books couldn't be timelier, given the recent spate of book challenges and political posturing in the United States. The book held my attention all the way through. ...more
Oh, how I wish our elected officials and those that support building a wall to keep people out of the country would read this book [4.5 for me!]! WellOh, how I wish our elected officials and those that support building a wall to keep people out of the country would read this book [4.5 for me!]! Well-researched and well-written, it follows the journeys of a handful of smugglers in Latin America. The author, an anthropologist, spent seven years getting to know some of the men and women who engage in this particular activity. Not surprisingly, this particular topic [human smuggling] is far more complex than many would have it. The possible solutions are just as complicated and multifaceted and would require worldwide changes since it's typically poverty, violence, environmental disasters, and fears that drive many to leave their homes. Yes, many are seeking a better life, for sure, but often, they're simply hoping to HAVE a life and not be killed, the victim of the violence in their hometowns. The smugglers or coyotes often have been in the same shoes as the individuals who are trying to cross the border into the United States or Mexico. Having failed to make it across the border or having succeeded but then sent back for one reason or another, they try to survive by helping--for a high price--others reach the Promised Land. But the smuggling business has many layers and much cost, even for the smugglers themselves, and no one in this book gets wealthy through this way of making a living. Many are living on the street, along train tracks, even in the jungle, and they come from all over, including Nicaragua and Honduras. The author delves deeply into some of the smugglers' formative years, their relationships, and the dangers they themselves face on a daily basis as well as moments of joy or times when drugs, alcohol and/or sex help them blot out some of the painful memories and reality. Because this is an ethnography, De Leon himself is present in many of the pages and exchanges with his subjects, sharing a laugh or a beer, mourning lost lives and futures, trying to understand, and feeling guilty over certain choices or missed opportunities. The individual stories and experiences are as real as things can get, and readers are likely to be fully invested in the fates of Chino, Flaco, Jesmyn, Kingston, Marina, Papo, and Santos, and feel curious about where they are now. Parts of this account are shocking, and it may be impossible to consider trains, knitting needles, knitting or iguanas the same after reading the book. It's necessary to sit quietly for a few moments after finishing this intense, immersive read, pondering one's own responsibility for the problems the author highlights. The only aspects that were missing for me were inclusive of some of those who truly profit off those migrants and the sometimes-confusing structure of the narrative. But those possible flaws are easy to ignore when faced with these examples of humans striving to survive against all odds. ...more
Senior Noor Khan is less than thrilled when her mother uproots the family, moving them from Chicago to Bayberry, Illinois, after her father abandons tSenior Noor Khan is less than thrilled when her mother uproots the family, moving them from Chicago to Bayberry, Illinois, after her father abandons them. It's a quiet town, very white and conservative, and Noor plans to quietly sleepwalk through the rest of the year even while dealing with her feelings of loss, anger, and confusion over his betrayal. However, when her learns about the restrictive English curriculum and a new book challenge policy, she can't remain silent. Along with new friends Faiz and Juniper, who is queer, and with support from Ms. Clayton, the school librarian, she takes action and speaks out, even reading during outdoor lunch portions of some of the books that have been removed from the library shelves. She's not the first to realize that many of the books being purged are written by queer and BIPOC authors. Before she knows it, Noor is being villainized, by the principal, some classmates, including the best friends of Andrew, a boy that just might have stolen her heart, and members of the Liberty Moms and Dads. And they don't stop with words. The author inserts some of the familiar microaggressions that Muslims like Noor's family or anyone new or different has no doubt encountered, adding to the story's authenticity. There's so much to appreciate about this book--the town's name, a twist on the classic Mayberry RFD of Andy Griffith fame, the librarian's name, the explanation of what Critical Race Theory actually is, the firm reminder of what the First Amendment means and how book banning is actually ant-American as well as how some politicians manage to twist speaking up and speaking out or dissent as being problematic and those of a trouble-maker. But most impressive of all is that this is a YA title about teen activism with the adolescents leading the way when many of the adults around them fail them. Timely, eye-opening, and hopeful, Noor's story is one not to be missed. ...more