I love the nifty unexpected twist in this picture book [3.5 for me!] that shows how not all princesses are simply frothy window dressing. As Maya and I love the nifty unexpected twist in this picture book [3.5 for me!] that shows how not all princesses are simply frothy window dressing. As Maya and her mother walk home, her mother tries to nudge her in the direction of various careers and role models, including that of a neurosurgeon, a ballerina, an athlete or a computer scientist. But to her mother's dismay, Maya keeps insisting that she want to be a princess. As it turns out, the princess she has in mind was actually a warrior who ruled a kingdom in West Africa five centuries ago. The text and colorful artwork capture the spirit of the two characters while also honoring those various role models. Sometimes, it's perfectly fine to aspire to be a princess--if it's the right kind of princess, that is. The clever way the text and back matter celebrate Black women makes this picture book unique. ...more
Liv Holme and her mother have recently relocated to Harbour City after things have gone terribly wrong at her old school. Liv, who is Goth and bisexuaLiv Holme and her mother have recently relocated to Harbour City after things have gone terribly wrong at her old school. Liv, who is Goth and bisexual, suspects that her parents are on their way to splitting up since her father is rarely, if ever, home, and her mother seems preoccupied. But the students at her new school are much more open than her old friends, and Liv is invited to play computer and video games with Jake and Aaron. Eventually, Jake's on again, off again girlfriend Layla also befriends Liv. She'll need all the support in the world when her English teacher starts paying her attention that comes dangerously close to crossing a line, even suggesting that she read Nabokov's Lolita. The text and illustrations in this graphic novel capture the essence of the mall culture so prevalent during the early 2000s as well as Goth culture. There will be plenty of readers who will see themselves in Liv and her shock when she discovers the truth about her teacher. I loved the pins Liv wears: "Dip me in chocolate and throw me to the lesbians" and "BI AS IN SEE YA," the latter one a gift from Liv's mom. As malls seem to have seen better days and no longer have the appeal they once had as a place to see and be seen, this one has plenty of historical and sentimental value. Since I lived on a farm for from town and miles from any mall, I can't relate to the social nature of malls, but I can appreciate the many issues this graphic novel addresses. ...more
Updated from its earlier 1993 edition, this picture book, part of the First Americans series, provides an overview of the history of the Sioux, includUpdated from its earlier 1993 edition, this picture book, part of the First Americans series, provides an overview of the history of the Sioux, including where they lived(d) and the importance of buffalo to their way of life. Additionally, there is discussion of daily life, ceremonies, and their removal from their tribal lands plus information about the Sioux today. So many individuals tend to group all Native Americans or indigenous peoples together, failing to acknowledge the many differences among them, something that this book and series seek to remedy. The artwork is respectful, filled with intimate scenes of individuals working or on the move. There are additional suggested resources in the back matter for young readers interested in learning more. This book should be in all elementary and middle-grade classroom libraries. ...more
Fans of some of the football-focused programs such as Friday Night Lights or the college or professional games might want to take a break from those eFans of some of the football-focused programs such as Friday Night Lights or the college or professional games might want to take a break from those entertainments and read this book, which focuses on a California team whose members are deaf. While at first that very idea might seem absurd, readers will quickly realize that there are advantages to being deaf and playing such a sport. The author, a reporter for the New York Times, spent part of two seasons with the California School for the Deaf in Riverside, California, whose student body consists of 168 individuals, offering insight into Deaf culture, the players and their families, and their path to victory in eight-man football, which has similarities but also differences from the traditional football played in most places. Along the way, as the young men face challenges, disappointments, and successes as well as experiencing highs and lows, the author provides historical context for their feats in addition to the changing role of Deaf education over the years. His keen sense of observation allows him to capture the games themselves where the audiences and hoopla are much quieter than at typical football games. He also shares the stories of these players, one who slept in his father's car, one who suffered a leg injury and still played, and their dedicated coaches, including Head Coach Keith Adams. So much more than a football story, this one has much to teach us about ourselves and about adversity, but also about the heroism that lies within each of us. It's a must-read. Add this title to a collection featuring athletes who rise above life's challenges; this one is just as enjoyable and insightful in its own way as the equally good Canyon Dreams, which focuses on basketball. ...more
WOW! This graphic novel [3.5 for me!] truly is groundbreaking as it's the memoir of author-illustrator Lewis Hancox as he looks back on his formative WOW! This graphic novel [3.5 for me!] truly is groundbreaking as it's the memoir of author-illustrator Lewis Hancox as he looks back on his formative years in St. Helens, and offers advice and encouragement to the younger version of himself, Lois. Because it's so personal and written from his perspective after the passage of some time, the story is particularly important, filled as it is with humor, pain, and ultimately, hope. From grandparents who easily accept that Lois is trans, supporting his journey, to a mother who sometimes blames herself for this to a father who simply cannot be bothered to use the name Lewis prefers and continues to deadname him, this book has it all--budding romances, clothing choices, clueless doctors, supportive friends. It doesn't get much realer than this. YA books featuring trans characters are still quite rare, and true stories about trans teens even rarer, making this one quite important and essential for a library or home collection. Plenty of readers will see themselves in Lewis's journey while others will gain insight into one man's trans journey by reading it. Clearly, it may take some time, but it DOES get better. I loved the artwork, which consists of detailed black and white panels, just as much as the story. ...more
Fans of the previous graphic novel, Huda F Are You? will love this further glimpse into the lives of the Fahmy family as they embark on a road trip toFans of the previous graphic novel, Huda F Are You? will love this further glimpse into the lives of the Fahmy family as they embark on a road trip to Disney World. Huda and three of her sisters are thrilled to visit the theme park, but the trip there is less than ideal since they are crowded together in the back seat and stop along the way to eat the food their mother has prepared for them. Since the family is visibly Muslim with their garb, including hijabs, Huda feels that they stick out like sore thumbs everywhere they go, including the theme park where most of the visitors are dressed scantily and no one except her family is praying in public. There's so much to unpack in this humorous graphic novel, including her parents' purpose behind the road trip, Huda's new appreciation for her siblings, and her feelings about her identity as well as how she learns to stand up for herself. As was the case with its predecessor, this one was a delight from start to finish. It's a 3.5 for me. ...more
Don't be fooled by the book's cover or the dog's name--Gather--into thinking that this is yet another sweet book about a boy and his dog. While it is,Don't be fooled by the book's cover or the dog's name--Gather--into thinking that this is yet another sweet book about a boy and his dog. While it is, to some extent, that, it is so much more than that. At its heart it's a story of survival and determination, a treatise against systems that keep individuals and struggling families trapped, of the wide-sweeping effects of addiction on families, but also, about those individuals who gather together to lend a hand to someone who is drowning. It examines bullying, social class, and the dwindling of family farms as well as home and the importance of having a place to call one's one. The narrator, Ian Henry, who is managing to keep things afloat on his family's Vermont farm until the worst possible thing happens, has the most distinctive narrative voice that I've encountered in a YA novel in a long time. I was moved by his journey, one that is both figurative and literal, but also one that resembles the lives of many teens today. This one would have been my pick for the 2024 Printz Award. The way the author builds suspense and hints of tragedy ahead is effective and holds readers' interest all the way to the end. ...more
Ten talented YAL authors, including the editor A.S. King, respond to her request for stories about collectors and collections, a topic that had intrigTen talented YAL authors, including the editor A.S. King, respond to her request for stories about collectors and collections, a topic that had intrigued her. Naturally, they all respond in different albeit fascinating ways. There's not a weak one among the collection, and each one prompts readers to consider the world and collections differently. Readers will have their own particular favorites and might even be inspired to write their own stories after perusing these from a talented group of diverse writers. I can see why it won the 2024 Printz Award although I preferred Gather more than this one. ...more
I wish this book [4.5 for me!] had received more attention than it did since it's important, moving, and insightful. The author, a journalist who workI wish this book [4.5 for me!] had received more attention than it did since it's important, moving, and insightful. The author, a journalist who works for the New York Times, spent several months in and around Chinle, Arizona, following the high school basketball team and its coach, Raul Mendoza, as he tries to shape his players as basketballers but also as human beings with a bright future. Naturally, there are many challenges to these tasks--sometimes even the young men themselves and the long, wearisome road trips necessary to reach some of the teams they'll play. While basketball is the focus here--or the excuse to publish the book--this is so much more than a book about a basketball team. Author Michael Powell conducted many interviews with individuals living on the Navajo Nation, including families of the team, fans--and basketball is SERIOUS business in Chinle--educators, even a ranger. While Powell acknowledges the isolation, poverty, abuse, addiction, and suicide that are so often a part of the boys' lives, he also celebrates their tenacity, determination, and spiritedness that they possess. Several parts of the narrative are downright poetic as Powell soaks in the culture, the awe-inspiring beauty of the land, and the warmth of his welcome even as he ruminates on what he's observing and feeling. The connection to this place is strong even while many of its residents, especially the youth, dream of a different, not necessarily better, life. Fans of those Netflix docudramas about basketball and football should love this one with its insight into a place and its inhabitants. ...more
It took the author twenty years to write this particular story focusing on a little-known part of Holocaust history--the Nazi Lebensborn program. ThisIt took the author twenty years to write this particular story focusing on a little-known part of Holocaust history--the Nazi Lebensborn program. This effort to insure abundant future generations of Aryans with "pure" bloodlines involved women, some of whom volunteered to become pregnant for the honor it would bring, but it also had a cruel consequence since babies who weren't perfect were often killed. In this particular book, the protagonist, Allina Strauss is taken to Hochland Home after her family and village are destroyed and she is assaulted. She works there as a nurse, eventually tending to the children who are deemed slower or more flawed than the others and initiating a program to help develop the skills they've lost through neglect. (This part of the story is fictionalized.) Allina meets a high-ranking SS officer, Karl, who turns out to be nothing like she expects. His involvement in helping some of the Jewish children and families escape is part of his efforts to atone for his blind involvement in the Nazi Party when he was younger. While Allina and Karl might be considered ordinary or little cogs in the big picture, their actions are, indeed, heroic, and demonstrate that it is possible to stand up for one's beliefs and act against the wrongs that are in the world, even though those actions may come with a heavy price. Readers will be deeply invested in this story, told from the points of view of Allina and then of Karl as well as being bookended by another character's thoughts. The characters are complex, the setting unique, and the descriptions of people, places, and events carefully detailed. This is one of those books that will stay with readers for some time, prompting reflection about choices, sacrifice, and the power of love in the midst of impossible circumstances. I thoroughly enjoyed it, appreciating the author's attempt to bring to light this horrible practice of eugenics. I've read a couple of books about this topic so this one is unique in its focus. ...more
Although this book [2.5 for me!] wasn't my cup of tea, I'm sure its intended audience will gobble it up and wish that they too could dine on dinosaur Although this book [2.5 for me!] wasn't my cup of tea, I'm sure its intended audience will gobble it up and wish that they too could dine on dinosaur pie. The plot concerns Rory, whose mother purchases dinosaur pie for him at the local supermarket. The dish has a strange side effect as Rory and anyone else who eats it transforms into--you guessed it--a dinosaur. This might seem great fun at first, but as Rory and his two friends, Oleg and Daria, discover, it's also quite convenient when it comes to going to school, using the toilet, and just walking down the street. There are several moments that will prompt giggles from readers as Rory's mother endeavors to hold the store accountable, and as the youngsters search for an antidote. I confess that I giggled at Oleg's need for online validation and Rory's nickname for their teacher. There are several illustrations accompanying the text, making this a quick read that some fans of dinosaurs may enjoy. ...more
I liked this middle-grade science fiction story [3.5 for me!] a lot. I wasn't sure about its contents, based on the cover, but it drew me in from the I liked this middle-grade science fiction story [3.5 for me!] a lot. I wasn't sure about its contents, based on the cover, but it drew me in from the first page when Michael Rosario is stealing peaches from the grocery store in preparation for Y2K. Not only does Michael worry about what will happen then, but he worries about how hard his mother works. Twelve-year-old Michael is so relatable as he's small for his age, quiet, helpful, and picked on by others. He also has a caring heart as he feeds the stray cats in his apartment complex in Delaware and enjoys spending time with Mr. Mosley, who works in the complex. When he spots a strange boy, Ridge, hanging out nearby, Michael and his babysitter Gibby introduce themselves and are puzzled by his odd use of slang and strange clothing. As it turns out, Ridge is from the future, and he's traveled back in time to 1999 to see what the world is like. The way the story is told is interesting since part of it is straight narrative, and other parts are audio transcripts from 2199 as his mother and siblings try to bring him back. All this is interesting enough, bringing to mind at times Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me, but what might resonate most with readers is Ridge's advice that Michael learn to live in the present and being fully engaged in the now rather than worrying constantly about the future or bemoaning the past. The notion of "the first state of being" is that present. This one is a fast read with interesting characters and a protagonist with flaws but good intentions as well as hints about what the planet's future will be like--no bees, no tigers, for instance. Some readers will feel cheated because Ridge doesn't explain a great deal about life in 2199, instead, simply saying that "it's complicated," which may make them feel cheated. Readers won't want to miss the Additional Excerpts at the back of the book....more
Set in Chicago during 2016-2017, this middle-grade novel in verse is structured like a football game with a preseason section, quarters, headings thatSet in Chicago during 2016-2017, this middle-grade novel in verse is structured like a football game with a preseason section, quarters, headings that are pertinent to the sport, and football tidbits. At first those tidbits seemed unnecessary to someone who has followed the game since she was a young girl, but eventually, I realized how they were meant to work and were woven into the plot itself. Perhaps this structure and the subject matter itself--the Muslim ban during President Donald Trump's presidency [Executive Order 13769]--captivated the judges for the National Book Award since this one won the prize for Young People's Literature. Kareem, the seventh-grade narrator, wants nothing more than to play quarterback for his school team. When Austin, the current QB, promises to help him get on the team in exchange for "help" on an assignment, Kareem is conflicted, but he also wants that acceptance and a chance to show what he can do on the field. As Austin leans on for even more help, Kareem grows increasingly uncomfortable, betraying himself, his culture, and Fadi, a newly arrived refugee. As often happens in these sorts of circumstances, his behavior grows erratic, and he tries to cover up some of his deceits. But actions have consequences, and the results of his actions have a domino effect on his whole family, particularly since his mother has traveled to Syria to bring back his ailing maternal grandfather and grandmother. Parts of this story filled my heart with emotion and with hope that things can and will get better, and the book clearly has value for class discussions about xenophobia, prejudices, and social activism, all topics that are nestled within the middle-school drama and humorous moments....more
Scaredy Squirrel is all set for Halloween. Because he is scared of many of its aspects, including ghosts, vampires, and monsters, he thoroughly preparScaredy Squirrel is all set for Halloween. Because he is scared of many of its aspects, including ghosts, vampires, and monsters, he thoroughly prepares by surrounding himself with garlic, inviting his friends to carve friendly pumpkins--definitely not scary ones--and planning a costume that will shield him from harm three months ago. Could the promise of delicious candy apples convince him to join his friends for trick-or-treating? Fans of this series will want to find out? With zombie pumpkins and a character that keeps insisting that everything "needs more ketchup," how can this one miss? The graphic novel format fits this character and his phobias quite well as the book contains small panels, medium-sized ones, large ones, and ones that fill two pages, allowing the facial expressions of Scaredy and his friends to be on full display. Youngsters will also love the Halloween Quiz for Readers that they need to take before starting to read the book. While Scaredy Squirrel may or may not be "scared silly," readers certainly will be. ...more
In this the follow-up to the two previous popular titles featuring Gertie, the Littlest Yak, Gertie is less than pleased when warm temperatures promptIn this the follow-up to the two previous popular titles featuring Gertie, the Littlest Yak, Gertie is less than pleased when warm temperatures prompt Mummy Yak to move the herd elsewhere. Although her mother tells her that things don't make a place a home, Gertie doesn't listen, overloading her sled with all her books and favorite objects as well as her baby sister, Dot. Readers will be in awe at just how much stuff she piles on that sled, and they'll know that it won't be easy to haul all that stuff to the yaks' new home. Distracted by hauling the heavy load and gathering pinecones to help her remember her old place, Gertie doesn't notice when Dot disappears. Once she realizes this, she frantically unloads the sled to see if Dot is there. Someone else was watching out for Dot so all is well, and the book's positive, affirming message is summed up perfectly by Mummy: Home, she says, isn't "about what is around or above you, home is the herd that you love...and who loves you." Created with pencil and ink, scanned and digitally colored, the artwork is so child-friendly with all those long-haired yaks in their cuddly knitwear. While yaks might seem unlikely animals to feature in a children's picture book, they clearly have widespread appeal....more
Ah, what a better world we'd have if more of us remained quiet for a few moments and listened to the trees! Written in haibun, which combines haiku anAh, what a better world we'd have if more of us remained quiet for a few moments and listened to the trees! Written in haibun, which combines haiku and prose, this picture book biography describes the formative years, the inspiration, and the career of George Nakashima, a talented woodworker, eschewing a career in architecture for one involving making furniture. Having traveled widely, Nakashima, a Nisei who was born in the United States, had barely returned to the United States and opened his own shop, when paranoia prompted the U.S. government to incarcerate George and his young family during WWII. But even there, despite the unpleasant conditions, Nakashima continued to hone his craft, learning from others. After the war, they moved to Pennsylvania, where they built their own home and started George's business. The text and illustrations beautifully depict the respect Nakashima had for trees but also for timber, the wood from cut trees. This admiration for the grains of the trees led him to embark on an ambitious project to build massive peace altar tables. As if his life weren't interesting enough, the back matter, which includes descriptions and sketches of the time-consuming woodworking process, also contains photographed examples of his work, leaving readers such as I in awe at the patience, attention to detail, and imagination of this talented man, who clearly listened to the trees throughout his live. The author's text is nimble, expressive, and reflective, and the digital artwork is filled with large shapes and colors, both a stunning tribute to Nakashima whose work is clearly unique. ...more
Reading this folktale [3.5] was a hoot. Twelve-year-old Mendel Schlotz is certainly well meaning, but for some reason--perhaps because he was cursed bReading this folktale [3.5] was a hoot. Twelve-year-old Mendel Schlotz is certainly well meaning, but for some reason--perhaps because he was cursed before birth--his good intentions always go awry. Even the simplest tasks such as setting the table for a meal or responding to questions in class end up causing a mess. Mendel just can't help it. But when Cossacks threaten the village of Lintvint, it's his quick thinking that saves the villagers. I won't spoil how this happens since there are several twists and turns as well as unexpected moments that make all the difference in the world. Middle grade readers will be familiar with the adage that sometimes our weaknesses can become our strengths. which makes Mendel's experiences all the more relatable, but they won't expect some of the events in this story or how that adage plays out. And ugh! a drink made from goat sweat! Even the thought of such a beverage will make readers shudder. The artwork and text fit together in an engaging way, making this read a delight from start to finish with plenty of humor, some pathos, and lots of suspense. There are surely plenty of Mendels out there who will see themselves in this one. ...more
The message of empowerment in this picture book [2.5 for me], written by a celebrity, is more attractive than the digital artwork. There are plenty ofThe message of empowerment in this picture book [2.5 for me], written by a celebrity, is more attractive than the digital artwork. There are plenty of readers to need to hear the words describing the different narrators' feelings and experiences. Being true to oneself and not worrying about trying to be like everyone else, leads to a healthy, happy life, according to the author, and it also means embracing yourself and your own unique qualities. The illustrations feature a diverse cast of youngsters, some who are struggling while others are self-confident. ...more
Oh, this picture book with its memorable illustrations, created with pen and ink and watercolor, and important message, is such a delight. Snake and LOh, this picture book with its memorable illustrations, created with pen and ink and watercolor, and important message, is such a delight. Snake and Lizard have an up and down relationship although they remain friends even through challenging times. That friendship is tried, though, when Lizard decides that their shared desert home needs some embellishment in the form of their names across the entrance. He collects twigs, twists them into the appropriate shapes for the needed letters. Snake, who can't see very well, is impressed with the size, and all is well until a blustery wind blows some of the letters down. Lizard fixes them, but Snake is not pleased with the result since her name has been rearranged in an uncomplimentary way. When Lizard dismisses her concerns, she takes her revenge with a missing letter or two from his name. While both animals' names now seem to be statements on their characters, Snake and Lizard decide that they don't need those twigs or names, after all. This story is told in such an engaging way so that the two animal characters come to life, no doubt reminding readers of some individuals that they know. ...more
What a clever way to handle tough topics! In this graphic novel with a variety of sizes of panels and different colored text for different speakers, mWhat a clever way to handle tough topics! In this graphic novel with a variety of sizes of panels and different colored text for different speakers, middle grader Lonnie is struggling to accept his parents' divorce and having two different homes as well as issues of identity, being different from classmates whose parents live together, and how to deal with conflict. These are hard topics, often shunned by parents and their offspring, and after his father picks him up after school each day, Lonnie buckles up for the ride and broaches some of those issues. Many readers will be familiar with the experience of being trapped in the car with a parent and how that affords them the chance to talk things out or simply remain silent and ignore any issues that might be troubling them. Kudos for Lonnie for holding his father accountable for his words and actions, including careless, dismissive remarks about a classmate's two moms and about therapy and mental health. The facial expressions of the characters speak volumes, and this book could serve as a starting place for other families such as Lonnie's as they have those challenging conversations. This is a fast but important read, easily enjoyed by its intended young audience but the adults in their lives as well. I loved how Lonnie's mother reprimanded her son and daughter, Nicole, for calling each other stupid, instead insisting that they are "young, gifted, and Black" (p. 10), and how they pick up on her assessment. While the conversations with Mom driving her children to their destinations aren't as deep as those Lonnie has with his father, they're still important as well. ...more