Twelve different short stories feature a diverse cast of characters--youngsters living with their families in the Entrada, a six-story apartment buildTwelve different short stories feature a diverse cast of characters--youngsters living with their families in the Entrada, a six-story apartment building. Each protagonist faces some sort of relatable life challenge, including being misunderstood, a first crush, making friends, being heard, and even dealing with an artistic ghost. Not surprisingly, there's even a grouchy neighbor who complains about the cooking smells from someone's kitchen. Since the stories interlock in some surprising ways and some of their parents also face challenges, this collection is rife with discussion possibilities as well as providing avenues toward acceptance, empathy and risk-taking. Because each story is short, readers can consume the stories gradually or educators can share them one story at a time, but they also are interesting enough to hold readers' attention all the way through. These culturally rich accounts are easy to digest, and there isn't a weak one among the entire collection. Refreshingly, there are no troubled teens, addiction or crime mentioned on this particular block. ...more
Although seventh grader Katie is still at the heart of this humorous, timely graphic novel series, the talented cats that live near her--all 217 of thAlthough seventh grader Katie is still at the heart of this humorous, timely graphic novel series, the talented cats that live near her--all 217 of them--add the purr-fect touch to the plot. Readers like me will be looking closely at each page to locate one of those well-trained felines and learn what its special skills are. It could be that one is a Military Expert, Architecture, Remix Specialist or in charge of Publicity. In this, the fourth book in the series, Katie and the Mousestress, who is also Cheesy Justice, become concerned that a horse carriage company now has a monopoly on this tourist attraction and is keeping the horses in crowded conditions. Investigation leads to SlimBuilds, a company that seems intent on filling all the space between apartment buildings with more structures, blocking the sun. It's fun to watch Katie gain confidence and build bonds with her skating crew. There are several subplots that add interest to the book while hinting at various stories yet to be told. The artwork fits the storyline and characters perfectly, both depicting seventh grade and friend and family dynamics and all their ups and downs perfectly. I'll look forward to the next installment in this unique and empowering series that's all about girl power. ...more
This amazingly immersive novel focusing on water, rivers, and humanity is a 4.5 for me. I was curious to see how the author would tie together the difThis amazingly immersive novel focusing on water, rivers, and humanity is a 4.5 for me. I was curious to see how the author would tie together the different parts of the narrative--1840 Victorian England, 2014 Turkey, and 2018 London--with their various protagonists together with drops of water and rivers threading through all this. I was not disappointed. She does so deftly, handing so many hot-button topics such as the theft of cultural artifacts by privileged Westerners, cultural erasure of certain groups, genocide, and familial relationships as skillfully as one of the oral storytellers of the past. Sprinkling in oral stories and traditions along with dashes of genius, guilt, and obsession, she introduces readers to a fascinating cast of characters, some fictional but others such as Dr. John Snow, who are real. Reading this book is an emotional rollercoaster, but readers may come away from it feeling as though they're smarter, more aware, and more empathetic. They also may find themselves wrestling with some important ethical questions. I highly recommend adding it to your to-read pile. It's one of the best adult books I've read so far this year. ...more
A companion novel to Life After Life, this one, which focuses on Teddy, Ursula Todd's younger brother and bomber pilot during WII. It's just as good aA companion novel to Life After Life, this one, which focuses on Teddy, Ursula Todd's younger brother and bomber pilot during WII. It's just as good as the previous one since it features cameos from various members of the Todd family as well as the next two generations. There is quite a lot of description of his flying missions and his fondness for nature. In some ways, Teddy is quite extraordinary and even a hero, but in others he will remind readers of themselves and some of their own family members. Most notably, as happens so often, Teddy's life doesn't turn out the way he might have hoped and expected. It's so clear that he and everyone else, no matter how privileged or without privilege, has dreams and ambitions, but what happens when those dreams evaporate or seem out of reach through no fault of one's own? So much happened during the twentieth century, and the author has given readers a window seat into one ordinary man's journey through the decades. As I read this one, I felt incredibly sad about Teddy's relationship with his daughter, Viola, who never really bonded with him or her own two children, but I also felt grateful that Teddy had a strong relationship with her offspring. The book contains so many well developed, interesting characters that it's likely some readers will feel bereft when they reach those final pages. ...more
Ah, Andrew Clements, how many wonderful stories have you given us, most notably and unforgettably, Frindle? I don't want to say too much about this seAh, Andrew Clements, how many wonderful stories have you given us, most notably and unforgettably, Frindle? I don't want to say too much about this sequel for fear of spoiling it for other readers, but suffice it to say that in its own way it's just as satisfying as its predecessor. The protagonist, Josh Willet loves all things tech and is a serious gamer. He doesn't understand why homework in this ELA class must be handwritten or why word choice is so important. When he stumbles upon a secret about Mr. N, his teacher, the game and the hunt are on. But who's hunting whom? Fans of Strunk and White's The Elements of Style will sigh over every word. Those of us who love writing will nod knowingly at the importance of language, learning to express oneself clearly and precisely, and critical thinking. With pen-and-ink drawings from the always spot-on Brian Selznick, this one is sure to be a classic and have just as much appeal as Frindle. I'd suggest reading that one first, though, to get the full emotional impact of both books. ...more
This futuristic novel might appeal to teen or middle grade readers who think they don't like science fiction. As other reviewers have said, reading itThis futuristic novel might appeal to teen or middle grade readers who think they don't like science fiction. As other reviewers have said, reading it really is downright scary since the events described in it due to climate change or global warming and the poor stewardship of humans seem increasingly likely. Don't be fooled by the book's title. The story is nothing like what most folks will have read before. Tasmania, where the story is set, is in bad shape. The narration shifts between two girls who have never met but have quite a lot in common. Both are about to be displaced, one due to impending ecological disaster and the other one due to bullying and the need to start fresh. Readers won't realize at first that the girls are separated by decades: It's 2093 in Nyx's story, and 2023 in Bea's vows, When Nyx pours out her anguish about the future on a scrap of paper that she hides in a tall pine tree near her home, her words are read by Bea, who responds through a notebook. Improbably, a friendship forms between the two girls, and Bea is determined to somehow help Nyx even though she knows that others will doubt her and make fun of her. For such a short book, this one packs quite an emotional wallop and will make many readers think how close this sort of a future may be. I liked it much more than I expected to....more
While this attractive picture book's topic might be familiar [facing things that are new and somewhat frightening], its approach with an affirming manWhile this attractive picture book's topic might be familiar [facing things that are new and somewhat frightening], its approach with an affirming mantra and its unusual, striking artwork makes it refreshingly different. The use of tissue paper that has been collaged in Photoshop adds movement, texture, and interest to the illustrations of youngsters facing the typical fears. such as going on stage, taking a test, diving into deep water, getting a shot, even volunteering an answer in class. And throughout the text, readers keep seeing that comforting mantra, "YOU'VE GOT THIS" (unpaged), three words that have the power to motivate them and keep them going. Lest readers think that trying will always lead to success, an attitude that seems so prevalent these days, the final two pages assure them that even when they don't succeed, their loved ones have their back and still love them. Books such as this one encourage risk taking and facing fears head on, teaching resilience. ...more
As Banned Book Week begins once again, this middle-grade novel [3.5 for me1!] set in Shipton, Massachusetts couldn't be more appropriate as a read aloAs Banned Book Week begins once again, this middle-grade novel [3.5 for me1!] set in Shipton, Massachusetts couldn't be more appropriate as a read aloud or part of that celebration of the Right to Read. Eighth grade Molly Claremont and some of her friends have found a safe space in an extracurricular book club at school that is run by Ms. Lewiston. But a complaint causes the book club to be put on hiatus and Ms. Lewiston to face possible reprisals. Molly wants to push back, but she becomes obsessed about learning who complained about the books the club has been reading. She also reaches out to the author of the gay-themed book that was questioned, but the response is disappointing. Eventually, the group starts an online Read Or Die Stupid account that garners attention, and Molly faces and ethical dilemma after stumbling on some evidence that reveals who complained about the club. I enjoyed this one a lot, even though at times Molly was a bit misguided as was Ms. Lewiston, which makes the story all the more realistic. Because it is the students themselves that take things in their own hands rather than adults solving their problems, it was refreshing to see such empowered, enlightened, and aware middle graders. ...more
With the conflict in Gaza and unrest in Palestine continuing after months of attempts at peace talks, this picture book couldn't be timelier. And for With the conflict in Gaza and unrest in Palestine continuing after months of attempts at peace talks, this picture book couldn't be timelier. And for those individuals who see no relevance in that particular conflict, this story speaks to the healing power of community, resilience, and the importance of planting seeds of hope. After learning about all that olive trees give to her grandfather and his neighbors, the narrator is excited to plant olive seeds and watch for a tree to grow. Of course, this takes time, and she becomes disheartened. When small bits of green become visible, she nurtures it carefully and is devastated when soldiers march through the land and crush its tender leaves. Understanding her grief, her grandfather reaches out to their neighbors who have a surprise for the girl the next day. A message of resilience and strength in the face of adversity is included on the last page as the girl and elderly man embrace among all that greenery. The brief Author's Note reinforces this notion. Rendered in Procreate, the digital illustrations consist of muted tones of brown and olive as well as blacks, greens, and touches of blush pink in a variety of pages, some full-page images, some panels, some spot art, and even a few impressive double-page spreads with paths winding across them. The way the soldiers are depicted with only the lower parts of their bodies and no faces, just military attire, guns, and thick-soled boots supports the notion that there's an anonymity to war and a lack of regard for its consequences. This is an impressive, moving debut that may make readers reflect deeply about conflict, war, peace, and the future. Surely, aggression and violence are not the only way forward. ...more
This early reader series continues to charm readers and capture those small experiences that take on great significance for youngsters. In this, the fThis early reader series continues to charm readers and capture those small experiences that take on great significance for youngsters. In this, the fourth title in the series, it's Picture Day at school, and everyone is dressed in their best. There is little doubt that the older folks among us won't remember what THAT was like. For Bea, wearing a poufy pink princess dress and bows in her hair is almost more than she can bear. For Buddy, taking off his glasses while in the restroom is a mistake since they disappear, and he can hardly see. Things go from bad to worse as Bea tries to help, and the photographs that result are certainly memorable, if not particularly flattering. If the text doesn't amuse readers--and almost certainly will--those digital illustrations will. Share this one as class read aloud right before--or after--the annual school Picture Day. And why do we say cheese, anyway?...more
Uber confident Malia is known for her great ideas. But when Mom's new job causes her to be more preoccupied with work than usual, Malia feels shunted Uber confident Malia is known for her great ideas. But when Mom's new job causes her to be more preoccupied with work than usual, Malia feels shunted aside and forgotten. Mom even forgot to prepare her pajamas and stuffies for Pajama Day. Never at a loss for great ideas, Malia decides to help Mom by cleaning up her desk and responding to her emails as well as adding some bling to one of her presentations on the computer. The artwork shows just what a disaster all of this is. It's clear that Mom is upset when she sees what's happened, but she suggests that Malia help herself rather than helping Mom---and that's just what she does. With its digital artwork and smiling, confident faces of this helpful Black girl and her mother as well as Malia's mantras, included in the back matter, this picture book offers a good example of problem-solving as well as how to deal when things don't go according to plan....more
Teenage psychic Quinn O'Brien comes from a long line of folks in desert-town Gypsum, Texas, with similar abilities. With their property headed for aucTeenage psychic Quinn O'Brien comes from a long line of folks in desert-town Gypsum, Texas, with similar abilities. With their property headed for auction since they've been unable to pay the bills, Quinn seeks some ways to earn money using his gift even though his brother, Ollie, disapproves. But a trip to the abandoned Alvarado Hotel sets an almost unstoppable force in motion. Quinn keeps hearing voices, seeing visions and being plagued with sets of numbers. A large safe hauled from the hotel holds a secret that has been hidden for decades, and Quinn and his friends June and Selena are destined to play out a scenario that occurred back then. There is lovely description of the desert and a mysterious entity that eats away at the town and the constellations, but parts of this suspenseful horror novel are hard to follow and downright unbelievable. The idea of loving and caring for something more than oneself is woven into the plot and the resolution, making it clear that sometimes people stay because they have no choice. My enjoyment of this one was uneven. Parts of the plot and writing had me hanging on excitedly to see what was going to happen or where this one was going, but others such as Kit's ability to reach across time and distance to set events in motion seemed hard to buy....more
Interesting graphic images of various hues complement a little-known story about freedom of speech and expression. While many individuals think about Interesting graphic images of various hues complement a little-known story about freedom of speech and expression. While many individuals think about book, movies or art when they consider censorship or First Amendment issues, music and even the name of a band can also stir controversy. As Banned Books Week approaches and many of us contemplate what the Right to Read or the ability to honor multiple points of view means, this might be a good picture book [3.5 for me!] to share with students to prompt discussion of the topic and what it means to try to reclaim certain words that have been used in a disparaging way in the past. Aware of the way some racists used a phrase such as "slanted eyes" to demean Asians, Simon Tam forms a band, names them The Slants, but isn't allowed to register the name because the United States Patent and Trademark Office considered it be racist. Simon decides to fight the decision, leading to an eight-year battle that goes all the way to the Supreme Court, which eventually ruled in his favor. I had never heard of this case or this band, but the story was intriguing and inspiring. Lyrics from "From the Heart," the band's response to the band's fight for their name are included in the back matter and inserted throughout the main narrative. ...more
This one is a 3.5 for me. Eighteen-year-old Gita Desai has big plans for her future, and going premed at Stanford is just the start of reaching her goThis one is a 3.5 for me. Eighteen-year-old Gita Desai has big plans for her future, and going premed at Stanford is just the start of reaching her goals. Although she loves her Gujarati-Indian parents, she has resisted their efforts to broker an arranged marriage, and she embraces the freedom college offers. A hard-working, efficient student, she and her older brother Sai have been taught to chup-re [shut up], not argue, and fade into the background. For somewhat vague reasons other than shared musical tastes on the part of Jane, who lives across the hall in the dorm, Jane and Marisol, a model, take her under their wings. Gita finds herself drinking, hung over, having casual sex, and emotionally distracted. While there's nothing inherently wrong with having multiple sex partners, she doesn't always know their names or consent to the activity, somehow unable to say, "No" or to ask them to stop. As she stumbles from one bad experience after another, her performance at the lab where she works suffers as do her grades--at least temporarily. She also experiences flashbacks to similar instances when she was just a child, but since her Pinky Aunty is no longer in California, she isn't sure what they mean, other than that she has been taught to respect and never say no to adults. With support from various friends, including Jane, Marisol, and Sora, who works in the same lab, Gita finally finds her voice and stands up for herself. Despite/Because of this book's subject matter, reading it is an intense experience, not for the faint of heart. Even with possible cultural differences and the time period [1992, complete with the appropriate musical references], this is a story in which many of us will be able to see ourselves, quiet, compliant girls whose silence poses a danger to their well-being. There is much to like about this book, especially the development of Gita as a character and how she grows, and her wonderfully supportive brother, but I wondered how she possibly managed to make A's in her courses, including Organic Chemistry, with all her extracurricular activities, and all that partying and those hangovers. I also wondered how Gita's story might have been different or stayed the same had the book been set in 2024. How much have things changed? This one is definitely worth a read. ...more
Rooted in Mexican folklore, this middle grade novel is filled with heart as well as important reflections on love, loss, and grief. I don't want to saRooted in Mexican folklore, this middle grade novel is filled with heart as well as important reflections on love, loss, and grief. I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling it for others, but I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the narrator's world as well as Floresta, the magical realm where she journeys in order to save her brother, Alex, and her own world. The author hints at the origin of all the sickness in ten-year-old Lola's world as various plants and even Alex are growing sicker by the hour and becoming gray, but it's only late in the book that readers actually realize the truth. It's typical for families and young people to refer to traumatic events in euphemistic words or phrases. For Lola, it is The Thing That Happened, and her brother has never been the same since that time. When an oracle tells her what the cure might be, she follows one of the chaneques through a portal in her closet that leads to another land. The parallels between what's happening in both worlds is interesting since Lola finds it almost impossible to accept what she needs to do in order for Alex to get well. The world building here is astonishingly detailed, filled with magical flora and fauna and all sorts of transformations that will make some readers wish that they, too, could visit Floresta. For many, the passages about letting go vs. holding on and acknowledging the death doesn't mean the end may be eye-opening and comforting. There's a dreamlike, almost hypnotic quality to the prose here that makes readers homesick for the magical land where Lola traveled. The book contains several black and white sketches, some I liked more than others. ...more
When Little Wolf's siblings tease her about her meager howl that sounds like a whistle, she's embarrassed and leaves the pack, determined to show themWhen Little Wolf's siblings tease her about her meager howl that sounds like a whistle, she's embarrassed and leaves the pack, determined to show them just how fierce she is. After all, she doesn't consider being called cute a compliment. Following a butterfly leads her into unfamiliar territory, and she ends up completely lost. She tries to rely on her mother's advice about what to do when she gets lost, but she gets some conflicting advice from other animals along the way. A whale, a goose, a bear, and an owl offer assistance in different ways. Using everything she learned from Whale, Goose, and Bear, she harkens to her mother's howl and howls right back until she's right where she belongs, safe in the bosom of her family, having found her voice and proved to herself that she can survive on her own. The rich colors in the artwork pay tribute to the land where the wolves and other animals live as well as showcasing Little Wolf's personality and the friendly, kind animals who offer assistance to her. ...more
The elegant, lyrical text in this picture book biography about an influential picture book illustrator soars above present-day circumstances, somehow The elegant, lyrical text in this picture book biography about an influential picture book illustrator soars above present-day circumstances, somehow lifting readers' spirits as they consider life's possibilities and the importance of leaving the world more beautiful. In today's tumultuous, fractured times, what could be more important? How wonderful to have such a visually stunning homage to this talented storyteller and winner of two of the early Caldecott [1959, 1980] prizes! I wish the students in my previous years' Children's Literature courses could have had this tribute to hard work, respect for all living things, and being true to oneself, even in one's artistic endeavors. Interestingly, as with Frida Kahlo, it is when she is ill and bedridden that some inspiration comes. The biography also functions as a brief glimpse into the history of picture books and publishing since it was only when she was creating the images for Chanticleer and the Fox that she is allowed to use five different colors for her work. It's noteworthy just how stunning those images are, even compared with modern printing techniques and liberal use of color. The author often refers to her love for color even while describing how necessity forces her to "scratch away in black and white" (unpaged) and uses evocative phrases such as "a landscape that looks like a lullaby" (unpaged) to describe what she sees when she travels to faraway places. And oh, that sumptuous, beautiful double-page spread filled with blues, purples, and greens as water and land meet as she looks on! Preceded as it is by those powerful lines on the previous page, it takes on even more emotional power, leaving readers to contemplate their own brief times on earth: "A life is more than a timeline, dates set down in black and white. There are harsh winters and soft springs, tides that follow the moon, rivers that flow to the sea.... Books close, then open again. We do not always know the next story" (unpaged). The illustrations in this particular book, created with gouache and brimming with nature's beauty, capture her love for art, light, and color. This is an impressive and essential collection for any collection devoted to artists or storytellers. ...more
It's the little things and those small moments that build lasting memories and bonds, a notion that is captured perfectly in this picture book. ReaderIt's the little things and those small moments that build lasting memories and bonds, a notion that is captured perfectly in this picture book. Readers may be misled by the book's title, initially thinking that this will be the story of some famous athlete, rock star, or even a politician or elected official. But as soon as the story begins, they realize that no, that's not the case; this is the story of a ordinary man, a grandfather just like yours, mine or theirs, who eagerly anticipates the weekly Sunday visits from his three grandchildren. They clamor from the family car eagerly, ready to embrace him, behaving as though he's something special. Alas, though, that can't be the case, he thinks to himself. After all, "he's just a simple, ordinary man" (unpaged). Despite his modesty, they love his drawing, his storytelling, his invented games, his leadership, and even his piano playing. With each example, though, he points out his inadequacy or that he's nothing special. Ultimately, though, he realizes that he IS special or feels special because of their love and how great they are. The notion that love makes those around us seem especially special permeates each page of this book with its gentle but affirming text and affectionate and tender illustrations filled with various activities shared by the elderly man and his family. Created with watercolor and gouache, the illustrations seem filled with rosy hopefulness, and, in the end, pride. This picture book is a good choice to share with parents and grandparents--or for them to share with their offspring. It's a vivid reminder that each one of us matters and the time we spend with others is significant and need not be taken for granted. ...more
Oh, to be able to live life on one's own terms! That's exactly how Edward Gorey moved through his life and career, dressing, drawing, and navigating aOh, to be able to live life on one's own terms! That's exactly how Edward Gorey moved through his life and career, dressing, drawing, and navigating according to his own compass. This picture book's illustrations, created with acrylics, and the three-part text, pay tribute to his formative years, his time in New York City, and his later years in Cape Cod. The entire package captures the essence of this quirky, highly original artist and storyteller, who eschewed the lures of fame, preferring to spend time with his cats and "to do his own thing, in his own way, in his own time" (unpaged). Young readers can learn about how to chart their own courses through his example. Back matter includes a timeline of his life, additional information about Gorey, and a photograph of him with one of the cats he loved so much. This picture book biography [3.5 for me!] made me smile at his unique vision and his declaration that six cats were enough, and to add one more would just be too much. Maybe, but maybe not! As I read this book, though, I wondered just how familiar with his work are youngsters today. ...more
The warm colors of this picture book, created with gouache backgrounds that are handprinted, cut paper, and Adobe Photoshop, give this story an emotioThe warm colors of this picture book, created with gouache backgrounds that are handprinted, cut paper, and Adobe Photoshop, give this story an emotional appeal and cultural richness. Readers are reminded of the importance of connections across the generations and across time and space through the thoughts and deeds of the characters, particularly those of Julieta, the main character. As her family prepares for Dia de Muertos, Julieta struggles to find the right gift for her abuela. After several good ideas result in failure, she decides to pull out her dancing attire since Abuela was always smiling and happiest when they were dancing together. The images on the final double-page spread show the two of them dancing together, smiles filling their faces, as Julieta realizes that "as long as she danced, her bond with Abuelita would live on forever"(unpaged). With its lovely message about love and the bonds that continue after death, this picture book [a 3.5 for me!], may offer some comfort to those youngsters who are grieving the loss of a loved one. ...more