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
There continues to be something charming about this series set in Nigeria. Perhaps it's the books' protagonist, Anna Hibiscus, with her fondness for hThere continues to be something charming about this series set in Nigeria. Perhaps it's the books' protagonist, Anna Hibiscus, with her fondness for her home and extended family, including a rooster called Snow White. Maybe it's the unfamiliar setting. Or perhaps it's the almost hypnotic way each story is told. Or how relatable some of her adventures are, despite their setting. Whatever it may be, the same elements that have appealed to readers like me from the very first title in this series are still apparent in this, the sixth chapter book in the series. This time around Anna follows her grandparents to the village where both of them once lived. She's been told that travel on a crowded bus is fun, but that doesn't seem to be the case at first. Nor is it easy to get to the village after the bus drops her off since she must make her way through the bus. She also faces moments of being bullied by some of the village's youngsters due to her lighter skin. But as with every situation in which she has found herself in previous books, she eventually figures a way forward, solving problems with some sound advice from her elders. The illustrations, rendered in ink, capture some of the important moments in the book perfectly, and I wouldn't change a thing about the text or artwork. This one might be a good classroom read aloud choice. ...more
**spoiler alert** Unlike some readers, I liked The Plot, this novel's predecessor, more than this one [3.5 for me!]. This one started too slowly for m**spoiler alert** Unlike some readers, I liked The Plot, this novel's predecessor, more than this one [3.5 for me!]. This one started too slowly for me, but it gained steam as I moved through its pages. There are plenty of twists, turns, and surprises, and as the protagonist, Anna Williams-Bonner, the widow of a deceased writer, goes to great lengths to hide her past and put to rest any ghosts who might possibly haunt her. The ghosts, of course, aren't actual supernatural beings, but excerpts of a manuscript written by her brother, the contents of which bear a striking resemblance to her husband's novel and to her past. All this is interesting on its own merits, providing glimpses into the world of publishing and book tours as Anna travels around the country in support of her own book, but what makes the story even more interesting for me is how Anna justifies her actions, almost as though she's simply clearing the road of unnecessary traffic or removing leftovers that have started to mold. Don't read this one before The Plot, but once you've read that one, definitely dive into this one with its totally amoral protagonist. (Well, maybe not completely amoral--after all, she does save the cat!)...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
This one is a 2,5 for me. Despite the fact that hordes of readers loved this one and it garnered great critical reviews, it didn't work for me. And itThis one is a 2,5 for me. Despite the fact that hordes of readers loved this one and it garnered great critical reviews, it didn't work for me. And it's not that I'm offended by sexually frank descriptions or that I'm too young to have gone through menopause. I just felt frustrated by the protagonist, her midlife crisis, and her constant whining. Parts of the writing are funny, reflective, intense, but also, quite annoying as her planned cross-country drive from LA to NYC ends up being a short jaunt in which she decides to stay nearby, hire a decorator for her motel room [spending $20,000 to do so], and engage in a mating ritual with a young dancer who works for Hertz. Parts of her story are relatable as she mourns the loss of her youth, worries over menopause, and looks for meaning beyond that of a wife and mother, but she leaves quite a bit of wreckage in her wake. I didn't like her enough to care about her, unfortunately, and I didn't see the point of her journey. ...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
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
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 narrator, a young girl, doesn't have the best start to her family's Passover celebration, but the story her uncle Ezra tells about his first PassoThe narrator, a young girl, doesn't have the best start to her family's Passover celebration, but the story her uncle Ezra tells about his first Passover in the United States changes her attitude. Arriving at Ellis Island when he was nine, Ezra ends up spending the night with others from the ship, celebrating the holiday with what they have on hand, because authorities can't find his older brother, Mendel, who was supposed to meet him. Based on a family story, this one is quite charming, especially when the narrator focuses on Ezra not knowing how to eat a banana but sure about how to make a seder. The text and artwork have great child appeal, and young readers will probably reflect on the importance of family traditions after reading this one. ...more
Fans of adventure and survival stories will love this one [3.5 for me!], which features three cousins who must fend for themselves in the Sequoia NatiFans of adventure and survival stories will love this one [3.5 for me!], which features three cousins who must fend for themselves in the Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park in California. The youngsters, Owen, Vivian, and Amy are spending the night all on their own near a lake while their parents--his father and their mother--are camping on the other side of the mountain. What begins as a small step toward independence after the family's hike ends up becoming a struggle for survival after an earthquake closes off the trail. With little food and water but plenty of determination, the youngsters take the long way around the park, facing various challenges, including rugged terrain and a bear, as well as some of their own demons about life back home. While some of the nicknames and encounters grew a bit tiresome, most of the text was riveting, keeping readers guessing about whether the cousins would be able to make it to safety--and at what price? It's a good thing that they knew more than the usual facts about surviving in the wilderness or else the ending could have been quite different. The author's decision to focus on their journey and not go back and forth between the youngsters and the adults makes the book even more suspenseful and appropriate for its intended audience. The inclusion of a map of the area allows readers to see just how treacherous their trek was. ...more
This middle-grade novel [3.5 for me!] has so many quotable passages or golden lines as well as three characters that will touch readers' hearts with tThis middle-grade novel [3.5 for me!] has so many quotable passages or golden lines as well as three characters that will touch readers' hearts with their individual plights. The way the book is structured reminds me in many respects of Louis Sachar's classic Holes although there is no work camp for kids or incarceration or unrequited love in this one. But as is the case with Holes, there are parts of the narrative that seem at first to have no connection until suddenly, they do. Tildy has lost the amber necklace her mother gave her, and fears that her mother will leave once again. Leon fears losing his grandmother after his grandfather died, and he's desperately trying to communicate with the man's spirit to lift her out of the Depths of Despair. (I love how this is capitalized throughout the narrative.) And Nell is on an impromptu road trip with her mother after their house in Florida was destroyed by a hurricane. Nell wants to go home where she has happy memories of times with her other mom. Beneath all these different kinds of losses are raw emotions and complex feelings about safety, belonging, and family as well as attachments to things that seem terribly important. Parts of the story are stronger than others, but this one is certainly worth a read as even older readers will find themselves thinking about what matters most in their own lives. The author effectively balances humor and heartache, and readers will miss these characters and the small town where all this takes place once all the loose ends are tied up. ...more
Warm mixed media illustrations filled with reds, yellows, and blues accompany a tender story of connections and love that continues no matter the distWarm mixed media illustrations filled with reds, yellows, and blues accompany a tender story of connections and love that continues no matter the distance or time, even transcending death. The narrator, a young girl, cherishes the time she spends looking at the sky with her grandmother, who tells her tales that might seem outlandish. On this particular outing, a whale comes to them from the heavens and takes them on a starry ride. While most individuals would not believe such a thing could be possible, by the time the girl returns to earth, she is convinced that anything is possible. After all, although we know much of what has gone on before us, we don't know everything. Once, most humans were convinced the world was flat and that the constellations had certain kinds of significance to the gods. Not only is the artwork impressive, but the text contains gems such as "The stars sparkle / like chocolates wrapped in the brightest foil" (unpaged). There's simply so much out there that we humans can't see or know or understand so who knows if there might be a Night Whale. ...more
Too Small Tola isn't without resources as readers of this unique series come to realize. Fans of the previous three books in the series will enjoy watToo Small Tola isn't without resources as readers of this unique series come to realize. Fans of the previous three books in the series will enjoy watching this young girl solve problems for herself in three different chapters or stories. Not only does she find a way for elderly and frail Mrs. Shaky-Shaky to stay connected to the rest of the community, changing her grandmother's opinion of the boys her brother, Dapo, hangs around with, but she also takes a trip to the beach with her grandmother and realizes that some rules are meant to be broken and some fears can be overcome. Even though the beach is filthy and littered, there's still love to be found with Grandmommy. In the third story Tola loses track of the baby for whom she's caring and gets acclaim for having a song written about her. All the stories are connected in some way and originate in Grandmommy's apartment in Lagos, Nigeria, and Tola's pride and self-confidence are evident in each story, particularly since she is supported by her family and neighbors. The digital artwork allows readers to get to know the characters and setting even better. This is a quick read featuring characters that many readers will love. I look forward to the next installment of Tola's adventures, which, while they may seem small, are surely meaningful. ...more
Based on a story from the Talmud, this picture book demonstrates the importance of being charitable but also not making the recipient feel embarrassedBased on a story from the Talmud, this picture book demonstrates the importance of being charitable but also not making the recipient feel embarrassed or ashamed. I've often felt that sometimes charity is equated with pats on the back or credit for doing good deeds, which makes me uncomfortable. This tale featuring a helpful chipmunk, Hanina, demonstrates that there doesn't need to be acclaim or recognition for good deeds. The doing of those deeds should be enough. When Hanina realizes that Matilda Squirrel is too proud to accept her help, she decides to bring her nuts at night when she won't know who left them. And that's exactly what she does, making it appear that they've simply fallen from a tree close by. Hanina also runs into an owl on her way, and the owl lets her go because of her pure heart and generous purpose. With its colorful illustrations, created with gouache, pencils, and crayons, this picture book demonstrates Hanina's courage in undertaking a trip to Matilda's house when it's terribly dark and unfamiliar. Hanina's example would be a good one to share with youngsters as a read aloud....more
Although the premise behind this middle-grade story [3.5 for me!] is rather far-fetched, I still loved most of it, partly because it takes part in a lAlthough the premise behind this middle-grade story [3.5 for me!] is rather far-fetched, I still loved most of it, partly because it takes part in a library and partly because I liked the characters. Essie, who becomes known as "the library girl," has lived in the Huffington Public Library for all of her eleven years of life, apparently abandoned on a bookshelf by someone. Four kind-hearted librarians (Doris, Taisha, Lucinda, and Jeanne-Marie) can't resist taking care of her when no one shows up. They keep her hidden, protected, and loved. But as she grows older, they decide it's time to allow her to explore the world outside the library first-hand rather than from books. While checking out a department store, she meets a boy who looks just like her, and the truth behind her birth and family is slowly revealed. All four librarians are wonderfully depicted and take their roles as mothers quite seriously. Despite the tough topics the book addresses and the mistakes that many characters, including Essie, make, there are many humorous moments and individuals who step in when help is needed, particularly when Essie and the four librarians, come into conflict with newly-hired Ms, Matterhorn, who has to be one of the most meddling characters ever written and described as "a woman so disagreeable that cats leapt into open manholes when they saw her coming" (p. 66). And oh, how this book provides a roadmap for dealing with life's challenges: "If people were like books in the library, if everyone was their own story, then what had her mothers taught her? That all stories were good stories as long as they were true to the teller. And that you should never try to pretend that the things that had happened in the past hadn't or that the way people believed or thought or felt hadn't happened. Because what good was a story if it was censored and untrue? Stories were for sharing the infinite ways there were to be human" (p. 237). ...more
If there's one thing author Meg Medina knows, it's relationships. In this picture book that is a tribute to caregivers who aren't related to those theIf there's one thing author Meg Medina knows, it's relationships. In this picture book that is a tribute to caregivers who aren't related to those they care for, the protagonist, Ana, realizes just how important her babysitter, Senora Mimi, is to her. Ana is excited that her abuela is coming to stay with her family and will be able to take care of her and no longer necessitating a hired babysitter. But as Ana realizes that this means she won't see Senora Mimi anymore, she starts thinking about everything that she will miss. But Mimi realizes that Ana has conflicted emotions and promises that she will still be a part of her life--and maybe she and Abuela will become friends. The text is child-friendly, the emotions are authentic, and the digital artwork has a sentimental tone that fits the story perfectly. There will be plenty of youngsters who will recognize themselves and their own feelings about change and leaving someone to whom they are attached. ...more
This debut middle-grade novel is good, really good, and it kept me guessing all the way through. Even though it's set in modern-day India, readers allThis debut middle-grade novel is good, really good, and it kept me guessing all the way through. Even though it's set in modern-day India, readers all over the world will be able to relate to the narrator, Lena Krishnan, who is impulsive, fidgety, and sometimes envious of the attention her older brother, Karthik [Kay-Kay] gets from her parents. Kay-Kay is smart, ambitious, and rarely gets in trouble except when he's covering for his little sister. The siblings have a strong bond, and when Kay-Kay doesn't return from a wildlife camp and the police aren't moving fast enough to find him, El-Kay takes matters in her own hands. At first, she merely contacts her brother's friends and teachers, but as time passes, and she grows more desperate, she decides to retrace his journey home from the camp, going by bus and train. Along the way, she meets friendly and unhelpful individuals and learns some truths about her brother through his poetry. Since most of the chapters are quite short and the description interesting, this book holds readers' interests as they worry that there will be no resolution for exactly where Kay-Kay is. Lena is one determined young girl who takes risks for someone she loves. This one is a 3,5 for me. I look forward to more from this author....more
Colorful Photoshop artwork set against plentiful white space and rhyming lines make this charming and inclusive picture book child-friendly. While it'Colorful Photoshop artwork set against plentiful white space and rhyming lines make this charming and inclusive picture book child-friendly. While it's not necessarily clear if this family is being reunited briefly for or after a vacation or if it's a permanent move--well, as permanent as possible when a parent is in the Navy--it's clear that the journey is long and arduous. Leaving the destination mysterious at first gently builds tension. The illustrations depict many of the steps in flying, including checking in and being scanned or having carry-ons scanned, and a long night flight. Once the little family arrives in Japan, it becomes clearer what's been going on. If readers are still uncertain, those lines of "Goodbye, goodbyes, / Hello, hugs" (unpaged) on the final page and the smiling family of four, including two women, one in a sailor suit, will definitely end any confusion. With so many military families moving all across the globe, this picture book might help ease some of their anxiety and uncertainty about when all family members will be reunited. ...more
Originally published in Argentina, this humorous picture book will elicit giggles from youngsters while older readers and parents will find it all tooOriginally published in Argentina, this humorous picture book will elicit giggles from youngsters while older readers and parents will find it all too relatable. After all, when a baby won't stop crying, everyone suffers. In this case, not only do Eliza's wails keep her parents and sibling, the narrator, awake, but they also disturb the neighbors. Despite everyone's efforts, she won't stop crying until her grandmother arrives with a solution. It's funny how Grandma pretends to misunderstand what everyone else is saying and how powerful Eliza's fart is. The artwork depicts all this noise and confusion quite well, leaving most readers chortling at the absurdity of it all. ...more
Having enjoyed Atinuke's Anna Hibiscus series and her Too Small Tola series, I figured that I'd also enjoy this one, which has similarities to her B IHaving enjoyed Atinuke's Anna Hibiscus series and her Too Small Tola series, I figured that I'd also enjoy this one, which has similarities to her B Is for Baby. It's a bit of a different ABC book than readers usually find, focusing on the letter "l" and featuring various scenes from Lagos, Nigeria and the surrounding areas. A family of five sets off on a journey to market, leaving a baby in the care of grandparents. Theirs is a busy day, full of sights and sounds, some to be expected, but others a bit surprising, all starting with the appropriate letter, before they return home. One of the unique aspects of this picture book is how each scene and letter connects to the next scene. Although the Nigerian setting may be unfamiliar to many readers, that feeling of adventure and anticipation with which someone starts a journey as well as the relief in being welcomed back home will be recognizable for them. Love simply fills each page, shown through the striking, color-drenched mixed media illustrations. This one is culturally rich, and a 3.5 for me, a good read aloud choice. ...more