Shayla's voice was engaging even though it read a little young for seventh grade. Authentic drama and middle school issues well blended with larger raShayla's voice was engaging even though it read a little young for seventh grade. Authentic drama and middle school issues well blended with larger racial ones. ...more
Over the course of seven years, journalist/ artist George Butler travelled to twelve areas of conflict to observe, sketch and interview refugees. The Over the course of seven years, journalist/ artist George Butler travelled to twelve areas of conflict to observe, sketch and interview refugees. The result is this work of art. Spare, yet emotionally resonant accounts are illustrated with equally spare pen, ink and watercolor illustrations that invite lingering. The narratives also invite further inquiry.
This book releases this week and belongs in all public, middle and high school libraries....more
Another young, important activist that I had not yet heard of. These little pocket books are just terrific for giving you a heads up. As in the othersAnother young, important activist that I had not yet heard of. These little pocket books are just terrific for giving you a heads up. As in the others, I wanted more and headed straight to google to find out more. Astounded by the age and passion and how articulate this young man is. ...more
Informative and readable given the constraints of the short and small form. There were times during the narrative that I wished for more. Interesting Informative and readable given the constraints of the short and small form. There were times during the narrative that I wished for more. Interesting young person doing important work....more
Make room for this picture book biography on your middle school shelves. While biographies of this brave young activist abound, this vibrantly illustrMake room for this picture book biography on your middle school shelves. While biographies of this brave young activist abound, this vibrantly illustrated, present-tense biography shines. I consistently add picture books to my school's biography section and encourage students who need to read a biography to explore some subjects through their picture book versions before committing to the 100+ page biography. While Malala is consistently high-interest, students will find the attractive illustrations and simple and succinct text appealing. They will also love the many pages of backmatter that includes photos, a time line, a map, geographical and cultural information, excerpts from speeches and a book and four websites for further reading. Truly a first-purchase!...more
Found this story of Wangari Maathai when looking up other books about her. This one has a folk tale feel with very few biographical details but liltinFound this story of Wangari Maathai when looking up other books about her. This one has a folk tale feel with very few biographical details but lilting, repetitive language accompanied by absolutely gorgeous illustrations. Using fabric and textiles is a bit a departure for Nelson, one of my favorite illustrators and the resulting paintings are magnificent. Fine for introducing this Nobel prize winner to a young audience....more
Back in 2008, a very lovely picture book biography of Wangari Maathai was published. It was a perfect blend of succinct but beautiful writing and pleaBack in 2008, a very lovely picture book biography of Wangari Maathai was published. It was a perfect blend of succinct but beautiful writing and pleasing, folk-style illustration. Do we need another? Yes! This one is for slightly older readers. There's a bit more text, more detail, including the feminist aspects of Wangari's activism. The illustrations are gorgeous, lush, striking, evocative and beg the eye to linger. I want to swim in the palette. ...more
Nick Podehl turns in another rousing, rollicking performance with Fat Boy Vs. the Cheerleaders. i didn't love the "transcript" mode of delivery. I didNick Podehl turns in another rousing, rollicking performance with Fat Boy Vs. the Cheerleaders. i didn't love the "transcript" mode of delivery. I did enjoy the zings at corrupt school boards and the adulation of football/ cheering. Gabe is a character to root for as was his grandpa. ...more
I'm going to display this one in my school library along side Flesh and Blood So Cheap. Hoping that the picture book will steer interest to the other I'm going to display this one in my school library along side Flesh and Blood So Cheap. Hoping that the picture book will steer interest to the other and awaken a bit of interest in the subject....more