This switched-identity story was so much fun! Many of my students love this type of story and I'm so happy to have another to add to Reader's AdvisoryThis switched-identity story was so much fun! Many of my students love this type of story and I'm so happy to have another to add to Reader's Advisory. I know this won't sit!...more
This was cute and mildly diverting with interesting updates - dad deployed, mom a nurse and Jo comes out. It was a bit bland though. I adored Little WThis was cute and mildly diverting with interesting updates - dad deployed, mom a nurse and Jo comes out. It was a bit bland though. I adored Little Women and felt disconnected from this adaptation. Conflict was far and few between and resolved in an after-school-special sort of way. The art style will appeal to fans of Raina Telgemeier. ...more
Oh, I just loved this one. Gorgeous illustrations pair with alliterative text for a fun book to read aloud. Perfect for use in the LA classroom. Just Oh, I just loved this one. Gorgeous illustrations pair with alliterative text for a fun book to read aloud. Perfect for use in the LA classroom. Just the ticket to challenge students to dig deep with their writing. ...more
US history that certainly isn't taught in school! This informative text features "projects" by students in a classroom that introduces terms that are US history that certainly isn't taught in school! This informative text features "projects" by students in a classroom that introduces terms that are probably unfamiliar to white students in public schools. Plentiful back matter includes a timeline and suggested readings. ...more
An unpopped kernel of corn that is microwaved twice results in this goofy story filled with a bratty kernel of corn come to life to upend the life of An unpopped kernel of corn that is microwaved twice results in this goofy story filled with a bratty kernel of corn come to life to upend the life of a little girl. Hijinks ensue. ...more
Ms Thoma created a vivid sense of place peopled by memorable characters narrated by a flawed yet likable young Black man. Dion Graham's narration was Ms Thoma created a vivid sense of place peopled by memorable characters narrated by a flawed yet likable young Black man. Dion Graham's narration was emotionally resonant and enthralling. ...more
This was an intense read. This searingly honest depiction of racism and Islamophobia was difficult to read at times. I felt dread. I needed to put theThis was an intense read. This searingly honest depiction of racism and Islamophobia was difficult to read at times. I felt dread. I needed to put the book down. I hurt for Zara and felt infuriated by the injustice....more
Absolutely fascinating analysis of the historical accuracy of H.W. Longfellow's famous poem. Copiously illustrated with maps, and photos of engravingsAbsolutely fascinating analysis of the historical accuracy of H.W. Longfellow's famous poem. Copiously illustrated with maps, and photos of engravings and art. Exhaustive source notes and a six-page bibliography. Can't wait to reread this when it publishes in August. ...more
I've been reading more adult titles lately, mostly memoir. This one was a rare work of fiction. I enjoyed it and found the possibility fascinating.I've been reading more adult titles lately, mostly memoir. This one was a rare work of fiction. I enjoyed it and found the possibility fascinating....more
This alphabet book would be unique enough, with it's focus on animal eyeballs. The addition of 26 idioms about eyes makes for cross-curricular fun. ThThis alphabet book would be unique enough, with it's focus on animal eyeballs. The addition of 26 idioms about eyes makes for cross-curricular fun. The art is striking. The eyeball facts are mostly interesting, some more detailed than others. ...more
Came across this gem in the 2021 Charlesbridge preview and don't know how I missed it the first time around. I love the art. Spare text allows for theCame across this gem in the 2021 Charlesbridge preview and don't know how I missed it the first time around. I love the art. Spare text allows for the focus to be on the art. Each Jack-o-lantern has a unique personality and evokes a different mood. ...more
Sweet story of a somewhat smug little pig who marches to his own drummer. And needs glasses. Wonderful art. Ollie's expressions are priceless. Sweet story of a somewhat smug little pig who marches to his own drummer. And needs glasses. Wonderful art. Ollie's expressions are priceless. ...more
Breaking my no-star policy to give this gentle, heartwarming story of intergenerational friendship five. It was just lovely. Rusty is relatable as a tBreaking my no-star policy to give this gentle, heartwarming story of intergenerational friendship five. It was just lovely. Rusty is relatable as a tween with a couple of outsized problems - the possibility of repeating fifth grade and the absence of his mother due to depression. It doesn't help that his bossy older sister is particularly obnoxious at home. He takes refuge in restoring a sailboat that a neighbor gave him and reading about sailing. He's startled by the request of an elderly, wheelchair-bound art garage owner. She asks him to take her sailing and then persists when he turns her down.
This is slow-paced. introspective and perfect for your readers who like sad but gentle books. Clocking in at 186 pages and containing warm, pencil illustrations, it will also appeal to readers who are still developing stamina. As a land-lubber, I found the sailing descriptions accessible. I'm looking forward to book talking this....more
While I was somewhat engaged by this quirky, snarky, eloquently philosophical teen narrator, she lost me during the last quarter of the book. The narrWhile I was somewhat engaged by this quirky, snarky, eloquently philosophical teen narrator, she lost me during the last quarter of the book. The narrator was terrific. My heart was in my throat with fear for this girl and the chances she took were believable, until they weren't. ...more