Griffith, Evan. 2021. Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanna Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 40pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-35-824432-5. Illustrated by Joanie Stone.

    After leaving her life in France, Jeanna Power is looking for a new way to spend her time in her new home in Sicily. As she explored the island, she found herself fascinated by the flora and fauna. Following this interest, Jeanne decided she would become a naturalist. Despite the challenges women face when becoming scientists, she traveled all around Sicily doing all the research she could on marine life. As time passed, Jeanne realized she wanted to study the animals in the sea and decided to find a way to make it possible. With some help, Jeanne gained access to the animals, built aquariums, and studied marine life for years. She made many discoveries and documented them along the way. Unfortunately, when she attempted to share them, they were tragically lost in a shipwreck. This did not stop Jeanne, she recreated her experiments and when she was finished, presented her findings to prestigious scientists. Though at first, they doubted her they could not do so for long. Her evidence was sound. Not only did she make incredible discoveries, but she was sure to make it known to everyone she was the first to implement her unique type of research for marine life. She was a female pioneer in science.

    This biographical picture book tells of the life of Jeanna Power and her impact on science, specifically marine sciences. The simple information is provided for children to understand and includes a detailed biography at the end of the book. The biography includes details about Power’s early life and more in-depth information about her experiments. Information is used from Power’s writings, other primary sources, and many secondary sources. The biography, the bibliography at the end of the book, allows readers to dig deeper when doing historical research and provide information on the accuracy and reliability of the book. The whimsical illustrations allow readers to gravitate towards the different elements of Power’s scientific research. The use of a variety of colors paints a vibrant story with textures shown with darker colors. For example, the turtle's shell carries texture with the mix of dark and light green which elevates different aspects of the shell. The powerful and inspiring message conveyed throughout the book is shown through Power’s determination and drive. Power proves women are just as capable in what is stereotyped as a male-dominated career. (PAB)

 

Simon, Seymour. 2021. Climate Action: What Happened and What We Can Do. HarperCollins (Harper). 48pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-294331-6.

    Climate change is a large, looming concern and humans are doing their fair share to contribute to the problem. From the Greenhouse Effect to droughts and rapidly growing wildfires, the world is having a wide range of problems everywhere needing to be talked about with equality as well as how we should be taking care of Earth. Luckily, younger generations are becoming activists for climate change. Greta Thunberg, Isha Tobis Clarke, and Autumn Peltier, and others, are speaking out about the climate problems planet Earth is facing and the changes that humans need to make to save the world.

Details on the young people advocating for the planet show youth how much of an impact they can have on this world. Children of all ages are encouraged to research and learn about the problems where they live; this could include wildfires, extreme storms, and much more. After completing the research, people should spread the word to those around them and reach out to those with more power who can contribute to major changes through legislation. A glossary is included to define some of the important terms. This gives readers an easy place to start on their journey to learning about climate change. (PAB)

 

Dasgupta, Sayantani. 2019. Game of Stars (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond). Scholastic Press (Scholastic). 384pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-33-818573-7.

    Kiranmala is shocked, to say the least, when the Demon Queen visits her one night, she almost attacks her in surprise. Kiran tries to put the interaction behind her. Although it has been quite some time since Kiranmala heard from those in the Kingdom Beyond, she does not dwell on this late-night visit, at least not until she is called to return to the Kingdom Beyond. She must navigate her quickly jumbling home by deciphering riddles and avoiding the ever-present dangers. Kiranmala soon finds out that facing the dangers is the only way to save her home, her friends, and life as she knows it. 

    Dasgupta creates a detailed and vibrant world.  The imagination and pure creativity of the characters make each one the reader encounters important and interesting, while not drawing attention from our main characters. The Kingdom Beyond has a feeling of constant change and urgency that brings the conflict to the forefront. This immersive world placed alongside the presentation of Kiranmala’s raw and real emotional journey make this a touching and entertaining read. (PAB)

 

Alexander, Heather. 2021. VIP Dr. Mae Jemison. Brave Rocketeer. HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 128pp. $15.99. ISBN 978-0-06-297808-0.

    The life of Mae Jemison is interesting. From a young age, she was always pushing the bounds of what people believed was possible for Black women.  As a child, she had a deep fascination with stars and was passionate about becoming a scientist. This fascination only grew after watching the moon landing on July 20th, 1969. She saw the racial tensions going on during the 60s and how the country viewed Black people, but she did not allow this deter her goals. As she got older, her intelligence soared, she skipped seventh grade and pursued new hobbies such as dance. After she heard about Sickle Cell Anemia, Mae decided to become a medical doctor. Even though she stands out in college, being both young and one of the few black students in her class, she would never let those things phase her. After becoming a Doctor, Mae joined the Peace Corps, traveling to Africa to help the less fortunate. After her Peace Corps experiences, she returns to the United States to pursue her new goal of becoming an astronaut. 

    This author provides a general biography of the main character’s life. This book captures enough information to let a student feel like a part of the main character’s life, without the reading being too difficult. This book also contains interspersed activities and blurbs of further information about different topics that are intersections of Mae’s identity. (PAB)

 

Alegre, Reina Luz. The Dream Weaver. Simon & Schuster (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). 272pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-446231-1.

    Zoey has never felt more alone. With José, her older brother leaving for college at the end of the summer, and her father going to work in New York City by himself, she feels as if her entire world is being torn into pieces. Due to their father’s new job, Zoey and José must stay with their Poppy in the Jersey Shore for the remainder of the summer. While staying with Poppy, Zoey begins helping out at his bowling alley, which is extremely close to closing for good. One day as she’s working, Zoey meets a teen bowling team practicing for a bowling tournament. Through their time practicing at Poppy’s alley, Zoey befriends the team and comes up with a plan to save the bowling alley. She just hopes that everything will work out in the end.

    Zoey spends time helping others chase their dreams until she finds she has to find her own and see how they fit into the life she has built. Readers are able to see into the mind of a 12-year-old girl who’s life seems to be changing at every turn. From the beginning readers can sense the unease Zoey is feeling about everything happening around her. The ebb and flow of the words makes the plot feel very natural and realistic. (PAB)

 

Hill, Kirkpatrick. 2000.  The Year of Miss Agnes. Simon & Schuster (Margaret K. McElderry Books). 128pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-447854-1.

    Teachers do not last long in this Alaskan small town. Many have come and gone, making Frederika’s mother suggest there may not be any more school at all. This thought is quickly shut down once Fred learns a new teacher has arrived in town. When going to find out who this new teacher might be, Fred finds Miss Agnes is very different from any of the teachers before her. Fred and the other students are skeptical of Miss Agnes, but soon they find she might be just the teacher they need. Not only has she taken a real interest in the students, especially Bokko who is deaf, but she has brought excitement and entertainment to the classroom. The students accept and like Miss Agnes. 

    Miss Agnes brings a new set of knowledge and a culture to this town. From the moment the students see her they know she is very different from what is familiar. The author makes these differences known and shows the journey of the students and Miss Agnes learning about a world that is not their own. The knowledge of the Alaskan indigenous ways of life and traditions gives the reader insight into the history of a people they might not have known about. The author has written an informative and heartwarming book for higher level elementary readers. (PAB)

 

Prendergast, Gabrielle. 2019. If Pluto was a Pea. Simon & Schuster (Margaret K. McElderry Books). 40pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-440435-9. Illustrated by Rebecca Gerlings.

    It is easy to wonder how big or small humans and the other things in the solar system. Together with the two main characters, the reader gets to put our solar system into perspective. Characters in the book compare the sun, planets, and some of the moons in the solar system to well-known items, like tents, melons, and grains of sand. Alongside all of these visuals of the solar system, readers are introduced to the size comparisons. 

    The author makes such a vast and somewhat unimaginable concept easy to understand. Using common items to make planets, that most will never see up close, seem more familiar breaks down a barrier in the reader’s mind. Measured sizes for each planet to household item comparison provides more physical representation to help fully grasp the concept. She also lists the items in order of how the planets occur, starting with the sun, giving the order of the solar system as another piece of information to take away from this book. 

    Seeing the solar system redrawn with each item in place of the plants provides some humor, it being so illogical to think of those things floating around in space in place of the planets readers know. With the last page leaving the reader with a reassuring message, this work gives students an encouraging and entertaining encounter with the solar system. (PAB)

 

Duhig, Holly. 2020. Animals Eat What?! Bones and Bodies. Lerner Publishing Group. 24pp. $19.99. ISBN 978-1-54-157932-3. Illustrations by Jasmine Porter.

Furry animals eat to stay alive just like humans, but some consider “food” differently. Readers can follow the world-famous unusual food critic, Freddy the Fly, as he tells them about what different animals eat. Animals who eat things which are already dead are called scavengers. Animals such as vultures, flesh-eating fish, and maggots are described as different types of flesh-eaters. Each scavenger’s food is rated in each of the five senses by Freddy the fly. 

If readers enjoy learning about animals eating gross food, then this fact filled book is for them! Information is presented about all kinds of different flesh-eaters and why it is nutritional for them. With an added bonus of an educational, repulsive, and disturbing lesson on scavengers in the world.The design on each page is done with graphic images of scavengers and what the animals eat. Freddy the Fly is an animated bug who talks about the facts of each animal. There are many unique facts following along with each image. Includes a glossary at the end to help define the harder vocabulary used. Young readers, ages 5-10 will be captivated by the images and facts on scavengers. (GAB)

 

Bullaro, Angie. 2020. Breaking The Ice. Simon & Schuster (Paula Wiseman Books). 40pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-1-53-442557-6. Illustrated by C.F. Payne. Afterword by Manon Rhéaume.

    A girl with a burning desire to play hockey, Manon Rhéaume wanted to play the game from the day she put on ice skates. Her father was a coach and needed a goalie on the team; Manon begged and did not care if it was a “boy sport”. After much convincing, her father agreed. When Manon put on the gear for the first time and stepped on the ice, she changed history. The rush of playing goalie was exhilarating. Manon believed in herself when nobody else did, and she put in the work to reach her goals. As years went on, she played in every tournament possible even when reporters were doubting and questioning her ability to play. Readers will be on the edge of their seats wondering whether Manon will be given a shot in the big leagues, or if the reporters will stop her from achieving her dreams. 

    In a true story about Manon Rhéaume, the first girl to play in the Quebec Hockey Tournament in Canada, changing the rules in order for her to play made history. Manon was the first and only girl ever to play in the National Hockey League. Manon’s accomplishments encouraged children to never let anyone stop them from reaching their dreams. The illustrations are done in acrylics and colored pencils. The lines come together to form the setting on each page. The vibrant colors help children feel inspired and motivated to reach for their dreams. There are multiple perspectives from up close action shots of hockey games and a whole stadium view. Children ages 4-9, feel uplifted and ready to reach their own goals. (GAB)

 

Barron, Rena. 2020. Maya and the Rising Dark. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 304pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-1-32-863518-1.

    Maya has experienced a strange occurrence but no one else saw what she saw. She tells her friends, but they did not witness it and Maya tries to help explain this unusual experience. She also has a frightening man in her recurring nightmares, known as the Lord of Shadows. Her father is missing and discovers he is stuck in between Maya’s world and the dark world. Maya’s father is the guardian between these two worlds, which is how she discovers she is half orisha and half human. Maya’s quests are to defeat and save her father before the end of the summer, saving the entire human race. 

    The author demonstrates adventure, braveness, and courage through Maya. The plot, with multiple conflicts of person vs. self, person vs. person, and person vs. society, is described in detail. Themes include the conflict of good versus evil, the value of family, and the importance of learning about one’s heritage. This fantasy is action filled with the war between Maya’s world and the dark world. Fantasy is incorporated and creates a sense of magic and mystery of the underworld. This fantasy allows readers, ages 8-12, to escape their reality and become superheroes. (GAB).

 

Wallace, Sandra Neil. 2020. Marjory Saves the Everglades. Simon & Schuster (Paula Wiseman Books). 56 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-1-53-443154-6. Illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon.

     Marjory, a girl in gold-rimmed glasses, sailed to Florida and fell in love with the land, especially the Everglades. Marjory went on many adventures in her lifetime, which makes her an extraordinary human being. She was not a scientist, but made great discoveries. After making these discoveries, she wrote a book called The Everglades: River of Grass. When Marjory was almost eighty years old she started an organization to help save the Everglades from a jetport. Majory convinced the Florida governor and president of the United States to stop the project and the jetport construction was stopped. Even at ninety-three years old, Marjory continued to speak up and was a big reason the reconstruction of the Everglades was in progress. She did it and made a difference in this world. Somebody is never too old to make a change in the world. 

    Marjory Stoneman with aspirations of saving the Everglades never intended on writing a book, let alone save the wetland. When she came back to the Everglades after World War I, she barely recognized it and needed to find a way to change it. Using her Journalistic background she became an activist. Thanks to Marjory, the Everglades are saved and it has become a national park. Acrylic inks and colored pencils paint the pages beautifully. The darker browns and tans help picture the pollution of factories affecting the Everglades, but the bright blues and green depict the land and colors of restoration and hope. The bright green lines form the plants and display the true beauty of the Everglades. The images follow and create a colorful world in the readers, ages 4-8, head and let their imagination come out. (GAB)

 

Berkman, Pam and Hearst, Dorothy. 2020. Bo-Bo’s Cave of Gold. Simon & Schuster (Margaret K. McElderry Books). 192pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-1-53-443336-6. Illustrated by Claire Powell.

During the California Gold Rush in 1852, a mutt was abandoned by her family. One day, a bird leads her to a boy, Sheng, who names her Bo-Bo after a Chinese word for treasure, and she is no longer alone. They soon became best friends and Bo-Bo went to meet Sheng's family. When the family went to pay the taxpayer with the little money they had to pay him for their claim, Bo-Bo freed a bear owned by the mean tax collector. The tax collector then demanded a massive amount of gold in exchange for setting the bear free. Sheng and Bo-Bo struggle to get the gold to pay the tax collector. A ringtail gave them a map to Crooked Cave if they freed him too. The journey is difficult and dangerous. Will they make it and find it in time to save his family from the tax collector?

In California during the gold rush everyone was headed on a mission to hunt for gold. Readers might identify a person vs. person conflict between Sheng, Bo-Bo, and the tax-collector. In the 1850’s people had strong dreams of owning their own land and were also family centered. This is an authentic setting of the people fighting for land and the increase in the number of people living in California. The drawings completed with pen follow the story with simple illustrations. Readers ages 6-9 will appreciate a theme of friendship, family, and adventure. (GAB).

 

Hood, Susan. 2021. The Last Straw: Kids vs Plastics. HarperCollins. 48pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-298139-4. Illustrated by Christiane Engel. 

    Kids vs. plastic, readers can help clean up the oceans and earth too! Plastic is a marvelous invention and used to create phones, medical tools, and sports equipment. However, plastic is a menace to whales because when the large ocean mammals eat the plastic, they die. The cycle starts when plastic is thrown away, then flows through the river, eaten by fish, caught by fishermen, and is brought back onto your plate. Readers, ages 4-8, are encouraged to help be part of the change, bring reusable bags to grocery stores, pick up trash on the ground, and help be part of the change the world needs. 

The world is being polluted with plastic and killing off the creatures on earth. Youngsters are encouraged to help be a part of the change and learn what they can do to help clean up the planet. Encourage readers to improve their problem solving skills and motivate them to think of ideas to save the planet. Bright greens and blues emphasize the beauty of the world. The images also follow the plot, adding emphasis to the words and the different shades blend together to add texture. The lines come together to create shapes of the animals, the ground, and the ocean. The educational facts at the bottom of each page are cited and relevant to the information. The facts help readers, ages 4-8, to add background to each page in the story. Help children become more aware of the environment around us and learn how picking up one piece of trash can save the life of an animal. (GAB)

 

Scott, Libby & Westcott, Rebecca. 2019. Can You See Me? Scholastic Press. 368pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-33-860891-5.

    Tally is an eleven-year-old girl who is a little different from all of her friends. Tally is autistic. She is going into sixth grade at a new school, Kingswood Academy. Tally is nervous about being in classes with people she does not know, the new school uniforms which are not comfortable, and hiding her autism. Layla, Tally’s best friend, is the only person in her grade who knows about her autism. Tally wants to seem “normal” to fit in and hide the fact she has autism, but as time goes by she gets confused with what “normal” means. She faces bullying and even her friends are starting to distance themselves from her. Readers will follow Tally’s journey to find out what’s really important. 

    Life throws challenges everyday, and the struggles about coming of age are difficult, but attacking them with a positive attitude and keeping one’s head high is the best way to keep moving forward. Libby Scott tells her own story through realistic fiction and shares her own experiences in school through Tally. There is no true meaning to “normal” and no one should have to act a certain way. Everyone should be themselves and do what makes them special in their own ways. The descriptions and details within the author’s writing provide clear illustrations. Readers, ages 8-12, are going through the same issues as Tally and trying to figure out who they are. (GAB).

 

Tunnell, Michael O. 2020. Desert Diary: Japanese American Kids Behind Barbed Wire. Charlesbridge Publishing. 144pp. $19.99. ISBN 978-1-58-089789-1.

    Little Mae Yanagi was a normal Japanese-American child living in Northern California with her family. She went to school and said the Pledge of Allegiance just like every other child in her class. Mae was a normal American child until she was not. On December 7th, 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor changed her life forever. All of a sudden, Mae was carrying the consequences of someone else’s actions. Mae, her family, and other Japanese-American citizens, were ripped from their homes and forced into internment camps in the desert. They were forced to become “more American” (unnumbered). When Mae was still in school, in California, she created a picture diary of her daily life. After she arrived at Topaz Camp, Utah, Mae kept up her journaling. She drew detailed pictures of things she saw every day. Every new experience she encountered was drawn and tucked away with the few possessions she was allowed to keep. Mae kept up her documentation every day until she finally got to return home. 

    This biography utilizes first-hand accounts from Mae Yanagi. From 1941 to 1943, Japanese-Americans were forced into internment camps by their fellow Americans because they blamed all people of Japanese descent for what happened at Pearl Harbor. Mae and her experiences are the main focus of this biography but the other details were not left out. Detailed descriptions of the daily lives of the people of Topaz Camp went through. Mae’s drawing along with pictures from the camp keep the reader engaged. End notes include a translation guide for the Japanese words and citations for all the sources used. The majority of the sources used to create were first-hand accounts from ex-inmates and documentation from the camp. This book is an excellent way to introduce children to this particular time in the history of the United States. This book is recommended for ages 9 to 12 and grades 4 through 7. (KLC)

 

Keating, Frank. 2020. Hamilton. Simon & Schuster (Paula Wiseman Books). 32pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-440656-8. Illustrated by Mike Wimmer.

    Orphan, immigrant, and Founding Father describe Alexander Hamilton. From the time he was young, Alex was eager to learn. There was not a book on the shelf he did not read. When reading was no longer enough for him, he turned to writing, but he could only go so far with where he was located. If Alex were going to do something with his life, he would need to find a way off the island. After the tragedy of losing his mother, Alex sailed to the colonies in order to pursue a higher education. He finally had an opportunity to do something great. The ship brought him to Boston where great things began to happen to him. He was only in Boston for a short time before he joined the Continental Army to help fight against their oppressors. While in the army, Alexander quickly caught the eye of soon-to-be president, George Washington. When the war was done, Alexander made it his life's mission to improve his newly formed country. He was determined to make it a better place for everyone.

    This biographical picture book captures the life of Alexander Hamiliton. The portraits are authentic to the painting in Alexander’s time. Every other page is an incredibly detailed picture of different events throughout his life. The painting helps to bring the readers back in time, to shift their perspective to Alexander’s. The information is presented like journal entries, each one written from Alexander’s viewpoint. The end notes include a bibliography of resources as well as an impressive list of the author’s credentials. This book is recommended for ages 4 to 8, grades Pre-K to 3rd grade. (KLC) 

 

Pasternack, Sofiya. 2020. Anya and the Nightingale. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company (Versify). 416 pp. $16.99. ISBN: 978-0-35-800602-2.

    Missing fathers, mysterious keys, and former dragons are just a small fraction of Anya’s life. After her life was completely turned upside down a few months earlier, it turns upside down all over again. Anya’s father was sent to the front lines of the battle but her family was told that he would be sent home. However, months upon months passed and her father was nowhere to be found. Her father’s best friend, Demyan, returns from the front lines with grave news. Anya’s father could not be brought home, it was too late, he had already crossed enemy lines with the cavalry. No one can bring him back. Anya refuses to accept this and decides that it is up to her to bring him home. With the help of her friends, Ivan and Håkon, Anya sets out into the dangerous unknown. However, saving her father is not the only thing Anya will have to do. The would-be musketeers will encounter allies, old and new, as they travel through dangerous territory. Their journey takes them through the forbidden woods outside of Kiev. The citizens say there is a terrible monster guarding the forest that kills anyone who ventures too close. It falls upon Anya to discover the secrets of Kiev and the forest: does the monster truly reside in the forest or does it sit upon the throne? 

    A multitude of fantasy characteristics to make Anya’s journey credible. The most prominent characteristic is how the characters choose to alter perception. Anya, the main character, is only twelve years old and the youngest of the group. The reader is seeing things from her perspective. For the majority of readers, that means that they are seeing things through the eyes of someone older than them. Numerous mythical characters are included in the plot, such as Anya’s traveling companions. Influences from Russian, other European, and JEwish folklore and culture are evident. All of these cultures come together to create a singularly unique world. This book is recommended for children 8 to 12 years old and grades 3 - 7. (KLC).

 

Lasky, Kathryn. 2021. She Caught The Light: Williamina Stevens Fleming: Astronomer. HarperCollins (Harper). 40pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-284930-4. Illustrated by Julianna Swaney.

    Williamina Stevens, Mina for short, has been fascinated with the world ever since she was a little girl. Her mother often said Mina asked a million questions every day. Mina wanted to know the why and how of everything. She was especially interested in the chemicals her father used to develop the picture he took of the family. However, she would never get the chance to ask her dad all of her questions because he passed away when she was seven years old. Her mother and brothers tried as hard as they could to keep the family afloat but Mina would not sit idly by while they worked. She got a teaching job at the age of fourteen, which was unusual for a woman to get a job at that moment in time since it was discouraged. Six years later, she married a man named James Fleming and they moved to the United States. Strangely, her husband mysteriously disappeared before they reached their destination. Now, Mina was pregnant, broke, and alone with nowhere to go. She took the first job she could find which happened to be working as a maid at the Harvard College Observatory. Professor Pickering, the professor at the observatory, noticed Mina’s brilliance. She had a talent for reading the star charts. This was where Mina’s journey truly began. This was the road leading to her highest achievements later in life such as being one of the first women to redefine the field of astronomy.

    This biography is about the accomplishments of Williamina Fleming in the field of astronomy. Her accomplishments may serve as a point of female empowerment for young girls. Women can persevere against the odds and can be successful. They will leave their mark on the world. One feature is the glossary and timeline that are included at the end. There are a lot of larger words in which younger readers may not know. The timeline provides more detail than the information about Williamina in the text. There is also a brief bibliography included on the last page. Numerous references augment the content. The drawings in this book are very gentle. All of the shapes are rounded and soft giving a child friendly environment. The colors are very cool with blues and purples which keeps the tone of the book mello and light. This book is recommended for ages 4 to 8 years old and grades PreK through 3rd. (KLC)

 

Platt, Cynthia. 2019. Parker Bell and the Science of Friendship. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company (Clarion Books).160 pp. $16.99. ISBN: 978-1-32-897347-4. Illustrated by Rea Zhai.

Park Bell is a mad scientist. Science is the thing she cares about most besides her Guinea Pig, Algebra. She uses science to determine everything in her life from what to wear to her friendships. There is not a day for Parker where some sort of crazy experiment is conducted. The only thing Parker wants most in the world is to be like her Idols, Jane Goodall and Mae Jemison. Meaning she has to dominate her school’s Science triathlon. Parker is absolutely determined to beat the Dempsey triplets: her science rivals. Cassie, Parker’s best friend, is more than happy to help her win. However, an obstacle gets thrown into the works when Cassie’s new friend, Theo, joins their team. Parker’s perfect scientific dynamic duo does not include a third person. Theo is not scientific at all and he does not talk! She doesn't know how she will be able to work with someone who does not talk. Scientifically, Parker does not see how she could be friends with him. Needless to say, she is less than thrilled about things. Parker knows she cannot win the triathlon on her own, but she is not convinced she can do it with Theo either. Win or lose, they are with each other until the triathlon is over. Their friendship is being tested, and they don't know if it is hopeful for them. Hopefully, science will have the answer.

Middle school is challenging for all students. It is easy to relate to what Parker is feeling. She feels like she is losing her best friend to a complete stranger, letting down her idols, and she is frustrated most of the time. It is easy for readers of a similar age to empathize with her emotions. They probably know what it feels like to lose control of a situation. However, readers may relate to Parker and her Middle School experiences and emotions. It is validated to feel lost or out of control and go with somebody else’s plan. Sometimes individuals find friends under the most unfavorable circumstances. Readers may be familiar with the contemporary language; modern slang. Shapes with soft edges and smooth textures convey an inviting environment for young readers. This contrasts with the animal drawings which are more defined with a fuzzy texture allowing readers to get an accurate textural element to the book. This book is recommended for ages 8 to 12 and grades 3-7. (KLC)

 

Lorentz, Dayna. 2021. Of a Feather. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 336 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-35-828353-9.

    Maureen knows families can be difficult. She lives with her grandmother, Grams for short, and her boyfriend, Phil. Phil is an abusive man who likes to take out his frustrations on anything he can get his hands on. One night, Grams and Phil get into a horrible fight and Maureen is pulled from her home by Social Services. She would go live with her mother, except her mother is in the hospital because of her severe depression. Maureen has two options: the foster care system or living with a relative she has never met. Social services determined it would be best for her to live with her aunt Beatrice. Maureen struggles with this because she does not trust adults. All of the adults in her life have failed her.  Beatrice is a Master Falconer and runs a sanctuary for injured birds. After a while, Maureen convinces her aunt to let her train a bird of her own. They set a trap and wait. When they go to retrieve it, they find a trapped owlet. Maureen names him Rufus. Rufus is the smaller of his siblings. He could not hunt on his own and so his mother coddled him. After his mother is hit by a car, Rufus is forced into the woods on his own. This is when he finds himself caught between Maureen and the terrifying unknown. They both need healing, but neither of them know exactly what to do. Over time they learn to lean on one another. Through determination, he teaches Maureen to trust and Rufus learns confidence from her. The only way to find out is for this unlikely pair to cooperate with each other. 

    Millions of children can relate to the loss of parents or other family members. Rufus and Maureen offer an inside perspective relatable to children, especially those who are going through the foster system. The style of the alternating perspective of Rufus and Maureen, connects the experiences and thoughts of the two main characters. The theme of this book is simple: being independent is fine but you never have to be alone. One can always lean on someone when they need to heal. The theme Of a Feather conveys a very important message that a lot of kids refuse to understand. It is important to look to friends and strangers for help when one feels like they are failing, there is nothing wrong with that. Sometimes it takes someone one barely knows to help you open your heart. Person versus society is evident and allows readers to understand and overcome the obstacles society continues to push forward. This book is recommended for kids 8 to 12 years old and grades 5 through 7. (KLC).

 

Alexander, Lori. 2019. All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 96 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-32-888420-6. Illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger.

    Anthony is discovering the world around him. As a child, he always thought he would become a tradesman just like his parents. For a time, he was. With his uncle’s help, Antony discovered there was more to his life than selling things in the street market. Antony was different from everyone else. Everyone else believed in what they could see, physical objects, but not Antony. He knew that there was more in the world than what the eye could see. In time, he discovered that there are microbes everywhere. They are in the ocean, dirt, and people. Microbes make up every part of our world. Antony knew they were there but he could not see them. They were physical, just like the things he could see, but he could not see them individually. One day, Antony invented a way to see them on their own; a microscope. With this invention, he created a way for people to see the smallest parts of the world. This man, who had minimal education and could speak a language, discovered something previously unknown. Some of the most astonishing discoveries come from the most unlikely people.

The life and work of Antony van Leeuwenhoek is fascinating. He is considered the Father of Microbiology. His initial work laid the foundation for all the scientists and researchers following him. Facts about Antony are cited at the end of the book, and creative storytelling to relay his life and work in an engaging way. There are some larger words, like microbes and protozoan, used but they are defined at the end of the book. The pictures help readers to understand the information being relayed. The soft edges and watercolors bring the reader back in time to Antony’s era as well as creating a whimsical outlook into a historical viewpoint. This is an easy to read book for students that are just beginning to read biographies. This book is recommended for kids 8 to 12 years old and grades 3 through 7. (KLC).

 

Hartland, Jessie. 2019. Our Flag Was Still There. Simon and Schuster (Paula Wiseman Books). 48pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-440233-1. Illustrated by Jessie Harland.

    In 1813, the United States was at war with Great Britain again. Major George Armistead wanted a flag to represent the United States of America so Great Britain would know this land was independent of the United Kingdom. Major Armistead went to Mary Pickersgill and asked her to make an enormous flag to hoist over Fort McHenry to identify the United States as an independent nation. Mary owned a sewing shop and knew how to make flags, which made her and her team perfect for the job. It took a great deal of fabric and many weeks to make a flag large enough to be visible from a distance, but Mary was dedicated to completing the job. When the flag was completed, it was hoisted up over Fort McHenry. The flag continued flying over the fort through a twenty-five-hour battle in a thunderous storm, which resulted in the retreat of Great Britain forces. Francis Scott Key was inspired by the flag and the American. He decided to write a poem, which was later set to music and became the American National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Mary’s famous flag has been restored and preserved and is now on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum for all to enjoy and remember an important historical event.

    This biography picture book shares the historical significance of Mary Pickersgill, as she and her team of seamstresses sewed the American flag that flew over Fort McHenry during a battle with Great Britain and inspired the lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Mary Pickersgill had an uncommon talent as a seamstress and she was a successful business owner. The style is primarily written as a narrative, but also includes some dialogue depicted with speech bubbles. For example, when someone goes to talk to Mary, a speech bubble appears separating the internal conversation or thoughts from the external conversation. Readers ages 4 - 8, will gain an understanding for the historical impact Mary Pickersgill created when she sewed the gigantic flag. Abstract paintings, using indefinite lines create a dimension in the characters and texture in the settings. Each page is full of many bright colors, which establishes a hopeful and determined mood. For example, the illustration of the town is full of bright red, pink, and yellow as community members ask Mary how the flag is coming along (unnumbered). The abstract shapes give character to the people depicted in the story and depth to the backgrounds. There are external conflicts of character versus character as Major Armistead and his troops fight Great Britain’s troops in a battle. (AAF)

 

Jenkins, Steve. 2020. Solar System: By The Numbers. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 40pp. $14.99. ISBN 978-1-32-885098-0.

The solar system is a mysterious place full of the unknown, although it is mysterious, scientists have definitive information about the solar system. It has one star, the Sun, around which all of the planets orbit. The Sun shares a special relationship with the Earth’s moon, such as when they work together to create solar and lunar eclipses. There are eight planets in the solar system with different moons orbiting around them. The planets vary vastly in size, temperature, gravitational pull, weather, distance from each other, and distance from the Sun. For example, Jupiter is enormous, has an average temperature of -225 degrees Fahrenheit, and rains diamonds. On the other hand, Mercury is the smallest planet, has a weaker gravitational pull than Earth, and ranges in temperature from 800 degrees Fahrenheit to -250 degrees Fahrenheit (p. 26). There have been many explorations to different parts of the solar system, however, scientists know there is much left to discover, such as other life forms on different planets. 

Graphs and charts help readers, ages 6 - 9, compare planets or different objects in the solar system. The graphics were created by using cut and torn paper to make collages and digitally created silhouettes. The background of each page is solid black or white, and the graphics are primary and secondary colors shaped with clean lines making them easy to comprehend. This informational picture book shares different parts of the solar system through a series of data in an easy-to-understand format through comparison charts and graphs. There are also words bolded in blue font and a glossary in the back with the definitions of the vocabulary. Readers will enjoy the information about the vast solar system and what kinds of places exist in outer space. (AAF)

 

Giles, Lamar. 2020. The Last Last-Day-Of-Summer. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Versify). 320pp. $16.99. ISBN ‎978-0-35-824441-7. Illustrated by Dapo Adeola.

Cousins, Sheed and Otto, get more than they bargained for on their last day of summer vacation when a stranger, Mr. Flux, asks them to take a picture of their town, Logan County, for him. Little did they know that this camera had the power to freeze time and everything and everyone in it with the camera flash. The next thing they know, a man named TimeStar appears from a different dimension to help them save Logan County and unfreeze time. With the help of fictional creatures called Clock Watchers, three fanciful characters, who can travel at light-speed, named the Golden Hours, an old friend named Petey, and the future Otto named TimeStar, go back to the past to undo the creation of Mr. Flux. By erasing Mr. Flux from history, they created a wrinkle in time and stopped this whole fiasco from happening. Otto and TimeStar share a heart-to-heart where they share their fears of what will come next in their lives, and TimeStar gives Otto some advice on how to create a better future.

Recommended for readers ages 8-12, contains elements of fantasy, such as time warps, preposterous characters, and science fiction. Time warps include characters traveling through time trying to change the outcomes of tragic situations. Preposterous characters include the Clock Watchers, the Golden Hours, and Mr. Flux. The Clock Watchers are made-up creatures that live in an alternate dimension and keep time for the inhabitants of people. The Golden Hours are glamorous characters who can travel at the speed of light and have an eye for fashion. Mr. Flux was created by Petey and can stretch unnaturally to reach things and reshape his body when he is in a sticky situation. Elements of science fiction are portrayed through Petey’s inventions of Mr. Flux and flying cars. This would stimulate its readers’ imagination and encourage them to contemplate how what they do in the present influences the future. Illustrations throughout the story give the reader a better idea of what each of the new characters looks like. The illustrations are colored in various shades of grey and include shading to give the images depth. The soft lines give the pictures a cartoon look, which draws the reader into the functional setting of Logan County. A map of Logan County at the beginning shows the reader where different locations are concerning each other. (AAF)

 

Green, Amanda Jackson. 2021. Hidden Black History: From Juneteenth to Redlining. Lerner Publication Company (Lerner Publishing Group). 32pp. $29.32. ISBN 978-1-72-843028-7. Illustrations from Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Black history is too often left out of American history lessons. This informational picture book highlights key components of Black American history, which are often overlooked. History is typically told from the white perspective because early American colonists wrote down their experiences, while black and indigenous Americans share their experiences through oral stories passed down from generation to generation. When history is shared, only written documents have made it into present-day history books. System racism is heavily woven into American society, beginning with Christopher Columbus’ (circa 1492) until the present day. Attempts have been made to increase the general public’s knowledge of black history through Negro History Week, which was declared in 1926 which eventually became Black History Month in 1976. However, some states do not acknowledge the realities of black oppression in America past and present in their schools, which is harmful to Black Americans and everyone else because crucial parts of history are excluded from history classes. Black voices are often heard through protests and art. While strides have been made towards equality for Black Americans, there is still much work to be done in American society to dismantle systemic racism. 

Photographs support the information conveyed on each page. The photographs depict relevant historical events and bring life to Black American history with real life experiences. Some of the photographs are black and white to show how some of the events occurred long ago, while the photos in color reveal how recent some of the events are in the grand scheme of history. The clean lines and clear images depict the real experiences of Black Americans. Readers, ages 8-12, will read about the absence of the Black American perspective from too many American history classes and why it is vital to shed light on other versions of history besides white history. A timeline in the back of the book helps the reader understand the sequence of events throughout history and a glossary with definitions of relevant vocabulary words. There are guiding questions to help the reader reflect on the importance of the information and understand it on a deeper level. (AAF)

 

Fajardo, Anika. 2020. What if a Fish. Simon & Schuster (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). 240 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-444983-1. ‎

    Little Eddie is an eleven-year-old Colombian-American boy who was raised in Minnesota by his widowed mother. Little Eddie is bullied for his Colombian background and struggles to create relationships, this occurs after his best friend, Liam, moves away. Until Eddie befriends a girl with purple hair named Cameron at Kamp Kids. Little Eddie and Cameron decide to enter a fishing contest together, which takes place later in the summer, so Little Eddie can win a medal, just like his Papa did. Their plans for practicing for the fishing contest are disrupted when Mama gets a call from Big Eddie, Little Eddie’s half-brother, saying he can no longer come to Minnesota to begin college because his grandmother, Abuela, has fallen very ill and he needs to stay in Colombia to provide her end-of-life care. Instead, Little Eddie goes to Colombia to meet Abuela and learn more about his Colombian heritage. Abuela helps Little Eddie feel more connected to Colombian culture and tells him stories about Papa before she passes away. After Abuela passes away, Little Eddie and Big Eddie go to Minnesota just in time for the fishing contest. Even though the outcome is not what Little Eddie expected, he learned valuable lessons about his ancestry and who he is. 

    The challenges of being a Colombian-American living in Minnesota are depicted throughout the experiences of Eddie. Little Eddie faces conflicts within himself, with his peers, and with society. Through connecting with Colombian relatives and looking through Papa’s belongings, Little Eddie resolves these conflicts and learns what it means to be Colombian. For example, at first, Little Eddie is bullied by a few of his peers. The bullies make rude comments such as “Where are you from?,” “You got some cocaine for us?” and call him a “spic.” This flusters Little Eddie and makes him very upset. However, when Little Eddie returns to Minnesota he is more confident. When the same bullies approach him with rude comments, Little Eddie stands up for himself and dumps a can of leeches on his tormentors. Responding to bullies with bullying behavior shows to not be the best option to take, but instead to take the better decision and make things better instead of worse for yourself. Personal development is evident and readers, ages 8 - 12 can relate to Little Eddie as he struggles to fit in and accept his identity. (AAF)

 

Simon, Coco. 2019. Alexis’s Half-Baked Idea. Simon & Schuster (Simon Spotlight). 160pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-444067-8. Illustrated by Tracy Bishop.

Alexis is a diligent, motivated middle-schooler who spends her free time making lists, dancing, spending time with her three best friends, and baking cupcakes for the Cupcake Club. However, she is constantly comparing herself to her seemingly perfect sister, Dylan. Dylan is at the top of the social pyramid and captain of the high school cheerleading squad. When Dylan is getting all of the praise from Alexis’s friends and parents, Alexis becomes jealous. Alexis’s envy for Dylan’s attention impels her to try some new hobbies, including running, fashion and trying out for the middle school cheerleading squad. After talking with her mother, Alexis realizes that Dylan’s life may not be everything that she thought and she is better off putting her energy into enjoying and excelling in activities. 

 The importance of individuality may resonate with readers, ages 8-12 years. Alexis tries out different hobbies, but none of them fit her quite right. She is struggling with an internal conflict of who she should be and where she should put her energy. Ultimately, Alexis has her own preferences and is much more satisfied working on hobbies aligning with her interests. The theme of individuality is more important than complying with social norms because this will bring one greater happiness. Alexis learns this through her journey to find a new hobby to enjoy, which is playing the piano and building her business with the Cupcake Club. Readers who struggle with their identity will be able to relate to Alexis’s struggle to find her own. The ink sketches at the beginning of each chapter foreshadow key elements of what is in each chapter. (AAF)

 

Weatherford, Carole Boston. 2020. R-E-S-P-E-C-T Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Simon & Schuster (Atheneum Books for Young Readers). 48pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-1-53-445228-2. Illustrated by Frank Morrison. 

Aretha Franklin is the daughter of a pastor and a gospel singer who grows up singing in the church. Franklin is incredibly musically gifted and her talent is fostered by her father who recognized her immense melodic capabilities from a young age. Franklin grows up to become a chart-topping Rhythm & Blues (R&B) singer with her extraordinary voice and a powerful activist for black rights. Franklin makes her mark on history as she is known as the Queen of Soul and wins many awards. Franklin goes on to perform at two presidential inaugurations, one of which is the inauguration of Barack Obama, the first black president of the United States. Although Franklin makes a name for herself as one of the finest R&B artists in history, she is known by her friends and family as Ree-Ree, a humble woman with a God-given gift and a tremendous heart.

This biographical picture book shares the life of Arthea Franklin, an R&B singer, and black rights activist. Each page is titled with a word which is spelled out to mimic the format of Franklin’s chart-topping hit “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” which shows readers what is encapsulated. Each page has two lines which conclude with rhyming words. For example, there are details about the birthplace of Franklin, which is “D-E-T-R-O-I-T.” This biography balances between telling factual information about Franklin’s life and using descriptive words to make Franklin amiable to readers. Paintings with abstract lines to bring dimension to the people’s faces. Many of the backgrounds are solid colors or simple patterns to draw attention to the people, except for the illustrations depicting protests, which contain busy grey-scale backgrounds and colorful images of Franklin to highlight her role. Cognitive development is aided throughout as it engages the reader with details about Franklin’s life and her important contributions to R&B music and social justice movements. (AAF)

 

Kirkfield, Vivian. 2021. From Here to There: Inventions That Changed The Way The World Moves. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 96pp. $17.99 ISBN 978-1-32-856091-9. Illustrated by Gilbert Ford.

Readers, ages 8 - 12 will be fascinated with the information about various items, such as hot air balloons, bicycles, and a folding wheelchair. Readers will learn about all the inventors and how they created the amazing items. Once readers open the book there is a timeline of inventions through the years. Readers then learn about the inventions and inventors and how they came to be. Additionally, at the bottom of each page comes a fun fact about the history behind why the invention came to be. 

The book of nine biographies, allows young readers to take a trip to the past and learn about inventions believed to have been around since the beginning of time. Contrasting bright and dark colors, to the inventions and the blueprints on each page. Readers will also be provided with a self-dream section. This section tells them how and where they can go to not only create their invention but hopefully put it to the page, allowing other inventors to see their inventions. Provides source notes, as well as the bibliography that shows what is being said, are facts. (KLF)

 

Magoon, Kekl. 2021. The Highest Tribute-Thurgood Marshall’s Life, Leadership, and Legacy. HarperCollins (Quill Tree Books). 40pp. $17.99 ISBN 987-0-06-291251-0. Illustrated by Laura Freeman.

Growing up in Baltimore, Thurgood Marshall  believed something was amiss. Eventually he decided to fight the battle of segregation among black and white Americans. Laws did not allow people of different races to share anything. Thurgood, knowing segregation was wrong, believed he had to do something to stop segregation. Due to Thurgood’s fight to make everyone equal, he became a member of the Supreme Court. To get to the highest “court” he had to make sure he did not just work hard every day but also made sure to take care of himself.

    This biography picture book inspires readers to fight for what they believe. Books do not teach readers to work hard to fix something they do not agree with, and if they try hard enough, they can succeed. Simple vocabulary makes the information accessible to readers, ages 4 - 8,  and makes it easy to understand the story of Thurgood Marshall. A timeline of all the important events in Thurgood Marshall’s life augments important events and information. The illustrations are a flashback through time. Each illustration taking up full pages provided clear evidence as to the situation at hand. The texture is smooth like watercolors on paper. Every person pictured is a person of color. With shadows that portray upcoming events, even if a reader can not read it they can interpret it through the pictures. Readers can go back in time and understand more of the segregational differences while understanding one of the many people who helped fight for equality.  (KLF)

 

Whiteside, Tyler. 2021. Magic’s Most Wanted. HarperCollins. 352 pp. $16.99 ISBN 978-0-06-256837-3.

Mason Mortimer Morrison seems to have nothing but bad luck, from his father, who is in jail, to his horrible grades. The bad luck continues. During the fourth period of school one day, two officers from an organization called Magix arrest Mason. Mason, not even knowing magic existed, was told he was the most wanted criminal in the magic world. Mason knows he is innocent, but he needs to figure out how to prove it. With the help of Junior Magix detective, a talking bunny, and good luck, Mason believes he will be cleared of any criminal activity. Bad luck can always be solved with a little bit of magic. Magic is in the air, as readers turn each page to see what Mason will do next, on his quest to prove his innocence.

Ordinary objects, animals coming to life, magic and craziness are dominant elements. Through the settings, characterizations, themes, and conflicts, readers, ages 8 - 12 can dream of possibilities. Details encourage readers to escape and imagine fantastic situations. The book jacket brings the magic alive, with everyday household items and people. The cover using purples and blues with fog and gold sparkles gives the readers the idea of magic and dreams. With the help of others, Mason learns a little belief he can conquer anything. With suspending disbelief through characterization, necessities come to life, and average humans gain superpowers creating a fantasy world for every reader. (KLF)

 

Reid, Megan. 2021. Maryam’s Magic: The Story of Mathematician Maryam Mairzakhani. HarperCollins (Blazer and Blay) 40pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-291596-2. Illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel.

A young girl loves to read books, both alone and with her sister. After reading a book, she would lay out long pieces of paper and color the wonderful pictures she imagined while reading. Growing up in Iran, Maryam would not be able to attend school. When Maryam was allowed to go to school, she was overwhelmed with excitement, but when it came time for math, she found it quite the opposite. Numbers and formulas would make her head spin. Till one day, she realized they could be arranged into different shapes, and colors accompanying each concept. Maryam became the first  Iranian woman to win the highest award in mathematics- the Fields Medal. She received this because of her unique way of solving some of the most complicated math problems. 

This biographical picture book helps readers realize there is always a solution to seemingly impossible concepts. Readers can see, though it may be hard, they can always find a way to relate a difficult problem to something they love and enjoy doing. Every page is filled with vibrant colors such as pinks, blues, purples, and yellows all relating to Maryam’s stories being told. The geometric shapes compared to everyday items such as donuts and stuffed animals help readers relate to Maryam’s idea of changing problems into stories. Cultural correctness also helps readers see the culture of Iran. The only characters included are girls, as boys and girls could not go to the same school. A timeline at the end of the book allows readers, aged 4-8, to dive into the life of Maryam Mirzakhani. (KLF)

 

Callaghan, Cindy. 2020. Saltwater Secrets. Simon& Schuster (Aladdin). 288 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-1-53-441744-1.

Half-sisters, Stella and Josie thrive for their summers together with their dad at the Jersey shore. Josie lives in Australia for most of the year, and summer vacation is the only time they get to see each other, but something is different about this summer. Stella begins to feel as though she and her sister are growing apart, however, she is still looking forward to going to their favorite secret place. The secret place is, under the boardwalk, where they keep a sister scrapbook filled with memories of past summer adventures. The start of their vacation begins to get rocky as they drift apart more. When the sisters realize their favorite place, the boardwalk, and the marine life there are in danger, they decide to put aside their differences and do what they can to help out. All they have left to rely on is their sisterly bond and instincts to save the marina’s life and the boardwalk.

Two girls working together, trying to overcome their differences to save something they love is something readers see in everyday life. Readers will see the everyday struggle of not getting to see someone and feeling as if they are growing apart. However, readers will also understand the importance of coming together and overcoming differences to reach the end goal and saving what they care about most. Younger students will relate to these problems and discover ways to hopefully solve them. Stella and Josie grow apart and are still able to work together. Recommended for ages 9-13. (KLF)

 

Wallace, Matt. BUMP. 2021. HarperCollinsPublishers (Katherine Tegan Books). 288pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-300798-7.

MJ knows a handful of ways to feel pain. Wounds, such as injuries from gymnastics, and the hurt that never goes away, like the feeling in her heart of an absentee father. Her mom is working two jobs and MJ struggles with the difficulty of having no friends. There is one thing that would help take this type of pain away, professional wrestling. When MJ realizes her neighbor, Mr.Arellano, runs a wrestling school, she has a new goal. This mission is to join the school, train hard, become a wrestler, and someday become a professional wrestler. When she begins training at Victory Academy all of the pain and hurt begins to heal and go away. After wrestling in a showcase event, troubling events start to take place. MJ caught an enemy of Mr. Arellano’s eye at the States Athletic Commission. Due to this, the people are threatening to close Victory academy. This puts MJ, her welcoming community, and her new home at risk. MJ begins to think and plan what she can do to save the school.

Discovering ways to help to heal pain and sustaining those feelings are the main themes for younger readers. Readers, ages 8 - 12, can understand MJ’s pain and troubles as she works through them. Matt Wallace brings a new idea to the table. Every day somebody could  be struggling or losing something they love. MJ shows readers if it is worth fighting for, they should never give up. If they have a dream, go after it and do not let anyone take it away from them. The front cover shows a boxing ring and MJ jumping wearing a wrestling mask on. The vibrant pink and yellow and blues encourage hope and perseverance in reaching one’s goals. The straight white lines leading to MJ show she has the power to determine her destiny. (KLF)

 

Biberdorf, Kate. 2020. The Big Book of Experiments. Penguin Random House LLC (Philomel Books) 112pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-59-311616-6.

Chemist, Professor, and science entertainer, Dr. Kate Biberdorf, encourages readers to experiment with science in their kitchens. From experiments making bubble snakes to creating fake tattoos readers will be excited to try everything. Twenty-five experiments are shared showing details of materials needed, instructions, and pictures of the end product. Dr Biberdorf rates each experiment 1 out of 3 noting how messy the project could get with the steps to complete the activity. Each experiment encourages readers to continue their learning after it is completed.

    The information shares science through a variety of experiments. Readers will learn about the chemical reactions through reading and thinking critically about the different aspects of the experiments. This is a great way to be creative on the weekend as a family. The pictures help readers understand what each experiment will look like as well. Recommended for ages 8-12. (KLF)

 

Simon, Seymour. 2020. Dinosaurs: Fact and Fable. HarperCollins. 48 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-247064-5. Photo Research Liz Nealon.

    Readers, ages 4 - 8, fascinated by dinosaurs will appreciate the answers to a plethora of questions about these interesting reptiles. Topics range from the theories of why the dinosaurs went extinct to who found the first dinosaur fossil. Myths and misconceptions about dinosaurs are also discussed. Engaging students in discussions allows moments of learning as students make new discoveries into the world of dinosaurs. 

    Information ranges from extinction theories, famous dinosaurs, where they lived, and what they ate. Seymour Simon, previously a science teacher and now a famous children’s science publisher, anticipated many questions students may have about dinosaurs. The style of writing is conversational and easy for students to follow. Featuring full color photographs and illustrations, colorful pages, and interesting sidebars makes reading this text enticing. It also features a glossary, timeline, index, and an author’s note. This would be an excellent addition to a classroom because it connects with Common Core standards and would work well for younger student’s research papers. (CDG)

 

Hoyt, Megan. 2021. Bartali’s Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy’s Secret Hero. HarperCollins (Quill Tree Books). 40 pp. $17.99. ISBN  978-0-06-290811-7. Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno.

    Generally, people have heard of the tragedies of World War II, but there are untold stories of unsung heroes. Gino Bartali is one of the many World War II heroes and a famous cyclist. As a young adult, he became an international cycling champion, winning the Tour De France in 1938.  Winning the Tour de France was only the second most impressive feat he accomplished during his life. With the onset of WWII, the people in France and surrounding countriesexperienced the terror and destruction of the Nazi’s. Despite being a famous cyclist, he had a secret job. Over the course of World War II, Bartali helped many Jewish people by biking all over Italy carrying photographs and counterfeit identity papers from a secret printing press. Without his help, these people would have most likely died. 

    Bartali delivered fake identity papers and gave them to people so they could escape the violence of the war. He may have also distracted guards and soldiers so the resistance workers could save even more Jewish families. Every page features Bartali and his bike and a dull-colored background. The text has phrases in a larger size and in different colors. Bartali’s biography would be an excellent addition to a classroom library, sharing additional information about a hero from World War II. Students, ages 7-12, could also investigate the accuracy of the role Bartali played in the war. (CDG)

 

Kaufman, Amie. 2019. Elementals: Scorch Dragons. HarperCollins (Harper). 368 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-245801-8. Illustrations by Virginia Allyn.

    Elementals are humans capable of shapeshifting into a beast with powers either from water (ice), earth, air, or fire, the elements. The scorch dragons and ice wolves fight for power, causing major distrust between the two groups. The second book in the series begins after the battle between the ice wolves and the scorch dragons. Anders, an ice wolf, reunites with his twin sister Rayna, who is a scorch dragon. They reunite in the Drekhelm mountains, a place the scorch dragons call home. Rayna, Anders, and his friend Lisabet, another ice wolf, meet with the dragon high council to discuss why they are in Rayna, Anders, and Lisabet’s home as well as what they plan to do there. When the weather starts to become colder, the dragons realize a powerful artifact known as the Snowstone was stolen during the battle. This artifact is the cause of the colder weather, which is dangerous to scorch dragons as they require heat to survive. Desperate to save his sister and the other scorch dragons, Anders teams up with Rayna, Lisabet, and other scorch dragons. Their mission is to find the missing pieces of the Sun Scepter, an artifact that contracts the Snowstone, leading to an equal balance of temperature. Leaving either artifact in the wrong hands could cause the end for the opposing elementals so the group’s mission has life or death consequences.

    Using aspects of supernatural powers as a plot element and not attending to the natural laws of reality creates a suspense of interest to readers, ages 8 - 12. Real-life issues, like racial/ethnic hatred and mistrust, are connected to the fantastical world of Vallen, the setting of the trilogy. Two sides, both wielding the power of shapeshifting: the ice wolves and the scorching dragons, despise one another, caught in a conflict that has taken place for several generations. Without giving either side powers, readers can infer that this could have been a historical nonfiction story, portraying two sides with opposing ideals engaged in a long battle. However, by incorporating fantastical elements, treacherous adventures, and acts of bravery readers will not be able to put this down. (CDG)

   

Powell, Patricia. 2020. Lift As You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker. Simon & Schuster (Margaret K. McElderry Books). 48 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-440623-0. Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie.

    “What do you hope to accomplish?” This complicated question is a trademark of Ella Baker. Readers, ages 6 - 10, are introduced to the life of Ella Baker, one of the most influential heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. Growing up as a child whose grandparents were slaves, Baker noticed and experienced many racial inequalities through her life. She devoted her life to helping others by listening to their concerns, guiding them towards a solution, and asking “What do you hope to accomplish?” (frequently occurring throughout the biography). This question drove African Americans to stand up for their rights and fight back against racial inequalities. 

    Readers will see disturbing images of police officers beating black people and homes being blown up by dynamite. These images display some of the atrocities African Americans faced while fighting for their rights which may not be appropriate for young readers. First grade students and older students will not completely comprehend the situation, but their knowledge of the Civil Rights Movement will grow. The illustrations show Baker at different times in her life through the usage of acrylic paint. Famous civil rights activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and Ella Baker are much more detailed than other characters, which will help readers find who to focus on. This is an accurate graphic representation of the Civil Rights Movement. It may be too graphic for Kindergarten students but First through Third grade students will learn the complexities and possible violence that comes with making change. (CDG)

 

Kelkar, Supriya. 2020. American As Paneer Pie. Simon & Schuster (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). 320 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-443938-2. Cover Art by Abigail Dela. 

    An Indian-American girl named Lekha lives in a predominantly white Detroit suburb. Although she is the only Indian-American girl in her area, she finds pride in her heritage and background through eating traditional food, performing the dances, and playing games with her friend Noah. Lekha’s at-home personality is significantly different than when she is at school. Unfortunately, her classmates are xenophobic. When a new girl moves into Lekha’s neighborhood, she is delighted to learn she is also Indian but is worried that her new friend will be ill-equipped to handle the harassment and discrimination from her classmates. To her surprise, Avantika, the new girl, is not afraid to discuss her culture and takes pride in her heritage and background, and is willing to stand up to the bullying. As Lekha is learning to be more confident by watching Avantika, the town is facing local hate crimes and an election in which a far-right politician is in the lead. When a racial incident takes place in her community, Lekha must decide whether to stay silent or become vocal in her beliefs.

    A contemporary realistic fiction story includes features such as realistic characters, plots, and settings, and events readers could face in real life. All of the characters have individual motives and desires and face realistic problems students in the United States can understand. Racism and colorism are issues many students face, whether it be from school personnel, students, or the community. While many readers may not personally identify with the main character, they will be able to understand her emotions and be driven to create change. This book covers many contemporary issues in the world in a way young readers can understand and discuss issues like xenophobia and racism. If planning to incorporate this text into teaching, instructors should be sure to discuss these issues before reading. (CDG)

 

Larocca, Rajani. 2021. Red, White, and Whole. HarperCollins (Quill Tree Books). 224pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-304742-6.

    Reha lives in two completely different worlds. One is her home, where she celebrates her Indian heritage and culture. She does this through listening to Hindi music and films, spending time with other Hindu families, and wearing homemade clothes. Contrary to her home life, at school, she is the only Indian girl in her class. Struggling under the strict expectation set by her parents, Reha does not feel connected to either aspect of her two lives. When her mother Punam gets diagnosed with leukemia, all of the stereotypical teenage issues fade away. Reha must learn how to feel whole despite missing key components of her life. 

    Historical fiction has seven elements that make up this genre of story. They are as follows: character, dialogue, setting, theme, plot, conflict, and world-building. The text combines these elements in a creative way that makes this story come to life. Historical fiction features characters, themes, conflicts, and settings that could be real. Red, White, and Whole takes place in 1983. References to famous 1980s musicians like The Beach Boys and Cindy Lauper and movies like Star Wars reflect the era. Reha faces many conflicts middle school students face: having a crush, picking a favorite musician, and even having a close family member get sick. Themes like loss and the importance of family and friends are clear, as Reha builds a support system of family and friends who help her through this trying time. Written in verse from Reha’s perspective. Each chapter/poem is short but portrays a series of events and thoughts through her eyes. This process helps the 8-12-year-old readers to understand Reha’s emotions and feelings in a way they can process and discuss. (CDG)

 

Fraioli, James. 2019. Great White Shark Adventure. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (Margaret K. McElderry Books). 112 pp. $19.99. ISBN 978-1-53-442087-8. Illustrated by Joe St.Pierre.

    The plot follows the adventures of the famed explorer Fabien Cousteau, his research experts, and his two junior explorers: Bella and Marcus. When Fabian Cousteau receives word of a large great white shark sighting off the coast of South Africa, potentially the largest on record, he is excited. He takes his team to find, document, and tag the shark so it can be recorded, tracked, and protected. Along the way, Cousteau teaches Bella and Marcus about all of the other animals they encounter. He also teaches them about why sharks are misunderstood and what precautions are being put into place to protect them from extinction. The action and information will captivate readers, ages 8 - 12. 

    Facts about great white sharks, the habitats they live in, and what people can do to save them from exploitation and extinction. Working with Fabian Cousteau, who is a real life aquanaut, ocean conservationist, and documentary filmmaker, allowed James O. Fraioli to create an eye-catching and mesmerizing informative text complemented by Joe St.Pierre’s illustrations. The graphic style will appeal to young readers. Each page features colorful comic panels, filled with white dialogue bubbles from the characters or yellow rectangles containing information about the animals around them. about great white sharks, one of the most popular animals on the planet. (CDG)

 

Jenkins, Steve. 2020. Insects by the Numbers. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 40 pp. $14.99. ISBN 978-1-32-885099-7.

    Detailed information about different insects, their abilities, statistics, and thrilling random facts, such as “Ladybugs hibernate during the winter and they often cluster together in groups that include thousands of beetles” (page 22), will definitely appeal to young readers, ages 8 – 12.. There are a multitude of different bugs and those discussed include winged insects and their relationship with humans. Infographics show readers more about the stated facts in order to deepen understanding of the relationships between bugs and other animals or insects. Cut and torn paper collages or those digitally created augment the information. Some graphics show great detail of the bugs whereas others show a silhouette of the bug in a variety of colors. Information is paired with an illustration so students can visually examine and understand the information.

    Facts regarding insects, from the expected to the unexpected will appeal to young readers who enjoy investigating and analyzing graphics. Students researching insects, specifically their wings, deaths, population, and life cycles will appreciate the wealth of information presented on each page. An example of the information within the text is “there are almost 1,400,000 named species of animals. Most of them are insects” (p. 8).  This page then proceeds to show a pie diagram of the number of named species under different categories. Steve Jenkins, well known for his informative and colorful children's books. End notes include a glossary of relevant terms. (VLH)

 

Turk, Evan. 2020. A Thousand Glass Flowers. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (Atheneum Books for Young Readers). 48 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-441034-3. Illustrated by/Cover Art by Lauren Rille and Evan Turk.

      Marietta Barovier was a pioneer in the industry of glass art and one of the first women to open a storefront in Venice, Italy. Marietta Barovier follows her passion of making glass from melted sand, even though her brothers laugh at her. A central theme incentivize girls to follow their passions and dreams even when others do not believe in them. Marietta moves through her life working on an art form passed down from her father and creates a new type of art called the Rosetta Bead. This bead became extremely valuable and was shipped around the world. In her lifetime it became treasured as much as gold. A central theme is to give girls the incentive to follow their passions and dreams. 

An exciting biography of Marietta Barovier and her artistry/invention of the Rosetta Bead. The character of Marietta Barovier is connected with the idea of linking the sun and warmth into her passion, leading to personification of her feelings. Unfortunately, an inaccuracy is portrayed regarding her family. The biography portrays Marietta Barovier having two brothers but she only had one.. Her story is not often told, making her a new and interesting subject. It captures the unique time period with incredible colors. The illustrations use purple and gold as the dominant colors. Purple is used in the background with gold as the skin color of the people in the foreground. Additionally, yellow, gold, and orange are used to represent heat. Splashes of blue occur on clothing or in the glass. Mediums include, watercolor, color pencil, oil pastel and gold gouache on tan paper. The real differentiation of color is in the glass. The colors symbolize the importance of the glass objects. (VLH)

 

McDivitt, Lindsey. 2021. A Plan for the People: Nelson Mandela’s Hope for His Nation. Wm.B. Eerdmans Publishing (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers). 48 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-80-285502-2. Illustrated by Charly Palmer.

    Readers are exposed to Nelson Mandela’s hopes for the future along with the narrative of his life, including his work with the African National Congress, his imprisonment on Robben Island and his inauguration as South Africa’s first black president. The language used helps young readers, ages 10 to 18, understand complex ideas, telling of his activism in correcting the injustices occurring to black South Africans, such as ending apartheid in South Africa. It omits details of the gruesome parts of this era for the reader. Listed in the last few pages are an author’s note, illustrator’s note, brief history and definition of Apartheid, a timeline of the historical events and a timeline of the major events in Nelson Mandelas’s life. Classified as a biography, it is meant to open the reader’s mind to the importance of change and how it affects equality for all.

    Organic and geometric based shapes are in the foreground and background in illustrations. Organic illustrations can also be seen in the foreground, and geometric shapes appear in the background. Hues of pastel colors, with brown as a dominant color prevailing throughout the usage of acrylic paint in the story's illustrations. Scenes are represented accurately through both illustration and text. Nelson Mandela’s biography paired with the illustrations will inspire class discussions and open the door to a deeper understanding of events and social issues. (VLH)

 

Uhrig, Betsy. 2020. Double the Danger and Zero Zucchini. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division (Margaret K. McElderry Books). 304pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-446765-1. Cover Art by Rebecca Syracuse.

    Even young readers, ages 8 - 12, who are reluctant to read will relate to the main character because he is also reluctant himself. The plot consists of a young boy named Alex, who is currently in middle school, and his journey to help his aunt write a book. Alex’s aunt looks to him to give reviews about her book after submitting it to a publisher who said that it was too boring. His aunt knows Alex can find all the boring aspects and help her rewrite the book. Alex does just this, and basically scraps the whole book! He comes up with a creative plot, but soon realizes he needs descriptive details regarding some scenes. Within one day of helping his aunt. Alex finds help from his two best friends to videotape each trick he performs and help him come up with new ideas. Ultimately, he finds himself, his friends, and even his own brother in danger when the tricks become overwhelming. This book is great for the reluctant readers of the family, and holds the attention of even adults through great humor, the involvement of family and friends, and stunts that keep readers on the edge of their seat.

    Characters find themselves in realistic situations. The exploits are easy to imitate for daring readers. The characters are studious, daredevils, and active. Readers will be able to easily identify and relate to each character. This story takes place in the present day. One aspect of this book that is harder to follow is how it is written in a conversational way. Lingo, phrases, texting and conversation all are written in an informal style. The main character also enjoys speaking directly to the reader every so often which can be hard to catch for young readers. Overall, this book is perfect for active, spontaneous and reluctant readers (such as Alex). Readers will be wanting more from start to finish, thus being a book to which should be in an upper elementary or middle school. (VLH)

 

Faruqi, Saadia. 2020. A Thousand Questions. HarperCollins Publishers (Quill Tree Books). 320 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-294320-0. Cover Art by Aaliya Jaleel.

    Two girls from different worlds meet, and while both have very opposite childhoods, they become friends through their diverse knowledge of language. Mimi is from Texas and travels to Pakistan for a vacation to her grandparent's house. When she arrives, she concludes her grandparents are wealthy. Opposite Mimi is Sakina; she lives in Pakistan and works for Mimi’s grandparents and scrapes by with little resources. Sakina is trying to get into a school but failed the English part of her test. She asks Mimi to give her English lessons and in return Sakina will show Mimi the unique and interesting country of Pakistan. Amid this friendship, Mimi gets upset when she finds out her mother is talking to a new guy and “forgetting” her father. Throughout the summer the girls face troubles due to their different upbringings, it highlights cultural divides of which strengthen and challenge their relationship and lives. 

    Both characters are middle school girls who endure real situations. The character, two girls from different countries have dissimilar goals, beliefs and journeys. Yet life and their individual journeys connect them. Realistic fiction is based on what life is like, aspects such as; setting, characters, plot, and objects are realistic, containing only things that exist in the real world. Readers will see a well balanced way of combining cultures, friends, and family, bringing reading and social studies together in one book. (VLH)

 

Thomas, Mindy and Raz, Guy. 2021. Wow in the World: The How and Now of the Human Body. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company (Tinkercast LLC). 192 pp. $19.99. ISBN 978-0-35-830663-4. Cover Design by Mary Claire Cruz. 

    Readers interested in getting to know themselves better on a physical level will find information regarding the human body helpful. Young readers can pick and choose where or what to begin reading. Chapters are filled with information on subjects such as the head, belly buttons, bones, muscles, organs and their purpose. Information about puberty is also a topic of interest. Weird and interesting facts about all parts of the human body will leave readers wanting more. There are exciting/creative quizzes to take and even illustrations of which are humorous yet informative for readers of all ages. A bibliography and a recommended reading list will allow children to continue their exploration of their own body. Continual individual exploration is listed in the back, includes websites to check out and QR codes students can scan for further recommended listening. Lastly, there is a source list students can look at to find more readings and information. Perfect for upper elementary students who are curious about human anatomy. A combination of understanding of a challenging topic with the use of illustrations and fun facts. 

    Facts are supported with research and with the facts and illustrations will keep all types of readers interested. Students writing a research paper on the body will welcome the facts. A classroom setting is the perfect place for students to have exposure to a different type of reading genre other than the typical fiction or nonfiction book. The ideal age group would be upper elementary through the beginning of high school as they will get the most out of the primer for subjects of which will occur later in students’ educational studies. (VLH)

 

Jenkins, Steve and Page, Robin. 2020. Tiny Monsters: The Strange Creatures that Live On Us, In Us, and Around Us. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion). 32pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-35-830711-2. Illustrated by Steve Jenkins. 

There are tiny monsters roaming the world, unnoticeable to the human eye. Readers, ages 6 and older, will learn about insects and real facts about a variety of tiny creatures. The information provided engages the reader and encourages them to think about where tiny creatures may be hiding. Each page shares information about a new insect including its name, where it lives, its actual size, and what it eats.

The tiny monsters are enlarged to show their details. Doing this allows readers to get a deeper look into the tiny monsters no one sees with their bare eye. Large, powerful microscopes were used to explore these insects, but they do not show color; thus, the tiny monsters are not all accurately colored. The use of line and color to create texture on the insects allows the reader to visualize what they may look like. Patterns are created using various colors and shapes, showing details of the creature’s skin or shells. Organic shapes are used when creating the tiny monsters to emphasize their real-life features. Paper scraps are used to emphasize the varying textures and unique qualities each tiny monster holds. (EBH)

 

Arnold, Marie. 2021. The Year I Flew Away. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Versify). 256pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-35-827275-5. 

Moving to a new place, especially a different country, can be extremely terrifying. Gabrielle is ten years old and lives in Haiti with her parents. They decide to move to America, but Gabrielle must first live with some relatives until her parents arrive. Her one job was to not get in trouble; this becomes difficult for Gabrielle when she gets picked on at school and finds a witch who could help her fit in. This fantasy takes place in a real-world setting, but the witches give the story a mystical feeling. 

The theme of accepting oneself is represented through changes in the main character as she comes to terms with her cultural identity in a new place. Although this is a fantasy, there are several real-life introduced. In this person against society plot, Gabrielle fights to fit in with the children in the United States. Eventually, she learns how to thrive in her new environment. Internal and external conflicts show throughout Gabrielle’s journey and allows readers to understand the struggle as well as how to persevere through them. Personal and emotional development are important while children are growing up. Gabrielle helps the reader understand and accept her differences from others. allows the reader to develop a better sense of self. Gabrielle shares how to treat others. Recommended for children 8-12 years old, however anyone who is struggling to fit in would benefit from reading this. (EBH)

 

Baretta, Gene. 2020. The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver. HarperCollins (Katherine Tegen Books). 40pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-243015-1. Illustrated by Frank Morrison. 

George Washington Carver worked hard to succeed in life. George was born in 1864 and later kidnapped with his mother to be sold as a slave. He was found and brought to the Carvers, who raised him. He spent a lot of his time indoors because he was often sick. However, he took time to tend to a secret garden where he learned to care for plants and began healing sick plants for other people. George wanted to go to school, but segregation laws were still in place. He used his garden to teach himself. Eventually George left the farm to attend schools to help him accomplish his goal of teaching others about agriculture. He became the first Black man to attend and teach at Iowa Agricultural College. 

This biography does not include photographs, but has illustrations showing George’s life. Browns, greens, and blues were used to show the importance of nature in George’s life and career. The texture presents a realistic nature, bringing his story to life. George learned how to overcome obstacles and taught people how to provide for themselves, demonstrating the theme of personal development. A timeline of his life is provided at the end of the text to give readers more details about his life. This text is recommended for readers between the ages of four and eight but can encourage anyone to care for the environment and fight for racial equality. (EBH)

 

Mendez, Yamile Saied. 2021. Shaking Up The House. HarperCollins (HarperCollins). 256 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-297072-5. 

Sharing a house with other people can have its challenges, regardless of the relationships or friendships. Ingrid and Winnie are the daughters of President Lopez. The new first family is moving into the White House with them for seven weeks because their guest home is under construction. The person against person plot starts when the new family moves in. Their two daughters, Skylar and Zora, are friends with Ingrid and Winnie. However, the current First Daughters have some pranks in mind for the new girls. What starts out as a little joke, quickly turns the White House into something messy.

Depictions of real life problems between friends. The setting takes place during inauguration day at the White House. Theme and the nature of conflict is revealed through the friendly pranks played amongst the girls. Through the person versus person and person versus society conflicts, the four girls find out the true value of friendship. Discovering friends is more valuable than always being right. This book is recommended for children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. (EBH)

 

Downwerth-Chikamatsu, Annie. (2020). Beyond Me. Simon & Schuster (Atheneum Books for Young Readers). 304pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-48-143789-9.

Natural disasters affect people all over the world. Eleven-year-old Maya lives in Japan with her parents. She is attending school when a monstrous tsunami hits the Northeastern part of Japan, causing fear to rise in everyone. The person against nature plot is shown when Maya is overcoming her fear of the tsunami to help the people of Northeast Japan. Through the conflicts Maya faces, she develops into a compassionate and strong individual. She made paper cranes and sent them to America to raise money for people in Japan. The sunflowers were grown to take radiation out of the soil. Everyone was doing their part to help the country of Japan. 

The poetic style of this writing emphasizes the fear, unknowns, and disaster happening in the world around Maya and the people in Japan. Red lines and different fonts to show each earthquake, tsunami, and aftershocks hitting the country. The theme of personal development is shown as Maya learns how to spread kindness and make a difference in a time of uncertainty. This text is recommended for children between the ages of eight and twelve but can inform anyone about natural disasters and how to help others. (EBH)

 

Marsh, Sarah Glenn. 2019. Ninita’s Big World: The True Story of a Deaf Pygmy Marmoset. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 32pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-32-877001-1. Illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman. 

Ninita, a deaf pygmy marmoset, is living in a world where she is not finding a connection. She was born deaf, and her parents abandoned her when she was just 3 weeks old. Ninita was saved by some humans, who helped her find a new home. She changes from a scared, lost pygmy marmoset into a thriving and excited marmoset. 

This informational text gives accurate facts about pygmy marmosets within the true story of Ninita. Ninita’s emotions are shown through the illustrations and help the reader connect to her life. The illustrations make use of light, pastel colors showing the love and affection Ninita had for the humans rescuing her. The organic and whimsical shapes give a child-like depiction of the wilderness. She also used greens and browns to represent the natural environment of pygmy marmosets. Included at the end is the true account of Ninita and facts about pygmy marmosets, such as Ninita’s experience with getting another chance after enduring abandonment. This text is recommended for children between the ages of four and seven. (EBH)

 

Patrick, Denise Lewis. 2021. VIP: Lewis Latimer: Engineering Wizard. HarperCollins Publishers. 112pp. $15.99. ISBN 978-0-06-297807-3.

Lewis Latimer is an African American engineer who used his expertise and creativity to help design both Alexander Bell’s telephone and Thomas Edison’s lightbulb. The biography begins with his parents harrowing escape from slavery to Latimer’s successes working overseas. 

Lewis Latimer is one of the most important yet lesser known people in engineering history. This biography allows for readers to enjoy the content, while staying true to facts. A number of documents and illustrations provide a credible window into Latimer’s life. Harmful stereotypes are addressed in language young readers, ages 8 - 12, can understand. (CRL)

 

Grimes, Nikki. 2020. Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division (Atheneum Books for Young Readers). 40pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-446267-0. Illustrated by Laura Freeman.

Eve slams the door, frustrated, after being told “girls can’t be president, stupid.” (unnumbered) To remind Eve girls can be anything, her mom shares the life of Kamala Harris, a girl from Oakland, California who hopes to be president one day. Kamala’s parents inspired her to take action from a young age as they took her to civil rights marches and lectures. As Kamala grew older, she carried on her parents’ legacy by marching for any injustice from her classmates right to use the soccer field to protesting apartheid in South Africa. After being elected Senator, Kamala began the race for presidency. While she had to drop out of the race early on, Kamala has important plans for her future in the White House.

This biography conveys Kamala Harris’ life through a mother and daughter interaction; this allows for breaks for the mother to explain complex vocabulary like justice. With a person against society narrative, Kamala’s story helps break down harmful gender stereotypes while showing young girls they can do anything. Horizontal lines are used to represent the stability throughout Kamala’s life while reminding the reader her story is not finished. A timeline is included to assist the reader in understanding Kamala’s life. Recommended for youngsters 4-8, this book should be read by all children. (CRL)

 

McCulloch, Amy. 2021. Unleashed. Sourcebooks Young Readers (Sourcebook Kids). 352pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-1-49-268377-3.

Is it possible to feel true happiness with no ambition? Lacey Chu and her friends find the answer in this thrilling fantasy in which they discover the true meaning of friendship and happiness. Lacey wakes up in a hospital bed with no recollection of how she got there. As she recovers and regains her memory, Lacey joins her friends – and their bakus – as they unveil the secret intentions of the corrupt Mancha Corporation. The bakus in this fantasyland are based on the Japanese mythological creatures protecting humans; however, these bakus are mechanical companions. Throughout their journey, Lacey discovers her true friends and true happiness.

This fantasy world begins much like the world familiar to readers; in fact, Lacey lives in Canada. The differences become clear once mechanical bakus begin speaking with Lacey and the setting is revealed to be the not-too-distant future. With a person against society conflict, Lacey must put aside some of her own feelings and beliefs to overcome a greater enemy: The Mancha Corporation. As the Mancha Corporation seeks to create a happier world by removing individual ambition, Lacey and her friends demonstrate the power of women in STEM. While recommended for readers ages 8-12, older readers will be able to relate to Lacey Chu and her friends. (CRL)

 

Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw. 2019. Saving the Tasmanian Devil: How Science Is Helping the World’s Largest Marsupial Carnivore Survive. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company (Clarion Books). 80pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-54-499148-4.

The world’s largest marsupial carnivore is in danger! Devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) is running rampant amongst the Tasmanian Devil population, and people are hoping this marsupial can survive. A collection of first-hand accounts and interviews with scientists who explain the animal, its habitat, the disease, and solutions allows the reader to be a part of the journey to save the Tasmanian Devil. Full of photographs and easily understandable scientific diagrams, complement the information about saving the Tasmanian Devil.

Readers learn what it’s like to take a trip to Tasmania, a little island off the coast of Australia, while incorporating true interviews with scientists and scientific facts regarding the crisis surrounding the Tasmanian Devil. Numerous sources and additional readings are included. Text features are utilized throughout to engage readers, clarify text, and encourage critical thinking. A variety of photographs assist in telling the story of saving the Devil, including photographs of healthy Devils, Devil's effects by DFTD, telescopic photographs of affected chromosomes, and others. Recommended for readers ages 10-12. (CRL)

 

Kelkar, Supriya. 2020. American as Paneer Pie. Simon & Schuster. 320pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-443938-2.

Lekha tackles what it means to be an American as the two versions of herself collide: Home Lekha who fully embraces her Indian heritage and School Lekha who tries to blend in with American culture. Lekha is the only Indian American student in her small town until Avantika and her family move in across the street. As their friendship grows, Senator Winters wins the election causing a spike in racially motivated hate crimes. Lekha, Avantika, and their friends find their voices against hate in a divided state. 

Written in a hopeful tone with a person against self-plot, Lekha battles her inner turmoil to find her voice to speak out against hate. She struggles to merge Home Lekha with School Lekha as her family falls victim to a series of hate crimes: hateful messages vandalized on their garage and acts of violence committed against them amongst the microaggressions they face daily. Addresses problems Indian Americans face in their daily life while acknowledging the real fears and concerns of children. Lekha creates an honest picture of life as an Indian American child while leaving room for the reader to make personal conclusions. Recommended for readers between the ages of 8 and 12, however any reader would benefit from understanding the struggles of a non-white person living in the U.S. (CRL)

 

Brusatte, Steve. 2021. The Age of Dinosaurs: The Rise and Fall of the World’s Most Remarkable Animals. HarperCollins Publishers (Quill Tree Books). 272pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-293017-0.

Readers, ages 8 - 12, will be informed about what the world might’ve been like when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Acclaimed paleontologist, Steve Brusatte, shares the era of the dinosaurs from the Early Triassic period all the way through to the modern world. He also explains his role as a paleontologist and the adventures he has been a part of. 

Readers learn credible facts about dinosaurs without exaggeration while possibly discovering an interest in the topic. Readers are provided a number of opportunities to analyze the text and think critically about the information being presented. Text features including charts, illustrations, and photographs are used to enhance reader’s comprehension, all while fighting to eliminate negative gender stereotypes regarding the fields of geology, archeology, and paleontology. Readers will see numerous female voices assisting him on his journey while encouraging young girls to follow their passions. (CRL). 

 

Muñoz Ryan, Pam. 2020. Mañanaland. Scholastic Press (Scholastic Inc.). 256pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-1-33-815786-4.

It would be nice to see tomorrow, or at least this is what Maximiliano Córdoba thinks as he worries about making the fútbol team or if he will ever meet his mother. Max’s mother left when he was a baby, but his father and his abuelo are unsure if Max is ready to hear the true story of his past until Father Romero knocks on Max’s door. Father Romero inadvertently reveals his father is a guardian who helps transport the hidden people to safety. Max takes on this role, and as he travels, he learns Mañanaland is not a place but a way of thinking: a symbol of hope. 

As Max comes to learn about his past and his family, he is confronted with a myriad of emotions to which many young readers will relate. He deals with the confusion of who his parents really are while struggling to maintain his friendships. While the setting contains distinct features, it is vague and readers can identify with characters, settings, conflicts, themes and resolutions. Readers, ages 8 - 12, will enjoy the suspense with an underlying and consistent hopeful tone. (CRL)

 

Settle, Joanne. 2019. Your Amazing Digestion, from Mouth through Intestine. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (Atheneum Books for Young Readers). 112 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-1-48-148688-0. Illustrated by Steve Björkman.

    All humans have one thing in common, they need some sort of food to survive. The nutrients from food give people’s bodies the energy they need to complete everyday tasks. What the body does with the food after people eat is a mystery to many people. Readers will find answers to some of the more frequently wondered questions about how the digestive system works inside people’s bodies. The overall science of the human digestive system. Topics covered are the typical ones such as the digestion of different foods and why spicy foods cause sweating as well as the atypical topics such as diarrhea, farting, and throwing up. 

Readers will experience the information written in a poetic style to give a more appealing view to learning about the digestive tract. The information is portrayed using rhyming poetry on each page and is accompanied by eccentric comic illustrations. Each picture on the page gives the reader another representation of what the words are portraying. The comics are painted in vibrant greens, blues, pinks, and yellows and use light, incomplete shapes to create characters representing what might happen to someone’s body during digestion. Headings in different colored lettering to distinguish between sections of writing. This style allows for the readers to understand the content. Word choices in this informational text is written in a way that makes it easy to process for children, but still uses scientific language when appropriate. This provides an accurate representation of what goes on inside the body. For example, when talking about swallowing food and liquids, the words reflex and trachea are given to provide students with scientific vocabulary, but they are explained in ways that are comprehensive for younger audiences. Overall, readers, ages 8 and up, will be encouraged to think analytically about how their body works. (MJO)

 

Freeman, Martha. 2020. Born Curious: 20 Girls Who Grew Up to Be Awesome Scientists. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). 128pp. $19.99. ISBN 978-1-53-442153-0. Illustrated by Katy Wu.

    The science field is historically and currently dominated by men. The gap between the numbers of men in comparison to female scientists reinforces the stereotypes of what women and men can accomplish. Readers will be informed about powerful women who grew up to be scientists after they spent their childhoods asking questions and being curious about how the world works. This collection of 25 biographies goes beyond characterization by simply giving facts about each scientist. Lives of each woman from their childhood to what important discoveries they are known for. The reader is able to see a short description of the scientist’s life in the form of a narration. Then, in a separate section, information is given about what the scientists’ most famous achievement and quote are as well as a fascinating fact about them. 

There is one major illustration for each scientist. Vibrant colors such as lime greens, bright reds, and deep purples convey strength and energy. Each graphic enhances the importance of what the text is saying. The central focus of each picture is the scientist. She is in the center of the page, emphasizing her importance. Surrounding each woman are small drawings of the scientist’s accomplishments. For example, surrounding Shirley Ann Jackson, a physicist and educator, is a chalkboard with physics problems. Although the illustrations are wonderfully detailed and contribute to the content within the book, the characters portrayed on the front cover do not match those in the book. On the cover, the majority are women of color, whereas the scientists in the book are majority white women. Overall, the collection of biographies would be beneficial to students, ages 7 - 12, because of the focus on women in science.  (MJO)

 

Shihab Nye, N. 2020. Everything Comes Next. HarperCollins (Greenwillow Books). 256pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-301345-2. 

    Ordinary lives of diverse populations are the focus of this poetry collection. The poems are designed to bring people together despite cultural differences. The value of childhood is displayed through the first three sections, titled “The Holy Land of Childhood” and “The Holy Land that Isn’t” and “People Are the Only Hold Land,” are filled with poems primarily about spiritual significance in relation to human existence. 

Poetry can help to unite people by breaking down the stereotypes and seeing people for whom they really are. This reality is evident given the narrative nature of each poem. Each poem tells a story of a past event or the perspective of a person experiencing something new. The vocabulary is very straightforward when writing about topics that put the reader in a position to be more culturally aware. This is exemplified in, Before You Can, about the personalities of her Jewish and Arab friends. The most prominent element in this collection capitalizes on the use of imagery. The execution of this element is seen in Wedding Cake as the reader is able to picture the ruffles of the gown a woman wore after reading, “she wore a tiny white dress leafed with layers like a wedding dress.” Recommended for ages 8-12. (MJO)

 

Jenkins, Steve. 2021. 100 Animals. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 14pp. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-35-810545-9. 

    Children typically have a deep sense of curiosity about animals, whether that means seeing, feeling, or hearing them. Depending on the children, they will have access to different kinds of local species. Readers will be introduced to animals and what they look like to children who may not know them. The pictures of the animals come with labels. This informational picture book is organized by groups of animals such as underwater and underground animals. This encourages children to make connections to the categories of animals and increase their learning. 

The information is mainly portrayed through illustrations which enhance the words on the page. The animal pictures on each page are drawn in a realistic way which showcases what the animals really look like. The accuracy of each animal is demonstrated through the use of life-like colors and shape. For example, a bee has black and white stripes down its back and a wasp has a black body with slightly yellow tinted wings. This distinction allows children to have a detailed understanding of the differences between the two animals. In order to create an accurate depiction of the animal's body, texture is added to each animal and creates a more explicit, three-dimensional character. Lines are drawn in a way that is welcoming to children. The teeth on the crocodile and the nose of the shark are rounded to lessen the intimidating appearance of the commonly known predators. This makes the animals less frightening to young readers ages 6 months to 3 years. The bright background colors and the lift-the-flaps encourage interaction with the animals and the text! (MJO)

 

Craft, Jerry. 2020. Class Act. HarperCollins (Quill Tree Books). 256pp. $22.99. ISBN 978-0-06-288551-7. 

    Jordan and Drew, students at the prestigious Riverdale Academy Day School, are impacted by feelings of isolation. The two boys face person vs. society conflicts through the plot and setting of the book. Economic differences are evident in the Riverday Academy Day Middle School. The societal classes are also present and noticeable. Jordan and Drew struggle with economic and racial disparities as their higher class, white friends want to spend more time at each other's houses this school year.

    Readers ages 8-12 are able to view the realistic nature of this fiction story as they potentially relate to the events taking place in this book. Readers, ages 8 - 12, may relate to how students of color are impacted not only by the comments that their peers and teachers make in school, but also by their comparison to each other and those around them. Readers will find themselves in an urban setting, and vocabulary is limited due to the child narrator, and it is written in first person. As a graphic novel, the illustrations are lined up in frames around the page and readers can read the words in the scene that goes along with the pictures. The pictures in this book are colored with vibrant colors such as greens, reds, and purples. A grey shade is placed on parts of the scene to depict shadowing on the character. This draws the reader's eye to one part of the page and shows the perspective of where the students are placed in the frame. There are mainly colored comic strips throughout the book which tell the story. There are also pencil drawings of comic strips that Jordan, the narrator of the story, drew himself about the events taking place in his life such as conversations with his father or how he and Drew have comparable lives. Recommended for ages 8-12 years old. (MJO) 

 

Dee, Barbara. 2020. My Life in the Fish Tank. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (Aladdin). 320pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-443233-8. 

After her brother’s Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) diagnosis, 12 year old Zinny Manning feels trapped in a cycle of responsibility. While her parents are preoccupied with insurance companies and phone calls to hospitals, Zinny makes dinner, helps with her brother's homework, and does chores. A self vs. society conflict is present throughout the book as Zinny battles with learning about her brother’s disorder and through the ever-changing nature of her friendship with her two best friends, reader’s will be able to see a person v. person relationship conflict. She also experiences conflict within herself as she attempts to find small fragments of happiness during her science class’ crayfish experiment. She uses science, which is her favorite class, as an escape from the dreary reality she is experiencing outside of her school life. 

Readers will be pulled into the chaos of Zinny’s feelings about her situation through the words used to create imagery of scenes and characters. On page ninety-eight, the author writes a detailed description of the room where the Lunch Club meets once a week. The words “lumpy-looking red couch” are used to make the reader feel and see similar things to Zinny. Through the strong descriptive words, readers can relate to their “real” world. Accurate ways a twelve year old would handle being thrown into a new reality which centers around a loved one who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. On page eighty-eight, Zinny finds herself unable to do her homework because she is preoccupied worrying about why her mother is pacing around the house. This is a realistic way for young children to respond to the worries and stress of their parental figure. Realistic fiction books typically find a way to show children taking strides to grow up into adulthood. Her brother’s diagnosis is a major contributor to Zinny having to become more emotionally mature in order to deal with her grief. The reader also sees growth in Zinny through the changes within her friendships throughout the story. Recommended for ages 9-13 years old. (MJO)

 

Majewski, Marc. 2021. Does Earth Feel? 14 Questions for Humans. HarperCollins (Katherine Tegen Books). 40pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-302153-2.

    Readers are compelled to think about their relationship with the planet they live on through each page, which is filled with one single question. The questions appeal to the reader’s own experiences with emotions. The Earth is made to feel loneliness, friendliness, curiosity, and heart. The book follows the theme of environmentalism by having the reader discover empathy with the Earth as though it is a human.

The aspects of Earth are the main focus. This is shown through the perspective of each page. The human-like characters are seen as very small and farther back compared to the trees, bushes, sky, and water highlighted on each page. Readers will be pulled into the focus of what the Earth would be feeling at that moment. For example, with the question “Does Earth feel curious?,” the only human-centered illustration on the page is a very small red tent in the ground surrounded by vibrant green and purple trees. In the background, a deep purple sky gives the audience the feeling of nighttime approaching. Painted with acrylic paints, which give the pages a textured appearance. The colors include many vibrant greens, yellow, and oranges to depict when Earth feels friendly and curious. Dark blues, greys, and black to show when the Earth is feeling lonely, tired, and calm. Recommended for ages 4-8 years. (MJO)

 

Alexander, Lori. 2020. A Sporting Chance. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 128pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-32-858079-5. Illustrated by Allan Drummond.

Ludwig Guttman was a neurologist with a curiosity for the spine. After escaping Germany and moving to Britain, he was able to open a spinal injury center and work with people who were called the “incurables”. The “incurables” were people who were paralyzed and defined only as such, not as individual people with human emotions and abilities. Guttman was able to bring joy to his patients through games, such as wheelchair basketball and archery. The joy and passion he brought to his patients evolved into the Paralympic games. 

Readers, ages 8 - 12, will see situations explained in writing and pictures which show them time relevant people, places, and items. The illustrations are sketches colored in with vibrant colors, catching readers attention. The sentences are short in structure with complex content vocabulary. Words more difficult to understand are well explained for children to expand their vocabulary. The pictures have explanations as to what they are and why they are important. Pages have a picture or drawing on most every page. Pages without pictures have short graphic designs sharing information. (PLS)

 

Trevino, Charles. 2021. Seaside Stroll. Charlesbridge. 32pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-1-58-089932-1. Illustrated by Maribel Lechuga. 

Winter walks on the beach are opportune times for vocabulary development. Sauntering on the beach with the seagulls, sniffling, shivering, and sneezing from the damp winter air. The walk explores the seaside and the life inhabiting it only using words starting with the letter “S”. 

    The mute colors set a calm mood. The texture of the sea and sand is evident through the line strokes in the blue, gray, and brown colors. The ground in a majority of the scenes creates a calming mood for children. The silence reflects the relaxed setting. There are no real sentences in this book. Each word is separated by a comma and pertains to the images shown. Children will be able to use the pictures to identify words they know and discover new vocabulary. Endnotes explain the different word types. The animals, plant life, and geology of the seaside have matching adjectives to help children, ages 3 – 7, expand their vocabulary. (PLS)

   

Royce, Eden. 2021. Root Magic. HarperCollins Publishers. 352pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-289957-6.

    After losing their grandmother, Jez and Jay learn much more about their family history. At the age of 11 their uncle Doc begins teaching them root magic, which is a family tradition. Growing up in the racially divided state of South Carolina in the early 1960’s, the twins face problems in the natural and supernatural world. As they are learning about family magic, deputy Collins is harassing the African-American members of the community. Jez is being bullied at school and battling monsters in the night. Jez first believes she will only use her magic to help people until she needs it to protect herself from evil spirits and deputy Collins

    The universal theme of racism is shown through the setting. The balance between fantasy and real life conveys a believable plot. Historical details create a historically accurate world with extraordinary beings to excite children, ages 8 - 12. Magic is used to protect a family from evil spirits and from the racism it endures in the real world. Through fantasy, children will experience some of the struggles African-Americans have faced in the past. (PLS)

 

Denise, Anika. 2020. A Girl Named Rosita. HarperCollinsPublishers. 40pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-287770-3. Illustrated by Leo Espinosa.

Rosita loves to sing and dance. When her family moved to the United States, she had an opportunity to share her talents with the world. Rosita not only had to deal with a new country, home and school, but also endured hate from bullies. As the years went on, Rosita grew to be an actress who found fame in movies, dancing, and music. The biography of Rosita Moreno shows a strong woman who does not give up when things get tough is inspiring to children. She struggled to find acting jobs in American movies for a long time, and rejections did not deter her efforts. She grew up to be a beloved actor in America and an icon in her home country. 

    Cheerful and vibrant colors display excitement. Words are used to show movement and actions. Rosita’s culture, depicted through family, language, and history, shares a life about a culture possibly different from the student’s own. Reading about other cultures is important because people may be scared of the unknown. Rosita’s life holds segways into important topics for children. Immigration, cultural differences, bullying, and persistence can be talked about from Rosita’s point of view, sparking larger conversations. Spanish versions celebrate and value a language and culture of others, encouraging English Language Learning (ELL) students to feel more comfortable reading. Recommended ages 4-8. (PLS)

 

Lupica, Mike. 2020. The Turnover. Simon & Schuster (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). 256 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-442158-5. 

Basketball is a family affair for the Winstons. Lucas is a middle school basketball player with a legendary coach who happens to be his grandfather. When Lucas is assigned a biography assignment in English class, he decides to write about Gramps. Learning more about Gramps' younger life leads to a conflict between Lucas and Gramps. The conflict not only affects their relationship, but Lucas’s playing as well too. 

    Lucas’s father died from pancreatic cancer when he was younger. Growing up in a single parent household shows the strength Lucas needed to be successful. Children from single parent households may be able to relate to Lucas’ struggles. The conflict between Gramps and Lucas focuses on a person against self aspect. Lucas is able to learn from Gramp's mistakes and also learns how to forgive. The designated age group will relate to middle school sports, school, and interactions they might experience. The descriptions and dialect give readers a clear illustration and a reader-character relationship. Recommended for ages 8-12. (PLS)

 

Korman, Gordon. 2020. War Stories. Scholastic Press. 240pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-133829020-2.

Trevor Firestone is a seventh grade warbuff with an interest in World War II. One day when his dad makes him shut off the video games he learns of his great-grandfather's passing. His great grandfather, Jacob is a veteran who fought in World War II. Trevor is captivated listening to the stories from Jacob’s life. Jacob, Trevor, and Trevor's father travel to France where Jacob is honored as the last Allied soldier from the Battle of Ste. Régine. Trevor learns fascinating things about both war and life while learning some family truths. 

    The plot is authentically developed in both the present and past. Jacob’s war stories take time during WWII and the present day depending on the chapter. Small details are used to inform readers and are relevant to World War Two. When the characters leave for France, readers, ages 8 - 12, are introduced to a conflict of person v. person. As the trip lengthens Trevor begins to question Jacob's heroism. Trevor begins to see there is more to war than what he has always believed. Readers will find details are able to illustrate settings in both present day and World War Two. (PLS)

 

Dumas, Marti. 2020. Women in the Old West. Scholastic, Inc. (Children's Press). 48pp. $19.99. ISBN  978-0-53-113080-3.

Traditionally, thoughts of the old West result in images of rangers. The important roles that women had are not always talked about in this time period. Although the option to travel west was not always optional, it opened opportunities for both men and women of all different cultures. Another topic not always talked about is the destruction of Native-American culture as people ventured west. Forced relocation and massacres devastated Native-American culture for years to come. 

    The illustrations are pertinent to the information and add value to the writing. Trivia questions also keep children interested in reading. Marti Dumas has a bachelor's degree in women and gender studies and has written many other children's books.  The sentences are short and structured so children will be able to understand them. There are also engaging items including a timeline with pictures. Mentions of slavery and Native-American genocide will help to inform readers, ages 8 - 10, on what the time period was like. (PLS)

 

Jones, Karl. 2020. Heart on Pluto. Penguin Random House (Penguin Workshop). 32pp. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-59-309629-1. Illustrated by Andrew J. Ross.

    Pluto has a controversial status. It was demoted to a dwarf planet in 2006, but this update does not make Pluto any less important. Readers follow the journey of the New Horizons space shuttle to Pluto. The scientific aspects are simultaneously the core pieces of this informational text as well as a way for readers to develop new vocabulary about space. The travels of the New Horizons shuttle and the discovery of a heart-shaped frozen nitrogen lake on Pluto’s surface increase readers’ understanding of research processes in a format that is easy for young readers to understand. Readers, ages 5 – 8,  will  gain information about the sizes and shapes of the galaxy. The last page is especially significant for scientific inquiry because it provides many facts about Pluto and the New Horizons shuttle. Investigating Pluto’s distance in relation to time and the size of Pluto in comparison to Earth helps readers become more curious about the solar system. 

The shapes created give context to what planets, space shuttles, and space look like. These range from a variety of circles, ovals, rectangles, and a heart. Shadows are also a notable function within these drawings. In order to help create depth and dimension, shading is used to create shadows. Shading lends itself to color and the importance of accuracy within an informational text. Planets and other space objects have scientifically accurate colors, such as making Mars red or Saturn blue. Overall, the illustrations are made in a way that is welcoming and inviting to students. They are not dark and scientific in a way that might deter readers, making the information more accessible. (CMS)

 

Haidle, Elizabeth. 2019. Before They Were Authors. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt  (Etch; Clarion Books). 64pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-1-32-880153-1.

    Ten famous authors spanning from childhood to the modern-day are discussed to demonstrate how creativity stems from more than one place. This collection of biographies instills a sense of variation between diverse education amongst the authors and how schooling influenced their writing styles. Biographies focus on characterization and accuracy of information. Each biography is explained by means of comic strips, dialogue, and captions. There are timelines of significant events from each person’s life at the beginning of each section. All of the information provided is rooted in fact and qualified by the source notes and bibliography in the end notes. The style is engaging but maintains a formal tone to ensure the information is accurate. 

The illustrations are done with a natural flow between the format and information within the text and art. The illustrations in this book are pertinent to the writing as they showcase what the creators look like, a timeline of their lives as writers, and what made up the environments that influenced them growing up. For example, one art style manages to both mimic that of the individuals featured in the book who were authors as well as illustrators while still maintaining originality. Line is an important aspect of comic book work as it creates distinction between sections and creates a flow for readers to follow on the pages. Each author has a distinct set of colors and tones that create separation between them as well as lend themselves to each of their stories. For example, another section is primarily highlighted by the color yellow. Shape additionally lends itself to the setup of a comic book style. It allows soft watercolor drawings with rounded shapes which make up tree tops and faces that contrast with the blocked shapes of individual drawings. Recommended for ages 10 and up. (CMS)

 

Elliott, David. 2021. The Seventh Raven. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 192pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-35-825211-5. Illustrated by Rovina Cai.

    A large family of nine is suddenly left to the realities of loss and the consequences of harsh words when the parents trade their current lives for their grandest desire. A lineage of Jacks and their outcast brother, Robyn, weave together a tragic fairytale narrative to develop a theme of reformation. Every character has the opportunity to receive something they desperately want within the plot of the story. The question “What would you give up to have what you wish for?” is posed to each individual, creating cohesion through the humanness of indecision and impulsivity in their responses. The periodic illustrations are dark. They depict the sons in the form of resurgent ravens and the journey returning them to what once was. Every picture is shrouded in shadows making a reader feel as if they are being drawn into something grave. Rough jagged lines, created from jet black ink, are intentionally sporadic. The drawings are not central to the plot of the writing, but they enhance the overall experience and world-building.

The Seventh Raven, a novel written in verse, alludes to a few of the most key components in the makeup of poetry. Three overall aspects that are highlighted are the emotional storyline and how it affects readers, the phrasing and sound, and the development of original word sequences. The diverse vocabulary expands reader knowledge without interfering with the patterns of rhyme which are frequently showcased. There is a sense of mystery that engages the audience without slowing down the pace necessary to maintain a natural flow in phrasing when writing in verse. Readers are expected to think critically and analyze what they know about the content in order to develop a sense of understanding. The largest strength is the writing which is imagery and how it encapsulates complex emotions. There are many situations throughout the novel that are dark and twisted, however, the language used encourages the engagement of the five senses to both ease and put the audience on edge. Recommended for grades 9-12. (CMS)

 

Paul, Miranda. 2019. Little Libraries, Big Heroes. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 40pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-54-480027-4. Illustrated by John Parra.

    Todd H. Bol grew up feeling entirely ordinary. He struggled with reading in school and his teachers told him he was not a good student. His mother loved reading and always had kind things to say about his abilities. When she passed away, Todd set out to share her love of books with his community. He built a little schoolhouse out of an old door, filled it with books, and placed it outside of his house. Little Free Library soon began to spread rapidly around the world. Over time, the influence of this project has helped educate and develop communities worldwide. Like other biographies, readers are introduced to a perspective into someone else’s life. The creation of the Little Free Library stemmed from Todd’s love for his mother and has now influenced thousands of individuals to recognize ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Research is documented collectively between an author’s note and a ‘to learn more’ section which is placed at the end of the book. These sections are important to determine factual accuracy and appropriate characterization. Todd H. Bol’s global impact makes him an appropriate candidate for having a  biography written about him due to the relevancy and influence of his work. 

Little Libraries, Big Heroes is full of beautifully imaginative illustrations that will resonate with young readers. The first page depicts hot air balloons, dragons, knights, UFOs, and mountain climbers. The following pages are brightly colored with a range of pinks, blues, greens, yellows, oranges, and reds. These colors showcase the imagination used by Todd H. Bol and an inviting sense of creativity. The people are drawn in accurate ways with appropriate colors, shapes, and lines used to represent them. Words emphasized are showcased through bubble lettering in a variety of colors. Pages often portray real-life situations with colors which may not be entirely accurate such as a fully pink or yellow sky. This creates contrasts on pages and displays different settings through a variety of shapes in addition to the colors. The illustrations mimic reality in a whimsical and dreamy way, yet accurate enough for readers to make the distinction. Recommended for ages 4-7. (CMS)

 

LeZotte, Ann Clare. 2020. Show Me A Sign. Scholastic Inc. (Scholastic Press). 288pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-1-33-825581-2.

    After experiencing the death of her older brother, Mary Lambart, a young deaf girl living on an island off the coast of Massachusetts, attempts to understand the process of grieving and responsibility. Set in the early 1800s, the characters are historically accurate. Most of the characters are of English descent. They reflect the way these individuals would speak and what they are likely to believe in in a way that is accessible to children. The setting is one of the key components of conflict. The isolation of being placed on an island and relating to the number of people living there that are deaf brings about new characters and studies impacting the order of events. 

Historical fiction themes such as love of the land and loyalty are dominant. These themes are an intrinsic part of the plot, especially when it comes to internal dilemmas within the main character’s life. Her love for her home, family, and friends is in constant battle with the need to protect herself and those around her. Authenticity without propagating or romanticizing the harsh realities that come with the era is a strength that she writes about. The depictions of Irish, Black, and Indigenous individuals are historically accurate, but also appropriately questioned and challenged by characters. The characters of color, although not the primary focus, have conflicts and personality traits rather than being inserted for the sake of being themselves. The overall goal of giving readers the opportunity to learn about the experience of the lives of people in a historical time period is achieved. Recommended for ages 8-12. (CMS)

 

Schmidt, Gary D. 2021. Just Like That. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 400pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-54-408477-3.

    When Meryl Lee Kowalski’s best friend Holling dies in a tragic car accident her life is suddenly filled with what she begins to call The Blank. The Blank is a sense of dreadful numbness that has persistently loomed over her since the accident. Matt Coffin is a boy who has always been on the run. No matter how far away he gets from his problems they always catch up to him. Collectively, the pair have very different backgrounds, but when they meet, they find familiarity in each other’s presence. Set in the late 1960s, there are many aspects of reflecting the time period. Some of the most outstanding features are the discussion of the Vietnam War, Ronald Regan’s presidency, the focus on a woman’s etiquette at Meryl Lee’s school, and how fishermen operate. Most of the characters are American apart from the headmistress of St. Elene’s Preparatory Academy for Girls Dr. Nora McKnockater and her neighbor Captain Hurd; both are from Scotland. The characters convey the message from a compelling plot point stance because they have a variety of opinions on politics and their place in the world. Depending on their views, these characters may face consequences. The setting as antagonist and mood is one of the components that draws you into the story, especially when Meryl Lee becomes more aware of the Vietnam War and contemplates its effects.

The theme of loyalty is a significant portion of the background of the main characters and impacts how they present themselves. Internal dilemma is a key component of conflict throughout this novel. Meryl Lee and Matt continuously struggle with where they came from and where they should go. This is written in a way that makes the readers feel invested in the characters. This investment in the storyline and its characters is one of the most important things when reading and what is showcased the best through the writing. The questions of class and how socioeconomic status impacts an individual are key themes. There are insights into the family lives of characters who grew up in castles, suburbia, and the streets of New York City. These differences add additional historical connotations and allow readers to question the lives of the characters. Readers are exposed to events, ideas, conflicts within the contexts of history and contemporary society. Recommended for ages 10+. (CMS)

 

Cousteau, Fabien and James O. Fraioli. 2020. Journey Under The Arctic (Fabien Cousteau Expeditions). Simon & Schuster (Margaret K. McElderry Books). 112 pp. $12.99. ISBN 978-1-53-442090-8. Illustrated by Joe St. Pierre.

    Exploring the unknown can be an exciting adventure and for Olivia and Rocco, this exploration is the start of an incredible journey. As junior explorers, they venture with Fabien Cousteau, a well-known explorer, and his team of researchers in hopes of finding rare life forms, such as the dumbo octopus. On the journey to reach the deep realms where the creature dwells, they must endure conflicts such as person versus nature and person versus self. For example, when exploring the arctic waters, the group finds they are stranded between chunks of ice while an uninviting bowhead whale emerges from the depths of the waters (p. 52-53). This forces the group to think quickly as other animal groups emerge, causing a potentially dangerous outcome (p. 54-57). Eventually, the explorers understand the different levels of mysterious animals in the oceans and how climate affects animal inhibition. Humans have only explored a small portion of what is truly in the deep dark waters. The importance of expeditions is vital to finding and understanding different species yet to be discovered including how different environments affect how species interact and inhabit.

    Authors Fabian Cousteau and James Fraioli explore an expedition made in the Arctic and the different findings calculated. Readers, ages 8 - 12, will gain an understanding of the variety of inhabitants in the Arctic, as well as how climate affects where animals migrate and live. The exploration is told in a comic book format with text in text bubbles standing out against the illustrations which are within squares and rectangles. The highlighted markings and whimsical lines creating rough patches or smooth edges enhance the different textures. The colors are vibrant hues of reds, blues, yellows, and more, showcasing the contrasting depths of the ocean and animals. Readers are informed about the effects of the different climate changes as well as the potential dangers of exploring under the surface to find something new. (CCHW)

 

Lyon, Lea and A. LaFaye. 2020. Ready to Fly. HarperCollins. 40 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-288878-5. Illustrated by Jessica Gibson.

    Growing up can be difficult, especially when one does not  have the resources to pursue one’s dreams. Sylvia is a young girl whose ambitions of becoming a ballerina are immeasurable, even when the society of the 1950s does not show support. Sylvia is determined to find a way to relieve her parents of spending money for ballet classes, but also to learn the different techniques of ballet. When the bookmobile, a bus full of books, comes into town, she has found a solution. Sylvia gains the knowledge needed to become a ballerina through books and creating her versions of a bar, tutu, and ballet slippers. Soon Sylvia acquires skills and can teach others about ballet but finds multiple obstacles when society says she cannot be a ballerina because of her skin color. This person versus society conflict encourages Sylvia and readers to develop determination and motivation to reach their goals.

    This biography invites readers to find their voice in the rigid society full of standards and qualifications restricting those pursuing their dreams. Details of free-flowing lines and highlights enhance illustrations with vivid hues of pinks, reds, blues, and more. Free-flowing lines encapsulate the essence of the biography, allowing readers to explore the importance of pursuing what they love. Organic shapes combined with varying textures, like a tutu or a book, encourage readers to be engaged in the story. Readers, ages 4 - 8, may discover the importance of contributing hard work and determination to make personal goals come to life. Although Sylvia faced discrimination and adversity, she persevered through harsh comments to pursue what she knew would allow her to be the best version of herself. (CCHW)

 

James, Anna. 2020. Pages & Co.: The Map of Stories. Penguin Random House LLC (Philomel Books). 336 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-1-98-483732-5. Illustrated by Paola Escobar.

Tilly, a curious and adventurous girl, goes on a spontaneous trip with her friend Oskar. The threat of the Underwoods, a family who tried to steal Tilly’s blood, encapsulates her as she hopes to find the Archivists, a group of bookwanderers, who are believed to be the ones to restore the British Underlibrary. Bookwandering is described by people aimlessly going in and out of fictional books whenever they wish, but this can lead to complications. For example, Tilly’s mother, Bea, was trapped in A Little Princess for eleven years before being able to return to the real world (14-15). Throughout their adventure, Tilly and Oskar notice unusual events happening around them. For example, people forget their favorite books or the origins of their feelings. In addition to this, actual books are reaching out to grasp Tilly’s attention! Tilly receives random clues including a key, a thread, a book, and breadcrumbs, which she believes construct a map to solve the mystery of “bookwandering”. Tilly and Oskar need the help of some friends to overcome these phenomena and try to save bookwandering.

This fantasy chapter book within a trilogy transports the readers on a magical adventure with detailed illustrations and a captivating plot. Pencil-like strokes with limited colors except for a range of greys will draw readers in with their detail . The magical sparkles are strewn throughout a variety of objects drawn sporadically. For example, on every chapter page, each title is outlined with sparkles showcasing the magic of bookwandering. Readers ages 9-12, will be captivated by the magical adventures and challenges Tilly and Oskar face. These magical adventures create a world where readers are allowed to look into their imagination through bookwondering. Details allow readers to feel the reality of the fantasy worlds. For example, “...her wooden floor, there was a carpet of grass, fragrant and slightly damp from the dew” (12). The theme is shown when Tilly receives the different objects, she believes correlate. She shows determination, even when her grandfather opposes finding answers, in hopes to relieve her suspicions. Readers will be exposed to the importance of sticking to their instincts, however unrealistic they may seem, through determination and facing their fears. (CCHW)

 

Bedia, Elizabeth Gilbert. 2021. Balloons for Papa: A Story of Hope and Empathy. HarperCollins. 32 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-308113-0. Illustrated by Erika Meza.

Understanding emotions is crucial for an adolescent's development, as is having someone to validate their feelings. Arthur is a young boy on a journey with his father to visit his mother in the hospital. During their walk, Arthur sees the different colors of the balloons and connects these hues with his life. For example, he caught sight of a yellow balloon and associated it with his mama’s favorite color (unnumbered). Being able to make connections between the real world and one’s life is crucial for adolescent development. Arthur uses the vibrant colors to feel a sense of hope in the dark, gloomy days. Although Arthur does not understand why his father is sad and grey, he realizes he feels the same way at times, which brings him validation from the reason his mother is in the hospital. Arthur is determined to create some light and happiness in his life while putting a smile on his papa’s face. 

The theme allows readers to develop different ways to bring compassion and empathy to those around them in times when it always seems to be gloomy. This is shown through Arthur’s development as a character where he longs for a balloon, but every day is told he cannot have one. When Arthur receives a group of balloons one day, he decides to bring joy and a smile to his papa’s face with these balloons because of the vibrant hues. Readers are exposed to the importance of showing love and empathy to those struggling with feeling grey. Themes of empathy and emotion association are present through the vibrant hues of yellow, red, and more. For instance, vibrant yellow hues are associated with happiness, whereas hues of blue represent calmness. The color associations Arthur makes allow readers, ages 4 - 8, to express their emotions. Neutral hues of gray, black, and white create the background while vibrant colors of yellow, red, blue, green, and more, which show through the balloons. The contrast allows readers to focus on the vibrant colors, which bring hope and warmth. Details are shown with thin organic pencil lines and highlights to show depth in the illustrations. (CCHW)

 

Kadohata, Cynthia. 2020. Saucy. Simon & Schuster (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books). 304 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-44-241278-1. Illustrated by Marianna Raskin.

Finding one’s path in life can be difficult, especially if one is a quadruplet with brothers who constantly remind one of how talented they are. Becca is the only one in her family, she feels, to be ambiguous with no eccentric talents. While her brothers are dancing, not caring about the outside world, and playing hockey, Becca is on a mission to find something to make her stand out. While on a walk, Becca notices strange noises coming from a group of bushes beside the road. Becca decides to investigate and finds a piglet who is sick. She sees this as a sign to take in the piglet and gain a sense of purpose within the chaos of her family. Becca names the piglet Saucy, and together they begin their journey. However, it is not peaceful for long, as Saucy grows she begins to cause ruckus. Which only leads to Becca getting in trouble. For example, Saucy completely obliterates the kitchen, “It did actually look like ten pigs had ripped apart the kitchen cabinets” (97). With all the destruction and chaos caused by Saucy, Becca has to find a solution, leading to the discovery of Saucy’s origin and a mission to save more piglets.

Readers are exposed to different emotions through Becca’s experiences. For example, when Becca’s friend has to move, she struggles to find tranquility and understand why her friend has to leave. Readers, ages 8-12, will be able to relate to some of Becca’s obstacles with realistic emotions including anger, sadness, and confusion. Pencil drawings emphasize the textures. The contrast between a variety of grays gives the deeper tones more emphasis over the smooth lighter tones. Details are highlighted with lighter and darker hues created by pencil strokes. The theme readers will gain involves self-motivation and pride. When reading through Becca’s journey, she goes through a variety of challenges learning how to stand up for what she believes, and does her best to persevere through the obstacles. Readers will understand how to be open to new ideas and willing to give others a chance to redeem themselves. (CCHW)

 

Salazar, Aida. 2020. The Land of Cranes. Scholastic (Scholastic Press). 256 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-33-834380-9. Illustrated by Quang & Lien.

    Betita is a young girl whose life is full of imagination and travel. Her father, Papi, and Betita create a world where they are cranes and have the freedom to fly anywhere they wish to go. Every day is an adventure and Betita looks forward to the walks home from school with Papi, until one day when he never came. The fear of the unknown and worried look on her mother’s, Mami’s, face concerns the young girl. The unsettling reality of Papi’s arrest and deportation sets in as Betita and Mami are caught and forced to live within a detention camp. Betita and Mami are cranes whose wings are now bound and are unable to escape the horrors of camp life. Betita uses poetry to gain hope and strength during the barbaric conditions everyone is forced to endure in the camp. Betita experiences conflicts from society, self, and peers building her character and strength through the inhumane events she endures. 

    The horrors of ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) separating families and limiting the freedom of millions of people are evident. Readers will benefit from the youthful perspective with the tone of Betita’s voice sharing the realistic and horrific events people experience daily. The poetic style is also a coping mechanism for Betita, as her world is turned upside down. The black pen drawings throughout the book help to convey the feeling of fear to the reader. The simplicity of the drawings allows all readers to focus on the writing as well as expand their imagination. The cover illustrations showcase various movements of the world. Details are emphasized through the thin highlights and lighter hues creating different textures. Readers will be empowered by the various emotions of love and fear Betita experiences, and the strength she carries with her throughout her journey. (CCHW)

 

Barton, Bethany. 2019. I’m Trying to Love Math. Penguin Random House LLC (Viking). 40 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-45-148090-3. Illustrated by Bethany Barton.

Finding an interest in an activity or subject one is not fond of can be complicated. When individuals start to explore the possibilities of making the activity or subject interesting, there may be more to be fond of than they realize. The purple alien from Planet Homework guides readers through the different ways math can be implemented into daily activities which make the subject more interesting; for example, math is used to measure the ingredients to bake a batch of cookies (unnumbered). Without using math to measure one may end up with “a burnt pile of mush” (unnumbered). The use of different math facts is enhanced with a variety of problems including, addition and subtraction as well as multiplication and division.

Readers are introduced to different possibilities to involve math in interesting ways. Readers, ages 4 - 8, will understand different ways to incorporate math into daily activities which will help them connect to music, baking, science, or pizza. The illustrations are whimsical and used with a variety of organic lines making smooth, free-flowing transitions. The different hues of purple, blue, greens, and more are emphasized by lighter colors and watercolor blending. Readers gain knowledge of how to make different subjects, like math, captivating and delightful based on personal connections and interests. Person versus self-conflicts arise when the purple alien does not enjoy doing math. This conflict is resolved when the purple alien realizes the commonalities shared between the activities the alien is fond of and calculating math problems. (CCHW)