West, Alexandra (adapter). 2021. Baby Shark: 5 – Minute Stories. HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 192 pp. $14.99. ISBN 978-0-06-313581-9. Design by Elain Lopez-Levine.
Children, ages 3 – 8, fond of Baby Shark, will adore the twelve 5-minute short stories in this collection. The stories include: Shark Family Surprise, Grandpa Shark’s Pirate Crew, Little Red Riding Shark, Shark Family Bakery, The Shark Tooth Fairy, Little Fish Lost; Love, Baby Shark; Grandma Shark’s Magic Wand, Police Sharks, Family Orchestra, Balloons and Friends, and Goodnight, Baby Shark! Caregivers may want to refresh their knowledge of the rhythm, “doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo,” before sharing each story with children. Although the rhythm appears in only two of the stories, Shark Family Surprise, and Family Orchestra, children will want the phrase articulated correctly. (DLN)
Fox, Janet. 2021. Carry Me Home. Simon & Schuster (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). 208 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-448508-2.
After twelve (12) year old Lulu’s mother died and medical bills accumulated faster than her father could pay them, she, her younger sister Serena, and their father moved, or ran, from Texas to Montana. However, they are homeless; living in an older Suburban in a recreational vehicle lot. Life is exceptionally difficult especially with the impending winter season with harsh, cold temperatures, wind, and snow. It is more frightening when Lulu’s father disappears. The challenges are overwhelming. Readers, ages 8 – 12, are exposed to multiple themes, including fear, desperation, loss, death, poverty, hunger, mean spirited classmates, and homelessness; but also, friendship, love, hope, and faith for a brighter future. (DLN)
Erdrich, Louise. 2021. Grandmother’s Pigeon. University of Minnesota Press. 32 pp. $17.95. ISBN 978-1-51-791147-8. Illustrations by Jim Lamarche. First Published in 1996 by Hyperion Books for Children.
An inquisitive granddaughter’s account of her mysterious, magical, loving, and skilled grandmother is as enchanting in 2021 like it was in 1996. The acrylic and pencil-art illustrations complement the story-line and emphasize the personalities of the grandmother, grandchildren, parents, ornithologist and pigeons. Magic, science, history, adventure, family, love, freedom and loss propel the plot and character development. (DLN)
Morris, James McGrath. 2021. Tony Hillerman: A Life. University of Oklahoma Press. 360 pp. $29.95. ISBN 978-0-80-617598-0.
The mystery novels set on the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni reservations are not without controversy. However, Morris establishes Hillerman’s understanding of Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni cultures. Readers may accuse Hillerman of “cultural appropriation,” but they should first read his mystery novels from 1970 – 2006 before drawing any conclusion about the credibility of a white male writing books set in Dinétah. They should also have a respectable understanding of the Diné and other indigenous people in the Southwest. The biography is enchanting, unraveling the life of Tony Hillerman, from birth to death. The novels, from The Blessing Way – The Shape Shifter, reflect Tony’s appreciation of the traditions, mores, standards, and spirituality of the Diné. Anyone interested in an exceptionally well-documented life of Hillerman, including the comments of critics, such as Luci Tapahonso, will appreciate this biography. (DLN)
Hamza, Nina. 2021. Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year: Can Ahmed Fake It Until He Makes It? HarperCollinsPublishers (Quill Tree Books). 320 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-302489-2.
Ahmed, age 12, moves from his native state of Hawaii to Minnesota because his dad wants to seek specialized and experimental treatment for his Cirrhosis, an inherited disease. More precisely, Ahmed’s father needs a liver transplant. The urgency for a transplant resonates with the Aziz family and friends because liver disease killed Ahmed’s uncle at an early age. Ahmed’s mother is from India, and his father, an Indian American, was born in Minnesota. Although Ahmed is an exceptionally capable student, he prefers to “fake it” rather than complete the assignments. Multiple conflicts are evident, including a nefarious bully in Ahmed’s accelerated Language Arts class, a mother who ignores Ahmed’s comments about the bully, and Ahmed’s father who is struggling with his health. Readers may enjoy following the Language Arts class as the students discuss three books in different groups: Holes, A Bridge to Terabithia, and The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler. At first the selections are surprising as none represent diverse cultures, but then, young adults, 8 -12, the targeted age group of the book, may have read each title and could follow along with the discussions among the groups. (DLN)
Schertle, Alice. 2021. What Do You Say, Little Blue Truck? Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion). 20 pp. $14.99 (Board Book). ISBN 978-0-35-856195-8. Illustrated by Jill McElmurry.
Youngsters, aged 0 – 5, will enjoy listening to the sounds of the animals and Blue, the truck, as caregivers read about Blue’s journey through the countryside. Blue says “Beep!” as he sees his friends when passing through the country. First, he greets Pig who responds with an “Oink!” Then he greets Sheep in the meadow who responds with “Baaa!” Subsequently, Hen says “Cluck,” Duck responds with “Quack,” Goat retorts “Maaa,” Horse neighs, Cow moos, and eventually, everyone enjoys a ride in the bed of Little Blue. A battery charges the buttons children can push to hear the sound of each animal and Blue. Children will quickly identify the animals and their sounds as they ask their caregivers to read the book – over and over again. Thankfully, the battery can be turned on and off, extending its life. (DLN)
Negron, Chris. 2021. The Last Super Chef. HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 416 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-294313-2.
Curtis Pith, a fifth-grade student, is obsessed with cooking. He has multiple opportunities to practice his culinary skills since his mother is a single parent and works to support Curtis and his sister, Paige. Curtis believes his idol, Lucas Taylor, The Super Chef with a television show, is his father. When Curtis, along with four other young adults his age, fly to New York to compete for the privilege of following the retiring Lucas Taylor as The Last Super Chef, Curtis is thrilled he might win the grand prize while meeting the man he believes is his father. Several themes emerge, including teamwork, creativity, multitasking, versatility, paying attention to detail, accepting criticism, the value of friendship, and being oneself. Readers, ages 8 – 12, may recognize characteristics of themselves in the five young culinary competitors, including the negative effects of distraction and resentment. Curtis eventually works with others and they bring the competition to an unexpected, unique, and satisfying conclusion. (DLN)
Peterson, Christy. 2022. Crayola Mammal Colors. Lerner Publishing Group. 32 pp. $29.32 (Library Binding). ISBN 978-1-72-842449-1. Photo Acknowledgements on p. 32.
Youngsters, ages 3 – 9 and older, will meet nineteen animals; a blue whale, an orangutan, an Indian pangolin, a pig, platypus, tiger, deer, arctic fox, leopard, an Indian giant squirrel, a skunk, polar bear, Fennec fox, harp seal, dog, cat, wolf, rabbit, and a raccoon. The Crayola colors, including burnt orange, white, piggy pink, tan, and cerulean are phenomenal. Readers may eventually identify all of the mammals and colors. They also may be able to recall facts about each mammal, such as the change in color of an arctic fox from red to white in the winter months. A glossary, page of additional resources, index, and photo acknowledgements complement the information about the mammals. (DLN)
Peterson, Christy. 2021. Welcome to China with Sesame Street. Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. (Lerner Publications Company). 24 pp. $27.99 (Library Binding). ISBN 978-1-72-842437-8. Photo acknowledgements on p. 24.
Peterson, Christy. 2022. Welcome to Mexico with Sesame Street. Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. (Lerner Publications Company). 24 pp. $27.99 (Library Binding). ISBN 978-1-72-842436-1. Photo acknowledgements on p. 24.
Children, ages 4 – 7, are introduced to China and Mexico, two of the six Sesame Street Friends Around the World books. The Sesame Street characters, such as Big Bird, Lola, Lily and Cookie Monster, introduce readers to various events and cultural attributes of each country, including special holidays, such as the Lunar New Year in China, and Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), in Mexico. Books include a table of contents, fast facts, glossary, a page listing additional resources, and finally an index with photo acknowledgments. Other books in the series include: Welcome to Afghanistan with Sesame Street, Welcome to Brazil with Sesame Street, Welcome to Germany with Sesame Street, and Welcome to Israel with Sesame Street. (DLN)
Böge, Dieter. 2021. 189 Canaries. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers). 48 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-80-285574-9. Illustrated by Elsa Klever. Translated by Laura Watkinson. Originally published in Germany in 2020.
Readers of all ages may want to read the “Afterward: Notes on the History of Canaries” before following the journey of a canary from one home to another. Throughout this reading, readers are able to connect with varying types of birds and animals that are found throughout the world. Hopefully, readers of all ages will have strong feelings about transporting birds and other animals from their natural habitats and moving them to cages and zoos. (DLN)
Dobbs, Alda P. 2021. Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna. Sourcebooks Young Readers. 288 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-72-823465-6.
Based on events of the Mexican Revolution beginning in 1910, readers, ages 8 – 12 and older, can get a mind-eye-view of a family fleeing north through battlefields and an unforgiving severe desert to safety in the United States. The themes of loss, survival, family, friendship, perseverance, fear, hunger and hope are dominant as twelve-year-old Petra Luna leads her grandmother, younger sister, and baby brother. (DLN)
Markle, Sandra. 2021. Animals to the Rescue! Amazing True Stories from around the World. Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. (Millbrook Press). 56 pp. $31.99. ISBN 978-1-54-158122-7. Photo acknowledgements on p. 56. Part of Sandra Markle’s Science Discoveries (14 books).
Thanks to a thorough and informative Table of Contents with page numbers, readers, ages 8 and older, can follow the rescue animals. These range from a whale, lamb, rats, numerous dogs, penguins, elephants, and Tara, a terrific cat as they perform their heroic tasks. The photographs augment the informative text, such as the pictures of the sequence of events leading to the rescue of a baby white rhino in the Kapama Private Game Reserve in Hoedspruit, South Africa. Thanks to a Pedi sheep lamb, the rhino calf survived. A note from the author, glossary, source notes, additional resources, an index and photo acknowledgements complement the informational narratives of rescue animals. (DLN)
Pizzo, Robert. 2022. Little Builders Series: Let’s Build a Highway. Sourcebooks Kids (Sourcebooks Explore). 24 pp. $7.99 (Board Book). ISBN 978-1-72-824223-1.
Pizzo, Robert. 2022. Little Builders Series: Let’s Build a Playground. Sourcebooks Kids (Sourcebooks Explore). 24 pp. $7.99 (Board Book). ISBN 978-1-72-824226-2.
Young readers, ages 4-8, will appreciate the illustrations of the concepts/vocabulary related to constructing highways and playgrounds. Highway engineering vocabulary and pictures include auto level, bulldozer, dump truck, compactor, road mesh, paving machine, and road marker. Playground engineering vocabulary and illustrations include, forklift, loader auger, socket wrench, rope ladder, nuts, bolts, and washers. Because the illustrations are realistic, youngsters will readily remember the concepts and gradually “read” independently. (DLN)
Holt, Bob. 2021. When I Grow Up. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 20 pp. $8.99 (Board Book). ISBN 978-0-35-856186-6.
Children 0 – 4 can imagine growing up to be an astronaut, marine biologist, firefighter, veterinarian, software developer, musician, art teacher, or any occupation of their choice. A statement on the front cover directs readers to place their faces at the top of the book and subsequently on each page. Illustrations include bodies wearing the clothing of each profession and their working environments, e.g., an astronaut has a space suit and is walking in space tethered to a space capsule. (DLN)
O’Brien, Anne Sibley. 2021. Circle Round. Charlesbridge. 32 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-1-62-354152-1. Illustrated by Hanna Cha.
Diversity, friendship, and the concepts of circles and the numbers 1- 10 dominate the cumulative narrative of building a circle. Eventually eleven (11) children form a circle, but readers are left with the impression more youngsters will join the “circle round” (unnumbered). Children, ages 3 – 8, can identify the round objects, a ball, two wheels of a bicycle, hula hoops, Frisbees, playground rings, a wheelchair, water discs, bubbles, marbles, balloons, and cookies. Illustrations are colorful and children represent multiple abilities and backgrounds. (DLN)
Silverstein, Shel. 2021. Who Wants A Cheap Rhinoceros? HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 64 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-313968-8. First published in 1964.
The world has changed since 1964 and at least one reference to the rhinoceros and the child may be unfamiliar to readers 3 – 8, specifically “And on Sunday you can read him the comics” (unnumbered). Readers may not understand the concept of a Sunday newspaper with comics. Regardless, youngsters and caregivers alike will enjoy the trademark pen and ink whimsical sketches conveying the merits of adopting a rhinoceros as a household pet, for example “He is a terrific back scratcher. And he makes a very lovely lamp” (unnumbered). (DLN)
Ivinson, Yvonne. 2021. The Missing Pairs. HarperCollinsPublishers (Greenwillow Books). 40 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-284289-3.
Fox, Hare, and Badger are missing a sock, mitten, and boot, essential items to cover their feet and hands. Their friend Bear is willing to help them find the missing pairs and Bear knows where to find them. Although Bear mistakes a pear for a pair, the animals find their missing clothes by accident. However, if readers, ages 3 – 8, are alert, the illustration on the page “What’s up, Fox?” (unnumbered) provides a clue to the culprit who has the missing pairs. Acrylic paint is the medium for realistic illustrations. The texture is phenomenal and readers may find themselves stroking items such as the animals, grass, tree, box, leaf, acorns, fruit, and the mysterious four-legged culprit who only wants to “share” the missing items. (DLN)
Vola, Noemi. 2021. Bear With Me. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers). 48 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-80-285578-7. First edition published in 2017 (Italy).
Pencil and tempura complement this sometimes amusing and sometimes frightening tale of a bear who arrives uninvited into a child’s life. The bear is dominating in size, color, and behavior, for example, he splits a sofa in half when he sits on it. Occasional harsh language, such as, “I HATE BEARS” (unnumbered) and “he will never be my friend” (unnumbered), may frighten young readers ages 4 – 8. (DLN)
Day, Nancy Raines. 2021. Baby’s Opposites. Charlesbridge. 32 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-1-58-089878-2. Illustrated by Rebecca Evans.
Watercolor and ink illustrations complement the rhyming text about opposites, such as, laugh, cry; big, small; up, down; walk, run; push, pull; warm, cold; and dark, bright. Rhyme is less prevalent than the antonyms, but readers may recognize the rhythm and rhyme of “Open. Shut. Now What?” (unnumbered). Readers, ages 2 – 5, will enjoy following a loving mixed-race family of a baby, her mother, father, older brother, and dog, through a day of activities from morning to evening, such as eating breakfast, walking to the park, and eating ice cream. (DLN)
Esperanza, C. G. 2021. Boogie, Boogie, Y’all. HarperCollinsPublishers (Katherine Tegen Books). 40 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-297622-2.
Oils, acrylic, and Photoshop create the bold, colorful, vibrant images in this tribute to graffiti art – on the wall, on the train, in the park, and in the neighborhood. Eventually the adults recognize and appreciate the art, but only after three children and a dog energetically point-out the unique nature of the realistic, artistic, celebratory graffiti surrounding them. (DLN)
Johnson, Terry Lynn. 2021. Rescue at Lake Wild. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion). 208 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-35-8-33485-9. Jacket Illustration by Maike Plenzke. Map art by Maike Plenzke.
Madison (Madi), and her friends Aaron and Jack, rescue two beaver kits (babies), when their parents are killed, and shot to death by a zealous poacher. Unfortunately, 12 year-old Madi and her friends must secretly hide the kits because Madi's parents have explicitly told her she cannot rehabilitate more animals at her house. The friends work diligently to rehabilitate the kits, find the individual who is killing the adult beavers, and encourage the animals to build dams that will not cause flooding in the farmers' fields. Readers, ages 8 - 12, will appreciate the dedication of Madi, Aaron, and Jack to save the kits, promoting responsible stewardship of the environment. (DLN)
Burke, Cliff. 2021. An Occasionally Happy Family. 224 pp. $16.99. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion). ISBN 978-0-35-832567-3. Cover and Interior Design by May Claire Cruz. Interior Art by Berat Pekmezci.
Even though Theo Ripley's mother died two years ago, he, with his older sister Laura, and dad, high school science teacher are keeping the family tradition of taking a vacation the first week in July. Thirteen-year-old Theo just finished seventh grade and is not looking forward to a vacation involving camping because he prefers writing and designing graphic novels to hiking. His fifteen - year old sister also has misgivings about spending a week with her brother and dad at the Big Bend National Park. Theo's dad assures his children the trip will be exciting with a "surprise" towards the end of their vacation.
Multiple conflicts propel the plot, including discord among Theo, Laura, and their dad; angst among the Ripleys and an exasperating, arrogant ameteur orinthologist and his offensive son; a bear attack, an uncomfortable encounter with French nude tourists, and interactions with the secret girlfriend. The teenagers are not happy campers and displease with their dad and Lucretia, the "surprise." Eventually the Ripleys recognize the need to be honest with each other and to communicate the emotions they suppressed when Theo's mother died. (DLN)
Sandstrom, Brita. 2021. Hollow Chest. HarperCollinsPublishers (Walden Pond Press). 352 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-287074-2. Drawings by Dadu Shin.
Eleven-year-old Charlie anxiously looks forward to his brother's homecoming to London, England after serving on the front lines in World War II (WWII). However, Theo, Charlie's brother, is wounded physically and mentally, haunted by the horrors of the war. Theo has a hollow chest, missing his heart consumed by a war wolf, a monster preying on the most damaged and vulnerable. War wolves, including Dishonor, Remorse, Regret, Wrath, Agony, Anguish, Melancholy, and Acceptance symbolize the emotional chaos of individuals like Theo. In his quest to grow a new heart for Theo, Charlie realizes the value of friends, family, pets, love, honesty, and acceptance. He also acknowledges the tragedies and despicable consequences of war. In this historical fantasy, readers, ages 10 and older, can follow Charlie as he realizes life cannot return as it existed before the war. However, Charlie also recognizes he can move forward as a stronger and wiser human being. (DLN)
Crimi, Carolyn. 2021. Secondhand Dogs. HarperCollinsPublishers (Balzer + Bray). 256 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-298918-5. Illustrations by Melissa Manwill.
Although extremely didactic, readers, ages 8 -12, fond of dogs, cats and happy endings will connect with the conflicts, themes and resolutions of the pack, Decker, Miss Lottie, and Quinn. The pack, Gus, Tank, Roo, and Moon Pie reluctantly accept a new member, Decker, who plans to be the only dog left in the pack. Miss Lottie is blind to Decker's manipulative and sly behaviors because he brings back memories of her first beloved dog. Eleven year old Quinn cares for the dogs, but also has issues of his own; primarily dealing with bullies and the death of his father. Readers will appreciate the chapters describing the lives of the dogs, Ghost (the cat), and Miss Lottie before she rescued each animal. Themes such as loyalty, friendship, family, trust, kindness, affection, acceptance and love prevail. (DLN)
Standish, Ali. 2021. The Mending Summer. HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 368 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-298565-1.
Rather than going to Camp Pine Valley, twelve-year-old Georgia moves in with her great-aunt Marigold in the country house for the summer. Mom is busy studying for a biology degree and in addition to his loathsome day job, Daddy works nights in bars and clubs playing the piano. Georgia is distressed because nothing is "normal" anymore. Her parents are fighting more and when Daddy comes home from his night gigs he is not himself, but Shadow Man. Readers, ages 8 - 12, may empathize with Georgia's internal and external challenges, and understand her need to escape to a magic island near the country house with her magical friends, Angela and Cole, and their amazing surreal adventures. Multiple conflicts propel the plot, Georgia struggling with herself, her parents, her aunt, her friends, Hank (Marigold's handyman), and even Ruby, the cow. Regardless of Georgia's magical experiences, she chooses reality over magic, recognizing she can only change or control her own behaviors, not those of her mother, alcoholic dad, great-aunt, or friends. (Ruby, however, is easily influenced by peppermints). (DLN)
Erskine, Kathryn. 2021. Lilly's Promise. HarperCollinsPublishers (Quill Tree Books). 288 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-305815-6.
Lily started 6th grade at J. H. Banning Upper Elementary after years of homeschooling by her dad. However, when her father dies, Lily and her mother move to a smaller house in a different neighborhood and since Lily's mom does not believe in homeschooling, Lily attends J. H. Banning. Challenges and obstacles prevail, including adjusting to a new environment, making friends, and confronting a bully. Lily also is an introvert but has promised her deceased dad to Strive for Five, adding a charm to a silver bracelet every time she speaks up or moves beyond her comfort zone. One interesting characteristic of the style is the role of "Libro," the narrator clarifying, suggesting, challenging, or questioning the events and/or interactions after each chapter. Themes include friendship, respect, kindness, family, death, challenges of immigration, and overcoming xenophobia. Readers, ages 9 - 12 may identify with the personalities of the characters, such as Lily, Hobart, Dunya, Skylar, Zoey, or Brady. Hopefully, they will not identify with the bully, Ryan. (DLN)
Abrams, Stacy. 2021. Stacy’s Extraordinary Words. HarperCollinsPublishers (Balzer + Bray). 32 pp. $19.99. ISBN 978-0-06-320947-3. Illustrated by Kitt Thomas.
Readers of all ages follow Stacy as a young girl with an extraordinary appreciation of words as she competes against a bully in a spelling bee. Readers will applaud her positive attitude as she moves beyond the spelling contest to “new words and new ways to speak up and help others” (unnumbered). The author’s note provides more information about Stacy Abrams as a student in an elementary school and her fondness of a “good story.” Also of interest are Stacy’s comments about failure which is “never more than an invitation to try again” (unnumbered). (DLN)
Hopkinson, Deborah. 2021. We Must Not Forget: Holocaust Stories of Survival and Resistance. Scholastic Inc. (Scholastic Focus). 384 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-1-33-825577-5.
Accounts of individuals fleeing, hiding, surviving, and resisting extinction from Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Poland remind readers, ages 8 and older, of the horrors imposed by Nazi Germany during World War II (WWII). The stories are documented, and a number of the survivors audio-recorded their life-threatening experiences. Readers may access the tapes through the links in the text. Augmenting the accounts are an epilogue, glossary, abbreviated timeline of WWII in Europe, resources, bibliography, source notes, photograph acknowledgements, index, and information about the author. (DLN)
Yolen, Jane. 2021. The Leather Apron Club: Benjamin Franklin, His Son Billy & America’s First Circulating Library. Charlesbridge. 32 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-58-089719-8 (Hardcover). Illustrated by Wendell Minor.
Young readers, ages 6 – 10, may be inspired to visit libraries in their area and check out books after reading about the first effective library in the United States and The Leather Apron Club. They may also be moved by Billy Franklin who learns to appreciate the power of books and learning. Illustrations capture the essence of the clothing, hairstyles, and buildings of 1739 Philadelphia. Italics in the text are from Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack, such as “no gains without pains” (unnumbered). The end notes augment the text with information about William (Billy) Franklin, The Leather Apron Club, Benjamin Franklin and slavery, and Poor Richard’s Almanac. Also included are a brief bibliography and a note from the author. (DLN)
Gladden, Yolanda as told to Dr. Tamara Pizzoli. 2022. When the Schools Shut Down: A Young Girl’s Story of Virginia’s “Lost Generation” and The Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Decision. HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 40 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-301116-8. Illustrated by Keisha Morris.
The Brown v. The Board of Education decision of May 17, 1954 did not always make the universal progress people wanted (Goldstone 2021), and occasionally the effects of the integration orders were devastating, e.g., African American teachers, staff, and administrators became unemployed because they were not welcome or needed in the white schools. Another negative consequence is the focus of this informational narrative of the closing of the public schools in Prince Edward County, Virginia. Rather than follow the ruling of the Supreme Court to integrate all public schools, white officials decided to close the schools. A handful of African Americans decided “Education was their right, and absolutely no one could keep them from learning, knowing, and growing” (unnumbered). Parents sought alternative locations, such as church basements and homes, as “schools” for their children. Yolanda Gladden was one of the children educated in one of the alternative locations. The community-created schools for African Americans continued for five academic years, but in 1964, when Yolanda turned ten years old, the public schools reopened by a mandate from The Supreme Court. Illustrations contribute to the contrast of conditions and resources between the pre-Brown v. Board of Education schools for Black and White Americans. Notes from the authors, a timeline, and sources for additional reading augment the information recalled by Yolanda Gladden. (DLN)
Lasky, Kathryn. 2021. Faceless. HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 304 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-269331-0.
Readers, ages 8 – 14, who enjoy historical adventures, narratives set in the past with interesting, albeit fictitious characters performing heroic acts, will appreciate Alice and Louise Winfield as they spy for the organization called, Tabula Rosa. One unique characteristic of the spies in the organization is the ability to pass through any society without being recognized. People interact with them, but cannot remember their faces. While Louise states she is through spying, Alice and her mother accept an assignment in Nazi Germany. While the Tabula Rosa did not actually exist, several characters are historical figures, such as Adolf Hitler, Eva Braun, Joseph Goebbels, Hermann Göring, and Claus von Stauffenberg. (DLN)
Venkatraman, Padma. 2021. Born Behind Bars. Penguin Random House LLC (Nancy Paulsen Books). 272 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-59-311247-2.
Young adults, ages 10 and older, may want to read the author’s note on page 259 before beginning the narrative about a young boy, Kabir, born in a prison in India. When Kabir is released from prison at age 9, he is alone to fend for himself on the streets of Chennai. Thankfully, another youngster, Rani, a Roma, and her pet parrot, Jay, befriend Kabir, who is half Muslim and half Hindu. Kabir is determined to find a way to release his mother, but first, he is resolute to find his father’s parents who live in Bengaluru. The experiences of Kabir and Rani are frightening, captivating, challenging, sad, and eventually, rewarding. Readers interested in following the lives of others different from themselves will not be disappointed. (DLN)
Greene, Jarad. 2021. A-Okay. HarperCollinsPublishers (HarperAlley). 240 pp. $22.99. ISBN 978-0-06-303285-9.
Readers follow Jay Violet through his eighth grade year as he struggles with severe acne and questions about his identity. Readers, ages 10 and older of any gender may appreciate the graphic style of the novel as they read Jay’s challenges and finally, an understanding of himself. The graphic novel is “heavily based” on Jarad Greene’s personal experiences with acne and understanding of asexuality (unnumbered). (DLN)
Fang, Vicky. 2021. Friendbots: Blink and Block Make a Wish (I Can Read Comics Level 2). HarperCollinsPublishers (HarperAlley). 32 pp. $16.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-06-304945-1.
Children, ages 3 – 8, are introduced to the style of graphics in all of the “I Can Read Comics.” Level 2 books include simple identifiable plots with recognizable themes for “children reading on their own.” Thankfully, the layout of the comic style is explained, including panels, gutters, tiers, word balloons, tails, and a reading guide. Block, a square robot, and Blink, a robot resembling an eye become friends when a wish comes true. End notes answer the question “What is a sensor?”; referring to robots. (DLN)
Hale, Bruce. 2021. Clark the Shark and the School Sing (I Can Read Comics Level 1). HarperCollinsPublishers (HarperAlley). 32 pp. $16.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-06-291257-2. Pictures (comics) by Guy Francis.
Children, ages 3 – 8, are introduced to the style of graphics in all of the “I Can Read Comics.” Level 1 books include simple plots with recognizable themes for “shared reading.” Thankfully, the layout of the comic is explained, including panels, gutters, tiers, word balloons, tails, and a reading guide. Clark the shark eagerly looks forward to the school sing and he saves the day when his fellow classmates (sea animals) experience stage fright. Even though Clark does not believe he can sing and dance at the same time, he leads the class in a successful performance of “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your fins” (p. 30)! Readers, ages 3 – 8, may recognize the variation of “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!” (DLN)
Waldo, Steph. 2021. Tiny Tales: Shell Quest (I Can Read Comics Level 3). HarperCollinsPublishers (HarperAlley). 32 pp. $16.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-06-306783-7.
Children, ages 3 – 8, are introduced to the style of graphics in all of the “I Can Read Comics.” Level 3 includes more complex vocabulary, plot, and characters for “independent readers.” Thankfully, the layout is explained, including panels, gutters, tiers, word balloons, tails, and a reading guide. In Tiny Tales, snails reject a slug because it does not have a shell. Eventually, one snail befriends the slug and both find refuge with a variety of bugs in a cave. Snails rejecting a slug because of its appearance is a terrifying message for young children. However, the conclusion is satisfying because all differences are welcome. (DLN)
Goldstone, Lawrence. Separate No More: The Long Road to Brown v. Board of Education. Scholastic, Inc. (Scholastic Focus). 288 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-1-33-859283-2.
Young adults, ages 10 and older, may want to read the last paragraph first because it summarizes the road to the Supreme Court Decision (1954) Brown v. Board of Education.
For all the imperfections, for all the setbacks, for all the racism that is still sadly a far too prominent presence in American life, Brown v. Board of Education for the first time in the history of the United States stated without qualification that separating people, diminishing people, enslaving people simply because of the color of their skin was wrong. The Declaration of Independence had not done it; the Constitution had not done it; and the Supreme Court had not done it. In the decades after Brown, America may not have made the progress most would have wanted, but without the Brown decision, no progress of any kind would have been possible. (p. 245).
Of course, readers of all ages should debate the “progress” of “separate no more,” but then discussion of racism, slavery, discrimination, humiliation, brutality against people of color should be encouraged. The events, challenges, and dedication of people advocating for integration, are explained in chronological order in 23 chapters. Although the information is also available in the writings of others, such as Lisa Delpit and Carol Anderson (such as the philosophical and practical differences of W.E. B. Du Bois and B. T. Washington), the explication of the sequence of events culminating with the 1954 and subsequent 1955 decisions, with descriptions of the people involved, is unique. A bibliography, source notes, photograph and illustration credits, and an index complement the narrative of the paths taken to Brown v. Board of Education. (DLN)
Cullen, Bunn. 2021. The Ghoul Next Door. HarperCollinsPublishers (HarperAlley). 200 pp. $21.99. ISBN 978-0-06-289610-0. Graphics by Cat Farris.
Middle grade youngsters with a passion for graphic novels about developing friendship among unlikely characters will thoroughly enjoy this supernatural adventure set in two worlds. One is underneath a graveyard, the second is Ander’s Landing, a New England town. Grey Brighton is an eleven-year-old with a secret admirer, a ghoul named Lavinia. Eventually they become friends, breaking norms and standards as they overcome prejudices and erroneous judgements about different worlds and characters. (DLN)
Makechnie, Amy. 2021. Ten Thousand Tries. Simon & Schuster (Atheneum Books for Young Readers). 384 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-448229-6.
As Golden Maroni begins 8th grade, he knows he loves his family, friends, and the game of soccer. However, his father is struggling with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), one of his best friends is in the process of moving out-of-state, and he is concerned he will not be elected co-captain of his middle school soccer team. Golden faces multiple challenges and rewards with family, friends, and soccer, and he believes if he dedicates ten thousand hours to each, all will be well, his father will not die, his friend will not move, and he will be an effective soccer captain. Readers, ages 8 – 14, struggling with a terminally ill caregiver, friendship woes, and the challenges of being on a team, will appreciate Golden’s honesty and development as he progresses through his last year of middle school. (DLN)
Sangiacomo, Scott. 2021. Bedhead Ted. HarperCollinsPublishers (Quill Tree Books). 224 pp. $19.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-06-294132-9.
Ted has no control over his head of voluminous red hair. Bullies like to tease him but Ted is comforted by the friendship of Stacy. However, as Ted moves through the fourth grade, Stacy becomes obsessed with the Brookside Beast. Ted is willing to help Stacy solve the mystery of the beast, but then new friends enter Stacy’s life and Ted feels alone. Ted is also trying to control his hair, which seems to have magical powers. Readers, ages 8 – 12, will recognize multiple themes, including the damaging nature of bullying, the value of friendship, honesty, communication, and family. The unique style of the book will appeal to young readers with an interest in graphic novels. (DLN)
Kim, Dan-ah. 2021. The Grandmaster’s Daughter. HarperCollinsPublishers (Greenwillow Books). 40 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-307690-7.
Sunny is a young girl who has achieved a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a martial Art originating from Korea. The philosophy of the art includes five (5) tenets including, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. Readers, ages 5 – 8, can follow Sunny as she practices her Tai Kwon Do forms, and completes her household chores, such as watering plants and feeding the cats. Her Tae Kwon Do class, including a student in a wheelchair, practices the art and battles imaginary dragons. Hues are muted until the bright, fierce, colorful (imaginary) dragons challenge the students in the class. The blue, green, and red dragons are a sharp contrast to the students wearing their white Tae Kwon Do uniforms. (DLN)
Henkes, Kevin. 2021. A House. HarperCollinsPublishers (Greenwillow Books). 32 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-309260-0.
Readers, ages 2 – 6, and their caregivers will enjoy the interactive questions about a house, e.g., “Where is the window” (unnumbered)? In the morning, the white house with a blue door, window, and chimney, is framed in a bright yellow, reflecting the positive beginning of a new day. At dusk, the house is framed in a darker shade of cornflower blue, suggesting an inactive mood at the beginning of night. The colors of the frames change as the weather changes, affecting the mood of the house, e.g. the frame is a cool light blue suggesting the icy conditions of snow and winter. The house transforms to a home, including flowers in the green yard, when its people and pets walk through the door. (DLN)
George, Jean Craighead with Luke and Twig George. 2021. Crowbar: The Smartest Bird in the World. HarperCollinsPublishers (Katherine Tegen Books). 32 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-000257-2. Illustrated by Wendell Minor.
Children and caregivers will be fascinated by this narrative, based on a real-life crow the authors raised (among other rescued animals). Crowbar is rescued by a young boy who asks his mother if the bird can stay with them. The wise mother agrees, but knows if the bird survives, it will eventually be released to live with other feral crows. Grandpa disagrees with the decision because he believes crows are thieves and pests. However, crow lives, and demonstrates his keen intelligence in a variety of ways. Eventually Grandpa is convinced of Crowbar’s cleverness when he grabbed a jar lid, flew to the top of a playground slide, stepped on it, and sailed down the slide. True to the mother’s word, the bird eventually flies off with a flock of crows. The textures are significant including those of Crowbar, his first bed, the people, the food, the picnic table, and sandbox. Readers will also easily identify Crowbar, because the most outstanding, dominant color is black. (DLN)
Gonzalez, Raúl (Raúl the Third). ¡Vamos! Let’s Cross the Bridge (Part of World of ¡Vamos! 6 Books). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Versify). 48 pp. $14.99. ISBN 978-0-35-838040-5. Colors by Elaine Bay.
The comics/graphic and the Spanish/English vocabulary are unique and along with the colorful and busy illustrations, will appeal to readers ages 4 – 8. Little Lobo and his truck hope to cross the bridge between Juarez and El Paso to celebrate, La Celebración, with music, pinatas, dance, friends and family. The activities on the bridge are real, such as selling food and washing windshields. The congested traffic is also credible, and frustrating for Little Lobo and friends. However, Little Lobo is clever and he enthusiastically exclaims, “Just because we are stuck on this bridge doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate” (unnumbered)! It is a celebratory night to remember. A glossary and note from Raúl the third enhance the attempts to cross the bridge and celebrate. (DLN)
Hirsch, Rebecca E. 2021. Night Creatures: Animals That Swoop, Crawl, and Creep while You Sleep. Lerner Publishing Group (Millbrook Press). 32 pp. $19.99. ISBN 978-1-54-158129-6. Illustrated by Sonia Possentini.
The illustrations, especially the texture of each animal, a firefly, bobcat, cottontail rabbit, big brown bat, striped skunk, raccoon, Northern green frog, great horned owl, deer mouse, American robin, and white-tailed deer, invite readers, ages 3 – 8, to a world of nocturnal animals. Readers recognize the setting as night because the sky is black, with stars, represented as white dots, in the sky. Conversations among caregivers and youngsters may include the veracity of the nocturnal nature of all of the animals, e.g, the white-tailed deer. The deer in a handful of areas are brazen, and prefer to graze during the daylight hours. (DLN)
Miller, Marie-Therese. 2022. It’s All Art! From Drawing to Dress-Up with Sesame Street (Sesame Workshop). Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. (Lerner Publications). 32 pp. $29.32 (Library Binding). ISBN 978-1-72-842434-7.
Youngsters, ages 2 – 6, are introduced to the creative inclusiveness of art, e.g., painting, photographing, dancing, writing, drawing, singing, dressing-up, and pretending. Sesame Street characters, such as Ernie, share his drawing of his friend Bert. Other artist expressions include origami, clay sculpture, visiting museums, playing music, acting, dancing, and writing. Endnotes augment the artistic suggestions with an Idea Studio, directions for creating a painted planter, glossary, additional resources, index, and photo acknowledgements. (DLN)
Brody, Walt. 2022. How is a Bandage Like a Worm? Medicine Imitating Nature (Lightning Bolt Books – Imitating Nature: 4 books). Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. 24 pp. $27.99 (Library Binding). ISBN 978-1-72-840418-9.
The concept of biomimicry is explored through a worm’s glue, a spider’s web, a sticky burr, and a shark’s skin. All contribute to the advancement of medical science, for example, the silk fibers of spiders can make a strong thread used for stitches closing wounds until they heal. Endnotes include comments about the future of medicine, a glossary, resources for more information, an index, and photo acknowledgements. The illustrations capture the descriptions of the glue, stitches, burrs, and shark’s skin enabling readers, ages 4 – 8, to visualize the inventions. Pages are also numbered, a welcome feature for any informational book. (DLN)
Brody, Walt. 2022. How is a Ship Like a Shark? Vehicles Imitating Nature (Lightning Bolt Books Imitating Nature: 4 books). Lerner Publications Group, Inc. 24 pp. $27.99 (Library Binding). ISBN 978-1-72-840416-5.
Biomimicry, from “bio” meaning “life,” and “mimic,” meaning “to copy,” is a concept describing ideas for inventions coming from nature. Four (4) biomimicry presented for readers, ages 4 – 8 include the influence of shark scales to redesigning the bottoms of ships, bird beaks to reconstructing the nose of bullet trains, sailfish scales influencing the design of supercars, and studying bird wings to improve the performance of airplanes. End pages include comments about the future of vehicles, a glossary, additional resources, an index and photo acknowledgements. Young and older readers, including students learning English as another language, will appreciate the complementary, realistic photographs, including a diverse representation of children. (DLN)
Levine, Sara. 2021. A Peek at Beaks: Tools Birds Use. Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. (Millbrook Press). 32 pp. $19.99. ISBN 978-1-54-158734-2. Illustrated by Kate Slater.
The beaks of birds are amazing, useful tools, e.g., hummingbirds have beaks shaped like straws, and wrens have beaks working like tweezers. Readers, ages 4 – 8, will enjoy predicting the answers to the question posed about birds and their respective beaks, such as, “What kind of bird has a beak that is long and straight like a pair of tongs” (unnumbered)? Readers will find the answer on the following page (a woodpecker). Focusing on the beaks is only one endearing quality of this informational book. Youngsters can identify the birds and their sizes, colors, and habitats. For example, a herring gull is next to water, and a toucan is on a branch of a tree in the tropics. Complementing the information are notes about the evolution of bird beaks and a list of additional resources. (DLN)
Portis, Antoinette. 2022. I’m Up. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 22 pp. $7.99 (Board Book). ISBN 978-0-35-818134-7.
Baby rises with the sun, the tree, the bird, the park, the teddy bear, a shirt, a pup, a diaper, and eventually, mama and daddy. Illustrations are simple and youngsters, ages 0 to 3, will appreciate the focus on one major item or person per page. The concept of “up” is also recognizable, both in terms of waking “up” and lifting “up.” (DLN)
Portis, Antoinette. 2022. I’m Still Up. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 22 pp. $7.99 (Board Book). ISBN 978-0-35-818135-4.
The sun is setting, but Baby refuses to go to bed. Baby prefers to stay up with the moon even though the cat, the pup, the stuffed bear, mama, and daddy are sleepy. Illustrations are simple and youngsters, ages 0 to 3, will appreciate the focus on one major item or person per page, e.g., the sun going down, the moon rising, and the very awake baby. Because of the text and the pictures, the concepts of “up” and “sleepy” are recognizable. (DLN)
Rozelaar, Angie. 2022. Jeff Goes Wild. HarperCollinsPublishers (Katherine Tegen Books). 40 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-284056-1.
Jeff is a curious house cat with a stripy tiger tail, furry paws, awesome claws, and a loud voice. When he falls asleep on a wildly colorful armchair during a rainstorm, he dreams he is a tiger. Repetition of three verses reflects Jeff’s character, “I’m a bg, scary tiger! See my stripy tiger tail, my furry tiger paws. Watch me as I growl and prowl—fear my awesome claws'' (unnumbered)! In his dreams he meets a butterfly, snake, and finally, a ‘real’ tiger. When he meets the tiger, Jeff is less confident and exclaims “See my stripy fluffy tail, my tiny kitty class. Watch me as I ad and pounce with my dainty little paws” (unnumbered)! Eventually Jeff escapes by falling off the soft armed chair and waking from his dream. Of importance to readers is Jeff’s realization he is happy he is a cat: “I am who I am and I love being me” (unnumbered). (DLN)
Kuefler, Joseph. 2021. Bigger than a Bumblebee. HarperCollinsPublishers (Balzer + Bray). 40 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-269165-1.
This is a love letter from a parent to a child, but it is also a concept book about comparisons, big, and small. For example, the child is bigger than both a dandelion and a caterpillar, but smaller than an ostrich or giraffe. The illustrations are realistic portraits of the environment, such as weeds, insects, desert life, icebergs, a brown bear, and the galaxy. Youngsters, ages 3 – 8, will enjoy identifying the objects in the environment, such as wildlife, recognizable plants, insects, rocks and a waterfall. (DLN)
May, Julian. 2021. The Big Island: A Story of Isle Royale. University of Minnesota Press. 32 pp. $17.95. ISBN 978-1-51-791069-3. Illustrations by John Schoenherr. End notes by L. David Mech, wildlife biologist and wolf expert. First published by Follett Publishing Company in 1968.
Even though Julian May (1931 – 2017) and John Schoenherr (1935 – 2010) wrote and illustrated The Big Island in 1968, readers of all ages will be captivated by the description of the emergence of the island and the development of an ecological balance among moose, wolves, and plants. Beaver and other small animals also live on the island, but wolves prefer hunting larger animals, such as the more vulnerable, older, ailing moose and calves. The predator – prey relationship among wolves and moose and moose and plants are the focus of The Big Island. The island, surrounded by Lake Superior, is part of the U. S. National Park Service, open to visitors, April 16 – October 31. (DLN)
Stanton, Matt. 2022. The Odds. HarperCollinsPublishers (HarperAlley). 208 pp. $19.99. ISBN 978-0-06-306895-7.
Kipp enjoys a quiet and uneventful existence until ten of her favorite characters from different aspects of her life enter her world. Initially Kipp believes her new life with Lance (her father’s cartoon character), Diana (a green dinosaur), Booster (from a farming game), the Goat (a soccer player from a book), Ninja-Nina (from a television show), Theo (a builder), Racer (an avatar), Blub (a pencil eraser), Mr. Pink (a stuffed animal), and Unicorn is a dream. However, the behaviors of the characters are real and eventually, Kipp realizes the odd assortment of characters are her friends with unique, special, personalities. Youngsters, ages 8 – 12, who are fond of graphic novels with themes of friendship, acceptance, and personal growth with exciting characters and events, will enjoy reading about Kipp and her unique friends. (DLN)
Dean, Kiberly and James. 2022. Pete the Kitty: Wash Your Hands (My First Shared I Can Read)! HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 32 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-297418-1.
According to the publisher's notes, Shared Reading stories include “basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with your emergent reader” (unnumbered). Youngsters and their parents will enjoy the straightforward language and the repeated phrase “Splish! Scrub! Splash! Rub!” (unnumbered). Also, Peter and his friends are colorful, animated, cute kitties. Events and situations are also recognizable, from playing with blocks to using the toilet. The message is obvious -- children need to frequently and correctly wash their hands. (DLN)
Lyons, Kelly Starling. 2022. Ty’s Travels: Lab Magic (My First Shared Reading I Can Read). HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 32 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-295117-5. Pictures by Nina Mata.
My First Shared Reading Books are defined by straightforward vocabulary, repetition, and humorous illustrations. Early readers, ages 3 – 7, will recognize the bond between the brothers, Ty and Corey, as they experience the wonders of a science museum. Pictures illustrate the vocabulary, such as fossils, a shark tooth, and goggles. Their parents encourage Ty’s and Corey’s interest in science, both at the museum and at home. (DLN)
Ormsbee, Kathryn. 2021. Candidly Cline. HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 320 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-305999-3.
Middle school readers, ages 10 – 13, will connect to themes, such as, the value of friendship, family, music; acceptance and rejection of self and others, the effects of honesty and deceit, and coming to terms with personal growth and development. Cline learns to accept herself as a 13 year old with a crush on a girl, and admit her beloved grandmother has Alzheimer’s disease. Cline also recognizes the interrelationships in her life, such as school, family, friends, and her passion for music. (DLN)
Hicks, Deron. 2021. The Crown Heist: A Lost Art Mystery. HarperCollinsPublishers (Clarion Books). 320 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-35-839606-2.
Camille and Art travel to London with Camille’s mother to meet Camille’s estranged father. Professor Broderick Tinsley abandoned his ex-wife and daughter before Camille was born twelve (12) years ago. While father and daughter have communicated with each other, this will be their first face-to-face meeting. However, the meeting does not proceed as planned and Camille and Art find themselves following clues and codes to find Professor Tinsley and save a priceless relic from nefarious people. The images scattered throughout the plot allow young adults, ages 8 – 13 with access to a QR reader app, to view the codes and clues. Deron also mentions young adults can visit the websites on each code if they do not have access to a QR reader. Regardless, the multiple conflicts, codes, riddles, and clues contribute to a thrilling, suspenseful, engaging mystery. (DLN)
Waldo, Steph. 2022. Tiny Tales: A Feast for Friends (Level 3 I Can Read Comics!). HarperCollinsPublishers (HarperAlley). 32 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-306786-8.
According to the publisher's note, I Can Read Comics introduces readers, ages 3 – 8, to the world of graphic novels. Directions for decoding the structure and layout of cartoon basics are included, such as panels, gutters, tiers, word balloons (dialogue, thought, whisper, excitement), and a brief guide to reading comics. Snail spies a crab apple hanging from an upper branch and is determined to pick it as a surprise for all of the friends living in their tree log. However, Snail underestimates the work involved and eventually realizes all of the friends are needed to knock the apple to the ground. Children will be satisfied with the conclusion as all of the friends share and enjoy eating the apple. Endnotes state the actual food of caterpillars, ladybugs, fireflies, worms, and pill bugs, and include an interesting fact about snails and slugs. (DLN)
Johnson, Varian. 2021. Playing the Cards You’re Dealt. Scholastic (Scholastic Press). 320 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-1-33-834853-8.
Anthony (Ant) Joplin, a ten-year-old fifth grader, is an expert at playing spades, a card game with interesting trash talking expectations. Ant enters the last spades tournament with two different partners, first his brother, then his friend Shirley. Multiple themes and conflicts will keep the interest of young adults, ages 8 – 12. Themes and conflicts, such as those among family, friends, relationships, expectations, mores/standards, and addictions are prevalent. Readers will empathize with Ant’s angst about his father’s gambling and alcohol addictions, and will appreciate the descriptions of the nuances of spades and the development of personal relationships. Readers may also recognize the idiom: “play the hand (one) is dealt,” This means to accept, deal with, and make the most of one's current situation or circumstances and even if one feels unsatisfied with life at the moment, everyone must play the hand one is dealt. Just keep working hard and things are bound to improve! (https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com). (DLN)
Isler, Emily Barth. 2021. AfterMath. Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. (Carolrhoda Books). 272 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-54-159911-6.
Lucy and her family moved to Queensland to start over after Theo died of complications from a congenital heart defect. The family is grieving, as is the town because four years ago a shooter killed 32 third grade students while they were in school. The community tore down the school, but people continue to relive the tragedy in multiple ways, such as memories of students who died in the shooting, e.g., Elizabette Lane or “Bette.”. While the main themes are grief and loss, readers, ages 10 – 14, will recognize the values of communication, friendship, isolation, family, kindness, and an outstanding teacher of math and mime. Each chapter begins with a math question, emphasizing the importance of math in Lucy’s life, e.g., “Question: If a woman has 7 daughters, and each daughter has 1 brother, how many children does the woman have altogether? Answer: 8 children – 7 daughters and 1 son” (p. 179). (DLN)
Avi. 2022. Loyalty. HarperCollinsPublishers (Clarion Books). 352 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-35-824807-1.
Noah, age 13, and his family, flee to Boston after their father is killed by a mob of “patriots,” called the Sons of Liberty. Noah is incensed by his father’s murder and becomes a spy for the Loyalists. Set 1774 through 1776, readers ages 8 and older will be challenged to think about their personal loyalties, thoughts, and decisions as they follow Noah and his friend, Jolla, through the events leading to the siege of Boston. Themes of loyalty, friendship, freedom, slavery, humanity, inhumanity, war, and self-discovery prevail. While the characters of Noah and Jolla are fictitious, the conflicts and emotions are realistic for 1774 – 1776. Several characters are also realistic, such as George Washington and General Howe. The characterization of slavery is also factual. Young adults may also want to read My Brother Sam is Dead (J. L. Collier & C. Collier), and Johnny Tremain (E. H. Forbes). (DLN)
Yerkes, Jennifer. 2021. A Perfect Day. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers). 44 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-80-285577-0. Originally published in 2106 in Switzerland.
The day is like a symphony, beginning harmoniously and melodiously with a yellow bird chirping, creaking crickets, buzzing bees, a croaking frog, whooshing winds, a sassing snake and a rah-rahing fox. However, the symphony transforms as the drums, cymbals and maracas, or thunder and lightning change the sounds and rhythms. With the help of color, shapes, objects, and intense lines readers, ages 3 – 7, will easily follow the symphonic changes of “a perfect summer day” (unnumbered). (DLN)
Auerbach, Lera and Nelson, Marilyn. 2021. A is for Oboe: The Orchestra’s Alphabet. Penguin Random House LLC (Dial Books for Young Readers). 40 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-52-555377-9. Illustrated by Paul Hoppe.
Unique qualities include female conductors, diverse players and audiences, and interesting facts about instruments and performances. One interesting fact is the nature of musical instruments as “beings” with pronouns “he” or “she.” For example, a violin is a “she,” a French horn is a “he” and the harp is a “she.” Also of interest is the correlation of the letters of the alphabet to the orchestra. A is for oboe because every instrument tunes to “his” “A.” However, while instruments such as an oboe, bassoon, English horn, flute violin, etc., are realistically illustrated, clarinets are not. They are described as “voices rang(ing) from soprano to bass” (unnumbered), but they are not visible in the illustration. Generally, however, the artwork (ink on paper) is stellar, complementing the text. (DLN)
Tafolla, Carmen. 2022. I’ll Always Come Back to You. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers). 32 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-80-285452-0. Illustrated by Grace Zong.
Regardless of the event, a working mother reassures her daughter “I will always, always, ALWAYS come back to you” (unnumbered). The daughter may be cared for by her grandmother, an aunt, a friend or a sitter, but at the end of the day, the mother will return home. While a book cannot include all scenarios, thousands of children attend day care centers or preschools while one or both parents work. These youngsters may not be able to connect with a child staying at home during the day waiting for a parent to return from work. (DLN)
Lakshmi, Padma. 2021. Tomatoes for Neela. Penguin Random House LLC (Viking Books for Young Readers). 40 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-59-320270-8. Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal.
Neela enjoys cooking with her mother (Amma) and recording the recipes in a notebook. Because her grandmother, or Paati, lives in India, Paati supervises the cooking from a portrait hanging on a kitchen wall. Neela and her mother make cakes, puddings, sauces, including tomato sauce and Neela helps her mother with the produce, such as peeling sweet potatoes. Themes, such as family (including paati), food (baking, cooking, canning), and shopping at the green market, complement the quest for the optimal tomato. End pages include recipes, interesting facts about tomatoes, notes about farmworkers, and comments by the author, host of Top Chef and Taste of the Nation. (DLN)
Fox, Mem. 2021. Cat Dog. Simon & Schuster, Inc. (Beach Lane Books). 40 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-41-698688-1. Illustrated by Mark Teague.
Youngsters, ages 3 – 7, will thoroughly enjoy answering the questions, such as “So there was a scary dog, right” (Unnumbered)? And the answer on the next page is, “No” (unnumbered)! The interactive narrative, asking questions for readers to answer will motivate youngsters to respond, “Yes” or “No” and eventually think of their own answer to the question, “And then the mouse came out to say hi, right” (unnumbered)? Hopefully caregivers will ask the young readers to explain their answer. The illustrations are phenomenal, Cat and Dog dominate the pages, with lines, shapes, and color conveying emotions and the settings. For example, the eyes of Dog and Cat convey curiosity as they peer into the mouse hole, and the shape of the sofa, larger than Dog, suggests comfort. (DLN)
Pinkney, Andrea Davis. 2022. Bright Brown Baby: A Treasury. Scholastic, Inc. (Orchard Books). 64 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-54-587229-4. Illustrated by Brian Pinkney.
The treasury includes five (5) short stories : Bright Brown Baby, Count to Love, Peek-a-You! Baby Boy, You Are a Star! and Hey, Baby Girl!. Each is celebrating the joyful, loving, delightful lives of brown babies. Regardless of color, babies and their caregivers will connect with the positive and uplifting comments, such as “Child, we believe in you” (unnumbered). Each short story begins with phrases from notable sources, such as Langston Hughes and an ancient Sanskrit poem, “Look to this day, for it is life” (unnumbered). Colorful gouache and acrylic paints with bold lines of India ink on watercolor paper augment the celebration and characterization of brown babies with an emphasis on loving each individual child. (DLN)
Gutman, Dan. 2022. My Weird School Graphic Novel: Get a Grip! We’re on a Trip! HarperCollinsPublishers (HarperAlley). 112 pp. $15.99. ISBN 978-0-06-305452-3. Illustrations by Jim Paillot.
Readers, ages 6 – 10, fond of humorous graphic novels will enjoy this second book in the My Weird School Graphic Novel series. Principal Klutz presents a challenge to a classroom of kids; if they collectively read 5,000 books they will win a trip to Dizzlyland. Mr Klutz and his nemesis, Dr. Carbles, who wants to shut down the school, believes the students will not reach the goal. However, teamwork perseveres and the kids, with their chaperones, fly to Dizzlyland. Children will enjoy the humor and recognize the evil nature of Dr. Carbles, who intends to dynamite the school while the kids are in Dizzyland. Children do not need to understand the pop culture references, such as Dizzlyand, to enjoy the novel. (DLN)
Brown, Waka T. 2022. Dream, Annie, Dream. HarperCollinsPublishers (Quill Tree Books). 352 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-301716-0.
Set in Topeka, Kansas in 1987, Aoi (Annie) Inoue, age 12 is auditioning for a role in the summer theater production of Annie. She gets a part, but not the lead, which goes to her white well-connected friend, Jessica. Aoi’s Japanese American father is a math professor and her Japanese American mother is a homemaker, while Jessica’s father is the President of the University and her mother is a member of the Regional Arts Council influencing productions and casts. Annie honestly believes in the parting words of her sixth grade teacher “You can be anything you want to be”(p. 11), but multiple objects and challenges face Aoi’s pursuit of her dreams. Racism towards Asian Americans, stereotypes about Asian Americans, and white privilege prevail. However, positive, dominant themes include the value of family, and perseverance. (DLN)
Jenkins, Steve. 2021. Disasters by the Numbers: A Book of Infographics. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion). 48 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-1-32-856948-6.
Examined are natural disasters caused by movements of the earth, weather, living things, space, earthquakes, volcanos, tsunamis, landslides, avalanches, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, thunderstorms, blizzards, drought, heat, cold, fire, locusts, pandemics, near-earth objects, collisions, and climate change. Facts about each disaster are informative and compelling with charts, graphs, maps, pictures, illustrations and tables augmenting the text. The illustrations are “cut and torn-paper collage and the infographics are cut-paper silhouettes and graphics digitally created” (unnumbered). A glossary of terms followed by a short list of references complement the information. (DLN)
Stringfellow, Lisa. 2022. A Comb of Wishes. HarperCollinsPublishers (Quill Tree Books). 272 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-304343-5.
Themes of love, loss, friendship, anger, death, mourning, family, and culture dominate Kela’s fantastical adventures on land and in the sea. Unique features include stories within stories initiated with a “call and response” format of “I say Crick, you say Crack. Crick. Crack. This is a story” (p.1). The format followed the first African slaves to the Americas, in this case, to the Caribbean. When Kela promises to return a magical comb to a sea creature in exchange for a wish, specifically she wishes her mother were alive again. The sea creature, Ophidia, has a past with secrets and readers eventually discover it is related to the history of Kela’s family. Readers, ages 8 – 12, fond of history, magic, the sea, family, friendship, and storytelling will connect with Kela’s stories. (DLN)
Collier, Nicole D. 2022. Just Right Jillian. HarperCollinsPublishers (Versify). 224 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-35-843461-0. Illustrations by Kitt Thomas.
Ten-year-old Jillian is in fifth grade and is not confident in herself. She is shy, nervous and sad. When her Grammy Ruby died, Jillian also stopped weaving, believing in herself, and trying; Jillian does not run, but she hides, hoping to be invisible. However, thanks to her parents, her teacher, friends, the Mind Bender, soon-to-hatch chicks, she gains confidence, and finds her voice and confidence. Like the chicks, she pips, unzips, and escapes! Black and white illustrations of different positions in the candling process of rotating the eggs, reinforce the metaphor. (DLN)
Liu, Marjorie. 2022. Wingbearer. HarperCollinsPublishers (Quill Tree Books). 208 pp. $22.99. ISBN 978-0-06-274116-5. Illustrated by Teny Issakhanian.
The graphics complement the energy, fear, chaos, hope and determination of Zuli’s quest to save the souls of birds and others. Her home, a magical tree, is much more than a safe haven, it also is a place where birds rest when they die. However, birds are not returning, and Zuli, with magical powers of her own, leaves her home, the Great Tree, to search for the souls of the birds. With her guardian, Frowly, an owl, and friends, including Orien and Jax, Zuli survives multiple challenges and obstacles as she ventures into the unknown, and eventually confronts a surprising fact about her life. Multiple themes, including good vs. evil, strength, destruction, friendship, a myriad of conflicts, and relationships among diverse characters will captivate readers ages 12 and older. (DLN)
Fan, Terry & Fan, Eric (The Fan Brothers). 2021. It Fell From The Sky. Simon & Schuster, Inc. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). 56 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-445762-1.
When an object falls from the sky and lands on the ground, insects marvel at the round, yellow, blue, and green item (readers may recognize it as a type of marble, perhaps a Tobar). The insects build a Grand Exhibit to display the Wonder from the Sky. However, Spider decides to raise the price of admission and although Spider becomes rich, customers stop coming to see the Wonder. Eventually the Wonder is grabbed by a “five-legged creature,” or a human hand and it disappears. Of interest is the color, only the leaves, the money, and the marble have color, everything else is black, white, and shades of gray (graphite). Spider, although selfish, is also patient, and weaves multiple webs to catch other items from the sky. The objects are colorful, such as a blue bottle cap, and displayed in another, more elaborate Grand Exhibit. The insects also are colorful, such as a blue beetle. Children, ages 4- 8, and their caregivers will recognize both the Spider’s greed and the grand, satisfying conclusion. (DLN)
Faruqi, Reem. 2022. Golden Girl. HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 336 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-304475-3.
This novel in verse will captivate readers, ages 8 – 14, interested in themes, such as family, friends, wrongful detainment, culture, justice, religion, and forgiveness. Aafiyah is a seventh (7th) grader of Pakistani descent, who is an avid tennis player, enjoys weird facts, and values her friendship with Zaina. However, Aafiyah also is addicted to “borrowing” items, specifically, she suffers from kleptomania. Her world falls apart; for example, she is grounded after she confesses to stealing jewelry and subsequently loses Zaina as a friend, Aafiyah’s father is wrongfully detained in Dubai, and her grandfather is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. Eventually, Aafiyah’s mother allows her to play tennis again, Zaina agrees to rekindle their friendship, Aafiyah’s father is acquitted of any wrongdoing, and her grandfather recovers from cancer. Resources, a recipe and a glossary, defining critical terms, such as namaz (Urdu for prayer), augment the verses. (DLN)
Duhig, Holly. 2020. Animals Eat What?! Bones and Bodies. Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. (Lerner Publications Company). 24 pp. $26.65 (Library Binding). ISBN 978-1-54-157932-3. First published in 2019 by Booklife Publishing.
Readers, ages 4 – 8, will appreciate the pictures and the contents narrated by the Fly; bones vultures, hyenas, hagfish, Tasmanian devils, maggots, and giraffes. The bar graphs are confusing because there is no explanation about the criteria for measuring “look,” “taste,” “smell,” and “feel.” Directions for identifying words listed in the glossary are somewhat ambiguous. The following words are typed on a brown blob, “WORDS THAT LOOK LIKE THIS CAN BE FOUND IN THE GLOSSARY ON PAGE 24” (p. 3). Only after locating the words in the text based on the page numbers in the glossary will readers understand notable vocabulary are underlined, but they are not always printed in upper case letters, and they are not surrounded by a brown blob. More exact directions might read: underlined words are defined in the glossary. (DLN)
Grimly, Gris. 2021. 10 Spooky Pumpkins. Scholastic, Inc. (Orchard Books). 40 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-33-811244-3.
Numbers, rhyming verses, fall colors of orange, yellow, brown, black, and Halloween characters-- a young trick-or-treater, pumpkins, black cats, bats, goblins, ghosts, wolves, skeletons, witches, scarecrows, a full moon, and the wind create a delightful concept book for youngsters ages 3 – 8. Readers follow the trick-or-treater, a young girl, in a countdown of 10 – 1, a recognizable variation of 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. The gothic style illustrations will capture the attention of youngsters and caregivers any time of the year, but especially when “The wind said SWOOSH and the gate went CREAK, The owl cried SHOOOO and the night sighed EEK!” (unnumbered). (DLN)
Kuefler, Joseph. 2022. The Digger and the Duckling. HarperCollinsPublishers (Balzer+Bray). 48 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-306254-2.
A digger, bulldozer, mixer, crane, roller, front loader, bulldozer, water truck, dump truck, eventually welcome a duckling into their family. At first, only Digger and Squirt appreciate the duckling, but as she demonstrated her work-ethic, Scoops, Mixie, Dozer, Hauler, Roller, and Crane, agree she is not “trouble,” but a valued member of the crew/family. However, one day the duck, no longer a duckling, spread her wings and flew away, only to return with her partner. While youngsters, ages 3 – 8 will recognize the themes of family, kindness, and acceptance, they will enjoy identifying the different types of big trucks and the personification of each. (DLN)
Nazemian, Abdi. 2022. The Chandler Legacies. HarperCollinsPublishers (Balzer + Bray). 336 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-303932-2.
Chandler is an elite boarding school in a small rural Connecticut community. Tension between the town and school exist, but the primary focus is on five teenagers, Beth Kramer, Sarah Brunson, Amanda Priya Spencer, Ramin Golashar, and Freddy Bellow, selected by a highly revered English professor into the Circle, a writing group. The highly coveted group is more than a writing group and they eventually become friends who publish one of the more nefarious “secrets” on the Chandler campus. Although the prologue and epilogue are set in January 2008, the stories of the five students are set in 1999. Voices of the five (5) students resonate in discreet chapters revealing their unique perspectives and experiences. Readers, ages 13 and older, should be prepared for uncomfortable, yet all-too-real issues of sexual, physical, and mental abuse; bullying/hazing, and homophobia. The experiences of each student are as relevant today as in 1999. (DLN)
Schmidt, Gary D. & Stickney, Elizabeth. 2021. One Smart Sheep. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 80 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-54-488835-7. Illustrations by Jane Manning.
Intermittent watercolor and pencil illustrations augment Wilson’s round-trip journey from the farm to the city and back home. Wilson is a very bright sheep, and finds his way home because he remembers sounds and scents close to the farm; bells, a jackhammer, and a hot dog stand. The round-trip emphasizes the value of friends among and between humans and animals, loyalty, adventure and the adage “there is no place like home” (Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz). (DLN)
Glaser, Karina Yan. 2021. The Vanderbeekers Make A Wish. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 352 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-35-825620-5.
The paramount theme is family, as the Vanderbeekers seek to understand their grandparents, and secrets of an old letter. The five (5) children cannot ask their father because he is in rural Indiana to help a friend with funeral arrangements for his mother. The family lives in New York City and cell service between the two states is not reliable. The unexpected trip comes five days before Papa Vanderbeekers’ 40th surprise birthday party. As the children prepare for the party, they also find an old letter from their deceased Grandfather Vanderbeeker to their father before his college graduation and try to understand the connotations in the note. All of the characters are charming and lovable, including the Vanderbeekers’ Grandma and Grandpa who arrive from California a week early to celebrate their son-in-law’s birthday. However, Grandma is not terribly approachable or lovable until the end of the story. (DLN)
Eady, Antwan. 2022. Nigel and the Moon. HarperCollinsPublishers (Katherine Tegen Books). 40 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-305628-2. Illustrations by Gracey Zhang.
Ink, gouache and watercolor paints create a celebratory mood when Nigel is alone with the moon, dreaming about his future as an astronaut, dancer, or superhero. Nigel is happy, hopeful, and proud when he shares his dreams with the moon, but he is less confident in school where he is the only person-of-color in his classroom. His parents are supportive and encourage him to dream. In fact, when his parents share their lives in front of the class, Nigel is transformed from a shy student to one willing to share his dreams. (DLN)
Lorentz, Dayna. 2022. Wayward Creatures. HarperCollinsPublishers (Clarion Books). 304 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-35-846828-8.
The alternating voices of Gabe, a twelve-year-old boy, and Rill, a female coyote, are compelling and readers, ages 8 – 12, may connect with the challenges, choices, and consequences each creature confronts. Gabe becomes a participant in a Restorative Justice program when he accidently burns Rockledge Park. However, Rill also needs restoration along with Gabe’s family and friends. Dominant themes include family, friends, destruction and rebirth among all creatures. (DLN)
Levi, Lia. 2022. Just A Girl: A True Story of World War II. HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 144 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-306508-6. Pictures by Jess Mason. Translation by Sylvia Notini. Originally published in 2020 by HarperCollins Italia.
Lia is a Jewish six-year-old girl living in Turin, Italy, when Mussolini began tyrannical policies, such as prohibiting Jewish children from attending Italian schools. The oppression escalates and Lia, along with her two siblings, Gabriella and Vera, take refuge at a Catholic boarding school outside of Rome, run by nuns to survive. Occasional messages to the “readers,” ages 8 – 12, share additional information about the war such as disappointment in the length of time it took for American soldiers to liberate Rome. (DLN)
Polacco, Patricia. 2021. Go Ask Ozzie: A Rotten Richie Story. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (Paula Wiseman Books). 56 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-447855-8.
When Patricia complains about her brother Richie, Ozzie, famous for his lunch counter and soda fountain at the Elmwood Pharmacy, listens to her woes and predicts Richie is not as rotten as Patricia thinks he is. In fact, Ozzie is correct, and one day Richie changes from an annoying, “rotten” brother to an endearing one, especially when he agrees to teach Patricia to dance. The whimsical, colorful illustrations convey the transformation of Richie and the love between a brother and a sister. (DLN)
Schwab, Victoria E. 2022. Gallant. HarperCollinsPublishers (Greenwillow Books). 352 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-283577-2.
When Olivia Prior receives a letter to return home, she is perplexed because she has lived at an orphanage since birth. Home, is a manor called Gallant and when she arrives, no one admits to sending the letter, and her cousin, Matthew, orders her to leave. The plot is haunting, and guided by her deceased mother’s journal, Olivia slowly uncovers the secrets of the manor, her family, and the world on the other side of the wall. Readers will marvel at Olivia’s ability to communicate through drawing, writing, and Sign. However, only Edgar, one of the manor’s caretakers is able to communicate with Olivia through Sign. Hope, family, truth, and honesty eventually prevail over darkness, secrets, evil, lies, violence and Death. Readers, ages 14 and older interested in mysteries and the macabre, will read this novel quickly. (DLN)
Bryant, Elise. 2022. One True Loves. HarperCollinsPublishers (Balzer+Bray). 320 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-298286-5.
Readers, ages 14- 18, fond of romance novels will enjoy following the experiences of Lenore Bennett, age 17, as she falls in love with Alex Lee. The teenagers are on a cruise in the Mediterranean Sea with their parents, and in Lenore’s case, her brother and younger sister. Lenore is also struggling with her choice to attend NYU and study art history, because she enjoys all aspects of art, including textiles. Alex, on the other hand, has a definitive ten-year plan. The characters, plot, conflicts, themes and setting contribute to a pleasant and entertaining reading experience. (DLN)
Yuksel, M. O. 2022. One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University. HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 40 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-303291-0. Illustrated by Mariam Quraishi.
Gouache and watercolor illustrations complement the biography of a Muslim woman determined to build a school for scholars around the world. The school, al-Qarawiyyin, completed in 859 CE in Fez, Morocco, continues to offer degrees in a number of religious and physical sciences and serves as a cultural center for women and men. Readers of all ages will admire the dedication, perseverance, generosity and wisdom of Fatima al-Fihri. (DLN)
DiPucchio, Kelly. 2022. Oona and the Shark (Oona, 2). HarperCollinsPublishers (Katherine Tegen Books). 32pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-307142-1. Pictures by Raissa Figueroa.
Oona, a mermaid, likes making friends, including Otto, the pelicans, and hermit crabs. She also wanted Stanley, a hammerhead shark, to be her friend, but Oona was too boisterous and loud for the shark. Even her inventions were bigger, bolder and loud. Eventually, Oona learns to turn down her volume and creates a gentler, kinder, softer, quiet invention Stanley appreciates. Readers, ages 3 – 8, will recognize the enthusiasm of Oona and the need to consider different preferences; not all children tolerate loud, boisterous environments or people. (DLN)
Simler, Isabelle. 2022. A Perfect Spot. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers). 56 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-80-285588-6. First published in France in 2020. Translated from French to English by Vineet Lal.
A ladybug is searching for a safe place to lay her eggs but is deterred because appearances are deceiving. Twigs are actually stick insects, a rose bush is inhabited by thorn bugs, leaves on a bushy tree are covered with leaf katydids, flowers are homes to crab spiders and orchid mantises, a goat moth already lives on the bark of a tall oak tree, a stick caterpillar does not welcome her. However, a massive colony of aphids welcomes her with open wings and the ladybug can finally lay her eggs in a safe environment. The digital illustrations are exceptional, especially the texture, and endnotes describe the seven-spotted ladybug (coccinella septempunctata) in detail with general descriptions of each insect. Also, of significance is the technical and colloquial name of each insect. (DLN)
Guridi, Raúl Nieto. 2022. It’s So Difficult. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers). 40 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-80-285584-8. Originally published in Spain in 2020. Lawrence Schimel, translator.
A school day can be overwhelming for children with anxieties, including fear of speaking or expression. Noisy, loud environments are also problematic. Everything, except math, is difficult for a young child, trying to survive daily activities in and out of school. Readers of all ages, with or without anxieties, may empathize or identify with the daily challenges of a child afraid to face each day. Collage, pencil, gouache illustrations created digitally convey the helplessness of the child. (DLN)
Zollman, Pam. 2022. I’ll Say Goodbye. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers). 40 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-80-285499-5. Illustrated by Frances Ives.
Mixed media pictures enhance the point-of-view of a child watching his uncle Mike slowly die of cancer. Through Herman, a crab, and the child, readers ages 4 – 8, may understand the potentially devastating effects of cancer and the loss of a loved one. Eventually, the child is able to bring closure to grief, bewilderment, and anger through a thoughtful, memorial act of kindness. (DLN)
McCall, Guadalupe García. 2022. The Keeper. HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 288pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-307692-1.
James is not happy his family moved from Texas to Oregon. However, his parents are delighted with their new house and friendly neighbors. James and his sister, Ava, begin to make friends, but they have habits of playing pranks on each other, e.g. Ava lathers James’ baseball glove with petroleum jelly. The pranks are frequent and intensify, and when James and Ava show threatening letters from the Keeper to their parents, mom and dad believe the notes are only benign mischief. However, the letters are real, and Ava and James partner to discover the identity of the Keeper. The Keeper is not alone in threatening James, and brother and sister find a nefarious group of people trying to harm them. Themes of good v. evil, family, heritage, and friendships contribute to a suspenseful mystery. Thankfully, for non-Spanish speakers, a glossary defines Spanish vocabulary and concepts contributing to the unique plot, conflicts, and character development. (DLN)
Capucilli, Alyssa Satin. 2022. Biscuit and Friends Visit The Community Garden (I Can Read! Level 1). HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 32 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-291001-1. Pictures by Rose Mary Berlin in the style of Pat Schories.
According to HARPER, Level 1 books consist of “short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts for children (4 – 8) eager to read on their own” (book jacket). Biscuit accompanies a little girl to the community garden and meets his friends, including a bird, another dog, another young girl, gardeners, and a rabbit. He is helpful, happy, and energetic; digging, jumping, feeding birds, tugging, pulling, running, splashing, walking, and watering. A repetitive “woof, woof!” conveys Biscuit's happy, helpful and playful mood. (DLN)
Alfageeh, Sara. 2022. Squire. HarperCollinsPublishers (Quill Tree Books). 336 pp. $21.99. ISBN 978-0-06-294585-3. Graphics by Nadia Shammas.
Aiza, a second class Ornu person in the Bayt-Sajji Empire, hides her status as she pursues Knighthood. She joins other recruits training first to be a Squire, then a Knight. Training is brutal, but Aiza perseveres, in fact, she changes course as she discovers the evil nature of General Hende. Themes of good v. evil, justice, deceit, jealousy, friendship, war and peace are prevalent. Readers, ages 10 and older, will appreciate the graphics, conveying the personalities of the characters and the conflicts Aiza experiences. Endnotes describe various processes of writing and illustrating Squire. (DLN)
Golio, Gary. 2021. Sonny Rollins Plays The Bridge. Penguin Random House LLC (Nancy Paulsen Books). 32 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-98-481366-4. Illustrated by James Ransome.
In 1959, professional saxophonist, Sonny Rollins, leaves performing with well-known musicians, such as Thelonius Monk, to practice becoming a better player. Since his neighbors complain when he practices in his apartment, he moves his studio to the Williamsburg Bridge connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan in New York. Readers, ages 8 – 12, may recognize the genius of Rollins' choice to practice on the Bridge because he can play anything and no one will hear the saxophone above the sounds of the subway cars, trains, tugboats, and seagulls to complain. In 1961, Sonny returned to performing on stage, and readers of all ages can listen to his music on various sites, such as YouTube. End notes about Sonny Rollins and the Bridge complement the call and response-type narrative of Sonny Rollins playing on the Williamsburg Bridge. (DLN)
Gao, Laura. 2022. Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American. HarperCollinsPublishers (Balzer + Bray). 272 pp. $22.99. ISBN 978-0-06-306777-6 (trade bdg.)
Yuyang moved to Texas at age 4 to join her immigrant parents from Wuhan, China. However, Yuyang asks her parents for a different name because people at school fail to pronounce her name correctly. She becomes, Laura, named after the First Lady, Laura Bush. The memoir is poignant and readers, ages 14 and older, will empathize with Laura’s transitions and challenges, such as confronting prejudice and discrimination against Asian Americans and Gay individuals. (DLN)
Aldridge, Ethan M. 2022. The Legend of Brightblade. HarperCollinsPublishers (Quill Tree Books). 208 pp. $23.99. ISBN 978-0-06-299553-7.
Prince Alto believes he is a magical barb, but he also wants to be as heroic as his mother who saved her kingdom years ago. He decides to run away and connect with two other barbs, a female troll named Ebbe, and Clarabel, former apprentice to Master Calder (the Crusher from The Brightblade Ballads). Together the three musicians, with their songs, and magic, confront the evil threatening their kingdom. The graphics convey the character traits of the individuals, e.g. Alto's defining pink hair and elf-like ears, and help readers, ages 8 – 12, recognize good v. evil. (DLN)
Keys, Alicia & Weiner, Andrew. 2022. Girl On Fire. HarperCollinsPublishers (HarperAlley). 224 pp. $19.99. ISBN 978-0-06-302956-9. Illustrated by Brittney Williams.
Lolo is fourteen years old but in the 10th grade with her sixteen year-old brother James. Lolo is exceptionally bright while James struggles with school. Lolo also has telekinetic powers she is trying to understand and use wisely. Along with this, Lolo is trying to understand herself and her relationships with others. Dominant themes in this graphic novel for readers 14 – 18, include family, friends, good v. evil, and consequences of one’s choices. Lolo and her friends also exhibit positive growth as they learn more about themselves and their relationships to others. (DLN)
John, Jory. 2022. The Good Egg and the Talent Show (I Can Read Level 1). HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 32 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-295459-6. Illustrated by Pete Oswald.
According to HARPER, Level 1 Readers are characterized by “short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts” (book jacket). While helping with the talent show, Egg makes new friends, discovers new talents, and realizes people notice when an individual is kind. Children, ages 4 – 8, will recognize Egg and friends, including pineapple, muffin, cookie, and string cheese. The friends are grateful for Egg’s help and Egg recognizes kindness as a useful talent. (DLN)
Hood, Susan & Dawson, Greg. 2022. Alias Anna: A True Story Of Outwitting the Nazis. HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 352 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-308389-9.
The Nazi’s forcibly remove Zhanna Arshansky and her mother, father, and sister Frina from their home in the Ukraine during World War II. As a Jewish family, they are forced on a long, cold, arduous march to their death, except, Zhanna and eventually Frina, escape. As Zhanna runs, her father exclaims “I don't care what you do. Just live.” (p. 122). Miraculously the sisters live, changing their names to Anna and Marina, thus disguising their heritage. Both girls were exceptionally talented pianists and eventually became members of a troupe entertaining Nazi soldiers and officers throughout the war zone. The sisters were famous but constantly in fear someone would reveal their secret. The style, a novel in verse, is compelling for readers ages 12 and older. Themes include good v. evil, racism, horrors of war, perseverance, survival, friends, and the everlasting bonds of family. Music is also dominant, from the girls’ childhood to their lives as professional musicians in the United States. (DLN)
John, Jory. 2022. The Bad Seed Goes to the Library (I Can Read Level 1). HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 32 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-295456-5. Illustrations by Saba Joshaghani based on artwork by Pete Oswald.
Readers, ages 4 – 8, who cherish a good library book will empathize with Seed who does not want to return a favorite book to the library, The Speedy Seed when it is due. However, Seed realizes the book belongs to the library and should be shared with other readers. Seed honestly believes reading is an adventure and checks out other new favorite books from the library, after returning The Speedy Seed. (DLN)
MacLachlan, Patricia. 2021. A Secret Shared. HarperCollinsPublishers (Katherine Tegen Books). 160 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-288585-2.
When Nora and Ben, twins, discover a family secret, they seek out a former teacher, Miss Schyler for advice. After the results of a DNA test, Nora and Ben discover Birdy is adopted, but they also realize she is family regardless of her Swedish heritage. Readers, ages 7 – 10, will find comfort in a loving, caring, kind, curious, and talented family of five; Nora, Ben, Birdy, Mother Una (a newspaper columnist), and Father Geo (a university art professor). (DLN)
Cali, Davide. 2022. The Writer. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers). 36 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-80-285585-5. Illustrated by Monica Barengo. Originally published in Italy in 2019.
An adorable French bulldog is more than the writer’s companion. Because the dog needs to eat and go outside, it reminds the writer when to eat and take a walk. However, the bulldog also believes the writer needs another person in his life, just as the dog would like a companion. The earthy illustrations convey a sense of warmth and belonging, even if the new dog is not the canine of choice. (DLN)
Cley, Amanda. 2022. The Pack. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers). 32pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-80-285587-9. Illustrated by Cecilia Ferri. Originally published in Italy in 2021.
Illustrations using colored pencils emphasize the need to accept oneself and walk away from a domineering pack even though the wolves may be accepting and protecting. The message for readers, ages 4 – 8, is clear, individuals choosing to step outside the pack have opportunities to be unique and not defined by a crowd. (DLN)
Bushy, Cylin. 2022. The White House Cat. HarperCollinsPublishers (Balzer + Bray). 40 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-313886-5. Illustrated by Neely Daggett.
The First Cat guides readers, ages 4 – 8, on a tour of The White House, including the kitchen, the bowling alley, the engineer’s shop, the Rose Garden, the color rooms, the China Room, the West Wing, and the Oval Office. End pages include a south view of The White House, and interesting information about various historical facts, different rooms, the grand piano, Biden’s cat, personnel, and portrait of J. F. Kennedy. (DLN)
Schaefer, Lola M. 2022. Lift, Mix, Fling! Machines Can Do Anything. HarperCollinsPublishers (Greenwillow Books). 40 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-245710-3. Illustrated by James Yang.
Although the illustrations are created digitally, the machines will be recognizable to readers, ages 4 – 8, who appreciate both simple and compound machines. The difference between the two types of machines are clearly defined with examples, e.g., “Simple machines have one or two parts, like a spoon, a knife, the wheels on carts” (unnumbered). “Compound machines are two or more simple machines working together” (unnumbered). Examples of compound machines include tractors, cement mixers, and ships. End notes include a glossary and a challenge to readers to observe their environments and identify simple and compound machines they use every day. (DLN)
Ho, Joanna. 2022. Eyes that Speak to the Stars. HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 40 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-305775-3. Illustrated by Dung Ho.
A young boy is demoralized when his eyes were depicted with two lines compared with the round open eyes of his friends. Thankfully his Baba (father), Agong (grandfather), and brother, Di-Di reaffirm their eyes rising to the skies and speaking to the stars. The eyes look into the future, reflect on the past, and celebrate life. The young boy eventually realizes he is the ruler of his destiny with “eyes that speak to the stars” (unnumbered). The bright, colorful, bold digital illustrations complement the celebratory mood of a family valuing heritage, the past, present, and future. (DLN)
Phelan, Matt. 2022. The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck. HarperCollinsPublishers (Greenwillow Books). 240 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-291100-1.
Black and white sketches augment the personalities of the characters and energy of the spies, frauds, secret societies, inventions, deceit, hoaxes, friendships, and adventures. Although fiction, historical figures, such as Benjamin Franklin, Count Cagliostro, Franz Anton Mesmer, Edward Bancroft, Marie Antoinette, Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier and the sheep, the rooster and the duck are historical characters. The three animals were the first pilots of a hot air balloon designed by the Montgolfier brothers in 1783. But, the author wonders what happened to the animals after the flight. Phelan personifies the animals and creates an extraordinary fantasy set in 1785 France for readers 8 and older. (DLN)
Elliott, L. M. 2022. Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waves. HarperCollinsPublishers (Katherine Tegen Books). 320 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-305656-5.
Young adults, ages 8 and older, may appreciate reading the author’s note beginning on page 287 before delving into this historical fiction set on the East Coast of the United States during World War II. Louisa’s family is fictitious, but the historical events, specifically the Nazi U-boats creating havoc in the Atlantic are historically accurate. Louisa’s family is complex, including a mother suffering from “the melancholy” (unnumbered), or depression. Louisa is a complex, spirited individual motivated to contribute to the war effort. Family relationships, in addition to the effects of war, dominate the narrative. (DLN)
Kelly, Erin Entrada. 2022. Those Kids From Fawn Creek. HarperCollinsPublishers (Greenwillow Books). 336 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-297035-0.
Life in Fawn Creek, Louisiana, is fairly consistent until a new student moves into the small community. When Orchard Mason joins the seventh grade class of twelve, including, Max Bordelon, Greyson Broussard, Michael Colt Abigail Crawford, Jane Crawford, Dorothy Doucet, Daelyn Guidry, Barnet Kingery, Lehigh Kingery, Daniel Landry, Hallie Romero, and Baylee Trahan, the dynamics of established friendships unfold. A former student Renni Dean who moved from Fawn Creek to Grand Saintlodge is also a significant character in the plot and conflicts. Readers, ages 8 – 14 may recognize themselves in any one of the characters in the well-established groups, the God Squad, the Jocks, Fawn Creek Royalty, and then two “outsiders,” Dorothy and Greyson. Orchard definitely adds new life to Mr. Agosto’s language art class. Interactions and tensions, among family, friends, and foes, will compel readers to draw their conclusions about identity, names, and relationships. (DLN)
Cisneros, Ernesto. 2022. Falling Short. HarperCollinsPublishers (Quill Tree Books). 304 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-288172-4.
Best friends Marco Honeyman and Isaac Castillo are beginning 6th grade and both hope their lives change. Isaac, a gifted basketball player, hopes he becomes organized and pays closer attention to his schoolwork. Marco, a gifted and talented student, hopes he grows taller and is more athletic. Their narratives, shared in alternate chapters, reveal their distinct personalities, characteristics, friendship, passions, family dynamics, and future aspirations. (DLN)
Nye, Naomi Shihab. 2022. The Turtle of Michigan. HarperCollinsPublishers (Greenwillow Books). 336 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-301416-9. Illustrations by Betsy Peterschmidt.
Eight year-old Aref Al-Amri, originally from Muscat, Oman, is living in Ann Arbor, Michigan while his parents attend graduate school. He misses his Sidi, grandfather, and is concerned about making new friends, adjusting to the city, acclimating to third grade at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, and generally, adapting to different cultures, customs, and seasons. Readers, ages 8 – 12, may connect with Aref’s attraction to turtles, and will appreciate his curiosity and passion for writing. Aref is fortunate because his teachers are amazing and supportive, kind and interesting, as are his neighbors and family. (DLN)
Xu, Wendy. 2021. Tidesong. HarperCollinsPublishers (Quill Tree Books). 240 pp. $21.99. ISBN 978-0-06-295580-7.
Sophie wants to audition for the Royal Magic Academy, but first she needs to improve her magic skills. To do this, she accepts an invitation to move in with her cousin Sage and Auntie (actually her great-aunt) to practice the skills to successfully audition for the academy. Her mother and grandmother believe the invitation is Auntie’s way of getting someone to do chores for free. Regardless, Sophie moves in with her Aunt and Cousin and in the process, learns more about herself and her own ambitions versus what others expect of her. The graphics highlight the interactions among family members, magical endeavors, and developing friendships, especially between Lir, a sea dragon who temporarily transforms into a human. According to the author, “The dragons of Chinese mythology, which live under the sea and can shapeshift, provided a jumping-off point for the fantasy elements of this graphic novel” (endnotes, unnumbered). (DLN)
Johnson, Marian Ruiz. 2022. The Book That Kibo Wrote. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers). 32 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-80-285589-3. Originally published in 2018 in France. Translation from the original Spanish by Lawrence Schimel.
Kibo writes a book about a typical day in the savanna, including the birds, bugs, sun, red sky and puddles. Nake, a crane, sews the book and drops it in the city. Eventually Camilo, a lion, reads the book because it reminds him of his birthplace, the savanna. Others read the book for different reasons; Simon, a rabbit, is inspired by the words to sing a song about unknown lands, Valentina, a bird, enjoys the descriptions of the zebra’s dances, the puddles, and yellow grass. Finally, Nanuk, living in the frigid North Pole, is warmed by the description of the warm savanna. Readers, ages 4 – 8, may recognize the characters’ different appreciation of Kibo’s book. (DLN)
Nayberg, Yevgenia. 2022. I Hate Borsch! Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers). 56 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-80-285580-0.
A young girl does not appreciate the delicacy of borsch until she moves from the Ukraine to the United States. Both of her grandmas gave the girl a recipe for borsch which she ignored until she discovered something missing in American foods. Tired of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, flat cheese squares, and pumpkin spice lattes, she realizes she misses the beets, cabbage, carrots, tomato, dill and dollop of sour cream of borsch. An author’s note and recipe for borsch complement this culinary tale. (DLN)
Lại, Thanhhà. 2022. Hundred Years of Happiness. HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 32pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-302692-6. Illustrated by Nguến Quang and Kim Liến.
Grandmother Bà is experiencing memory loss, but her family, including her granddaughter An, is hopeful xôi gấc, a family favorite dish, will help Bà remember a wedding wish with Ông (An’s grandfather) for “hundred years of happiness” (unnumbered). The theme of a devoted and loving intergenerational Việtnamese family is dominant, as is the importance of various foods, such as gấc seeds for the xôi gấc. An author’s note and a family recipe enhance the themes of family and food. (DLN)
Skinner, Nicola. 2022. Storm. HarperCollinsPublishers (Harper). 384 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-307168-1.
Francis, known as Frankie, was born in a storm, developed a temper, then died in a tsunami killing everyone in her village. However, Frankie is not completely dead, and begins existence as a ghost, then as a poltergeist. She needs to discover her purpose for existing before she moves beyond earth. Readers, ages 8 – 12, may marvel at Frankie’s determination to find her destiny, release her anger, and “do what needs to be done” (339) for herself and others. (DLN)
Johnston, Tony. 2021. Trees. Simon & Schuster (Paula Wiseman Books). 40 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-53-447517-5. Illustrated by Tiffany Bozic.Beautiful illustrations tell a tale for those who admire trees. Each page soars with insights about how trees see their world and how the world sees trees. The last two pages are the most poignant, with the line “I like to read in the shade of a tree. Just a tree and me” (unnumbered). The illustrations captures the character’s, and presumably the reader’s, experience and the best is the last. The character’s arms are wrapped around a tree. There is a pictorial glossary of the trees used in the book on the very last page. The glossary would be more useful if labels for the illustrations had been provided within the story. Readers ages 4-8 may best enjoy this exploration of trees. (MEB)
Yolen, Jane and Mark Teague. 2021. How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodbye? Part of the How Do Dinosaurs series of 23 books at publication. Scholastic Inc. (Scholastic Press) 40 pp. $17.99 ISBN 978-1-33-836335-7.
Following the effective pattern of the rest of the series, the book begins by looking at ways that dinosaurs can say goodbye—humorous, relatable, and ineffective. And then, mid-book the tide turns, “No, dinosaurs don’t—they face their fears” (unnumbered). Most importantly, they tell adults their fears and get hugs. The stylized illustrations of people are combined with the realistic illustrations of dinosaurs in Teague’s wonderful pictures. There is a pictorial glossary on the front and end pages of the book. The dinosaurs are also cleverly labeled on the pages they appear. Interestingly, only the dad goes to work which does not seem to match the experience of the vast number of reader’s today. Additionally, there is a moment when dad visits mom when she is in the hospital, however, no explanation is given. Recommended for readers ages 3-5. (MEB)
Magruder, Nilah. 2022. Wutaryoo. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Versify) 48 pp. $17.99 ISBN 978-0-35-817238-3. Illustrations digitally created by Andrea Miller.
This is the tale of a small, mammalian creature in search of herself. She does not know where she came from and or what she is. When others great her they ask, “What are you?” which becomes, “Wutaryoo?” She does not know the answer so asks the question back. Soon she collects the stories of all around her. But she does not know what she is. So she sets off across the world to discover where she came from. Her journey is extensive through oceans- encountering an extinct dodo, mountains, and deep within the earth encountering the skeleton of a dragon, dinosaur. She continues to dig, finding a glowing protozoan. Eventually, finding herself on the top of a hill that leads to the shallow hole that she had started from. Her friends come to find her. Wutaryoo thinks maybe she is nothing that has come from nowhere, but then her friends ask about her journey and she tells them. When she finishes, they ask her to tell them again. Wutaryoo never could tell her own story. She became the receptacle of the stories of others. Finally, women often tell the stories of their parents, husbands, partners, children and never tell the story of themselves. Readers need to consider the answer to the question Wutaryoo carefully. (MEB)
Nichols, Roger. 2021. Massacring Indians, From Horseshoe Bend to Wounded Knee. Oxford University Press (OUP). 194pp. $24.95. ISBN 978-0-80-616864-7.
Readers dive into a short and easily readable telling of the story of 10 massacres of indigenous peoples throughout the 19Th Century. It is a well-researched and documented narration. It is also written in a very even handed manner. The author presents information to reveal that the indigenous people had little understanding of the immigrant culture and vice versa. Also that the immigrant population had little patience for the indigenous population, bloody conflict was the result. Most readers should find it to be a very interesting and compelling read. It is well documented with endnotes, bibliography, and index. (JAB)
Meadows, William C. 2021. The First Code Talkers. University of Oklahoma Press. 378pp. $36.95. ISBN 978-0-80-616841-8.
This is a well-researched history of a little known fact of World War I; that indigenous language speakers used that skill to communicate within and among U.S. Army units fighting in Europe. The author is very meticulous in describing and related these events and in presenting the story of specific individuals involved. The text is well documented with copious endnotes, bibliography, and extensive index. In all ways this book is a fine academic telling of the events. This is not a book for the casual reader. Yet for those who are interested in the story of how indigenous people served in the United States Military and their very notable contributions, it is a must read. (JAB)
Hill, Karlos K. (2021) The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, A Photographic History. University of Oklahoma Press. 288pp. $34.95. ISBN 978-0-80-616856-2.
Readers should get their hands on this book, read, and view it. The book tells the story of the destruction of the black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A thriving community was destroyed and many killed by white “deputized” mobs. Reading this book was like watching a train wreck; the event is so horrific that though you would like to look away, you can’t. In the case of this book, the event is so horrific you are compelled to read on. Since the book is a “photographic history” it is almost self-documenting. Yet, the author provides us with survivor interviews and an extensive bibliography. (JAB)
Downing Hahn, Mary. 2021. The Thirteenth Cat. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Clarion Books). 240pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-35-839408-2.
Zoey is spending the summer with her Aunt Alice in a small town in Vermont when she meets Lila, who lives across the street. The pair quickly become friends. Both girls love cats and are upset at the way the strange neighbor, Miss Dupree, mistreats the many cats she has. A girl/cat adventure starts when the two girls try to rescue a cat that they feel has not been treated well. The girls meet Zleta, Miss Dupree’s niece. They also meet cats, named One, Two, Three, all the way to Thirteen who can no longer tell their story due to Miss Dupree’s spell A good beginner mystery for a slightly older child (10-12) who can tell fantasy from reality. This is a creative story and the descriptions of the cats, woods, and feelings are good. The chapters are somewhat long but the book is easy to pick up and put down. The vocabulary is appropriate with a few words thrown in that may need to be looked up. An adult known to the young reader may also benefit from reading to be able to talk about the story if the young reader becomes unsettled with it. (CMP)
Tunnel, Michael. 2020. “Desert Diary Japanese American Kids Behind Barbed Wire.” Charlesbridge. 144pp. $19.99 ISBN 978-1-58-089789-1.
The “Desert Diary American Kids Behind Barbed Wire” by Michael O. Tunnell is a book that talks about the Japanese internment in the U.S. during WWII. Told through the eyes of a young Japanese girl, Mae, whose family is moved to Camp Topaz in the Utah desert. The book is divided into chapters. Each chapter describes life in the camp, school days, animals, holiday, activities, and more. It is interesting to learn how these people, most U.S. citizens, try to make their overturned life as normal as possible while behind barbed wire. Michael O. Tunnell interviewed adults who were interned in this camp as children. Some of the adults had repressed their memory of the camp. The author has included many pictures that show life in the camp and what it looked like. Miss Yamauchi, a third grade teacher at the camp, had the class write a “Daily Diary” with what was happening. . The book includes snippets of the diary and the art work. The author’s note is a must read and a good conclusion. It also explains how this book came about. This would be a good book for any age. It is a subject that many have not heard of or studied in history class. If a young child is reading it I would recommend that an adult read it with them. For adults and older children this book could be the beginning of a great discussion. Enjoy the pictures and how so many people tried to make trying times as normal as possible. It is a time we must not forget and never repeat. (CMP)
McSmith, Tobly. Act Cool. HarperCollinsPublishers (Quill Tree Books). 346pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-303856-1.
Young adult readers will enjoy the humorous yet poignantly honest depiction of a kid who treats high school as if “all the world’s a stage” in order to navigate the different social roles teenagers are asked to perform in different social settings. Narrated by the protagonist August Greene (aka, infamousAugustGreene on Insta), Act Cool tells the story of a trans teen who runs away from his rural home—and his religious, transphobic parents—to live his dream in New York City. There, he moves in with his aunt (a lesbian artist), who helps him successfully audition into enrollment at an elite arts academy where August can pursue his dream of becoming a famous actor: a famous trans actor who can play any starring role, of any gender. But as August makes a new group of friends and struggles with rigorous drama classes, fitting in, and competing romantic interests, he begins to learn that acting and living aren’t as separable as he imagines, especially as he struggles with hiding his transness from his parents. To add to his stress, August finds himself at the center of an ongoing debate among students about representation: should men be allowed to perform women’s roles—and should cis actors portray trans character? Tobly McSmith’s “own voices” novel is a delightfully touching story of a trans adolescence in which dreams can come true—especially when that truth shines through the messy process of figuring out how to live authentically. (JH)
Content Includes: depictions of suicidal ideation and suicide; alcoholism; transphobia; and gender dysphoria.