Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - sports books - 7.21.21

 It's Olympic and Paralympic time, which means many of us are thinking about sports!  Here are some books to share with your sports enthusiasts!

The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their Own Soccer Field

written by Scott Riley

illustrated by Nguyen Quang and Kim Lien

When your soccer field depends on the lunar cycle, you may be thinking of alternative places to play.  But when there is no additional room in your city for a field, what do you do?  Build a floating field, of course!  That's just what Prasit Hemmin and his friends decided to do.  My favorite part is whoever kicks the ball out of bounds (into the sea), has to jump in and get it!  Really interesting story about the dedication to this sport!

Finish Strong: Seven Marathons, Seven Continents, Seven Days

written by Dave McGillivray with Nancy Feehrer

illustrated by Shululu

It's a really interesting story!  I didn't even know about this challenge, but it exists and people have completed it!  I think young readers will enjoy following Mr. McGillivray on his journey to complete the World Marathon Challenge.

At the bottom of each page is a saying that is meant to be a positive message about the page.  I don't think there needed to be one for every page, they were a bit redundant.  

Amazing Athletes: An All-Star Look at Canada's Paralympians

written by Marie-Claude Ouellet

translated by Phyllis Aronoff and Howard Scott

This book publishes Aug. 15th, which is just in time for the Paralympics!  I was able to read an advanced copy of this book via Edelweiss.

Not going to lie, I downloaded this one for very personal reasons.  Since my daughter will be competing in the upcoming Paralympics, I wanted to see who her competition might be, lol!  The way Canada choose their Paralympic Team was very very different this year because of Covid.  They didn't hold a Trials because of a conflicting meet in Berlin.  So their team was chosen based on past times in World Para meets going back to 2019.  This means their times are not in the current world rankings, so there is no way of knowing who your competition is!

But back to the book, it's actually very interesting.  I would LOVE to see a USA book like this published.

At the start of the book it gives a very very quick intro, but I liked the things that are mentioned.  It specifically says the Paralympics are made up of the "best high performance athletes."  I have found many people confuse Special Olympics, where the goal is inclusion, compared to Para where there are extremely high standards for competitions, just like the Olympics.  The book also gives an intro to the International Paralympic Committee, which oversees everything.  Many people are familiar with the Olympic Rings, but Para also has it's own symbol, which are three "swoops" that are red, green, and blue.  These colors are chosen because they are the colors that are most represented on the world's flags.  This symbol means "spirit in motion".  It talks briefly about how the athletes are classified based on disability so equal competition can occur.  Finally, there is mention of how the Paralympic movement is slowly gaining media attention.  Yes!

The book then moves on to highlight current athletes from different Paralympic sports - which like their Olympic counterpart, have Winter and regular Olympic sports.  It's interesting to read about the different athletes because how they came to the sport and their disability are all different.  Some were born with their disability, others are a result from a life-altering injury or illness.

My favorite quote came from swimmer, Benoit Huot.  He said, "I dream of a day when the public considers a Paralympic medal just as valuable as an Olympic medal.  To achieve that, we have to increase the visibility of Paralympic athletes."

AMEN!!!

The Secret Science of Sports:The Math, Physics, and Mechanical Engineering Behind Every Gland Slam, Triple Axel, and Penalty Kick

by Jennifer Swanson

The first book I read by Jennifer Swanson was her Super Gear: Nanotechnology and Sports Team Up book and I found it fascinating!  This one was too and I love that readers will be able to approach it in different ways.  It is full of STEM information and how it influences sports.  In fact, each STEM letter is covered in a chapter - science, technology, engineering, and math!  Whether a reader wants to focus on one part - there is a chapter for that reader!  Or maybe a reader really wants to focus in on a specific sport.  Swanson includes a wide variety of sports in each chapter, demonstrating how STEM comes into play.  That's how I chose to read the book.  Obviously swimming is a highly watched and enjoyed sport in our family.  I skimmed through the other sports, slowing down when it caught my eye, but really looked for the swimming portions!

Swanson makes sure to include science by including experiments that have to do with the STEM topic that is focused on in that chapter.  Readers can stop and try out the experiments to get a better understanding of the concept.  There are also illustrations by Laurene Boglio on every page that gives a visual to the topic.  By the time I got to the engineering and math chapter, I was glad to have the visual supports!

I suspect this book will have readers from STEM fields and sports fields who will be pouring over sections, if not the entire book!

And one fiction book!

Lucas at the Paralympics

written by Igor Plohl

illustrated by Urska Stropnik Sonc

I had to include this picture book in the roundup because it had quite a bit of information about the Paralympics.  There's the story about Lucas and how he came to learn more about the Paralympics, and then there is information throughout the story and in captions on every page that gives factual information.  I thought it did a really nice job giving explanations and an overview.  I gave it to my daughter to read to see if she saw anything problematic that I missed and she said it was good!  The only thing she said would have been good to explain is in some sports, like track and field and swimming, visual swimmers do not compete against those with a physical impairment.  She said it's something she's seen confused before, and there is mention in the book in regards to other sports about how the two impairments might be working as a team.  Good feedback!

Enjoy watching the Games!

First day of Olympic competition - July 23rd

First day of Paralympic competition - August 25th (the day my daughter competes!)

Happy watching!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 7.19.21

This weekly post comes from Jen at Teach Mentor Texts

 and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers.  

It's a great source to find new books to use with your students.

Last Week's Adventures

A review of the professional literature book Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep

Chapter books about girl main characters... and her pets!

Some new picture book biographies and ways you can use them in the classroom!

Picture Books

What Will You Be?

written by Yamile Saied Méndez

illustrated by Kate Alizadeh

A book about how the possibilities are endless when you're young and thinking about the future.  The message is you can do anything you want, as many things as you want.  Dream big!

This story would be a good mentor text for modeling a writing stem of naming something and describing it.

I think young readers will understand what the book is about, but I think some of the descriptions are above very young readers.  Even through the character is young, this is a perfect example of how picture books are for older readers - they are complex!

Have You Ever Seen a Flower?

by Shawn Harris

Definitely a book I am filing under, "but what does it really mean?"

However, I believe this book is going to be remembered for the illustrations.  The way Harris has used the bright colors and the contrasting negative spaces is amazing.

My Rainy Day Rocket Ship

written by Markette Sheppard

illustrated by Charly Palmer

When it's raining and he can't go out to play, a young boy does some imaginative play and builds a rocket ship.  Yes, more Black joy books, please!

Listen

written by Gabi Snyder

illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

First of all, I love Graegin's illustrations in absolutely everything she does, and this one is no exception.  The muted tones of the illustrations make you pay even more attention to the quiet details.

A story about mindfulness and paying attention to the noises around you.  Find the individual sounds, not just the one large noise.  A good book to use at the beginning of the school year to remind students to be mindful and not ignore the noises that are quiet!

Hannah and the Ramadan Gift

written by Qasim Rashid

illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

I'm grateful we have more Ramadan books being published.  This one focuses on the kindness that is spread by those who are celebrating Ramadan.  Sometimes youngsters don't realize that all of the small kindnesses they are doing are appreciated.  Young Hannah in this story questions that.  Luckily her dada jaan, grandfather, is able to help her understand.

I love that the author uses Muslim names and words throughout the book, but I was surprised a pronunciation guide was not included.

Graphic Novel

Long Distance

by Whitney Gardner

It's been awhile since I've read a GN!  This is one kids will enjoy.  It's a fantasy but definitely has some humor in it.  

Vega's dads have just moved her from Portland to Seattle.  And the worst part of that is leaving her best friend.  They both love everything outer space.  

Once Vega is in Seattle she is miserable without her BFF so her dad decides to send her to summer camp.  Once she arrives there, she quickly starts noticing things that are a little different.  Soon, a few other campers are picking up on things too.  Eventually they put the pieces together and what they find out will surprise everyone!

This is a definite add for 3rd-6th gr libraries.

Middle Grade

The Stars of Whistling Ridge

by Cindy Baldwin

This story reminded me a lot of Natalie Lloyd's A Snicker of Magic.  Both are about a girl who is looking for a place to call home while also trying to solve a mystery that is affecting their family.  Both stories brought out some big emotions, and both left me hugging the books (or device in this case).

I loved meeting Ivy Mae.  Her character arc of understanding her own identity and figuring out how it intertwines with her family's, is quite the journey and I was honored to go on it with her.  I loved the magical realism parts of the story and I was rapidly turning pages to see how it was all going to come together.

Thank you to Harper Collins and Edelweiss for the e-galley.

The Mending Summer

by Ali Standish

Ali Standish knows how to write stories that go directly to the reader's heart.  She also takes a big topic, in this case alcoholism within the family, and balances it so well in a middle grade novel.  Georgia's story of finding it hard to control situations that are truly uncontrollable and understanding feelings that are complicated and hard, made me want to jump in the story and help her.  While middle grade readers might not have those same feelings, they will understand what it's like to not always be able to fix everything.  I think the storyline of alcoholism will be an eye opener for some readers, and for others they will feel seen, which is important for all readers.  

Young Adult

Tokyo Ever After

by Emiko Jean

If you're looking for a sweet rom-com this summer, look no further!  Can't go to the Tokyo Olympics?  Visit via this story! 

American teen Izumi discovers that she is the secret love child between her mom and... the Crown Prince of Japan!  When word gets out, her father brings her to Japan to get to know her and for Izumi to get to know Japan.  She brings her American habits with her which don't always mix well with Japanese royalty, but the results are fun to read about!  Of course she ends up falling in love with her Imperial Guard, of course she has cousins that don't appreciate her, and of course her parents maybe still have a little flame going for each other.  It's adorable, fun, light-hearted and just what I needed to read this summer.  It looks to be a series and if there is more coming, I am all for it!

Currently Reading

Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom

by Sangu Mandanna

A story based in Indian mythology, I'm at the beginning and trying to get down the names.  They are important and I want to remember them!

It's mid-summer and I still have a lot to read!  Yikes!

Professional Reads Series - Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep - 7.16.21

Let's just say it.  It was a difficult year last school year.  It was difficult to read.  It was hard to focus.  Every last bit of attention had to go to what you were presently doing.  I think there is going to be a lot of PTSD recovery that is going to need to happen way longer than a summer break can offer!  I did not do any professional reading last year.  I had intentions, but there just wasn't a chance I could give an extra thought other than to what I was doing.  So, trying to make up for some time this summer!

I'm hoping to review a few before we all head back to school.  My goal as I read them was to be thinking about how does this translate for me?  As a teacher?  As a coach?  As someone who works with large groups and small groups of readers?  As I write up my review, those are things I wanted to let blog readers know about.

The first book I read:

Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep

edited by Melissa Stewart

published by NCTE

This one has been in my possession for awhile, and I'm sorry it took me so long to get to, but, as mentioned, covid, so yeah.

This book was a bit different from the other professional books I read because it was written by authors instead of someone in the professional development field.  That made it a unique read right away.  Nonfiction author Melissa Stewart, brings together 50 award-winning children's book authors to explain their nonfiction writing process and what keeps them writing.  There are three main topics: choosing a topic, finding a focus, and making it personal.

Before I explain any further, this is not a book that is celebrating the authors' finished books.  It really is authors sharing what makes them excited about writing nonfiction and how that translates into their process.

If you know Melissa Stewart, then you know she kind of knows her way around text structures.  So you can imagine the structure of this book is going to be perfect and very easy for the reader to use and follow.  Each of the above three main topics get further broken down in their respective chapter.  Melissa starts by giving an introduction and usually makes a personal connection to her writing process that gives an example and helps explain it to the reader.  After the introduction, I understood the point of the chapter and it helped me focus on what I would probably be getting out of reading the rest of it.  Next came the personal essays from a kidlit nonfiction author.  Some of the authors write picture books, some write longer form nonfiction, which helps make this book useful to kindergarten teachers through high school; I bet even a college professor would gain info from this book!  The reader can read every essay, but Stewart includes a table before this section begins that gives a quick explanation of the author, the format they write in (picture book vs. longer format), focus, and their essay highlight.  This table was helpful for me because I was able to quickly decide which essays sounded the most pertinent to me and focus on them.  The other essays I skimmed through in case there was something I might want to read a bit more closely.  I thought it was interesting the picture books all start at grade 4 for as far as recommended level, but there were many picture books that we use at a kindergarten level.  Don't let that limit your reading of this book if you are a primary teacher.  There are nuggets of information that will pertain to you too!  The last section in each chapter are some teaching tips.  I found these to be helpful.  Many of them sparked an idea that I can use or tweak to make work with our students.

As with any professional development book I read, I always try and let it sit and think about how this will work for me.  Something I had to remember while reading, is that while the kidlit authors give some great ideas and thoughts, it is different for them because  they choose what they want to write about.  While not always the case for our young writers at school, I found myself thinking about how can I take that nugget from an author and make it work when our students are writing about something specific in a content area topic.  However, it also did make me think about more informational choice writing and research!  Something I would like to explore more.

Something else I thought about was the amount of nonfiction resources we have available for our learners.  Students need to be exposed to nonfiction through readalouds.  They need to hear how it sounds, they need to understand the differences and how to explore this type of literature.  Too often educators reach for fiction picture books.  We need to actively monitor and notice the amount of nonfiction vs fiction we are choosing to read.  We also need to notice how much nonfiction we are including in classroom libraries.  Are kids able to find books about the topics they are interested in learning about?  Are there picture books about the social science and science topics they are currently learning about?  Making sure we have nonfiction resources for students, both in trade books and magazine articles and media posts and internet articles could easily be a full time position for a school!  I also loved the idea that not all information has to come from a book - help students find information by interviewing an expert or conducting field research!

The bottom line (in my opinion):

useful for teachers: grades kg-college

topic:  nonfiction writing

uses: helps a teacher think more deeply about getting students invested in their writing to lift engagement and therefore have a positive effect on their writing process

will a teacher gain instant ideas:  yes

final thought:  you get real ideas in here that you probably won't get from sitting through your next professional development training at school

*Thank you to NCTE for the review copy of this book!*

If you have not heard of this book or have been wondering whether or not to pick it up, I hope this review was helpful!  

#road2reading Challenge - Chapter Book Summer Series - Just a Girl and Her Pet - 7.15.21

 

As I was gathering books for these posts, I found all of these stories about girls who had pets.  Now, the stories aren't necessarily about the girl and her pet, but it was interesting that they always had one.  Really these stories are about the girl and the awesome things she does.  Maybe she has a goal...  Maybe she's looking for friends... Maybe she's trying to catch the uncatchable........  But she always has a pet by her side!

Of course, I can't help but point out these are all about girl main characters.  It is much harder to find a chapter book that features a boy main character, much less a boy main character who is not white.  I have written some posts with boy POC characters, but they are few and far between.  Would really like to see more.  Everyone deserves to see themselves in a book.

Onto the roundup now!

Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey

by Erin Entrada Kelly

The first in a series that is loosely based off her own life, Kelly gives us a wonderful character in Marisol.  Marisol is imaginative, is a great friend, and is super creative.  She gives everything names and treats everyone and everything with kindness.  Marisol's faithful cat, Beans is often by her side.  Her best friend, Jada, and her have wildly creative adventures in her backyard.  Marisol may have a little bit of an arch-nemesis in Evie Smythe... even if Evie's older brother and Marisol's older brother are BFFs and they see each other more often than they would like.  And Marisol would really really like to climb Peppina, the magnolia tree in her backyard.  With the help of Jada, will Marisol overcome her fear and be brave enough to try?  

I loved meeting Marisol.  She had a perfect amount of spunk to make her likable and believable.  No doubt young readers will want to be her friend.

With illustrations by the author sprinkled throughout the text, readers will have nice breaks in the text with visual supports.  The book comes in at 145 pages and with its trim size, is a perfectly sized chapter book.  

I noticed that Kelly never mentions Marisol's age or grade.  I suspect that will change in future books in the series, but with the age ambiguity, Marisol will appeal to older readers who are looking for a shorter text and visual supports in their reading.

Recommendations:

for read aloud: grades 1-3

for independent reading: grades 2-5

Twig and Turtle series

written by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

illustrated by Paula Franco

I've only read this first book in the series, but it has me looking for the others!  There are four books in the series published and two more coming.  I think readers are going to love meeting sisters, Twig and Turtle.  

In the first book the girls have just moved (for the third time that school year) to their new home... and guess what?  It's a tiny home!  Already I can't wait to read more just to hear about their adventures in a tiny home!  Such a fun and unique setting!  There are the usual space problems but things get really difficult when Twig wants to bring a family dog into the house.  Did I mention it's a Great Dane?  Meanwhile, Turtle seems to be fitting right into her new school and making new friends.  Twig, on the other hand, needs some help.  How will Twig meet new friends and solve her Great Dane problem?  I'll give you a hint - it all comes together at the end!

The books come in at around 100 pages and there are fantastic illustrations sprinkled throughout the story.  I'm looking forward to finding the other books!

Recommendations:

for read aloud:  grades 2-3

for independent reading:  grades 2-4

JoJo Makoons: The Used-To-Be Best Friend

written by Dawn Quigley

illustrated by Tara Audibert

I know so many primary and elementary teachers love sharing Junie B. Jones books with readers.  Here is a new and soon-to-be-series that I would recommend!  Jojo is a citizen of the Ojibwe Nation and lives on the fictional Pembina Ojibwe Reservation.  Jojo lives with her mom and kokum (grandmother) and her home best friend, Mimi the cat.  Jojo is very concerned with having friends and is nervous that her school best friend, Fern, is leaving her for other friends.  

Much of this story takes place at school and readers will empathize with Jojo as she navigates reading difficulties and friendship woes.  Readers will also notice when Jojo doesn't notice some body language clues that someone is trying to be her friend, or miss social clues when she says something that is not necessarily going to get her a friend!  Living out the dream of many school age children, Jojo even sneaks Mimi the cat to school in case she needs a snuggle from her home best friend! 

Full of Ojibwe words (a glossary is included in the back) and other Native rich traditions and characters, this story is perfect to have in all libraries!  I'm excited that it will be a series.  Written by Dawn Quigley, a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe, North Dakota; she clearly knows her young audience and has given them a story that will make readers laugh and sympathize with!  A quick read, this one is 62 pages, and full of illustrations by Tara Audibert (of Wolastoqey/French heritage).

Recommendations: 

for read aloud: grades 1-3

for independent reading:  grades 1-4

Starla Jean - Which Came First: The Chicken or the Friendship?

written by Elana K. Arnold

illustrated by A.N. Kang

Starla Jean knows a lot about chickens.  But some of the things she knows is going to change... after she catches one!  Starla Jean and her father are at the park when she spots a chicken.  Her father agrees, if she can catch it, she can keep it.  Starla Jean is someone who makes a goal and keeps it, because before her dad can take back what he said, Starla Jean has herself a chicken!

This is more of an early chapter book - it has lots of white space and an illustration on every layout.  It's perfect for readers who are ready for something a bit longer than Henry and Mudge or Frog and Toad.  Look for book 2, coming in September!

Recommendations:

for read aloud: grades kg-1

for independent reading:  grades kg-2

     

Definitely Dominguita series

Knight of the Cape

Captain Dom's Treasure

written by Terry Catasus Jennings

illustrated by Fátima Anaya

Meet Dominguita - a Cuban American who is taking down gender stereotypes one character at a time!

In the first book of the series we meet Dominguita, who would rather be reading a good book like Don Quixote than playing with kids.  In fact, she doesn't have too many friends.  And she is really missing Abuela, who has moved far away to live with her sister because her memories are not as strong as what they used to be.  She is also missing her big brother, who seems to be too busy for her now that he's a teenager!  Dom comes up with the idea of writing a book of stories, since that is something she would always do with Abuela - read stories!  And the book of stories would feature her being a knight errant (a lá Don Quixote style) and doing really good deeds.  Dom quickly finds way to attire herself in the style of a knight and sets off to accomplish these amazing deeds.  But the class bully quickly laughs at Dom and tells her a girl can't be a knight.  Now she has even more to prove!  Dom decides the best way to show everyone that a girl can be a knight is to do lots of really BIG, good deeds, take a selfie of doing the deeds, and her brother will write the stories up and add the pictures to create a book.  Then Dom will read them to Abuela!  But Dom quickly finds out that not all deeds can be big deeds.  It takes her awhile to realize that all of her small deeds can add up to being something pretty amazing.  Along the way, she gains some assistants that end up becoming friends.  And a steed to help them along their way (a dog they name Rocco).  Dom also realizes that putting a bully in their place can be tricky business!

Each subsequent story has Dom taking on a gender bending role.  In the second book, she takes on the role of pirate.  In the third book (publishing next month), Dom and friends take on their role of the Three Musketeers!

The books in the series are all just over 100 pages.  There are some illustrations sprinkled throughout the book.  I love the realistic style Fátima Anaya has brought to the illustrations.

Recommendations:

for read aloud:  grades 2-3

for independent reading:  grades 2-4

Like what you see here?  Be sure to stop by every Thursday for more chapter book suggestions!  If you want to see all of the posts in the series, click on "Chapter Book Summer Series 2021 under the "Labels" section, located on the right side of the blog.  See you again next week!

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - ideas for using biographies with lessons - 7.14.21

I love picture book biographies.  Not only can you use them to learn about new people or learn more about people you know of, you can also use them to study traits and ideas.  Some new ones!

The People's Painter: How Ben Shahn Fought for Justice With Art

written by Cynthia Levinson

illustrated by Evan Turk

Ben Shahn was an immigrant from Lithuania who painted and took photographs of the people and the injustices and real life issues  they faced.

Use this book to teach and discuss:

• doing what you think is right, and not following what everyone else does
• speaking up and speaking out with art (it doesn't always have to be your voice)
• determination

The Stuff Between the Stars: How Vera Rubin Discovered Most of the Universe

written by Sandra Nickel

illustrated by Aimee Sicuro

In a time when studying the sciences was something men did, Vera Rubin continued to push gender boundaries by constantly questioning and finding new information in a land far away - in the sky and universe.

Use this book to teach and discuss:

• questioning - why we are always asking questions and not settling for the same answers
• perseverance - not giving up when others say no
• gender boundaries - why it's not up to one gender to make rules and learn information

Dr. Fauci: How a Boy From Brooklyn Became America's Doctor

written by Kate Messner

illustrated by Alexandra Bye

For a long time during 2020, the only word I trusted about COVID19 was Dr. Fauci's.  Everywhere you looked, there was misinformation.  I knew his word was based on the science he had, at that time, in a time where information changed by the minute.  I knew whatever he said was what I needed to be doing at that time.  And if he revised what he said, I knew because the science changed.  Not because he just wanted something to happen.  So yeah, he kind of is my hero.

This picture book biography is a bigger glimpse into Dr. Fauci's childhood and his steps in his schooling.  It goes all the way up to today's time, so we're getting a quick glimpse of the man who has guided us through the worst pandemic we've ever faced.  I love how there are so many questions sprinkled throughout Messner's story because they really signify Dr. Fauci.

Use this book to teach and discuss:

• make a list of those questions I just mentioned.  What do you notice about the questions?  What do the questions tell you about Dr. Fauci?  Make a list of questions you have.  Collect the questions to create a wonder wall.  What will inspire you?
• how did Dr. Fauci's childhood inspire him later in life?  Take a glimpse into your future!  What are the things you are passionate about now?  How might you use those things in your future?
• be a changemaker!  Dr. Fauci helped so many of us during the pandemic.  What can you do to make a difference?

And don't miss this zoom interview between author Kate Messner and Dr. Fauci!

These were some amazing biographies and people to meet.  But, I'm looking forward to using them for many reasons!  I hope these ideas inspire you, too!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 7.12.21

This weekly post comes from Jen at Teach Mentor Texts

 and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers.  

It's a great source to find new books to use with your students.

Last Week's Adventures

A political figure you will want to meet

Do you know readers who love Magic Tree House?  Here are some more chapter books to introduce to those readers!

This MG book is going to be a hit this fall!  Make sure you have copies of Secondhand Dogs for your readers!  Learn more about the book here.

Picture Books

America My Love, America My Heart

by Daria Peoples-Riley

I am often looking for books that can help discuss the civil unrest in our country with young readers.  This book is a really good entryway into a discussion.

How to Apologize

written by David LaRochelle

illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

Oh, I like this one!  Giving tips like being sincere, making a plan so you don't repeat a mistake, as well as what a not-so-sincere apology looks like.  A good book to use at the beginning of the school year!

Amira's Picture Day

written by Reem Faruqi

illustrated by Fahmida Azim

It's Eid!  A day of celebration, good food, and friends and family.  But it's also picture day for Amira and she really wants to take part in both Eid and picture day.

A book you'll want for your holiday collection.  I like that it has information about Eid and traditions, but also celebrates those things kids just want to do!

30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag

written by Amanda Davis

illustrated by Sally Wern Comport

This is such an amazing story, and one I didn't know anything about.  I do remember the flag that was hung near the site of the fallen towers, but I didn't know there was a story about it after it was taken down.  I love the narrative Davis wrote and the illustrations by Comport are spot on.  The backmatter is so informative, you'll really want to make sure you make the time to read all of it to readers, as well.  This is a must have book.

Bella's Recipe for Disaster Success

written by Ana Siqueira

illustrated by Geraldine Rodríguez

I think it's important to talk to our young readers about persevering and having determination when working towards a goal.  Too often I see kids who frustrate so easily when something doesn't work correctly the first time.  Here's a book to share with readers!

Young Bella sees her brother and sister being successful at things but she doesn't feel like she has something she is really good at.  She decides to learn how to make polvorones with dulce de leche with her Abuela.  However, things don't go exactly how she wants them to and ends up having to make batch after batch.  While she's doing that, she eventually sees her sister and brother having trouble with the things they are good at, too.  Bella eventually finds success and it's all the more "sweet" since she worked so hard!

Spanish is sprinkled throughout the storyline.  I know my Spanish speakers are always so happy to see their language in books that are in libraries!  I was surprised there was not a Spanish glossary at the end, but non-Spanish speaking readers will be able to use context clues to figure out almost every word.  However, the recipe for the delicious cookies Bella makes is included in the book!

Thank you to author Ana Siqueira for the review copy!

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre

written by Carole Boston Weatherford

illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Wow.  This book is as powerful as everyone is saying.  I never heard of the Tulsa Race Massacre until this book, and that is wrong and I guess not surprising at this point.

Use this book to teach and discuss:

• history!  I'm going to go out on a limb and guess this event is still not in most history books...
• kids today need to understand they systemic racism that has been taking place in our country for centuries.  This is not something new.  This has been occurring for a very very long time.

Middle Grade

Ophie's Ghosts

by Justina Ireland

A historical fiction that is rich in accuracy of the injustices of African Americans in our country is married with a chilling ghost story that will want you reading in the daylight!  It's unique and fun and fascinating.

It is the 1920s and Ophie is surviving the tragedy that is the loss of her father and home.  She also has come to realize that she has the gift of sight and is able to see and communicate with ghosts.  Her mother and her have moved north to Pittsburgh and are now working in a manor as housekeepers and for Ophie, caretaker to the very old matron of the home.  Having to deal with the racist old Mrs. Caruthers as well as trying to figure out how to deal with all of the ghosts that also reside in the home is confusing.  But with the guidance of her aunt, Ophie learns more about the ghosts and why she should leave them alone.  But when a very friendly ghost befriends Ophie, she can't help but get involved and try to solve the mystery of the ghost's death.

With some chapters being told by a variety of narrators that are important settings to the story, the reader learns a lot about what it was like growing up as an African American girl in the time of Jim Crow laws.... and will be entertained by a fascinating ghost story!

Young Adult

Off the Record

by Camryn Garrett

Woah, what powerful story!  Rooted in the #MeToo movement, this book uses the teen perspective to explore what the hard decision to speak up when it's easier to look away.

Josie is a budding journalist, the youngest of three sisters, has anxiety and body issues (she'll tell you she's fat but she's trying to be more positive), and has just won a major contest to report on an up-and-coming actor for a major magazine.  Josie and her appointed guardian/sister are about to go on a multi-city tour and follow along the cast and crew for a movie that is about to premier.  Josie is doing the lead article on the actor who is about her age and Josie is about to fall for him.  But... it gets complicated.  A major film director has been sexually preying on his leading actresses and they've had enough.  Will Josie be the one to write the exposé that lets the world know, or will she be silenced?  

Beautifully written!

Currently Reading

The Mending Summer

by Ali Standish

I love all of Ali's books and I've been looking forward to this one for awhile!

Happy July reading!