A Train’s Day by Betsy Rathburn

A Train’s Day is sure to appeal to young train fans. In the train yard, the reader learns some of the different cars that make up a freight train. Once the cars are connected, the freight train departs. Along the way the freight train passes a passenger train. Upon arriving at the freight station, the boxcars are loaded and the train can then continue to the next station where it is unloaded.

Bellwether Media’s Machines at Work series provides engaging, easy to read titles for curious young readers. The series follows the Blastoff! Missions format, starting with three Mission Goals which include one literacy goal and two content goals. Colorful illustrations support the text and include labels with key vocabulary. Blastoff Jimmy occasionally shares additional information, usually numerical details, in Jimmy Says bubbles. Key vocabulary terms are bold. Endpapers include a glossary, index, print resources, and digital Factsurfer resources. The curated age appropriate digital resources suggested on Factsurfer are best explored with an adult. The Beyond the Mission section provides three extension questions focusing on text-to-self connections and creativity.

A Garbage Truck’s Day by Rebecca Sabelko

Kids are naturally curious about the big, noisy garbage trucks they see every week. In A Garbage Truck’s Day, the reader learns about the different types of garbage trucks and follows a rear loader on its route through the community. Use this title in a unit on community helpers or as part of a garbage and recycling instruction.

Bellwether Media’s Machines at Work series provides engaging, easy to read titles for curious young readers. The series follows the Blastoff! Missions format, starting with three Mission Goals which include one literacy goal and two content goals. Colorful illustrations support the text and include labels with key vocabulary. Blastoff Jimmy occasionally shares additional information, usually numerical details, in Jimmy Says bubbles. Key vocabulary terms are bold. Endpapers include a glossary, index, print resources, and digital Factsurfer resources. The curated age appropriate digital resources suggested on Factsurfer are best explored with an adult. The Beyond the Mission section provides three extension questions focusing on text-to-self connections and creativity.

A Ship’s Day by Betsy Rathburn

A Ship’s Day follows a container ship as it approaches port, docks, and is unloaded. As the ship leaves port, it passes other ships on its way to the next port. A fun read for transportation fans.

Bellwether Media’s Machines at Work series provides engaging, easy to read titles for curious young readers. The series follows the Blastoff! Missions format, starting with three Mission Goals which include one literacy goal and two content goals. Colorful illustrations support the text and include labels with key vocabulary. Blastoff Jimmy occasionally shares additional information, usually numerical details, in Jimmy Says bubbles. Key vocabulary terms are bold. Endpapers include a glossary, index, print resources, and digital Factsurfer resources. The curated age appropriate digital resources suggested on Factsurfer are best explored with an adult. The Beyond the Mission section provides three extension questions focusing on text-to-self connections and creativity.

A Monster Truck’s Day by Rebecca Sabelko

For young readers interested in monster trucks, A Monster Truck’s Day details both the behind the scenes work and the excitement of the show. Starting with a tune up and transport to the event site, the reader follows the truck through the day, ending with cleaning and repairs in preparation for the next day. The use in the narrative of some monster truck specific terms such as endo and cyclone will challenge a reader unfamiliar with the sport.

Bellwether Media’s Machines at Work series provides engaging, easy to read titles for curious young readers. The series follows the Blastoff! Missions format, starting with three Mission Goals which include one literacy goal and two content goals. Colorful illustrations support the text and include labels with key vocabulary. Blastoff Jimmy occasionally shares additional information, usually numerical details, in Jimmy Says bubbles. Key vocabulary terms are bold. Endpapers include a glossary, index, print resources, and digital Factsurfer resources. The curated age appropriate digital resources suggested on Factsurfer are best explored with an adult. The Beyond the Mission section provides three extension questions focusing on text-to-self connections and creativity.

Bite Risk

S.J. Wills

Bite Risk

Ansel Archer lives in a strange place where kids lock up their parents when they “change”. The adults and teens around 16, maybe even 15, turn into werewolves, or Rippers. Something isn’t right in their town – beyond the whole changing into a werewolf thing, and Sel and his friends are determined to find out what is going on and how to fix it before more bad happens.The author made this book a great mystery, and with many plot twists, incredibly interesting. It’s a real page-turned and hard to put down. The little bits of humor and thrilling events make this book fun to read. I liked how the author portrayed Sel and his friends as they started to piece things together. I do wish it had more information about Sel’s father. I can’t remember anything being stated about him in the book. This book will be an amazing read for anybody who loves a good plot twist in their books with a bit of werewolf horror.. 

Reviewed by Addison K., 7th grader

The Afterlife of the Party

by Darcy Marks

The Afterlife of the Party

Darcy has written an amazing second book with friendships that some people can only imagine. This book will sure be a catcher for kids who like rebellious pre-teens. Malachi and his friends are naturally  trouble makers, but this time the trouble comes to them, when a ball inviting all demons and angels to unite stirs up all kinds of distress, whispers and shushed murmurs of Chaos’s return.The author did a great job writing this follow up book to Grounded for all Eternity, also set in Hell, but could be read as a stand alone without having read book 1..  A funny, fantasy/mythology book, it was a great read and I’m sure anybody else seeking an adventurous teen rebellion to cheer their day, this book, will surely be the perfect match. I liked how it wove together Underworld mythological and literary character names into the plot (Anubis, Ophelia, Puck).There isn’t much to dislike, but I don’t really think Mal should like Lilith… but that’s probably just me!

Reviewed by Addison K., 7th grader

Maid for it

by Jamie Sumner

Maid for It

Maid for It is a sweet and wonderful book that weaves in relatable life problems and a happy ending. This was one of the sweetest books I’ve read, and I couldn’t stop smiling while reading it. Many readers will enjoy reading about the hardships and the making of new friends. Franny is worried about her mother. She recently turned sober, and even more recently, got into a car crash. Franny does not want her mother to get addicted to the pills that were supposed to help her, but unfortunately, it’s happened before. Franny will not, can not, let it happen again! The devotion Franny has to her mother is just so sweet. I love how, even though there are those conflicts and darker problems in the book, the author has weaved in really sweet or good things, like how Sloan and Franny’s relationship went from enemies to friends. (And I really love that!) Her relationship with Noah is also amazing! I really did like how Noah kept on giving her origami things, and later we learned why. It was awesome seeing Noah find another way through something other than talking. Franny’s determination to help her mom makes this book hard to put down. The author has fit many real life issues and problems, like addictions, worrying, and other things into a story that is still very sweet.  I love how Franny helps people, even if she didn’t really know she was doing it.  I feel like that when the reader relates to something in a book whether it’s a character, issue, or problem going around-  it lets them enjoy it more, or is sort of a comfort when you connect with things.  I can relate to Franny’s constant worrying for math and how she reacted to not getting things wrong. I could also relate to how she sometimes tries to become invisible. What I DISLIKED about the book? Nothing! Five stars!

Reviewed by Addison K. and Victoria L., 7th graders

By Any Other Name

By Any Other Name by Erin Cotter | Goodreads

By Any Other Name by Erin Cotter is queer historical fiction set in Shakespearian, Elizabethan England starring Will, a down on his luck actor. He’s hiding his identity on stage, playing the traditionally male played female roles, and off stage, keeping his sexually hidden from his father. This bounces between campy, enemies to lovers romance and murder mystery, and doesn’t really seem to nail either vibe as a result. The length also tempered my enjoyment a bit; I feel like it should have been tightened at least fifty pages to keep pace with the energy of the premise. But, I was rooting for Will and intrigued by the setting and commentary, especially as an English teacher / recovering theater nerd. This read is definitely for fans of Shakespeare, theater, murder mystery, and LGBTQ+ storylines.

By Emma-Kate Schaake @hiketothelibrary

A British Girl’s Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak

A British Girl's Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak (Cuban Girl's Guide):  9781665915335: Namey, Laura Taylor: Books - Amazon.com

I am always down for a travel novel, especially for young adults as the premise opens up readers to the world! This is the companion novel to The Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, centered around Flora, Orion’s sister, as she deals with the grief from losing her mother. Flora’s indecisiveness is at times frustrating (as is the love triangle, which seemed unnecessary) but it is also understandable given how she is navigating through grief by avoidance. Her floundering as she attempts to forge her new future is relatable and realistic. While I enjoyed both this book and the first, I also didn’t feel superbly impacted by them, which is what I look for in a YA novel, even a sweet one and they both felt a little forgettable. But, overall, I would recommend these to student readers dealing with loss, interested in photography, curious about culture in Miami, or figuring out life after high school.

Emma-Kate Schaake @hiketothelibrary

Under This Forgetful Sky

Although the initial description and the cover lead you to believe that romance is the intended genre, I have to disagree. The story of Rumi and Paz is so much more than what ultimately ties them to each other. In this (more fitting) science fiction dystopian-feeling novel, Rumi struggles to understand the life he’s always known living in the Upper City of St. Iago. His world is rocked when he must venture (illegally) out of the city in hopes of finding a cure to his father’s fatal virus and discovers the lies he and the others living in the Upper City have been told their entire lives. Paz is ready to join rebellion forces and stand for the people beyond the walls. When her path crosses with Rumi and the cure for the virus is the goal, their lives will change forever and allegiances tested. The Chilean culture and history is creatively woven into the author’s storytelling and it is beautifully crafted. I would recommend this novel for ages 14+ and may be more suited for the high school crowd but also could fit in with upper middle school as well.

Bitsy Bat, School Star

When Bitsy Bat is facing her first night at a new school, she is sent off by a loving family full of encouragement. But in a classroom full of assorted other nocturnal creatures, she’s the only one used to hanging upside down, and at the painting table she’s the only one who tries to paint with her toes. Lunch and recess provide more pitfalls leading her to feel she’ll never fit in, which results in a five-star meltdown. Reluctant to return the next day, her family and teacher help her enact a plan to help everyone in class celebrate that which makes them unique, that which makes them shine. Written by an autistic author illustrator, it’s got an author’s note in the back explaining a bit about autism, including some definitions of relative terms. Autism doesn’t overtly come through within the story itself, except in Bitsy’s aversion to too-bright light and too-loud noises.

What Does Brown Mean to You?

Given that the narrator and his family have brown skin, this book serves as a celebration of his skin color, with rhyming text going through his day listing so many good things that are brown. But that message is subtle and is not directly stated. On another level, it could simply be read as color study, leading to conversations of other colors and where we see them in daily life.

Retazos

This is the Spanish Language version of Patchwork. It is one of those picture books I think has a place in the libraries serving adolescents as well, as it will be read differently by people at different places in their lives. It’s a poem celebrating the way we all grow, and reminding us all that the talents and interests we exhibit as children may evolve into all sorts of different possibilities as we grow. As the poem tells us, we each have a symphony within us — we are not a single note played again and again. It’s a rather philosophical book that I think would speak well to the youth who struggle to define themselves and decide on futures to pursue.

Patchwork

This is one of those picture books I think has a place in the libraries serving adolescents as well, as it will be read differently by people at different places in their lives. It’s a poem celebrating the way we all grow, and reminding us all that the talents and interests we exhibit as children may evolve into all sorts of different possibilities as we grow. As the poem tells us, we each have a symphony within us — we are not a single note played again and again. It’s a rather philosophical book that I think would speak well to the youth who struggle to define themselves and decide on futures to pursue.

Time to Fly

Rhyming text imagines the dialogue between mother bird and the last chick, reluctant to leave the next. The illustrations are soft and have a certain vintage look to them. They capture a variety of perspectives as the young bird ponders the vastness of the sky and the distance to the ground in comparison to the coziness of the nest. It takes a bit of coaxing and convincing and bribing on the part of mother bird, while baby bird stalls and voices his fears, but in the end he does indeed say goodbye to the nest and hello to the sky as he’s on his way to everywhere. The story offers young readers an analogy to which they can relate whatever fears they’ve faced or overcome, and the tone of encouragement is easily transferable to human growth.

Tomie DePaola’s Book of Christmas Carols

by Tomie DePaola

This is a refresh of his 1987 book and it is filled with 32 songs with music and lyrics. Accompanying illustrations are the wonderful artworks that we expect from this great author/illustrator. This book will be a treasure to anyone that chooses to add it to their Christmas collection. Highly recommended, of course!

Crankosaurus

by Katherine Battersby

Cranky Chicken and Speedy the Worm engage in all kinds of silliness in this simple graphic novel. Each chapter is a separate short story, ranging from “The Happiest Nap Ever” to “Best Feathered Friend”. Stories are sweet and somewhat reminiscent of “Elephant and Piggie”. And, there are plenty of giggles for adults in the room (Note the Star Wars and Where’s Waldo references). Give this to your young readers who enjoy the above-mentioned “Elephant and Piggie” or “Narwhal and Jelly”. They won’t be disappointed!

Snack Cabinet Sabotage

by Jarrett Lerner

The Hunger Heroes (a bean, chip cheese and tomato) are on the case when a babysitter is left without snacks. Her “hanger” is rising and only they can save the day. Unfortunately, Ava (the jealous super-fan avocado) attempts to foil their rescue using a variety of methods – all of which fail. The super hero foods save the day and Gabby, the babysitter, is ready to do her job with a smile after a few well-chosen snacks. The Hunger Heroes plus Ava (they forgave her) fly off into the night in their taco hovercraft to await the next snack emergency.

This graphic novel chapter book is a fun read for kids who are ready to try something a bit more than a traditional early chapter or picture book. Its spare text and colorful illustrations are are engaging and accessible. Kids will eat this up!

There’s Always Room for One More

On the surface it’s the story of a family purchasing and preparing a larger dining table in preparation of having their grandfather move in and enlarge the family, while the youngest member of the family has a hard time giving up the comfort of the familiar table. Neighbors and extended family help get things ready, and are invited to join in the welcome dinner, until quite a party is built around the new table, full of love all around. What makes it so relatable for students is the way the sentiments of uncertainty in the face of change can be extended to so many aspects of life that bring change, and often leave young ones reluctant to let go of the familiar in order to embrace the new.

Remembering

This is a beautiful and touching book. The text is simple, and yet poetical, with only a single sentence or phrase per page, and the illustrations are bright and rich and full of details that make them relatable as they bring the text to life. It shows a family grieving the loss of a beloved pet dog, building an ofrenda for De de los Muertos as a means of holding onto and honoring their memories. One of the details in the illustrations that I especially like is that all the framed photos of beloved pets show their subjects reaching out beyond the frames, reminding us all that in remembering we keep them with us.

They Lead: the wolf pack

It is both beautiful and informative. It can be read on two levels: large font provides only a single sentence, or a few, per page, written in almost a poetical tone; a smaller font provides more details for curious readers. The focus of the book is on how the pack works together, with different roles for each member, and it’s written in a cyclical manner, beginning with a mated pair getting ready for pups, and continuing through until grown wolves are ready to set out on their own to begin a pack of their own. It does a good job of describing the dangers the wolves face along the way, without getting overly gruesome. The soft illustrations pay tribute to these beautiful animals. It touches the heart even while informing the brain.

Merry Christmas, Strega Nona

If you’ve got the original Strega Nona in your library, this makes a fine Christmas sequel, that fans of the original will enjoy. Without first knowing Strega Nona and Big Anthony from their first story, I’m not sure readers who pick this one up first will really connect them, as the character development pretty much assumes you already know them and will understand Big Anthony’s repeated urging of Strega Nona to just use her magic to accomplish the chores to prepare for Christmas. In the end, Big Anthony, known for his laziness/foolishness, proves the hero this time, as he arranges a Christmas surprise for Strega Nona.

The Littlest Weaver

The illustrations a soft and pretty, offering an inviting, if romanticized image of old-time live in the Appalachian mountains. The story tells of a young girl and her pa who live alone in the mountains, weaving story rugs that they take to town on market days to sell. It’s suggested that the reason Laurel makes such beautiful rugs is by they guidance of “her mama’s angel hands.” When a gloomy new neighbor moves to town with a look of loss in his eyes, Laurel recognizes it and she and her father set out to try to welcome him with their rugs but they are rebuffed. Eventually they created a design into which they poured their own tears, which spoke to the man. The gift of it seemed to help move him through his grief, and in the end he accompanies Laurel and her pa on their next visit to town.

I Can Be All Three

written by Salima Alikhan; illustrated by Noor Sofi

Multicultural Day is coming and the teacher has assigned a project. Students will make something that tells the story of who they are. Kids begin cutting, pasting, drawing and planning. But, there is one student that is struggling. Does she highlight her mom’s German culture or her dad’s Indian heritage? What about her American roots? All are integral to who she is as a person. After much thought, the child displays items from all three cultures. She doesn’t have to be one or two cultures. She is all three, “telling the story of who she is”. And, guess what? Other students come forward to share their multicultural stories, too!

This important book will lead to some wonderful conversations about who we are – a marvelous combination of those that come before us! Proudly embracing our cultural heritage is told in simple language with beautifully rendered illustrations. In a day and age when we are even more a mix of so many vibrant cultures, this book is a winner. Share it with everyone!