Four young horses from a divided kingdom come together to fulfill the prophesy of Horsa. Their quest is to locate the magical yearling that will bring peace to their warring realms once again. They are chosen by a magical pink sun and their hooves are marked by that magic. This story, the first in a series, shares their selection to the group and their first attempt at locating the magical yearling with all its dangers along the way. Guided by a special map, they begin this quest underground, fighting off rock monsters and coming to a rather uneasy alliance.
Vivid illustrations and manageable text will gain young fans of graphic novels, fantasy and horses. Each horse’s personality comes through clearly and their interactions are, at times, humorous. The story is nicely paced and young readers will certainly look forward to the next installment in the series. Highly recommended.
Burt is a junebug in search of the perfect home. As he travels, he learns about the many homes that insects live in. This adorable critter searches long and far becoming frustrated and cold only to find his shelter can simply be a leaf to sit under. Not only does this book introduce many insects and where they live, it shows that one can overcome adversity as well as find supportive friends.
This is book two in the series but can easily be a stand alone. Also included are some “Awesome Insect Builder Facts” as the end of the book. This book is highly recommended and this librarian will be searching to include book one, “Burt the Beetle Doesn’t Bite” to her collection.
By Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
In another wonderful addition to the Ordinary People Change the World biographical series, Brad Meltzer has done an excellent job writing about yet another impactful person in history. Not only is this title an introduction to John Lewis. It also introduces the Civil Rights Movement in a way that is colorful and visually appealing to young audiences. Meltzer touches on others in the movement such as Martin Luther King, Jr as well as important events in Civil Rights history. Also included are historical images and a timeline.
This is a book in a must have series for libraries that shows grit and determination.
written by Linda Ashman and illustrated by Aparna Varma
Part science, part poetry and part riddle/puzzle book – what’s not to love about this delightful book? Nineteen animals that are record-holders of some sort (fastest, slowest, tallest, stinkiest and so forth) are introduced by a personified mask poems and a portion of the animal to tease the reader. Turn the page and the full animal is there along with a paragraph detailing its claim to fame along with some well-chosen extra facts. At the end, there is information about protecting endangered animals and suggested websites. There is also guidance about measurements and mask poems. Finally, there is a glossary and recommended reading for further investigation.
The fun game-like format along with the accessible poetry and information makes this a book that should be in everyone’s library. It is nonfiction that can be used in so many ways (examples are animal units, nonfiction studies, poetry units, conservation lessons). But, not only is it a great book for lessons. It is a fascination, fun read for students. And, that makes it a winner in all areas!
Animal Advocate, Hannah Shaw, has written 4 books in the series “Adventures in Fosterland”. This title is book three and book five will be released Spring 2024. Baby Badger is a newborn kitten that has been abandoned by his mother during a winter storm. When he is about to die he is saved and brought to Fosterland where he fights to survive in an incubator. As he is becoming healthier, a pregnant cat, Mamma Mia, comes to Fosterland as well. Badger soon finds that being alone is not something that he has to endure. This heartfelt story of survival and the true meaning of family is recommended for elementary school age readers. Cat lovers in particular will enjoy this story of perseverance and acceptance.
This is book 3 in a 4 book (soon to be 5) series that is a great introduction to animal rescue groups for emerging readers. As I have not read the other books in the series, I cannot say if they are all as enjoyable as this one but after reading this one, this librarian plans on purchasing the others for her library!
Juneteenth is a new and important holiday in our country. This title is a good introduction to what the day means with basic concepts for better understanding. The graphics are bright and welcoming. Each page has one to three simple sentences. There are many illustrations emphasizing celebrating as a community and as a family. Basic history of Juneteenth is also explained. This book would be a good purchase as there are few school library books focusing on this holiday. It is also extremely simplified and allows for readers to get the basic information they need in order to broaden understanding and appreciation in the future. It is highly recommended for libraries as there are not many titles published about this holiday as of yet.
The Blastoff! Beginners Happy Holidays! series contains informational chapters including but not limited to: simple information about what individuals do for the holiday, when the holiday is and what it is about, the importance of the holiday and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms and definitions that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades Pre-K to 3rd. They are at “Level 1″ which offers early readers information through simplified sentences for better understanding.
Lumberjackula (or Jack, for short) is at a critical time of his life. He is aging out of of under-school and must decide whether to become a lumberjack like his mom and attend Mighty Log Lumberjack Prep or a vampire like his dad and attend Sorrow’s Gloom Vampire Academy. His parents are very supportive from the start and will be proud of his choice no matter what he does. Yet, Jack is feeling pressure, because he’s not sure he wants to go to either school and follow in his parents’ footsteps. Truthfully, his real passion is dance, which he sneaks of and does when he has the opportunity.
As he is visiting both schools and agonizing over his choices, a new friend enters his life. Plenty is a student at Tip Tap Twinkle Toes Dance Academy and stumbles upon Jack during one of his secret solo dances. She is so impressed that she makes him a map to the dance academy and invites him to come. He makes his way there (past some monsters and a very cool manatee that provides most excellent advice) to discover that dancing is what he is born to do. But, how can he? He as to follow in his parent’s footsteps, doesn’t he?
The rest of the story involves a lot of sneaking around, dancing and a climactic dance recital where Jack’s parents and grandparents discover his talents. They are, as we knew they would, very supportive and excited about Jack’s choices. The end of the story shows students from all three schools and the adults in Jacks’ life connecting through an after-school enrichment program, learning some wonderful skills like hip hop and axe-throwing.
This delightful graphic novel uses accessible text and varying panel configurations and illustrated with clean, boldly colored artwork. While the storyline is somewhat predictable (we readers knew all along that Jack’s parents were supportive and would be fine with his choice), it allows us to enjoy a gentle story of a child (vampire/lumberjack), who is struggling with his view of expectations versus his needs. It’s a lesson on finding your way and being who you really are, not who you think the people around you want you to be. Follow your dreams – be a dancer, a vampire, or a lumberjack. it’s your life and your choice! Highly recommended.
written by Annie Barrows and illustrated by Sam Ricks
Iggy gets into trouble and this book details three incidents in Iggy’s life to illustrate this in ascending order of ‘badness’. The disembodied narrator presents the incidents in 20 short chapters with some humorous color commentary. Nine year old Iggy isn’t a bad boy. He just doesn’t think before he acts and that gets him into trouble. Incident #1 involves a rather snooty guest, a trampoline, skateboard and shed roof. Incident #2 involves shaving cream, lipstick and an eyebrow pencil and Incident #3 (the worst) involves a ‘race’ with desks and friends that (slightly) injures his beloved teacher. Typically, Iggy feels misunderstood and there are extenuating circumstances. In the case of the incident involving his teacher, he is sooooooo very sorry even years later.
The story is told in short chapters with accessible language and accompanying black and white illustrations. Students that enjoy realistic and funny stories will check out all the Iggy books. Give this to kids that aren’t quite ready for “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” or the Middle School series. They’ll love it! Highly recommended.
written by Michelle Sterling; illustrated by Dung Ho
Ren jumps out of bed, ready for a busy day in preparation for Lunar New Year. She wonders if she is old enough this year to help her family make the special foods or decorations for the festivities. She asks to join family members in their tasks – Baba with decorations, Mama and Uncle Jian with the dumplings and Auntie Weili with the noodles. It’s not going to happen this year, because she’s too small. But, things change when her brother, Charlie, enters the home. He patiently shows her how to make the traditional pineapple cakes, rolling, patting baking and sometimes, cleaning up a little mess. The cakes turn out beautifully and are part of a wonderful family Lunar New Year celebration. At the end, there is a recipe for those special pineapple cakes. Yum!
Bright cartoon-like illustrations accompany simple text in this wonderful book about an event that is culturally significant to many people around the world. An author’s note discusses the holiday and her connection to it, while the recipe at the end of the book is an invitation to join the festivities. Highly recommended for those libraries looking to increase their diverse literature selection.
Parker, Lucas and Samantha live in a relatively quiet, normal town, except on October 19th. That is the day (and night) that the entire town shuts down early and people lock themselves away in their homes, wearing mustaches. Wait….what? Since the kids are now fifth graders, they hear the truth surrounding this mysterious tradition. Their teacher tells the tale of Bockius Beauregard, a man with a luxuriant mustache who died in a a huge explosion. He died, but his perfectly groomed mustache terrorized the town on the anniversary of the date he was “vaporized”. It had been the only part of him left to bury and it reappeared each year, hunting for an upper lip to which to attach.
Parker and Lucas, fifth grade sleuths who ran the Midnight Owl Detective Agency, decided to sneak out and investigate this eery phenomena in order t to end the paranormal grip this scary mustache had on their town. Classmate Samantha, a rather gothic young poet from their class, demanded to be part of the investigation and they met in the local cemetery after a quick visit to the local (scary) library to research. They find the grave that holds the Beauregard’s mustache, armed with mustache wax, salt and fake mustaches. What ensues is a ghostly chase that ends with the mustache trapped forever in it’s old home, surrounded by salt…or is it? Read this mystery to find out!
This story is well-written with widely-spaced text and accentuated with black and white illustrations that move the story along at a nice pace. It is slightly scary and rather comical and perfect for those students that are ready for chapter books. Samantha and Lucas appear white, while Parker seems to be darker skinned. Since it is part of a series, there will be more mysteries to come. And, you never know – the mustache might return! Highly recommended.
This Blastoff! Mission title begins in a science museum. The character’s imagined travel to the asteroid belt is filled with information. By describing objects in the asteroid belt using recognizable objects – smaller than a house or like a lumpy potato – the concepts become more comprehensible for young readers. By the end of the adventure, the reader has a glimpse at the diversity and continuous change of the donut shaped area of our solar system known as the asteroid belt.
In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.
The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers.
Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.
When Coen is having a blue kind of day, the feelings are murky, prickly and tense. When the feelings just won’t go away, he curls up in a ball on his bed and refuses to get up. His Mom, Dad, and sister all try to convince him to get up, then try to distract him from his feelings, and finally they snuggle close and wait. With their waiting, they validate Coen’s feelings and show they’ll be there for him.
A Blue Kind of Day describes the miasma of depression from the perspective of a young child. In words and pictures, the book offers a supportive and accepting narrative to remind children that they are not alone in their big feelings.
A short, quick read in an authentic voice, this book really packs a punch – all while wondering how hands CAN be a powerful force in the world without them getting him into trouble. Trev faces a number of challenges in this story, but the central problem is how to keep all the promises he’s made to people he loves. This comes down to how he’s going to use his hands – to fight off his stepfather’s potential abuse of his mom once he’s out of jail for hitting her OR trust the adults around him to protect his family and use his hands for their other promise & potential, drawing. He trains to become strong, but using his hands to fight will have consequences that will limit his other strengths. I really liked the dialogue in the book. It sounds real. It’s the short, choppy sentences of Trev’s real language that give the book so much authenticity. Every chapter is extremely short (1-3 pages) which should help get this book read by students who may not love to read but will love Trev’s story. The end feels incomplete-ish, but I think that’s deliberate. We know what Trev decides he’s going to do at the end, but the events that will put him to the test have not happened yet. We must trust, like he must, in the people around him. Perhaps there will be a sequel, but I think it’s okay if there is not. I highly recommend this book!
This semi-biographical, fictionalized graphic novel is by the musical duo of over a million records, including the song, “Everything is Awesome” from The Lego Movie. Of course, the main thing is how true this book resonates with readers. Because these two twins have based their book on their own lives, the reader can feel both the bonds between these close siblings, but also the rifts that sometimes occur. Much of the book is printed in purple ink, but sections that focus on one twin or the other are in red or blue ink. The visual difference & combination of colors is an added element I really liked. The illustrations are soft, mostly monochromatic colors that do not detract from the story, but add to it. The plot focuses on their life in junior high after moving to a new school with their mom and her new boyfriend. Anyone who has ever moved can relate to the loss of old friends and the adjustment of finding new ones. It’s more complicated with twins because sometimes one twin finds different connections than the other does. This story chronicles the purchase of their first bras (horrifying!), dealing with their parents’ split & new relationships, bullying new classmates, and discovering a new love of music. It’s the discovery of a guitar in their garage that helps them start to heal the rift that had begun to form between these two close siblings. There is so much for students to relate to in this book. It’s also fun to see how a passion in junior high can morph into a real career as adults. The very last few pages include the true biographical information and how the fictionalized version varies from reality. Real photos of the girls’ lives, including early lyrics from their first song are included. I highly recommend this graphic novel to middle school readers.
Reviewed by Taylor T. 11th grade – This Self-Help book is catered to a variety of people which makes it a perfect guide to bettering one’s self. The author of this book communicates how they learned about spiritual self-help. They use the knowledge gained from multiple different sources. This book’s goal is to provide help to people who are struggling to understand themselves but also provide background knowledge. This helps the book stay interesting as you’re learning multiple things at once. I liked how the author did not claim to be right. They made the reader aware that in order to get better it starts with you. There are not any big warnings I have about this book, but it is very spiritually based so it is important to keep that in mind if you plan on suggesting this book to other students.
The first of a new series about two friends from Philadelphia who get in over their heads when Kasia gives Rahim a new cell phone she’s created for him. Best part: it’s free & off the grid, so no pesky monthly bills. Worst part: it sends Rahim back in time to the Philly of his Dad’s childhood causing increasing problems with the time/space continuum. I loved that Rahim gets to see a side of his father that is so different from what he thinks he knows about him. It introduces the idea of the butterfly effect in messing with time in a kid-friendly way. Both main characters are black and smart and talented. Rahim is a budding musician who loves rhyming and making music even though his father just wants him to be academic. Kasia is a brilliant scientist-in-the-making who pushes the boundaries, perhaps a bit too far, but without giving up on finding a solution. The book includes a few drawn illustrations that I didn’t feel were absolutely necessary, but will appeal to readers who need a little visual support. The plot moves along with plenty of excitement and complications, but doesn’t dwell overlong in solving the problem of getting Rahim home. Overall, you can bet it will be a book my students will enjoy and will be wanting the next in the series because, of course, there is a tiny teaser at the end.
“All the best things grow with time. Even when you can’t see them, still they grow.” In this heartfelt story, the walnut embodies both the durability and change of family relationships as time passes. A young girl learns how as a child her grandfather left his home with only a small bag – and a walnut. He planted, nurtured, and protected the walnut as it grew into a towering tree. Her grandfather gifted her with a nut like he had for her mother before her. The grandfather then taught the child all she needed to know to help the walnut flourish as he himself slowly declined. The teachings of the walnut help the girl accept change and provide a symbol of the strength and permanence of love.
All from a Walnut has so many layers; immigration, poverty, intergenerational families, single parent families, loss and grief, self growth, the power of nature. Tied together, these themes create a story with a powerful message for young readers.
In the third book in the graphic novel-like series of Day in the Life books, the author explores all things space. Each page consists of many panels with information on a specific day in the life of an item from space. Sometimes there is a companion page that gives you the bigger picture and extends the information a bit. There are even a few secret diary pages in the mix, like the secret diary of a Hairy Star. I wanted to know more about that cool title! The illustrations are bright, bold cartoons in very typical cartoon panels. The writing is factual, but humorous. The end of the book includes a Glossary of terms. This is a fun book to flip randomly through and just read some pages OR to read cover to cover. I can see students doing both. I think students who enjoy graphic novels will enjoy this dip into non-fiction. It will also appeal to astronomy fans looking for a delightful way to read about their favorite topic. I highly recommend this book (or any of the Day in the Life books).
This richly illustrated book of astronomy is a visual delight of information and drawings that beautifully explain the night sky. Because the images are created by an artist, constellations not only show the location of stars, but show the image that the stars represent. For example, the constellation Orion is explained & various stars are explained and the Orion Nebula is zoomed out so you can see it up close. The book covers all manner of topics someone looking at the night sky might be interested in knowing – from best ways to watch the night sky to what constellations you might see at various times of the year, phases of the moon, the milky way, our galaxy and beyond. All are explained in student-friendly, detailed language and gorgeous illustrations. Want to know more about moon landings? A lovely 2 page spread gives you the highlights with explanatory images. Want to understand comets and asteroids? Easy to understand explanations and illustrations that zoom in and out to show you the close up and the distant all on beautiful 2-page spreads. The back of the book includes some hands-on activities students can make and do followed by a Glossary, ways to find out more, and an index to help the reader locate the specific information they want. This is going to be a popular book with my astronomy fans in my middle school. It is a feast for the eyes as well as the mind.
Will Chamber’s life is profoundly changed by an episode of bullying in a 4th grade hallway where he is publicly humiliated by Nick Fisher who loudly calls him FAT. Over the next 3 years, he internalizes the label & is more a bully to himself than any continued taunting by anyone else. He comes to hate himself and believe he is unlovable and that no one would want to be his friend. He quickly alienates the 3 friends he’s always had and becomes a loner in baggy clothes. Much of the book takes place when he decides he has to change his habits with food and quickly develops some very unhealthy food and mental behaviors during 7th grade. This verse novel is very accessible to middle school readers – even the reluctant ones. Few words on the page, paired with scribbled sketches like one might put in notebooks, pull you into Will’s self-destructive world. The addition of a skateboarding character who moves school frequently is a pivotal moment in the book. Will meets Markus during lunchtime behind the auditorium where Will hides during lunch and Markus just wants to skateboard. Markus begins to help him after a sad scene where he hits rock bottom. He finally gets help from his parents, his new friend, a doctor and a therapist. I liked that the book is about a boy with an eating disorder. We don’t see many books that help us see that it’s not just a problem girls face. There are resources for help at the back of the book to help anyone who sees themselves struggling in a similar situation. For anyone who feels “less than” the book shines a light on the possibility of hope in being, not perfect, but rather a work in progress. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and know it will do well in my middle school library.
Nayra Mansour’s life is in chaos. Pressure from her family, bullying at school, and a friendship demanded from her only other friend all make her world challenging. Her family fasts during the Muslim holiday Ramadan, though something is different this year during fasting. A mythical Djinn has appeared in the human world. His life is also in chaos. As Nayra and the Djinn Marjan meet, Iasmin Omar Ata weaves his story to create a very interesting book. Nayra’s world is interrupted and enriched by their new friendship. I think that readers that really like graphic novels with a kinda soft and a cute style of drawing will really like this book. The drawing is really top rated, and as a person who doesn’t really like bright colors, the pastel and calm colors were really great for me. I really like how the author wove Islamic folklore and the tradition of fasting into this book. Another thing that I could relate to in this book was the pressure from her mom. I could relate a lot to the main character of this book. The plot and the conflict in this book between Marjan and Zirkouniya, as well as between Nayra and Rami, kept me interested throughout the whole book. Overall, I really liked this book and its writing and drawings and would give it a 5 out 5 stars!.
By L.E. Carmichael; illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler
This beautiful picture book is a gorgeous collection of information and illustrations about the Arctic and Antarctic and the life that inhabits these cold, icy landscapes. The artwork is full of cool colors and an almost lithographic feel to the designs. I can’t tell if it’s painted, airbrushed, lithographic, or some combination of all. Some sharp lines & some soft layered ones. I found the artwork beautiful, stark and a perfect complement to the harsh environment about which it was depicting. The text is rich with information about the polar regions. Much of the book is arranged by months of the year & the various events that happen in different seasons. Interestingly, it is organized from March to March. Each 2 page spread includes one page on the Arctic and one page on the Antarctic – showing contrasting seasons nicely. The 2 pages also feature a similar topic, for example the pages on June feature information about how insects adapt to the cold regions in summer in the Arctic versus winter in Antarctica. The book finishes with information about climate change and how the polar caps are seeing the great consequences which only seem to be getting worse. The reader is left with some ways to take action and learn more. The book also includes a glossary and a list of resources for further reading. This is a picture book that flows nicely through the middle grades and extends beyond elementary school. The text is tiny and much more appropriate for upper elementary or middle school readers.
This is a picture book that can be read at many different levels. It is a simple poem of a story that could be read aloud to young students – or older ones to analyze the literary elements of the central story. It is a book rich with supplementary text in small print on both sides of the central story that could be enjoyed by more adventuresome upper elementary or middle school students really interested in all things historical about Babe Ruth, the early days of baseball, and the Yankees. These side panel pieces include information on the Star-Spangled Banner, Cracker Jacks, Early Baseball Leagues, Rocks and Stones (early forms of the game), Baseball caps, Bats, Gloves, and Balls, and many, many more. The artwork of the central story pulls you in and helps you feel as if you’re there on the opening day of a brand new Yankee Stadium. The historical photographs and real memorabilia of the side panels contrast and visually allow the reader to focus on one or the other. I thought this was a beautiful book about Babe Ruth and the early days of baseball, sure to be enjoyed by both casual baseball fans and those with a passion for all things baseball!
I went into this book expecting a re-imagined magical world AKA Harry Potter. So, I was pleasantly surprised with Aislinn Brophy’s portrayal of a magical high school. One that is supper focused on success and the pressure that entails for the students. I also appreciated how the story dealt with exploitation and predatory behavior many teens face.
Ria Thundercloud, Writer, Kalila J. Fuller Illustrator
At 4 years old, our author was brought into the powwow circle to dance with her tribe and family. Even though Ria had incredible drive and talent, she felt like an outsider in dance classes as she was always the only indigenous performer. This biographical picture book is one that shows what ambition and determination can achieve. The bold and beautiful artwork will be an eye catcher for many. It is a wonderful book for elementary library that allows for indigenous readers to see themselves in a book. The author, Ria Thundercloud is now a professional dancer who has performed all around the world but always returns to her homelands. I would highly recommend this book for libraries as it celebrates Native Americans and shows culture for all.
