Category Archives: Highly Recommend

The Jasmine Project by Meredith Ireland

Posted on by

Reviewed by OHS Substitute, Megan C.

Ireland’s book is a lot of fun – reminding me of the reality show The Bachelor. Main character Jasmine has a cheating boyfriend; after this realization her family goes on a mission to find her a replacement boyfriend while hosting her graduation party.

Not only is this book fun, it includes a lot of valuable voices and representation including mixed race voices and adopted families. In addition to prose, much of the text is written in text messages, which allows for alternating voices to come through. A great example of a YA Rom/Com.

Try a Bite, Trilobite!

Posted on by

by Jonathan Fenske

Bug really wants his friend, Trilobite, to try his snack. But, Trilobite ONLY eats noodles. In the end, Trilobite is willing to take a nibble and eats the whole thing. Fortunately, she has LOTS of noodles to share.

This easy reader is written in the same way as “Elephant & Piggie” and uses speech bubbles to convey the story. Colors are bright and there is a lot of white space on the page. The characters’ emotions are clearly shown in their expressions and the book is simple enough for early readers. This book should fly off the shelves as another option for those kids that love Mo Willems’ books and easy graphic novels. Highly recommended.

The Navajo

Posted on by

My friend born and raised on the Navajo reservation was very impressed with how accurate and up to date this book on his native people is. I reached out to my friend and former colleague after reading author Betty Marcks statement, ” I am a white women of European descent. As such, I can claim no direct lived experience of being a Native American…”

My friend thought very highly of Marcks’ inclusion and importance of the Navajo language, the clans, the early history of the Navajo with white culture, the native uses of resources- the rug weaving, basketry, jewelry making, the cultural upbringing of the women, and the current Navajo government. Mt friend was under the impression Marcks must have talked with a Navajo elder.

The book includes a timeline, glossary, a student safe to use FACTSURFER.com internet site, and index.

Submitted by Mary Pong

This Is Why They Hate Us by: Aaron H. Aceves

Posted on by

Reviewed by OHS Student, Ffiona P.

This romance will resonate deeply with anyone who is struggling with their mental health, navigating their sexuality, or finding themselves in unrequited love.

Enrique has been in love with his close friend Saleem for quite some time now. With the help of his best friend Fabiola, and a number of potential romantic conquests, he plans to work through his crush. With each new encounter he learns more about himself, and about living as a bisexual person than he ever thought he would. Through all of this he is struggling with his mental health, attempting to come out to his parents, and inform Fabiola about his past mental breakdown. With unexpected support from various sources he is able to end his summer in a way that leaves him satisfied, though not in the ways he would have guessed.

I loved how relatable it is, Aaron H. Aceves was able efficiently explain thoughts and feelings that the character was having, in a way that was very satisfying. For lack of a better word. I loved how the author was able to trick me, and I’m guessing everyone else who read the book. I thought I knew exactly where the book was going to end up, then he convinced me I was wrong, then I ended up being right again at the last minute when I thought all hope was lost. This book was an emotional roller coaster that had me squealing, kicking my feet. Then would make my chest heavy the next minute with how deeply I felt for the MC and his situation while he was battling his mental health. THIS BOOK LEFT ME SATISFIED! I feel like whenever an author wants the book to make an impact, or to make a heavy statement about life, they feel the need to leave it on a plain note. Not even necessarily a bad one. But many authors write these types of books with the hope of the reader being satisfied with the MC being content. Which is the whole point I’m sure. But this book made me celebrate the happy ending as if it was me experiencing it. I kind of went into it with the mindset of “this seems like the kind of book where the happy ending is a given, and everything will turn out okay.” But the author was able to write the story in a way that made me feel RELIEVED almost when the happy ending came. Relief and genuine joy. He was able to capture that same feeling of when something good happens in real life. Because nobody in real life is thinking “it will all work out great for me, I will find the love of my life, and be happy.” He was able to capture that “Oh my god, how lucky am I to have this wonderful person in my life” mindset. I really appreciated that.

Barely Missing Everything by Matt Mendez

Posted on by

Reviewed by OHS Student Wiley P.

In this book, three Mexican main characters Juan, JD, and Fabi are all trying to figure out what to do with the problems life throws at them, especially in a world where having brown skin can make things extra difficult. The fast paced and intriguing writing keeps in going and the characters learning. This novel is constantly engaging and makes you keep reading.

Themes of racism and poverty within the southern United States.

A definite purchase for all libraries.

Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

Posted on by

Reviewed by OHS Student Adelaide E.

Book 2 in the Legendborn Series

Interweaving Arthurian legend with the harsh realities of slavery and its modern affects, Bloodmarked will be a compelling and educational read for people of all ages, but primarily the YA audience, as it has a young female lead on the path of discovering more about her heritage and newfound powers.

Soon after the events of the previous book Legendborn, Bree Matthews is learning to control her powers as a medium and the Scion of Arthur in order to rescue fellow scion Nicholas, a quest on which her right to rule is questioned by the Order of the Round Table, and her relationship with the Kingsmage Selwyn Kane develops.

I liked that it had a strong female protagonist whose struggles included people challenging her right to rule and discovering the implications of her new status as a medium, which includes obtaining the powers, skills, and qualities of her ancestors, such as Arthur.

Personally, I didn’t feel that there was much development with her relationship with Sel or Nick. Nothing substantial happened because Nick was kidnapped throughout the entirety of the book, leaving Sel to remain his Kingsmage. There was some discussion about whether Sel would be able to be Kingsmage to the both of them, but this was an unresolved point in Bloodmarked.

The Friendship Wish

Posted on by

Moving to a new place is just as hard for this little mermaid- Rosie- as it is for any other person. In this first book of the Mini Mermaid Tales series, Debbie Dadey works her magic of sharing life experiences with which young readers will be able to relate.

Rosie, the little mergirl, is too young to start Trident Academy. Rosie just moved into the area 3 days ago and is lonesome. Rosie has only just met Aqua, who talks her into going to take a quick look at the school. From there, they get swept into the school as the regular students enter the building. Impetuous Aqua cannot help herself from exploring the school, while shy Rosie is weary and reluctant, but follows Aqua deeper into the school.

First, they are in ‘deep-sea trouble’ for making a mess in the art/music room and later they are in ‘deep-sea trouble’ for leaving their neighborhood without telling anyone.

Despite their destressing first experience together, Aqua and Rosie become friends when their parents are shown a school for younger ‘mini mermaids and merboys’.

Six chapters, two or more black and white illustrations per chapter, table of contents, large font, word list (glossary),and story questions at the end all make this a fin-tastic (47) first book in a new series!

Words from the glossary appear in bold type within the story. Even bigger and bolder words of strong emotions also appear.

Submitted by Mary Pong

Sometimes Love, by Katrina Moore

Posted on by

Our military service members make lots of sacrifices for our country and deserve our thanks and recognition. Families of service members are also asked to make sacrifices, and those sacrifices can be difficult for young people to understand. In Sometimes Love, a young girl moves to another country with her father and service member mother. Her beloved dog cannot go with the family. Adjusting to her new home is difficult. But eventually the little girl makes connections with friends in her new home only to again move. This time the girl’s sadness is softened by the excitement of returning to her beloved dog. A very relatable book for our military families told in a way that validates and normalizes the challenges of military families.

Endpapers include a letter from the author recognizing the volunteer organizations that support the animals of military service members during moves and deployments.

A Dinosaur Named Ruth: How Ruth Mason Discovered Fossils in Her Own Backyard by Julia Lyon

Posted on by

Historically, women and minorities in scientific fields rarely received the recognition of their expertise either in their time or in the history books. The voices of women and minorities in science were often ignored. Ruth Mason was one of those voices. Starting as a young girl, she collected amazing dinosaur bones. Year after year she reached out to the experts in museums and universities to share her findings and was ignored or belittled.

It was only as an old woman when a fossil hunter named Rick Brooks accidentally ended up on her land that when the value of Ruth’s collection of dinosaur fossils was finally recognized. Now, skeletons from the Ruth Mason Quarry are found in museums all over the world. In recognition of her contributions, one of the reconstructed skeletons in a museum in Wales is known as “Ruth”.

The Indestructible Tom Crean: Heroic Explorer of the Antarctic

Posted on by

by Jennifer Thermes

This is the incredible story of the life of Tom Crean, an explorer in the Antarctic during the ‘golden age’ of exploration in that area. He was part of three expeditions to the Antarctic, two with Robert Scott and one with Ernest Shackleton. His first trips were with Captain Scott – one on the Discovery to set up camps and later on the Terra Nova, Scott’s final ill-fated voyage. This expedition was a race to the South Pole which ended with Scott and two men dying and Tom saving the lives of two others by hiking thirty five miles back to base camp for help. Tom joined Ernest Shackleton on his exploration of Antarctica aboard the Endurance, which was crushed by ice and sank, leaving the crew stranded. They hunkered down on Elephant Island and Shackleton chose five men (including Tom) to accompany him in a small lifeboat to South Georgia Island where there was a whaling station. This island was over 800 miles away through strong seas and winds. But, they had not choice. They made it to the island and Shackleton, Tom and one other man hiked over the mountains to the whaling station. Because of their bravery, ALL the sailors from the Endurance were rescued. Tom then spent several years in the Navy and retired to Ireland. He was a quiet and humble man, who was a brave hero.

An afterward gives more details along with a timeline and additional resources. A map on the front endpapers and illustrations of Antarctic animals on the back endpapers add to the wealth of information.

This book is a true gem. While the focus of many books are on the leaders of these expeditions, Scott and Shackleton, there were truly brave men that accomplished great things alongside them. Tom’s story needs to be shared and Jennifer Thermes has created a beautiful piece that will enthrall the readers. Told in present tense and illustrated in colored pencil and watercolor, this book needs to be on library shelves everywhere. Interestingly, I shared this book with a Falkland Islander and folks there are very well aware of Tom Crean’s story and he felt that the book was a good representation of his life.

I Am a Tornado by Drew Beckmeyer

Posted on by

Tornado is coming through without a care of what it destroys. When the tornado picks up a cow, the very patient cow notices that the tornado seems upset and listens to the tornado. As the cow and tornado talk, the tornado starts to get smaller and smaller with the cow promising to stay until the tornado blows away.

While the focus of the book seems to be on anger and having someone listen to you there is a little bit of science about tornadoes thrown in in the middle. This would be a good book for SEL because the tornado did not realize that it was upset and just felt powerful destroying things until the cow took the time to listen.

Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series by Traci Sorell

Posted on by

Two Native American baseball players, Charles Bender and John Meyers, face off in the 1911 World Series that newspapers recounted as “Indian against Indian.” The story bounces back and forth between the World Series games, their different backgrounds and life growing up, and the racism that they faced and how it is still apparent today. Charles is Ojibwe and grew up on the White Earth Reservation in Minnesota. He was taken to an Indian boarding school where he learned the game watching older boys play. John grew up on the Cahuilla tribe’s reservation in Southern California. He learned to play baseball on the reservation. The two experienced racism inside and outside of the ballpark and the author goes on to explain that over 100 years later Native athletes still face those challenges. Then end pages also include and author’s note, time line, quotes and sources.

Bugging Out

Posted on by

By Jorge Cham and daniel Whiteson

In this volume of the series, “Elinor Wonders Why”, Elinor and her friends are preparing for insect day at school by trying to decide what bug they want to dress up as. Elinor goes home to create her butterfly costume but searches in her garden with her dad to make sure her costume is correct. While searching, she learns many things about this beautiful insect.

This graphic novel series for young readers introduces science content in a fun way. The format is pleasing and the images are vibrant and appealing. This reader highly recommends this series for all elementary libraries.

How to Carry a Cupcake

Posted on by

By Jorge Cham and Daniel Whiteson

When Elinor and her friends realize their teacher, Ms. Mole, is having a birthday tomorrow they decide to bring her a cupcake. Olive, the elephant is ready to bring one to school but is not sure how to get it to their teacher safely and not squished in her bag. Elinor, Olive and Ari study nature to solve their problem.

This is a elementary level book in the series “Elinor Wonders Why” where Elinor and her friends work to solve problems as well as explore nature. It is a fun story in the popular graphic novel format that will introduce science concepts as well. This reader highly recommends this series for young readers in the elementary library.

The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination

Posted on by

By Brad Montague, Illustrated by Brad and Kristi Montague

Sparky, a very shy mail figment in the Bureau of Imagination, has a very busy job but always has time to write poetry. He never shares his poetry as he if very shy. One day while working diligently, he finds that his lack of sharing may be a part of the cause of a possible disaster. Sparky greets Brenda the dragon who to lives at and manages the Cave of Untold Stories and finds out that the cave is exploding! Sparky tries to help but only finds that the challenge is too daunting for him alone and thus, he writes a letter to all the humans in the world encouraging them to be agents of the Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. Will others join in to fix the challenge? Will YOU be one of the NEW agents of the bureau?

This is a wonderful book for any elementary library. There are many activities that can revolve around this whimsical tale. I would highly recommend it!

My Town= Mi Pueblo

Posted on by

written by Nicholas Solis; Illustrated by Luisa Uribe

Two cousins live on either side of the Mexico-U.S border and share what they love about their homes as well as their enjoyment of their cousin’s town. Each two page spread shares a unique aspect of their towns in both English and Spanish. They share about their houses, schools, markets, holidays and time together in both towns. This sweet story ends with the cousins and their families crossing the border, a bridge over a river, with guards on both sides and both kids expressing the wish that visits could be easier. They stand overlooking the river and share that both towns feel like home.

This story is great on many levels. The lovely illustrations, which offer details of life on both sides of the border, are perfect for some compare and contrast discussions. The English and Spanish is simple enough for language learners and read alouds. And, students will notice the joy that these two cousins experience no matter what town they are in together.

Guardians of Horse: Legend of the Yearling

Posted on by

by Roan Black

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 the Beetle Lives Here

Posted on by

By Ashley Spires

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.

I am John Lewis

Posted on by

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.

Champion Chompers, Super Stinkers and Other Poems by Extraordinary Animals

Posted on by

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!

Baby Badger

Posted on by

By Hannah Shaw

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!

Happy Holidays! Juneteenth

Posted on by

By Rebecca Sabelko

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.

Lumber-Jackula

Posted on by

written by Mat Hearty and illustrated by Sam Owen

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.

The Best of Iggy

Posted on by

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.

A Sweet New Year for Ren

Posted on by

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.