Happy Holidays! Saint Patrick’s Day

By Betsy Rathburn

Saint Patrick’s Day is a fun holiday with a long history. 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 Saint Patrick’s Day and Saint Patrick himself are 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 recommended for libraries where there is a need for lower reading level books about holidays such as this one.

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.

Happy Holidays! Veteran’s Day

By Betsy Rathburn

Veteran’s day is an important holiday in January for 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 the Veteran’s Day is also explained. There are many titles focusing on this holiday and thus, it is recommended as an extra purchase unless your school is limited on the amount of books on this topic at a lower reading level. 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 recommended for libraries where there is a need for lower reading level books about holidays such as this one.

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.

Happy Holidays! Eid al-Fitr

By Rebecca Sabelko

Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday celebrating the end of the month of Ramadan. 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. I appreciate the diversity that is represented in the images. How this holiday is celebrated is simply 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 acceptance as the grow older. It is recommended for libraries where there is a need for lower reading level books about holidays such as this one.

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.

Happy Holidays! Independence Day

By Rebecca Sabelko

Independence Day (The Fourth of July) is an important summer 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 the Fourth of July 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 recommended for libraries where there is a need for lower reading level books about holidays such as this one.

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.

Happy Holidays! Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

By Betsy Rathburn

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an 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. What I appreciated about this title is that there are many illustrations representing a diverse population. This book encourages readers to volunteer time to support others. It also emphasizes the importance of treating all people equally. This book would be a good supplement to support the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday as it is 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 recommended for libraries where there is a need for lower reading level books about holidays such as this one.

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.

When Impossible Happens

by Jane De Suza

A girl in an apartment looking up at the moon.

During the pandemic lockdown, Swara, a nine year old girl living in India, has lost her beloved grandmother to the COVID virus. Being in denial of her loss, she begins investigating the disappearance of her grandmother from her apartment window only to stumble upon a neighborhood mystery just below her. With the help and support of other children in her building that also find themselves locked in their apartments, Swara attempts to solve the question of what men are doing across the street in the clothing shops. Within the story are many reminders of the pandemic experience that readers can make a connection with such as: not being able to see family and friends, being detained in your own home, the possibility of parents losing their jobs, and the threat of not being able to pay rent, the loss of loved ones without an opportunity to have closure and say goodbye. This poignant mystery can be a wonderful addition to any library that may be in need of more multicultural/international chapter books. It also is one of what can soon be many books about the COVID lockdown experience for a child. Because the story is based in another country, there are times where young readers may not understand some cultural differences and yet, these differences may promote questions and more acceptance.

Little Black Girl: Oh, the Things You Can Do!

The young black girl in this book has a dream to build a robot. With the message of belief that she can accomplish her goal is the added message that no dream is out of reach. “There’s no character, no type, no mold you must fit.” From writer to cleaner, and astronaut to comedian; there is no future that is out of reach and the young girl is encouraged to choose whatever path sparks her brain and fires her heart. Along the way the girl will face challenges, but her own worth and the support of her community will help her reach her goals.

Little Black Girl has in inspiring message to bolster young black girls’ confidence to dream big and to relentlessly pursue their dreams.

Little Black Boy: Oh, the Things You Will Do!

Little Black Boy sets out to inspire optimism and hope with the reminder that by the choices he makes, any child can create the story of his life. The young black boy in the story loves the water and dreams of a future as a scientist. The book reassures the child that he is worthy and his life has purpose. His struggles, both physical and emotional will not stop him from succeeding. Maintaining his dreams and high goals for himself will help him ignore the naysayers. Following the path of black trailblazers, he also has the responsibility to be an inspiration and a guide for future generations.

Little Black Boy has an important message of perseverance, self-worth, and potential.

Lumber-Jackula

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

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.

Barb and the Ghost Blade

by Dan Abdo & Jason Linwood Patterson

This is Book #2 of the Barb the Last Berzerker series and we rejoin Barb, her pal Yeti and various other sidekicks as they continue their quest to save Bailiwick from the evil Witch Head. Barb is a Berzerker, an elite fighter, like her mother and fellow warriors. Her goal is to keep the magical Ghost Blade away from Witch Head, so that he doesn’t destroy Bailiwick. Barb manages to survive a trip to a monster village and rescue her fellow Berzerkers that had fallen under the Witch Head’s spell. Unfortunately, Barb is captured and the story “ends” with her being carried into the Witch Head’s lair. To Be Continued in Book #3.

Fantasy and humor are combined in this brightly drawn graphic novel. The quest is solid and the humor is on the side of ‘potty’ with farts and ‘full moons’. This book and the others in the series might appeal to those students that giggle over that type of humor. It’s unfortunate that the story feels so incomplete without Books #1 and #3. The purchase is a commitment and I’m not sure it’s worth it.

A Sweet New Year for Ren

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.

Night Frights: The Haunted Mustache

by Joe McGee, illustrated by Ted Skaffa

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.

All by Himself?

written by Elana K. Arnold and illustrated by Giselle Potter

A child builds a masterpiece with some beautiful colored painted blocks and he does it all by himself. Or does he? This cumulative tale tells the story of the this boy’s masterpiece starting with the tree farmer, who plants a seedling many years before. An arborist cares for it and a woodcutter falls the mature tree. A woodworker carves blocks which are then painted by an artist. This artist packs them up and a driver delivers them to a toy store. The shopkeeper displays the blocks and they are purchased by a grandma, who brings them home to the child and he builds a masterpiece! Then it goes back to the beginning.

This story builds upon itself and is accompanied by watercolor and ink illustrations. Text is simple and repetitive. Students will jump in and “read along” as the story unfolds. While the story is cumulative, it also circles back to the beginning, which will be fun for the reader to follow.

Captain Cat Goes to Mars

by Emma J. Virjan

Captain Cat and his friend, Pilot Matt, fly their spaceship to Mars. They meet some friendly aliens there and explore the surface of the planet. A storm comes up and they wait it out with their new friends and some yummy snacks. Unfortunately, the storm tips over their spaceship, which cracks it. Their alien friends save the day with some glue and tools. The intrepid astronauts take off and their new friends follow behind.

This book, part of the Ready to Read series, is a very accessible story, with simple text that rhymes that are not overwhelming for the beginning reader. Engaging illustrations make it even more fun. Add this to your collection for those newly minted readers in your school.

The New Rooster

by Rilla Alexander

Rooster has just arrived in his new home to start his new job – waking the guests of the ZZZ Hotel. He awakens and gives his signature  “OCKCAY AWAY OODLEDAY OODAY.” No one wakes up! He tries using a megaphone and just gets protests in a variety of languages before the other animals go back to sleep. Deciding he isn’t cut for this job, he prepares to leave. He doesn’t want to travel on an empty stomach, so he cooks breakfast. The smell of the wonderful food rouses the sleepy animals, who rush share this delicious fare and thank Rooster. He doesn’t understand their languages, but he has discovered a way to connect – by sharing! The story ends with an illustration containing Rooster’s new business,  “OCKCAY AWAY OODLEDAY OODAY DINER”.

This boldly illustrated book is a fine addition to any library, telling a story of a newcomer who finds his passion in his new home and discovers a way to connect to others. A sweet, fun immigration story that students will enjoy. They might even want to try Rooster’s language – pig Latin!

Tierra, Tierrita Earth, Little Earth by Jorge Tetl Argueta

This is the fourth and final book in the Mother Earth series by Jorge Argueta and illustrator Felipe Ugalde Alcantara. This trilingual book is told from the point of view of Mother Earth. Each page includes Spanish and English and the poem is included in Nahuat at the end of the book. Mother Earth is a planet, creation, and nature. The book depicts an appreciation for and a celebration of Mother Earth. The colorful illustrations complement the text and evoke a feeling of peace and tranquility.

Animals at Risk: Rhinoceroses by Rachel Grack

There are five species of rhinoceros and three of them are critically endangered. This informational text gives a few facts about rhinoceroses as well as information as to why they are at risk. The reader learns that human impact is the main reason that rhinoceroses are considered vulnerable. The book also describes things that are currently being done to help rhinoceroses.

The Animals At Risk series focuses on animals that are in danger of being extinct and what can be done to help them. The series includes many text features that aid the reader in their learning including maps showing the animals range, diagrams, bold words to highlight important vocabulary and a glossary. This series is a part of the Blast Off Reader Level 2 series and is 24 pages. The text is 2-3 sentences per page with color photographs.

Animal Battles: Ostrich vs. Cheetah

Ostrich vs. Cheetah is part of the Animal Battles series. In this series, two animals face off against each other. Each book starts off with a description of the two competitors, their attack moves, their secret weapons and then finally the battle. The narrative text at the end describes the fight scene and will certainly catch the reader’s’ attention. The book has 4-5 sentences per page for each animal and color photographs.

Text features such as bold words, text boxes, maps, a table of contents, glossary and an index are incorporated to aid the readers. Profiles of animal statistics include the height and weight as well as the physical advantages of each animal and habitat.

In Ostrich vs. Cheetah, a cheetah hiding in the tall grass stalks an ostrich. Each animal has unique characteristics that could lead to it winning this face-off. Which animal will come out on top? This series is perfect for fans of Who Would Win.

Animal Battles: Tiger Shark vs. Leopard Seal

Tiger Shark vs. Leopard Seal is part of the Animal Battles series. In this series, two animals face off against each other. Each book starts off with a description of the two competitors, their attack moves, their secret weapons and then finally the battle. The narrative text at the end describes the fight scene and will certainly catch the reader’s’ attention. The book has 4-5 sentences per page for each animal and color photographs.

Text features such as bold words, text boxes, maps, a table of contents, glossary and an index are incorporated to aid the readers. Profiles of animal statistics include the height and weight as well as the physical advantages of each animal and habitat.

In Tiger Shark vs. Leopard Seal, the tiger shark attacks the leopard seal as it enters the water. Each animal has unique characteristics that could lead to it winning this face-off. Which animal will come out on top? This series is perfect for fans of Who Would Win.

Animal Battles: American Alligator vs. Wild Boar

American Alligator vs. Wild Boar is part of the Animal Battles series. In this series, two animals face off against each other. Each book starts off with a description of the two competitors, their attack moves, their secret weapons and then finally the battle. The narrative text at the end describes the fight scene and will certainly catch the reader’s’ attention. The book has 4-5 sentences per page for each animal and color photographs.

Text features such as bold words, text boxes, maps, a table of contents, glossary and an index are incorporated to aid the readers. Profiles of animal statistics include the height and weight as well as the physical advantages of each animal and habitat.

In American Alligator vs. Wild Boar, an American alligator is sneaking up on a wild boar, but the boar hears the alligator. Each animal has unique characteristics that could lead to it winning this face-off. Which animal will come out on top? This series is perfect for fans of Who Would Win.

Animal Battles: Dung Beetle vs. Tarantula Hawk by Nathan Sommer

Dung Beetle vs. Tarantula Hawk is part of the Animal Battles series. In this series, two animals face off against each other. Each book starts off with a description of the two competitors, their attack moves, their secret weapons and then finally the battle. The narrative text at the end describes the fight scene and will certainly catch the reader’s’ attention. The book has 4-5 sentences per page for each animal and color photographs.

Text features such as bold words, text boxes, maps, a table of contents, glossary and an index are incorporated to aid the readers. Profiles of animal statistics include the height and weight as well as the physical advantages of each animal and habitat.

In Dung Beetle vs. Tarantula Hawk, the two insects meet underground. Each insect has unique characteristics that could lead to it winning this face-off. Which will come out on top? This series is perfect for fans of Who Would Win.

Animals at Risk: Tasmanian Devils by Rachel Grack

Tasmanian devils are marsupials that are feisty. This informational text gives facts about Tasmanian devils as well as information as to why they are at risk. The reader learns that Tasmanian devils are at risk because of farming, cars, and disease. The book also explains things that are being done to help Tasmanian devil populations.

The Animals At Risk series focuses on animals that are in danger of being extinct and what can be done to help them. The series includes many text features that aid the reader in their learning including maps showing the animals range, diagrams, bold words to highlight important vocabulary and a glossary. This series is a part of the Blast Off Reader Level 2 series and is 24 pages. The text is 2-3 sentences per page with color photographs.

Animals at Risk: Snow Leopards by Rachel Grack

Snow leopards are big cats living in the snowy mountains of Central Asia. This informational text gives a few facts about snow leopards as well as information as to why they are at risk. The reader learns that human impact is the main reason that snow leopards are considered vulnerable. The book also describes things that are currently being done to help snow leopard populations.

The Animals At Risk series focuses on animals that are in danger of being extinct and what can be done to help them. The series includes many text features that aid the reader in their learning including maps showing the animals range, diagrams, bold words to highlight important vocabulary and a glossary. This series is a part of the Blast Off Reader Level 2 series and is 24 pages. The text is 2-3 sentences per page with color photographs.

Animals at Risk: Axolotls by Rachel Grack

Axolotls are amphibians that only live in one lake in Mexico City. This informational text gives facts about axolotls as well as information as to why they are at risk. The reader learns that axolotls are at risk due to human impact, scientists study axolotls to learn how to possibly treat human sickness and how we can help axolotls.

The Animals At Risk series focuses on animals that are in danger of being extinct and what can be done to help them. The series includes many text features that aid the reader in their learning including maps showing the animals range, diagrams, bold words to highlight important vocabulary and a glossary. This series is a part of the Blast Off Reader Level 2 series and is 24 pages. The text is 2-3 sentences per page with color photographs.