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List of Books Reviewed Fall 2018

Books Reviewed for Info 5420  Literature for Youth ( Fall 2018 1) by

Courtney Guzman 

1) Informational Books (1) 

    The Invention of Bubble Gum 

2) Biography/ Autobiography (1) 

    She Persisted Around the World

3) Picture Books/ Easy Readers (4)

    Dragons Love Tacos

    Rosie Revere, Engineer

    How do Dragons.... Stay Safe   

    Iggy Peck, Architect

4) Realistic Fiction (1)

    Bridge to Terabithia 

5) Christian (1)

   The Rainbow Fish

6) Mystery / Suspense (2)

     Encyclopedia Brown Series

     The Westing Game

7) Multicultural / International (1) 

     Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters 

8) Romance & Poetry (2) 

      Meet Cute

      I just Hope its Not Lethal : Poems of Sadness, Madness, and Joy

9) Fantasy (2) 

      Harry Potter Series

      The Girl Who Drank the Moon

10) Graphic Novels (1)

       Smile

11) Bluebonnet Awards (2)

       Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Keys Taught the World 

       Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix

12) Newbery Medal (1)

      Last Stop on Market Street

 13) Lone Star (1) 

      Well, that was awkward

14) Pura Belpre  Award (1)

        Ninos wrestle the world

15) Coretta Scott King Award   (1)

       Firebird

16) LGBTQ (1) 

     Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

17) Horror (1) 

    Goosebumps, Slappy World, The Ghost of Slappy

18) Historical Fiction (1) 

       Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood 

19) SciFi (1) 

      NERD

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Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood

Benjamin Alire Saenz award winning book , Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood, is a wonderful book. Saenz uses the background of Las Cruces, New Mexico for the backdrop of this historical novel. Set in the 1960’s, Saenz explores small town America, what it means to be Chicano and events that changed America and its cultural landscape forever. While this book may not be for everyone, it is lone I highly recommend for so many reasons.

Saenz uses the barrio, Hollywood, as the setting for his characters. This setting creates a tension which is used throughout the story. The setting is not unfamiliar to many kids. The hood, that everyone wants to get away from.  Many kids will relate to this book because the setting is familiar.

Saenz’s main character, Sammy and Juliana are likable and relatable characters. Teenagers will be able to relate to these characters, their actions, motivations and thoughts and feelings. The use of  character development creates a desire for the reader to know more about these characters and the nature of their relationship. Their romantic feelings for each other are real, authentic and engulfs the reader in emotion. Saenz writes,

“ Your nice”, she said. “ Someone’s gonna hurt you.”

“ Yeah. You’ve said that before”

“ Its true��. She kissed him again.

I kissed her back hard as I could, and when she stopped she looked at me. “ You were born to get hurt.” ( Saenz, 2006, p. 9). This type of dialogue draws the reader in and makes them want to know more at Sammy and Juliana.

Saenz uses a youthful voice as Sammy the main character. Young readers, especially boys, but also girls will relate to the voice Saenz give to his characters. Age appropriate and real, the feelings surrounding the issues of the time period allow the reader to gain a deeper understanding of this prolific time in America. Friends being drafted and going off to war, those same friends not returning, civil rights and equality were all real events of the time.  Saenz’s portrayal of teenage life at that time is very real. In an effort to introduce young readers to the genre, this book and books like it should be encouraged.

Saenz cultural themes which are woven throughout the book make it relatable to particularly hispanic teens. Saenz, being Hispanic, uses his own background an a roadmap for the story. Hispanic readers will definitely feel they can relate to the characters identifying as Mexicans. This book in particular will strike a cord with Hispanic students, and immigrants a like. The ability to relate to the lifestyle, voice and cultural aspects of a book make it more realatable. This book accomplishes all this and more.

Saenz award winning book is a must read for teens. It is a great introduction to historical fiction. This book in particular brings a story of young people struggling to find their way in an era of turmoil and uncertainty. The themes of love, politics in a small town and personal struggles will not be lost on any reader.

References

Sáenz, B. A. (2006). Sammy & Juliana in Hollywood. New York: Random House

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Goosebumps Slappy World  Ghost of Slappy

The Ghost of Slappy, #6 of the Goosebumps Slappy World Series, by R. L. Stine is fun intro to the “ horror “ genre for young kids. Stine’s classic series is a sure fire hit with boys and girls alike. While not to scary, these books should only be read by kids who are truly interested in this genre. These books are a great way for a kid to test the waters and see if the horror genre is something that speaks to them.

Stine’s main character Shep Mooney is a relatable character for young readers. Through Shep’s narration, the reader learns his inner thoughts and feelings. Stine writes,

“ Somehow, I scrambled to my feet. Struggling to catch my breath, my heart thudding noisily in my chest, I lurched to the bedroom door- and out into the hall���( Stine, 2018, p. 58).

This type of passage is  an example of the inner thoughts of Shep, which make him an effective narrator. Kids will go along with Sheep as he uncovers scary dummies and ghosts in his basement.

Stine is a great children’s writer and keeps his plots, settings and characters engaging and relatable, His use of “ sleepaway camp” is a great setting for kids around 9 yrs old. Every kid dreams of going away ( but just for a couple days!) to get into a bit of trouble. Stine’s use of the “ sleep away” allows for anything to happen and kids love the excitement that this type of setting poses. If your a parent reading this with your kids you  will reminisce about that time when they yearned to be away from their parent

The series cover is fantastic! The script used for the series is spooky and slashy and the use of the slime green for the series and author give it a spike of color. The creepy dummy is a good proportion on the cover and entices the reader to know more. This cover definitely helps the cell! Kids will be hammering to read this once they see the cover.

The Ghost of Slappy is a great series and I recommend it to kids who desire to read this type of genre. While I enjoy the horror genre, I don’t actively seek this genre out. We must expose our kids to different genres in an effort to grow their pallet! So…..I highly recommend this to boys and girls who would like a good fright

References

Stine, R. L. (2018). The ghost of Slappy. New York, NY: Scholastic.

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NERD

Michael Buckley’s series NERDS, National Espionage, Rescue, Defense society is a great read for 8- 9 yrs and up. An award winning series, the main characters are a gang of eleven yr olds, your kids will want to follow. Buckley's writing style is fresh and modern and his characters and story lines will be an instant hit with parent and kids alike.

 Buckley’s Nerd series is set up in an interesting format. The opening of the book one contains

“top secret instructions” and lures the reader into the spy world immediately. Their is also a“ verify ID fingerprint match” to “ enter” into the book! Kids will love this and immediately be excited to start the read. Sprinkled throughout the book are other “ verification” pages in order to continue the read, which again makes kids excited to continue the journey. Pictures are also mixed in (Ethen Beavers)  and assist in breaking up the read. The book ends with an epilogue and an area to enter your code name. The acknowledgement and author, illustrator notes are also at the end of the book.  

Buckley’s writing style is age appropriate and fun for kids! Buckley is a terrific writer and parents and kids alike will enjoy this read. The voice Buckley uses throughout the story is very relatable. For example, Buckley writes,

“ When Jackson looked back at that moment, he realized that was when a terrible truth was revealed to him: Adults are liars,  horrible, soulless, black- hearted liars. The braces didn’t just ruin his life, they demolished it, then salted the land so nothing would ever grow their again!” 

(Buckley, 2010, p. 7)

This voice will surely hold your kids attention and keep them engaged in the read  throughout the story.

Buckley’s main character, Jackson Jones is a relatable character with unique feelings and emotions. Jones is a three dimensional character who kids care about. The ability for kids to latch in to a main character can really get them hooked! His teeth issues, and his feelings for Hyena, all make his a real world character that your kids can relate to.

While I’m not the biggest Sci- fi nerds, I definitely recommend NERDS. This book will be a huge hit with boys and girls alike. This is a great way to introduce this genre to kids of 8 or 9 and also a great way to get kids hooked on reading. And that is something we can all great behind. I recommend the series as kid will want to read more!!!

References Buckley, M., & Beavers, E. (2013). NERDS. New York: Amulet Books.

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Nino Wrestles the World

Nino Wrestles The World is a colorful and fun read. The winner of the Pura Belpre award ( 2014) this book is a quick and fun read. The illustrations, and the words, both in Spanish and English are a great introduction into Mexican culture and language. 

Yuyi Morales, is an author, as well as a talented artist. Her books contain a color and humor that can be hard to find. The format of the book is very unique. The inside cover contains a breakdown of Nino’s opponents. Characters like “ La Momia De Guanajuato”, and “ El Chamuco” are colorfully described with a short bio and picture. The pronunciations and characteristics are an additional feature. The book is filled with colorful and animated noises and movements which bring about a feeling of wrestling and the emotions that are invoked when watching it. Morales use of onomatopoeia is very effective and funny. Words like, “ whunk” , “bloop”  and “swap” ( Morales, 2018) are scattered throughout the pages.

The colors Morales uses are intense and beautiful. Morales uses reds, oranges, greens, purples and pinks to create an emotional and visual punch.  The colors pop off  the page and they splash around. The intensity of the color pallet invoke a crazy and fun mood. Kids will surely be squirming and fidgeting with excitement, while reading this book.

The composition of the illustrations is also very dynamic and intentful. Morales uses each set of pages to create a vivid scene filled with jumps and air soaring movements. Each character Nino wrestles is a new and exciting wrestling match. Morales uses scale to create the perspective of Nino, a little guy, wrestling characters of different stature. Each page contains very deliberate imagery, color, and scale to create the feeling of excitement and hilarity. The climactic drawings at the end are particularly funny with Nino wrestling his baby sisters.

This book is a delight from start to finish and the whole family will enjoy reading this together. Kids will get ideas from this book. The afterward contains interesting and informative facts about Lucha Libre, or professional theatrical wrestling. A fun and interesting way to introduce young children to hispanic culture and vocabulary, the whole family will be wrestling ninos and ninas all over the house.

References

Morales, Y. (2015). Nino wrestles the world. New York: Square Fish/Roaring Brook Press.

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Firebird

Firebird, written by Misty Copeland and illustrated by Christopher Myers, is a beautiful book. The winner of the Coretta Scott King Award (2015) this book is a poetic journey into the world of dance and Copeland’s personal journey towards the stage. The journey is emphasized by Myers original and breathtaking artwork.

Copeland writes using alliteration and recurring imagery. She uses color as a means to express mood and feeling and emotion. She writes,

“ me? I’m gray as rain

Heavy as nap time, low as a storm pressing on rooftops.

I could never hope to leap the space between”. 

(Copeland & Myers, 2014, para. 4 & 5)

She also uses the bird as a means of imagery and inspiration. She writes,

“Even birds must learn to fly, like me, you’ll grow steady in grace spread an arabesque of wings and climb” (Copeland & Myers,2014, para. 11). These images and ideas all assist in expressing the art of dance and the journey into a ballerina and a Firebird.  

Myers artwork is truly beautiful. His use of collage, paint and color create a vibrant world that invokes the art of movement. The lines he uses to express the legs and arms of Copeland create powerful  images.

Myers uses many colors throughout the book. He specifically uses blues, reds, greens, browns, yellow and pink and purples. The colors are dynamic and vibrant. The color contrasts and use of light and dark create a feeling of the theater or dance studio and silhouettes dancing.  They assist in creating an intense feeling of passion and aliveness.

The strokes and lines he uses creates beautiful images. The defined brush strokes and lines in the collaged work creates a vastness of the sky, and stage. It creates the feeling of foreverness or infinity which is what great dance creates for the audience. His perspective and use of it creates stunning imagery. The cover as well as the last few pictures are truly incredible.

This book is a beautiful and inspiring story, filled with hopeful images. Any and all young girls, particularly girls of color should be exposed to this book. The last pages of the book contain a message from Misty Copeland to the reader. Her personal and heartfelt words are inspiring, hopeful and comforting to anyone, especially girls who have felt overlooked or forgotten by those around them.

References

Myers, C., & Copeland, M. (2014). Firebird. Penguin Putnam.

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Step Right Up

Step Right Up by Donna Janell Bowman tells the remarkable story of Doc and Jim Keys.

This book, written for elementary age readers, is an fun read and touches on many important subjects. Nominated for several awards, the writing and illustrations together create an incredible story. Parents and children alike will find the story fascinating and the illustrations also noteworthy.

Bowman tells the story of Doc and Jim Keys using simple and effective language. Bowman uses age appropriate words and language to tell the story,which contains difficult subject matter.  Bowman, through effective and useful dialogue creates the world of Doc Keys and his emotional journey with Jim.  Using straight forward imagery she is direct and informative. She writes,

“ A few years later, William’s masters started sending him across Bedford County to work with other farmer’s ornery animals. During these travels, William saw how some animals were neglected, beaten, and worked to death. He was gentle, and patient with them instead. He thought nothing was worse than being hurtful”.

( Bowman and Minter, 2016, para. 8)

This is an example of the simple language used to express complex ideas. Bowman doesn’t shy away from the facts. Slavery and segregation are intertwined in this story and are honestly and truthfully portrayed.

Daniel Minter, an award winning illustrator has created a colorful, and detailed work of art in this book. Minter’s overall approach to the illustrations is notably different from most other illustrators. The very intense details create minute and specific details which provide the reader with a feeling of another place and time. His use of color, namely black is also very striking. His use of red, green and blue in the women’s outfits and hats stand out amongst the darker shadows  and yellow motif he creates with the horse and the settings within the story. The use of color to portray skin tone is also subtle and nuanced as Doc is African American.

Minter’s use of line create a detail as well as an ambiguity which carries throughout the book. While these illustrations are not my personal favorite, I do find them fascinating. The shadowing of the horse, the characters clothing and folds are so defined and deep that they create a mood. This story was set in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s and the shadows create a sense of long ago. Minter’s work is very unique and adds a great deal to the story and keeps the reader engaged.

Bowman and Minter are a great combination. This book touches on many valuable lessons which children and young adults need to be exposed to. The last pages of the book contains an Afterword which contains the life of Doc and Jim Keys as well as photographs of them. Learning kindness towards animals and one another is an important lesson that must be emphasised. Learning about a person like Doc Keys, who shows love and compassion for animals, is an effective way to encourage children to think about the role human beings play in the lives of animals.  Also, reading about the segregated past of America provides opportunities for reflection and personal growth, no matter the age.

References

Bowman, D. J., & Minter, D. (2016). Step right up: How Doc and Jim Key taught the world about kindness. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books.

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Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix

Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Mix up is one good book. The elements of the book together make for a fun and exciting read. The subject matter along with the artwork creates a vivid story that parents and kids will both love to read.

Jacqueline Briggs Martin, along with June Jo Lee have created a beautiful story of a young boy and his journey to finding himself. Chef Choi’s journey in discovering his true self, the challenges he faces and overcomes is a universal story. Lee contributes greatly with additional cultural explanations (foods and customs) . As the story unfolds, Roy’s inner spirit is explored. Martin writes,

“ But to Roy life was not better. He didn’t look like other kids, sing the same songs, or eat the same snacks. Where did he fit in? Roy was all mixed up” ( Briggs, Lee & Man One, 2017, para. 10).

This is one passage which exposes Choi’s vulnerabilities as his family moves to the suburbs. Briggs and Lee continue in exploring his journey further as he eventually overcomes his fears, and weaknesses and becomes the owner of Kogi, Korean Tacos, food truck. By the end of the story Choi has opened multiple concepts all over Los Angeles and has also invented a truly “ american food”...... the KOREAN TACO!

Man One is an incredible artist who contributes greatly to the feel and emotions in the story. A graffiti artist since the 1980’s, his color, style and feel give the book an exciting “ urban flavor ”. The perspectives and composition all contribute to the feel of the book.

Man One, uses his street graffiti style to add character to the book. His illustrations give a 80’s and 90’s street vibe to Roy Choi’s life story. The colors of orange, blue, green, yellow, red, purple and black all provide for lively street scenes in and around LA.

Man One has provided beautiful and inspiring cover art. The multicolor picture of Choi with his hat to the side, provides the reader with a visual of  Roy Choi and his facial features. The font used also provides a urban and cool look. The Kogi taco truck off in the distance gives the reader an understanding of who Roy Choi is, and what he does. Man One’s contribution to the book creates a desire to read the book.

The book is as cool as they get and parent and kids alike will love reading this book. The book has a universal theme and assists young readers in gaining perspective. This book  series centers around food which is a strong and effective theme. The ideas expressed about foods, what they mean to a specific culture and the ways in which they evolve into modern American dishes is something many people in today’s society find interesting. Roy Choi’s story is a inspiration and an open invitation to eat some delicious food.

References

Martin, J. B., Lee, J. J., & Man One. (2018). CHEF ROY CHOI AND THE STREET FOOD REMIX. S.l.: LIVE OAK MEDIA.

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Pride

  Pride, written by Rob Sanders and illustrated by Steven Salerno is a beautiful and moving book. Recently released, it tells the story of the Rainbow Flag and how it came to be a symbol of pride and unity within the gay community. The story is moving and the pictures and images are masterpieces in and of themselves. This book is a great introduction to young audiences regarding equality, sexuality, civil rights and modern activism. While some may feel the subject matter is inappropriate, it is a hopeful and inclusive message that leaves the reader with a greater understanding of inclusivity and pride.

Sanders is a wonderful writer and this book provides a good foundation for discussing civil rights and equality. Sanders provides factual information in an entertaining manner. His use of words contain a natural  rhythm and is appropriate for young readers. He writes,

“ The wind blew.

The Flag fluttered, flapped and flew.

A rainbow, as bright and unique as the men and women who walked behind it, led the march”

(Sanders & Salerno, para. 16)

Steven Salerno is a magnificent artist whose has created some of the most beautiful illustrations of all times. His use of lines, coloring, and shadows create a depth and intensity which is mesmerizing. The colors he uses are intense and are  the  spectrum of the entire rainbow. These colors create a mood of happiness and excitement. One illustration depicting the city of San Francisco  when Milk was assassinated is particularly beautiful. The depiction of the White House light up in the colors of the Rainbow flag is also intensely beautiful and moving.

The lines he uses for facial expressions, particularly in many of the crowd scenes, provides a detail and specificity which is truly incredible. Harvey’s expressions, his facial lines and creases are very life like. The lines used to create buildings and the perspective of crowds of people is very effective.

Overall  this is a highly recommended book. The back of the book contains facts  and a timeline about Harvey Milk’s life  and the history of the Rainbow Flag. The back also contains photographs of Harvey Milk and other gay rights activists. Further resources are also provided.  While some may feel uncomfortable with the subject matter, it is a good way to begin to openly discuss with older children the meaning of sexual identify, equality and respect for differences. It also allows for discussion regarding  overall compassion for all groups in our society. Adults will also appreciate the stunning art work.

References

Sanders, R., & Salerno, S. (2018). Pride The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag. Dallas, TX: Random House Kids.

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Radiant Child

Javaka Steptoe’s book,  Radiant Child The Story of  Young Artist Jean- Michel Basquiat is a biographical tale of the late Jean - Michel Basquiat. The story of a mesmerizing and elusive person, Jean - Michel Basquiat still remains a mystery to so many. This story brings to life the story of Basquiat, a conflicted and beautifully talented artist.

Javaka Steptoe is a talented and gifted writer and illustrator. His father is the great John Steptoe whose own works are also admired and awarded. Steptoe’s use of language and recurring imagery provides the reader with a deeper sense of who Basquiat was. The use of the phrase,“ WHEN  I AM A FAMOUS ARTIST” throughout the story creates an echo which reverberates throughout the book. It creates a sense of longing and hopefulness which is a message young children and young artist need to hear. He also uses intentful words  and phrases like,

“ People describe him as  RADIANT, WILD, A GENIUS CHILD, but in his heart he is a king, so he draws crowns for himself and other he admires” ( Steptoe, 2016 , para. 32)

Steptoe uses the images that Basquiat incorporates into his pictures and works to create his story using Basquaint’s own personal imagery.

The artwork is breathtaking and emotional. Steptoe uses paints, colors and composition to create an incredible story. Each page contains Steptoe’s unique artwork. The shape Steptoe uses are used to create strong and effective composition. The use of texture, to create the look of wood, and collage, the dried paint on each page is intense and organic. This texture adds to the three dimensional artist and person Basquiat was in real life.

This is a beautiful art filled book which I highly recommend. A great way to introduce art, artists, biographies and beauty into the lives of young readers and their families, this book takes the reader into a different world. Every family who loves and appreciates art will love this addition to their home library.

Reference

Steptoe, J. (2016). Radiant child. New York: Little, Brown.

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Well, that was awkward

Well, That was awkward, written by Rachel Vail is a fun book for teens, specifically girls. The storyline, characters and themes are all relatable to teen girls. Vail’s dialogue, along with the format and composition of the book make for a quick and fun read. Her use of texting as a means of communication between characters is effective and relatable, as well as her use of social media.

Vail’s use of current language adds to the realistic feel of the book. Her use of texting adds to the updated and current setting of the book. Vail writes,

“ SIENNA:  is it stupid tho I already know? bc now

 what am i supposed to do? Just sit here and wait to

 see if he texts me? Isn’t that kind of 100 years ago ish?”

(Vail, 2017, p. 118)

This type of spelling and usage is used throughout the book, which gives it a kid like attitude and vibe. Kids, specifically girls will love reading it for this very reason.

Vail’s ia a gifted storyteller and her character development is unique and real. Her main character Gracie, is a superb main character. Many girls can relate to “ playing second fiddle” to the prettier, more athletic girls. Through the  use of Gracie’s voice, Vail conveys many universal feelings and emotions. Gracie is a three dimensional girl with all types of feelings and insecurities, making her a most relatable character.

The themes of fitting in, self love, gratitude, real friendships and being accepted are all throughout the book. As Gracie attempts to manage puberty and all that surrounds this time in a young person’s life, she discovers a lot about herself.  At the end of the book Gracie’s mother gives a beautiful monologue  regarding the death of their older child, Gracie’s sister, Bret, which is very moving, and exposes her feelings for Gracie.

Well, that was awkward is a book I highly recommend. A book filled with relatable topics, themes and storylines, this book will not be lost on any girl who decides to read it. Vail’s fun story, filled with reliable characters, makes this a recommended book for any young woman. They will enjoy the journey and the resonating themes of unconditional love, and gratefulness is also a plus.

References

Vail, R. (2018). Well, that was awkward. NY, NY: Puffin Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.

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Smile

Smile, written by Raina Telgemeier is an award winning graphic novel. It centers around her personal story of an accident which injured her two front teeth. Her journey to recovering through multiple dental surgeries and braces, head gears and retainers is humorous  and poignant. A painful time in one girls life, is really a universal story of anguish during the middle school years.

Telgemeier's autobiographical story centers around herself as the main character. Telegemeier is a great storyteller and her journey towards finding herself is not sugar coated. The book starts out as Raina is in 6th grade and ends as she is entering high school. This entire time she has endured painful and embarrassing dental issues. Raina is a complex character with many different emotions and her evolution is one of the greatest parts of the book. Her journey to self acceptance is one that everyone can relate to.

Telgemeier as an artist is unique and impressive. The composition of the book, the format, color scheme and detail is very effective. Her facial expressions are expressive and assist in the ideas and emotions throughout the story. Raina’s expressions, the contrast between when she is embarrassed and won’t open her mouth, with the times when she is smiling is a major theme throughout the book. Her depiction of herself is very nuanced and poignant.

The cover of the book is fun and enticing. The use of the smiley face with flashy silver braces is humour and eye catching. The contrast of the yellow on greenish / blue makes the yellow and the silver stand out even more. It is also very appropriate given the subject matter of the book.

Smile, is a book that I highly recommend for so many reasons. Adults will love to real with as well as kids because it depicts the universal struggle we have all faced growing up. Mean friends, the opposite sex, embarrassing and painful issues ( teeth, skin to name a few)  are all things that every person can relate to in some capacity. Encouraging our children to read these types of books allows for them to understand that they are not alone, and that things do indeed get better.

References

Telgemeier, R. (2010). Smile. NY, NY: Scholastic Graphix.

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Last Stop on Market Street

Last Stop on Market Street, written by Matt de la Pena and illustrated by Christian Robinson is a beautiful children's book. Everything about it is delightful. The cover, the format, the story and the illustrations tell a poignant story. Parents will delight in reading this story to their kids over and over again.

Matt de la Pena is a wonderful writer and he has written a heartwarming and touching story.

This is the story of CJ and his Nana and their weekly Sunday outing. Through the tenderness of grandma, the naivety of young CJ , de la Pena opens the readers eyes to the bigger picture. As young CJ sulks at having to go out with his grandmother, she ultimately shows him the beauty of humanity. The end of the book is very moving and children and parents alike can understand the deep message to take away.

Christian Robinson is a unique and quirky illustrator. His composition and use of colors and shapes, creates a signature look and feel. His use of line is also very noticeable. His style has a vintage feel and in its simplicity it contains beauty.

Robinson’s use of colors creates a rainbow pallet throughout the book. The first obvious use color is on the cover of the book. The orange background makes everything pop. As you look through the book the reader finds lots of orange, blue, green, yellow, and brown. The final page of the book use blues and green with very minimal use of red. The use of color as a means to express skin tones is prevalent to the story. Robinson’s  use of different tones to express individuality as well as unity, adds greatly to the message de la Pena is trying to get across.

Robinson’s use of line throughout the book adds quirkiness and individuality to the characters in the book. As CJ and Nana ride the bus, all different people get on and off. Robinson’s use of line to show different facial features, body shapes , hairstyles and so on adds a lot of flavor to the characters. Each individual character in the book has a unique look.

The use of line to create the bus, the buildings, the fences and gates along the way to the shelter all add to the overall composition of the book.

Matt de la Pena, together with Matt Robinson make an award winning team. This book will surely be a favorite in every house after the first read. Not only is the message of inclusivity and giving  a great message to promote , but the unique pictures and characters make for an interesting read for the entire family.

References

Peña, M. D., & Robinson, C. (2017). Last stop on Market Street. London: Puffin.

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Rosie Revere, Engineer

Beaty, A., & Roberts, D. (2013). Rosie Revere, engineer. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers.

This book, written by Andrea Beaty and Illustrated by David Roberts is a fantastic read. Beaty once again has a created another inventive story. This time, it's Rosie Revere, Engineer. Blue River Creek has another young genius, it's not Iggy Peck, but it is someone just as fearless. Beaty’s story brings tears and laughter and a bit of history in this wonderful picture book.

Beaty’s use of language adds so much to this story. Reading this story aloud, because it rhymes adds to the fun. Beauty seems to have been influenced by Dr. Seuss, or so it seems. She writes,

“The uncle she loved most was Zookeeper Fred. She made him a hat ( to keep on his  head) from parts of a fan and some cheddar cheese spray- which everyone knows keep the pythons away” ( Beaty & Roberts, 2013, para. 5)

I was reminded of Dr. Seuss throughout the read because of this. The story is creative and of course carries a beautiful uplifting message. Great Aunt Rosie, who had been a “ Rosie the Riveter” inspired little Rosie to build a flying machine. Little Rosie builds a machine which doesn’t work too well. But Great Aunt Rose is ecstatic that it got up in the air and encourages Rosie to keep building, tinkering, creating and inventing. Perseverance and determination is stressed throughout the book and it is a great message that kids of all ages need to hear.

David Roberts superb illustrations are so detailed and colorful. His use of lines, colors and shadows bring this story to life. The children of Blue RIver Creek are all shades, and all unique looking. His use of patterns and colors on  their clothes, adds to each character’s personal expression. Roberts is a gifted artist and his illustrations are a true delight.  Roberts use of water color and brush strokes add to the use of shadow, light and color.

Roberts use of line adds incredible detail to the illustrations. The lines he uses to create hairstyles , noses, lips , and other detail is stunning. His illustrations use shape and lines to create setting, but also evoke feeling and emotions. The expressions he has given to young Rosie are so nuanced, it enhances the storytelling. The lines used to create Great Aunt Rose, her large bosoms, and her younger self are also very poignant. Overall, Roberts pictures tell a story and his use of so many elements create a tale.

Roberts illustrations do a spectacular job at moving the story further along. The characters are expressive and each page depicts the mood, emotions and actions occurring in the text and subtext. Robert's create tension throughout the story through his use of action

Beauty and Roberts continue to exceed storytelling expectations and raise the bar. Beaty’s use of language, her unique story and timeless message make a great book. Roberts use of color and line,  and detail add to the story and his depiction of action all add dimension to this story. This collaboration is a win for parents and kids. As as adult, these books bring out the child in men and I remember what is what like to be a kid. While the story seems very elementary, the message contained is one that all ages will appreciate.

Reference

Beaty, A., & Roberts, D. (2013). Rosie Revere, engineer. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers.

[courtneyguzman]

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is an immediate classic and a must read! The first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was an instant hit when it was first published in 1997. It's a great read for adults and kids alike. The series includes multiple books which are a continuation of Harry Potter and his life at Hogwarts. The Sorcerer’s Stone is a book you may find appealing to read as a family. J.K. Rowling is a master storyteller and her ability to create rich characters, intricate story lines and a magical world is superb.

J.K. Rowling is a masterful storyteller whose character, Harry Potter is the classic hero. The opening of the book finds Harry miserable, living in closet at his aunt and uncle’s house. He soon find out he is headed to Hogwarts as a “ first year”. He befriends many characters and begins to find out about his parents death, the evil Voldemort and his magical special powers. Harry Potter encompasses the qualities of loyalty, intelligence, courage, athleticism and is a symbol of goodness and love. His relationships are complex and three dimensional which makes him seem so incredibly real. Other characters have deep and complex backgrounds as well, creating an incredible world of detailed characters. Potter’s sidekicks, Hermione and Ron make for a great trio as the gang is introduced to the world of Hogwarts and the powers of magic.

Rowlings storyline is an epic and twisting tale that holds the reader's attention throughout the book. The reader becomes so connected with Harry, his friends and the mystery of the Sorcerer’s stone that the read is very quick.The climax is intense and  the reader discovers more about Voldemort, how Harry’s  parents died what he is capable of as a wizard. The themes of unconditional love, and  sacrificial love are explored during Harry’s encounter with Voldemort. Rowlings weaves an intricate plot, and subplots which converge is a magical climax. Some imagery may be too intense for some readers. The ideas of witchcraft, magic, and  death of parents are some themes which young readers may find uncomfortable.

Rowling begins to paint a picture of Harry’s world from the very beginning of the story. The world Rowling creates a rich setting  is filled with witches, and wizards, talking animals, villains. Harry resides at Hogwarts the majority of the book and Rowling creates a school and dorm that the reader can see, hear and smell. The quidditch matches are some of the best scenes as Rowling, through her detail describes the match with intensity and urgency.

The Harry Potter series , which includes seven books is a delight from beginning to end. I thoroughly enjoyed the Sorcerer's Stone and will revisit the others in the series at some point. The book captures the imagination much like  Roald Dahl is known for. The world, the characters and the vivid imagery will have young readers and old turning the page and always wanting more. The reader is entertained by the images and story, but also challenged as a reader. The words and language are not elementary and adults alike will love to read this in a family setting or individually. This book gets everyone excited about reading and even reluctant readers will be wanting more.

References

Rowling, J. (1997). Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. New York, NY: Scholastic.

[courtneyguzman]

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a coming of age story filled with intrigue, fantastical characters and a hopeful message. Kelly Barnhill’s novel is filled with rich language that weaves a unique fairy tale together. The plot, characters and imagery are a beautiful combination and make a most wonderful story. This book won a 2017 Newbery Award and it is not hard to see why.

Barnhill creates a story line that is imaginative, fantastical and beautiful. The plot centers around Luna, an orphaned baby who is saved by the witch Xan. Xan, is a loving caring witch, who is misunderstood by the people of the town. Xan saves sacrificed babies offered to her by the townspeople by taking them to other families in neighboring towns. She falls in love with Luna  along her journey and adopts her as her own grandchild. Along the way Luna is accidently feed the moon instead of stardust causing her to become magical. Xan’s powers become diminished as Luna’s magic powers begin to blossom. Xan must then casts a spell which cages Luna’s magic until she is 13 years old, and can teach her how to control her magical powers. The actions move the story forward creating a rich fantastical tale. The mixture of seemingly real life events related to living in Protectorate, with  fantastical and talking animals make for great delight.  Barnhill uses foreshadowing to move the plot and story forward. The plot weaves together multiple aspects of the bigger picture until the story lines ultimately collide. Some the scenes may be disturbing to some readers. The book ultimately ends on a heartfelt note and is a message of the power of love, familial and maternal, equality, and  empathy.

The language Barnhill uses is beautiful and artistic. This is a children’s book, however, the language is not juvenile. She uses words to paint fantastical imagery. Barnhill writes, “ She loved the moon so much, she wanted to wrap her arms around it and sing to it. She wanted to gather every morsel of moonlight in a great  bowl and drink it dry” ( Bar Hill, 2017, p. 133) . Barnhill uses specific language to describe Xan’s love to Luna. She writes, “ Everything, everything is for Luna. And it was true. She loved that girl with every ache in her back; she loved her with every hacking cough; she loved her with every rheumatic sigh, she loved her with every crack in her journal. There was nothing she would not endure for that girl” ( Barnhill, 2017, p.141) .These passages are compelling and expressive. The choice of words is artistic and deep, yet still comprehensible to a young reader.

Barnhill is a skilled writer who creates rich characters which the reader can see and feel. The character Luna first appears at the beginning of the book as a baby. As the story unfolds she grows into a caring, empathetic girl. She is a strong  and empowered young lady and kids, especially girls will relate to this aspect of her. The magical characters bring a whimsical, fantastical feel to the book.

While I usually dislike fantasy for a number of reasons, I enjoyed this book enormously. As an actress, Luna is a strong, adventurous character. The story line can be confusing at times, but the stories running concurrently were just as strong as the main plot. I would recommend this to girls and boys as I feel there is  something in it for every young reader. The exposure to new and exciting fairy tales shows children the power that stories have. A beautiful book through and though this is one of my favorites!!!!

References

Barnhill, K. R. (2016). The girl who drank the moon. Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Young Readers.

[courtneyguzman]

I Just Hope It’s Lethal Poems of Sadness, Madness, & Joy

This anthology of poems collected by LIz Rosenberg and Deena November is great exposure to poetry for young readers. This collection of poems bring emotions of sadness, depression and joy and healing alive. The tone and overall message of the collection is one of perseverance and universal experience. Young adults will find some poems easier to relate to then others.

The collection features works by well known classic poets and contemporary ones. The composition is creatively organized.  When reading the poems out loud,  a sense of transition from one poem to another was apparent. Bukowski’s staccato rhythm followed by Thomas Schott Fisken longer stanza’s and narration followed by Jane Kenyon’s shorter stanza’s seemed to create an interesting order. As I read them allowed I felt a contrast in rhythms, which created a mood .  I felt some poems could have been in  a different  order. However, the categories of sadness without reason, wild world, Lopsided love, and rapid tumble are wish you were here,  are all apropos to the collection.

The themes are all relatable to young adults. As young adults mature and develop, their exploration of specific themes in their lives takes shape. No matter your ethnic background, or sexual orientation, every person deals with depression, unrequited love, heartache and pain. As a young adult, these new emotions can bring on a sense of anxiety, and confusion. Many of these poems in this collection do a good job at exposing young adults to these themes. One poem I particularly liked was Gil Scott Heron’s piece, I Think I’ll Call it Morning. He writes,

“ And I think I'll call it morning from now on.

Why should I survive on sadness?

Convince myself I’ve got to be alone?

Why should I subscribe to this world’s

    Madness” ( p. 138)

This is just a taste of the types of emotions that are mixed within this collection. This poems has an uplifting message, while others are dark and sad, even confusing. Readers may be exposed to images which they may find uncomfortable.

This collection will expose young adults to the variations within this genre. Poetry comes in many forms and this collection makes use of lyric poems, and free verse. Many of the poems have a free flow form. This creates a bohemian feel which many of the more modern poems also embrace. Classic poetry is mixed in which gives the book some sense of variety.

As a lover of poetry, this is a good collection for young adults. They will not like all the poems. They are not suppose to. The collection provides expose to poetry for young adults in a manner which is digestible to them. Offering these types of books in your library collection to young adults may provide a much needed outlet they might otherwise not have.

References

Rosenberg, L., & November, D. (2005). I just hope it's lethal: Poems of sadness, madness, and joy. Boston: Graphia/Houghton Mifflin.