The book, In a Jar is a sweet metaphor for protecting and sharing special memories. Llewellyn is a bit of a loner, collecting items in jars so he can peer inside and remember the wonderful things he had seen and done. One evening he meets Evelyn and shares one of his jars with her. This led to seasons of collecting together. When Evelyn moves away, she and Llewellyn share jars back and forth, maintaining their friendship by sharing their present.

The story will encourage children to collect, protect, save, share and reexamine what makes the everyday things around them special. Recommended.

A young girl worried about her fishman father on those nights each month with no moon. Finding the crying girl, the sun took one of his golden rays and shattered it into a million glowing pieces for her to place in the sky to light her father’s way. She worked tirelessly to carefully place each star, slowly creating the constellations. A curious monkey snatched her bag of stars, still full after months of work and in the tug-a-war the stars were strewn across the sky creating the Milky Way.

How the Stars Came To Be is a solid new folktale. The book’s illustrations, however, are what really make the book shine. The author’s Indian roots can be seen in the almost henna-like illustrations. Recommended.

Starting with a description of one of Ronaldo’s most famous goals, this biography is sure to be a hit with young soccer players. The book highlights Ronaldo’s career progress from his professional debut in 2002 at age 17 to his move in 2018 to his current team, Juventus. Ronaldo’s commercial sponsorships are mentioned briefly, but some of his charitable contributions are described in more detail. Very little is said about his personal life. This book is definitely targeted at the soccer lover.

Born into slavery, John and Millicent listened to their parents’ stories of their people flying to freedom. Even after their parents, Samuel and Maggie were sold away, those seeds of freedom survived in their minds and hearts. When the overseer injures a majestic bird as if flies over the plantation, John and Millicent risk their safety at night to retrieve and tend it. The bird slowly recovers, but refuses to leave. Secret word reaches their ears that in a week, John would be sold to a faraway farm. Following the flight of the bird, John and Millicent run through the storm to freedom.

Freedom Bird is Jerdine Nolen’s second book in a multigenerational narrative of an African American family. Big Jabe and Thunder Rose, the first and third books respectively have the storytelling characteristics of a Tall Tale. In Freedom Bird, Jerdine Nolen’s powerful storytelling voice can be heard in the story’s language and cadence without the hyperbole found in Big Jabe and Thunder Rose.

An important story told in a powerful voice that belongs in every library.

This story tells of the life of Mohammad Alaa Aljareel. Alaa stayed in Aleppo as the destruction of war in Syria forced many to flee. A caring man who worked as an ambulance driver, Alaa was struck with condition of the many cats left behind by fleeing families. By providing them food and water, Alaa soon was caring for more cats than he could manage. Through local and international support, Alaa established a home for abandoned cats where they are safe and loved. In the last few years, Alaa has also extended his shelter to include other animals and created playgrounds and an orphanage for the children of Aleppo.

An touching story of the power of love and the impact one good person can have on the world even amidst devastating circumstances. Alaa’s life is an inspiration.

The book begins with a letter from Mohmmad Alaa Aljareel in both English and Arabic.

David is starting his first day at a new school and he’s worried about making friends. When recess arrives, David heads out with a pocket full of rubber bands. He searches the children engaged in a variety of recess activities; tag, hide-and-seek, reading, video games, and hopscotch for someone who would play elastic skip with him. Finally he approaches a girl who responds to his question and asks how to play. So begins David’s first friendship at his new school. The next day, David runs to recess with his friends to chant and jump elastic skip.

A first day of school book that tells the story of fitting in, overcoming shyness, taking chances, and finding friends. By sharing something special to himself, David forges new friendships.

With lyrical text the reader follows a interconnected path from the base of the mountain into the cabin of a Cherokee family where in the kitchen sits a grandma weaving. As the family gathers round, the singing and the weaving unite them and create a bridge to a young woman flying an airplane in a distant conflict. Her prayers for peace in turn link her with her family back in the cabin. The circular story and illustrated threads both add to the feeling of unity and connection.

The author’s note recognizes the role of Native American women in the United States Armed Forces. She highlights the accomplishments of Ola Mildred “Millie”Rexroat, a Oglala Lakota pilot who served as a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) in World War II and beyond.

Leila and her family arrive her Naani’s (grandmother) house for an extended family dinner. When Leila looks in Naani’s mirror she thinks, “I’m not sure if I like being me.” Over the course of the evening, Leila finds things about herself to like. She shares her aunt’s smile, recognizes the beauty of her Pakistani artistic heritage, and successfully helps with cooking the curry. Finally when it is time to leave, her Naani helps her try on a saffron scarf. Reflected in the mirror, Leila now sees a beautiful girl looking back at herself.

A sweet story about recognizing the beauty found in connections to family and tradition as well as the beauty from within.

The colorful illustrations have a folk-art feel. Endpapers include a glossary of ethnic terms with definitions and pronunciation, but does not include language of origin.

Once Upon an Eid is an amazing collection of short stories by Muslim authors that celebrate the intersection of the modern Muslim childhood and the powerful meaning and significance of Eid. Many of the stories approach this special time for Muslims with typical childhood experiences like cooking disasters, experiencing firsts, impatience for presents, facing loss, siblings, and feeling different. With the characters’ growth, large and small, the tears, frustrations, insecurity, and heartache resolve into the peace, joy and hope of Eid.

The majority of the offering are in the form of prose short stories, but the book also includes two stories in verse and one in graphic novel format. A definite middle grade first purchase for all libraries.

Be Bold provides a kid friendly approach to bravery. The book starts by defining bold and gives examples that a child would understand; talk to a new kid, stop a friend from saying something mean, or admitting a mistake. It also reminds students that true heroes are smart about not taking unnecessary risks that might put themselves or other in danger.

• To help children develop boldness, the book provides suggestions.
  • Baby steps – break scary task into small parts and face them one at a time.
  • Be adventurous – be open to new experiences
  • Let yourself fail – and learn from your mistakes
  • Know when to say no – when either you or someone else might be hurt
  • Do your research – understanding can make things less scary
  • Believe in yourself – be confident and proud of who you are

The book concludes by asking the reader how a bold hero might react in three situations.

The specific suggestions, child appropriate scenarios, and connection to superheroes makes this a good choice for young children. Share individually or as part of a class lesson to encourage children to be bold and courageous in the face of new or scary things.

I would have liked to see the book also remind young children that asking for help does not mean your are not brave.