Twelve year old Cuban Italian American Zoey could use a female in her life. Her maternal grandfather (Poppy), father and brother Jose are all she has since the death of her Mami and Abuelo. Her brother Jose is the constant in her life, but he is heading to college in a few months. Zoey, Jose and their Dad have moved several times a year since Mami died, most recently to Poppy’s house at the Jersey Shore. The book addresses the impact of loss, frequent moves, family tension, and a growing sense of belonging. Bowling, math, food, friends, family, hard work, and of course dreams are all a part of the story. There are conflicts to resolve, but there is a satisfying ending. There are enough things left open at the end to hope for a sequel.
Author Archives: SSBRC Former Member
I Will Dance by Nancy Bo Flood; ills. by Julianna Swaney
Eva so very much wants to dance but her physical limitations keep her wheelchair-bound. When one of her moms reads about a dance class for “…all abilities, all ages. All are welcome” Eva is excited about the chance to pursue her dream. She is also nervous about stares and whispers, and about being rejected. Eva gives class a try and discovers she CAN dance as part of a group of all abilities. Soft watercolors illustrate both typically abled and dancers with varying needs for physical accommodations. The illustrator manages the difficult task of representing dance in a two-dimensional work. One way she shows the interconnected nature of dancing is through the use of stars floating on a blue swirl intertwining around and between the dancers. The charming story is inspired by a child named Eva who learned to dance at the actual company, Young Dance. The book ends with an author’s note and a note from the executive director of Young Dance.
You Know How to Love by Rachel Tawil Kenyon
Rachel Tawil Kenyon’s beautifully written story with gentle reminders on including and being kind to all. The flow is reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, with a message reminding readers “Wherever life takes you, wherever you go, trut what’s inside you and let kindness flow.” Mary Lundquist’s gentle watercolor illustrations perfectly match the tone of the story and include friendly faces of different races, religions, and ages. “There are all sorts of people, as many as stars. Just give them a chance, and learn who they are.” This would be an excellent read aloud for any class. Highly Recommend
What is Light? by Markette Sheppard
Markette Sheppard’s sweet, simple book, What is Light is sure to be enjoyed while snuggling up with a parent or loved one. The story is told in verse and points out not only the light around us, but the light within us. Stars, fireflies, the smile of a friend, a mother’s love. Cathy Ann Johnson’s bright and vibrant illustrations complement the story’s overall mood. The rhythm of the book is altered a bit when the author asks, “What is the light that can be seen around you? It can be found in everything that you do.” However, I am sure with repeated readings the rhythm would begin to flow for the reader. The diverse characters are refreshing to see.
The Lady with the Books by Kathy Stinson
The Lady with the Books: A Story Inspired by the Remarkable Work of Jella Lepman by Kathy Stinson. Illustrated by Marie Lafrance picture book Grades 1-4
This picture book, The Lady with the Books: A Story Inspired by the Remarkable Work of Jella Lepman by Kathy Stinson takes place in Germany immediately after WWII, and some details might be difficult for younger or more sensitive readers. Marie Lafrance’s illustrations mimic the hopeful, yet somber, and quite heavy, tone of the book. The author describes the family’s hardships – the children in the story are very hungry and their father was shot for refusing to fight during the war. This book highlights the children’s visit to a book exhibit set up by Jella Lepman, and the positive impact on their lives of being able to hear a read aloud again even though their town’s library was destroyed in the war. At the end of the book there are additional pages, with photographs, explaining the historical background, and her legacy. Inspiring and educational read aloud, but touches on complex and difficult issues.
Princess Adventures, This Way or That Way? by Sylvie Misslin
Ready to choose your own adventure? Princess Adventures by Sylvie Misslin was created just for you. The tabbed pages give readers two different choices, each labeled with a picture. Amandine Piu’s detailed illustrations enhance the story by offering plenty of viewing pleasure. Go to the corresponding tabbed page, and make another choice. The princesses make their way through the woods, to castles and back home again, with only a little bit of mild peril. The sisters encounter a dragon, bats, and one slightly ominous looking gentleman with fangs. The only complaint is that there is no how to or instructions for getting started with the book. Charming, light hearted illustrations perfectly match the not too sweet princesses. A fun choice for adventurous readers.
I Love My Fangs! by Kelly Leigh Miller
This book, written and illustrated by Kelly Leigh Miller, is as cute as the cover forecasts and will undoubtedly be enjoyed by primary students. Little Dracula is surprised one day to discover that one of his fangs is loose. After much despair, his fang falls out and he puts it under his pillow for the tooth fairy. To his surprise and pleasure he grows a bigger fang. Although this book appears to be a simple tooth fairy tale, the author ties in familiar traits and feelings that come up when Dracula looks different. As a first time reader, I was slightly surprised by the appearance of the tooth fairy and felt the book would have been just as good or better without it. Miller’s illustrations capture really the emotional energy of the book. The Family Trait layout with portraits of the very diverse family is memorable and well thought out.
Rick by Alex Gino
Rick is a quick, informative read that addresses bullying and some of the hardships kids endure when questioning their personal gender identity. This coming of age book explores preferred pronoun usage, questions regarding sexual orientation and, most importantly, acceptance.
It bothers Rick that his best friend, Jeff, (and sometimes his own father, too) objectifies girls and is often unkind to Rick, making fun of him. Rick decides he doesn’t appreciate or approve of Jeff’s behavior anymore and conjures up the courage to stand up for himself and his new friends from the LGBTQ+ Alliance Club at school.
Rick exudes bravery and while at times the author uses fairly explicit language, this is a very sweet story for the middle-aged audience. It focuses on a crucial, under publicized topic of our time. This was an enjoyable and eye-opening read.
Who Was Kobe Bryant? by Ellen Labrecque
This biography provides a fan perspective, but also addresses criticisms of Kobe’s “selfish” style of play. It briefly touches on a sexual assault case against him. The book ends with his posthumous induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Black and white line drawings accompany the easy-to-read text. The book includes a table of contents, a timeline of Kobe’s life beside a timeline of world events during that period, and a bibliography. There is a page of information for both Shaquille O’Neal and Lebron James as Lakers teammates.
Who Is Greta Thunberg by Jill Leonard
It is great to have an up-to-date easy-to-read publication about a young person making headlines about climate change. There is additional information about Stockholm and about the Greenhouse Effect included in the book. The hazards of biographies of the living, particularly of young people, are the text will be out-of-date as Greta continues on in her life/work and as politics and policies around climate change continue to shift. Published in 2020, the book ends with former president Trump still in office and the US out of the Paris Climate Agreement. The book includes a table of contents, timelines of Greta’s life and world events during that period, and a bibliography.