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.

This title introduces readers to the process of photosynthesis with large colorful photographs and simple clear text. The reader is first informed that photosynthesis makes life on earth possible. The book then explains the role of plants and sun in this process followed by an explanation of the steps in the process. The book concludes by placing the process of photosynthesis within the food chain.

The book contains a Table of Contents, as well as endpapers with a “Let’s Review” section, Glossary, Index, and link to Abdo Kids online activities.