The illustrations are cute and sweet and will draw young readers in. The rhyming text reads smoothly and tells the story of a young lion too full of various anxieties to run and play with the big lions who are rougher and tougher. Instead he hangs out with friend and watch the big lions in hopes that someday they’ll grow up and be ready to join in. When little Bird hops to the top of a tree, and calls out in fear because she’s too afraid to jump since she doesn’t know how to fly, the big lions try to help, but they’re too big to climb the tree. In putting concern for his friend ahead of his own fears, Little Lion finds his brave and climbs up to rescue his friend. In finding his brave, he inspires little bird to be brave too, finally stretching her wings to fly. I like the message of finding one’s brave by putting the needs of others first, and I think it’s delivered effectively without being preachy. The cute pictures simply need to be shared with readers young enough not to know much about actual lions, like that manes are only on adult male lions, and that adult male lions don’t hang out together, but are either solitary or surrounded by a pride of females and young (maneless) cubs.
Martina Has Too Many Tias
Martina is not happy that her three tias are coming to her home. They are loud and vibrant and they give her a headache. She slips into the kitchen to smell the pot of bubbling guava fruit and is transported to a wonderful island paradise, where she meets a variety of animals. Each animal wants to play. But, their voices are too loud for Martina. She meets a mouse, who sits quietly as he plays and it’s perfect! Eventually, he tires and leaves. This is when Martina becomes lonely and it seems almost too quiet. She is then transported back to her loving, lively family and tells her story. She realizes her family is special and her place is there with them.
This story is a nod to the Caribbean folktale “La Cucaracha Martina” and reminds us all that individuals come in all shapes, sizes (and volume) yet can fit together like puzzle pieces to make a nurturing close-knit family. The author’s note discusses this and the connection to “La Cucaracha Martina”. Digital collages illustrate the story beautifully in bright, vivid colors, which are especially appropriate in the illustrations of the tias. This is a fun, warm story that will definitely resonate with the quieter kids in the family.
Babo: a tale of Armenian rug-washing day
We talk about books being both mirrors to reflect our own experiences, as well as windows to show us a world beyond our own experiences. This book has the potential to serve as both for many children. On the one hand, it offers a glimpse of Armenian language and traditions to students who may not be familiar with this culture (or a mirror to those who come from this background). As a story about a young girl celebrating family run-washing day as her favorite day of the year, it simultaneously gives readers the opportunity to reflect on their own family chores that can be turned into fun. I really like when a book serves as both window and mirror, because it helps young readers find connection with those that may at first seem different and unfamiliar. The world needs us all to be able to find more connection.
Izzy’s Dog Days of Summer
written by Caroline Adderson
Izzy and Zoe are so excited to go to summer camp until they realize two things: it’s awful (partly because Izzy drew big black eyebrows on her face with permanent marker) and you don’t even camp out overnight! So, Izzy and Zoe plan their own week of summer camp in Izzy’s backyard under the watchful eye of Izzy’s nanny, Rosa. They have so much fun and are so loud (partly because of Rollo, Izzy’s excited dog) that the neighbor, Mr. Entwistle, is even grumpier than usual on his side of the fence.
Camp gets less fun when Zoe gets sick and can’t come over. Then, Izzy’s mom tells Izzy about Mr. Entwistle’s late wife, Maevis. Izzy realizes that Mr. Entwistle might just be lonely and she invites him to her backyard summer camp. He comes over for lunch and they get along so well that she goes to his house while Rosa is getting her hair done. Well, excitement ensues when Rollo knocks the bathroom door shut and it locks Izzy and Rollo inside. Mr. Entwistle calls 911 and the friendly firemen (who all know Izzy) get her out of the bathroom, which makes for the most excitement that Mr. Entwistle has had in a very long time. All this excitement (and more) leads to a wonderful friendship between Mr. Entwistle (Isodor) and Izzy (Why, they are almost twins with those names!).
This lovely, accessible chapter book is brimming with fun and energy. While there is a moment of reflection when Izzy learns why Mr. Entwistle is so grumpy and sad (done in a very respectful and gently way), the overall tone is humorous and light. The black and white illustrations on nearly every two page spread add to the accessibility of the story. Give this book to your early readers. They will love it!
Grumbones by Jenn Bennett
Driven by a desire to ensure that her beloved late grandmother, Babi, is truly at peace, 6th grader Helena Novak has been leaving gifts at Babi’s grave in the hopes of luring her spirit back to the world of the living. While investigating the sudden disappearance of these gifts, Helena and best friend Ben discover a passage which plunges them into an eerie and extensive underworld full of creepy forests and shady characters. Helena and Ben’s presence in the underworld is perilous (getting lost is not an option!) and even with their new found guide, Grumbones, they are ill at ease, but determined to find Babi.
Bennett creates a palpable, powerful, and fantastical sense of place in this story; the underworld is truly an enticingly and fascinatingly weird and wonderful realm. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as Helena and Ben journey through the underworld and will be mesmerized by the equally mysterious and suspicious Grumbones. And while the chilling and eerie aspects of the underworld will initially hook middle school readers, Helena’s love and care for Babi and her steadfast friendship with Ben, will resonate with readers long after the last page. A perfect paranormal fantasy with plenty of intrigue and heartfelt feeling.
Dear Brother by Alison McGhee (Author) & Tuan Nini (Illustrator)
In a series of super relatable and laugh out loud funny letters steeped in sarcasm, Sister makes her case for being America’s Overlooked Sibling. She uses her family photo album as evidence: Brother is always front and center, the smiling, shining star, while Sister (to her most expressive displeasure), is relegated to the background. As America’s Overlooked Sibling, Sister does all the work while Brother receives (and laps up!) all the praise and accolades. When Brother goes to music camp, Sister has to take care of Brother’s bearded dragon, Frightful, the pet that’s about as far from the dog she wanted as possible. Initially outraged, Sister surprises herself by actually enjoying her bearded dragon pet sitting duties and when Brother returns, there a heartfelt and uplifting shift takes place between the siblings.
McGhee’s hilarious, sincere exploration of the complex relationship of this Sister-Brother pair is delightful and deeply relatable. The illustrations are incredibly expressive and pair perfectly with Sister’s case for being America’s Overlooked Sibling. Dear Brother makes for a fun and funny romp of a read for all middle schoolers with siblings.
Code Red by Joy McCullough
After an injury brings her gymnastics career to an abrupt end, Eden (13) is feeling lost – that is, until a school suspension alongside her classmate and friend Maribel, results in the discovery of an impassioned, innovative, and generous community that includes Maribel and her family, Will, a trans boy, and his mom, Raven. As Eden learns about poverty, inequity, and many women’s lack of access to menstruation products, she unearths a passion for helping people as well as a knack for sewing that she uses to sew reusable cloth menstrual pads that are freely distributed by the small nonprofit Raven runs. As Eden finds her passion, purpose, and explores period related aspects of social justice, however, her relationship with her mother, Heather, a super successful business woman who makes menstruation products for profit, becomes increasingly strained.
Readers will root for Eden as she navigates shifting perspectives and priorities with nuance and authenticity and will feel empowered by this thought-provoking and inspiring storyline centering on the hardships and rewards of taking thoughtful and empathic action. McCullough skillfully touches upon complex issues of poverty, inequity, mother-daughter relationships, middle school friendships, and social justice through well rounded, highly likable characters in moving and relatable ways, offering readers a powerful narrative of resilience and determination. Often funny and hugely heartfelt, Code Red is a highly recommended and timely read for all middle school audiences.
Countries of the World: Ukraine
By Monika Davies
Ukraine covers basic information of the country. It has appealing images and maps as well as words in bold that correlate to a Glossary at the end of the book. Readers will be interested in the unique geographical features including the Dnieper River as well as some of the exotic animals of the country: gray wolves, steppe polecats and wood grouse. It shows the vibrancy of life in the country as wells as popular sports: soccer, volleyball and swimming and favorite foods: borscht, holubtsi, and verguny. This book does not mention the war that is currently occurring in Ukraine and thus is general enough to be a basic resource in the library for many years. This book is recommended for any library where students at a young age do country research or for English language learners.
The Blastoff! Readers Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: All about the country, land and animals, life for the people, and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms 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 1-3. They are at “Level 2 which offers early readers a bit more challenge through varied sentences, increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”
Countries of the World: Thailand
By Monika Davies
Thailand covers basic information of the country. It has appealing images and maps as well as words in bold that correlate to a Glossary at the end of the book. Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world and thus readers will be interested reading this book. There are unique geographical features including: the Chao Phraya River. Included is an explanation of the weather in Thailand well as some of the exotic animals of the country: clouded leopard, Asian elephant, and the Irrawaddy dolphin. It shows the vibrancy of life in the country as wells as popular sports: Muay Thai, and swimming, and favorite foods: pad thai, som tam and kluai khaek. This book is recommended for any library where students at a young age do country research or for English language learners.
The Blastoff! Readers Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: All about the country, land and animals, life for the people, and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms 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 1-3. They are at “Level 2 which offers early readers a bit more challenge through varied sentences, increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”
Countries of the World: South Sudan
By Monika Davies
South Sudan covers basic information of the country. It has appealing images and maps as well as words in bold that correlate to a Glossary at the end of the book. At the publishing of this book, South Sudan is the youngest nation in the world as it became a country in 2011. Readers will be interested in the unique geographical features including: the White Nile River, the Boya Mountains and the Sudd of the South Sudanese country as well as some of the exotic animals of the country: African savanna elephants, shoebills, and Nile lechwe. It shows the vibrancy of life in the country as wells as popular sports: wrestling, basketball or soccer, and favorite foods: kisra asida and ful. This book is recommended for any library where students at a young age do country research or for English language learners.
The Blastoff! Readers Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: All about the country, land and animals, life for the people, and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms 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 1-3. They are at “Level 2 which offers early readers a bit more challenge through varied sentences, increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”