Category Archives: Reviewer’s Library Type

My Name is Jason. Mine too. Our Story. Our Way

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By Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin

This beautifully poetic and artistic book is a collage of the two artists’ early works while struggling to make it in Brooklyn shortly after the two former college roommates graduated and moved to the “big city”. Reynolds’ poetry is often superimposed over Griffin’s painting/collages in a way that helps the reader feel the raw excitement, terror, & sometimes loneliness that comes with making a big leap of faith in yourself in a new place. At the time of this collection, both were unknowns trying to make enough money to eat and pay rent so they could keep making their art. Fans of Jason Reynolds will enjoy this look back at his early years of personal struggle while also discovering the mixed media style of his friend Jason Griffin. Whereas current work is more fictional in nature, this is raw him. Anyone struggling to stay true to themselves while fighting all the doubts that come with it will be able to relate. I also really like the message of these two very different looking young men finding such a strong connection with each other as they lean in & support each other during their struggles to make it. There was not much I didn’t like about the book though the artistic style of Griffin’s work may not appeal to everyone, I really liked it. I’m sure my middle school readers who are fans of Reynolds and poetry are really going to like this book, and there is nothing that makes it inappropriate for middle schoolers other than the book is about people in their 20s. 

Redeptor

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In Jordan Ifueko’s sequel to Raybearer, Tarisai will be tested physically and mentally as she begins her control of the throne as Empress. Tarisai is still a rock star of a heroine, staying one step ahead of most issues that arise but when spirits of the past add that additional layer of doubt, Tarsai takes a little of a Christ-like role in deciding if she can live with her people or if she must die to absolve them of past transgressions. This fantasy world continues its mythical tale as beautifully crafted as Tarisai’s characterization. Fans of Raybearer will enjoy Redemptor’s 2nd and final part of the story.

You Are More Than Magic

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Minda Harts gives heartfelt advice on everything from finding your first job to reacting to squabbles between friends or break-ups of family, and from self-advocacy and positive self-reflection to being vulnerable in relationships. While race and gender positivity are obviously the reason for the book, this white reader could read it from the advocate’s lens as well as the learner’s lens. Discussion questions for chapters are at the end as well as reflective questions for a white audience and comments for a white caregiver. This is the “gift” book that counselors, teachers, guardians, and advocates can share with the beautiful brown girls in our lives. Harts writes in conversational, tell-it-like-it-is prose that creates the authentic cradle of care these girls need to be leaders in our society. You Are More Than Magic is highly recommended for school libraries.

Noodle and the No Bones Day

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Written by Jonathan Graziano, Illustrated by Dan Tavis

What a wonderfully adorable book about a pug and his person. This tale emphasizes that it is okay to have an “off day” every once in a while. Noodle and his person, Jonathan – the author, have busy and adventuresome days every day but when Noodle is feeling under the weather, Jonathan becomes concerned. Soon he realizes that there are days where one must just take the time to relax and be content to just be. A highly recommended tale for elementary students that really explains that it’s okay to have a “no bones” day.

The Moon from Dehradun: a Story of Partition

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Written by Shirin Shamsi Illustrated by Tarun Lak

This is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book about the partition of India in 1947. It follows a family that suddenly has to leave their home and move to what is now Pakistan where they find an empty house and move in (presumably because that family had to move to what is now India). While recommended for ages 4-8, this book would be a more relevant purchase for intermediate grades. The story will be relatable to individuals who have an understanding of refugees and individuals that flee from their homelands due to fear. This book also contains maps, a glossary as well as the author’s family experiences in the back that would better explain the story to more advanced intermediate readers.

Little Red and the Big Bad Editor

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The Big Bad Wolf Editor actually saves Little Red from being eaten fives times in this retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. Who could have guessed the wolf, turned editor, cared more about the rules of good composition than in eating his prey? When Red runs into the Wolf on her way to Grandma’s house with her basket of goodies, topped off with a thank-you note, the editor in the wolf wins over time and time again. Wolf is compelled to correct Red’s composition mistakes: no finger spaces between words, no capital letter at the beginning of each sentence, and no greeting salutation or signature at the end of the note.

Combine that with the ‘cool as a cucumber’ similes, onomatopoeia, and colorful verbs the wolf with his pencil behind his ear are doomed to not enjoy a human meal today. Who would have guessed the IMPORTANCE of a great thank-you note!

Little Red and the Big Bad Wolf Editor

Welcome to Dweeb Club

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by Betsy Uhrig

I think this is a very good book for people who love books that have humor in them and a book that is semi-realistic but still has crazy ideas. and it’s one of the books that is in first-person. Jason Sloan is not one of the people you will notice in the halls of a school, he is according to his sister, a “Dorkfus” and he decides to join a also not very known or noticed club. and it was named…H.A.I.R club!… [trails off] yeah he knows. Super weird name. Their job in this club is looking at cameras and security (NOT HAIR), and when they look at the cameras, they find something out. The pictures in the cameras show scenes of the future possibility. This club leads them to adventures. I think she did well at making this book funny. Also most of the time, people make things which was interesting. I also liked the book cover. I like the humor in the book. One example In the book was a teacher named Ms. Grossman. Near the end of chapter 58, a kid named Steve typed into his computer, “WHAT PRODUCT AM I PUTTING ON MY HAIR THAT IS MAKING IT LOOK LIKE THIS????”(244) After reading that, I laughed for 1 whole minute! I also kinda found it funny how much idiotic stuff they did. I did wonder though, “What’s with all the weird abbreviations?” TWERP? No idea what that stood for. Overall, I give the book a 4 out of 5.  [This review written by Komachin 6th grader, Victoria L. ]

Jagged Little Pill

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Eric Smith along with Alanis Morisette, Diablo Cody, and Glen Ballard have taken the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical by the same name and novelized it for a high school audience. This is a grand-salami story from five teen voices where perspectives are not always what they seem and choices have repercussions. The main storyline focuses on the Healy family who tries to be picture-perfect but the frame slams to the ground. There are so many, many layers as the jagged little pill dissolves — people exploring their sexuality, people learning to trust themselves, people taking a social stand, people learning how relationships work. “Harder” pills of rape, drug addiction, and mental health issues will also push a fast-paced plot that includes text message conversations for audience appeal. Jagged Little Pill has a broad audience and will be an easy sell when book-talked. Highly recommended.

I AM NOT A TIN CAN!

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When is a robot more than a robot and become more of a person? A little boy and Number 808 banter back and forth along the lines of what it takes to be more than a ‘tin can’ / robot. Number 808 can play music, do strange things with his arms, and do math. But Number 808 does not have a brain or a heart points out the little boy. The little boy is won over to Number 808’s point-of-view in the end.

Geraldine Pu and Her Lucky Pencil, Too!

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So glad this is part of a series! Geraldine Pu is a cute rambunctious little Asian American girl with a story to tell. This time her story evolves around writing a story about her family for part of an assignment at school. She discovers her everyday family members have a history she does not know about neatly stored in boxes and scrapbooks down in their basement dealing with the family’s immigration from Taiwan.

Geraldine gives helpful instructions on to how to read a graphic novel ( from box to box), for first time graphic novel readers, Then at the end of the book, Geraldine gives readers helpful instructions on “HOW TO MAKE A SCRAPBOOK” like the ones she discovered in her family’s basement.