Category Archives: Reviewer’s Library Type

When You Call My Name by: Tucker Shaw

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This is an LGBTQ+ Romance set in the early 90s. Usually, I love books set within this time period because I was a teen during that era; however, this one falls short for me. The pop culture references sprinkled within the book are pretty obscure; I worry today’s teens will not have enough knowledge to understand the reference and grow bored of it, unable to relate.

I appreciated the way the author told of society’s attitude toward the LGBTQ+ community during that time period; however, I feel as though parts were very trite and predictable.

I also dislike the title – it feels like it’s trying to allude to Call Me by Your Name by Aciman (which it does not compare).

I do think that our high school libraries will have an audience for this title. I am curious to hear what today’s teens say about it it.

When You Call My Name

See You Yesterday by: Rachel Lynn Solomon

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Author, Rachel Lynn Solomon, is a fellow Washingtonian – and her books are set in Washington State. See You Tomorrow is set on the University of Washington campus, with a ton of local references. It made the book more enjoyable for me because I could picture the places she describes.

This story isn’t a new idea – it’s very much like the movie Groundhog Day, in that the two main characters are caught within a time loop, doomed to live one single day over and over. In the process of discovering that they are in it together, Miles and Barrett begin to work together to figure out what, if anything, can break the loop. The two begin as strangers, who irritate each other. We see their relationship begin to morph into something more as they spend more time together and learn about each other. Half way through the book, the romantic tension is palpable.

Readers will enjoy the comedic elements, as well as the slow burn love story. There are a couple of spicy love scenes within, so readers should be aware of this going into it. There is also swearing throughout.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Readers who are fans of Solomon’s other books, or Again But Better by Riccio will enjoy this one as well.

See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon

The Chance to Fly

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People of color usually come to mind when I think of Diverse Books, but while this novel has some of that, it is mostly about a person with a disability – wheelchair bound from the age of two by way of a car accident.

Natalie Beacon, age 13 years, has just arrived in New Jersey with her parents from San Francisco, CA. This family move leaves the Beacons not knowing anyone in this new town. While Nat’s father is busy talking with the Redker’s College wheelchair racing team coach to get Nat signed up for the team and thus a new set of friends, Nat discovers a poster calling for open auditions to the summer production of WICKED. Nat loves musicals and wants to be in one in the worst way. Obstacle, Nat. You are in a wheelchair. Do not try something new that is going to let you down and get your feelings hurt. Stay with wheelchair racing. You are good at that.

The Chance to Fly is a coming of age story with the obstacles of over protective parents, making new friends in a new town, trying something new (live theater) you have wanted for a long time, and how to make people see Natalie the person and not just see a girl in a wheelchair. Obstacle after obstacle Nat takes them on, sometimes secretly, sometimes with her heart in her throat, and sometimes with a yell and a scream. Sounds like a thirteen year old right?

Co-written by Stacy Davidowitz, of the Camp Rolling Hills series, and Ali Stroker, a Tony Award winning actor bound to a wheelchair herself, this book is a shear delight for tweens, extra especially if they enjoy live theater.

The Other Talk by Brendan Kiely

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This book has an introduction by Jason Reynolds.

The book is definitely written at teens – the casual language and clearly defined vocabulary and anecdotes will hold the attention of teen readers. The thing I liked most about the language in this book was the use of “Global Majority” as the descriptor for BIPOC folks in the United States. This puts a constant reminder in the reader’s mind that the BIPOC population is NOT the minority – and even in the US this population will outnumber the White population within the next couple of years.

This book explains why it’s important to speak of and acknowledge white priviledge within our society. It’s main message is to listen.

The book is accessible and appropriate for grades 6-12. It’s a quick read; the audio version is read by the author, so it’s equally as good.

Itzel and the Ocelot by Rachel Katstaller

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Itzel lives with her nana on the edge of the jungle. Times are hard, because there has been no rain and the seeds her grandmother planted cannot grow without water. Her nana tells her a story about the great snake that brought the rainy season so long ago. But, people no longer believe and the snake retreated to the origin of water. Itzel wants to help her nana and decides to find this snake to bring back the rainy seasons. She enters the jungle and meets up with an ocelot, who agrees to accompany her on her quest. Other animals join along the way, because they too need water. They finally come to the dry riverbed and Itzel realizes that is no giant snake or water. Itzel sits down to play her flute, tears running down her cheeks. Suddenly, something crashes and bangs and the riverbed fills with water. Itzel and the ocelot are carried downriver and their animal companions on the riverbanks return to their homes. Itzel and the ocelot end up back with her nana and watch the rains come down. Her bravery and beliefs brought the rain back.

The story is eloquently told, with additional words in Spanish (word origin is Nawat, and indigenous Salvadoran language. This language is explained (with a glossary) at the back of the book along with an author’s note that gives information about folktales from this culture. Text is accessible and the glossary is helpful for those words that are unfamiliar. Accompanying illustrations are in a folk-art style, which is perfect for this story. Highly recommended.

Kidstory: 50 children and young people who shook up the world

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First there was history, then there was ‘herstory’, and now Tom Adams presents “Kidstory” : 50 children and young people who shook up the world. As the INTRODUCTION states: “…these children are not the only amazing ones. This book could have included fifty more amazing children. And another fifty, And fifty more…contributing to making this world a better place.” (pg 5)

The contents list five chapters: Think & Invent, Crete & Dream, Hope & Believe, Lead & Triumph, and Change & Conquer. Each chapter contains ten young people (under the age of 20) who have made a wonderful contribution to their/our world. Some of these young people are well known from past history, examples – Louis Braille ( Create & Dream) , Pocahontas (Change & Conquer) , and Anne Frank (Hope & Believe), while others are known from more recent times: Greta Thunberg ( Think & Believe), Bethany Hamilton and Laura Dekker (Lead & Triumph), and Malala Yousafzai ( Hope & Believe). Seven of these young people were born before 1899, thirty-four between 1900 and 1999, and the last nine from between 2000-2005.They come from North and South America, Europe and Asia, Africa, and Australia.

My favorite young person, previously unknown to me, is Ann Makosinski ( Think & Invent) (pg. 14-15) who invented “The Hollow Flashlight [which] uses just the heat of your hand to power it.” Ann invented it to help her friend living in the Philippines be able to study after dark because their electricity supply was not very reliable.

Quite a few of these young people have been awarded the International Children’s Peace Prize.

This book is inspiring!

Another Squiggly Story by Andrew Larson

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A young student has a problem. His teacher, Mr. Lopez, assigns the task of writing an autobiography. First of all, what is that? His classmates get right to work. His best friend, Marcus, loves hats and Alia wants to write about vampires, because she thinks about them all the time.

He is stuck! But, his sister comes to the rescue, telling him about her autobiography and reassuring him when he makes mistakes (it’s ok, you can edit). In class, the writing continues, with brainstorming , lists and first proofs. The boy continues his writing journey with a title, cover and more editing. The story ends with an addition to his list of “Things I Want to Be” – an author.

This is a fantastic book for kickstarting the writing process for young students. Appropriate vocabulary and simple illustrations make it a quick read and great discussion starter. I appreciate that the young boy works through his frustration and learns as he goes along. We have all been in that same place in our own writing journey. His friend, Marcus, adapts his autobiography into a comic style piece, noting that “drawing is easier than writing for me”. What a great representation of the reality of writing for so many kids. And, we can infer that the teacher is accepting of this change, since Marcus proudly shows his work-in-progress to the young writer. Use this book to introduce some of the elements of the writing process as well as the concept of autobiographies. Highly Recommended

Pugs Cause Traffic Jams by Jennifer McGrath

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Kirby, the pug, is missing! As his owner searches the town for her errant puppy, the reader sees Kirby causing all kinds of problems in the streets. Each page is full of color and life and different breeds of dogs. Kirby’s owner notes each breed’s characteristic. For example, “Huskies are singers”. And, “Samoyeds just smile and smile”. Finally, we find Kirby at the end, somehow turning all these traffic jams into a street party, complete with red carpet and cake.

This is a fun romp of a story with lots of dogs. Pugs are the current stars of many popular picture books and this one will be equally popular with younger readers. Busy illustrations are engaging and fun. And, the author is pretty spot on with the breeds’ personalities. Recommended.

When Whales Fly by Erica S. Perl

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Whale, Quail and Snail are hanging out watching the clouds when Whale states that she wishes she could fly. Snail, in a very matter-of-fact voice, tells her that she can learn to fly and that he and Quail will teach her. Quail is pretty dubious about this and states repeatedly that whales cannot fly. Snail believes it can happen and, eventually, Whale leaps (or flies) out of the water much to her delight and astonishment. Her big splash knocks Quail off the surfboard and Quail flounders, because he can’t swim. Whale offers to teach him how, because she’s a great swimmer…and pretty good at flying, too (according to Quail).

This Level Two reader has very accessible text and slightly longer sentences and simple chapters. Illustrations are bright and cartoon-like, filling the page with happy color. This is a fun story in a book that feels like a chapter book, perfect for young readers ready to move up a notch from picture books. Recommended.

Parker Bell and the Science of Friendship by Cynthia Platt

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Parker, a budding scientist, is so excited when her teacher announces a three part science competition. She knows that she and her coding-expert best friend, Cassie, can easily win and will set her on her path to be be as great a scientist as her heroes, Mae Jemison and Jane Goodall. Unfortunately, Cassie invites super shy Theo to be part of the team. Parker isn’t happy. Cassie asked him without consulting her and she’s worried that Cassie might have a new friend that come between them. Also, she is concerned. Will he contribute to the project when he can’t even speak loudly enough for her to hear.

Friendship and STEM come together in a nicely written story that is both realistic and humorous. Three teammates struggle to come up with the best science project ever while navigating the pitfalls of new friends and old friends working together. Parker’s idea of building guinea pig robots is perfect, right? Nothing can go wrong with that. Or, can it?

Illustrations are cartoon-like, full page digital artwork. The story packs some STEM fun into a friendship story that breaks some gender boundaries. Parker LOVES science and has her own Mad Science Lab. Her dad is a baker and her mom is a P.E. teacher, who both encourage her scientific enthusiasm. Give this book to your budding scientists. They will certainly connect with Parker and her friends! Recommended.