Category Archives: Reviewer’s Library Type

Napesni Renegade: A Bison’s Journey

Posted on by

By Marcie R. Rendon; Illustrated by Sam Zimmerman

Napesni and Renegade – the two names given a young bison calf transported with 6 other bison from South Dakota to Minnesota as part of a multi-tribal partnership to nurture bison as a traditional food source. The story is based on a real calf who escaped an enclosure when a storm hit the first night at his new Minnesota home. The calf earned his name Renegade for his ability to avoid capture. Just before hunting season was to begin, Renegade calmly entered the enclosure to join his mother. The themes of Native tribal stewardship and ecological repair by native species are clear in this animal story.

Author Marcie Rendon also wrote Stitches of Tradition and Powwow Summer as well as a number of titles for adults. Illustrator Sam Zimmerman draws on Anishinaabe traditions and ancestral connections in his art.

Call Me Gray

Posted on by

Written by Andrew Larsen and Bells Larsen, Illustrated by Tallulah Fontaine

This Stonewall Honor and Ezra Jack Keats Honor Award book tells the story of how Gray talks to their father about how they no longer feel like a boy inside. They want to change their name and be recognized for what they identify themselves as and the acceptance their father has. This is a beautifully illustrated book that very kindly tells the story of the author and their father.

I would highly recommend this title for elementary school libraries as it explores acceptance and identity.

The Christmas Sweater

Posted on by

By Jan Brett

Another wonderful book by Jan Brett. This one is about Ari and her person Theo go on a Christmas Eve walk through the forest only to get lost. Fortunately, the sweater that Ari is wearing gets caught on a tree and unravels. This is the way Theo gets back to town.

This book, like all others by this author has incredible illustrations that show another story on the sides of the main story images. I would recommend this book as a great way to refresh your Jan Brett collection. It is a sweet story about a boy and his dog and the adventure they take together.

Perla and the Pirate

Posted on by

By Isabel Allende, Illustrated by Sandy Rodriguez

Perla is a well loved dog by her person, Nico. When Perla and Nico’s mom are late to pick him up from school, he decides to try to walk home on is own only to get lost. Perla, Nico’s sister and a new neighbor go in search of Nico. Will they find him safe and sound.

This is book two about Perla and their owner Nico. I would recommend this title as an additional purchase.

Planets

Posted on by

By Sarah Jospitre

This non-fiction book at the 2-4 grade level is well written with current and very detailed information about the planets in our solar system. This title well defines more advanced words so there is clear understanding for younger readers. It also “fun facts” that make the reading more appealing.

I would recommend this book for elementary libraries that are in need of books in this content area as it is clear, concise, and current.

Hello, I’m a Loris by Hayley Rocco

Posted on by

Hello, I’m a Loris is a delightful nonfiction picture book. The text is simple enough to be accessible to the youngest elementary school students but provides enough information to support research projects or just give readers a better understanding of this unique animal. The book also addresses the serious issues of habitat loss and the illegal pet trade in an age-appropriate way for young readers.

My favorite part of this book is the illustrations. The expressions on the loris’s face, though not objectively ridiculous in any way, had me laughing out loud several times. I am so excited to add this to my library because I know these pictures will make students fall in love with this creature and want to learn more about it. I highly recommend this book for both school and home libraries.

Glitter Kittens By William “Sparkle” Joyce

Posted on by

Glitter Kittens by William Joyce is sure to be a much sought after book in the library. It has cute kittens, bizarre side characters (e.g. Mr. Spudly the elegant potato and Crash the dented airplane), and glittery textured elements kids will love. The story tells of the Glitter Kittens, who are incredibly proud of their sparkle and shine. When their friends need help, though, the Glitter Kittens show that what’s on the inside is what really matters.

While this book isn’t quite as charming as a read-aloud as Joyce’s Rocket Puppies, it will likely be more popular at checkout. The illustrations are playful and silly, there are adorable Glitter Kitten songs sprinkled throughout, and the bright, colorful pages make it especially appealing for developing readers. It’s the kind of book kids will return to again and again, whether for the story, the illustrations, or just to touch the glittery pages.

Not a Spot to Spot: The True Story of Kipekee, the Giraffe Born without Spots

Posted on by

Not a Spot to Spot tells the story of Kipekee, a rare giraffe born without spots. The simple text makes the book accessible to young readers, and the colorful illustrations and adorable depictions of Kipekee, complete with rosy cheeks and charming expressions, will make them return to the book to look through the pictures. The rhyme scheme felt somewhat inconsistent, which occasionally made it difficult to read aloud smoothly, but the message of celebrating the qualities that make each of us unique comes through clearly. Many children will enjoy exploring the book on their own, to appreciate the cute animals featured throughout the zoo.

As a warning, there are no photographs of the real Kipekee included in the book, and searching for them will likely reveal that Kipekee died at just two years old, which may prove difficult for some children.

Ancient Civilizations Series

Posted on by

The Ancient Civilizations series features titles like A Day in the Inca Empire and A Day in Ancient Greece and is an excellent resource for helping kids understand what life was like in these ancient civilizations. Each book begins with practical tips for teachers and caregivers to support young readers’ understanding and enjoyment of the text. Though the series is ideal for reading with adult support, the text length and word choice also make it very accessible for independent reading.

The authors depict key features of life in these civilizations, but they also thoughtfully include details about the lives of children as well as events and customs kids will find particularly intriguing. These elements help keep young readers engaged throughout. The nonfiction text features at the back of each book are another highlight and make this series an especially valuable addition to a classroom or school library. The simple timeline of key events and colorful map are perfectly suited to younger elementary students’ needs, while the glossary, index, and resources for further learning support research and provide opportunities to teach nonfiction text features.

Bionic Boy by Lynn Plourde

Posted on by

Reviewed by Michelle, a high school student

The Bionic Boy by Lynn Plourde is a fantastic read told through an incredibly unique perspective. The book follows a young boy named Benji who was born without hands. Feeling self-conscious about his disability, and wanting the ability to help people like the superheroes he looks up to, he feels conflicted about the decision to get prosthetic hands. Although not every elementary/middle school reader will relate directly to Benji’s dilemma, their feelings of wanting to help others and not knowing how to will likely be identical. The novel is an excellent read for people of all ages (and especially those who love superheroes!)