This heartwarming story follows Caius as he tries to help his elderly neighbor, Mr. Johnson, remember the rest of his favorite song. Even though Mr. Johnson struggles with memory loss, music continues to bring him comfort and joy. Caius searches through library books and recordings, determined to find the song and help his friend. The story explores important themes such as kindness, helping others, aging, memory loss, and living with physical challenges. It also introduces young readers to topics like Alzheimer’s disease and the importance of supporting elderly members of the community.
I recommend this title as an additional purchase for elementary libraries. The book presents valuable messages about empathy, service, and understanding people with memory loss in a gentle and age-appropriate way. The inclusion of characters experiencing Alzheimer’s disease and using a wheelchair helps promote awareness and inclusion. However, the story feels somewhat incomplete, lacking the details and cohesiveness needed to fully connect the plot and characters. At times, it seems as though important pieces of the story are missing, which may leave readers wanting more development. While the themes are meaningful and worthwhile, the overall storytelling is not as strong as the message it aims to deliver.
This funny graphic novel by Anne Appert follows the Loch Ness Monster as he tries to explain why certain birds have unusual colors. While Ness tells exciting stories, Puffin repeatedly points out that the stories are not based on real science. Throughout the book, readers are introduced to actual facts about birds and learn about the importance of telling the difference between facts and misinformation. The colorful illustrations and humorous characters will appeal to many young readers.
I recommend this title as an additional purchase for elementary libraries. The book offers opportunities to discuss science, misinformation, and critical thinking. However, the graphic novel format and talking animal characters may make it difficult for some younger readers to distinguish between the fictional stories and the factual information. While the real science content is included, it can sometimes be overshadowed by the humorous narrative. Libraries looking to strengthen collections on media literacy and evaluating information may still find this a useful supplemental title.
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.
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.
In this fantasy novel by Mari Lowe, a Jewish boy named Ezra learns he is the Nivchar, or chosen one, who is destined to battle a dangerous fiery creature called the gurya during his bar mitzvah. If he wins, the world remains in a peaceful “Beinoni time,” free from war and suffering. But as strange events begin happening and the balance of the world starts falling apart, Ezra realizes something is wrong. Along with new friends, he uncovers secrets and conspiracies that challenge everything he has been taught about destiny, courage, and justice. The book is a little slow when it starts but is truly inspiring. The book is told with a first person narrator. This seems to either irritate readers or helps pull them in, depending on the reader. I did not mind it! For students willing to stick with the opening world building, it will be an enjoyable read. The book includes a glossary at the end of Jewish terminology that the reader might not be familiar with. It helps to add meaning to a book with a Jewish cultural background.
Reviewed by parent volunteer, Esperanza B.D. for Komachin Middle School
Mariann Edgar Budde is an incredible person with an inspirational story to share with the world. Her journey to becoming an Episcopal Bishop is beautifully intertwined with God´s love to help her. She found God in her life as an independent junior in high school living on her own with major changes and decisions in her life. She writes about how God helped her overcome and find stability in life, and a community in New Jersey when she had none. She shares stories, scriptures, books, and metaphors at each turn in her life, she shows that in everything there are signs of God. After moving to New Jersey, she moved to Minnesota and then Washington DC. All of the moves for church, she became bishop eventually, and gave many sermons. Some of the sermons she gave were criticized and when she made mistakes, she always made it right. Mariann shows that, like all people, she makes many mistakes too, and that without God she might have crashed her own ship. She writes about how stepping up to the plate and swinging is better than never stepping up at all. After all, you do miss 100% of the swings you never make. Mariann teaches children how to push past fear and make courageous choices. By combining personal stories, scripture, and tales from pop culture, the book encourages young readers to recognize that bravery is a lifelong journey practiced in everyday moments.
This book is strong and inspiring with many relatable stories about Mariann´s life, and her journey to the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. It´s a book everyone will need in their life at some point with its punchy prose. Mariann Edgar Budde wrote this book with a strong female lead, based off of her famous sermon called a House Built on Rock. She made this book after her sermon got famous. Her sermon was standing up to President Donald Trump after he claimed to be Christian. It is a highly spiritual book about the Episcopal church. She mentions her family life and journey on the path of becoming the Washington DC Episcopal church bishop. It is political, spiritual, and inspiring. It mentions a bit about her view and the church´s view on LGBTQ+ rights and political views. It follows her path and how others have affected it such as family, co-workers, members of her church, political people, other bishops, and God’s role in her life.
I liked how inspiring We Can Be Brave is and how much it shows that God can help you in your life when times are tough or when life is challenging. I feel that God gave me this book to read at this time in my life for a reason. With change in life, it can be good to have the reminder to think in a divine perspective.
I did not like how there was not super clear points or break of section, while the book was good and was divided into chapters, it was hard to get into the book and then find a good stopping part. It was harder to get through or into than other non-fiction books that I have read. It was inspiring and punchy along with precise language.
Overall, I’d give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. Book includes bibliographic notes at the end.
Reviewed by 7th grader, Eliza B. from Komachin Middle School
The Glass Pyramid is a true story about architect I. M. Pei and how he designed the glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The book shows how Pei faced problems and people who did not agree with his ideas. He used creativity and kept working until his design became a success.
The writing is clear and easy to understand, and the illustrations help readers see both the old museum and the modern glass pyramid. This book teaches that big ideas take time and hard work. It would be a good addition to an elementary school library, but it should be considered an additional purchase rather than a core title.
A story of two musical greats, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, told through rhythmic text and vibrant pictures. As a young girl growing up in Harlem, Ella loved to dance. She dreamed of dancing onstage at the Apollo Theater. Louis Armstrong grew up in the south singing along with jazz music. A teacher asked if he could make a brass instrument sing too. Ella and Louis knew of each other but they had not met until one night they took the stage together.
The illustrations are vibrant and fill the two page spread. There is an author’s note and illustrator note at the end as well as other recommended reading for kids. Jazz music and jazz musicians may not be familiar to most young readers, but this would give them an great introduction.
Who needs a scrub in the tub? Rabbit and Weasel are trying to convince pig that he needs a scrub in the tub. Pig thinks a splash of water, a mud bath or a scrub with a shrub will do. Will a bubble bath convince Pig to get into the tub? Or will Rabbit and Weasel end up in the tub? With rhymes and expressive characters, this is a fun read.
You Are Not Alone by Ingrid Law is a quiet picture book that focuses on the idea of connection and belonging. It shares the message that people are part of a larger world and are never truly alone.
The writing is simple and easy to follow, which makes it accessible for young children. The story is repetitive, and the message is direct. Some readers may find that it doesn’t have a strong plot or memorable characters to keep them fully engaged.
The illustrations are soft and pleasant, but they may not stand out as much as in other picture books. While they match the tone of the story, they don’t add a lot of excitement.
Overall, You Are Not Alone may work as a gentle read-aloud for younger students, but it may not be a favorite for all readers. I recommend this book more for preschool and kindergarten, where its simple message and calm style are a better fit.
