McLaren 720S

This review applies to all of Bellwether’s Epic Cool Cars series. I like this series. It’s a solid choice for any library with patrons with limited reading ability and an interest in high-end sports cars. They provide a solid amount of information in a predictable format, with a lot of supports for those who may struggle with reading: the photos and diagrams support the text; vocabulary words from the glossary are highlighted in green; glossary definitions are clear and specific to the context. The topic will be of interest to a lot of readers. Even as someone not particularly interested in sports cars, I can declare I found them interesting and informative. The Diamondback binding is sturdy enough to stand up to extensive library wear. The graphics and design add appeal to the target audience without distracting from the content. My only criticism is directed at the marketing blurb in the front of each book opposite the the Table of Contents: in proclaiming in advance that Epic books “burst with intense action, high-speed heroics, and shadows of the unknown,” they rather over-sell themselves unnecessarily. I didn’t notice much in the way of heroics or action or shadows of the unknown, but I did find a lot of solid and interesting information.

Bugatti Chiron

This review applies to all of Bellwether’s Epic Cool Cars series. I like this series. It’s a solid choice for any library with patrons with limited reading ability and an interest in high-end sports cars. They provide a solid amount of information in a predictable format, with a lot of supports for those who may struggle with reading: the photos and diagrams support the text; vocabulary words from the glossary are highlighted in green; glossary definitions are clear and specific to the context. The topic will be of interest to a lot of readers. Even as someone not particularly interested in sports cars, I can declare I found them interesting and informative. The Diamondback binding is sturdy enough to stand up to extensive library wear. The graphics and design add appeal to the target audience without distracting from the content. My only criticism is directed at the marketing blurb in the front of each book opposite the the Table of Contents: in proclaiming in advance that Epic books “burst with intense action, high-speed heroics, and shadows of the unknown,” they rather over-sell themselves unnecessarily. I didn’t notice much in the way of heroics or action or shadows of the unknown, but I did find a lot of solid and interesting information.

Aston Martin Valhalla

This review applies to all of Bellwether’s Epic Cool Cars series. I like this series. It’s a solid choice for any library with patrons with limited reading ability and an interest in high-end sports cars. They provide a solid amount of information in a predictable format, with a lot of supports for those who may struggle with reading: the photos and diagrams support the text; vocabulary words from the glossary are highlighted in green; glossary definitions are clear and specific to the context. The topic will be of interest to a lot of readers. Even as someone not particularly interested in sports cars, I can declare I found them interesting and informative. The Diamondback binding is sturdy enough to stand up to extensive library wear. The graphics and design add appeal to the target audience without distracting from the content. My only criticism is directed at the marketing blurb in the front of each book opposite the the Table of Contents: in proclaiming in advance that Epic books “burst with intense action, high-speed heroics, and shadows of the unknown,” they rather over-sell themselves unnecessarily. I didn’t notice much in the way of heroics or action or shadows of the unknown, but I did find a lot of solid and interesting information.

Lotus Evija

This review applies to all of Bellwether’s Epic Cool Cars series. I like this series. It’s a solid choice for any library with patrons with limited reading ability and an interest in high-end sports cars. They provide a solid amount of information in a predictable format, with a lot of supports for those who may struggle with reading: the photos and diagrams support the text; vocabulary words from the glossary are highlighted in green; glossary definitions are clear and specific to the context. The topic will be of interest to a lot of readers. Even as someone not particularly interested in sports cars, I can declare I found them interesting and informative. The Diamondback binding is sturdy enough to stand up to extensive library wear. The graphics and design add appeal to the target audience without distracting from the content. My only criticism is directed at the marketing blurb in the front of each book opposite the the Table of Contents: in proclaiming in advance that Epic books “burst with intense action, high-speed heroics, and shadows of the unknown,” they rather over-sell themselves unnecessarily. I didn’t notice much in the way of heroics or action or shadows of the unknown, but I did find a lot of solid and interesting information.

Felice and the Wailing Woman

by Diana Lopez

Felice, a twelve year old Mexican American girl, is being raised by her Uncle Clem since her mother and younger brothers drowned so many years earlier. As a result of her traumatic experience, she is extremely afraid of water and this fear holds her back in so many ways. One day, she discovers that her mother is the infamous La Llorona, a mythical creature that lives in the river and drowns anyone she can lure there. Believing that she can meet her mother, bring her some peace and overcome her own fears, Felice travels to Tres Leches, the border town where the tragedy occurred. Along with the mayor and two new friends, who also happen to be the offspring of monsters, Felice overcomes her fears and helps her mother accept her loss thus freeing the town from its curse.

This story weaves Mexican folktales and culture into a modern day fantasy piece that moves along quickly. The characters are well-written and quirky and the end is touching and magical. Recommended for those collections where a fantasy is appreciated.

The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice

Penelope could not wait to be the student librarian. She had practiced alphabetizing, book-cart pushing, and due-date stickering. She new she was perfect for the job, but there was just one problem. Penelope is loud, so loud astronauts could hear her in space. How can she find her place in the library?

The illustrations are vibrant and inclusive. The text when Penelope is loud is large and jumps off the page. The would be a fun read aloud to show that everyone has a place in the library.

I Am a Tornado by Drew Beckmeyer

Tornado is coming through without a care of what it destroys. When the tornado picks up a cow, the very patient cow notices that the tornado seems upset and listens to the tornado. As the cow and tornado talk, the tornado starts to get smaller and smaller with the cow promising to stay until the tornado blows away.

While the focus of the book seems to be on anger and having someone listen to you there is a little bit of science about tornadoes thrown in in the middle. This would be a good book for SEL because the tornado did not realize that it was upset and just felt powerful destroying things until the cow took the time to listen.

The Bright Side by Chad Otis

A young boy lives on the bus with his family. He showers outside, they snuggle to stay warm, and he uses his imagination. One day his mom decides that it is time for him to go to school. He struggles to make friends and to follow the expectations that all of the other students seem to know. It’s hard to stay positive and look at the bright side, but using the skills that his parents taught him he discovers that he can do new things.

A gentle look at houselessness with a message of perseverance. Many readers can empathize with the main characters desire to fit in and make friends.

Danbi’s Favorite Day by Anna Kim

Children’s Day is here and Danbi cannot wait to invite her friends to the party just like she did in Korea. Danbi tells them there will be kites, magic castles, tigers, train rides, and chocolate chip cookies. Danbi’s party does not live up to the hype and she must get creative to save her favorite day.

The artwork in this book is outstanding. The characters are expressive and personalities distinct. The colors are delicate and vibrant in complement to the story.

Ramen For Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja

Hiro loves ramen and he wants to make the perfect bowl of ramen just like his dad. His dad makes ramen every Sunday and Hiro has been studying how his dad makes ramen. When he turns 7, Hiro decides that he is ready to make ramen. He follows all of the steps, but his ramen did not turn out like his dad’s. Hiro and his dad come up with a way to save dinner.

Shiho Pate’s illustrations are colorful and expressive bringing in the feelings of hope and frustration in Hiro. The end pages include notes about ramen, rules for the kitchen, and a recipe for Easy Miso Ramen.