Full of many details of, no surprise, "Impossible Creatures", some readers will recognize, others are new, at least to me. The significant characters Full of many details of, no surprise, "Impossible Creatures", some readers will recognize, others are new, at least to me. The significant characters, Mal and Christopher, are young, strong, and persistent in solving, yes, seemingly impossible problems! Others bring differing emotions, both happy and sad, as well as anger and sometimes goodbyes! Some illustrations by Ashley Mackenzie are within the text, adding to the adventure, but one amazing part lies at the back. It's a compendium of the creatures, wonderfully illustrated by Ashley and explained by Katherine. The title is "The Guardian's Bestiary." You'll discover who the guardian is and much more when reading this book. Few other words fit it than "fantastic"! I want to add that it was a profound ending! EXTRA! The next one is planned for a 2025 September publishing!
Thanks to Penguin Random House for my copy!...more
Thanks to Publishers Weekly for this copy, from WaterBrook at Random House! I won it in one of their giveaways!
A new superhero brings a new adventureThanks to Publishers Weekly for this copy, from WaterBrook at Random House! I won it in one of their giveaways!
A new superhero brings a new adventure for middle graders to read and love. It's written by Meredith Davis, whose new 'superhero', Noah Minor, shows up on the first pages while being dropped from a building's sixteenth story. A reporter sees it all, though the great-uncle denies he did it. However it happened, all that we know is that it's a "Minor Miracle" and here is dear Noah, now in middle school, reading to have an eye check. Plot twists often happen in stories, but the story by Davis seems to surprise often with ordinary events turning into surprises, not only for Noah but for his friends, Haley and Rodney. Each one appears to have a superpower yet it's not always the kind that has them flying through the air, but the challenge to think ahead, to make better decisions, to take good care of friends, and family, too! Except for an introduction, Noah tells the story, his dilemmas, his worries, and the decisions that are really hard to make. Sometimes they're not so good and Noah has to become a different superhero than he ever imagined. Illustrator Billy Yong adds to the action with his graphic illustrations, adding much to the emotional impact of the action. It's a terrific book!...more
It's taken me weeks to read this book, not because it was a chore, but because I've been engrossed in so many other things, including reading other boIt's taken me weeks to read this book, not because it was a chore, but because I've been engrossed in so many other things, including reading other books. This one, unfortunately, ended up at the bottom of my 'to-do' list. I've finally finished the tale with admiration for the underlying warmth imbued in the story by Daniel Nayeri and the beautiful illustrations by Daniel Miyares which expanded our look at the story's unusual setting, along with giving a sense of what the characters looked like. The story, and the characters began to feel more real to me as I read chapter by chapter. I became more intrigued with the huckster, Samir's stories, what he really was up to. I began to wonder if Monkey, the young boy who tells the story and was rescued by Samir from being stoned to death by the monks who had previously taken him in, was really telling the truth. The varied, continuing threads, like the utter loving importance of the donkey, Rostam, Monkey's philosophical thoughts, and the importance of deepening interest in other characters made me know why the Newbery Committee chose this as an honor book. Though this isn't necessarily for every middle reader, some will cherish it for a new and intriguing book adventure. I do believe that some young adult and adults will enjoy it, too!...more
I think I took so long to read, then finish this because it is a beautiful, creative, and unique story where I savored each page. How can readers not I think I took so long to read, then finish this because it is a beautiful, creative, and unique story where I savored each page. How can readers not love Johannes? How can readers not love his community of friends, his love of running, and the love of his home? I would love to read this aloud with young readers who might be unable to read it independently! Don't you agree that they, too, would adore the adventure? I also loved the paintings where Shawn Harris places Johannes in his wild places and that they are, according to a note from the author, "classical paintings by others long departed." It's a treasure of a book!...more
I loved these stories, yes, more than one story is shared in Kate DiCamillo's new book, The Puppets of Spelhorst, A Normandy Tale. There are the pupp I loved these stories, yes, more than one story is shared in Kate DiCamillo's new book, The Puppets of Spelhorst, A Normandy Tale. There are the puppet's stories, together and apart, intertwining with others like the two young girls whose Uncle brings them the puppets in a trunk labeled "Spelhorst" and their maid, Jane Twiddum. A teacher is in there and some early characters who also play a part in the puppets' journey. I don't usually refer to other books in reviews but this time, I am reminded of Deborah Wiles' book Each Little Bird That Sings. That title brings the thought of what Kate DiCamillo does so beautifully, makes every character add to the weft of the story. If only in a brief scene, she lets her characters "sing" as they play their scenes. Boosting the enjoyment of this new book are Julie Worsted's illustrations, enhancing readers' imaginations with her own artistic work. I imagine this will become a favorite read aloud in many classrooms or groups. Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy. The book published about five weeks ago. ...more
This is an older book for young readers by Andrew Matthews that introduces the sad and also frightening tale of Shakespeare's Macbeth. With some comi This is an older book for young readers by Andrew Matthews that introduces the sad and also frightening tale of Shakespeare's Macbeth. With some comic-style illustrations by Tony Ross, it would have been a great read aloud during October for Halloween. Morally there are some parts to discuss, of course. Doing bad deeds from greed for power does not end well, does it? ...more
I am a huge fan of Grace Lin's books and this feels like a project that connects with her earlier writing, research she's done for a long time, and h I am a huge fan of Grace Lin's books and this feels like a project that connects with her earlier writing, research she's done for a long time, and her love for tales from her heritage. It's an encyclopedia of Chinese food with explanation of origins, various similar tales, language nuances that most of us possibly need to know if we aren't Chinese, and Grace Lin adds to its beauty with her glorious illustrations throughout. She does this all in seven chapters (Chopsticks, Tea, Appetizers, etc.), with an intro, a special recipe from her mother, endnotes, a bibliography, and an index. There is a timeline to link the stories and food with various dynasties and a map of China to connect with various areas. All the stories seem special and since I didn't grow up in a Chinese household, new to me. I loved hearing about chopsticks and the way Oolong tea got its name and so much more. There's a lot. You could choose a favorite Chinese food, then read the story of it and if you are teaching, you could read the parts about student favorites. It's an amazing creation by Grace Lin! ...more
I read the original book by Zora Neale Hurston years ago and now have read the adaptation for young readers by Ibram X. Kendi. He kept the flavor, theI read the original book by Zora Neale Hurston years ago and now have read the adaptation for young readers by Ibram X. Kendi. He kept the flavor, the horror and the heartbreak told to Hurston by Cudjo Lewis, captured and brought to the states by the Clotilda, the last slave ship to bring slaves. Even then, it was illegal and they slipped through and even tried to burn the ship to keep it from being found. In his own dialect, Cudjo, African name, Kossula, begins telling of his life in Africa which he has never forgotten and seemed to yearn for it even as he worked hard as a slave, then a free man, helping to create their next home, Africatown. This was the advanced copy and the art by Jazzmen Lee-Johnson was not complete, but it looks as it will be powerful illustrations that capture some special parts of Kudjo's story. It will be a good book for many kids to learn of that time from one who lived it. Thanks to Harper Collins Children's Books for this copy....more
Sara Pennypacker, with the help of a few illustrations by Matthew Cordell, has written a story for readers like no other about Leeva, a girl who seem Sara Pennypacker, with the help of a few illustrations by Matthew Cordell, has written a story for readers like no other about Leeva, a girl who seems to have been raised by parents who don't parent. In all actuality, Leeva, from a very young age, has been given an employee handbook of expectations. She does it all, cooking, washing dishes, cleaning, but the most asked of her is to stay out of their way. Oh, and to do a few math problems for her father some mornings. It is shocking to read in the story's beginning until Leeva draws strength enough to ask the question, "What are people for?" You see, she has never been to school, has never been out of the house, until, until, she must. And that is when she sneaks through the high hedge and discovers the library, discovers the librarians, also cookies and hugs and so much more. But it takes a while for those. Along the way, she also makes two other friends and learns that she actually can help them, too. Pennypacker's mixed-up world shows how kindness and accepting the unusual make life better. It's a surprise when it's nearly taken away but an equal surprise how Leeva responds. I loved every part, a new kind of world that became endearing in many ways....more
I've loved M.T. Anderson's books every time there's another. This one is another new world to sit back, read, and wonder at the adventure, wonder at AI've loved M.T. Anderson's books every time there's another. This one is another new world to sit back, read, and wonder at the adventure, wonder at Anderson's imaginative world-building that includes magic, but also family love and challenges, friendships that strengthen with challenges, no matter the diversity, and the true love from a dog. In this plot, a global plague is keeping Clay, his younger and older sister, and the parents at home. They're pretty tired of each other and yearn for, well, the usual lives they had been living. When a mysterious dog appears, Clay names him Elphinore and the magic begins. They live in the woods and paths Elphinore shows Clay are ones he never had seen before, villages he didn't know existed, along with "Owl-Heads", a clan with strict rules Clay and his new friend break, out of want and need. Intriguing creatures come into Clay's world just as it seemed he needed them, most especially, a sweet and loving dog. It's a terrific book, just out last month. Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!...more
It is often interesting what authors create from their imagination. This time Jasmine Warga allows a rover, Resilience, Res for short, to tell its ow It is often interesting what authors create from their imagination. This time Jasmine Warga allows a rover, Resilience, Res for short, to tell its own story. She challenges us to imagine ourselves that a rover, really a computer, to learn and grow, then begin to question, eventually to imagine, human qualities, right? The adventure begins with Res' relationship with two "hazmats" as it calls them, Rania and Xander, NASA scientists, who are creating the code to prep Res for a trip to Mars. There is also another rover named Journey, kind of a thorn in Res' side who keeps chiding him for using words only humans should, like "worry" and "hope". The teasing "Beeps and Boops" from Journey gets Res upset yet he holds on to his new beliefs. Once in a while, Rania's daughter, Sophie, begins to write letters to Res. They occur once in a while to advance the story. Days and months, then years pass, and finally Res, with a companion, "Fly", a drone, get going, to Mars! The trip and time on Mars itself is exciting, dangerous, and nerve-wracking. Another computer, Guardian, is a satellite guide, taking the place of a skeptical Journey, but as readers will see, human emotions sneak into all the thoughts and conversation. Res cannot ask questions of the humans, a constant frustration. What you will love is the change that happens through all the years and the emotions that do occur, yes, even in rovers! The story divides into parts, like "Launch" and "Roving" and the intros show illuminating illustrations by Matt Rockefeller. There is an author's note, acknowledgments, and one page of sites for learning more. It's a special book!...more
A short story from a while ago about a magical night for the woodcutter first, then a family who watched him sell his trees each Christmas near their A short story from a while ago about a magical night for the woodcutter first, then a family who watched him sell his trees each Christmas near their Manhattan apartment. They knew only a name and one word of a destination. One year he did not return. What happened after that is the woodcutter's story, a sweet and magical tale about love and acceptance and a lot of joy. Photographs by Dona Ann McAdams accompany the story....more
Just right for this month of Halloween, a cute story about a witch with all the 'witchy' vocabulary to smile about. This young witch, Crimson, follow Just right for this month of Halloween, a cute story about a witch with all the 'witchy' vocabulary to smile about. This young witch, Crimson, follows a different path. She doesn't wear a black hat, nor pointy shoes, and loves her polka dot dress instead of the usual black like everyone else. Instead of cackling, she giggles; instead of nightmares, she dreams! It's a clever story that supports being oneself regardless of the push to be like all the others. Thanks to Candlewick Press for the copy!...more
Of course, it's a must-read, this third of Meg Medina's trilogy about Merci. As one of my own granddaughters is an eighth grader, too, I loved this peOf course, it's a must-read, this third of Meg Medina's trilogy about Merci. As one of my own granddaughters is an eighth grader, too, I loved this peek into this eighth grader's thoughts. It is a poignant ending with Merci and her friends, her wonderfully supportive, and wise, family, wrapped around the dilemmas facing someone who wants to do well, be one of "that group", but do the right thing, too. She really is growing up! Thanks to Candlewick Press for the advance copy!...more
David Almond always gives us a story to enjoy, one that is thought-filled beneath all the action. That "brand new boy" whose name is George arrives a David Almond always gives us a story to enjoy, one that is thought-filled beneath all the action. That "brand new boy" whose name is George arrives at school one day, with a companion who sits in the back of the room, taking notes and helping him talk when needed. It's a complete mystery who this new student is, and before they realize it, Miss Crystal says it's enough for the first day and takes him away. Daniel and Maxie are buddies, but along with them come Billy and Louise, entering an adventure they will remember for all their lives. If you want to read about loving kindness and what being a boy (or girl) really means in the great adventure called 'life', this is the read. Daniel tells the story, and Almond layers it with school friends, teachers and administrators, an understanding and loving mom, recess monitors, and even kindergarten fairies! You'll see, all the school you know is there. A few illustrations by Marta Altes are fun! Out in 2020 in the UK, thanks to Candlewick Press for the copy....more
McTavish, believe it or not, always seems to save the day. This time, among all the Peachey family, Betty needs him the most. Pa Peachey has found a McTavish, believe it or not, always seems to save the day. This time, among all the Peachey family, Betty needs him the most. Pa Peachey has found a new job and a new happier outlook. The family needs to move and while that feels okay to others, Betty is the one who will have a new school. She's worried about having no friends, thinking no one will talk to her, etc. Perhaps others who read the book will understand what that means. Yet, they must move. Betty and all the family like their new home which is next to a park, but nerves increase for Betty when that "first day" arrives. Mom and McTavish walk with her for support but what happens next seems like a disaster, until it isn't. Meg Rosoff tells a fun story, one those who've never had a pet may not believe. Dogs do know more than we can imagine, don't they? There are a few illustrations that add to the tone of the story. It's another great one showing off charming and helpful McTavish. ...more
It's so nice to read a book where Marisol tells this story of her feelings about sports even when her older brother Oz is a super athlete. She knows It's so nice to read a book where Marisol tells this story of her feelings about sports even when her older brother Oz is a super athlete. She knows this isn't one of her good traits and struggles to find something about herself so others will say "Way to go, Marisol!" She also has a hard time sharing her worries, with her dad who works far away and the only time the family talks to him several weeks of the month is through an online chat. Then, everyone is listening! Readers will connect, I'm sure, and also see that sometimes it all works out well, especially if one does share and also does the right thing with best friends. ...more
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this new early chapter book by Chitra Soundar, out mid-September with the 1st US edition. The emotions are familiar an Thanks to Candlewick Press for this new early chapter book by Chitra Soundar, out mid-September with the 1st US edition. The emotions are familiar and some traditions from Indian culture differ, but it all ends with a loving welcome to a new baby. Sona and her best friend, Elephant, have quite a few conversations about this new baby. I enjoyed that Soundar let the stuffie, Elephant, talk. It didn't seem like pretend at all! After the baby comes home and Sona tiptoes in to see it, she falls in love. Back in her room, Elephant says, "Tell me about the baby again." And she does! One chapter's title reads "Sharing is Caring" but young Sona does NOT care, does NOT want a new baby in the house. And she doesn't want to share a baby dress that had been hers! She wants to remain the baby. Jen Khatun's illustrations bring the family surrounding Sona to life in pencil sketches. Three generations live together except for one grandmother, mother Amma's mother. I loved that certain important phrases were included, like at the end of this "caring" chapter, Sona gets excited because Appa (her dad) has invited her to suggest a name for the new baby. He says "Iyalvadhu karvel", is their family motto. "Always help as best you can." The ending includes the important and special naming ceremony. As the story rises to this end, readers will love the importance placed on the choice of names, and perhaps they'll wonder about their own? Sona finally knows being a "big sister" is a new best thing. There is a brief glossary at the end that gives some new words to learn, too! For a short book, this story is full of new things for kids unfamiliar with this culture and the usual things in every family, busy-ness with a new baby and children wondering how things will change....more
Thanks to Candlewick Press, Walker Books US for the ARC of this wonderful new middle-grade mystery. A gloomy mansion, Braithwaite Manor, set far away Thanks to Candlewick Press, Walker Books US for the ARC of this wonderful new middle-grade mystery. A gloomy mansion, Braithwaite Manor, set far away across the moors finds young Clara Starling, orphaned at birth by her mother, her and unknown to her father. Now she's in the hands of an Uncle, gloomy and stern, required only to see her once a day to inquire as to her schooling and health. Cold-mannered with not one loving feeling, Clara depends only on Cook and the Butler to help her grow plus a string of strange governesses who seem to last only a minute. Judith Eagle sets that tone as readers rush headlong into a mystery when a young boy, Peter, shows up. He's been sent by his Granny who's unwell but just before, Clara's uncle has declared the house is sold and they must leave. Fortunately, Clara is a fighter and sneaks back, figures she will make it on her own. She practically has anyway! Yes, the plot thickens, with the addition of Cook's children, a few kind adults, the mystery races away in its unraveling. I think readers will love the twists and turns that the mystery makes, with Clara and Peter leading the way with resolve....more
Keeping a family as a family remains a challenge after the Peach family's mother dies of cancer. In an author's note, Erin Soderberg Downing tells howKeeping a family as a family remains a challenge after the Peach family's mother dies of cancer. In an author's note, Erin Soderberg Downing tells how much her own three children add to this story. Isn't that wonderful, too? The Peach family is struggling, mostly held tightly by twelve-year-old Lucy. Their father hides in his work, so Lucy keeps younger brothers Freddy, ten, and Herb, eight, going with good food, warm hugs, and words, reading aloud at night. When a windfall of a lot of money comes from the mother's invention, the father buys a food truck with the idea of a summer month of fun being a family again. What!!!! The kids are not so excited but with plans and goals, each one jumps on board with hope, to be that peachy family, again! What I loved most was what I call a celebration by Soderberg of each of the kids' personalities. Each one is different, each one needs support in who they are, not who others expect them to be. Slowly, readers will grow to love every character, especially understand that this really is a "peach" of a family with the good and the bad, like all of us, too. It is a special story, much needed in these past so challenging months....more
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