• Home
  • Style Guides
  • Blog
  • Author Index
    • A - H Index
    • I - P Index
    • Q - Z Index
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
READING STYLE GUIDE

A Boy and His Bicycle

9/28/2021

1 Comment

 

Neverforgotten
​by Alejandra Algorta art by Iván Rickenmann translation Aida Salazar

You will forget that you forgot
Ten-year-old Fabio lives in Bogotá with his bread-baker mother and bus-driver father. His world changes the day his mother presents him with a used salmon-colored bike. Fabio soon masters the skill of balance while peddling. The bicycle and the boy become one. Whizzing around the city, he delivers his mother’s fresh bread.
​ “the dust danced with him, it would lift itself from the ground and soar through the air,”
Alicia is a regular bread recipient. To his consternation, she always greets Fabio as “my son. ” To this young boy, the old woman is a mystery. Why is she known as Mamalica? Why does she call him son? Where is her husband? Fabio is puzzled.
Then the unthinkable happens, Fabio forgets how to ride his bike. When he attempts to ride, he falls. He has failed. Without his bicycle, Fabio sees no way forward.
"Walking makes Fabio feel like a city pigeon, picking at dirt when he should be flying between rooftops..."
Picture
The narrative follows Fabio as he struggles with fears. So many fears: fear generated by his imaginings, fear of the unknown, fear of making a mistake, fear of letting go.
The imagery is exquisite, flavored with language so beautiful that it begs to slowly savored. Themes are threaded throughout the text, offering a variety perspectives on an idea. Here are a few:
  • Movement. The bus moves people. The days accelerate. Speed becomes one word “velocityisequaltodistancedividedbytime."
  • Size is Relative: The world under the bed is small. The souls of giants are trapped inside small bodies.
  • Monsters: The city is a monster, gobbling up smaller neighborhoods. 
Native Colombia artist Rickenmann's sixteen black and white realistic renderings of the Bogotá’s landscape, especially abandoned buildings and open spaces, offer a fitting overture and coda to this exquisitely told tale.
The Spanish edition and an English translation are bound together.  Salazar’s translation is filled with rhythm, poetic language, and expressive imagery. The combined work of author, illustrator, and translator have resulted in an incredibly thoughtful and moving experience.
 Algorta has appropriately titled her debut novel Neverforgotten. A book unlike anything that I have ever read, it continues to haunt me.
Picture
Iván Bogotá's evocative cityscape.
Meet the author: Alejandra Algorta.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: October 26, 2021  Publisher: Levine Querido  ISBN: 978-1646140947
1 Comment

Bezerkered!

9/28/2021

0 Comments

 

Barb the Last Bezerker by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson

 “I’m a Bezerker and protecting humans from monsters is my duty.”
Thunder, Boulder, Claymore, and Arrow are Berzerkers, super-sized heroes who fight to protect the land from monsters. Unfortunately, this foursome’s brawn often exceeds their reasoning skills. Their nemesis Witch Head is intent on destroying all who thwart his plan for total domination over monsters and humans. He tricks the Berzerkers into helping him obtain Shadow Blade, a sword of awesome power.
In all the chaos, no one notices Barb, a Berzerker who is considered an inconsequential girl. That was a mistake!
With one swift movement, Barb grabs the sword, claims it, and teams up with a 400 pound Yeti-like monster named Porkchop. She is in search of the North Zerks. He’s looking for lunch.
Along the way she meets vampire goat fiends, the Grub of Death, shadow bats, and Glom, a Snot Goblin. Not to worry, Barb the Last Berzerker is up to the challenge.
Picture
Barb longs for her mother, a woman who loves sunrises and leaves warm oatmeal for her daughter when she must go fight in the Monster Wars. She is able to connect with her warrior mom as she sleeps. There are hints that in further episodes the two will meet. 
When you need a fighter who is willing to take on an impossible task, you need Barb, a diminutive Bezerker who is fearless. She will always have your back and she never backs down from bullies.
"Big mean bullies are my specialty."​
This is a terrific series packed with cliff-hanger chapter endings, plently of action, and a ton of "groan-worthy" jokes. The oversized panels often span the gutter. A traditional primary color scheme often used in superhero comics is scrapped for secondary colors: orange, green, and purple. The message is that is no ordinary superhero story. Come for the weird monsters, the action and adventure. Stay for an unlikely friendship that is golden. This series is off to an explosive start. Thanks Dan and Jason.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: September 28, 2021Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books Young Readers  ISBN: 978-1534485716
0 Comments

Africans Who Shaped Our World

9/17/2021

0 Comments

 

African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History
​by Tracey Baptiste art by Hillary D. Wilson

"the history of Africa is...the longest of anywhere on Earth."
Baptiste is a master storyteller with a solid background as the author of numerous informational books for young readers. All her skills come into play with African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History, the collected biographies of individuals who had a significant impact on African and the world civilization.
​Each featured person is introduced with a brief description of geography and setting, followed by a full-page portrait with a name pronunciation guide. These segments neatly segue the biographical profiles from one time period to a succeeding moment in history.
​Some of the featured individuals: Imhotep, Aesop, and Hannibal Barca are familiar historical figures. Others are less well known.
Information is presented in such vibrant detail that the narrative takes on a multidimensional quality.
Picture
​Baptiste’s extensive research reveals fascinating insights into the lives of four influential women: Merneith, Amanirenas, Tin Hinan, and Queen Idia. Readers are introduced to: the mother who served as a regent and facilitated the transfer of power from father to son, the warrior queen who fed prisoners to her pet lion and negotiated the Roman retreat from her country, a queen with a disability who founded a thriving city in the desert, a woman skilled in medical and mystic arts who ensured that her son learn Portuguese to facilitate diplomatic negotiations without a translator.
​Thank you, Tracey. We need more stories about historically significant women.​
Of interest to librarians is the chapter titled “Libraries in the Sands.” Readers will learn that scholarship in sixteenth century Timbuktu was legendary. Library collections consisted of a wealth of information on a vast array of topics as well as literary works. Books were handwritten on paper made from linen or fish skins and richly embellished with designs and illustrations.
Back matter includes: Culture Lost description of innovative, intellectual, and artistic accomplishments originating in Africa that were erased by European colonization, an Author’s Note, extensive Source Notes organized by chapter topics, a lengthy Bibliography, suggestions for Further Exploration, an Index, and a Designer’s Note. The depth and breadth of the author’s research is impressive.
This slim volume is an essential addition to public, school, and classroom libraries, filling an often-neglected historical, geographical, and sociological information gap. My advice: If library funds are limited and it becomes necessary to limit purchases, put this book on the “must purchase” list.

Meet the Creators

“here is to Africa achieving the stature that it deserves to have…” Kai Krause

Author

Artist

Graphic Designer

Baptiste is the author the best-selling Jumbies series. Stories are expertly paced, building to a thrilling climax. Complex characters, cinema graphic settings, and intriguing story lines are hallmarks of her work.
Wilson, a professionally trained medical illustrator (Johns Hopkins School of Medicine) brings her considerable skills to this authoritative work. Each portrait conveys the unique demeanor and physical characteristics of its subject.
Kai Krause is German software and graphical user interface designer. He is credited with creating a map of Africa that more accurately depicts the immense size of this content. Read his description of The True Size of Africa.
Picture
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: October 19, 2021  Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers  ISBN: 978-1616209001
0 Comments

National Hispanic American Heritage Month

9/14/2021

0 Comments

 

National Hispanic Heritage Month

​Celebrate National Hispanic American Heritage Month with a variety of books and activities.  Have you ever wondered why this month-long celebration begins on September 15?
"The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period."                                                                               About National Hispanic Heritage Month
Picture

Books

Enjoy books for kids and teens written and illustrated by Latinx authors and artists. You'll find picture books, books for emergent readers, chapter books for middle grades, and novels for young adults.  Explore a variety of genres and formats including concept books, humor, fantasy, historical fiction, nonfiction, realistic fiction, poetry, and graphic novels. There is something for everyone. View the slide show on your right featuring Latinx books.
Click on a cover  that interests you for further information.

Calendar

Please note: several of these events require advance registration. 
September 22: 30 minute program for children ages 3-5 year and their caregivers. Learn about Marisol Escobar through movement and art. Register here.
September 25: See Your World in a Story Monica Brown, Margarita Engle, Yehudi Mercado. Details here.
September 25: Virtual pajama party for 8-12 year olds and their families focusing on the book Sylvia and Aki with hands-on activities. Register here.
September 29: 30 minute program for children ages 3-6 and their caregivers will learn about Pedro Martínez through movement and art. Register here.
​September 29: Participatory performance by Cambalache, a Chicano-Jarocho group based in East Los Angeles. Details here.
October 1: Release of 50 recordings for online streaming, including recordings from Cuban anthropologist, author, and poet Ruth Behar. Details here.
October 6: 30 minute program for children ages 3-5 year and their caregivers. Learn about Delores Huerta and César Chávez through movement and art. Register here.
October 11: A one hour celebration of Children's and YA Latin and Latin American Literature with Angela Burke Kunkel, Aida Salazar, Raúl The Third, Sili Recio, and Yamile Saied Méndez. Details here.
October 13: 30 minute program for children ages 3-6 and their caregivers will learn about Carmen Herrera through movement and art. Register here.
​October 13: 90 minute Hispanic Heritage Month Author Series with Guadalupe Garcia McCall, Lulu Delarce, David O. Bowles Register here.
0 Comments

What a Concept

9/13/2021

1 Comment

 

Circle Under Berry by Carter Higgins

Ingenious!
With a few simple shapes and carefully selected words, Circle Under Berry invites readers to explore a range of concepts.
Bold, bright, hand-colored shapes on a stark white background are continually rearranged on each succeding page, allowing for multiple points-of view.
It's a visual treat, experimenting with color, texture, shapes, and graphic design. However, Higgins gives her readers so much more. This is a study in word play and a discovery of relationships. Readers will be delighted with the rhythmic language, multiple word meanings, and a fresh consideration of prepositions.
The appeal of this concept book is visual, auditory, and cerebral. The publisher suggests an audience of ages "preschool and up."
Picture
This makes an excellent read aloud selection, but it also works well for individual inspection, thoughtfully poring over each page. Because the text is not particularly linear, readers may choose to flip pages back and forth as they make new discoveries.
Students can expand on the ideas presented by creating cut paper shapes and then arranging those shapes in interesting ways that will display a variety of ideas and relationships. This book is a keeper. It belongs in early childcare centers, elementary and secondary classrooms, as well as graphic design studios.
C​​opy provided by publisher.
Pub date: September 14, 2021  Publisher: Chronicle Books  ISBN: 978-1797205083
1 Comment

Sea Spirits

9/3/2021

1 Comment

 

Josephine Against the Sea by Shakirah Bourne

It is best not to make trouble with a sea spirit...
I thought Josephine Against the Sea would be a simple story of a girl learning to accept her father's interest in women following the death of his wife. But there is more going on here. A lot more.
Josephine, affectionally called Bean, is a girl who knows her own mind and is determined to get what she wants. This girl has a serious attitude. That's attitude with a capital A. She loves to play cricket. However she is no longer allowed to play because of an acccident two years ago. Bean hopes to redeem herself, proving to the coach and her father that she belongs on the team. Daddy has his doubts.
This eleven-year-old is very possessive and resents any woman inserting herself into this father/daughter relationship. She often resorts to devious tricks to send away any potential girlfriend.
Josephine meets her match when her father dates Mariss, who is one step ahead of Josephine, outsmarting her at every turn. Mockingly referring to her boyfriend's daughter as "Josie Sweets," Mariss moves in and begins to take control of the entire family.
Picture
Josephine is stunned by the change in her father. He is obviously trapped under an evil enchantment. She realizes that Mariss is a Sea Mumma, a water monster with the face and torso of a woman that spirals down into a slithering snake tail. It is up Bean to dive into the deep and fight this evil Carribean spirit.
In a high stakes, nail-biting finish Josephine must brave a violent storm, locate her father trapped in an underwater cave, confront an raging Mariss, and free her father. When all her efforts fail and it seems that hope is lost, Josephine comes through with her own powerful weapon. She uses her cricket-playing skills to defeat the Sea Mumma and release her father from the spell. Shakirah Bourne's middle-grade novel will bewitch readers with its fascinating characters, humor, and a boatload of Caribbean folklore.

Caribbean Magic

Meet Corrine, another young Caribbean who must face danger and outwit a water spirit.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: July 6, 2021  Publisher: Scholastic Inc  ISBN: 978-1338642087
1 Comment
    Author/Illustrator Index
    Get the latest updates delivered directly to you inbox:

    powered by TinyLetter

    Category

    All
    Activity Books
    Adventure
    Africa
    Alphabet Books
    Animals
    Anthology
    Art
    Asian
    Audiobook
    Author-interview
    Author-profile
    Awards
    Bilingual
    Biography
    Black Lives
    Board Books
    Book Awards
    Book-club
    Book Stores
    Book Trailers
    Classroom Connections
    Comics
    Coming Of Age
    Cosplay
    Creativity
    Diversity
    Early Readers
    Fairy Tale
    Family
    Fantasy
    Food
    Friendship
    Girls
    Grahic Novel
    Grief
    Halloween
    Historical Fiction
    Horror
    Humor
    Immigration
    Informational-books
    Latinx
    Lgbtq
    Library-activities
    Literacy
    Magical-realism
    Maker
    Math
    Memoir
    Middle Grade
    Music
    Mystery
    Mythology
    Native American
    Nonfiction
    Own Voices
    Picture Book
    Poetry
    Prose-and-comic
    Read Aloud
    Reading
    Reading Writing Connection
    Realistic Fiction
    Romance
    Self Acceptance
    Series
    Social Issues
    Sports
    STEM
    Storytelling
    Texas Connection
    The-margin-project
    Translation
    Wordless
    Ya Lit

    Archives

    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015

    Barbara Moon

    I like talking about books and  interesting ideas. I like thinking about how books affect my life. Not particularly interested in giving out stars or in rating books. 

    Audio Publishers Association
    2013, - present  Audies judge 
    American Library Association Book Awards and Lists 
    ​2017 YALSA Award Nominating Committee
    2016 Excellence in Nonfiction 
    2014 Margaret Edwards Award
    2012 Odyssey Awards.  
    2009, 2010, 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

    Professional Reader
    Picture
    Frequently Auto-Approved

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.