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READING STYLE GUIDE

Aftermath

8/17/2021

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AfterMath by Emily Barth Isler

Lucy loves math. She loves precise definitions and phenomena that can be explained. She loves solutions.
There is one aspect that does not fit into her world view of calculations and exact answers. Her younger brother Theo was born with a heart defect. His short life was filled with doctors and hospitals and treatments. Now he is gone, leaving behind grieving parents and his sister Lucy.
Mom and dad decide that the best way to cope with their loss is to move to a new town. They select a city that has suffered a profound loss. Four years ago, a deranged shooter entered the elementary school, killing and injuring many inside the building. 
Lucy’s anguish as she witnessed her brother's painfilled demise stretch over five years is both similar and very different from the public tragedy that instantly affected the entire community.
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Isler's characters provide a variety of perspectives on the aftereffects of grief. Lucy's father withdraws, remaining in bed or behind his newspaper. Her mother visits with a therapist and busies herself with making the family home fresh and different. Lucy learns that the bedroom in her new home was the bedroom of Bet who was a shooting victim. She develops an internal storyline for Bet. By chance, Lucy connects with Avery, a classmate who appears to be a pariah. Later, Lucy discovers that Avery's brother was the shooter.
The one place where Lucy feels most comfortable is math class, a world of formulas and equations. However, there is one concept that eludes her: infinity. Lucy searches to understand this mathematical expression throughout the book.  The text is brimming with math facts, riddles and jokes which are a counterpoint to the story's heart-rending subject matter.
While this is a story of grief and loss, AfterMath is a hopeful story. Through an extracurricular mime group Lucy learns new ways to express herself, make friends, and solidify her relationship with Avery. Her family begins to heal.
A touching story that avoids becoming maudlin. The author’s narration is well suited to the voice of a tender twelve-year-old. ​Occasionally a title is precisely the perfect fit. AfterMath is a brilliant title choice.
Audio copy accessed via NetGalley.
Pub date: September 7, 2021  Publisher: Carolrhoda Books  ISBN: 978-1541599116
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Pluto-the-Person

7/12/2021

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How to Become a Planet by Nicole Melleby

Yes, I'm broken, Pluto thought.  Just let me be broken and leave me alone.
Thirteen-year-old Pluto and her mom are confronted with a challenging situation: understanding and coping with Pluto's recent diagnosis of depression and anxiety.
Her mother is terrified when her daughter completely withdraws, is unable to sustain long-established friendships and can no longer attend school.
Pluto alternates between constantly sleeping and lashing out at others, particularly her mother. Activities she enjoyed such as visiting the planetarium and spending time on the boardwalk are no longer interesting or entertaining.
She was tired of trying. She was tired of her mom's desperate, eager eyes. She was tired of all of it.
There are similarities between How to Become a Planet and Melleby's debut novel Hurricane Season. Both explore the tenuous relationship between a parent and child as they deal with mental illness. While her early book chronicles a young girl struggling with her father's illness, her current novel reverses the situation. A mother must come to grips with her daughter’s depression.
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Pluto-the-Person discovers that like the former planet Pluto, her status seems to have shifted. Over the course of the book her world alters in significant ways. She connects with a girl whose family owns a Jersey Shore business and finds that their developing friendship holds the possibility of romance. She visits her father and his girlfriend in New York City and learns that his partner copes with a mental disorder. She begins tutoring sessions with a sympathetic woman and attempts another session with a therapist. Pluto also make the surprising discovery: her grandmother lived with a mental illness.
By summer's end, Pluto is able to acknowledge some realities. A list of goals does not work for her. She must find what helps her and avoid unrealistic expectations. She wants to repair her relationships with her mother and her best friend. She hopes to explore the possibility of romance. She has the support of her parents, her friends, her tutor, and her therapist. Learning to live with depression will take time. There will be setbacks. That is okay.
Melleby's explorations of mental illness and how it affects family life are stories of everyday people facing real problems. Life is a struggle, but not without hope.
You still are Pluto...You just need to learn how to care for and accept this new understanding of you.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: May 25, 2021  Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers  ISBN: 978-1643750361
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Look What Popped Up

6/22/2021

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Popcorn Bob
​by Maranke Rinck art by Martijn van der Linden translator Nancy Forest-Flier

Something as insignificant as a kernel of corn can be the genesis for a wild adventure. Rinck and van der Linden have created a fantasy series about a walking, talking, cowboy-hat-wearing oversized seed with a voracious appetite and an "explosive" personality. He goes by the name of Popcorn Bob.
Nine-year-old Ellis, the family’s popcorn aficionado, discovers this salty oddity inside the microwave when she pops up an afternoon snack for her dads, who work from home developing new rubber duckies.
Ellis’ life takes a disastrous turn when her teacher informs her parents that the school is emphasizing healthy eating. This means that there will be cauliflower in the cake and, most importantly, no more popcorn. Ellis resorts to sneaking out to the garage to secretly satisfy her popcorn cravings.
An even larger problem is Bob, who is brash and demanding. He will not remain quietly in Ellis's pocket and resorts to earsplitting outbursts when hungry. He even devours a candy bar on the principal’s desk.
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Life becomes increasingly bizarre. The dads conduct a business meeting with one hundred rubber ducks on the office floor. Bob attempts to herd a flock of wayward sheep. Ellis eventually leaves town with the microwave strapped to the back of her bike. It’s zany fun to the max.
After more hijinks and close calls, the story resolves with the dads relenting and reinstating popcorn as a family snack.
Kids will gobble up this series. It's as addictive as a bowl of hot buttered popcorn.
​Good news! More Bob adventures are planned.
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Line drawings are liberally sprinkled throughout the text. They are an integral part of the story, chock full personality and inside jokes.

Popcorn Treats!

Listen to a sample
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Like Ellis, I am a popcorn enthusiast. Unlike Ellis, I prefer popping the kernels with my old fashioned popcorn popper. With a bit of oil, the kernels expand and the glorious popping sound begins. The kitchen fills with the tantalizing aroma. Top it off with melted butter and salt and you have snacktime perfection.
When I want to get fancy, I rely on the Caramel Corn Recipe from my friend's mother. It's a sure-fire hit. Everyone begs for more. Thank you Lynne.
You can find her recipe here.  
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C​​opy provided by publisher.
Pub date: April 20, 2021   Publisher: Levine Querido  ISBN: 978-1646140404
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Bird's-eye View

5/21/2021

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Homer on the Case by Henry Cole

Meet Homer, a carrier pigeon with extraordinary abilities. He always finds his way home, even when he must travel long distances. He also possesses a most unusual trait: Homer reads.
It began when he noticed the newspapers lining his cage. Homer recognized people and places in the newspaper’s photos. Eventually this smart bird connected the pictures with their printed captions. Viola! He became a reader. In addition to news reports, Homer discovered the funny pages and now follows the exploits of comic strip detective Dick Tracey.
Enter a partner: Homer meets Lulu, a parrot who perches on the shoulder of her owner Charlotte. The birds become fast friends and look forward to friendly avian conversations whenever their owners are in the park.
A series of outdoor jewelry thefts come to the attention of Homer and Lulu. They decide to investigate the robberies.
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The story’s premise is ingenious. A pigeon has a bird’s-eye view to possible crimes and can fly around, gathering evidence without arousing suspicion. His accomplice has an extensive human vocabulary. These savvy spies find clues and piece together the evidence. Here's the complication: Homer and Lulu must communicate their discoveries, reveal the perpetrators, and recover the stolen jewelry. There is an element of danger, but these are brave little detectives. Homer on the Case is an engaging sleuthing adventure for young readers. Let's hope that there will be more mysteries for this detective duo.
Listen to the author read as he draws a pigeon.
Learn some surprising facts about homing pigeons.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: April 1, 2021  Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company  ISBN: 978-1682632543
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Applelicious

5/14/2021

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Apple of My Pie by Mika Song

Norma and Belly are back with another delectable adventure. Last year the squirrels discovered donuts. Now they venture into the world of pies. Apple pies.
Gramps and Little Bee visit the local farmers' market and unfortunately Gramps falls asleep in a truckload of apples bound for the factory. This could be trouble! Little Bee enlists Norma and Belly to help rescue Gramps from what could be a dismal fate: A squirrel baked inside an apple pie.
The rescuers travel to the Crunchy Acres apple orchard and processing plant. Their search for Gramps lands them in a vat of apples that are about to become pie filling.
​There is plenty of clever word play. The squirrels are dumped onto a conveyor with an incline.  They note that “things are looking up.” Norma escapes from the apple peeling apparatus and exclaims “that was a close shave.”
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​This charming tale of friendship is jam-packed with special touches. Fans of Donut Feed the Squirrels will notice cameo appearances from some familiar characters. Song brings the story to a satisfying conclusion, tying together the worlds of humans and squirrels. Apple of My Pie is a delicious treat not to be missed.
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More Yummy Books from Mika Song

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Just For Fun

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Why not create your own tree populated with squirrels? Author Mika Song provides a tree template to download and print. She suggests filling the tree with fingerprints.
Then add details to each tiny print to personalize the furry creatures. 
​Will Nora, Belly, Gramps, and Little Bee have a place on the branches?
Try making mini apples pies. Fill a small oven-safe jar with your favorite apple pie filling. I used an unusual recipe which features orange and apple juices cooked with apple slices. Details here.
Top with a circle of pie crust pastry. Crimp the edges and pop in a hot oven (about 425) until the pastry is lightly browned. For an easy version, fill jars with precooked filling and top with a crumbled oatmeal cookie. Top with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. It’s a sweet little mouthful of apple goodness.
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Electronic copy accessed via NetGalley.
Pub date: June 8, 2021Publisher: Random House Grapic  ISBN: 978-1984895851
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World of Wonder 

4/28/2021

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What the World Could Make: A Story of Hope
by Holly M. McGhee art by Pascal Lemaître

Without fail, I always have an emotional response to Holly McGhee’s books. Each is more than an enjoyable story. There will be a personal connection. What the World Could Make is a story of friendship and finding wonder. And hope.
Two charming little cottontails, Rabbit and Bunny view the world and their friendship through the lens of the passing seasons. In winter, they marvel at the falling snowflakes and share a giant snowball. Come spring, the sight and scent of blossoming lilacs prompt the gift of a handmade flower crown. Summer delights of sun and sea bring salty sea pickles to savor. The ginkgo tree carpets the ground in autumn with golden leaves which invite an afternoon frolic.
Each season the friends are in awe of the wonders of nature. They wish that each special moment could last forever.
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"Forever?" asked Rabbit. "For always?"
"No...no​t exactly. Not that kind of forever."
"I think I know," Rabbit said.
"You mean the kind of forever
​where you remember it even after it ends?"

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McGhee has a way with words. The book's  warm and reassuring message is precisely conveyed with a perfect turn of phrase. Narrative is poetic and sprinkled with lyrical cadences. Lemaître uses the full two-page spread, leaving plenty of open space for readers to pore over the friends' expressive faces. A limited color palette, with soft purples fading to greens, then golds, emphasizes the cyclical nature of life. This beautiful volume is a treasure to share with friends young and old as they marvel in the wonders of the world.

My World in 2020: A Story of Hope

Looking back on 2020, I realize that I have my own story of hope. While the scarf initials "R" and "B" obviously identify Rabbit and Bunny, they are also the initials of my husband and I. Here’s our story.
With the onset of 2020  we were dealing with cancer, the effects of chemotherapy and a suppressed immune system. Then the pandemic arrived and added more stress. The need to remain isolated became critical. Loneliness was inevitable. Remaining hopeful became a challenge.
Like Bunny and Rabbit, we tried to find joy in everyday wonders.​
Did we want 2020 to go on forever? NO! Do we want to forever remember the joyful hopeful moments of 2020? YES! There are many sweet memories. What are your hopeful forevers?

More Books By Holly

Holly McGhee's books are little gems. Each speaks to readers in a way that is both personal and universal. 
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C​​opy provided by publisher.
Pub date: May 4, 2021  Publisher: Roaring Brook Press  ISBN: 978-1250268112
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It Takes a Thief

3/30/2021

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Hello, Cruel Heart by Maureen Johnson

Sixteen-year-old Estella is an orphan living on the streets of London in the 1960’s. She lives with two sleight-of-hand con artists in the crumbling remains of an abandoned building. The trio’s principal source of income is derived from carefully planned and brilliantly executed pickpocketing. These lifters are masters of their craft. But Estelle is more than a common thief.
Her passion is fashion. She designs and constructs stunning one-of-a-kind styles. This clever seamstress scouts high-end establishments for luxurious fabrics, furs, lace, and elegant accessories. With the help of her accomplices, she nicks the best materials and takes them back to the sewing machine in her grimy little hovel. The resulting ensembles are amazing.
Estelle has a dark secret. There is another personality residing inside this resourceful girl-of-the-streets. It’s Cruella, a vicious and spiteful evil twin who occasionally pops into her head offering diabolical suggestions. Usually Estelle can keep Cruella in check by saying to her alter ego “Thank you for coming, but you may go now.”
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One day she is noticed by two wealthy siblings who take a fancy to this odd young woman with exceptional style. They invite her into their world of excess and decadence. Soon her days are spent lounging in their posh residence and her nights are devoted to an endless stream of parties. She becomes a dressmaker for the elite, creating couture for members of London’s hip social set. There are stolen kisses with the guitarist of popular band. It’s a life that she never dreamed could be hers.
Until...Estelle’s world of opulence evaporates. All gone. Literally overnight.
Johnson brings readers along for Estelle’s journey from rags to riches.  In the "I never saw that coming" catagory, there is an unexpected plot twist in the book's final pages. Hello, Cruel Heart is filled with fascinating characters, 1960's trivia, and vivid scenes contrasting abject poverty with exorbitant wealth. A cinematic tale that is as savvy as Estelle’s fashions.
Post Script: The story features two dogs. Buddy, Estelle’s dearest companion was rescued from a trash heap. Wink is a a one-eyed Chihuahua. Estelle clearly loves both of these canines. There is no depiction or suggestion of animal cruelty throughout the tale.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: April 6, 2021  Publisher: Disney Press   ISBN:  978-1368057769
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Absolutely Right

3/16/2021

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What's Silly Hair Day with No Hair?
​by Norene Paulson ill by Camila Carrosine

Young Bea has one characteristic which differentiates her from her classmates. She is bald. Within the circle of her family members and close friends, this is generally not a problem. ​However, no hair becomes an issue during the school-wide Spirit Week. Thursday is designated as Silly Hair day. How can someone without hair participate? Bea and her best friend consider several solutions including wearing a wig, crafting fake hair, even staying home from school. Sadly, nothing feels right. At the last possible moment, the two girls brainstorm and come up with a solution that is “absolutely right.”
Readers will cheer for Bea, a girl who has many interests, a wonderful best friend, and a desire to be fully engaged in the world around her. She is not a child to be pitied.
Carrosine's sweet illustrations show Bea with a slightly enlarged head which gives her baldness emphasis. Facial expressions eloquently convey Bea's wide range of emotions.
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Paulson’s back matter contains background information on types hair loss in children. Cancer and alopecia (pronounced "al-low-pee-she-ah”) are discussed. There is also a charming directive on temporary tattoos.
While the story addresses one specific physical condition, there are many ways that children may observe others who exhibit differences in physical appearance or other observable characteristics. Youngsters are encouraged to appreciate and accept all class members. They might plan creative ways to include all students in class activities.
What's Silly Hair Day with No Hair? can be the starting point for a rich discussion.

Personal Connection

​One of my joys is maintaining a collection of engaging books for young residents at our local Ronald McDonald House. Several of these children are receiving treatments which result in numerous side effects. In addition to hair loss, they may have suppressed immune systems, fatigue, nausea, and several other unpleasant conditions. Days and nights can be difficult.
Their indomitable spirits and ability to find happiness inspire me. My gratitude extends to the parents, medical personnel, and staff at the residence.
Photos are from the local Ronald McDonald House public Facebook page. Love these kids!

Viva la difference

Books for younger readers that increase understanding and encourage inclusion.
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Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: March 23, 2021  Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company  ISBN:  978-0807506080
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Love, Loss, and Violins

2/22/2021

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When We Were Infinite by Kelly Loy Gilbert

A closely knit quintet of Asian American teens have remained together throughout their high school years. Stellar students and high achievers, each hopes to attend a prestigious university. All apply to several schools throughout the U.S. Beth Claire harbors the dream that all five will remain together, attending the University of California at Berkeley.
Musically inclined, they are members of the local youth orchestra. Beth is second chair violin to the technically precise Jason Tsou, first chair.
Beth lives with her Asian mother and has limited contact with her white father who remains aloof. Her maternal grandparents live nearby but she rarely sees them.
Her four friends are her anchor, her source of security and validation. Senior year exposes underlying stresses and fissures in their bond. They witness a father’s brutal physical abuse of his son. One tries to bring her romantic interest into the friendship circle. Another attempts suicide. When college acceptance notifications begin arriving, it is evident that the five will soon be geographically separated. Things are not the same. They will never be the same.
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Beth tries to understand and manipulate events, hoping to make everything “better.” A quiet observer who clings to her idealization of the group, she goes to extraordinary measures to get along and go along, even when it doesn’t feel right.
Gilbert's characters, as seen through the lens of Beth’s perception, often reveal their personalities through dialogue. A hallmark of her writing is an exploration into the essence of each individual while simultaneously illuminating the group’s dynamic. Tiny intimate details give the story its emotional depth. One of the most heart wrenching scenes occurs when Beth stands outside her father’s house, but never steps up to his door.
After a series of missteps and misunderstandings, Beth finally acknowledges that music gives direction and purpose to her life. As she plays her violin, she becomes one with the music. Following her passion requires courage and a belief that embracing music does not mean the end of treasured relationships.
Love the gorgeous book jacket. Note the sumptuous colors that wash over Beth as she turns away to face a future different from what she expected. An apt metaphor.
I wept as I read the final pages. When We Were Infinite is exquisitely written, simply elegant, yet intriguingly complex.
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​Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: March 9, 2021  Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers  ISBN:  978-1534468214
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Friendship 

1/21/2021

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Best Friend in the Whole World by Sandra Salsbury

Roland is a solitary individual living a quiet life of simple comforts: drawing, music, and tea. But something is missing from his life. He realizes that he needs a friend.
On his walk through the forest something catches his eye. To the casual observer it appears to be a pine cone. Roland knows that this is something more. This might be the friend he longs for. He names his discovery Milton. Together the companions enjoy similar interests.
Then the unthinkable happens. Roland finds signs posted throughout the forest for a missing friend. Could this mean that Milton is a best friend to someone else? Initially Roland rationalizes that the missing posters are about a different pine cone.
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Soon reality sets in and although it is painful, Roland resolves to help reconnect Milton with the individual who is missing a friend.
There is a happy ending to this tale. Roland meets Milton's friend, who happens to be a kitten. Together this unlikely threesome discover that friendship is even better when it is shared.
Salsbury’s wistful narrative and illustrations are tender and heartfelt. Best Friend in the Whole World speaks to the universal desire to have a close connection with others. Sometimes new relationships open a world of possibilities.
Observation: Be sure to note the cover. A pine cone peeks out from behind a tree, hoping to be noticed.

Making New Friends

Meet one very clever and creative nine-year-old. After reading Best Friend in the Whole World, she accepted the publisher’s challenge to make her own pine cone friend. The result is Suzy, a critter with googly eyes and a perky bow. Not wanting to limit the number invited to an backyard picnic, two acorns join the fun. Note those heart-shaped acorn eyes. Doesn't this look delightful?
Meet Suzy. Her favorite treat is Apple Cider Doughnuts. She loves tea parties with her acorn friends and going on nature walks. 
A special thank you to M, a reader with artistic flair and loads of terrific ideas. Don’t you love how she recreated the book’s tea party scene? What a welcoming invitation!
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Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: March 1, 2021  Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company  ISBN: 978-1682632505
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    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
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    ​2017 YALSA Award Nominating Committee
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    2014 Margaret Edwards Award
    2012 Odyssey Awards.  
    2009, 2010, 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

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