Category: Social Issues

The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix

1/11/2022

The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix

What's What and What's Not

Numerous books by Haddix feature children attempting to survive in anomalous societies. They include Among the Hidden (a third child forbidden by the Population Police) and Running Out of Time (a girl from the future who must save her 1800's community from a deadly disease). The author’s latest story presents an ingenious concept: coexistence of humans and androids.

Young Max leads a protected life. To craft the perfect childhood, his wealthy parents enroll him in a school where his classmates are remarkably realistic androids, programmed to act like "normal" children. Max doesn't know this school is a carefully constructed environment.

Max and Josie are classmates and best friends. One day Josie leaves Max a startling note, "No matter what anyone tells you, I'm real."

Readers learn that young Josie was recruited to pretend to be an android at Max's school. But that's only the first of many plot twists. Things get "curiouser and curiouser." Josie looks for answers to her questions: who is behind the Whatnot Corporation and why were the two friends placed in this bizarre school?

The omniscient narrator occasionally breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to the audience, eventually disclosing the identity of several mysterious individuals. Shocking plot revelations scattered throughout the text will keep middle grade readers swiftly turning pages.
It's a story of friendship, a biting commentary of class divisions, an examination of technology's side effects, and a relentless search for truth. The School for Whatnots is entertaining reading that can invite serious discussions about what it means to be human. Don't miss this one. Haddix is at the top of her game.

Audio copy accessed via Net Galley.

Pub date: March 1, 2022 Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books ISBN: 978-0062838490

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Past Present Future

11/5/2021

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We Overcome Shall Overcome by Bryan Collier

She’s dressed in yellow, proudly displaying a peace symbol on a fresh green leaf. Collier’s extraordinary picture book pays homage to the past, illuminates the present, and inspires hope for the future. Text is based on the gospel song which became a Civil Rights anthem.

We Shall Overcome opens with a young girl rising to begin a new day. Readers follow her as she leaves her home, walking through the community before boarding a bus bound for school. She travels against a backdrop of historic figures and sites shown in shades of black and gray. The nameless faces of countless individuals can be seen within each step she takes. The message is clear: people and events from the past determine where she will go, what she can do, who she will become.

One of the most touching scenes takes place on the bus. Rosa Parks sits alone on the bus. The page turn features a a closeup of several hands clasped together. People united, no longer separated or excluded.

Back matter offers rich resources including the history of the song "We Shall Overcome," background information on several seminal moments in the Civil Rights Movement: 16th Street Baptist Church, Rosa Parks on the bus in 1955, the Little Rock Central High School, and the Black Lives Matter Mural. A brief description of the artist's process eloquently expresses the message of justice, equality and peace. Compelling message. Powerful book.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: December 28, 2021 Publisher: Orchard Books ISBN: 978-1338540376

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Her Immigrant Story

10/15/2021

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Where I Belong by Marcia Argueta Mickelson

High school senior Milagros Vargas' life has not been easy. But she has learned to cope, caring for her three younger siblings while her immigrant mother works long hours as a housekeeper, cook, and nanny for the Wheelers, prominent members of the Corpus Christi social elite.

In addition to family responsibilities, Millie has maintained a stellar academic record, earning a full scholarship to Stanford.

She has learned to keep a low profile. Her anonymity evaporates when Mr. Wheeler, in a bid for a congressional seat, reveals during a campaign speech that his housekeeper's daughter fled Guatemala with her parents, sought asylum, attained U.S. citizenship and is now an immigrant success story.

Milagros becomes the subject of news reports and internet trolls. Quiet, never-make-waves Millie is thrust into the spotlight, a position she never wanted. Media coverage as well as threats directed at her and her family intensify.

Eventually, she must decide if she will remain silent or speak out.

A strength of Mickelson's storytelling can be found in the details of Millie's personal interactions with her widowed mother whom she adores and does not want to disappoint, a younger sister who has to go to the bathroom at an inconvenient time, and the handsome Charlie Wheeler who suddenly seems interested in her.

Where I Belong is a richly layered narrative that explores headline-grabbing issues and the dynamics of personal relationships.

Audio copy accessed via Hoopla.

Pub date: September 7, 2021 Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab ISBN: 978-1541597976

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Japanese Classic

10/13/2021

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How Do You Live? by Genzaburō Yoshino
translated by Bruno Navasky forward by Neil Gaiman

Genzaburō Yoshino's literary classic is now available in English. Published in 1937, this exploration of science and history, cowardice and bravery, morality and friendship has enthralled generations of readers.

Jun’ichi Honda is known to his friends as Copper. His uncle started referring to him as Copernicus when his perseptions began to shift from "the world revolves around me" mindset to a Copernican model of oneself and the universe. Eventually Copernicus was shortened to Copper.

Copper is a charming young man. Small in stature, he often seems younger than his years. After the death of his father, he spends time with his uncle, sharing his observations and questions. This uncle expands on these interactions in his journal. The narrative alternates between a narrator who speaks directly to readers and the uncle’s journal entries written as advice to his nephew.

It is easy to empathize with this slight young man who lives alone with his mother following the death of his father. He sees wonder in the world. He also puzzles over conflicting and confusing ideas.

Copper is all-too -human. His friendships brush aside class distinctions. However, at one critical point in the story he knows that he should stand up for a friend but is paralyzed with fear and does not defend his classmate. The shame he feels for his failure to act is crushing. Working through his guilt, acknowledging his mistake, and attempting to rectify his error constitute a pivotal plot point.

The political sections, particularly the passages where the uncle expounds on the leadership of Napoleon, are rather lengthy. Younger readers may be unfamiliar with this historical figure.

As Neil Gaiman states in his forward to How Do You Live? this is a strange book, and such a wise book.
It transcends conventional definitions of a specific genre or audience. This story examines the universal question of what it means to be human. A book that expands the mind and the heart.

Gather your courage, Copper, and do what you must.

Internationally acclaimed Japanese animator, director, and manga artist Hayao Miyzki has announced that his next and possibly last film will be an animated retelling of How Do You Live.

While this film will attract manga and anime fans, the universal themes and captivating storytelling of this Japanese classic will appeal to a wide audience.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: October 26, 2021 Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers ISBN: 978-1616209773

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Adventures in Science

8/31/2021

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AstroNuts Mission Three: The Perfect Planet
by Jon Scieszka art by Steven Weinberg

This is science on steroids

Premise: Earth may be doomed! Climate change is destroying the planet. A rag tag group of four super-powered animals have a plan. They determine that the cause of earth’s problems began with the advent of fire. Solution: Go back in time and prevent man from discovering and using fire.

The foursome learn that a million years ago earth was ecologically balanced. It was The Perfect Planet. They reason that if humans are responsible for the current conditions on earth, maybe another species should be in charge.

That brings them to Survival of the Fittest Olympics which pits wolves against humans. The winners will be the dominant species and the losers will be pets for the winners. Humans are confident that they will win with hydropower, wind power, solar power, and geothermal power. That's a lot of power.

This science-based series is jam-packed with wild and crazy exploits. The narrative is replete with word play, silliness, wolfish trash talk and poop jokes.

It felt like doing long division with a mirror, underwater.

Stink Bug, as always, got a bit nervous and accidentally unleashed his superpower PFFT (Posterior Foul Force) Gas Defense System.

Tiny callout boxes at the bottom of some pages reveal interesting factoids. The illustrations are a collage of images from the public domain that are enhanced with word balloons, eye-popping backgrounds, and clever doodles. Readers can make their own collages using these online sources: How the Book Was Made and Make Your Own Art.
Kudos to the creative minds behind this colossal book design.

My advice: Get multiple copies of this series. It will fly off the shelves. Kids will take this book everywhere. You'll find it stowed under bleachers, buried beneath sofa cushions, squashed in a gym bag with smelly socks. Who knew that science could be so much fun and so funny? Jon Scieszka and Steven Weinberg knew.

Sample pages from Mission Three: The Perfect Planet

Meet the creators of this fantastic series.

Copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: September 21, 2021 Publisher: Chronicle Books ISBN: 978-1452171210

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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.

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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Make a Difference

8/3/2021

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Hurricane: My Story of Resilience I Witness, #2
by Salvador Gómez-Colón

I was just a normal high school student with a passion and drive to make a difference in the world...

An intriguing new nonfiction series, I Witness features first person accounts of young people “ordinary kids and teens who have faced extraordinary challenges.” In an introduction to the series, editors speak directly to readers, encouraging them to find ways to make a difference in their communities and throughout the world.

Salvador Gómez-Colón had just turned fifteen when Maria, a Category 4 hurricane struck Puerto Rico. Its aftermath and devastation were unlike anything he had experienced. “It was a storm without mercy.”

Inspired by his mother and a former teacher, Salvador decided that he wanted to help those suffering from the damage caused by Hurricane Maria. As he observed the conditions of his neighbors, an idea for a project began to form. “Light and Hope” would distribute solar lamps and hand-powered washing machines to members of his community.

With the help of a contact suggested by his mother, Salvador set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise $100,000 for his project. He describes the successes and setback in his efforts. Initial media attention got the campaign off to a good start but he was hampered by limited Wi-Fi access, his age, and competing news stories capturing the public interest. He was helped by contributions from large companies, local contacts, and his determination.

it is not a matter of if it gets hard, it is a matter of when

In touching detail he describes personally distributing solar lamps and hand washing machines. In all, he reached thirty-five hundred families in seventeen towns.

Hurricane: My Story of Resilience is a powerful first person account that packs a huge emotional punch. Included in the slim volume are Continue the Discussion with additional information on the hurricane and its impact as well as Salvador’s current projects, suggestions to Get Involved, a Timeline, and Acknowledgements.

Excellent resource for schools, community and activist groups, and organizations that work with teens.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: September 28, 2021 Publisher: Norton Young Readers ISBN: 978-1324016656

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What Divides Us

7/27/2021

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Walls by L. M. Elliott

"Your children are wearing their dog tags, right? And you have an emergency bag packed...just in case?"
"Welcome to Berlin."

Current headlines include these concepts: borders, walls, refugees, family separations, authoritarian regimes. informants, and asylum seekers. These issues are not new. They were on the minds of people during the years following World War II.

Walls introduces young readers to the politics and intrigue behind a wall that was created sixty years ago as a guarded barrier, physically and ideologically dividing Berlin. This fictional account of events begins in August 1960 and culminates with initial construction of the Berlin Wall in August 1961.

Fifteen-year-old Drew McMahon and his family relocate to Berlin for his father’s next military duty assignment. They reside in the zone occupied by America.

Drew’s mother views this as an opportunity reconnect with her German relatives. She introduces her family to their German cousin Matthias who lives in the Soviet Union Sector. Initially, both boys appear to have little in common. Drew plays baseball and is an "army brat." Matthias is a skillful soccer player who pledged to take up arms against NATO.

The boys discover that they share an interest in contemporary music, the theater, and thought-provoking literature.

With maps, historical photos, and political cartoons, readers are introduced to Berlin after World War II. Each chapter begins with a selection of relevant historical photographs featuring images of world events from that time period. This structure offers readers a close-up view of the time and place, giving the narrative an authentic feel.

The text includes numerous German phrases (shown in italics) with context that supports comprehension. Back matter includes an Afterword, Acknowledgments, Photo Credits, Selected Sources including books, an article, documentaries, drama series, and films.

Based on actual events Elliott creates a gripping story of a city occupied by opposing countries. Spies are everywhere. Who can be trusted? What is safe? Elliott ratchets up the tension, building to a climactic heart-pounding dramatic escape, evading concertina wire and armed guards.

Walls is a glimpse into a pivotal moment in history that invites comparisons with contemporary events. Highly recommended.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: July 27, 2021 Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers ISBN: 978-1643750248

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Let Freedom Ring

7/22/2021

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All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom
by Angela Johnson art by E. B. Lewis

And nobody knew, as the sun was rising, that soon it would be all different.

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom takes a fresh approach to the story of Juneteenth, a United States federal holiday celebrating African American freedom and achievement.

Johnson, recipient of several Coretta Scott King Awards and a MacArthur Fellow, sets her story in a Texas community, when the day begins like every other day. People rise early, preparing to toil in the cotton fields. Gradually, word of the Emancipation Proclamation spreads throughout Texas, eventually reaching a young girl and her family. The narrative builds momentum as the day unfolds.

Immediately the family gathers to share news of freedom with spontaneous celebrations. This declaration of freedom marks a turning point for formerly enslaved people. Life will be forever changed.

Evocative illustrations by multiple award-winning (Coretta Scott King, ALA Notable, Caldecott Awards) Lewis convey emotions with body language and facial expressions. His use of light is particularly noteworthy. The book opens with light streaming through an open window, illuminating the face of a young girl. A family group remains in shadow as they prepare for a day of grueling labor. Flames from an oceanside bonfire highlight girls joyously dancing and singing against the nighttime sky. The cotton fields remain in shadow.

Back matter includes a wealth of resources including: an Author's Note, Illustrator's Note, Timeline of Important Events, Juneteenth Then and Now, Online Sources, and Key Terms.

Poetic language and exquisite art make this an excellent choice for story time. Value will be added to the experience by including background information and extension activities, teaching youngsters the legacy of this historic event. Thanks Black Children's Books and Authors for a complimentary copy.

Join in the Celebration

Juneteenth for Mazie

Juneteenth Jamboree

Curated list of suggested books.

Meaning of the Juneteen flag.

Copy provided by Black Children's Books and Authors, Inc.

Pub date: May 6, 2021 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers ISBN: 978-0689873768

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Jane Austen Remix

5/27/2021

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It is a truth universally acknowledged that a popular classic with witty commentary on society, expectations and romance is an interesting starting point for a retelling. Example: GoodReads lists 440 adaptations, variations, and continuations of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Several of these stories are available in audiobook format. Pop in the earbuds and chill with two engaging reimaginings of a timeless rom-com.

Pride: A Pride and Prejudice Remix
by Ibi Zoboi read by Elizabeth Acevedo

Well, there goes the neighborhood!
Zuri Benitez is appalled when wealthy Darius Darcy and his family move into her predominantly African American/Latino working class community.

Pride: A Pride and Prejudice Remix maintains several elements of Austen's novel: five sisters, a scoundrel who initially appears charming, a family with an uncertain financial future, and a younger sister who makes a troubling choice.

Zoboi sets this version in a contemporary urban environment with a sensory-rich description of life in Bushwick and the Haitian-Dominican culture. Zuri also confronts racism, gentrification, and stereotyping. The expectation of higher education for students of color is a welcome addition and includes a nice shoutout to Howard University.

Listen to a sample.

This refreshing adaptation with numerous misunderstandings, awkward situations, and heartbreak eventually arrives at a satisfying conclusion. No one will walk down the aisle, but there is mutual attraction and admiration.

Acevedo's narration is spot-on, injecting the text with an intonation and rhythm which brings the story to life.

Audiobook accessed via Hoopla.

Release date: September 18, 2018 Publisher: Harper Audio

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price read by Morag Sims

What happens when the daughter of a barrister decides to solve a murder? Welcome to the 19th century world of Lizzie Bennett. Price and Premeditation is a mystery that preserves Austen's setting and cast of characters along with several of their idiosyncrasies.

Price moves the story away from Longbourn and to the law firm of Mr. Bennett. He employs Lizzie, Charlotte, and the odious Mr. Collins who does little work but takes all the credit. Lizzie hopes to expand her role from quietly working behind the scenes to taking an active role in a case of murder.

To her dismay, she learns that haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy will be representing the defendant. Undaunted, Lizzie soldiers on: interviewing witnesses, uncovering evidence, and eventually trying the case before a judge. While this aspect of the story is historically inaccurate, it fits neatly with her personality.

Listen to a sample.

This tale of manners takes a modern twist, focusing on women's empowerment. Lizzie's jurisprudential skill and courage are admired by her father and Mr. Darcy. Her future as a barrister seems assured. However, Miss Bennett has a mind of her own and surprises everyone with an interesting decision about her prospects.

Sims' uses a variety of speech patterns to distinguish various characters, while retaining her "proper" British narration.

Audiobook accessed via NetGalley.

Release date: April 6, 2021 Publisher: Harper Audio

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<<Previous

The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix

The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Past Present Future

We Overcome Shall Overcome by Bryan Collier

Her Immigrant Story

Where I Belong by Marcia Argueta Mickelson

Japanese Classic

How Do You Live? by Genzaburō Yoshino
translated by Bruno Navasky forward by Neil Gaiman

Adventures in Science

AstroNuts Mission Three: The Perfect Planet
by Jon Scieszka art by Steven Weinberg

Aftermath

AfterMath by Emily Barth Isler

Make a Difference

Hurricane: My Story of Resilience I Witness, #2
by Salvador Gómez-Colón

What Divides Us

Walls by L. M. Elliott

Let Freedom Ring

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom
by Angela Johnson art by E. B. Lewis

Join in the Celebration

Jane Austen Remix

Pride: A Pride and Prejudice Remix
by Ibi Zoboi read by Elizabeth Acevedo

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price read by Morag Sims

Category

Archives

Barbara Moon

The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix

We Overcome Shall Overcome by Bryan Collier

Where I Belong by Marcia Argueta Mickelson

How Do You Live? by Genzaburō Yoshinotranslated by Bruno Navasky forward by Neil Gaiman

AstroNuts Mission Three: The Perfect Planet by Jon Scieszka art by Steven Weinberg

AfterMath by Emily Barth Isler

Hurricane: My Story of Resilience I Witness, #2​by Salvador Gómez-Colón

Walls by L. M. Elliott

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedomby Angela Johnson art by E. B. Lewis

Join in the Celebration

Pride: A Pride and Prejudice Remixby Ibi Zoboi read by Elizabeth Acevedo

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price read by Morag Sims

Category

Archives

Barbara Moon

How Do You Live? by Genzaburō Yoshino
translated by Bruno Navasky forward by Neil Gaiman

AstroNuts Mission Three: The Perfect Planet
by Jon Scieszka art by Steven Weinberg

Hurricane: My Story of Resilience I Witness, #2
by Salvador Gómez-Colón

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom
by Angela Johnson art by E. B. Lewis

Pride: A Pride and Prejudice Remix
by Ibi Zoboi read by Elizabeth Acevedo