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

A Tale of Two Worlds

11/20/2021

0 Comments

 

A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger

“Recuerda nuestra historia.”  Remember our history.
Little Badger has done it again: creating another storytelling marvel. Seemingly unconnected narratives spanning over eight years and alternating between two distinctive worlds are magically woven together.
Cottonmouth snake Oli lives in the Reflecting World, home of spirits and monsters. He is devastated when his friend Ami, a small spotted toad, disappears. Oli recruits three spirit animals who can assume human form to help him search for Ami who is gravely ill and faces possible extinction. ​The companions leave the Reflecting World and "fall" to Earth, hoping to locate and save one small toad.
On Earth, sixteen-year-old Nina is puzzled by comments made by her Great-Great-Grandma Rosita and seeks answers from her Grandma. Both women are an enigma. Why do animals mysteriously recover in Grandma’s presence? What accounts for Rosita’s unusually long life?
Picture
When a major hurricane is projected to make landfall near Grandma’s South Texas property, Nina along with her father and the spirit animals join forces to save Grandma’s home from destruction.
The two worlds are well delineated. Characters are fully formed with unique personalities. The narrative sparkles with numerous charming details: a nearsighted snake who wears spectacles, a cantankerous alligator with a score to settle, a father habitually consuming all the chocolates in the candy dish, a grandmother who delights in gifting garage sale purchases.
The story's conclusion is dramatic, taking on mythic proportions. A devasting hurricane. A species facing extinction. A mysterious individual who seems inordinately interested in Grandma’s property. Impossible odds. ​
Extraordinary forces are at work here: the ability to shape nature and the overarching power of love. A Snake Falls to Earth, a 2021 National Book Award longlist selection, is a fascinating tale and a literary masterpiece.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: November 23, 2021  Publisher: Levine Querido  ISBN: 978-1646140923
0 Comments

I Need a Hero

11/17/2021

0 Comments

 

The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities:
New Stories About Mythic Heroes
edited by Rick Riordan

A book that's like a box of chocolates.
An anthology, like a box of chocolates, consists of tasty little morsels. The one you select may consist of creamy sweetness, rich darkness, or be a little bit nutty. All look so tempting. Which one will you pick?
Picture
Discover new adventures from the worlds of: Sal and Gabi, Aru Shah, Zane Obispo, Tristan Strong, Nizhoni Begay, Paola Santiago, Sikander Aziz and Riley Oh. Bet you can't pick just one!​
If a hero isn't ready to lose everything for a greater cause, is that person really a hero?
Jason Grace, The Tower of Nero
Rick Riordan Presents includes stories by Carlos Hernandez, Roshani Chokshi, J.C. Cervantes, Yoon Ha Lee, Kwame Mbalia, Rebecca Roanhorse, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Sarwat Chadda, Graci Kim, and SURPRISE! Rick Riordan, who introduces an Irish hero: boy a marked for death before he was born. Is he destined for greatness or destruction?
The multiverse is home to an assortment of fascinating characters: Gum Baby will give you two pieces of her mind "one for now, and one to take home and enjoy later." Riley is the only member of her family who does not possess supernatural powers, or does she? Nizhoni battles a demon-possessed drum that contaminates everything, including the fry bread she loves to eat.
There are numerous ways to enter these mythic worlds:
Relax and plunge through the floor into a different universe. Take the elevator to the Lower Levels of Hell. Descend six thousand feet to face plant on Seventh Avenue. Visit a New York deli to find a "Demon in the Trash." Locate the red cactus flower that your mind envisioned. Slip in and sample any one of the selections, finding stories that pique your interest. They can be read in any order.
The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities is an introduction to mythologies and cultures that invite further exploration. Fans of the Riordan series will relish these stories chronicling additional adventures for characters featured in the addictive series. ​ It's an enchanting potpourri brimming with danger, humor, courage, friendship, and magic.
Picture
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: September 28, 2021  Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents  ISBN: 978-1368070836
0 Comments

Grand Ideas Told with Few Words

11/10/2021

0 Comments

 

African Proverbs for All Ages
collected by Johnnetta Betsch Cole and Nelda LaTeef ill by Nelda LaTeef

Like the turtle, each one of us must stick out our neck if we want to go forward.

​The vibrant and expansive legacy of African literature is beginning to be recognized and celebrated. Case in
point: anthropologist and educator Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole collaborated with author and illustrator Nelda LaTeef for this collection of African Proverbs for All Ages.
The compilation is organized thematically. A single painting with four accompanying proverbs illustrates such concepts as education, relationships, happiness, knowledge, experience, home, and family.
Book design allows readers to consider a general concept from several points of view. A map helps readers identify each proverb's country of origin.
LaTeef's detailed illustrations of scenes from nature and village life employ a colorful palette. Faces and body language reflect joy, determination, cooperation, and respect.
Picture
Whether you are young or old, proverbs can open your mind to a whole new way of seeing the world. We underestimate children when we assume they are incapable of understanding metaphor and deeper meaning. There are multiple ways that children learn, but for each method by which they learn, they need their imagination engaged and their visual sensibilities ignited. And as adults, we underestimate ourselves when we allow our lives to be about practical matters only. Proverbs can stir our soul and spark our imagination. --Johnnetta Betsch Cole
This Oprah book selection powerfully demonstrates the universal appeal of folk wisdom. Words and images combine for a rich reading experience that can be savored alone or shared with a group.  An excellent addition to home, classroom, school, and public libraries.  Readers young and old will delight in discovering these timeless truisms.
Electronic copy accessed via publisher.
Pub date: November 30, 2021  Publisher: Roaring Brook Press  ISBN: 978-1250756060
0 Comments

Past  Present  Future

11/5/2021

0 Comments

 

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.
Picture
Picture
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
0 Comments

Classic Remix: Little Women

10/30/2021

0 Comments

 

More to the Story by Hena Khan

Louisa May Alcott's 1868 classic tale of sisters gets updated with these retellings that feature four siblings with unique personalities and interests, a hardworking mother, and a modest home filled with love. Khan and Morrow give this framework fresh settings and perspective, resulting in new stories to tell.
Picture
More to the Story introduces a Pakistani-American family of girls ages 10 through 16 who negotiate the challenges of a contemporary family life in Atlanta.
Seventh grader Jameela and her sisters Maryam, Bisma, and Aleeza miss their father who must temporarily work overseas. The narrative’s dynamic shifts slightly when teenage Ali, the son of a family friend, moves into town. ​When Jam decides to feature Ali in an article for the school newspaper, she faces a question of journalistic ethics.
A major plot point centers around Bisma's cancer diagnosis and treatment. The effects of a serious illness are accurately described without excessive technical details and medical jargon.
Khan seamlessly blends Muslim life, including religious observance, food, and customs into the narrative. A heartwarming story.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: September 3, 2019  Publisher: Salaam Reads  ISBN: 978-1481492096

So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix 
​by Bethany C. Morrow read by Adenrele Ojo

Picture
So Many Beginnings is a stunning reimagining of Little Women that starts with Alcott's early 1860's time period and then fashions an entirely new tale, deftly weaving in often-overlooked aspects of American history. The March family resides in the Freedpeople's Colony of Roanoke Island, working to build a free society for formerly enslaved individuals.
Morrow's characters are intelligent women with lofty goals. Meg is a teacher who hopes to marry. Joanna dreams of becoming an author but by day works alongside construction crews, building homes in the colony. Bethlehem is a skilled seamstress and designer who wants to develop an African-based clothing enterprise. Talented dancer Amethyst earns accolades as a performer. The sisters encounter both overt and subtle forms of racism and gender inequality as they pursue personal and professional ambitions.
Picture
Listen to a sample
Audio copy accessed via Net Galley
Release date: September 7, 2021 Publisher: Macmillan Audio
0 Comments

Together We Build

10/24/2021

0 Comments

 

Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds

Violet foundly remembered the table.
Violet, a girl with purple-hued hair, notices something bizarre is happening in her home. The family dinner table is shrinking. Eventually the table becomes so small that it vanishes.
So... she goes in search of answers. When she sneaks a peek at dad, he's watching big screen entertainment. Mom is fixated on her phone and brother is playing games on a tablet.  ​She wonders: is there a way to get back the table? This resourceful youngster has a plan.
Drawing upon the unique talents and interests of each family member, Violet enlists their help. Together, they design and construct a new table that will unite them.
Color is a key component of the narrative. When technology dominates individual lives, Reynolds monochromatic palette is based on shades of purple. When the family is seated around the table, illustrations are in full color.
Picture
​This picture book is filled with charming touches: Violet sports a massive tool belt. The dog helps hold a measuring tape, and sneaks treats beneath mom's chair. The cat on the cover smiles knowingly at the audience.
A timely and timeless reminder of the importance of disengaging technology and engaging with family and friends. Reynolds offers a gentle tale of building and maintaining personal relationships.

Our Family Table

Our Table invites young readers and families to consider the important connections that happen when they choose to create screen-free events. Gather around "our" table for memorable moments
When is a family tradition nontraditional? 
​When birthdays are honored with a child's hand painted plate, and we eat ice cream cones instead of cake.
What can a gathering without a table look like?
Groups toasting marshmallows around an outdoor fireplace.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: November 2, 2021 Publisher: Orchard Books ISBN: 978-1338572322
0 Comments

Moonstruck!

10/18/2021

1 Comment

 

The Children’s Moon by Carmen Agra Deedy art by Jim LaMarche

It’s not often that you will find a picture book that is a literary gem brimming with sparkling personality,  folktale-like mythology, poetic language, luminous art, and a STEM component. Deedy's enchanting storytelling and LaMarche's exquisite illustrations combine to tell a wondrous origin tale.
Text consists of a dialog between the moon and the sun.
As the moon rises, she hears a noise "like the daintiest of silver bells" and wonders what makes that sweet music. The sun informs her that the sound is made by children. Moon laments that she is unable to see the children and they cannot see her. Is there a way for her to see the children? Sun adamantly retorts that this is not possible.
​The day is mine.
​The night is yours.
Picture
With inventive thinking, the two devise a plan that will allow the sun to view the stars gleaming in the night sky.  Then the sun will shine on his friend in such a manner that the moon can see and be seen by the children.
It a beautiful mythology that explains an astronomical phenomenom.
Back matter includes detailed information on how to view a "children's moon" in the night sky, an infographic explaining phases of the moon, a collection of interesting scientific factoids about the moon. For example, the moon not only reflects light, it also radiates light. Interestingly, the moon is not a sphere, but egg-shaped. Links to online resources are provided.
The Children’s Moon is the perfect bedtime story and is also an excellent companion to an astronomy lesson.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: October 19, 2021 Publisher: Scholastic Press ISBN: 978-1338216394
1 Comment

Her Immigrant Story

10/15/2021

0 Comments

 

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.
Picture
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
0 Comments

Japanese Classic

10/13/2021

1 Comment

 

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.
Picture
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.
Picture
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
1 Comment

A New View

10/11/2021

1 Comment

 

Inside Cat by Brendan Wenzel

Cat lovers and fans of the Caldecott Award-winning They All Saw a Cat can rejoice. Author and illustrator Brendan Wenzel is back with a fresh look at a domestic cat’s life with Inside Cat.
Remaining within the confines of a building, bound by walls and doors, ceilings and floors, this feline encounters myriad interesting phenomena.
There are shapes to identify, senses to experience, sweeping vistas to view, tiny vignettes to examine.
Picture
Wenzel maintains a soft blue background with simple suggestions of architecture and furnishings within the home. In contrast, the outdoors are rendered in full color with multiple charming details. 
The energetic cat sports a coat of fur drawn with a loose, free hand.  The immense wide-eyes are the dominant facial feature. 
Rhythmic, rhyming text begs to be read aloud. Repetitive words "wanders" "wonders" take on multiple meanings in a variety of situations.
The final page turn reveals a dazzling surprise and a satifying conclusion. End papers featuring interior and exterior cat views are not to be missed.
This book can serve as a springboard for individual observations. Hand this engaging picture book to youngsters and invite them to discover amazing worlds waiting to be discovered.

More Wenzel, Please

Enjoy these delightful pictures books from the inventive mind and creative talent of Brendan Wenzel.
Picture
Picture
Picture
C​​opy provided by publisher.
Pub date:October 12, 2021  Publisher: Chronicle Books  ISBN: 978-1452173191
1 Comment
<<Previous
Forward>>
    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

    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.