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READING STYLE GUIDE

Questions and Answers

4/6/2021

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Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask: Young Readers Edition by Anton Treur

I was not just another Indian. No Indian really is.
​Because we are so often imagined and so infrequently well understood.
It begins at the cover with intricate eye-catching beadwork created by Jana Schmieding (Lakota). The floral motifs, a hallmark of Ojibwe decorative arts, reflect the author's heritage. This book promises to be unique.
Treur has adapted his 2012 book of the same title for a younger audience. It follows a question and answer format and is divided into sections covering a variety of topics such as History, Religion, Culture & Identity, Tribal Languages, Economics, Education, and Social Activism.
The volume can be read cover to cover for a broad introduction the subject. Some readers may choose to take a deep dive into a specific topic. Others may opt to peruse the Contents or Index for questions of particular interest. Skimming through the book and pausing to digest fascinating factoids is another approach. It is possible to read the book differently each time you pick it up.
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This edition presents bite-sized chunks of information that suit the needs and interests for a wide audience.  It also considers contemporary issues such as  racism, the Dakota Access Pipeline, and DNA testing.
A conclusion suggests ways for both Natives and non Natives to advance toward better understanding. Back matter contains Notes, Photo Credits, Acknowledgements, Recommended Reading by topic, and an Index.
Everything You Want to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask is universal in its scope and simultaneously deeply personal. Treuer, a professor with advanced academic degrees and the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, brings an educator's perspective to the book. The addition of personal anecdotes, clever asides, and family photos give the work a distinctive quality and "keep it real." An excellent addition to public, school, and classroom libraries.
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Treuer talks about creating a book for young readers.

Questions. Many Questions.

This book considers over 175 questions.  Here are a few:
  • How many tribal languages are spoken  in the Americas?
  • What is the real story of Thanksgiving?
  • What's it like for Natives who don't look like Natives?
  • Can a non-Native person get an Indian name?
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: April 6, 2021  Publisher: Levine Querido; Young Readers edition ISBN:  978-1646140459
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The Wonders of Mars

4/2/2021

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Mars is Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, and Startling Surprises by Suzanne Slade

On August 12, 2005 NASA launched the Atlas V rocket, carrying the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) equipped with a remarkable camera. Seven months later the MRO was orbiting Mars. Soon its camera began sending photos back to earth.
The photos are astounding. Magnified images reveal Mars’ surface in detail showing rock layers, sand dunes, canyons, craters, volcanoes, and lava flows. The landscape changes continually. For example, the planet’s two polar ice caps are composed of dry ice. In spring, cracks begin to form in the ice, allowing gases to bubble up to the surface.
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Each two-page spread features a close-up full color photograph. A poetic phrase in bold font on the facing page is accompanied by an informative paragraph. Mars is Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, Startling Surprises is also an artistic exploration of form and design. Stunning images and evocative descriptions enhance the sensory experience.
Back matter includes information on the mission’s technical challenges, an explanation of HiRise camera (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment), facts about the planet Mars, and a timeline of Mars Exploration highlights.
A 11” x 10 1/4” trim size suggests that the volume may be best viewed when opened flat and spread out on a table so youngsters can pore over the pages. Students interested in the sciences and/or the arts will be fascinated. Slade has created another picture book masterpiece.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: April 1, 2021  Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company  ISBN:  978-1682631881
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Clay and Creation

4/1/2021

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Shaped By Her Hands: Potter Maria Martinez
by Anna Harber Freeman and Barbara Gonzales art by Aphelandra

“The Great Spirit gave me (hands) that work...but not for myself, but for all my Tewa people.”
Maria Povika Martinez created distinctive pottery that is highly prized by collectors. Her great granddaughter Barbara Gonzales and art educator Anna Harbor Freeman collaborated to tell her story with a picture book for young readers.
Maria lived in San Idlefonso Pueblo near Santa Fe, New Mexico where clay was an abundant resource. As a girl, she was fascinated with the process of creating pottery. When her early efforts were not successful, she turned to ko-kōo Nicolasa to teach her. Her aunt used Tewa traditional methods: combining clay with water and volcanic ash, rolling the mixture into coils, then building the pot’s walls and firing the vessels for hours in a pottery fire. Each step was accompanied by special prayers.
While still a young woman, Maria married and became a mother but never gave up her work as a potter. 
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Her earthenware came to the attention of an archaeologist who presented her with a fragment of black pottery. Maria was intrigued. She and her husband Julian experimented and discovered a process for making shiny black pots. Blackware fashioned by Maria and her family became a valuable collector's item.
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In addition to describing pottery making, the narrative emphasizes culture, traditions, and religious practices of the Tewa. The authors use several Native terms which can be understood by using the illustrations and context clues for support. Aphelandra’s color palette of deep reds blending into rich golds and rising to a turquoise sky serves as a backdrop for Blackware. It is interesting to note that over time Maria's simple style of dress remains constant.
Shaped By Her Hands is a moving tribute to a great grandmother and her Native traditions. Excellent introduction to the technique of creating ceramics.
Back matter includes additional information on Maria Povika Martinez, Tewa People, San Idlefonso Pueblo, Authors Notes, and Selected Resources.
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Blackware began as a joint enterprise for Maria and Julian. He is credited with painting many of the pot’s intricate designs.  Currently, six generations of Maria and Julian’s descendants continue her legacy.

​​Maria's Blackware is considered fine art. Her signed pieces are worth thousands. She was awarded several honorary degrees and  invited to the White House. She and her husband demonstrated pottery making in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.
Her work can be viewed online.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SkUGm87DE0k
​http://indianartsandculture.org/exhibits/maria/index.html
https://kinggalleries.com/brand/martinez-maria/
​
​
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: April 1, 2021  Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company  ISBN:  978-0807575994
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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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Heroic Women

3/23/2021

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Standing on Her Shoulders
​by Monica Clark-Robinson art by Laura Freeman

Mother and grandmother share with a young daughter/granddaughter her awe-inspiring legacy. For generations the women in her family have been trailblazers, creating a noble foundation for their progenitors. Due to their efforts, their descendants face the possibility of a bright future. As the narrative progresses, a vision of the reach of influential women expands beyond family to encompass a broad range of American women who have made significant contributions to arts, sciences, athletics, and activism. Individuals such as Shirley Chisholm, Serena Williams, Chloe Kim, Frida Kahlo, Mary Church Terrell, Ynes Mexia, and Megan Rapinoe are singled out.
​Clark-Robinson's succinct text consists primarily of rhythmic rhyming couplets. Alliteration packs a powerful punch. Excellent read aloud.
For we are standing on the shoulders
of the strong, smart, sage, and soulful
​ones who have gone before us.
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The artist uses two distinctive styles. Classic portraits depict each woman from history who made her mark on the world. A modern stylized view of a dewy-eyed youngster contrasts with the more formal rendering of each historical figure.
​Freeman captures the warmth of a multigenerational family. Hope is poignantly expressed by the glimmer in the girl’s eyes as she views portraits of heroic women. As she remembers these extraordinary individuals, they become her role models. She will want to build a better world for her posterity. Her actions come full circle when she reaches out to support her younger sister.
Back matter includes beautiful portraits and brief biographies of twenty-six women representing a variety of races, cultures, achievements, and time periods.
Text and images combine to create a stellar picture book. Outstanding resource for African American History and Women’s History studies. This book would make a wonderful gift to celebrate any achievement in a young child’s life.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: February 2, 2021  Publisher: Orchard Books  ISBN: 978-1338358001
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Mysterious & Magical

3/18/2021

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The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by Jaclyn Moriarty

Esther is the middle child, sandwiched between thirteen-year-old Imogene and younger sister Astrid. She is the ordinary one, nondescript, often overlooked by her mother.
What should have been a normal year at boarding school opens with several unexplained incidents. Esther’s best friends do not return for the next school term. Two new students have taken the absent girls’ places. A tiny little woman with a bizarre ritual for greeting her students is Esther’s teacher. Life seems to have taken an unsettling turn. School is the same. Only it is not.
Set in a land of Empires and Kingdoms, it's a tale of mystery and magic. Mythological creatures abound. A Water Sprite absconds with a young child. ​ There are Faeries, Ogres, Whisperers, True Mages, Spellbinders, and Shadow Mages such as Radish Gnomes and Sterling Silver Foxes. They usually inhabit realms far away from Esther’s school. But lately they are sighted nearby.
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The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst is a story of a girl who doubts herself. Her supportive family is occasionally dysfunctional. Boarding school is rife with rumors. An earth-shattering event stuns the community. These disparate elements are woven together to create a compelling mystery.
Moriarty's storytelling technique is dazzling. The narrative asserts a generally agreed-upon statement as true. This is immediately followed by a detail which turns the truism on its head. Readers will wonder about the veracity of what they witness through Esther’s eyes. Is her recital of events based on partial knowledge, personal bias, or second-hand information?
And that, as I said, was the happily ever after...
​But was it?
First person voice allows readers to see not only the world from Esther’s point of view, but to witness her evolving comprehension of what is happening. At times she makes mistakes in judgement. Others thwart her efforts. But she remains determined to learn the truth.
I adore Esther. As she considers the strange, sometimes frightening events which topple her world and threaten its existence, she must summon a courage she never knew she possessed to save herself and those she loves. She becomes the hero that she was always meant to be.
The title was a puzzle. This is really Esther’s story. She narrates the account which takes place primarily at her school. References to a prince are few with seemingly little relevance to her life. But all is revealed on the final pages of the book. Readers are rewarded with a conclusion that is logical, anticipated, yet in some ways unexpected. It all fits neatly together, creating a satisfying conclusion.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: March 23, 2021  Publisher: Levine Querido  ISBN:  978-1646140763
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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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Avian Fashion

3/10/2021

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Bird Show by Susan Stockdale

I’m decked out in feathers and wear them with flair.
What do you get when you combine ornithology with fashion? Bird Show: a picture book filled with stylized images of eighteen birds. Avians run the gamut from common fowl such as jays and starlings to exotic creatures like the Royal Flycatcher and Marvelous Spatuletail.
Human clothing such as cloaks, aprons, vests scarfs, and gowns describe each bird's feather patterns, coloration, and distinctive markings.
A single bird is the star of each page and is accompanied by a descriptive rhyming couplet. Alternate pages span the double page spread, allowing ample space for expansive wing and tailfeathers. Glorious visual and literary imagery.
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​The fashion show finishes with a switch from the book’s design format. Readers must turn the volume vertically to view the sweeping tail of the Resplendent Quetzal of Central America and southern Mexico. A fitting conclusion.
Back matter includes an image, brief description, and the natural geographic home for each of the featured species. A fun pattern match puzzle rounds out interactive back matter.
Stockdale's history as a textile designer for the apparel industry gives her book a unique approach to animal illustration. At one time she designed fabric for clothing sold at Lord & Taylor and other stores. Now she creates fabulous animal fashion collections for young readers.
Nature: The Ultimate Designer
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: March 1, 2021  Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company  ISBN:  978-1682631287
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Air in Motion

2/27/2021

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Hear the Wind Blow by Doe Boyle ill by Emily Paik

Lyrical text, expressive illustration, and the science of weather are beautifully blended in Hear the Wind Blow, a picture book describing the wind.
Beginning at dawn, when all is calm, with just a "kiss of air," the text progresses throughout the day as later a breeze sends leaves "scuttling in the gutter." Evidence of the approaching storm can also be observed when ocean waves begin cresting.
The narrative climaxes when hurricane force winds batter a community and a family must take shelter. The denouement describes the storm’s devastating effects. Individuals move outdoors and neighbors work together to clean up and repair damage.
Wires droop, and tree roots shudder-
​the world's atilt, without a rudder.
Boyle's reassuring text makes clear that the storm will pass. But a warning embedded in the verses emphasizes the importance of responding to signs which signal potentially extreme weather.
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You must listen! Heed each sound,
as the Earth turns round and round.
Paik captures the stages of the approaching storm using stark changes in the color pallet. The sky progresses from pastel blues to intense shades punctuated with diagonal slashes of rain. The story concludes by reverting to soft azure skies. ​​Most pages feature outdoor scenes. When the storm reaches its apex, the tempest is viewed through windows, while the family remains safe within their home.
Rhyming text and evocative illustrations are a key story element. But there is more. Back matter moves this picture book above and beyond a charming children's book. Wind is defined as air in motion. Bonus material includes a copy of the Beaufort Wind Force Scale with an accompany introduction to the scale and its history, a glossary, and a list of suggested supplemental books. An excellent addition to school and library STEM collections for young readers.
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Weather Spotting

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The National Weather Service invites interested individuals to become weather spotters. Students may be interested in creating a school-wide initiative to identify and catalogue local weather patterns.  Charting and reporting on weather conditions could be an interesting activity.
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Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: March 1, 2021  Publisher: Albert Whitman and Company  ISBN:  978-0807545614
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Painting With Words

2/23/2021

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Mr. Tiger, Betsy, and the Sea Dragon
​by Sally Gardner ill by Nick Maland

"Painting with words"
From the brilliant mind and wild imagination of Sally Gardner come Mr. Tiger and Betsy books. This is not your ordinary garden-variety tale of a princess who must be rescued from an evil witch.
Told by the letters of the alphabet, it’s a fantasy jam-packed with a delicious blend of stuff and nonsense.
The story takes place on an island that has been left off the map of the world. Betsy K. Glory’s father creates the most amazing ice creams and her mother is a mermaid. With the help of mum’s tin bathtub on wheels, they make the marriage work. There is also a princess who was once a toad, a sea orchard of golden apples, and the debonair Mr. Tiger. Did I mention that there are two pages devoted to a discussion of the word “discombobulated?”
Plot centers around a sea dragon’s egg. The captain of a pirate ship arranges for his pastry chef to steal the precious egg. He plans to exchange the embryonic dragon for a golden apple.
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A running subthread features girls and women as decisive individuals who determine their own fates and positively impact the lives of others. In a critical scene Betsy must perform a dangerous rescue mission that no one else can accomplish. She is terrified. Mr. Tiger encourages her.
Betsy K. Glory, you are the bravest girl I have ever known. You can do this.
Of course, there is a happy ending. The pirates are defeated. The baby sea dragon egg is returned to its dragon parents. There is a lovely wedding. And everyone enjoys a new flavor of ice cream that tastes like happy-ever-afters.
"Just because you're dyslexic does not mean you can't be a writer."
Sally Gardner is dyslexic. The book’s appearance reflects her sensitivity to readers who have difficulty navigating pages of text. Mr. Tiger, Betsy, and the Sea Dragon is printed in blue and uses the Dyslexie font.
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Look at the dust jacket. Don't you love how the dragon straddles the spine and bridges the gap between land and sea?
​Nick Maland’s blue-hued line drawings match font color and add the perfect touch of whimsy.

Further Adventures for Mr. Tiger and Betsy

Discover the origin of Mr. Tiger and Betsy stories.
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C​opy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: February 23, 2021  Publisher: Penguin Workshop  ISBN: 978-0593095850
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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
    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.

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