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2.59k reviews by:
librarybonanza
Age: Preschool-2nd grade
Family: Father and daughter (and many other family members)
Culture: Latin America (author is from Peru)
Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has a name that is too long, if you ask her. But when she presents this problem to her father, he happily tells Alma about the family members that are tied to each of her given names. A celebration of one's name and family, Martinez-Neal captures this beautiful tradition through the gentle curiosity of a girl who discovers her family's rich history which makes her proud of her long and beautifully unique name.
Perfect for a unit on family and genealogy. Also can lead to tender discussions between family about how a child's name came to be.
Family: Father and daughter (and many other family members)
Culture: Latin America (author is from Peru)
Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has a name that is too long, if you ask her. But when she presents this problem to her father, he happily tells Alma about the family members that are tied to each of her given names. A celebration of one's name and family, Martinez-Neal captures this beautiful tradition through the gentle curiosity of a girl who discovers her family's rich history which makes her proud of her long and beautifully unique name.
Perfect for a unit on family and genealogy. Also can lead to tender discussions between family about how a child's name came to be.
Age: Middle School-High School
LGBTQ+: Transgender Male
"Barney and his best friend Norma are just trying to get by and keep their jobs, but working at the Dead End theme park also means battling demonic forces, time traveling wizards, and scariest of all--their love lives!
Follow the lives of this diverse group of employees of a haunted house, which may or may not also serve as a portal to hell, in this hilarious and moving graphic novel, complete with talking pugs, vengeful ghosts and LBGTQIA love!" (Goodreads synopsis).
Action-packed fantasy for fans of Nimona and Rick Riordan with humor throughout for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Adventure Land. Steele puts more focus on the plot without putting a large spotlight on Barney's transition or past--but these are still included. A great cast of characters are present from the socially-reclusive Norma to Barney the daring to
LGBTQ+: Transgender Male
"Barney and his best friend Norma are just trying to get by and keep their jobs, but working at the Dead End theme park also means battling demonic forces, time traveling wizards, and scariest of all--their love lives!
Follow the lives of this diverse group of employees of a haunted house, which may or may not also serve as a portal to hell, in this hilarious and moving graphic novel, complete with talking pugs, vengeful ghosts and LBGTQIA love!" (Goodreads synopsis).
Action-packed fantasy for fans of Nimona and Rick Riordan with humor throughout for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Adventure Land. Steele puts more focus on the plot without putting a large spotlight on Barney's transition or past--but these are still included. A great cast of characters are present from the socially-reclusive Norma to Barney the daring to
Spoiler
Just a warning, this is another book where the dog dies. But, seeing as it's a fantasy book that has demons and ghosts, this may not entirely be the case.
Age: Kindergarten-2nd grade
Tough Issue: Tragic news that affects a community (most likely national news)
How does a child experience a tragedy? Unfamiliar with the deep sadness and worry that her parents are feeling, one little girl observes her surroundings with quiet concern. Inspired by her teacher's word to "look for the helpers," this girl wants to help in a big way. In an attempt to cheer them up, the girl puts on a comedy show, tries to offer words of protection, and tries to be on her best behavior but nothing seems to change their downcast mood.
With more and more small acts of kindness, the girl narrator finds that even though the bad news is still there, so are we.
A hard topic but an essential book when needed. Highly recommend for all classrooms.
Tough Issue: Tragic news that affects a community (most likely national news)
How does a child experience a tragedy? Unfamiliar with the deep sadness and worry that her parents are feeling, one little girl observes her surroundings with quiet concern. Inspired by her teacher's word to "look for the helpers," this girl wants to help in a big way. In an attempt to cheer them up, the girl puts on a comedy show, tries to offer words of protection, and tries to be on her best behavior but nothing seems to change their downcast mood.
"I feel small. So maybe...I can try to do...
just one...
small thing?"
With more and more small acts of kindness, the girl narrator finds that even though the bad news is still there, so are we.
A hard topic but an essential book when needed. Highly recommend for all classrooms.
Age: Preschool-Kindergarten
Multicultural: Indian-British author, Iranian born illustrator
Wrap yourself up in Nimesh's imagination as he transforms everyday settings into faraway lands full of fantastical creatures and tall tales. Simple text is paired with gorgeous artwork that is bright enough for a group reading but detailed enough to entrance a lap-sitting listener. The enthusiasm of Nimesh, with such few words, is absolutely enchanting.
Multicultural: Indian-British author, Iranian born illustrator
Wrap yourself up in Nimesh's imagination as he transforms everyday settings into faraway lands full of fantastical creatures and tall tales. Simple text is paired with gorgeous artwork that is bright enough for a group reading but detailed enough to entrance a lap-sitting listener. The enthusiasm of Nimesh, with such few words, is absolutely enchanting.
Age: Preschool-1st grade
Family: Grandpa and grandson
Location: City life
Identity: Spanish-speaking
Eliot has a great imagination while going on adventures around his home but he yearns for a true adventure. When grandpa comes to visit, he tells Eliot all about his adventures on his boat, the Hispaniola. But, his boat in disrepair, Grandpa shows Eliot that he can no longer go on anywhere exciting. But with a little bit of imagination, Eliot shows his Grandpa that they can go anywhere they want to go.
One sentence per page and large illustrations make this a serviceable read-aloud for classrooms and storytimes alike.
Family: Grandpa and grandson
Location: City life
Identity: Spanish-speaking
Eliot has a great imagination while going on adventures around his home but he yearns for a true adventure. When grandpa comes to visit, he tells Eliot all about his adventures on his boat, the Hispaniola. But, his boat in disrepair, Grandpa shows Eliot that he can no longer go on anywhere exciting. But with a little bit of imagination, Eliot shows his Grandpa that they can go anywhere they want to go.
One sentence per page and large illustrations make this a serviceable read-aloud for classrooms and storytimes alike.
Age: Preschool-2nd grade
Culture: Cherokee nation
Emotions: Gratitude
By saying otsaliheliga (we are grateful), the Cherokee people celebrate their blessings and reflect on struggles year round. A delightful read-aloud that highlights Cherokee cultural traditions, customs, and history within the framework of changing seasons. Cherokee words appear in the roman alphabet, phonetic transcription, Cherokee syllabary, and an English translation.
Great for units/storytimes on seasons, gratitude, family, and Native American nations.
Culture: Cherokee nation
Emotions: Gratitude
By saying otsaliheliga (we are grateful), the Cherokee people celebrate their blessings and reflect on struggles year round. A delightful read-aloud that highlights Cherokee cultural traditions, customs, and history within the framework of changing seasons. Cherokee words appear in the roman alphabet, phonetic transcription, Cherokee syllabary, and an English translation.
Great for units/storytimes on seasons, gratitude, family, and Native American nations.
Age: Preschool-1st grade
Culture: Indigenous Canadian (unidentified in story--illustrator is of Indigenous ancestry: Huron, Migmag, and Algonquin)
Family: Intergenerational
Across time, children ask their family members to tell them stories as they drift off to sleep. The phrase "Mama/Papa told it to me, and I'll tell it to you/And the wind might catch it again" connects three stories that tell pastoral tales of sleek salmon, hunting polar bears, and sparkling fires. A beautiful celebration of family snuggles at bedtime and the threads of storytelling throughout generations.
Culture: Indigenous Canadian (unidentified in story--illustrator is of Indigenous ancestry: Huron, Migmag, and Algonquin)
Family: Intergenerational
Across time, children ask their family members to tell them stories as they drift off to sleep. The phrase "Mama/Papa told it to me, and I'll tell it to you/And the wind might catch it again" connects three stories that tell pastoral tales of sleek salmon, hunting polar bears, and sparkling fires. A beautiful celebration of family snuggles at bedtime and the threads of storytelling throughout generations.
Age: Toddler-Preschool
Sense: Hearing
Follow around a brown-skinned, black-haired boy (white bearded father, brown mother [with purple hair!]) as we listen to the sounds throughout his day. Vocabulary abounds in this book that addresses verbs, onomatopoeia, and the sense of hearing.
Sense: Hearing
Follow around a brown-skinned, black-haired boy (white bearded father, brown mother [with purple hair!]) as we listen to the sounds throughout his day. Vocabulary abounds in this book that addresses verbs, onomatopoeia, and the sense of hearing.
Age: Preschool
Family: Mom and son
East Asian features
Emotions: Rage
Theo wants to be wild and free like a grizzly bear but soon finds out that being a bear isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's fun to watch Theo's mom exploit his dedication to be a bear by feeding him forest greens and throwing open a window while he's as naked as a bear.
Family: Mom and son
East Asian features
Emotions: Rage
Theo wants to be wild and free like a grizzly bear but soon finds out that being a bear isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's fun to watch Theo's mom exploit his dedication to be a bear by feeding him forest greens and throwing open a window while he's as naked as a bear.
Age: Preschool-2nd grade
Fairytale retelling: Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Animals: Mermaid, Octopus, Puffer Fish
A fine retelling of the tale in an underwater setting off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. A couple story bumps but listeners will still delight in the tale and the scenery.
Fairytale retelling: Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Animals: Mermaid, Octopus, Puffer Fish
A fine retelling of the tale in an underwater setting off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. A couple story bumps but listeners will still delight in the tale and the scenery.