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librarybonanza
Age: 7th grade-high school
Although the writing was dismal, I can still see many teens riveted by the dramatic plot and pulled into the story of Val's traumatic experience. While Val is an excellent character, other characters were obnoxious, one-dimensional characters such as the odd appearance of her ridiculously exuberant art mentor at the end of the book. Intriguing plot points were either never discussed or left out including the mysterious person that Nick befriends and the silence of Nick's parents throughout the book. The ending is saccharine but at least it doesn't drag on and it will probably be very satisfying for many readers.
All in all, this is an incredibly useful tool to show teens the power of hate from all perspectives while not presenting an idealistic, unachievable end. Brown structures the book well by pulling you in with the drama then examining the psychological effects of its victims. I also appreciated that the psychiatrist had such a powerful, positive representation in the book.
Although the writing was dismal, I can still see many teens riveted by the dramatic plot and pulled into the story of Val's traumatic experience. While Val is an excellent character, other characters were obnoxious, one-dimensional characters such as the odd appearance of her ridiculously exuberant art mentor at the end of the book. Intriguing plot points were either never discussed or left out including the mysterious person that Nick befriends and the silence of Nick's parents throughout the book. The ending is saccharine but at least it doesn't drag on and it will probably be very satisfying for many readers.
All in all, this is an incredibly useful tool to show teens the power of hate from all perspectives while not presenting an idealistic, unachievable end. Brown structures the book well by pulling you in with the drama then examining the psychological effects of its victims. I also appreciated that the psychiatrist had such a powerful, positive representation in the book.
Chock full of science vocabulary describing the changing of the season, Holland will provide information enthusiasts with a very satisfying book. The illustrations are marvelous but may not provide enough visual stimulus for all the information packed into each page.
Age: Preschool-1st grade
A great I-spy book for the colors on the page paired with a really neat walk through about harvesting maple syrup. Successful and very useful for teachers, librarians, and parents.
A great I-spy book for the colors on the page paired with a really neat walk through about harvesting maple syrup. Successful and very useful for teachers, librarians, and parents.
Loved Yvaine's grumpily endearing character but Tristran was somewhat boring and emotionless (which did help provide contrast to the delightful cast of characters). Gaiman strongly relies on the reader's trust in Stardust because Tristran and several other characters go along with a lot of weird behavior and unusual choices. The characters and narrator have little reluctance towards oddities and so the reader must be willing to accept choices that appear without logic. I think what bothered me was that this ambivalence existed not just in the fantasy world but in the real world and I found it hard to follow.
Age: Preschool-2nd grade
LGBTQ: Gender nonconforming
Raffi becomes interested in knitting and really enjoys his pastime but he notices that his interests are not like other boys. Surrounded by loving and supportive teachers and his family, he soon impresses his classmates by sewing together a wonderful cape for a school performance. Another great book published this year that addresses gender nonconformity for a younger audience without being preachy or boring.
LGBTQ: Gender nonconforming
Raffi becomes interested in knitting and really enjoys his pastime but he notices that his interests are not like other boys. Surrounded by loving and supportive teachers and his family, he soon impresses his classmates by sewing together a wonderful cape for a school performance. Another great book published this year that addresses gender nonconformity for a younger audience without being preachy or boring.
Age: Kindergarten-3rd grade
LGBTQ: Gender nonconforming
Although it has elements of bibliotherapy for adults, this picture book for pink boys (the male equivalent of a tomboy) is an essential addition to any collection for its head-on approach to a gender nonconforming boy. Jacob loves wearing dresses and receives support from a good friend, his parents, and his teacher. But there is one boy in class that just can't get over a boy wearing a dress, constantly challenging Jacob and teasing him.
The resolution does not end with the bully accepting Jacob's choices (which would have been unrealistic and saccharine), but with Jacob feeling confident in his own choices, with the help and reassurance of his parents, teacher, and friend. There are also moments in the book where the parents feel hesitant, providing another realistic dimension that shows parents of pink boys that even though you are uncertain about the consequences, you can make the right choice in the end by allowing your child to be self-expressive.
LGBTQ: Gender nonconforming
Although it has elements of bibliotherapy for adults, this picture book for pink boys (the male equivalent of a tomboy) is an essential addition to any collection for its head-on approach to a gender nonconforming boy. Jacob loves wearing dresses and receives support from a good friend, his parents, and his teacher. But there is one boy in class that just can't get over a boy wearing a dress, constantly challenging Jacob and teasing him.
The resolution does not end with the bully accepting Jacob's choices (which would have been unrealistic and saccharine), but with Jacob feeling confident in his own choices, with the help and reassurance of his parents, teacher, and friend. There are also moments in the book where the parents feel hesitant, providing another realistic dimension that shows parents of pink boys that even though you are uncertain about the consequences, you can make the right choice in the end by allowing your child to be self-expressive.
Age: Preschool-Kindergarten
Fantasy: Monsters and creatures
Familiar Experience: Chores
Julia moves out to the sea but finds it's pretty lonely. As a tinkerer and creator she whips up a sign seeking out any lost creatures. Soon she has quite the company and a lot of restless folk. With some alone time, Julia is able to come up with a plan to dish out chores.
Fantasy: Monsters and creatures
Familiar Experience: Chores
Julia moves out to the sea but finds it's pretty lonely. As a tinkerer and creator she whips up a sign seeking out any lost creatures. Soon she has quite the company and a lot of restless folk. With some alone time, Julia is able to come up with a plan to dish out chores.
Age: Preschool-2nd grade
Music: Guitar
Family: Grandfather/Grandson
A lovely addition to music biographies for the younger set, Richards is able to focus on his relationship with his grandfather without becoming bogged down in detail or lost in reminiscing. The artwork is an absolute plus and captures each page's memory, keeping the interest of little wandering eyes. Quite a success having been written by a non-writer!
Music: Guitar
Family: Grandfather/Grandson
A lovely addition to music biographies for the younger set, Richards is able to focus on his relationship with his grandfather without becoming bogged down in detail or lost in reminiscing. The artwork is an absolute plus and captures each page's memory, keeping the interest of little wandering eyes. Quite a success having been written by a non-writer!
Age: Preschool-2nd grade
Art: Drawing
Colón brings us into the imagination of a boy artist as he explores the plains and draws a variety of animals. A little twist at the end shows us that this is the boys creative process and inspiration for a presentation he gives to class, showcasing the animals he "met."
Art: Drawing
Colón brings us into the imagination of a boy artist as he explores the plains and draws a variety of animals. A little twist at the end shows us that this is the boys creative process and inspiration for a presentation he gives to class, showcasing the animals he "met."
Age: 1st-4th grade
A magnificent, imaginative approach to inspiring children to write. Through Gay's fresh, honest approach she describes her writing process that is full of uncertainty and imagination, revision and determination. There is a collection of children co-narrators that guide Gay along as they ask questions and add details to her story, also providing fun asides that keep the interest of the reader/listener without too much distraction. This is such a success!
A magnificent, imaginative approach to inspiring children to write. Through Gay's fresh, honest approach she describes her writing process that is full of uncertainty and imagination, revision and determination. There is a collection of children co-narrators that guide Gay along as they ask questions and add details to her story, also providing fun asides that keep the interest of the reader/listener without too much distraction. This is such a success!