Goodness! If you want to feel old, then consider that the Rubik's Cube turns 50 this year. Those of us of a certain age can remember when this colorfuGoodness! If you want to feel old, then consider that the Rubik's Cube turns 50 this year. Those of us of a certain age can remember when this colorful block puzzle first arrived in stores and how youngsters and adults were obsessed with solving it. I had thought it no longer was sold anywhere, but apparently, it remains popular. This well written biography [3.5 for me!] about its creator, Erno Rubik, describes his formative years and early fascination with shapes as well as how he eventually became a teacher. In order to help his students understand the concept of three-dimensionality, he built models, and then, curious about cubes and whether he could build a big cube out of smaller cubes, he began experimenting. The text and illustrations are particularly effective in depicting his struggles and his many failures. When he finally solved the design puzzle he'd set up for himself, he was inspired by the pebbles along the river. He was 29. Interestingly, the back matter claims that it took him a month to move all the pieces back to their original position. The lively mixed media and digital collage consist of bright colors just like those used in the Rubik's Cube with even the endpapers appropriately honoring this popular puzzle amid tiny sketches of cubes and other relevant objects. Add this one to a classroom collection dedicated to inventions but beware of including a Rubik's Cube among the collection since the puzzle is quite addictive. ...more
I'm sorry to have missed the previous four titles in this author's Food Heroes biographies, but I'm also happy to say that I enjoyed this one, the stoI'm sorry to have missed the previous four titles in this author's Food Heroes biographies, but I'm also happy to say that I enjoyed this one, the story of Eva Sommaripa, who started Eva's Garden in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, back in 1972, more than five decades ago. The story discusses how she started small, inspired by the fresh produce at a local market. Over the years, she increased the number of acres she was farming and expanded the number of potential buyers for her delicious herbs and veggies. She also learned more about the soil in which her products were growing, studied pollinators, and led a group of volunteers determined to help salamanders cross a road between the forest and pond safely. Eva's story is inspiring, especially so for her willingness to continue to learn more about farming and her involvement in activism as well as community building. The interesting artwork, created with collage, print, and line blends realism with sentimentality. ...more
While high school graduation marks an end to formal instruction for many, it's also the beginning of the rest of their life journeys. For some, the neWhile high school graduation marks an end to formal instruction for many, it's also the beginning of the rest of their life journeys. For some, the next steps will be a job or volunteering or perhaps travel. But for others like Sarah, the subject of this graphic novel, graduating means going to college and trying to figure out her academic major. It also offers a chance to reinvent or find herself as she moves from Wisconsin to Minnesota for her freshman year. But college isn't what Sarah expected. At times she feels overwhelmed by the assignments, the schedule, and making friends. The fact that her boyfriend back home dumps her adds to her misery, isolation, and loneliness, but even when she returns home for the winter holidays, she doesn't feel as though she fits there or that home is her home anymore, a feeling with which many young adults will relate. While my own college experience was nothing like Sarah's, many of the panels and emotions will resonate with those who are 16, 17, 18, and 19. There are several humorous scenes as well as depictions of heartbreak and disappointment, and several narrative strands are left open-ended and unfinished, which can be disconcerting even though this aspect of Sarah's journey and that of others mirrors life perfectly. It will be interesting to see if Mai follows this one up with "Sophomore Year" or "Senior Year" so that readers can watch what happens to her next. This one is worth the read. ...more
With its pitch-perfect description and nostalgia for special moments from the past, this picture book [3.5 for me!] is a palpable reminder to live in With its pitch-perfect description and nostalgia for special moments from the past, this picture book [3.5 for me!] is a palpable reminder to live in the present and cherish the time that we have with loved ones. In this case, a young boy relishes a fishing trip he and his father took to the Au Sable River in Michigan. There, they traveled through the woods in a red jeep, which the boy was allowed to help drive, set up camp, went flyfishing, caught, gutted, and grilled trout, and watch for an owl under the full moon. The story is given poignancy when the trip seems to end abruptly, and readers realize that the boy is reflecting on these memories while his father is away at war. Even the comment that his father is off driving a different kind of jeep strikes readers' hearts deeply since they know there's no guarantee that he'll come back home. Consisting of images created with pen and ink, watercolor, and gouache, the artwork is peaceful yet stirring, and the greens of summer when the two are fishing contrast vividly with the bleakness of the icy sidewalks of winter--time having passed--as a bundled-up mail carrier walks carefully along his route, sorting through envelopes and delivering hope to those left behind. Readers can see the cherished letters and envelopes from Dad held in his mother's hand and carefully displayed on a nightstand in the boy's bedroom in the last double-page spread. In front of them is a photograph of Dad and the boy in front of that jeep. On his bed are three toy soldiers. Ah, it's visual details like these and carefully chosen words that make a picture book memorable. Clearly, time spent being with Dad was invaluable. ...more
As someone who's worn glasses since fourth grade, I can relate to Misty Mole, the subject of this picture book [2.5 for me]. For Misty, everything hasAs someone who's worn glasses since fourth grade, I can relate to Misty Mole, the subject of this picture book [2.5 for me]. For Misty, everything has a foggy, soft appearance. Her paintings have a misty, indistinct quality to them, but they are beautiful since that's how she sees the world. But as far as navigating everyday life, Misty struggles because she can't see clearly. (The text repeatedly asks readers whether she can see clearly, which I found rather annoying.) Fortunately for Misty, her teacher is observant, sees her struggling, and sends her to have her eyes checked. Unsurprisingly, she can see very little of the eye chart and is given glasses to compensate for her myopia. The connection between her artwork and how she sees the world and that of Monet's is a cool addition. The story is accompanied by colorful drawings of various woodland creatures; even the eye doctor is an eagle. ...more
The narrator in this picture book, Malik, loves his brother Badr, but sometimes the behavior prompted by his autism make life challenging. When Badr iThe narrator in this picture book, Malik, loves his brother Badr, but sometimes the behavior prompted by his autism make life challenging. When Badr interrupts his favorite television cartoon, Malik reacts angrily, shoving his brother out of the way. His mother tries to counsel him, reminding Malik to be patient with his brother. But his anger only escalates when she won't buy a train set at the grocery store since it would be damaged quickly by Badr. Malik and Badr had seen a train passing by on the way to the store, and Malik wants the set so badly that he makes cruel remarks about his brother. But when they arrive home, Badr proves that he is the blessing that his mother has claimed he is. Remembering the cars in the train, he removes his red trainers and Malik's, and sets up a facsimile of the train. The two boys gather up all the shoes in the house and place them in a line. The shoe train is accompanied by the "Choo Choo!' sound made by a real train, and Malik comes to appreciate his brother. There is great joy present in this Muslim home. It's cool that Badr somehow senses how down his brother is and finds a way to make him feel better. ...more
Having been blown away by this author's previous memoir, Maid, which effectively depicts just how hard it is to be a single mother trying to make a beHaving been blown away by this author's previous memoir, Maid, which effectively depicts just how hard it is to be a single mother trying to make a better life for herself and her daughter, I was eager to read this one. I'm glad I read it because it opened my eyes to some issues, but ultimately, I felt let down and wanting more--or perhaps expecting a different story. I thought there's be much more about her education and academic experiences at the University of Montana. But I didn't find that to be the case. While her experiences in higher education are the backdrop of the story or a continuation of that first memoir since this one picks up where that one left off, it's hard to identify much of what that college experience meant to her or how it shaped her and her writing. She mentions studying and writing papers, but she also describes missing class frequently and not being prepared, which are caused by her tiredness from working, not having proper food, and being pregnant. While it's clear that the social services system and higher education aren't particularly supportive of those like the author, I found myself growing annoyed with her over some of her choices. I didn't like the fact that I was becoming more and more judgmental as I moved through the last part of the book, but that was my honest reaction. I tensed up every time she discussed a male friend or sexual exploit, acknowledging that she, like many of us, has physical and emotional needs, but also wondering about why it wasn't okay to be comfortable alone. I expected more introspection and self-awareness from her, something that seemed lacking as the memoir moved to its conclusion. I grew tired of the whining, complaining, use of the victim card, and inability to see other options than those she chose. Attending school part-time and working would have been a slower but possibly steadier path. As it is, most would-be writers will wonder what the point of going to school for a degree in English or an MFA was. Just find the right writing mentor and some attention on TikTok, and you'd be launched. And as other reviewers have mentioned, friendship should be a two-way street. That doesn't seem to have been the case for her. Roxane Gay articulated many of my concerns about this book. I feel guilty for questioning Stephanie Land's choices, and unlike with Maid, I didn't necessarily root for her to make it. I wanted her to succeed but maybe through a different path. (And I will also feel compelled to point out that in some ways, especially when it comes to student financial aid, etc., those in the middle-class face challenges of their own since they likely don't quality for funding. ...more
This silly picture book is sure to be a hit with the younger set, possibly because of its subject matter but also because of just how absurd parts of This silly picture book is sure to be a hit with the younger set, possibly because of its subject matter but also because of just how absurd parts of it are. Bubble Gum Bison loves playing with her friends and getting rather dirty. But just like many youngsters, she is completely disinterested in taking a bath. When she slips out of the house rather than dipping her toes into the warm, soapy bath her mother has prepared for her, she can't find any of her playmates, eventually ending up even dirtier than before after several mishaps. In dire need of cleansing, she happens upon her brother, who's butting his head into a metal water pipe. Water bursts from the cracks he's creating, creating a makeshift shower for his sister. But the water can't be allowed to leak since no one else will have water. The quick-thinking bison comes up with the perfect solution. The colorful illustrations featuring plentiful pastels and lots of feathers, not to mention pink bubble gum, are an important part of the reading experience. Fans of the previous picture books by this creative team will love this one, chortling on every page. ...more
With visually appealing illustrations created with digital collage and Procreate, this unique picture book [3.5 for me!] may prompt some youngsters toWith visually appealing illustrations created with digital collage and Procreate, this unique picture book [3.5 for me!] may prompt some youngsters to follow the example set by Poppy and her clever mother. When Poppy accidentally tears her doll's dress, she is ready to throw the garment away. But her mother offers an alternative, opening up a treasure chest of small pieces of fabric gleaned from clothing worn by members of their family. As she shares these scraps with her daughter, she identifies each pattern while also explaining their significance. Then, she sews them all together, completing a multicolored dress with an array of fabrics and patterns. And to Poppy's delight, there's one just like hers for her doll. This story reminds me of Dolly Parton's "Coat of Many Colors" and the Biblical story about Joseph's splendid coat. My favorite illustration is the double-page spread displaying that beautiful new dress with Poppy bemeaning from within its folds. ...more
This rhyming, humorous picture book is a great read aloud choice with its word-perfect ending. While I will refrain from spoiling it for others, I wilThis rhyming, humorous picture book is a great read aloud choice with its word-perfect ending. While I will refrain from spoiling it for others, I will see that once readers reach that final page, they will smile, nod, and probably say, "Well, of course!" The plot concerns a competition between two food trucks on the beach, one run by two ducks selling tacos, and the other run by Goose, offering more choices. When customers gravitate to Goose's truck, he can't keep up with the orders and has to reach out for help. The colorful, cartoon-like illustrations feature lots of delicious food and lines of hungry folks. This one made me smile because of the pace and tone of the text. From the cover and title, I was expecting food to be tossed everywhere on the beach, but that wasn't the case. Probably a good thing, too, since that would be a mess to clean up and bad for the environment. ...more
Friendships, even the best ones, can be challenging to navigate as this attractive picture book shows. For most of the time, the two girls featured onFriendships, even the best ones, can be challenging to navigate as this attractive picture book shows. For most of the time, the two girls featured on its pages get along swimmingly, even managing to make compromises and taking part in certain activities just because one friend enjoys them so much. But when a birthday celebration goes awry due to some blown out candles, the friendship is severed. The text describes the rift between the girls in child-friendly terms as they vow to never play with each other "for a million years and one week" (unpaged). Eventually, a glitter- and glue-filled apology note does the trick, though, and they are back where they started from. Most young readers will agree that unicorns, sprinkles, and friends are essential, as seen in the digital artwork. The girls' smiling faces and shared activities are show vividly here. The comparisons between the relationship are perfectly described here: [When it's right] "Friendship feels like being hugged by a blanket right out of the dryer" and [When it's wrong] "Then friendship feels like being hugged by a porcupine while sitting on a cactus." This one might be useful to share with a class as a read aloud that will help them deal with their own friendship dramas....more
I enjoyed dipping my toes in this popular writer's fiction and meeting his interesting characters. The six short stories deal with relationships, marrI enjoyed dipping my toes in this popular writer's fiction and meeting his interesting characters. The six short stories deal with relationships, marriages, misunderstandings, betrayal, and loyalty, primarily in New York City in the early 2000s while the novella, set in LA in 1938, has a particularly strong protagonist and fascinating secondary characters. The writing in each of these is snappy, descriptive, and reflective, and each story contains some sort of gem or relatable experience that might serve as a lesson for how to go about living one's life. There are plenty of individuals readers will love to hate and some they will simply adore, and while most of the characters are upper crust, white, and privileged, they still manage to mess up, get their hearts broken, and have secrets like the rest of us. One of the aspects of this collection that pleased me is how the stories might seem to be going in one direction with everything resolved, and then there's a short rumination from one character that pulls the rug out from under what readers already thought. I can see why this author's books are eagerly awaited. He has the gift of distilling the essence of a character quickly. ...more
An abandoned lot near a large apartment house draws three friends, Luna, Bianca, and Billy, to it. They love spying on the building's residents, and tAn abandoned lot near a large apartment house draws three friends, Luna, Bianca, and Billy, to it. They love spying on the building's residents, and they're intrigued by the sad elderly man who sits on his balcony. When they start to explore the weedy lot, they meet Amy, a friendly woman who is planting a no-dig garden in the unused space since her original garden was replaced by a parking lot. She teaches the youngsters about gardening, and slowly, other neighbors are attracted by their activity. There's a secret behind the area having been abandoned, and community activism saves the spot just in the nick of time. The weaving of gardening facts among the narration makes this book unique and kid-friendly as do the colorful sketches of the novice and experienced gardeners. Sometimes treasures are hidden, and they only need some effort to be found or reclaimed. ...more
As often happens in a romance, Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring have reached that point where they are ready to take their physical relationship even fuAs often happens in a romance, Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring have reached that point where they are ready to take their physical relationship even further and more intimate. The two teens are in love and have been together for quite some time, as fans of this popular graphic novel series know. Kissing and some touching has been satisfying, but now they want more. But there are complications, of course, and concerns about being experienced as well as Charlie's possible fragility due to his struggles with anorexia. Additionally, at the same time, Nick needs to make some decisions about what university to attend. He leans toward staying close to home so Charlie won't feel abandoned, but when he and some friends visit various universities that are further away, he's drawn to the exciting world that awaits him there. Those who have been following Charlie and Nick's journey will be delighted with this installment and eagerly await the sixth and final one. There are so many adorable and relatable moments in this one--Nick's friends dragging him to a store to purchase the necessary items for safe sex, their romantic interludes interrupted by parents, Charlie's drumming, those oh, so supportive friends who are surprised that the couple hasn't gone all the way. And there is a surprise--at least for some--concerning Nick's sister. The comic panels are large, colorful, and drenched with love and passion. It's rare but encouraging to have a couple choosing to wait for so long before taking their relationship to the next level. This one is a 3.5 for me. If I were a teen, it'd probably be a 4 because of how much their relationship, feelings, and moments of insecurity mirror those of others their age. I can't wait for the next book....more
When twelve-year-old Fern Silvana and her mother leave the only home Fern has ever known, she's less than willing to forgive her mother for her decisiWhen twelve-year-old Fern Silvana and her mother leave the only home Fern has ever known, she's less than willing to forgive her mother for her decision to leave their self-sustaining community in upstate New York. Even those there are strict rules and the members live off the grid, growing their own food, avoiding cellphones and contact with the outside world, Fern feels comfortable there and loyal to the leader, Dr. Ben. As her mother drives cross country to Driftaway Beach, California, all Fern can do is think of some way to return to what's familiar to her. Over time, though, as her new friend Eddie asks questions with difficult answers and her mother tells her about some of the negative aspects of The Ranch, Fern begins to think she's wrong about what she thinks is the truth. Maybe the outside world isn't so bad, after all. She loves the library and some of the sweet treats Babs, a family friend of her mother, bakes. As she questions everything she's been taught to believe, she still plots to find a way to contact Dr. Ben and return to The Ranch. She quickly realizes that she's made a mistake on the return trip, managing to escape in a dramatic restaurant scene. The author effectively depicts Fern's gradual disillusionment with some of Dr. Ben's teachings and Dr. Ben himself while also portraying Eddie, Babs, and Fern's mother, who seems to always be looking for happiness in the next place or the next place, so vividly that readers will care what happens to them. This is one of those middle-grade books that touch readers' hearts and stay with them long after the last page has been turned. It reminds them/us of the importance of home and a place of our own. ...more
This memoir of a woman who immigrated to the United States at 35 to teach yoga, provides readers insightful and humorous glimpses of what it was like This memoir of a woman who immigrated to the United States at 35 to teach yoga, provides readers insightful and humorous glimpses of what it was like to grow up in Mongolia, where she was born. Her family was poor, but they had plenty of love and space to play. The chapters consist of various anecdotes, some frightening but mostly humorous as Jin peered into a well, climbed trees, hunted for wolves, and tried to keep warm in the winter. Young readers will find many commonalities between Jin and them but also recognize interesting differences. For instance, sometimes her house was so cold that even the lambs needed to stay in bed with the family. Another amusing anecdote concerned Jin and her two brothers having their portrait made with their grandfather, snotty noses and all. The black ink and pencil drawings are a welcome addition to the short chapters as they allow readers to see for themselves some of the mischief young Jin Wang got into. The storytelling flows easily here, and readers may feel as though they are sitting around a warm fireplace listening to someone tell about their childhood while reading this one. ...more
The gentle way the story unfolds in this picture book [3.5 for me!] is absolutely charmingly disarming. I also love how Little Bear echoes everything The gentle way the story unfolds in this picture book [3.5 for me!] is absolutely charmingly disarming. I also love how Little Bear echoes everything Big Bear says and does, behavior typical of children. All the steps in getting ready to go fishing are described, and the two bears don't forget the important stuff--blueberry scones and reading material. They have such a pleasant day once they reach the boat and head out on the water. But even though no fish are caught, it's clear that none of that matters. For these two, like so many families, it's the journey and spending time with each other that is important. Created with watercolor and pencils, the artwork is clean, crisp, visually appealing, and somehow manages to show just how much these two mean to each other. It's a good choice for a ready aloud, will appeal to youngsters immediately but also delight on them on subsequent readings. Fans of the author and illustrator will not be disappointed. ...more
Stunning color-saturated digital illustrations complement a gently told story [3.5 for me!] about a father and his daughter. While she heads to schoolStunning color-saturated digital illustrations complement a gently told story [3.5 for me!] about a father and his daughter. While she heads to school each day, he goes off to work at various jobs. The two of them live in a old stone house in China, and one of the best parts of the place is the peach tree in the back yard. The narrator describes how she eats the peaches when they're ripe and that her father saves the best peaches for her while selling all the rest. She plants the pits deep in the soil and makes a wish each time. Readers can almost taste the juicy fruit from the descriptions in the text as well as feeling their hearts drop when the tree no longer bears fruit. They move to the city, and then years later, she and her father return to their former home. To her delight, the meadow behind the house is filled with peach trees, the result of all those peach pits she buried after eating the fruit her father gave her. The lyrical text is moving and contemplative, describing in simple terms the hunger and loneliness the girl felt when her father was away on a job and the wonder at finding a veritable orchard growing behind the house. The notion of sacrifices made so that the next generation can benefit is woven throughout the story, making it particularly poignant and relatable. ...more
The eleven stories in this collection--some shorter than others--feature characters who seem to be longing for something lost or something more. OftenThe eleven stories in this collection--some shorter than others--feature characters who seem to be longing for something lost or something more. Often, they look backward more than they look forward, and while some of the emotions are relatable, the characters themselves may not be. Most of the stories feature women who have immigrated from China and have experienced loss of some sort. The writing is exquisite, and some of the behavior rather puzzling. Readers can tell that some of the emotions described in these short stories have been drawn from the author's own experiences. The book's title aptly fits its contents since Wednesday's child supposedly is full of woe. This collection is not for the faint-hearted. ...more
With rhyming lines and artwork reminiscent of the original Dr. Seuss books, this beginning reader [2.5] book will elicit a chortle or two from youngstWith rhyming lines and artwork reminiscent of the original Dr. Seuss books, this beginning reader [2.5] book will elicit a chortle or two from youngsters while perhaps depicting one of their fondest dreams. (I know it was one of mine as a child. Just imagine all the ice cream one could eat!) In the book the Cat in the Hat imagines what it would be like if he had his own ice cream truck. Knowing the Cat in the Hat and his wild imagination, readers won't be too surprised at his antics and what Thing One and Thing Two get up to. Why, he plans to have a Sprinkle Thrower and a Sprinkle Blower as well as slushies that are so cold that one spilled drop would cause the pool to freeze up like a skating rink. Plus, there'd be a different frozen treat for each day of the year. ...more
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