For young boys and girls, especially boys, with brown or black skin, arguably nothing could be more important than The Talk when their parents, caregiFor young boys and girls, especially boys, with brown or black skin, arguably nothing could be more important than The Talk when their parents, caregivers or siblings must warn them against the racism and judgment lurking in the world as well as providing rules about behavior in certain spaces. Jay, a Black youngster who narrates the story and directly addresses readers, childhood and growing up are cherished times for hanging out with friends, being goofy, and hoping to grow taller. The author has captured the voice of a young boy perfectly with little asides about how he actually likes when his grandmother pinches his cheeks. The soft colors in the digital artwork depict Jay's community and the passage of time while his mother periodically measures his height, knowing that the time is drawing nigh when The Talk will be necessary in order to keep him safe. Observant readers will note that Jay and his friends have dreams, his parents and grandfather are supportive, and even as the youngsters are playing or Jay and his mother are shopping, there are those in the background or foreground who look on them with suspicion. Although Jay has already been warned not to congregate in groups of four or more and heard his father's advice about how to behave if a police officer stops him while driving, he has no idea just how perilous simple actions may be for someone like him. The content of The Talk is not included verbatim here; instead, a double-page spread filled with dark, ominous shapes and scenarios effectively illustrates what they most likely said. The last pages of the book are powerful. Jay expresses a desire to "just be...us" (unpaged) and to go about their days without having to worry about being singled out for the wrong reasons, perhaps becoming the victims of violence. While there are those who may regard this book and topic as too bleak or depressing, unfortunately, it's an essential conversation that might save lives. It's also worth pointing out that the book ends on a positive note with Jay surrounded by his family's embrace, having been assured that he is not to blame for any of this or how he may be treated in the future. I'm not alone in looking forward to the day when this book will seem outdated and these conversations no longer necessary....more
So many youngsters are fascinated by trucks, which means this board book with its thick pages will be an ideal gift for them or a cool one to share. NSo many youngsters are fascinated by trucks, which means this board book with its thick pages will be an ideal gift for them or a cool one to share. Not only can they learn some of the terms associated with four different trucks through the labeled diagrams, but they can also "drive" a smaller version of those vehicles through cutout paths in the inside of the book. There's even an extra path and semitruck on the cover and questions about the trucks for more fun. Just like most trucks, this book is build to go the distance and withstand bumps, dings, and tough handling. ...more
As anyone raised in a rural area knows, farms are fun. But it isn't just the animals or produce that make it so. Today's farms are modern, relying on As anyone raised in a rural area knows, farms are fun. But it isn't just the animals or produce that make it so. Today's farms are modern, relying on various machines and vehicles to help farmers get work done. This thick, sturdy board book [2.5] features five different vehicles, including a tractor and a combine harvester and cut-out paths along which to maneuver small round replicas of those vehicles. Plus, there are diagrams of the vehicles with labels identifying each part. In a world of vegans and vegetarians, though, it might have been nice to have been more expansive in the choices and not highlight a cattle truck. Still, this is a starting point for learning about machines or vehicles on farms....more
There's been a recent spate of graphic memoirs for young readers and teens published, but this one stands out among them. It's easy to see why it has There's been a recent spate of graphic memoirs for young readers and teens published, but this one stands out among them. It's easy to see why it has landed on so many "Best" lists for 2024, including the Pura Belpre and the Notable Books for a Global Society. Not only is the story original what with its narrator, Pedro/Peter Martin, off on a 2,000 mile journey from California to Pegueros, Mexico, in a Winnebago while also trying to figure out his identity and where he fits in, but it offers a glimpse into the dynamics in a large family. Pedro is one of nine children, and one of the youngest. He knows very little about his Mexican culture, and this road trip will afford him and his siblings the chance to immerse themselves in the food, language, traditions, and daily life of their parents' homeland as they travel south of the border to bring back their grandfather. There is so much humor in the storyline, supported by colorful images and oddities such as the Little Peepee Man purchased while in Mexico, the pranks and mishaps along the way, including an incident at the border that results in their musical choices being limited to one annoying song. Even the preparation of the parents--shopping for new clothes and supplies at Kmart, stocking up on bananas and Spam for the trip--is relatable but also humorous. In this period of Star Wars and superhero popularity [late 1970s] Pedro and some of the younger siblings imagine that their grandfather is/was some sort of superhero, certainly one that is larger than life. And in many ways he is. But he's also human, emotionally fragile, elderly, burdened by time and loss, and not particularly talkative. There's so much to love in this layered, culturally rich blend of family history, culture, and a long road trip. Even crossing the border is fraught with worry but also some humor, and the fact that the travelers are split into two vehicles--a truck driven by the older siblings and that Winnebago--there's even a diagram of its various compartments--adds to the story's tension and funny moments as they travel. Somehow, even the most surprising moments--Pedro's attempts to help a wounded deer on the way home--are learning opportunities with some surprising outcomes and painful lessons. This one is a must-read....more
Although this colorful picture book covers familiar terrain, it does so in a charming fashion. Text perfect for sharing with very young ones due to itAlthough this colorful picture book covers familiar terrain, it does so in a charming fashion. Text perfect for sharing with very young ones due to its brevity and melodious quality follows two babies who live right across the street in a bustling city as they experience one day. Each morning they wave to each other through the window. As all little ones do, each child greets the morning and then goes through various typical actions, playing with pets, playing or listening to music, having a diaper change (or two or three), eating a meal, and then heading outdoors. Readers might be surprised when it turns out that they have the same destination. The babies' faces are so expressive, and despite being a bit out of sorts earlier, now they are ready for play. The spot artwork on the last page shows two exhausted parents hanging their heads over the bench in the park. The illustrations, created with acrylic and oil with the addition of watercolor, ink, pastel, crayon, charcoal, and colored pencil, are child-friendly as they consist of vivid splashes of color with eye-appeal and plenty of texture. The words in the book's title appear several times in the text....more
I had mixed feelings about this YA novel. The protagonist, Nora Radford, just seems sad, lost, and confused for most of the book, and while it will beI had mixed feelings about this YA novel. The protagonist, Nora Radford, just seems sad, lost, and confused for most of the book, and while it will be clear to readers just how toxic her best friend, Julia, is, it takes her a long, long, long time to realize that--or the depths of her betrayal. Because the story is told by going back and forth in time between now, months after Julia's death, and before the accident that killed her, the tension is heightened to some extent. But as I read the book, I couldn't help wondering more than once why these teens didn't talk to each other about their concerns so that their intents and wishes would be known. While it's certainly hard to contemplate disappointing someone who is your best friend, hiding your true feelings or college plans seems dishonest and unfair. It would have been helpful to know more about Julia since she seems to be portrayed in a one-sided fashion with only hints about her insecurity. And in the case of Dillan Fletcher, Nora's love interest, the long silences between them made it impossible for a connection to happen. This doesn't bode well for their future relationship. Despite my quibbles, the author does an admirable job of exploring the conflicting emotions of guilt, remorse, and relief that Nora feels. So many teen readers will be pleased to see this particular territory explored as sometimes friends can turn out to be more enemies than friends. ...more
Young readers will pester their parents or caregivers to book passage on one of these trains after riding the Alaska Train vicariously through this piYoung readers will pester their parents or caregivers to book passage on one of these trains after riding the Alaska Train vicariously through this picture book. The digital illustrations showcase the train and its riders, of course, but also, the gasp-worthy beauty of Alaska and its animals, including otters, moose, and porcupines, among others. As the train moves along the track, the animals climb aboard, making for quite a collection of riders. The rhyming lines and use of onomatopoeia insure that this one is a delightful read--and ride. And it's a good thing that those animals joined the human passengers since the blue and gold train will need more than a little nudge from the rear to make it up the mountain that is part of the route. Back matter offers additional information about the train, including its different parts. Although I haven't taken this train, the text and artwork make it feel as though I have. Alaska is calling me, calling me, calling me....more
This picture book celebrating the community created by bicyclists might best be enjoyed by those who are avid riders. For me, while I appreciate the cThis picture book celebrating the community created by bicyclists might best be enjoyed by those who are avid riders. For me, while I appreciate the content and the ride taken by a mother and her child--helmets and basket included--it didn't particularly strike a resonant note. The rhyming text does make the book a possible choice for a read aloud, and the muted artwork, created with gouache paint, depicts the pair riding from their home into the busy street where they meet others on bicycles. The riders are diverse, and even though they may not know one another, they seem to recognize kindred spirits and be willing to share food, water, clothing, and to lend a helping hand when needed. Over the course of the pages, the book becomes increasingly crowded with bicycles of all sorts of types. The image of all those cyclists taking over the road, empowered and united when a large transfer truck threatens to impede them, is particularly striking, sending a positive message about safety in numbers that can be translated further than just when biking. This one won't have universal appeal, but for a certain type of reader, it works well. ...more
In this, the third in a popular series that has clearly gone to the dogs, a case of mistaken identity leads to trouble for everyone's favorite furry mIn this, the third in a popular series that has clearly gone to the dogs, a case of mistaken identity leads to trouble for everyone's favorite furry mayor. A surprise visit from Mayor Good Dog's Bad Dog brother causes the citizens of Greenwood to second guess their town leadership. As for MGD, this unexpected arrival prompts some reflection and atonement for a childhood mistake that changed everything. Meanwhile, Abby's dealing with confusing emotions, including a lot of anger, due to the secrecy she notices in her parents. There's plenty of humor on almost every page but also some good life messages. Fans of the series will certainly want to read this one. For those unfamiliar with the series, reading the previous titles will bring them up to speed. The artwork effectively captures the personalities of the canine and human characters....more
This splashy picture book featuring a truck wash intended to get all the dirt and grime off those big rigs that hog the nation's highways bringing supThis splashy picture book featuring a truck wash intended to get all the dirt and grime off those big rigs that hog the nation's highways bringing supplies from one part of the country to another is a 2.5 for me. Its intended audience will surely give it 5 stars, though, since they'll love the bold, intense Photoshop artwork and the various descriptions of cleaning these vehicles. Some folks have probably never given a second thought to just how dirty a garbage truck, a dump truck, or an 18-wheeler can get. And yes, those vehicles probably appreciate being clean and shiny once again after all the debris has been removed. Perhaps dreaming of someday being big enough to drive or help wash one of these monsters, youngsters will love the rhyming text and large illustrations that feature trucks with lots of personality, shown through their eyes. The next time I'm traveling long distance, I will see if I can spot one of these super wash spots intended for trucks. ...more
Considering the enormity of the universe when compared to the size of one human being can be daunting and almost overwhelming, but this picture book--Considering the enormity of the universe when compared to the size of one human being can be daunting and almost overwhelming, but this picture book--3.5 for me--offers a way to deal with those fears. Perhaps sensing that his child needs to spend some time with Mother Nature as well as with him, a caring father plans an overnight camping trip in the desert for just the two of them. The road trip in the family truck provides bonding time as they listen to music, comment on the sites along the way, and even visit a junkyard. After setting up camp and settling in for the night, the father suggests that they name the stars as a way to reassure his offspring while also pointing out they and the stars are made of the same stuff. This exercise makes the stars and the various aspects of the universe seem to be friends to the youngster, and when the two of them return after their brief sojourn, having communed with nature, there's a starry surprise waiting in the bedroom, one that makes the child feel "at home in the universe" (unpaged). The artwork, created in watercolor, gouache, and ink, complements this gentle, reassuring story with its splendid depiction of the desert terrain and the starry skies above the father and his child as they stretch out on the hood and later the bed of the truck and gaze around them and upward....more
What a clever idea for a picture book! Having received many packages through UPS, USPS, and FedEx, some arriving in pristine condition and others rathWhat a clever idea for a picture book! Having received many packages through UPS, USPS, and FedEx, some arriving in pristine condition and others rather battered, I could certainly relate to the many challenges involved in shipping anything, especially as described here through the personified perspective on Gift and Box. The grandmother who carefully packs up a gift for her granddaughter Sofia probably has no idea what all the package will go through on its way to its intended destination. The text and lively illustrations ably depict the journey. While Sofia is delighted with her gift, she also repurposes the box. While the ending fell a little flat for me, it reminded me of how much my cats prefer empty boxes and bags to the expensive cat toys that I buy for them. The artwork, which consists of images created with printmaking inks, crayons, stamps that were handmade, and paper collage, which were then assembled digitally, is worth a second look, almost taking on a life of its own. Readers will also want to check out the colorful endpapers set against a bright yellow background. This one is fun to read because it effectively captures the personalities of Gift and Box. ...more
Sixteen-year-old Iris has plans, big plans, for her future. She's working hard at a local drug store where she's been promoted to assistant manager beSixteen-year-old Iris has plans, big plans, for her future. She's working hard at a local drug store where she's been promoted to assistant manager because of how responsible she is, and she's saving her money for college. When she realizes that she's pregnant, she knows that she's not ready to be a mother and that giving birth to a child would alter her future in countless ways. With the help of her mother, her boyfriend, Lorenzo, who is 18, she decides to drive cross country from her Paris, Texas, home to Oregon where her grandmother lives and where she can have an abortion legally. That's not an option in Texas where she lives because she is about six weeks pregnant. Along the way, Ivy and Lorenzo have many adventures, visit local towns with the names of other, more famous places such as Lima and Rome, see some amazing and not so amazing sights, fall further in love, and meet some amazing women. While the folks Iris encounters during stopovers are either family friends or relatives, each one has stories about their own abortions or some of the historical restrictions on women's reproductive health and behavior. While I appreciated these women's stories and willingness to share their secrets as they provided aid to Iris, I also found it rather unlikely that so many of these women would have had relevant stories to relate. The fact that Iris and Lorenzo have never had sex and that she seems to be vilified by almost every resident of Paris once her pregnancy [and later, her abortion] is revealed add drama and tension to the story, but also seem almost too predictable and disingenuous. Surely, there are individuals in Texas who would have been willing to help Iris and are pro-choice. The constant refrain of the word "choice" makes the story almost veer into heavy didacticism. Despite these quibbles and the unkind aspersions seemingly cast on all Texans as well as the message that it's necessary to leave rather than stay and promote change from within a community, this is an important book, one well worth reading, discussing, and reflecting upon. To say that it's timely is an understatement, given the recent Supreme Court ruling on Roe v. Wade and the response of many states to that ruling. ...more
Fans of the One of Us Is Lying series will be delighted at this, the third and last title in the series. And judging from the title, it's not just oneFans of the One of Us Is Lying series will be delighted at this, the third and last title in the series. And judging from the title, it's not just one character who is lying, and there's someone who makes a surprising return. As other reviewers have noted, it's hard to review this book without giving too much away, but suffice it to say that there are plenty of loose ends left dangling from the second book that are tied up in this one, and there are surprises in store for readers as they return to Bayview and the insular circle of Addy, Phoebe, and Nate, from whose perspectives the story is told as well as some flashbacks to six years earlier when Jake and Simon hung out. Mistakes are made, new alliances are formed, individuals are forgiven, and the body count continues to mount in this fast-paced, engaging YA thriller that is not for the faint of heart. These are characters that readers will recognize although the situations they find themselves in may be a bit far-fetched. Lucky is the reader who is able to read all three books back to back since the time between this one and the previous one makes it a little challenging to pull all the threads together. ...more
A must-have for youngsters who love construction sites, this interactive board book features four big machines, including a concrete mixer, a dump truA must-have for youngsters who love construction sites, this interactive board book features four big machines, including a concrete mixer, a dump truck, an excavator, and a bulldozer, while introducing them to the names of various parts of the vehicles alongside a diagram on the left-hand page. On the right-hand page, they'll find a small track with a cardboard circle that allows them to move a smaller version of the vehicle from one place to another. I found it almost impossible to move the circle along the track with my finger, but I was able to accomplish that by lifting the book and moving it from side to side. I'm not sure if that was the publisher's intention, but if not, it could result in some frustration on the part of little ones. ...more
Striking digital artwork that holds the attention of young readers, its intended audience, this picture book also touts the strength of women. Part ofStriking digital artwork that holds the attention of young readers, its intended audience, this picture book also touts the strength of women. Part of the Big Jobs, Bold Women series, it follows Jane as she goes about her work manipulating a large crane on the docks on a typical day. The illustrations allow readers to see just how challenging her tasks are as she must carefully balance all sorts of cargo, including boxes and large trucks from a ship to the dock. Everything goes smoothly until the weather doesn't cooperate and wind complicates the balancing act. Thank goodness that Jane has steady nerves and some assistance from some gulls she has befriended. The use of rhyming lines and plenty of onomatopoeia ["WHOOSH! WHOOSH!", "THUMP!", and "TOOT! TOOT!", for example, make this reading quite lively, practically guaranteeing that it will be requested as a read aloud multiple times....more
As residents know quite well, cities can be noisy places, even at night. When the narrator settles down for his bedtime, he can't sleep because there As residents know quite well, cities can be noisy places, even at night. When the narrator settles down for his bedtime, he can't sleep because there are monsters outside disturbing the quiet evening. Rhyming lines, onomatopoeia, and a brave father ready to protect his family add to the excitement and suspense of this story as do the eerie, eye-catching illustrations. While some youngsters will guess right away exactly what's making all that noise, the back matter includes photos and descriptions of these helpful monsters without whom it would be almost impossible for the city and its residents to make it smoothly through their days. Teachers, parents or caregivers might enjoy sharing this one on a cold winter's day or night and having youngsters guess what is making those scary sounds. ...more
I arrived late to the work of Ruth Ware, often billed as the successor to Agatha Christie, the famous mystery writer, and after reading a couple of heI arrived late to the work of Ruth Ware, often billed as the successor to Agatha Christie, the famous mystery writer, and after reading a couple of her books from the Book of the Month Club, I decided it would be worth my while to read the others. This is the last one of her collection that I've read, and it actually was the best one of all. It's a 3.5, almost a 4 for me. In it, the author relies as she often does on a flawed but likeable protagonist in Isa, who narrates the story. It's been 17 years since Isa and her three boarding school friends were at Salten, and Isa has gone on to a successful career, one that is hardly mentioned in the story since she's on maternity leave and has a new daughter. But when a terse text arrives from Kate, one of her mates from those days, she joins the others back at Salten in Kate's strange house, one that is falling down around her. The mystery surrounding Kate's text and what happened all those years ago when Isa and her friends were young is revealed slowly, which makes the story more engaging. Mystery fans will probably be able to guess what was happening when the girls were young and carefree, but it's still entertaining to point fingers at various suspects and to wonder--not for the first time--what foolish mistakes love may cause us to make. The ending of the story is a bit over the top, but I still enjoyed the ride for the description of the scenery and the flashbacks to when the girls first became friends and played that lying game with such skill. ...more
No doubt I'm in the minority here, but I actually liked this follow-up to Firekeeper's Daughter more than the author's first book. That's not to say tNo doubt I'm in the minority here, but I actually liked this follow-up to Firekeeper's Daughter more than the author's first book. That's not to say that I DIDN'T appreciate the book and all that I learned from it, but there were some parts of Firekeeper's Daughter that bothered me. While a handful of reviewers have said that they were bored by the book [Warrior Girl Unearthed] or that it didn't hold their attention since there was no plot, I'd disagree completely. Perry Firekeeper-Birch's efforts to right the wrongs done to her ancestors seemed relatable and understandable even if her methods and lack of qualms about how she was going about it were questionable at times. She is the typical teen in that respect; she impulsive, which leads to her making mistakes, but she learns from her mistakes and grows over the course of the book. If nothing else, this book, set in 2014, shines a light on the fact that the remains and possessions of many indigenous individuals remain on display in museums and in private collections, and there continue to be those willing to pay a high price for such "possessions." While the ending of the book seemed a bit far-fetched to me, it held my interest all the way through, highlighting troubling issues including the disappearance of indigenous girls and women and the complicated legal jurisdiction regarding certain crimes committed on reservation land. It was wonderful to see some of the characters from the previous book in this one even though they were older. Although this one can stand on its own merits, I'd recommend reading the previous book first, though, in order to have some background on the characters and setting. Humor is provided through Junior, the protagonist's dog, and many of Perry's interactions with others and internal dialogue....more
This historical fiction title, my first book from this author, is a 4.5 for me. I was particularly impressed with how he developed the characters and This historical fiction title, my first book from this author, is a 4.5 for me. I was particularly impressed with how he developed the characters and allowed readers to get to know them bit by bit. Even the protagonist's car, Bess, seems to have a personality of her own. The book is set in 1974 Boston as the city sets into motion plans to integrate its public schools. Temperatures are rising as the two different sides are polarized, and many whites in South Boston are rallying around plans to derail those plans. The main character, Mary Pat Fennessy, has lived all her life in the housing projects, surrounded by her Irish-Catholic neighbors who are a lot like her and not tolerant of anyone different. Mary Pat is keenly aware of who runs the neighborhood and has never rocked the boat or questioned how things are despite the fact that she struggles to pay the bills and worries about the changes that school integration could bring. She's already lost her son to addiction and has no idea that her daughter, Jules, has made some unhealthy choices. When Jules doesn't come home from a date, Mary Pat goes in search of answers. What she learns shocks and disappoints her, but always awakens her to her own role in fostering hate in her daughter. While she is physically strong and accustomed to having to fight for everything, Jules is much more fragile and not suited to live her life out in the mean streets of their neighborhood. Witnesses come forth to say that Jules and three other adolescents were involved in the death of a Black man, presumably struck by a subway train. But there's more to the story, and once Mary Pat realizes the truth, she decides to wreak her own vengeance since it's highly unlikely the justice system will prevail. While some of the scenes of violence are hard to stomach or to believe, especially since they come at the hands of Mary Pat, they are powerful and show just how determined she was as well as how she no longer thinks she has any reason to live. The reflections about the futility of thinking that parents can keep their children safe, of Detective Bobby Coyne, who is tasked with solving the subway murder, and who comes to understand Mary Pat and the world she lives in all too well, are powerful and startling in their honesty. The narrative's powerful action scenes are supported with other passages filled with humor and spot-on descriptions of the way the world works and the injustices that surround us. Readers won't soon forget Mary Pat and her mission while wondering what it will take to change society, the system, and the hearts and minds of those who see the world in terms of black and white. The author leaves readers with several questions and some insight into the roots of prejudice....more
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