Great bio about the life of Alma Thomas (1891-1978), the first Black woman to have art displayed in the White House's permanent collection. This pictuGreat bio about the life of Alma Thomas (1891-1978), the first Black woman to have art displayed in the White House's permanent collection. This picture book looks at her childhood, teaching career, art and activism. Good for the great migration and art studies. Thomas was also the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney in New York, in 1972. Includes bibliographical references and photos....more
Princess Merida of DunBroch is now 20 and still strong, courageous, and headstrong, which places her between two gods who are arguing. The gods give hPrincess Merida of DunBroch is now 20 and still strong, courageous, and headstrong, which places her between two gods who are arguing. The gods give her one year to prove her family can change for the better so she sets out to visit three kingdoms and learn their ways. I think if you grew up loving Merida, you will love this story. I did appreciate the Scottish history and mythology, which seemed well researched. I just didn't love this one and it seemed too long....more
Really great picture book bio about Patsy Takemoto Mink, congresswoman from Hawaii and champion of Title IX. The book uses the traditional Japanese saReally great picture book bio about Patsy Takemoto Mink, congresswoman from Hawaii and champion of Title IX. The book uses the traditional Japanese saying "Fall down seven times, stand up eight" to emphasize the persistence and determination of Mink. This picture book in being published 2022 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Great intro to the person and the landmark case....more
This is a fun book, Oceans Eleven meets art heist with themes of diaspora and identity and colonialism. There were some parts that were slow in the miThis is a fun book, Oceans Eleven meets art heist with themes of diaspora and identity and colonialism. There were some parts that were slow in the middle and 5 points of view made some parts repetitive but I like the way it ends. Super fun summer read!...more
K-drama inspired YA novel about Chloe Chang, recent high school graduate who has grown up in Oklahoma. She doesn't feel 100 percent Korean because sheK-drama inspired YA novel about Chloe Chang, recent high school graduate who has grown up in Oklahoma. She doesn't feel 100 percent Korean because she’s never known any relatives other than her mother who immigrated from Korea when Chloe was a baby. Her father died shortly after they arrived and Chloe doesn't know any other family member until one day a 23andMe DNA test reveals her extended family on her father's side in Korea...and they are filthy rich. I couldn't put this book down, even with the weird organ donor part. Really fun and fast-paced summer read....more
A graphic memoir about growing up with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and being "raised on Ritalin." This story starts when Tyler is A graphic memoir about growing up with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and being "raised on Ritalin." This story starts when Tyler is around 8 and in elementary school, right before his first ADD (prior to change to ADHD) diagnosis, and ends with him leaving for college. Throughout this graphic memoir Page presents the challenges and complexities he has faced dealing with ADHD and ends by mentioning how it follows him into adulthood. He also details the violence and disorder in his family, the the scenes where he is being spanked will be hard for some readers. In addition to his storytelling and graphics, Page includes infographic pages packed with comprehensive information about the disorder and about Ritalin. I found it very enlightening and informative and think it will be a hit with the graphic novel readers in my school. Enjoyed the author's note, photographs, and art notes in the end matter. ...more
Middle grade rom com set in Ireland. More of a love story between siblings, which was sweet, though there is a budding romance. Lina and Ren from LoveMiddle grade rom com set in Ireland. More of a love story between siblings, which was sweet, though there is a budding romance. Lina and Ren from Love & Gelato make an appearance at the end....more
Wonderfully illustrated informational text that highlights India's history and culture. Loved it and will share it with students!Wonderfully illustrated informational text that highlights India's history and culture. Loved it and will share it with students!...more
A powerful journey through the Civil Rights Movement in 1950s-1960s America told through short poems, negative space, historical photos, and evocativeA powerful journey through the Civil Rights Movement in 1950s-1960s America told through short poems, negative space, historical photos, and evocative verse. Martin includes reference to current events and reflects on the tragedies, events, and people who were ignored by history. ...more
This book was a really tough read, as I suspect the author wanted it to be. This story is illuminating, raw, and my first read with a Michif/Métis proThis book was a really tough read, as I suspect the author wanted it to be. This story is illuminating, raw, and my first read with a Michif/Métis protagonist. The writing is good, the characters are good (though I really struggled with why the rapist father was coming around again and all the secrecy on Lou's part). Lou's story illustrates the daily traumas faced by people of color, especially Indigenous women and girls. Lou is complex character who is questioning her identity and I think YA readers will love and learn from her. For me, the violence against women was too hard to read as was all the internal dialog/struggle. Too old for middle school but would recommend for high school. I especially loved the author's note....more
This was a great book club selection (and we ended up holding our meeting on an island, very fitting!). I enjoyed the story and the characters and lovThis was a great book club selection (and we ended up holding our meeting on an island, very fitting!). I enjoyed the story and the characters and loved all the historical research that went into the novel. ...more
This picture book is narrated by a dog, Biscuit, as he describes his new life with his new human and what it's like to go on walks with his Black owneThis picture book is narrated by a dog, Biscuit, as he describes his new life with his new human and what it's like to go on walks with his Black owner (women who clutch their bags closely, people who seem fearful). Biscuit wishes that people would see his human as he does: with love. This is a great story but probably too young for middle-grade, though would be good for an SEL collection / teacher's use....more
"For all those whose history has been ignored and erased, this is your time." In the 15th century, four Mahu, individuals of dual male and female spir"For all those whose history has been ignored and erased, this is your time." In the 15th century, four Mahu, individuals of dual male and female spirit, sail from Tahiti to Hawaii and share their gifts of science and healing with the people of Waikiki. This Indigenous legend, told in both Olelo Niihau and English, underscores the importance of preserving sacred spaces and is a powerful reminder of how story honors our ancestors. Filled with cultural details and beautiful illustrations, this book honors and and affirms two-spirit people and the stones of Kapaemahu. The back matter provides background information about the original Hawaiian legend and Niihau dialect and about how Mahu were treated, including anti-cross dressing laws. This book urges readers to look at colonization, preservation of stories and monuments, and honoring indigenous heroes. ...more