I think this is an important book and one that will appeal to an older audience. It deals with some heavy topics: war, suicide, death, PTSD, mental heI think this is an important book and one that will appeal to an older audience. It deals with some heavy topics: war, suicide, death, PTSD, mental health. Hazard is resentful about being forced into counseling after being suspended from his school football team. Hazard's father has served four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and on his last tour, lost a leg when an IED blew up. This is a quick read, told through texts and email exchanges. Hazard's voice is sarcastic and angsty. ...more
I love this kind of nonfiction, a look at history through a specific lens, in this case milestones in the development of travel and transportation. BeI love this kind of nonfiction, a look at history through a specific lens, in this case milestones in the development of travel and transportation. Beautiful illustrations and just the right amount of information....more
Catherynne Valente is such a great storyteller and I am always happy to support Maine authors! Osmo Unknown yearns for adventure and something differeCatherynne Valente is such a great storyteller and I am always happy to support Maine authors! Osmo Unknown yearns for adventure and something different than his small life in Littlebridge where he isn't well liked. One day his mom accidentally kills a Quidnunx and the treaty between Littlebridge and Eightpenny Woods says that she has to give them her firstborn son. Thus begins the adventure Osmo craved but not exactly what he hoped for: he must marry the ghost of the murdered Quidnunx. Valente creates a lush world with wonderful characters. I especially loved Bonk the Cross, a skunk-badger-wombat who has the greatest insults. Never the anti-social pangolin was also great. This fantasy has laugh-out-loud humor and adventure and I think it will be a hit with students....more
Great collection of 30 short bios highlighting potentially lesser-known individuals. I loved the color illustrations but sometimes I feel like real phGreat collection of 30 short bios highlighting potentially lesser-known individuals. I loved the color illustrations but sometimes I feel like real photographs of the actual person is important for students to see. Biographical spreads include quotes from the subjects and sidebars with additional information....more
I love this retelling of Robin Hood where the myth is transposed from Nottingham to Jerusalem. This is a really satisfying Remix with a gender bendingI love this retelling of Robin Hood where the myth is transposed from Nottingham to Jerusalem. This is a really satisfying Remix with a gender bending storyline, Robin Hood is a female teen named Rahma al-Hud, and a tiny bit of queer rep. The characters and story are great but the setting is what really shines. It's set in Jerusalem in 1192 during the Third Crusade and you get a mix of history, fantasy, and adventure. Also, this might be my favorite book cover art ever. ...more
A great thanksgiving story, told from the perspective of the Wampanoag people. The story is told by a grandmother when her grandchildren ask to hear tA great thanksgiving story, told from the perspective of the Wampanoag people. The story is told by a grandmother when her grandchildren ask to hear the story of Thanksgiving, N8hkumuhs tells them that their people call it Keepunumuk, “the time of harvest,” and explains what really happened and why Thanksgiving is a day of mourning for North American First Peoples....more
Set during the roaring 20s, this is an adventure-mystery starting puzzle-solving aspiring archaeologist Samantha Knox. She's also a rare books specialSet during the roaring 20s, this is an adventure-mystery starting puzzle-solving aspiring archaeologist Samantha Knox. She's also a rare books specialist. I liked parts of this, the setting in Dublin was good, but Joana's quippy dialogue and the repetitive bickering among the main characters drove me bananas. This story is full of hidden clues, narrow escapes, evil bad guys, and a fearsome mythical creature. If you like Indiana Jones, National Treasure, and They Mummy, then you will probably like this....more
Secrets upon secrets upon games upon riddles upon more riddles. This final installment felt directionless and I got bored by all the games. I stuck wiSecrets upon secrets upon games upon riddles upon more riddles. This final installment felt directionless and I got bored by all the games. I stuck with it all this time for a lackluster conclusion, in my opinion. It felt rushed and conveniently benevolent. I think I just lost interest in the series and was over the whole Grayson or Jameson triangle. I rolled my eyes a lot. I still love The Inheritance Games so much and was rooting for Avery through three books so I can't hate this one. But stretching out a year over three books was maybe overambitious. Barnes makes a comment in the acknowledgements at the end that she wrote the first two books without a guarantee for a third book and that makes sense. This is a much beloved series in my middle school though and I will continue to sing its praises. ...more
This powerful and beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates the life of Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till. Up until now, she has beenThis powerful and beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates the life of Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till. Up until now, she has been known as the grieving mother but this story presents her story, highlighting her achievements and how her grief over her son's death was channeled into bravery, determination, and a call to action for the civil rights movement. Back matter includes author and illustrator notes, a playlist, a timeline, and a bibliography....more