An incredible adaptation for younger readers. The superb historical documentation and storytelling collaboration is a winner, and the learning curve isAn incredible adaptation for younger readers. The superb historical documentation and storytelling collaboration is a winner, and the learning curve is steep for the many Asian contributors and figures from American history whose stories have been ignored or actively suppressed in in the past....more
This is an elegantly simple blend of subtle illustrations, poetic lines to launch each double-spread, and lyrical informative text about a creative arThis is an elegantly simple blend of subtle illustrations, poetic lines to launch each double-spread, and lyrical informative text about a creative artisan of distinction. George Nakashima's life lovingly unfolds from early years in Pacific Northwoods experiences, revealing his deep appreciation of natural and cultural influences and appeals, to his growing skill and innovation in working with wood in original ways. His career choices included architecture, but he preferred furniture making, which allowed him to work with the unique materials and principles while controlling every aspect of the creation directly. His reputiaotn rapidly grew and he received global acclaim. The mid-section of his life story includes his family's imprisonment in Japanese internment camps during WWII, his use of skills to make life there more livable using random wood scraps, and his decision to accept a move to Pennsylvania- to farm! The decisions he made after arriving, his uses of the surrounding natural materials, including tree-falls and ways in which those materials inspired him to create works of art that functioned not only as furniture but as foundations for peaceful interactions. Back matter includes an author note, photo and text examples of Nakashima working, segments about trees and their usable elements, photos of exemplary furniture he mad, and more. I found the poetry on each gently-evocative spread set the tone for the developments explored on those pages. The entire production and design made me believe that this book would please its subject, as it seems to have pleased Nakashima's daughter, who offers an introductory note. Highly recommend. ...more
This nonfiction account of the life of architect I. M. Pei is inspiring and accessible to a wide range of readers. The early years of Pei in China proThis nonfiction account of the life of architect I. M. Pei is inspiring and accessible to a wide range of readers. The early years of Pei in China provided a lifelong inspiration for admiring beauty and longevity in nature and in constructions. His training and career in architecture led him to America and beyond, eventually designing iconic structures throughout the world. Each is distinct and reveals Peiu's sense of space,m shape, nature, and balance, but each is distinctly suited to its climate, landscape, purpose, and culture. I learned a great deal about Pei, even though I've read about him in the past and long-admired his buildings. The text is straightforward but sensitive to the drive Pei had, to create structures beyond any one "type", structure that would not only stand the test of time, but continue to reflect and celebrate its surroundings and its populations. Back matter is helpful with a timeline and also some resources for video and other further investigation. The illustrations are realistic enough to portray cultural locations and characteristic structural elements used by Pei, but also reflect a sort of geometric abstraction and color that make his creations seem nearly magical. This is a worthy account of an incredble man and his accomplishments. His success is undisputed and this book will be welcomed by many....more
This is a comprehensive approach to the histories and identities of people whose origin stories are rooted in East Asian, Middle East, middle Asian, aThis is a comprehensive approach to the histories and identities of people whose origin stories are rooted in East Asian, Middle East, middle Asian, and Pacific Islanders who have lived with the US and experienced macro- or micro discriminations based one those identities. It not only provides age-suited history of the political and social patterns that brought (or blocked) immigrants from those areas and nations to live in this country, it also celebrates individuals from each ethnicity and history across centuries. The text is suitable for upper elementary and middle grade, the illustrations throughout are vivid and positive, providing clarity about the variety of ages and identities claimed. It comes with a removable poster of the many heroes featured, and those span a remarkable range of talents and skills, including the arts, sports, science, business, entertainment, politics, the law, and more. Children of any background will find figures familiar and new, as well as engaging details and connectionsnwithn their own lives....more
This is an appealing portrait of the man and creation story of the Yo-Yo craze in America. Incorporating important and rarely explained history of PacThis is an appealing portrait of the man and creation story of the Yo-Yo craze in America. Incorporating important and rarely explained history of Pacific Island immigration history and patterns, particularly from Phillipine Islands. This award-winning book will likely spawn more yo-yo attempts and potentially some talented stars! Backmatter is excellent....more
Chawla's two space assignments were on shuttle flights, but she also fulfilled many other successful assignments. Despite various delays in training, Chawla's two space assignments were on shuttle flights, but she also fulfilled many other successful assignments. Despite various delays in training, she acquired those skills and worked in NASA's control center while preparing her for inflight experimentation and her role as controller for the robotic arm. Throughout it all, she fully embraced her identity as an American citizen but also her Indian cultural heritage, including foods, music, sports, and her own personal history. Co-author Mirchandani provides a note on the back pages to share the importance of Chawla as a role model in her own life and in sharing those successes with her own daughter. Chawla is not the most widely known NASA astronaut, in part because her life was cut tragically short. I was impressed that this fact was not centered or used to launch her story, or even included in the main text. This woman's life and career is inspiring, based on her lived values and accomplishments, not just because she was one of several astronauts whose lives were lost in a NASA accident. Don't miss her honors listed on back pages, and the timeline will make clear how many impressive and courageous accomplishments she packed into her short life.
Illustrations are vibrant and exciting, with Chawla's fascination and enthusiasm for so many interests and pursuits shining through at every age and situation pictured. The quality of the pages/paper enhances the brilliant, saturated colors that offer contrast between the many deep indigo sky backgrounds and the colorful figures, expressions, and clothing, or even the background white-space on some pages. The spine and endpaper "astronaut orange" choice is ideal. I'm counting on each of you to share this with girls, especially, but with any child who has big dreams and might not be getting the validation and encouragement to help support them into their futures, where setbacks too often become stop signs. Chawla's life models the truth that delays or rejections can be seen as opportunities to forge stronger paths forward. And don't wait for (or limit this to) WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH....more
The direct and intensely honest first person point of view makes this an especially valuable novel for gaining insight into lives about which we know The direct and intensely honest first person point of view makes this an especially valuable novel for gaining insight into lives about which we know very little (when that's the case) and providing connections and mirrors for those who do live these lives. Either way it provides a compelling and powerful read and deserves the attention and rewards it has been receiving....more
In RIVKA'S PRESENTS, Wallmark's talent turns to a fictional family living in an immigrant tenement neighborhood in New York City in 1918, the year of In RIVKA'S PRESENTS, Wallmark's talent turns to a fictional family living in an immigrant tenement neighborhood in New York City in 1918, the year of the first flu pandemic following the First World War. The opening spread reveals Rivka shouting out her window to the iceman below, sharing her excitement that this would be her first day of school. Her eagerness to read and write and learn about the world is recognizable and infectious, but one page-turn readers find that her mother was listening, then gently reminds Rivka that she is needed in the family and can't go to school. Papa is still very ill, Mama needs to go to work to support the family, and Rivka will need to stay home to care for little sister Miriam. In her sorrow, Rivka races outdoors and realizes that the nearby shopkeeper works with letters, the tailor works with numbers, and an older neighbor woman, studying for her citizenship test, was learning about this new country in which they lived.
In each case clever Rivka bargains for her learning by assisting at shop or home chores while tending to little Miriam. I especially appreciated that little sister was learning along the way, not just about numbers but about the value of other generations, hard work, and community support. The gentle and straightforward text enfolds hints of the passing of seasons, also revealing that Papa is gradually recovering.
As a traditional school year would be winding down in late spring, Rivka, too, has completed nearly a year of individual learning. One day she is met with a delightful and satisfying surprise-- her neighbors bearing small gifts. Their presence, and presents, celebrating the accomplishments of this bright, determined, and responsible young girl. There's a satisfyingly joyful conclusion without a tiny bit of saccharine in it. Rivka's gift to readers is her examples of curiosity, eagerness to learn, work-around mentality, and devotion to her family without sacrificing personal goals. Her strength is a blessing.
Images by illustrator Adelina Lirius are layered with color, detail, and meaning. The tones evoke a prior century, incorporating historic elements like fire escapes, clotheslines, horse-drawn carts, and clothing styles that inform and endear. They seem strongly authentic rather than "quaint". There are indicators of the economic status and Jewish identity of Rivka's family without referencing those directly. The endpapers suggest the studies Rivka pursues, the seasons passing, and the art styles of this earlier era. While text also reinforces the cultural values of Rivka's Jewish family and neighbors, the universal themes of family love and loyalty, learning, hard work, and struggles regarding health and economic hardship will resonate across cultures and centuries. The color palette edges away from sharp lines or bright contrast to a softened, aged tone throughout foreground images and backgrounds. The individuals pictured provide identifiable emotional reactions without resorting to caricature or exaggeration. The overall impact is a highly readable story for audiences of many ages, and a very admirable but realistic lead character, Rivka. ...more
A compelling, entertaining, and informative memoir/reflection on coming of age as a Muslim girl in Egypt and Australia. The wry and insightful voice aA compelling, entertaining, and informative memoir/reflection on coming of age as a Muslim girl in Egypt and Australia. The wry and insightful voice and attitude appealed to me greatly and should open eyes and hearts to the inner, family, and societal forces at work within an already complex development from youth to young adult....more
This is a considerably fascinating look at the history of New York City's development. Tt has been labeled as YA but presents such intricate and detaiThis is a considerably fascinating look at the history of New York City's development. Tt has been labeled as YA but presents such intricate and detailed specifics that it seems more like a work for adults, to me. The archival photos are extensive and add to the full story immensely....more
This is a thorough look at the systemic racism in the justice and political systems of the USA throughout its entire history, focused directly at the This is a thorough look at the systemic racism in the justice and political systems of the USA throughout its entire history, focused directly at the treatment of Asian-Pacific Islander populations who formed the core of a workforce of extremely cheap and hardworking labor. The premise that is that this long history laid the groundwork for the concentration camps for Japanese-Americans on our/their own homeland during WWII, and is undeniable. Asian racist sentiment throughout centuries parallels the generations-long anti-semitism that laid the foundations for the Holocaust. This feels it might be best used as a read/study piece in an advanced class at high school level, but is a worthy read regardless of the purpose....more
The fantastic actual events in the life of a remarkable Jewish woman and her sister were nearly lost to history until, in her late years, a thirteen yThe fantastic actual events in the life of a remarkable Jewish woman and her sister were nearly lost to history until, in her late years, a thirteen year old granddaughter wrote to Grandma Z to ask what life was like when she was only 13. The question, then her intense response about her life as a musical prodigy and then target of the Ukrainian "Holocaust of Bullets" when her homeland was overrun by Nazis, resulted in this detailed account of life before, during and after those years. interspersed with author Hood's compelling narrative are passages from the actual letter written by Grandma Z to her granddaughter. There are countless stories with such rich detailmthat were not rescued in time, but this one was and we can all be grateful. it is an engaging read for young audiences, even though it spans ages and events beyond their experience and ages. A highly recommended title, whether "studying" the Hol0caust and this overall area, or not....more
A gently-told tale of being a refugee/immigrant and finding your place in a new world. The issue of statelessness has rarely been addressed in pictureA gently-told tale of being a refugee/immigrant and finding your place in a new world. The issue of statelessness has rarely been addressed in picture books and is little understood even by many privileged adults. The blend of realism and symbolic interpretation permeate every page, allowing it to serve as mentor text for older writers/artists. The back matter/author note does a powerful job of clarifying her reasoning and intentions, making it even more effective than the initial power of the images and words. This is admittedly a lightly fictionalized account drawn from true events in the author's life....more
The cover is wrapped with images of the named examples whose brief profiles demonstrate the power of a committed young voice with following actions, bThe cover is wrapped with images of the named examples whose brief profiles demonstrate the power of a committed young voice with following actions, but every single page reveals who the YOU of direct address text might be: diverse in age, ethnicity, ability, issue, and pursuit. The common denominators for the various images are their smiles, their determined expressions, and their unity in support of each other. More than sixteen individual examples are shared, with each example providing a brief background story, a direct quotation (cited in back matter), and a continuity of the general text which frames the individual as a potential "you", including the circumstances that led to the individual activism on behalf of a wider community. Those commitments ranged from medical discoveries to making life-needs available to the hungry and unhoused, to global causes like immigration, rights of girls and women, treatment of those with disabilities/differences, and basic kindness.
Backmatter includes a brief author note (with that challenge to adults), tagged ways-to-speak-up for eleven of the issues spotlighted within the profiles, a simple glossary, and bibliography with quotation sources. Paul has a polished talent for presenting nonfiction content in accessible, appealing ways that "speak" naturally to young readers without patronizing or oversimplifying. That is enhanced by the gifted art of illustrator Jackson. The colorful, recognizable images of these diverse, specific examples are couched in identifiable situations and settings, with a comfortable realism but a slight/inspiring glow to their demeanors. These, and the general characters throughout, could be found in any school anywhere, and they are. It matters that we (adults) recognize that in them, and help young people recognize in themselves the voices and interests that can change the world. A book like this is a ticket to begin that journey....more
It must be wonderful to be an author whose name alone can assure readers of wonderful opportunities for entertainment and insights and memorable journIt must be wonderful to be an author whose name alone can assure readers of wonderful opportunities for entertainment and insights and memorable journeys., Kelly its such an author, and these new characters in this new novel exceeds even such high expectations.
In this case the story unfolds with a c complex plot that's so intricately woven into the theme and intimate concerns of Sol, a sister whose love and energy are immeasurable and essential to sustaining the only part of her family she feels its real: her young sisters m- one still alive and one who died some years before., This is so much beyond any simple synopsis, so I urge you to read it, consider it as a classroom read aloud, and give it was a gift to anyone dealing with responsibility beyond their years (which is an enormous population of young people). Those lucky enough to live without that level of stress will enjoy reading it, too, and will find windows to lives that they had not imagined....more
A walnut tree's life journey is explored through a gift from grandfather, a walnut that appears on Emilia's nightstand. In this case, her age and natuA walnut tree's life journey is explored through a gift from grandfather, a walnut that appears on Emilia's nightstand. In this case, her age and natural curiosity lead to an ongoing conversation with her aging grandfather, who was once "a little nut like you", but living far across a distant ocean. In the course of their discussions Emilia learns that one of the towering trees in her yard grew from her grandfather's traveling-from-home walnut, and the second tree, also tall but not yet fully grown, grew from a walnut given to her mother at about the same age as Emilia is now. With gentle but evocative illustrations, this multi-generational story is both loving and intense, incorporating the struggles of immigration, patience, grief, and hope. The closing scenes are both satisfying and stimulating, offering a spark to imagine how many more generations of life can be found in the lifetime of a tree, walnut by walnut....more
Although I read many self-published books, I rarely review them. This, though, demands that effort from me. In the most respectful way possible, I hAlthough I read many self-published books, I rarely review them. This, though, demands that effort from me. In the most respectful way possible, I hope to demand that readers spend time meeting Nou and her family, learning about a time in history that is too little understood, or is neglected, distorted, or actively ignored.
It is easy to miss the "BOOK ONE" in the title that indicates this is the first book in a series that will follow Nou through her changing life, in geography, circumstances, relationships, and self-awareness. even if a stand-alone title, the scenes and intensity of character, culture, crisis, and concern are page-turning and absorbing, yet they reveal and inform with details and revelations about the daily life of people trapped and betrayed by political forces on all sides. The fact that we can expect to meet her again in future books is a bonus.
Nou's role as a middle child, as a girl, also trap her in a culture that denies her what she wants most- to learn to read. The patterns of duties, discipline, and sometimes desperation will elicit emotional reactions, but readers should avoid judgments. This is fully developed view of a culture different from ones most commonly portrayed in familiar novels, but that is a welcome revelation to expand and inform young minds.
Nou's series has the tag YOUNG GUARDIAN for many valid reasons. Each event, each challenge in her journey of personal growth and family roles strengthens her capacity to move beyond the deeply traditional cultural expectations into which she was born. Her intense drive to learn to read comes from her storytelling talent, but she discovers that reading can be a survival skill, too.
This is a sensitively-constructed story that was inspired by various true experiences, written with rich details. I imagine that it will ring true to those many who lived in those times and places, but will also make young readers feel immersed in that very real world. Hmong Americans have far too few books that reflect or reveal their history, and those of us who are NOT Hmong also suffer from that lack. It is also America's national history, and one we should all learn. In this novel we can expand our understanding while meeting a character who rises from the page and stands fully formed in our lives. Nou is a character reader will want to meet again....more
As the title indicates, this resulted from a project meant to assure that at least some of the actual young people who have been/are being detained a As the title indicates, this resulted from a project meant to assure that at least some of the actual young people who have been/are being detained at our border could speak about the experience from their deeply personal and individual experiences. What's more, the book guarantees that their voices will be heard and will persist across time. As they should be. With a brief introduction to explain the project, a few spreads indicate colorfully illustrated speakers offering their own names, then their individual homelands. The very natural next lines indicate the HOW and WHY of their journeys, with the accompanying emotional reactions along the way. With speakers ranging from tots to teens, depicted in various detention settings, the emerging questions and concerns are shockingly ordinary. Until they are not. Their simple statements reveal ways in which life in detention is dehumanizing and even terrifying, not to mention leaving them hungry, cold, tired, and even sick. These simply-stated facts combine with illustrations that are slightly comic-style, but with tones and perspectives that enhance understanding and connections of mind, body, and emotions.
There is a center-switch design, allowing readers to enter the book from the English text or the Spanish text by flipping the book upside down to read again. The contributing voices are named and featured in the alternate-facing center spread, and the words are theirs. The compiling author opens the story (in both approaches) with a vow of truth that sounds very much like a declaration in court. These are the actual words (and voices) of the children (detainees) they interviewed for the project. ...more
I suspect that one of the challenges of compiling these twenty-five accounts involved deciding among hundreds that occurred (and MATTERED) throughout I suspect that one of the challenges of compiling these twenty-five accounts involved deciding among hundreds that occurred (and MATTERED) throughout history. The author introduction ends with a note that the final cut includes "overlooked stories, revered moments, and courageous people" whose work to change the world provides lessons for all of us across time. Some will be familiar, even to young readers, and others will be new introductions. I respect that criteria and believe it has benefited the book and the young readers. Once those choices were made, a chronological approach was used, and that meant the first movement of this collection is the leadership of MOTHER JONES, marching in defense of childhood and in protest of child labor.
That is a sure fire way to hook kids into reading and becoming inspired by these brief profiles. This march through time (pardon that pun) allows for some causes to recur, particularly related to race, peace, and rights. Each is a two page spread with colorful spot illustrations that anchor events in the general awareness of historic eras through clothing and other cultural details, with effective small spots to support comprehension (maps, flags, icons, etc.). The causes and their leaders are diverse, including various ethnicities, skin colors, global identities, abilities/disabilities, lgbtqia/gender identities.
Many contemporary readers may be surprised to see concerns in current events reflected across continents and a century of marching: peace, voting, the environment/climate, immigration, labor, social justice, and more. The final entry accounts marches for social justice following the George Floyd murder, with a satisfying concluding note from the author. This is followed by a colorfully illustrated timeline, anchoring each of the twenty-five movements across the last century-plus. It's a helpful way to note patterns and similarities in causes, as well as diversity among those who choose to organize and march. The next page turn provides a selected bibliography that is also formatted with more kid-appeal than most- identifying each movement and citing the source of quotations.
This is a powerful and very accessible approach to bringing background and meaning to the current political and other public protests, marked with visible indicators of the overall theme, reinforced through illustrated protest sign slogans.
First and foremost is "TOGETHER WE MARCH", underscoring the power in unity and community. Also, and importantly, this theme rings true throughout each profile and as a summation of the book:
Leaning into the theme of YoYoMa's life, that music and culture are bridges to community and acceptance, this is a celebratory and informative text foLeaning into the theme of YoYoMa's life, that music and culture are bridges to community and acceptance, this is a celebratory and informative text for all ages. It incorporates biographic details effectively, framing a lifetime of accomplishments in contrast to the little boy too short to see over the table while a cello prodigy of amazing talent. The threads of the "building bridges" theme are woven across global paths, political differences, environmental movements, technical construction of the cello, and more, the way movements in a symphony develop variations on a theme with utterly inspiring and satisfying resolve....more
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