Affirming and atmospheric, I love this book for summer. In fact, this is one of my favorite day at the beach books I've read in a minute too. The illuAffirming and atmospheric, I love this book for summer. In fact, this is one of my favorite day at the beach books I've read in a minute too. The illustrations are so pretty. This is a winner....more
A unique look at the infamous Kohinoor Diamond, and also a look at colonialism and its long-term ramifications. The diamond serves as a great metaphorA unique look at the infamous Kohinoor Diamond, and also a look at colonialism and its long-term ramifications. The diamond serves as a great metaphor for oppressive colonization as the stone is stolen, taken far from home, and forced to fit into western standards -- but throughout it all it shines. The illustrations are colorful and enrich the narrative. Backmatter gives further discussion points for adults....more
I love that this is a picture book biography about a storyteller that could actually be read aloud. The text is luminous and flows in a clear narrativI love that this is a picture book biography about a storyteller that could actually be read aloud. The text is luminous and flows in a clear narrative that is informative and inspirational. The illustrations are so vibrant and so full of life and so good. I love the layering of different media to create rich, larger-than-life graphics....more
A passover story that is also an excellent guide to grief and what it looks like to celebrate a holiday after a family member passes. The limited coloA passover story that is also an excellent guide to grief and what it looks like to celebrate a holiday after a family member passes. The limited color palette really enriches the narrative and the seeking for a person adds a really compelling element. Hand this to families who celebrate Passover and those who don't -- it will still be meaningfully felt....more
I love books about children and their grandparents and this book, about a young narrator who loves their Tibetan Momo-La's summer visits, is great. OuI love books about children and their grandparents and this book, about a young narrator who loves their Tibetan Momo-La's summer visits, is great. Our narrator loves Momo-La's stories and collections of interesting things. When the narrator asks where these stories comes from, Momo-La takes them to places stories like to live -- in all kinds of museums. And, though the museum appreciation is slow going, they start to see pieces of Momo-La in these museums. Easy to read as a lap reader with a lesson about the importance of family connection, culture and history....more
I mean. This gorgeous picture book biography from the immaculate Carole Boston Weatherford weaves together the life of Toni Morrison in a way that is I mean. This gorgeous picture book biography from the immaculate Carole Boston Weatherford weaves together the life of Toni Morrison in a way that is so evocative and so compelling. Looking at her early struggles before becoming a Pulitzer and Nobel prize-winner, the story of a writer who shared stories that had been kept private is emotional and powerful and invites the reader to step into the story. The illustrations make for a sophisticated match to the text, full of acrylic, oil paint, collage, handmade paper, and stencils. This is a beautiful book to celebrate an important figure....more
This joyful story shows a Black child running through his neighborhood -- his destination a mystery. But everyone knows he will get there fast. When hThis joyful story shows a Black child running through his neighborhood -- his destination a mystery. But everyone knows he will get there fast. When he does find his way where he's going, it's a loving reunion with his grandma, fresh of the train. ...more
Black 12-year-old Lamar is an aspiring filmmaker living in Morton, Louisiana -- a town that is mostly still segregated, even in 2024. Lamar's grandfatBlack 12-year-old Lamar is an aspiring filmmaker living in Morton, Louisiana -- a town that is mostly still segregated, even in 2024. Lamar's grandfather was an activist during the Civil Rights Movement and a community organizer now who inspires Lamar to fight for what he believes is right. Lamar is excited to film a documentary about the life of his grandfather, but then, suddenly, Gramps is shot and killed. The shooter, a white man, local businessman, and former head of the KKK claims self-defense and without any witnesses, the sheriff is inclined to let him go without charge. Before long, a series of protests and counter-protests fill the small town, shining light on the injustice -- and Lamar is at the center of the action with his camera. This is an unflinching depiction of contemporary segregation and racism in America. Though the narrative never shies away from honesty, it is also told in a way that is accessible for middle grade readers. Pair with Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes for a frank look at racism and racially motivated violence....more
These illustrations are next level gorgeous. Acrylic on canvas paintings filled with life and color that make use of geometric shapes and Lakota and MThese illustrations are next level gorgeous. Acrylic on canvas paintings filled with life and color that make use of geometric shapes and Lakota and Metis motifs for a work that feels culturally specific and universal at the same time. The story is easy to read aloud and takes a exuberant and celebratory tone....more
An incredibly unique Easter picture book about a little boy trying to find a special suit for Easter Sunday. Filled with Black Boy Joy and a strong BlAn incredibly unique Easter picture book about a little boy trying to find a special suit for Easter Sunday. Filled with Black Boy Joy and a strong Black community this is an incredibly affirming picture book with a sartorial twist. Back matter is excellent but printed on the end pages, so it's hard to read in a library copy....more
Loved the illustrations and I love having a fun holiday book with a Black protagonist! The text is a little stifled -- not as strong as early entries Loved the illustrations and I love having a fun holiday book with a Black protagonist! The text is a little stifled -- not as strong as early entries to this series....more
Really interesting premise, really visually striking, unbelievably dense text that I think will work only for kids who are very motivated to learn aboReally interesting premise, really visually striking, unbelievably dense text that I think will work only for kids who are very motivated to learn about these people, or with grown ups ready to retell much of the story. This would be painful to try to read aloud....more
Just a stunning book. The narrative is sweeping and well-paced. Each portion of the book is engaging and readers will find themselves rooting for the Just a stunning book. The narrative is sweeping and well-paced. Each portion of the book is engaging and readers will find themselves rooting for the characters and connecting with them each in turn. Powerful....more
A moving graphic novel about moving on after death - for both those left alive and those who have passed. Based in Buddhist beliefs about the Bardo, tA moving graphic novel about moving on after death - for both those left alive and those who have passed. Based in Buddhist beliefs about the Bardo, this graphic novel is understated. Though sparse text might make this seem like a quick read, the real substance is in what is left unsaid. Moving and thoughtful....more
This is a darling picture book about Sam and Mai -- best friends. When Mai's family moves in, Sam is curious about how her family talks with their hanThis is a darling picture book about Sam and Mai -- best friends. When Mai's family moves in, Sam is curious about how her family talks with their hands. But after meeting Mai, Sam starts to learn Filipino sign language so the friends can talk to each other. The illustrations are lovely and simple and the text is affirming and hopeful. This is a great book for learning about disability with young children....more
This is a lovely and heartfelt middle grade graphic novel that explores grief and disconnect through the lens of a tween girl named Yuna. Yuna is KoreThis is a lovely and heartfelt middle grade graphic novel that explores grief and disconnect through the lens of a tween girl named Yuna. Yuna is Korean American, but her Korean heritage always makes her feel weird and like an outcast, so she tries to hide it. Following an old folktale her halmoni taught her, Yuna folds 1,000 paper stars to make a wish that she can return to Korean where she'll fit in. The next day, Yuna learns that Halmoni has passed away and the family is going back to Korea for the funeral. Worried that she's ruined everything, Yuna sets out to fold 1,000 more paper stars to undo her wish before her halmoni is gone forever. The illustrations are really lovely and the metaphors are effective. Elements of magical realism round out this memorable read....more
I am so sorry to say that this wasn't for me. It was entirely too long, and the denouement felt like it came about 200 pages too late. Despite this, tI am so sorry to say that this wasn't for me. It was entirely too long, and the denouement felt like it came about 200 pages too late. Despite this, there was barely any focus on Keston and Ela's relationship and chemistry -- I would barely call this a romance novel. I also understand the "anti-historical" idea, but it felt unevenly applied. I keep seeing people compare this to Jane Austen, which I get, but it's really more of a retelling of Bridgerton -- but with vengeance. So many things were working, but I had such a hard time staying invested. I did love, love, love the diverse cast of characters and I liked seeing this world where diverse folks had a place in the peerage. In general, I'm a pretty lazy reader who doesn't like overly long books and world building is not interesting to me -- so this book just wasn't the right fit for me. I hope it is for you!...more
Very interesting bio about the first player of Asian descent to play in an NHL game — and all the reasons he isn’t better known. Fully color illustratVery interesting bio about the first player of Asian descent to play in an NHL game — and all the reasons he isn’t better known. Fully color illustrated with lots of additional context. This would be really good for readers not yet ready for Akim Aliu’s Dreamer...more
A colorful and cumulative rhyme, readers get to join a seaside jam session. The illustrations are lush, if a little too artificial feeling. On the whoA colorful and cumulative rhyme, readers get to join a seaside jam session. The illustrations are lush, if a little too artificial feeling. On the whole, an awesome storytime book....more
At times, this brutally honest book was a little hard to read. The abuse that Wen and her mother suffer from their father was realistic and painful, aAt times, this brutally honest book was a little hard to read. The abuse that Wen and her mother suffer from their father was realistic and painful, as were the tragedies facing Henry's family. But the uplifting ending and strong characterization pulled me through this thought provoking novel about what it's like to be a first generation immigrant. Without being overly long, this book captures a lot of complex topics in an accessible way....more
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