One of the tenets of this nation's democratic principles is intellectual freedom and the free exchange of ideas, even those that might make some of usOne of the tenets of this nation's democratic principles is intellectual freedom and the free exchange of ideas, even those that might make some of us uncomfortable. Having access to information and diverse perspectives affords readers, listeners, and thinkers a chance to broaden their perspective and decide for themselves what they believe. Those of us who love books and have taught courses in Children's or Young Adult Literature know that book banning and censorship are nothing new, but what is new is the rise in book challenges due to political movements and groups that are keen to remove books covering racism, diversity, or featuring LGBTQIA+ characters or topics from classroom and library shelves. As the result of this surge in challenges, many librarians are facing attacks on their character, accusing of "grooming" youngsters or purveyors of pornography. As the result of the stress and attention, some have even quit their jobs. This book is the account of one who chose to fight back through the legal system, suing them for defamation, after she was vilified through social media for simply speaking out at a hearing on book content. Amanda Jones is a rock star, a brave, honest spirit, who comes from a most unlikely place for an activist and standard bearer for the First Amendment--conservative Livingston Parish in Louisiana. For most of her life, she voted Republican, even casting a ballot for Donald Trump back in 2016. In this frank account of her own experiences after she spoke out laid out against the nation-wide surge in attempts to ban or remove books from public library shelves and to villainize librarians, readers will find someone who gives them hope that one person can make a difference and that things can change for the better. Jones describes her own struggles, her efforts to raise her own awareness, and the frightening influence of groups like Citizens for a Better Louisiana and the bullying of social media posts. What is noteworthy in addition to her resilience and courage is Amanda Jones's voice and humor as well as how she continues to draw strength from the support of her family and friends. Enough is enough, and yes, it IS time to educate ourselves and fight back against these attacks on the right to read and the importance of including books featuring not only characters that are straight, white, and Christian on our shelves. If nothing else, request this book from your library, read it, and spread the word to others. Plus, if you don't much about book banning and censorship, learn more, attend library board meetings, and do like I do, ask your local library to purchase books that will make its shelves more inclusive. ...more
This futuristic novel might appeal to teen or middle grade readers who think they don't like science fiction. As other reviewers have said, reading itThis futuristic novel might appeal to teen or middle grade readers who think they don't like science fiction. As other reviewers have said, reading it really is downright scary since the events described in it due to climate change or global warming and the poor stewardship of humans seem increasingly likely. Don't be fooled by the book's title. The story is nothing like what most folks will have read before. Tasmania, where the story is set, is in bad shape. The narration shifts between two girls who have never met but have quite a lot in common. Both are about to be displaced, one due to impending ecological disaster and the other one due to bullying and the need to start fresh. Readers won't realize at first that the girls are separated by decades: It's 2093 in Nyx's story, and 2023 in Bea's vows, When Nyx pours out her anguish about the future on a scrap of paper that she hides in a tall pine tree near her home, her words are read by Bea, who responds through a notebook. Improbably, a friendship forms between the two girls, and Bea is determined to somehow help Nyx even though she knows that others will doubt her and make fun of her. For such a short book, this one packs quite an emotional wallop and will make many readers think how close this sort of a future may be. I liked it much more than I expected to....more
As Banned Book Week begins once again, this middle-grade novel [3.5 for me1!] set in Shipton, Massachusetts couldn't be more appropriate as a read aloAs Banned Book Week begins once again, this middle-grade novel [3.5 for me1!] set in Shipton, Massachusetts couldn't be more appropriate as a read aloud or part of that celebration of the Right to Read. Eighth grade Molly Claremont and some of her friends have found a safe space in an extracurricular book club at school that is run by Ms. Lewiston. But a complaint causes the book club to be put on hiatus and Ms. Lewiston to face possible reprisals. Molly wants to push back, but she becomes obsessed about learning who complained about the books the club has been reading. She also reaches out to the author of the gay-themed book that was questioned, but the response is disappointing. Eventually, the group starts an online Read Or Die Stupid account that garners attention, and Molly faces and ethical dilemma after stumbling on some evidence that reveals who complained about the club. I enjoyed this one a lot, even though at times Molly was a bit misguided as was Ms. Lewiston, which makes the story all the more realistic. Because it is the students themselves that take things in their own hands rather than adults solving their problems, it was refreshing to see such empowered, enlightened, and aware middle graders. ...more
With the conflict in Gaza and unrest in Palestine continuing after months of attempts at peace talks, this picture book couldn't be timelier. And for With the conflict in Gaza and unrest in Palestine continuing after months of attempts at peace talks, this picture book couldn't be timelier. And for those individuals who see no relevance in that particular conflict, this story speaks to the healing power of community, resilience, and the importance of planting seeds of hope. After learning about all that olive trees give to her grandfather and his neighbors, the narrator is excited to plant olive seeds and watch for a tree to grow. Of course, this takes time, and she becomes disheartened. When small bits of green become visible, she nurtures it carefully and is devastated when soldiers march through the land and crush its tender leaves. Understanding her grief, her grandfather reaches out to their neighbors who have a surprise for the girl the next day. A message of resilience and strength in the face of adversity is included on the last page as the girl and elderly man embrace among all that greenery. The brief Author's Note reinforces this notion. Rendered in Procreate, the digital illustrations consist of muted tones of brown and olive as well as blacks, greens, and touches of blush pink in a variety of pages, some full-page images, some panels, some spot art, and even a few impressive double-page spreads with paths winding across them. The way the soldiers are depicted with only the lower parts of their bodies and no faces, just military attire, guns, and thick-soled boots supports the notion that there's an anonymity to war and a lack of regard for its consequences. This is an impressive, moving debut that may make readers reflect deeply about conflict, war, peace, and the future. Surely, aggression and violence are not the only way forward. ...more
Interesting graphic images of various hues complement a little-known story about freedom of speech and expression. While many individuals think about Interesting graphic images of various hues complement a little-known story about freedom of speech and expression. While many individuals think about book, movies or art when they consider censorship or First Amendment issues, music and even the name of a band can also stir controversy. As Banned Books Week approaches and many of us contemplate what the Right to Read or the ability to honor multiple points of view means, this might be a good picture book [3.5 for me!] to share with students to prompt discussion of the topic and what it means to try to reclaim certain words that have been used in a disparaging way in the past. Aware of the way some racists used a phrase such as "slanted eyes" to demean Asians, Simon Tam forms a band, names them The Slants, but isn't allowed to register the name because the United States Patent and Trademark Office considered it be racist. Simon decides to fight the decision, leading to an eight-year battle that goes all the way to the Supreme Court, which eventually ruled in his favor. I had never heard of this case or this band, but the story was intriguing and inspiring. Lyrics from "From the Heart," the band's response to the band's fight for their name are included in the back matter and inserted throughout the main narrative. ...more
A friendly and gentle reminder about the importance of voting, this picture book focuses on Leo, a youngster whose father has recently obtained U.S. cA friendly and gentle reminder about the importance of voting, this picture book focuses on Leo, a youngster whose father has recently obtained U.S. citizenship and is now pondering who his choice for President in the upcoming election will be. While his father does his due diligence in preparing to cast his ballot, Leo also will be able to participate in a mock election at school. But his cynical cousin prompts Leo to wonder whether one vote really matters all that much in the larger scheme of things. Through helpful volunteers and neighbors, Leo and his father learn about voter registration, the importance of voting, and precinct polling places, and at school, the class's election is decided by--you guessed it--one vote. Child-friendly illustrations, created with cut paper, oil pastels, acrylics, and digital techniques, add flavor and visual appeal to what could be a dull topic, but combined with the lively, conversational text, end up being engaging and downright inspiring. Back matter includes additional information about voting, including four recent examples when an election was decided by one vote. Having written and given a speech on this very topic [One Vote DOES Count] for a 4-H Speaking Contest back when I was a senior many decades ago, I can add several other instances when important issues were decided by one vote. Timely and inspiring, the fact that Leo's father is a new voter, recently granted citizenship after passing a test, just makes this book all the more relatable. Note the red, white, and blue lettering colors and stars on the cover too, hinting at the notion that voting is patriotic. ...more
Adele's plans for winter break are interrupted when she has her first menstrual period, and along with it comes the ability to see ghosts. As it turnsAdele's plans for winter break are interrupted when she has her first menstrual period, and along with it comes the ability to see ghosts. As it turns out, her family has kept this a secret, and now she's the latest medium in a long time of them. While her grandmother wants nothing to do with this particular ability, Adele starts to see its value, becoming immersed in community activism and trying to stop efforts to buy up properties and make it impossible for locals to afford housing in the neighborhood. There's a sweet budding romance between Helen, Adele's older sister, and another character, and the artwork captures the essence of Montreal with its icy streets, snow, and cafes. Fans of the Witches of Brooklyn series will probably enjoy this one as well since it features a medium and a snarky, self-confident protagonist in Adele while also saddling her with worries about her facial breakouts, just like any other middle-grader or adolescent. Part of the plot is over the top, but most readers won't mind. ...more
How wonderfully original this story was when first published back in 1999 by Tamora Pierce! While nothing, not even this graphic novel, can do justiceHow wonderfully original this story was when first published back in 1999 by Tamora Pierce! While nothing, not even this graphic novel, can do justice to the delights of meeting strong-willed, individualistic Keladry of Mindelan, who is determined to become a knight, no matter how many naysayers or roadblocks are put in her path, this graphic novel version of her story is serviceable enough, sure to entice readers to check out the original books in the series. Part of the problem here is that the graphic version is shorter than it needs to be, and there is some missing transition and backstory that might help readers who are new to the stories fill in the blanks and figure out some of the characters. For those familiar with Pierce's work, they'll miss her storytelling abilities and the language she uses in unfolding Kel's story. SIGH! Still, despite some of the book's flaws, it is pleasing to see that this story has stood the test of time, still just as resonating and empowering 25 years after its publication as when it first appeared. And oh, how desperately we need someone who is interested in protecting the small and the overlooked. ...more
This is yet another middle-grade novel [3.5 for me!] by the always reliable Claudia Mills that will have high appeal for its intended audience. While This is yet another middle-grade novel [3.5 for me!] by the always reliable Claudia Mills that will have high appeal for its intended audience. While parts of the plot will be familiar--a new transplant trying to find her way in a new school--others concerning family secrets and family history may seem fresh and new, especially in the hands of this gifted storyteller. Twelve-year-old Sonnet has moved to Indiana with her mother and little sister, Villie, to stay with her grandfather after the death of his wife. After an unpleasant encounter with Zeke, a neighbor boy who has been homeschooled until recently, Sonnet is decidedly not thrilled when she ends up working with him on a class family history project involving interviewing the elderly man. Sonnet prefers to stick to the script during the interviews while Zeke senses that he has stories to tell and allows Gramps to dictate the direction they take, even if it means that he'll have moments of sadness and cry. After all, life has both bitter and sweet moments, something that Sonnet and her mother seem determined to forget. When one of his memories is particularly painful and earthshattering, the revelation challenges what Sonnet knows about her family and her own mother's childhood memories. All of the characters are interesting although Sonnet's poem-writing mother is less developed than the others, and it's encouraging to watch the two neighbors stumble back and forth between enmity and friendship, especially after Zeke makes a very big mistake. The topics of loss and transplantation are woven into the narrative in appealing ways, and readers will recognize that running away from hard things doesn't make them go away. ...more
This picture book gets right to the heart of the matter with no hesitation at all. Climate change is real, and if our planet is to survive, things havThis picture book gets right to the heart of the matter with no hesitation at all. Climate change is real, and if our planet is to survive, things have to change. Consequently, the text provides 14 small steps that youngsters and their parents can take to make a difference. Led by 12 different and colorful heroes with kid appeal, including Energy Hero, Fairness Hero, and Nature Hero, among others, the text urges readers to reduce, reuse, and recycle, take care of the oceans, treat others with respect, and work with others. While the main focus here is the environment, the examples take a broader approach to the topic than most other children's books. Supported by lively illustrations with kid appeal, the text is encouraging and informative rather than dry and didactic, and reading the book leaves readers with hope that they can make a difference by being mindful of food choices, taking care of themselves, and supporting others. Ah, if some of those industrial polluters and political leaders would only read books like this one!...more
While conversations about hard topics may not be easy, they will surely be less challenging with practice and if those issues are broached early on. EWhile conversations about hard topics may not be easy, they will surely be less challenging with practice and if those issues are broached early on. Even the youngest children can understand the concepts of community and justice, if those terms are simplified and made relatable. This picture book offers tips for how to begin these important conversations. Starting with the term "community," the book then covers related terms such as responsibility, justice, and problem-solving, suggesting some positive ways that problems can be tackled while acknowledging that sometimes conversations about the same issues need to be ongoing since first attempts aren't always successful. The colorful illustrations and back matter offer additional insight for teachers and caregivers about problems such as homelessness, suggesting what they call short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions. There is also a brief discussion of restorative and transformative justice. While much of this is encouraging, it's hard not to wonder how it all works in large, broken systems such as ours or wince at the t-shirt slogan saying, "CARE NOT COPS." Is it really possible or even safe to tell ourselves that we can survive without some law enforcement? Still, despite some of my qualms, this book offers some hope in trying other ways than simply punishing folks for situations over which they may have little control....more
As a child of the 'Sixties growing up during the times of JFK, RFK, MLK, LBJ, and Richard Nixon, I've been an outsider to many of the events describedAs a child of the 'Sixties growing up during the times of JFK, RFK, MLK, LBJ, and Richard Nixon, I've been an outsider to many of the events described in this engaging account of various historical moments from the points of view of two political insiders--Doris Kearns Goodwin and her late husband Richard Goodwin. Drawing from memory, notes, diaries, archival material, and interviews with relevant individuals, Goodwin weaves together history, biography, and memoir as she and Dick spend the last years of his life sifting through boxes of memorabilia from that decade. The narrative includes conversations between the two of them while they are reminiscing and sorting out their complicated feelings about JFK and LBJ, for whom Dick wrote speeches while Doris served as a White House Fellow and later wrote LBJ's biography. It's clear that the 1960s were a turbulent time, but they also were a period filled with possibility and promise with various civil rights legislation being passed by Congress, successful space travel, and youth feeling as though they could make a difference and be heard. Because so much of what was good about that time period was overshadowed by violence at home and abroad in Vietnam, it's easy to see how Dick could have become disheartened. But as this book shows, his was an unfinished love story with politics, and as it turned out, both Dick and Doris emerge from their labors with a renewed appreciation of those times as well as hope for the future. Readers trying to make sense of present-day politics will gain insight by reading this book, clearly a labor of love from a thoughtful historian who manages to simplify complex processes and unravel some of the mysteries behind complex individuals. Clearly, in their heyday, this was one heck of a power couple. I enjoyed every word, laughed at times, cried at times, and felt terribly nostalgic for that decade. ...more
I'm sorry to have missed the previous four titles in this author's Food Heroes biographies, but I'm also happy to say that I enjoyed this one, the stoI'm sorry to have missed the previous four titles in this author's Food Heroes biographies, but I'm also happy to say that I enjoyed this one, the story of Eva Sommaripa, who started Eva's Garden in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, back in 1972, more than five decades ago. The story discusses how she started small, inspired by the fresh produce at a local market. Over the years, she increased the number of acres she was farming and expanded the number of potential buyers for her delicious herbs and veggies. She also learned more about the soil in which her products were growing, studied pollinators, and led a group of volunteers determined to help salamanders cross a road between the forest and pond safely. Eva's story is inspiring, especially so for her willingness to continue to learn more about farming and her involvement in activism as well as community building. The interesting artwork, created with collage, print, and line blends realism with sentimentality. ...more
Animal-loving Tate worries about how animals in the wild manage to survive. Looking for a new friend and intent on saving them, she writes letters to Animal-loving Tate worries about how animals in the wild manage to survive. Looking for a new friend and intent on saving them, she writes letters to various animals, including a lion and an orca, offering them a new home and describing its benefits. But she's rebuffed by each one. But attentive readers will know that she need not despair. If they've been examining the illustrations closely, they will have noted a rather scruffy dog lurking in the background, not far from her house. The dog writes a letter to Tate telling her that he's the one she's been looking for--a best friend. I love the inclusion of the letters and how the dog, now named Panda, receives all the benefits Tate described in her own letters. While those other animals know how to survive in the wild, dogs like Panda really don't, and as the book concludes, the wild was a place "where he was never meant to be" (unpaged). The bright and color-drenched artwork was created with Adobe Photoshop and a Wacom tablet. The two best double-page spreads show Panda stretched out in full length with tennis balls all around him and one in his mouth, and another one with him, all spruced up, lying alongside Tate as she reads in bed. The bright light from a lamp shines on the two new friends. Read this one as a reminder about what friendship means and to encourage youngsters to take action about issues that matter to them. ...more
An abandoned lot near a large apartment house draws three friends, Luna, Bianca, and Billy, to it. They love spying on the building's residents, and tAn abandoned lot near a large apartment house draws three friends, Luna, Bianca, and Billy, to it. They love spying on the building's residents, and they're intrigued by the sad elderly man who sits on his balcony. When they start to explore the weedy lot, they meet Amy, a friendly woman who is planting a no-dig garden in the unused space since her original garden was replaced by a parking lot. She teaches the youngsters about gardening, and slowly, other neighbors are attracted by their activity. There's a secret behind the area having been abandoned, and community activism saves the spot just in the nick of time. The weaving of gardening facts among the narration makes this book unique and kid-friendly as do the colorful sketches of the novice and experienced gardeners. Sometimes treasures are hidden, and they only need some effort to be found or reclaimed. ...more
For anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement and the fight to end racially segregated schools, this picture book [3.5 for me] is a revelation. WFor anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement and the fight to end racially segregated schools, this picture book [3.5 for me] is a revelation. While many folks are familiar with Brown v. Board of Education (1954), they may not be as familiar with Mendez v. Westminster (1947), an important ruling in California that helped pave the way for the Brown cases. It's also quite likely that few know about the subject of this picture book, Tape v. Hurley (1885) in which a Chinese family fought for the rights of their daughter, Mamie Tape, to have access to free public education in San Francisco. Even though the state court ruled in the Tapes' favor, the School Board stalled her attendance through various pieces of red tape, eventually opening a separate school for Chinese youngsters. The status quo had prevailed, but this case was a step that began the long, long journey to desegregation in schools. The text focuses on Mamie's emotions and reactions as doors keep being shut in her face, but through it all, she remains hopeful that she will be able to attend the school she has in mind and that changes will come. At times, it must have felt that there were thousands of steps in this particular part of history. Adobe Photoshop illustrations complement the accessible text, both of which make a complicated subject easy to understand and relatable. Several images capture Mamie's eagerness to attend school and be able to socialize with others and her bafflement over the school officials' reluctance to let her do so. Those who are interested, particularly educators, will want to read the Author's Note explaining the related cases and the fight for equality and her discussion of her research process. There's also a Selected Bibliography for anyone wanting to learn more. Add this one to a collection dedicated to civil rights, social justice, and individuals who made a difference. ...more
Before reading this detailed, thoroughly researched book, I had a little more knowledge of the current and historical background of Palestine, thanks Before reading this detailed, thoroughly researched book, I had a little more knowledge of the current and historical background of Palestine, thanks to The Shepherd's Granddaughter by Anne Laurel Carter (a Notable Book for a Global Society selection) and a doctoral student from Palestine who was in a couple of my courses. But this book added so much to what I thought I knew about conditions there and the ongoing conflict over land there. Given the recent events in the Middle East and student protests, this book couldn't be more timely or eye-opening. The author does exactly what the title promises, exploring one life-changing day in the life of a Palestinian father whose young son is killed in a bus crash in 2012 on Jaba Road on the outskirts of Jerusalem. (I had to look this event up online in order to know when the tragedy occurred since I don't recall the year being mentioned in the book.) The accident and its aftermath as the father, Abed Salama, searches for his son. But his concerns are heightened by the fact that he is Palestinian and on the wrong side of the wall that separates parts of Jerusalem. The author effectively describes his frustration with the red tape that threatens to drown him and others in a similar situation and the ache of losing his son, but he also points the finger of guilt at those he holds culpable, not just the truck driver, the bus driver, the inadequate road, the lack of emergency services, the wall itself, and the inadequate school system that prompted parents to send their children to West Bank schools that were poorly supervised. While much of the book focuses on this one day when everything changed for one man, the narrative also covers wider territory, including the various efforts to divide the territory and placate both sides. At times, it attempts to do too much, resulting in a dizzying transition from one person to the next and various time frames. Still, this book is undeniably important, I daresay essential, reading and may change some minds about Palestine and Israel. ...more
When a friend mentioned reading this book [3.5 for me] that she'd stumbled upon by chance, I knew that I wanted/needed to read it. As time passes, theWhen a friend mentioned reading this book [3.5 for me] that she'd stumbled upon by chance, I knew that I wanted/needed to read it. As time passes, there are fewer chances to find first-person Holocaust account stories and records have been lost or destroyed, but there are still archives with fascinating information. This particular addition to Holocaust history has a unique and unexpected slant. Relying on research, published materials, realia, and interviews, even one with the last woman who part of a group of seamstresses who literally "sewed for their lives," the author describes how a small group of women [25, to be exact] at Auschwitz-Birkenau became part of the Upper Tailoring Studio, a fashion workshop established by the commandant's wife, Hedwig, so that she and her friends could have beautiful, fashionable clothing. Although I was aware that the Nazis removed all the possessions of their prisoners once they arrived, I hadn't really thought much about how that clothing and jewelry was repurposed, sold or given to other Germans or the emotional toll it must have taken on the women who sorted through those items in the concentration camp in a place they called Kanada. Not only did these seamstresses, some of whom who came to the fashion workshop after sorting in Canada, rely on their wit and skills to survive, but they formed strong bonds with each other, making it clear that family, friendship, and loyalty were essential to making it through each day. The author carefully sets the events of the Holocaust against a fashion and dressmaking backdrop, often referring to the Nazis' actions with an appropriately biting, accusing tone. While the story itself is fascinating and important, at times the organization and detail hinder the storytelling since there are so many individuals whose paths to concentration camp seamstresses were very different. Still, this one is worth a read because it opens readers' eyes to the wages of war and the bounties that are often plundered by the aggressors. ...more
This one is a 3,5 for me. This picture book's clever title, its richly detailed illustrations, and its focus on one Lower East Side building's 100+ yeThis one is a 3,5 for me. This picture book's clever title, its richly detailed illustrations, and its focus on one Lower East Side building's 100+ year history. provides readers a glimpse into that particular New York City neighborhood through the eyes of five youngsters who lived on different floors during different time periods. While their countries of origin, languages, and cultures may be quite different [Russia, Italy, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and China], they share many of the same concerns, hopes and dreams. Beginning in 1910 when Jenny Epstein and her family cross the ocean to live above her uncle's pickled store and concluding with the daily lives of Wei Yei and his family, the book packs in quite a lot of experiences, including how each family brought rich flavors and their own influences to their new neighborhood as well as how the youngsters communicate with the relatives they left back home. It's interesting to note how the neighborhood changes over time and pay attention to snippets of current events or preoccupations as highlighted by the front pages of newspapers placed in the bottom corner of the pages. Arguably, this is a romanticized version of the immigration experience, and while it has value, it should not be read as the definitive story of coming to the United States. While it's somewhat questionable that there would be so many connections from one generation to the next [for instance, one child has her neighbor for a teacher], this particular tale and journey may prompt introspection about what all of us have in common as well as possibly inspiring young readers to interview their own family members about their journeys, stories, and what mattered most to them. The illustrations, created with gouache and Photoshop, are striking and quite detailed, necessitating more than a quick glance. It will fit well in a collection of immigration or family history stories. ...more
This one is a 3,5 for me. Readers of The Arabic Quilt will recognize Kanzi, this picture book's protagonist. As time has passed, she has come to feel This one is a 3,5 for me. Readers of The Arabic Quilt will recognize Kanzi, this picture book's protagonist. As time has passed, she has come to feel comfortable and accepted in her new classroom. But when she learns that many of the books featuring diverse characters have been banned from the school library by the school district, Her classmates and teacher rally around Kanzi as she spearheads a bake sale and protest against the removal of these books. Inspired by her grandmother's example from the 2011 Egyptian uprising, Kanzi speaks up during the protest, listing many of the positive aspects of books and the importance of representation and empathy. While the happy ending to this story might be rather unlikely, given the current divisive climate and the efforts of some individuals to silence voices and thwart intellectual freedom, Kanzi's story offers hope and some steps that youngsters and community members can take when this sort of thing happens. Readers won't want to miss the Author's Note, sharing her own experience with book banning, and a yummy recipe for baklava. Like the previous book, this one opens readers' hearts and minds, showing that one person can make a difference and some things are worth taking a stand for. The faces of the students, their teacher, and their librarian as well as Kanzi's grandmother, are filled with emotion, and it's nice to see that quilt from the other book displayed on the school's walls as well as to see the good guys win for once. Now, more than ever, we need diverse books and individuals to stand up for them. ...more
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