King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender

~ Janet Dawson ~ 1 Comment

Published by Scholastic

King and the Dragonflies: Callender, Kacen: 9781338129335: Amazon ...

Summary:  King and his parents are barely able to function as they try to deal with the grief over the sudden death of King’s older brother Khalid.  King is also starting to recognize his feelings for Sandy, a boy he used to be friends with until they had a fight.  Sandy had confided in King that he is gay, and King told him he might be too.  Khalid overheard the conversation, and told King that he couldn’t be gay, that dealing with being Black was enough.  When Sandy runs away from his abusive father, King is the only one who knows where he is, and ends up lying to his friends and family to protect him.  As King slowly works through his anger, grief, and shame, he realizes that it’s time to speak the truth about Sandy, Khalid, and himself, even if it means risking losing the people he loves.  272 pages; grades 4-8.

Pros:  In the acknowledgements, Kacen Callender writes of a conversation they had with their editor, Andrea Davis Pinkney, about the fact that Pinkney had never seen a middle-grade novel about a gay Black boy.  Well, now she has, and it is beautifully written, with a dreamy quality appropriate for the Louisiana bayou in which it’s set.  This book just won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for fiction, and I’m sure it will be a contender for other awards.

Cons:  That dreamy quality made the beginning kind of slow, and it took me awhile to get into the story.

If you would like to buy this book on Amazon, click here.

Cannonball by Sacha Cotter, illustrated by Josh Morgan

~ Janet Dawson ~ 1 Comment

Published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Cannonball: Cotter, Sacha, Morgan, Josh: 9781728217567: Amazon.com ...

Cannonball: Cotter, Sacha, Morgan, Josh: 9781728217567: Amazon.com ...

Summary:  A young boy dreams of doing a cannonball off the diving board, but his attempts find him clinging fearfully to the diving board or entering the water with barely a splash.  He gets lots of advice from friends and family (“More weight.  More height.  More hair.  Bigger shorts”), but nothing seems to work.  Finally, everyone gives up on him except for his Nan, who knows he can do the perfect cannonball if he listens to his own heart and mind.  Encouraged, the boy finds his own way to do his clothing, hair, and makeup before climbing onto the diving board once again.  Not surprisingly, this time he meets with success and a gigantic splash.  Includes a glossary with four diving terms and two Maori words.  40 pages; ages 3-7.

Pros:  A fun summertime read with a message about being yourself and listening to your own inner voice.  The illustrations are bright and colorful.  Nan is a superstar.

Cons:  Other than the glossary and a tiny note on the verso page that this was originally published in New Zealand, there was no reference to the Maori culture.  I had to read reviews to learn that the characters in the story are Maori.  Since this is a culture likely to be unfamiliar to American readers, it would have been nice to have an introductory note, somewhere.

If you would like to buy this book on Amazon, click here.

I’m Trying to Love Rocks by Bethany Barton

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Published by Viking Books for Young Readers

I'm Trying to Love Rocks: Barton, Bethany: 9780451480958: Amazon ...

I'm Trying to Love Rocks by Barton, Bethany - Amazon.ae

Summary:  The author of three other I’m Trying to Love… books makes seemingly dull, boring rocks come alive with a spirited girl narrator who corrects the off-the-page speaker by showing how rocks tell interesting stories.  She identifies the three types of rocks, explaining how each kind is formed, and goes on to show examples of work geologists do that kids will relate to.  She makes a brief plug for scientists in general, “Science isn’t about having the answers–it’s about asking questions.”  A careful examination of the end papers indicates that her mission has been accomplished: the front papers show a bunch of rocks, each one labeled “rock”, while the end ones have each rock correctly labeled.  40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  Another lively, informative entry in this series, with plenty of humor, bright cartoon-style illustrations and comic bubble dialogue. This would make a perfect introduction to a unit on rocks for preschool and primary grades.

Cons:  No back matter. 

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Ocean Speaks: How Marie Tharp Revealed the Ocean’s Biggest Secret by Jess Keating, illustrated by Katie Hickey

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Published by Tundra Books (Released June 30)

Ocean Speaks: How Marie Tharp Revealed the Ocean's Biggest Secret ...

Ocean Speaks: Marie Tharp and the Map That Moved the Earth by Jess ...

Summary:  Growing up in the 1920’s and 1930’s, Marie Tharp wasn’t encouraged to pursue her interests in science.  During World War II, however, she was able to study geology and got a job in a lab in New York.  When the men came back from war, they were the ones who went out on research ships to study the ocean, while Marie stayed back in the lab.  She began using the data collected from this research to create a map of the ocean.  Her map revealed a rift valley and mountain ranges under the ocean.  When her work was called into question, she did it over again, coming up with the same results.  Eventually, her mapping was accepted by the scientific world, changing the way scientists think about the geology of the earth.  Includes an author’s note, photo, list of questions and answers, and resources for further reading.  34 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  An excellent introduction to the life of a little-known woman scientist that could be used alongside Robert Burleigh’s Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea (2016).  The illustrations complement the text nicely; I particularly like the ones that show Marie sailing on an ocean of ink in a paper boat as she pursues her explorations of the ocean back in the lab.

Cons:  This doesn’t offer as much of the science of continental drift that Tharp helped discover as Burleigh’s book does.

If you would like to buy this book on Amazon, click here.

Jasmine Green Rescues: A Collie Named Sky by Helen Peters, illustrated by Ellie Snowdon

~ Janet Dawson ~ 1 Comment

Published by Walker Books/Candlewick (released September 1)

Jasmine Green Rescues: A Collie Called Sky by Helen Peters ...

Jasmine Green Rescues: A Piglet Called Truffle by Helen Peters ...

Summary:  Jasmine loves animals and seems to have a penchant for rescuing them (the pig and duck that she rescued in books 1 and 2 are introduced in the first chapter).  When she finds a half-starved puppy in a hedge, she immediately goes into action to save him, calling her mother at her veterinary office to order an IV and special dog food.  Mom predictably warns Jasmine not to get too attached, but we all know how that goes, and Jasmine proves herself to be an excellent vet’s assistant and dog trainer.  She names the puppy Sky and teaches him all sorts of commands, including how to find her and her friend Tom.  This proves critical when Jasmine gets hurt far from home, and must depend on Sky to get her help.  When the previous owner is found, it looks like Jasmine will have to give Sky back, but don’t worry, there’s a happy ending for all.  My advance copy had a note reading, “Final book will contain bonus material”; I’m hoping that means some pet care tips at the end. 160 pages; grades 2-4.

Pros:  Originally published in the UK, this series will appeal to animal lovers who are ready to move to slightly longer, but still illustrated, chapter books.  As per usual these days, I couldn’t get book 1 (which is already available; the pages shown above are from that book), so I had to start with book 3, but I found it an engaging read, with Jasmine a strong and likeable heroine.  There are also plenty of tips woven into the story on what it takes to be a good owner, and some subtle warnings to not take on the responsibility of dog ownership unless you’re ready for a 15-year commitment.

Cons:  Sky is referred to interchangeably as a collie and a border collie, and there seems to be a significant difference between the two breeds.  Based on context clues and the illustrations, I’m going to go with border collie.

To pre-order this book from Amazon, click here.  To order book 1, click here.

Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes

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Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Black Brother, Black Brother: Rhodes, Jewell Parker: 9780316493802 ...

Summary:  Donte wishes he could be less visible, like his lighter-skinned older brother, Trey, but his dark skin makes him stand out at the elite Middlefield Prep in the suburbs of Boston.  After being unjustly accused by a teacher, Donte winds up being arrested and sent to jail before being suspended for a week.  It’s during this suspension that he finds out about a former Olympic fencer who works at a Boys and Girls Club in Boston.  Donte’s worst enemy at Middlefield is the star of the fencing team, so he decides to seek out the coach to train him.  To his surprise, he ends up excelling at fencing, and his love of the sport eventually eclipses his desire for revenge.  Trey, Donte, and a brother and sister from the club form a fencing team, and their participation in the Massachusetts regional championships bring the story to a satisfying conclusion.  240 pages; grades 4-7.

Pros:  While last year’s The New Kid brought to light microaggressions against kids of color at an elite mostly-white prep school, this book features much more blatant racism from students, teachers, and administrators.  Fans of Kwame Alexander and Jason Reynolds will enjoy this fast-paced sports story, and readers everywhere will learn the importance of seeing othersand being seen by others.

Cons:  As is so often the case in stories about school bullying, educators came across by and large as clueless chuckleheads.

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A Space for Me by Cathryn Falwell

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Published by Lee & Low Books

A Space for Me by Cathryn Falwell | Lee & Low Books

Summary:  It’s not fair.  The narrator has to share a room with his younger brother Lucas, even though his older sister Emma gets her own room.  He tries the time-tested method of drawing a line down the middle  of the room, but Lucas isn’t too good about following the rules on that.  One day the younger boy knocks down a tower, spills the crayon box, breaks a favorite dragon, and tosses puzzle pieces into the air.  His older brother has had it, and goes in search of his own space.  He finds a place in the backyard, and Emma helps him set up a space.  For a while, all is well, but one day he sees Lucas watching him sadly through the window.  Turns out Lucas is lonely having the room all to himself.  His brother helps him set up his own space in the backyard, and they enjoy hanging out separately sometimes and playing together other times.  32 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  Anyone who has had a sibling or shared a room will understand the love/hate relationship perfectly portrayed in this simple story.  

Cons:  The separate-spaces-in-the-backyard solution seems pretty weather dependent.

If you would like to buy this book on Amazon, click here.

The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead

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Published by Wendy Lamb Books

The List of Things That Will Not Change: Stead, Rebecca ...

Summary:  12-year-old Bea looks back over the last few years of her life, starting when she is 8 and her parents are getting a divorce.  They give her a notebook with the beginnings of “A List of Things That Will Not Change”, which starts with her parents’ love for her.  Two years later, her father and his boyfriend Jesse announce their engagement.  She’s thrilled, especially when she learns that Jesse’s daughter, Sonia, is also 10.  Bea will be getting the sister she’s always wanted, even if Sonia spends most of her time in California.  But the road to the wedding proves to be a bumpy one, as Bea has to deal with the fact that Sonia doesn’t seem quite as happy about being sisters; that Jesse has a brother who can’t accept him and has stopped speaking to him; and most of all, that she is carrying a terrible secret from the previous summer that she worries is about to come back to haunt her.  As the wedding day draws near, Bea must learn to trust her friends and family enough to tell them what is going on so that she can embrace the changes happening in her family.  224 pages; grades 3-7.

Pros:  Rebecca Stead once again proves her mastery at writing an absorbing middle-grade novel.  The plot could be nothing special in the hands of another writer, but Stead’s characters and attention to detail are what really make the magic happen.  This is sure to get some Newbery consideration.

Cons:  I enjoyed this more than Liar & Spy (I wasn’t much of a fan), but not quite as engaging and emotionally complex as Goodbye, Stranger.  And will anything ever match When You Reach Me? 

If you would like to buy this book on Amazon, click here.

Listening

~ Janet Dawson ~ 1 Comment

In the early stay-at-home days of Covid-19, I heard people saying they were having trouble focusing enough to read a book.  I was grateful not to have that problem.  Sure, it’s a stressful time, but I feel like it’s finite.  A vaccine, herd immunity…eventually life will get back to normal.  (That’s just my experience; I am not invalidating anyone else’s!).

But in the last week, I haven’t been able to read for more than a few minutes at a time.  There’s no vaccine coming for racism.  And it seems like every few years, that racism leads to explosions of violence and burning cities.  With the pandemic, getting back to normal is my greatest wish.  With racism, it’s my greatest fear.

I’ve been to a couple of protests this week, and one of my biggest takeaways is that white people need to stop talking and listen.  I’m giving myself a few days off of reading and blogging, and I invite you to listen to some authors and illustrators who have taught me a little bit about what it’s like to be Black in America (Based on my blog.  Forgive me for any omissions):

Dapo Adeola, Roda Ahmed, Jacqueline Alcantara, Kwame Alexander, Troy Andrews, Derrick Barnes, Melba Pattillo Beals, Daniel Bernstrom, Becky Birtha, Keturah A. Bobo, Tonya Bolden, Jo Ann Allen Boyce, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Ashley Bryan, Howard Bryant, Nathan Bryon, Grace Byers, Tami Charles, R. Gregory Christie, Lesa Cline-Ransom, Brandy Colbert, Bryan Collier, Floyd Cooper, Jerry Craft, Nina Crews, Christopher Paul Curtis, Ken Daley, Junot Diaz, Sharon Draper, Erica Armstrong Dunbar, Alice Faye Duncan, Zetta Elliott, Tonya Engel, Shane Evans, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, Laura Freeman, Nikki Giovanni, Ebony Glenn, Xia Gordon, Eloise Greenfield, Nikki Grimes, April Harrison, Ekua Holmes, John Holyfield, Rita Lorraine Hubbard, Gordon C. James, Veronica Miller Jamison, Angela Johnson, Jade Johnson, Varian Johnson, Angela Joy, Vivian Kirkfield, London Ladd, Francie Latour, E. B. Lewis, Mariama Lockington, Kelly Starling Lyons, Kekla Magoon, Torrey Maldonado, Janae Marks, Bre McCoy, Breanna J. McDaniel, Patricia McKissack, Michelle Meadows, Tony Medina, Sharee Miller, Daniel Minter, Oge Mora, Frank Morrison, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Walter Dean Myers, Kadir Nelson, Marilyn Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, Vanessa Brantley Newton, Baptiste Paul, Daria Peoples-Riley, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Brian Pinkney, Jerry Pinkney, Connie Porter, Sean Qualls, Lisa Moore Ramee, James E. Ransome, Jason Reynolds, Jewell Parker Rhodes, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Faith Ringgold, Christian Robinson, Chris Sasaki, Connie Schofield-Morrison, Ilyasah Shabazz, Margot Lee Shetterly, Nikki Shannon Smith, Ronald L. Smith, Javaka Steptoe, Nic Stone, Shadra Strickland, Karen Strong, Don Tate, Quevenzhane Wallace, Charles Walters, Renee Watson, Carole Boston Weatherford, Alicia D. Williams, Rita Williams-Garcia,  Sherri Winston, Brenda Woods, Jacqueline Woodson, Elizabeth Zunon

Rónán and the Mermaid: A Tale of Old Ireland by Marianne McShane, illustrated by Jordi Solano

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Published by Candlewick

Rónán and the Mermaid: A Tale of Old Ireland: McShane, Marianne ...

Rónán and the Mermaid: A Tale of Old Ireland: McShane, Marianne ...

Summary:  When Brother Declan discovers a boy lying in the sand surrounded by seals, he takes him back to the Abbey of Bangor.  As he picks up the boy, he notices two things: a flash of gold in the water and a silver ring with the letter L on it in the boy’s hand.  As the boy recovers, he tells the monks that his name is Rónán, and that he and his father were caught in a storm while out fishing.  His father drowned, and as Rónán hears stories from the monks about mermaids, he starts to believe he was saved by one, specifically a legendary mermaid named Lihan.  The boy stays at the abbey, learning to do chores and to play the harp.  One night he hears the song of the mermaid, and plays his harp back to her.  The next morning, he goes out in a boat and finds Lihan.  It turns out she’s been waiting 300 years for peace, which she thinks can be had by getting blessed by the abbott.  Rónán brings her back to the abbey, and Lihan receives the blessing, is christened Muirgen, and becomes known as the Mermaid Saint.  Includes an author’s note telling the origins of this story.  32 pages; grades K-5.

Pros:  A fun and interesting retelling of a tale that will appeal to anyone with an interest in mermaids (selkies are mentioned as well).  The watercolor paintings add the right touch with their renderings of the Irish coast and the sea.

Cons:  The ending was kind of anti-climactic.  If I ran across a mermaid, I don’t know what my first thought would be, but it wouldn’t be to turn her into a saint.

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