The 12 books of Christmas

~ Janet Dawson ~ 1 Comment

Once again, time has run out for the year. As I look at best books lists from 2023, I see some that I almost reviewed or that I thought about reviewing or that I would have reviewed if I had known about them. Here are a dozen of them.

Cat on the Run in Cat of Death! by Aaron Blabey

Published by Scholastic

The Bad Guys are popular with my students, especially since the movie came out last year. I gave this book a try, but it was too low brow, even for me. I’m sure the kids will love it, though. 192 pages; grades 2-5.

Dust by Dusti Bowling

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

I’ve enjoyed other Dusti Bowling books, and this one looks really good, featuring a girl with severe allergies whose community experiences severe dust storms around the time a mysterious new boy named Adam arrives at her school. 352 pages; grades 4-7.

A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney

Published by Neal Porter Books

Normally I would enthusiastically embrace a book written and illustrated by this team, but when I saw that it was about a boy dealing with his father’s death, I felt like I couldn’t deal with one more picture book about grief. 40 pages; ages 4-8.

Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera

Published by Levine Querido

Dystopian sci-fi isn’t my favorite, so I gave this one a pass, but given how much I enjoyed the Newbery Award-winning The Last Cuentista, I’m sure I would have liked it. It looks like a great one for middle school. 416 pages; grades 5-8.

A Crown for Corina by Laekan Zea Kemp, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

I’ve seen this on some Caldecott prediction and other best books lists, but it somehow never got enough on my radar to review it. A birthday celebration for Corina brings a crown with flowers that celebrate her family connections. 40 pages; grades K-3.

Tiger Daughter by Rebecca Lim

Published by Delacorte Press

This book looks right up my alley (first-generation Chinese-Australian girl dealing with family and friend issues), but I don’t remember hearing about it until I saw it on an end-of-the-year list. It may be because it’s an Australian import, originally published in 2021. 192 pages; grades 5-8.

The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri, illustrated by Daniel Miyares

Published by Levine Querido

I tried to read this story of a journey along the Silk Road but didn’t get past the first few pages. It’s been popping up on a lot of Newbery and best book lists, though. 224 pages; grades 4-7.

Darwin’s Super-Pooping Worm Spectacular by Polly Owen, illustrated by Gwen Millward

Published by Wide Eyed Editions

I feel real regret that I never heard about this book when it came out at the beginning of the year. Looks like a great nonfiction book about how Charles Darwin discovered earthworms’ superpower: pooping. 32 pages; grades 1-4.

Wish Soup: A Celebration of Seollal by Junghwa Park

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

This book came out on December 5, and I had it on hold at the library, but the year ran out before I got my hands on it. A story of the Korean holiday Seollal. 40 pages; ages 4-8.

A Bit of Earth by Karuna Riazi

Published by Greenwillow Books

As I read the description of this retelling of The Secret Garden featuring a Pakistani girl sent to America, I’m kind of shocked that I didn’t read it. It sounds like a book I would have loved. 368 pages; grades 4-7.

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

Published by Feiwel & Friends

I’ve enjoyed books by both Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass, and I started to read this one a couple weeks ago, but again, the year ended before I got to finish it. 224 pages; grades 3-7.

Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith, illustrated by Boulet

Published by First Second

This has gotten many accolades at the end of the year, but my PTSD from reading Beowulf in college prevented me from getting beyond page one of this graphic retelling. 208 pages; grades 4-7.

The Last Slice: A Three Kings Day Treat by Melissa Seron Richardson, illustrated by Monica Arnaldo

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Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Summary: Marta suspiciously eyes La Rosca de Reyes, the cake made specially for Three Kings Day. It looks delicious, but she knows there’s a plastic baby hidden inside, the Niño Dios. In past years, she’s sampled others’ slices, but this year, the relatives say she’s big enough for her own piece. She’s worried that she’ll accidentally swallow the baby, causing it to grow inside her like a seed. Marta resolves not to eat her cake, but one by one, the other family members eat theirs, and the baby Jesus isn’t found. Finally, Marta can’t stand it. She takes a huge bite, and chomps right down on the baby. Everyone cheers, and Marta goes to bed that night feeling pleased that she was so brave and promising herself to eat two slices next year. 40 pages; ages 4-8. 

Pros: A fun and funny celebration of Three Kings Day, and a girl who overcomes her fears and finds her courage rewarded.

Cons: It honestly does feel a little creepy to have a baby baked into a cake.

When the Stars Came Home by Brittany Luby, illustrated by Natasha Donovan

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Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Summary: When Ojiig’s father gets a government job, the family moves to the city. Ojiig misses fishing and picking blueberries, having friendly neighbors, his grandparents Mishomis and Kookum, and seeing the stars at night. His parents buy him glow-in-the-dark stars for his ceiling and a star nightlight, but it’s not the same. One day, Ojiig wakes up to discover that his mother is making him a quilt. With each piece she sews, she tells him a story of one of his ancestors. Finally, she’s done, and Ojiig realizes that the quilt has a giant star design. He’s happily wrapping it around himself when Mishomis and Kookum knock on the door. As he joyfully greets them, he realizes that “Home is where you learn who came before you. Home is where you discover who you are. Home is where you imagine who you might become.” Includes additional information about the author’s Anishinaabeg heritage and quilt making, and a pronunciation guide. 40 pages; ages 4-8. 

Pros: A touching story about discovering what makes home, with indigenous stories and history woven into the contemporary text.

Cons: The back matter was printed on the endpapers.

Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II by Daniel James Brown (adapted for young readers)

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Published by Viking Books for Young Readers

Summary:  Even before the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Japanese Americans faced daily racism, but afterward, things got much worse, as families were rounded up and sent to concentration camps.  This story profiles four young Nisei (those with Japanese ancestry born in America) who fought back in different ways.  Rudy Tokiwa, Fred Shiosaki, and Kata Miho volunteered for the 442nd, a regiment made up entirely of Japanese American men, while Gordon Hirabayashi, a Quaker and conscientious objector, served jail time for refusing to be deported to an internment camp.  The story follows the four young men from December 7, 1941 until shortly after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the end of World War II.  Includes additional resources, notes, a bibliography, and an index.  240 pages; grades 6-9.

Pros:  A fascinating history that shows the courage of so many Japanese Americans during World War II, particularly the young men who were determined to show their loyalty to the United States, even after losing their homes and being sent to internment camps. The 442nd became known as one of the toughest, bravest regiments to fight in Europe. 

Cons:  I loved Gordon Hirabayashi’s story and was disappointed that it kind of fizzled out once the battle action began about halfway through the book.

Two last graphic novels of 2023

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Grace Needs Space by Benjamin A. Wilgus and Rii Abrego

Published by Random House Graphic

A Sky of Paper Stars by Susie Yi

Published by Roaring Brook Press

Summary: These graphic novels tell the stories of two very different girls who are both grappling with family issues. Grace lives on a space station with her divorced mom; her other mom, Ba, is a cargo ship captain traveling from one space settlement to the next. Grace is excited to be going on a trip to Titan (Saturn’s moon) with Ba, but she ends up bored and disappointed when Ba is busy with work most of the time. Desperate to see Titan’s sea, Kraken Mare, she sneaks into a group field trip and almost gets herself into serious trouble. When Ba starts having engine trouble on the way back, she has trouble trusting Grace to help her, but Grace (and Mom) manage to save the day, while Ba sees that her own workaholic nature and unwillingness to ask for help have led to some issues with her family. Includes extra artwork showing the development of the characters and the cover. 208 pages; grades 4-7.

In A Sky of Paper Stars, Yuna feels like she’ll never fit in at school. Her parents cling to Korean traditions, while Yuna wants to be more American. After folding 1,000 paper stars the way her grandmother, Halmoni, taught her, she makes a wish to live in Korea, where she feels like she’ll belong. Almost immediately, her mother gets news that Halmoni has passed away, and the family returns to Korea for the funeral. Feeling like she caused her grandmother’s death, Yuna races to fold another 1,000 stars, hoping to bring Halmoni back to life. Includes an author’s note about her experiences that influenced the story and instructions for folding a paper star. 240 pages; grades 4-7.

Pros: Fans of middle school graphic novels will enjoy both of these stories, each featuring a unique setting that emphasizes the commonality of each girl’s emotions and experiences.

Cons: I’m pretty sure I couldn’t fold one paper star, let alone a thousand.

Butt or Face? By Kari Lavelle

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Published by Sourcebooks

Summary:  This guessing game style book shows a close-up photo of part of an animal, asking the reader: is it the animal’s butt or face?  Turn the page to find out the answer, see a full photograph of the animal, and learn some interesting facts and where in the world it lives.  The author’s note tells how she was inspired by an article she read about farmers in Botswana who painted eyes on the rear ends of their cattle to scare away predators.  Includes a map showing where each animal lives and a chart telling where each one rests its butt and what food goes in its face.  40 pages; grades K-3.

Pros:  I wasn’t sure how this book would be received by exhausted teachers the week before vacation, but so far, they have enjoyed it as much as the kids–which is a lot.  It’s an amazing introduction to animal adaptations.  Look for book 2 in the spring.

Cons:  The photos are pretty hard to figure out, and many of the animals aren’t well known.

Two books about the immigration experience

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Salma Makes a Home by Danny Ramadan, illustrated by Anna Bron

Published by Annick Press

Mina Belongs Here by Sandra Niebuhr-Siebert, illustrated by Lars Baus

Published by Floris Books

Summary: Two girls navigate their new homes after moving from a different country. Readers may know Salma from her picture book, Salma the Syrian Chef. She and her mom have settled into a new apartment in Vancouver, and when the story opens, her dad is on his way to join them. Although she’s thrilled to have Baby back with the family, Salma worries that he won’t like Canada and will go back to Syria. Some heartfelt conversations resolve the issue, and Salma learns that it’s possible to have two homes–the one where you live and the one you remember in your heart. Includes directions for making lanterns like the ones Salma and her mom create in the story. Book 2, Salma Writes a Book, is also available. 120 pages; grades 1-4.

Mina is scared to start kindergarten, even though her mother assures her that she’ll have fun and that the people will be kind. This turns out to be the case, as her teacher warmly greets her the first day, and Mina makes a friend. Each night, she dreams about her experiences, and each day school gets a little easier. The illustrations slowly change from gray to full color, as Mina learns English and becomes a member of the kindergarten community. When a new boy is introduced to the class, Mina is the first to greet him and invite him to play. 40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros: Both books show resilient main characters who successfully deal with the difficulties of moving to a new country and learning a new language, serving as excellent mirrors for those going through the same challenges and windows for kids who may be welcoming new students to their classes.

Cons: Neither book had quite the light touch of Young Vo’s Gibberish, which is still my favorite on this topic.

Unseen Jungle by Eleanor Spicer Rice, illustrated by Rob Wilson

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Published by MIT Kids Press

Summary: After an introduction to different types of microbes, the author looks at different places where these tiny creatures live. There are four parts: house, yard, food, and you, with several section in each. Whether it’s your pet, your bed, or your own body, it’s pretty much impossible to escape the microbes that are everywhere. Fortunately, most are benign or even beneficial to humans, but the ones that take over various creatures, turning their hosts into zombies, are pretty horrifying. In between the descriptions are interviews with scientists whose passion is learning more about the tiny creatures all around us. Includes a few pages at the end with some additional information and resources, as well as directions on how to draw E. coli; also an extensive bibliography. 176 pages; grades 3-6.

Pros: The lighthearted tone and funny illustrations make this a pretty entertaining reading, and kids will no doubt enjoy grossing out their peers, parents, and teachers with the information they learn here. The scientist profiles are a nice addition.

Cons: I may be in the minority here, but I felt like the section on microbes that live on humans was a bit too short. I want to know what I’m up against.

They Hold the Line: Wildfires, Wildlands, and the Firefighters Who Brave Them by Dan Paley, illustrated by Molly Mendoza

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Published by Chronicle Books

Summary: When a fire lookout spots smoke coming from the forest following a lightning strike, firefighters spring into action, digging a fireline to try to keep the fire from spreading. When the fire jumps the line, more strategies are needed, including fighting the fire from airplanes and helicopters. As people are evacuated and animals flee, other workers have jobs setting up camps for the evacuees and the firefighters. Even after the fire has been contained there is still work to be done, extinguishing burning material. Finally, the exhausted firefighters get a well-earned rest, but soon they are back on call awaiting the next fire. Includes additional information on fire ecology, describing old and new approaches, and facts about firefighters with labeled diagrams of their protective gear and supplies. 44 pages; grades 2-5.

Pros: This is a fascinating and timely look at many aspects of wildfires and the people who fight them. Each page has several sidebars with definitions of all kinds of terms used by firefighters. The art resembles old WPA posters, an appropriate style for the topic.

Cons: Some additional resources would have been nice.

One Chicken Nugget by Tadgh Bentley

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Published by Balzer + Bray

Summary: Frank is a monster with a passion for chicken nuggets, especially the ones Celeste sells on her food truck. Since Frank isn’t exactly an ideal customer (scares away other customers, doesn’t pay, terrible table manners), Celeste is desperate for a way to get rid of him. Some library research gives her an idea: the 30-Day Double Nugget Challenge. Each day the number of nuggets offered will doubled, and anyone who can eat them all wins free chicken nuggets for life. Seems easy enough on the first few days but by day 14 (8,192 nuggets), Frank is the only customer left. On day 30, he starts in on the pile of 536,870,912 nuggets and makes it all the way to the final one, and then…. Includes an author’s note and additional information on exponential growth. 40 pages; grades K-3.

Pros: Similar stories have been told for ages (as the author acknowledges in his note), but this is a particularly fun one with humorous monster illustrations that really bring home the concept of exponential growth.

Cons: The interesting endnotes were printed on the back cover, where the taped-down dust jacket obscured approximately one-sixth of them.