Month: May 2020

Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir

Almost American Girl: An Illustrated MemoirAlmost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir by Robin Ha
Published by Balzer + Bray on January 28, 2020
ISBN: 0062685104
Pages: 240
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Author Robin Ha describes her life as a lonely teenager that has newly immigrated to America. Her mother, being an unwed mother in South Korea leads a difficult life, brought Robin to America on what Robin thought was a vacation, ending up being a permanent relocation. In this illustrated memoir, she shares her troubles and thoughts of what it was like as an immigrant.

Illustrations are well done and colorful with flashbacks to Seoul done in a sepia tone. Definitely heartfelt, but not sure that it is something that will fly off the shelves. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

 

four-stars

The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington

The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George WashingtonThe First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington by Brad Meltzer, Josh Mensch
Published by Roaring Brook Press on January 7, 2020
ISBN: 1250244838
Pages: 368
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The First Conspiracy regales an little known account of a conspiracy plot to assassinate George Washington during the Revolutionary War, while Washington was the leader of the Continental Army. George Washington was able to decipher this plot against him that was created by the then Governor of colonial New York, William Tyron. This is the first know documented use of American counterespionage.

Fast paced, dramatic and intriguing, author Brad Meltzer has created another historical work that still has unknown answers. A great read for history buffs that will leave the reader wanted to know more. Recommended for grade 10 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

Lin Manuel Miranda

Lin Manuel MirandaLin-Manuel Miranda: Revolutionary Playwright, Composer, and Actor by Heather E. Schwartz
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1, 2019
ISBN: 154155616X
Pages: 48
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Biographies about people currently involved in sports, entertainment and those of historical value attract the attending of primary and intermediate grade (3-6) students. Lin Manuel Miranda is a well known and loved playwright in addition to be an actor on Broadway.   Students assigned their first bio may find this slim but well written offering written by an experienced author for the Gateway Biographies series.

The information covers Miranda’s childhood, education, family life and professional career. Photos are typically clear and attractive; many are credited to Getty Images. This talented personality may be known to students or this biography could be an introduction to an important contributor to American theater.   End pages provide selected bibliography, further reading, websites, and an index. Public libraries with interest in current biographies will want to add this title.   School media specialist should consider for their collections.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth service librarian.

four-stars

Will Giraffe Laugh?

Will Giraffe Laugh?Will Giraffe Laugh? by Hilary Leung
Published by Cartwheel Books on January 29, 2019
ISBN: 1338215612
Pages: 38
Genres: Humor
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

An unhappy giraffe needs his friends to cheer him up but it is not working.   This board book uses humor and adorable characters to deal with emotions on a level that toddlers will understand.  Most interactions fail to produce the desired reaction making all the animals sad; their sadness is visible in their facial expressions.  The majority of the background colors set off the illustrations in an appealing way.

Will Giraffe Laugh?  Is a good title to help young children understand grumpy feelings and a bad day.  During our current stay at home pandemic this book would be very useful in almost any home with children.    A recommended title for day care centers and should be considered in public libraries where board book collections are large.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars

This is Baby

This is BabyThis Is Baby by Jimmy Fallon, Miguel Ordóñez
Published by Feiwel & Friends on October 8, 2019
ISBN: 1250245605
Pages: 40
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A cute presentation for a typical part of the body baby book with some difficulties.  The text has a rhyming quality that is sure to entertain little ones and their preschool siblings.  It might have been nice however if the introduction was in the book rather than on the book jacket.    While the illustrations are cute and silly young children will be unable to identify some body parts as it is confusing.   Although not a board book this is intended for young children and would be improved with some white space.  The background pastel colors blend in with the babies and animals distracting attention.

Not a necessary purchase  for public libraries or day care centers.   Families who own the previous family titles by this author will want This is Baby.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

 

three-stars

My Fourth of July

My Fourth of JulyMy Fourth of July by Jerry Spinelli, Larry Day
Published by Neal Porter Books on May 14, 2019
ISBN: 0823442888
Pages: 40
Genres: Folklore, Realistic Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Spinelli has captured a holiday celebration right out of my kid’s childhood on Cape Cod.  The Fourth of July always came complete with parade, games, food and naturally fireworks.   This story is nostalgic yet it will ring true for most adults and children who have participated in such a town event.  The train all decked out in flags is a special touch emphasizing the patriotic nature of the holiday.

Day portrays the children as they naturally would be; gleeful, active, and excited.  He captures their enthusiasm as well as their weariness at the end of the day.  The two-page spread of our active boy   winding down is classic.   Although the Fourth of July may not resemble this observance in 2020 the   book should be included in holiday sections of public libraries.  This title will open conversations about the flag and lead to discussions concerning patriotism.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth service librarian in Scarborough, ME.

 

four-stars

Gravity

GravityGravity by Sarah Deming
Published by Make Me a World on November 12, 2019
ISBN: 0525581030
Pages: 400
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Although this book contains lots of realism and some romance it is truly a sport story that is full of personal growth sprinkled with grit.  Gravity’s life improves when she joins a boxing gym that offers her the opportunity to develop skills in the ring and friendship in the club.   What this character lacks in experience and privilege is balanced by her strong personal identity and will to achieve her goals.  Readers will cheer for her as a boxer and as a struggling inner-city teen.  Deming exposes us to the life of female boxers while introducing one of the strongest characters of the year.  With each blow thrown, lessons are learned in this somewhat hauntingly sad yet hopeful book.  The cover perfectly depicts the spirit of the text and Gravity’s personality.

Public librarians should add to their YA collections and high schools will want to place on their shelves.  “Gravity” is a great gift  book for any athletic student over grade 8.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

five-stars

Who’s Hiding in the Woods

Who’s Hiding in the WoodsWho's Hiding in the Woods? by Katharine McEwen
Published by Nosy Crow on December 9, 2019
ISBN: 1536208205
Pages: 10
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a board book loaded with flaps and information. Each page is set in a different season, and finally at night, and each ends with the question, “Who’s hiding here?” Each page has 5 flaps on it, and each flap has information about an animal in the appropriate season. For really young readers, the flap information would be too much, but they’ll love lifting all the flaps and seeing the animals hiding underneath. The illustrations are collage style, colorful, and not too busy so as too distract. There are lots of high contrasting colors which appeal to babies. Overall, this is a solid board book, and I’d recommend it for babies and toddlers.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Narwhals and Other Whales

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Narwhals and Other WhalesNarwhals and Other Whales: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House #33: Narwhal on a Sunny Night by Isidre Monés, Mary Pope Osborne, Natalie Pope Boyce
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on January 7, 2020
ISBN: 1984893203
Pages: 128
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is another nonfiction issue of the Magic Tree House series and pairs with Magic Tree House #33: Narwhal on a Sunny Night. This book is full of great and interesting information. It’s a great mix of interesting facts and whale profiles. Did you know that a Bowhead Whale can break through 8 inches of solid ice with its head? Also, they can live for over 200 years!

The depth of the text is such that I would recommend this book for 2nd grade and up. There are many facts and concepts (depths, lengths of time, weights, etc.) that would be beyond the youngest readers’ understanding. Overall, it’s a very interesting book and a great companion for the fiction book.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Where’s the Narwhal?

Where’s the Narwhal?Where's the Narwhal? by Ingela P. Arrhenius
Published by Nosy Crow ISBN: 1536209503
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

All the typical instant appeal items are included in this board book.   The cover is soft and brightly colored featuring an adorable illustration of the star character.  Arrhenius has given this narwhal a shinny look complete with a rainbow horn.   The text is a typical hide and seek where sea creatures are covered with felt cut in ocean designs.  Because of the large font size older siblings will easily be able to read this book to smaller children. Pre-schoolers and toddlers are sure to be delighted by the digital designed creatures as they learn to identify various animals.   Simple and attractive is a great paring for a first book and “Where’s the Narwhal” comes complete with a mirror on the last page.

Great baby gift for ocean loving families and good for public libraries that collect board books. The vinyl cover will clean easily and the soft corners are perfect for babies who are teething.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME.

four-stars