Fauja Singh Keeps Going

Fauja Singh Keeps GoingFauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon by Baljinder Kaur, Simrat Jeet Singh
Published by Kokila on August 25, 2020
ISBN: 0525555099
Pages: 48
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Oh my goodness, I loved this book. It’s the inspirational story of Fauja Singh, a 108 year old marathon runner who didn’t start running until he was 81. Singh was born with a weakness in his legs that led people to believe he would be unable to walk. With daily encouragement from his mother he worked at it until, at five years old, he was able to. He grew up to have a farm and family and was happy. After his children were grown his wife passed away and he moved in with family in England but was lonely and depressed there as he didn’t speak English. After seeing people running a race on TV he decided he needed to run and he hasn’t stopped. This man is amazing! He found a coach and ran his first marathon at 89! A great book about running, determination, and even how difficult a move to a new country can be, this book is uplifting and it would be a great addition to any upper elementary school classroom.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

A Ben of All Trades: The Most Inventive Boyhood of Benjamin Franklin

A Ben of All Trades: The Most Inventive Boyhood of Benjamin FranklinA Ben of All Trades: The Most Inventive Boyhood of Benjamin Franklin by Matt Tavares, Michael J. Rosen
on March 17, 2020
ISBN: 1536201219
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

BEN OF ALL TRADES is a lovely biography for ages 4- 10 and up,  about young Benjamin Franklin . Ben desperately desires to become a man of the sea.  HIs father, Josiah, tries over and over –  unsuccessfully,  to convince young Ben that this is not a good choice. “Son of mine,” says Josiah, “I will not see another Franklin lost to the sea.”  Ben tried many jobs during his early years: a joiner, a boot closer, a turner and a chandler. None were to his satisfaction. Eventually  Josiah  tells Ben  that he will sign indentures with his brother James’s print shop where Ben was to  become a journeyman.  “Perhaps you will read and study and write to the contentment of your heart.,” And so it was there, at the print shop,  that Ben, from his roots as a reader and a “woolgatherer,” blossomed. In time,  he became an inventor,  ambassador, political leader, journalist, editor, college president, scientist and postmaster!

A GORGEOUSLY  illustrated book depicting the activities of young Ben Franklin. Children will be pulled in by the engaging  and realistic illustrations of artist,  Matt Tavares.

BEN OF ALL TRADES shows us a deeply determined  and curious young boy, willing to  experiment with the many activities that ultimately lead to his successful career.

Could be used to exemplify the valuable traits of persistence and of knowing oneself well

Also, very useful when studying “childhood biographies of famous people.”

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME

 

five-stars

The Dark Matter of Mona Staff

The Dark Matter of Mona StaffThe Dark Matter of Mona Starr by Laura Lee Gulledge
on April 7, 2020
ISBN: 1419742000
Pages: 182
Goodreads
five-stars

This graphic novel by Page by Paige author, Laura Lee Gulledge, is a book that everyone may need to read right now. Mona is the artsy oddball of her family. When her best friend moves away and Mona feels overwhelmed, alone, and sad; then her depression (or “dark matter”) begins to overwhelm her. Many readers in 2021 will relate to feeling overwhelmed and sad because of the isolation due to the current pandemic. Mona shares her story honestly with the reader in chapter titles that read as comforting pieces of advice: Notice Your Patterns, Break Your Cycles, Turn Emotion into Action, and Pull Yourself Up…With Help. The grayscale pictures are equally illuminating. Gulledge illustrates Mona’s “dark matter” in different ways for different situations, such as a black blanket that engulfs Mona or a monster that binds her in doubt. Mona’s diary and sketches are included that provide extra insight into her creativity and her depression; these pages burst with emotional impact. The author shares the connections between Mona and her personal story at the end of the book, along with playlists, reading lists, and her personal self-care plan. Recommended for grades 8 and up. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

five-stars

Your Corner Dark

Your Corner DarkYour Corner Dark by Desmond Hall
Published by Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books on January 19, 2021
ISBN: 1534460713
Pages: 384
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In Desmond Hall’s, Your Corner Dark, a picture of Jamaica will emerge that will not be seen in any tourist brochures. Eighteen-year-old Frankie Green has tried to make his father proud. He has studied in schools, stayed away from the dangerous and politically corrupt gang life of Jamaica, but then a series of events forces him to join his uncle’s gang (posse) in order to support his family. Trying to balance family responsibilities with friendships, a budding romance, and his personal ambitions, Frankie finds himself between a rock and a hard place (which in Jamaican culture is known as “your corner dark.”). Debut author Desmond Hall, who was born in Jamaica and lost his uncle to violence, draws a picture of a country that lives in fear of the gangs that are aligned with the two major political parties. Recommended for fans of Angie Thomas, Renee Watson, and Lamar Giles, grades 7 and up.

To learn more about the author, this book, and Jamaica, watch an interview with the author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkun-R5_YfY 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

five-stars

THE LADY WITH THE BOOKS

Published by Kids Can Press Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
five-stars
THE LADY WITH THE BOOKS  is a picture book  inspired by the  remarkable works of a Jewish woman, Jella Lepman (who, with her two children had to flee Germany during Hitler’s reign.)

One day, at the end of WW!!,  Anneliese and Peter, who lived in Munich,   joined a long line of people,  which they thought  was a food line.  They were surprised to find, that instead,  they had been waiting to view an  exhibition of 40,000 international books!  This international collection had been gathered by Jella Lepman.  This story imagines what it must have been like for children who attended this exhibition at the Haus der Kunst, the art museum in Munich.

This is a lovely and very meaningful story,  all the more engaging as we learn of Anneliese and Peter’s daily struggle to survive at the end of the war.  The illustrations are child engaging and expressive.

There is a short biography of Jella Lepman in the back of the book as well as information regarding the book collection itself. – mention of some best loved stories,  read  the world over as in their many translations.  Jella was a founder of the International Board on Books for Young People. The collection, (since 1983 is housed in Blutenburg Castle in Munich, Germany,)  has grown to  a lending library of 30,000 books.  She decided to have one American book translated into 30,000 German copies! That  much loved book  was  “The Story of Ferdinand” by Munro Leaf.

This book presents a wonderful perspective on  “unexplored history.”  By sharing books from many countries children are “building bridges” to a greater understanding of other cultures –  Very appropriate particularly in current times. It also  is an excellent model of “good character,” and thus useful when doing “character” studies.

 

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME. .

five-stars

What Makes Us

What Makes UsWhat Makes Us by Rafi Mittlefehldt
Published by Candlewick Press on October 15, 2019
ISBN: 0763697508
Pages: 352
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
This incredibly heavy book attempts to tackle many topics and themes, some of which are parent/child relationships, prejudice, violence in protest, and terrorism.  Unfortunately, the overall message of the book gets lost in too many plot points and viewpoints from three different main characters.  First is Eran who has grown up with only his very stoic and private mother.  His mother formerly known as Devorah.  And Eran’s new friend Jade who knows her parents are keeping something from her.  The main storyline features Eran’s passion about social justice and protest plan that goes wrong.  He ends up in a shoving match with another person caught on camera.  The press then digs into his past and discovers the truth about Eran’s father and his family.  Devorah’s storyline is told via flashbacks to Eran’s childhood and the fallout from what his father did.  Intertwined with this is Jade’s storyline of being on the fringe of Eran’s life and struggling with whatever secret her family is keeping from her.  Her’s is the storyline that really over-complicates.   There’s a lot to relate to the current climate, with unjust hatred and racism being lobbied at innocent parties simply because their background is another religion or country.  Mittlefehldt’s second book falls short of its goals by including too much.  It may still be of interest to teens studying the current political climate or talking about peaceful vs violent protest.  Best for grades 8+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

three-stars

SNOW SONG

SNOW SONGSnow Song by A.K. Riley, Dawn Lo
Published by Kids Can Press on October 6, 2020
ISBN: 1525302353
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
A picture book for ages 3-7 that charmingly shows us a “celebration of snow.”  Written in rhythmic free verse at a sometimes slow/sometimes quicker pace . SNOW SONG is sure to be enjoyed by young children as they, themselves may relate to a similar experience.

A little girl explores her own neighborhood after a snowfall.  She  delights in experiencing the many sensations of the snow as she eagerly engages in sledding, skating, and playing,  along with friends.  The text is rich and “lush.”  And one  “knows”  that the little girl is experiencing a winter wonderland with love and delight! The ending depicts the little girl staring at the sky out her bedroom window,  Concluding lines:

All the stars

Bright falling stars

Are made of

Snow.

A nice book for a winter themed books, poetry, and for shows us  that a few friends can enhance the experience of the out of doors.  Soft, “drifty and  dreamy,”  expressive and sweet, illustrations compliment SNOW SONG story so nicely.  Perhaps pair with “The Snowy Day,” by Jack Ezra Keats.

 

reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Porltand, ME

three-stars

LITTLE WISE WOLF

LITTLE WISE WOLFLittle Wise Wolf by Gijs van der Hammen, Hanneke Siemensma
Published by Kids Can Press on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 1525305492
Pages: 34
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
LITTLE WISE WOLF is  charming and endearing picture book for ages 4 through 8 years.  It’s  about the importance of relationships and community all  “disguised” in  a lovely, folktale like story. about a  wise little wolf who loves to read and  thinks he knows just about everything.   This fact made Wise Little Wolf feel VERY PROUD! In fact,  he reads so much that he cannot  find the time to answer his friends (animals, also) questions.  “I don’t have time for your questions,” he muttered.  One day, the kIng’s crow beckons Wise Little Wolf to visit the ailing kIng immediately because he thinks only Wise Little Wolf can heal  him.   Reluctantly, Wise Little Wolf sets off, but soon finds that he is not up to the journey.  He becomes  tired and hungry on the long journey.  Reluctantly, at first, but knowing it’s the right thing to do. his  friends decide to help him out.  After completing his journey AND  healing the the King, Wise Little Wolf  is  humbled as he realizes that, indeed, he does not know everything and that sometimes one needs to  rely on friends.

This book has vivid and engaging  illustrations that compliment the pace of the text and the plot  .For discussion purposes with chidren,  WISE LITTLE WOLF  shows us that it sometimes “takes a village” and that it’s okay, in time of need,  to accept help form others.

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME

four-stars

After Dark: Poems About Nocturnal Animals

After Dark: Poems About Nocturnal AnimalsAfter Dark: Poems about Nocturnal Animals by David L Harrison, Stephanie Laberis
ISBN: 1629797170
Genres: Animals, Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Figurative language seamlessly mixed with facts in free verse describe each of 21 animals. Many of the facts tell it like it is – which may make some readers squirm a bit. The poems often describe mating, physical characteristics, dietary habits and other behaviors. 

Some cute animals (owl, mouse, fox) and some not considered as cute (slugs, tarantula, cockroach) are all illustrated ( by Stephanie Laberis) in realistic one- and two-page spreads. White font is easy to read against the dark night background. The “And Did You Also Know…?” feature gives more details about each animal  using bullets. The raccoon is featured on the back cover.

This book could be used in many elementary lessons: poetry, nocturnal animals, figurative language, or just for the pleasure of reading aloud or silently.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

The Problem with Problems

The Problem with ProblemsThe Problem with Problems by Rachel Rooney, Zehra Hicks
Published by Andersen on March 5, 2020
ISBN: 1783448717
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
The reader will need to infer what ‘The Problem” is with problems. Rather, this book helps the reader identify various types of problems and how to deal with them. It recognizes that some situations are problems for some people, but not others. Reads easily like a narrative, but there are no main characters or story line.

Some solutions are specific, such as “ignore them”; figurative language describes others (…will wilt when they’re left in the shade) and may need adult explanation if warranted. Overall, it is a welcoming way to introduce, explain, or brainstorm ways a child could deal with most any problem they may encounter – big or small. The final message to share them is critical, and a lesson even adults could consider doing.

Cartoonish, bright, full-color illustrations show children in various situations dealing with creatures of non-descript shapes

UsePair with “What Do You Do With a Problem?” (Kobi Yamada, 2016) or “Penguin Problems” (Jory John, 2016).

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

four-stars