Call Me American: The Extraordinary True Story of a Young Somali Immigrant

Call Me American: The Extraordinary True Story of a Young Somali ImmigrantCall Me American: The Extraordinary True Story of a Young Somali Immigrant by Abdi Nor Iftin, Max Alexander
Published by Delacorte Press on 2020
ISBN: 198489711X
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This is the adapted edition of Iftin’s adult memoir, Call Me American. Iftin’s story is one of perseverance and hope. It is the search for a better life, defined in whatever terms one can. Iftin thought that living in America was the best possible thing for him, so he worked and planned and, with a little luck thrown in, made it happen. And Iftin loves America and appreciates the opportunities and education and freedom found here, but America was not as magical as Iftin had built it up in his head (with some help from American action movies). His book is honest and his insights resonate. He is a gifted storyteller who draws the reader in and never lets go. There are a few intense moments in the book, but on the whole this one could be handed to a middle school reader on up. Highly recommend.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

A Portrait in Poems: The Storied Life of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas

A Portrait in Poems: The Storied Life of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. ToklasA Portrait in Poems: The Storied Life of Gertrude Stein and Alice B Toklas by Evie Robillard, Rachel Katstaller
ISBN: 1525300563
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This book uses spare, free-verse poems that relate the fascinating lives of Gertrude Stein and her partner, Alice B. Toklas. It playfully begins with “The next time you go to Paris …” The book concentrates largely on Stein’s domestic life, describing how she and her brother Leo famously collected paintings by Matisse, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Picasso. I think a more conventional narrative format would have been a more interesting choice. Plus, I wanted to know more about what happened to the paintings and about Alice. The Time Line, Snap Shots, and Author’s Note at the end were most interesting.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Real-Life Queens

Real-Life QueensReal-Life Queens by Karen Latchana Kenney
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1, 2019
ISBN: 154155731X
Pages: 24
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
one-star

With limited text, the highlight of the book is its colorful photographs of living queens around the world with emphasis on Queen Elizabeth II. A queen’s responsibilities involve meeting with her people, give advice to leaders, work with charities, and wear pretty clothing. Interspersed amongst the text are bubbles with questions, i.e. “Why might a queen wear a crown?” I’d like to know the answer to that question! There are no source notes, but photo credits are listed. But this book is really all about the photos. Part of a series: Real-Life Kings, Real-Life Princesses, and Real-Life Princes, which are referred to in “Read More” in the back of the book . I would give all of them a pass.

Note: CIP page has the copyright date as 2020.

Reviewer Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

one-star

The Yellow Square of Stonewall

The Yellow Square of StonewallThe Yellow Square of Stonewall by Sonny Dean
ISBN: 0578527359
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

All children understand that shapes fit in different places because of a popular baby toy full of multi colored shapes.   The use of simple and colorful illustrations will attract the attention of young readers and pre-readers.  Dean handles a heartbreaking real-life story in a soft manner that is sure to appeal.  While the book is simple, it deals with huge issues of exclusion and inclusion that many people can relate to in our society.  Even children know that being different is difficult, this paperback book helps to explain reality.  Certainly, young children will feel the pain and fear as well as the celebration of acceptance.

Consider for public libraries and gift to families of primary school age children.  There may be some schools that will take issue with this book but it belongs on library shelves.

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

four-stars

This Raindrop: Has a Billion Stores to Tell

This Raindrop: Has a Billion Stores to TellThis Raindrop: Has a Billion Stories to Tell by Linda Ragsdale, Srimalie Bassani
on April 7, 2020
ISBN: 1486718175
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the story of a single raindrop which has existed since the beginning of time.  Dinosaur’s thirst was quenched by water which thousands of years later sits in a puddle.   During its cycle, the raindrop experienced nature at its best.  Ragsdale takes readers to the ocean and to waterfalls, into caverns as well as clouds.  Each environment visited includes short but distinct sentences that are intended to make the young scientist think about the value of water.  Both the texture of the paper and natural colors reinforce the scientific nature of this non-fiction picture book.  Illustrations done by Bassani highlight the stunning vision of nature and beautifully show how water cycles around our planet.

Backpages go into depth to explain the water cycle and water conservation.  Both pages contain information that will be comprehendible to the grade 2-3 students.  Colorful illustrations and the simple text will attract those in K – grade 1.   Add this to primary school media centers and recommended to public library collection.  This book is perfect for Earth Day programs.

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

four-stars

Zatanna and the House of Secrets

Zatanna and the House of SecretsZatanna and the House of Secrets by Matthew Cody, Yoshi Yoshitani
on February 18, 2020
ISBN: 1401290701
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a really fun graphic novel for fans of magic, monsters, folklore and rabbits.  Zatanna is a young teenager who lives with her widowed father. She can sense something is up with her house and family but can’t quite sort it out until she’s suddenly thrust into the world of magic. The book is gripping and fast-paced and manages to incorporate adventure, grief, friend drama, and folklore into 146 pages without any of it feeling forced. It’s also beautifully illustrated. I’m hoping this will become a series as I truly enjoyed it and can’t wait to recommend it to our patrons.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski. Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Condor Comeback

Condor ComebackCondor Comeback by Sy Montgomery, Tianne Strombeck
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on July 28, 2020
ISBN: 0544816536
Pages: 96
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars
This middle grade nonfiction book is loaded with information about the California Condor. From the capture of the last wild bird in 1987 to the release of wild pairs and the monitoring of the current wild population, readers will enjoy learning about all the steps along the way. The text is a bit wordy and includes a lot of superfluous information. There are stunning photographs of wild and captive birds including chicks and nests, etc. Even if kids don’t read it cover to cover, young naturalists will delight in the pictures and facts they do glean from the text. It would be better suited for kids with the addition of some quick facts or sidebars in the margins. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

AAAligator!

AAAligator!AAAlligator! by Andrea Stegmaier, Judith Henderson
Published by Kids Can Press on October 6, 2020
ISBN: 1525301519
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
There’s a boy who likes to walk in the forest, and one day, he comes across an alligator. The alligator is stuck in a twisty vine so the boy brings the alligator food. Once he’s able to free the alligator, it comes to his house in the night because it’s lonely. The boy and the alligator become friends and eventually, the townspeople warm up to him too….except the mayor.

This is a sweet story of community, friendship, and how we treat those that are different from us. The story is a bit long so it’s better for a bit older readers, and there’s the implication that the mayor gets eaten. Sensitive kids might find that part scary. The illustrations are colorful, detailed, and will engage young readers. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Dot, Unplugged

Dot, UnpluggedDot Unplugged by Randi Zuckerberg, The Jim Henson Company
Published by Candlewick Press on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 153620983X
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
Everyone in Dot’s family is busy and plugged in — video games, circuit board building, computer work, etc. No one has time to play with Spark, the dog — then the power goes out. Dot and her brother are lost as to what they can do without power. Their parents suggest they find some games to play that don’t require electricity. They end up having a great time and enjoying each other’s company and creativity.

This book is a great reminder to unplug devices and check in with people. The diverse family plays a game similar to charades, and my only complaint is that most of the things they make or do revolve around things that *do* require electricity. The text is easy to follow, the illustrations are high contrast color and will keep kids engaged. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME.

three-stars

Why Do We Cry?

Why Do We Cry?Why Do We Cry? by Ana Sender, Fran Pintadera
ISBN: 1525304771
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
A boy and his mother sit on a park bench, and she notes he’s been quiet all morning. The boy then asks, “…why do we cry?” His mother takes him through a litany of reasons we all cry: sadness, anger, injury, and eventually happiness.

This is a wonderful book for kids learning to process emotions. I love that throughout, tears and crying are seen as cathartic and healthy. Never is crying shamed or perceived as a negative thing. The illustrations are colorful and really help bring the emotions and situations associated with crying to life. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars