Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Booked (Graphic Novel)

Booked (Graphic Novel)Booked by Dawud Anyabwile, Kwame Alexander
Published by Etch/Clarion Books on July 12, 2022
ISBN: 0358161819
Pages: 320
Genres: Sports
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

The graphic novel adaptation of Alexander’s popular verse novel about a soccer-obsessed middle schooler will be very popular. Nick is dealing with his parents’ divorce, bullies, and having to compete against his best friend on the soccer field. Best of all is the cool school librarian sporting a mohawk and always there with life advice and a book to read. Nick’s father has created a dictionary just for Nick which might be one reason Nick has a flair for words, especially malapropisms and writing in blackout style. In addition to Alexander’s gift for wordplay, he also writes realistically about depression and middle school.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

five-stars

Swim Team: Small Waves, Big Changes

Swim Team: Small Waves, Big ChangesSwim Team by Johnnie Christmas
Published by HarperAlley on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 0063056771
Pages: 256
Genres: Historical Fiction, Sports
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars
Christmas offers middle grade readers his first graphic novel. His characters come alive expressing their passion for swimming. This is the story of a middle grade girl who moves with her father to Florida only to find that her only school elective choice is swimming. The action starts almost immediately and the story line follows history more accurately than readers would guess. While we learn that Ms. Etta was a young swimmer and is capable of coaching, there is much more to learn about this woman. Etta learns to swim, bonds with most of her teammates and grows to love the challenge while her father shrinks away from attending meets. Dad’s reluctance to attend swim meets makes for a tantalizing mystery. The full-color illustrations in this graphic novel are superior to most, the interactions are shown in both words and action. Accurate history of racial repression is revealed on many pages where puzzle pieces are drawn over the illustration. Readers will enjoy an inspiring story line, view engaging graphics, and learn some American history while reading this winning graphic novel. A compelling positive message is that team members should support each other while having fun.

The biggest problem with the narrative is that credit is not given to Enith Brigitha, an Olympic swimmer from the Netherlands. The character of Ms. Etta is inspired by Brigitha, who was the first black person to medal as an Olympic swimmer. Her story is easily found online but could have been included in the back pages of this book. Definitely add to middle school library collections where swimming pools exist on campus and to public libraries everywhere. This piece of historic fiction in graphic form is sure to please readers from grade 3-8.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

The Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness From the Border

The Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness From the BorderThe Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness from the Border by Stephen Briseño, Magdalena Mora
Published by Random House Studio on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 0593307054
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Written with deep compassion and knowledge of the immigrant situation at the Mexican border, “The Notebook Keeper” is a valuable book. After a mother tells her daughter that they must leave their village and seek refuge in the USA, their long walk begins. Readers see what Noemi packs for her trip and then follow in their footsteps as mother and child approach the border. Before the tall wall and the solders posted there is a large group of people from many countries. This story highlights the long wait, fear of the unknown, and the lack of compassion given to those waiting to be called to apply for asylum. Illustrations are varied as they depict the mood of those waiting and the cultural use of bright color. Two-page spreads add volume to the crowd of people and reflect the tension felt by those waiting. Everyday life at the border is depicted in a series of circles which provide dimension to the story line. The shining light is the woman who holds the all-important notebook which records all those waiting their turn. It is the kindness of Belinda that gives this story meaning as well as offers hope. “The Notebook Keeper” is based on real people who waited and volunteered at the Mexican border until Covid-19 closed it. Factual background material and a selected source list are included for readers.

This is a story that needs to be shared, read, and discussed beyond the K-grade 3 audience. Primary and intermediate media center librarians should purchase a copy and all public librarians are encouraged to do the same. Schools at all levels and churches who support social justice will want to include this book on their reading list. Recommend as a book discussion title.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

Manatee Summer

Manatee SummerManatee Summer by Evan Griffith
Published by Quill Tree Books on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 0063094916
Pages: 288
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
An endearing adventure and scientific research novel which might best be noted as a middle grade coming-of-age story. Griffith has created two intriguing characters who are experiencing a unique summer, what should be their best summer ever. Pain, fear, loss of confidence, and family problems are all visible as Peter and Tommy interact in a somewhat dishonest relationship. Other characters are developed enough to hold their place in the story but it is a Florida manatee named Zoe who holds the story line in place. Unsettled parents, a failing grandfather, naturalists, and a grouchy neighbor contribute to the action which never stops from cover to cover.

The struggle these characters face is typical in society. Readers will encounter divorce, dementia in a grandparent, climate change, and an upcoming long-distance move. Each issue is enough to turn the life of a middle grader upside-down.

Griffith’s first novel is bound to be a favorite for juvenile readers. Those interested in marine animals and the scientific research method are sure to become engrossed by this story. Zoe may appear on the cover but this book is about relationships and struggles for humans and animals as well as their interaction. Future naturalist will be delighted with the field study notebook (Discovery Journal) and the marine scientists introduced within the story line. Add to intermediate school and middle school collections and include in public library juvenile collections.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma ThomasAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas by Jeanne Walker Harvey, Loveis Wise
Published by HarperCollins on February 22, 2022
ISBN: 0063021897
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
The picture book memoir about the artist Alma Thomas is also a story about segregation and perseverance. Alma was born in Georgia and was not allowed to attend the white school in her neighborhood. Her family bought books and invited teachers to their homes to help educate their children. Alma loved to learn but she also loved to be outside and her artwork reflects the colors of the natural world. Thomas grew up to be an educator and did not work on her own art until she was 70 and became the first African-American woman to have a solo show at The Whitney Museum of American Art and to have her work become part of the White House Collection. The illustrations in this book reflect the style of Thomas and many of her works are recreated for readers to see. With words from President Obama, an Author’s and Illustrator’s Note, a timeline, and source notes, this book is a wealth of information for readers of all ages. This book should be part of any library’s picture book biography collection and would make for a fabulous resource and display for Women’s History Month and Black History Month.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Andersen, Dyer Elementary School

five-stars

Hundred Years of Happiness

Hundred Years of HappinessHundred Years of Happiness by Thanhha Lai, Phung Nguyen Quang, Huynh Kim Lien
Published by HarperCollins on April 5, 2022
ISBN: 0063026929
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
From the celebrated author of Inside Out and Back Again, this picture book features An’s relationship with her grandparents, particularly her grandmother Bá who is experiencing memory loss. An and her grandfather Ông, try to stir Bá’s memories by growing a fruit that they ate when they were married in Vietnam. The author, Thanhhà Lai, addresses Bá’s memory loss realistically and tenderly, without providing an unrealistic ending to the story. Vietnamese words are included throughout the book, as well as an author’s note about her memories of Vietnam, and a recipe in the back. This book will bring a diverse voice to grandparent/grandchild stories in any library and it would pair well with Rashin Kheiriyeh’s Saffron Ice Cream for a lesson on food and memory. School librarians and teachers could use these books as mentor texts when asking students to write about a food that reminds them of a memory or a place.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Andersen, Dyer Elementary School

five-stars

A Friend for Yoga Bunny

A Friend for Yoga BunnyA Friend for Yoga Bunny by Brian Russo
Published by HarperCollins on February 22, 2022
ISBN: 0063017849
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
A simple book that felt as open and friendly as the story itself. Bunny wakes up to do yoga by himself one morning and meets Bear, who is anxious about his upcoming birthday party. Bunny teaches Bear yoga poses to calm his nervousness and anxiety, and they become fast friends. The storyline is straightforward, and the digital illustrations are playful and simple, not overwhelming the text or cluttering the page. It’s a sweet introduction to the concept of yoga as being enjoyable, as well as its helpfulness for self-calming in stressful situations. The endpapers are fun, showing Bunny in many different yoga poses.

As a sequel, this book will appeal to fans of Yoga Bunny, but it’s also absolutely fine as a stand-alone. This would be a great read-aloud, and even a story time book where kids practice yoga as an activity following the reading.

Five stars; recommended for libraries; not many picture books touch on ways to self-calm and soothe anxiety, so this is a good one to have on the shelf!

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

five-stars

Sometimes Cake

Sometimes CakeSometimes Cake by Edwina Wyatt, Tamsin Ainslie
Published by Candlewick Press on January 4, 2022
ISBN: 1536217816
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
In its simplest form, this is a book about friendship between a tiny girl named Audrey and large Lion. But there is nothing simple about this book. It is profound! Lion enjoys celebrations. “What are you celebrating? asked Audrey. “Orange mostly,” said Lion. “Also yellow.” Audrey likes orange and yellow and suggests purple, too, and they have a grand time. This goes on until the day Lion is not celebrating because it is just an ordinary day. The give-and-take between the two friends is heartwarming as are the colored pencil and watercolor illustrations. Audrey finds a way to reciprocate goodness for the despondent Lion. After all that’s what friends are for … and to make a cake to share because it is Tuesday. Perfectly logical for a 3 or 4-year-old. This gentle book is a real charmer!

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie’s Place, the Nation’s First Shelter for Women

Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie’s Place, the Nation’s First Shelter for WomenSanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie's Place, the Nation's First Shelter for Women by Christine McDonnell, Victoria Tentler-Krylov
Published by Candlewick Press on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 153621129X
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
An outstanding biography of a women well known within the community service agencies of Boston, MA. Kip Tiernan learned to have compassion for those hungry and homeless at her grandmother’s knee. She went on to work in social service facilities and opened the first shelter for woman. The author introduces Tiernan as an extraordinary woman and continues the story with a full heart and hope filled pen. The illustrations perfectly complement the story line using a varied color pallet; as the years pass more color is introduced revealing the happiness of sharing within Rosie’s Place. Facial expressions and the gentle leaning in to listen to others fully illustrates the heart and love at this woman’s shelter.

The author has a personal relationship with Rosie’s Place, she speaks from experience. Sadly, the conditions in the 1930 and later are much like the homeless stories of our current time. This book is a valuable contribution to the children’s literary industry. If only every primary school, church and town hall had a copy of “Sanctuary “, society might see those around who need financial help, respect and health services. The back pages include more information about Tiernan and several of her inspirational quotes. Recommended purchase for all primary schools, public libraries and a great addition to Gr K – 3 classroom book collections.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

What We Harvest

What We HarvestWhat We Harvest by Ann Fraistat
Published by Delacorte on March 15, 2022
ISBN: 0593382161
Pages: 336
Genres: Horror
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Scary from the cover till the end “What We Harvest” is a true horror story. In the first chapter we learn that four families in the town of Hollow’s End have experienced fantastic and surprising harvest for generations. Quickly it is evident that not everything is good this season as the crops and animals are dying. Wren and her ex-boyfriend Derek are the perfect teens to address the problems and try to save their town. Together they face horrifying situations and reveal terrible truths to readers. Although humans are disappearing into the woods a family dog and a brave horse become heroes in several action-packed occasions.

This is Fraistat’s first novel; she has created an alternate reality where the blight is ugly, the smells are foul and the sounds of the infected people are horrific. This book is well written using lots of graphic images. Embracing the horror, this title is recommended to all high school and public libraries. “What We Harvest “would be an excellent title to use for an adult/teen book group. Readers who find this book entertaining will soon progress to the many books written by Stephen King.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars