Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Fern and Horn

Fern and HornFern and Horn by Marie-Louise Gay
Published by Groundwood Books on September 1st 2019
ISBN: 1773062263
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Are Fern and Horn siblings? It doesn’t matter because what matters in this story is that they are creative and polite to each other. Even though Horn is a bit sneaky and tries to trick Fern, she offers the use of her crayons and scissors, and she knows how to tame him (chocolate chip cookies!).

The author understands children and offers many strategies for getting along, such as distraction. At first the cartoonish illustrations appear a bit messy, but being creative can be a bit messy. Fern and Horn are fortunate to have a family that allow this messiness, indoors and outside. The publisher blurb on the dust jacket says they are twins, but this reviewer did not interpret that from the book. 

This book might encourage youngsters to enjoy, explore, and expand their imaginations. 

This could be used in art units, behavior units, or just for a fun read aloud, just be sure to have some paper, crayons and scissors ready! 

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

five-stars

What is Given From the Heart

What is Given From the HeartWhat Is Given from the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack
Published by Schwartz & Wade on January 8, 2019
ISBN: 0375836152
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Not only is this a wonderful last book by one of our best storytellers, it is also illustrated by a talented artist. The combination of loving text and beautiful pictures makes this a contender for all sorts of awards. When Mama and James are struggling they learn that another family has lost everything in a fire.   Their minister asked his parish members to each find something to share.   This story is not new nor uncommon but the attitude is one of charitable giving without concern for personal sacrifice.  It is not surprising that McKissack has her character write and illustrate a book, she made this title a real gift to her readers.

The illustrations are wonderful, the blended colors make me think of lovely batik fabric. Even in this poor setting the pictures show shades of courage, love, and spiritual commitment.   Add this book to all public libraries, primary school media centers, church shelves and gift to readers who love and cherish other titles by Patricia McKissack.

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

five-stars

Inside Outside

Inside OutsideInside Outside by Anne-Margot Ramstein, Matthias Arégui
Published by Candlewick Studio on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 1536205974
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Published first in France, Inside Outside is an art book for young viewers.  Yes it is a concept book but this title will not be shelved in public libraries with early education concept books.   It will be best appreciated by children between the ages of 4-6 and by art teachers of all ages.   The authors have produced a lovely and creative work that offers concepts to ponder.  The first few pages clearly show the inside and outside of an egg, a tunnel, and a castle. Readers may not be prepared for the illustration of birds on a captivating two page spread.  Equally challenging is the tent and whale illustration which this readers admits is her favorite.

Choice of colors, the depth within the illustrations and drama represented in this wordless book makes it a winner.   Add this to public libraries, primary schools and gift to your favorite art teacher and student.

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

five-stars

The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali

The Love and Lies of Rukhsana AliThe Love & Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan
Published by Scholastic Press on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1338227017
Pages: 336
Goodreads
five-stars

Rukhsana is afraid of the consequences of being a lesbian in an extremely conservative Muslim family. All she wants is to graduate and go to Caltech with her girlfriend, Ariana. The day that her mother catches her kissing Ariana leads to her being taken to Bangladesh and being forced into a marriage that she has no interest in. To be gay in her culture is a sin and in Bangladesh, many have been beaten or even killed.

Khan brings attention to the cultural diversity that many Americanized children of immigrant families deal with, such as arranged marriages and family obligations that their peers don’t understand. Culturally, LGBTQIA and religiously diverse and emotionally intense. Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

Dark Sky Rising: Reconstruction and the Dawn of Jim Crow

Dark Sky Rising: Reconstruction and the Dawn of Jim CrowDark Sky Rising: Reconstruction and the Dawn of Jim Crow (Scholastic Focus) by Henry Louis Gates Jr., Tonya Bolden
Published by Scholastic Nonfiction on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1338262041
Pages: 240
Goodreads
five-stars

Renown historian Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and YA author Tonya Bolden have written a narrative nonfiction of the rise of Jim Crow Laws in the South during and after the Reconstruction period. Detailed changes to the rights of African Americans during the Civil War along with the rights giving citizenship such as the Emancipation Act and the Amendments added to the Constitution are well discussed. The authors also give details in the rise of white violence/supremacy, racism and political/economic factors that allowed the Jim Crow Laws to be established in the South.

TOC, sources/notes, photo credits, index and an About the Authors section are present. A great resource on the Reconstruction Period of the United States and its effects on the citizenship and lives of the newly freed slaves. Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

Stepsister

StepsisterStepsister by Jennifer Donnelly
Published by Scholastic Press on May 14th 2019
ISBN: 1338268465
Pages: 352
Goodreads
five-stars

Recommending for cream of the crop consideration.  This is a dark, gruesome and riveting fairy tale based on Cinderella.  Isabelle is one of Ella’s hardened and bitter stepsisters who, coerced by her mother, cuts off her toes to try to fit into the glass slipper.  Octavia only cut off her heals, so her walking is not effected, but Isabelle is disabled.  As a battle rages over Isabelle’s life map between the Crone, who draw maps of a person’s destiny and Chance, no explanation needed, Tanaquill, the fairy queen aka Ella’s godmother, provides Isabelle choices that transcend the magical rules of the life map.  Isabella must work through the bitterness in her heart as her life circumstances profoundly mirror the harshness that Ella once lived under.  Her quest leads to the softening of heart and a freedom from the Fates and Chance.  Lovers of fairytales will revel in this one.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Springvale Public Library

five-stars

Fake News: Separating Truth from Fiction

Fake News: Separating Truth from FictionFake News: Separating Truth from Fiction by Michael Miller
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 154152814X
Pages: 112
Goodreads

Fake news has been around for centuries, despite what President Trump might claim. This book explores the journalistic and fact-checking standards that are involved with legitimate news stories along with the Constitutional protections and real-world case studies. Readers are educated about the 2 types of fake news and also how to be able to tell truth from fiction. Preventive tips are also shared on to prevent further spreading of fake news.  Recommended for middle and high school libraries for research or just interest in fake news phenomenon.

Presence of TOC, glossary, index, bibliographies and further information on the topic of fake news.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

No More Excuses: Dismantling Rape Culture

No More Excuses: Dismantling Rape CultureNo More Excuses: Dismantling Rape Culture by Amber J. Keyser
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 1541540204
Pages: 144
Goodreads
five-stars

The most common crime is the sexual assault of women. With accusations of rape against many well known men, the founding of the  #MeToo movement and other organizations,  the underlying causes of the rape culture have been brought into light. Amber J. Keyser discusses how restorative justice can address the rape culture and explores the gender norms along with how race and gender are disproportionally affected by rape.

Well documented and researched providing TOC, glossary , index, bibliography and further information and resources. A must have for high school libraries and a must read by all genders and races so that this rape culture can be changed.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

Exposing Hate: Prejudice, Hatred and Violence in Action

Exposing Hate: Prejudice, Hatred and Violence in ActionExposing Hate: Prejudice, Hatred, and Violence in Action by Michael Miller
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 1541539257
Pages: 144
Goodreads
five-stars

There has been an explosion in the number of hate groups since the elections of Presidents Obama and Trump. Michael Miller addresses the types of hate groups, the history and reasons behind their rise. He also discusses ways to recognize and confront such hatred in this extremely well researched book. Recommend for shelves of middle and high school libraries.

Presence of TOC, glossary, index, source notes, bibliography and further information. Very useful as a resource in hate crimes, hate speech and hate groups. Photos, graphs and charts accompany the information in the text.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

Awake in the World

Awake in the WorldAwake in the World by Jason Gurley
Published by Roaring Brook Press on February 12th 2019
ISBN: 1250141834
Pages: 336
Goodreads
five-stars

Zach is a natural artist when it comes to drawing and understanding the wonders of what surrounds him. He captures the moment which makes his art even more intense. Living in a small, coastal town in California, Zach lost his father to a deep sea diving accident and no one is sure who to blame. But now, Zach’s older brother has dropped out of college to pick up the family business. Zach needs to finish high school, and has an opportunity to leave, but is torn whether to stay at home, where he feels obligated to tend to their younger sister, and a mother who mentally has never recovered from her husband’s death. Then, in steps – Vanessa,  who is financially better off then Zach, a little odd, but admires his art and wants Zach to want what she wants. Their worlds collide when a  disasters happen and the emotions are intense.

Recommended for grade 8 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars