Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

My Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday Wonder

My Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday WonderMy Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday Wonder by Nie Jun
Published by Graphic Universe (TM) on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1512445908
Pages: 128
Goodreads
five-stars

This graphic novel filled with little vignettes of Yu’er and her grandpa illustrates the magic of daily life and is beautiful, both in content and in presentation. Just flipping through the pages, one feels the warmth of the watercolor illustrations and the devotion of Grandpa to his little granddaughter. Set in a hutong neighborhood in Beijing, Yu’er has a disability that prevents her from walking and Grandfather cares for her, showing her that she should not be limited by her disability and telling her stories that connect her to her family and her culture. With touches of magical realism, this GN offers a window into another place that will delight elementary and middle grade readers.

Note about publication: First published in China in 2016,  this book has been translated by Edward Gauvin and brought to American audiences by Graphic Universe, a division of Lerner Publishing.  Lerner offers a library binding and a paperback version, which is much less money.  If you have the funds, purchase the library binding as the book paper is thick and the book heavy; a paperback binding will not last for many circulations.

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

five-stars

Douglas, You’re a Genius!

Douglas, You’re a Genius!Douglas, You're a Genius! by Ged Adamson
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on September 11th 2018
ISBN: 1524765309
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Ingenuity, determination, and friendship highlight this fun picture book that brings together a Spanish-speaking boy, an English-speaking girl and their pet dogs. Through cleverness and perseverance, they overcome the barriers of a fence and language in their backyard. This is a fine example of a true picture book because the illustrations take the text to another level with a punch at the end when the reader discovers that both youngsters have been trying to figure out how to find out who was on the other side.

Is the term ‘tom-boy’ outdated? I hope not, as girls who like to ‘get their hands dirty’ will appreciate the main character here.

This is a follow-up to the 2016 “Douglas, You Need Glasses” that received very good reviews.

Full-color, cartoonish illustrations done in pen and watercolor show a variety of perspectives, sometimes up close, some from far away to show the expansiveness of the backyard where the action takes place. Text includes occasional speech bubbles and lots of handwritten notes and diagrams of plans. A Spanish glossary is provided on the verso page. Endpapers show a hand drawing of the train (which facilitated the first communication between the potential friends) on graph paper, with realistic smudges of a project in the works.

Preschoolers will enjoy the humor and friendship. Older readers will go deeper to explore the parallel story, finding ways to communicate, and thinking outside the box.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

Seeing Into Tomorrow

Seeing Into TomorrowSeeing Into Tomorrow: Haiku by Richard Wright, Nina Crews
Published by Millbrook Press (Tm) on February 1st 2018
ISBN: 151241865X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

The photographs may be the first thing to draw your attention to this book, but you will soon stay for the haiku, and the story behind them. The individual parts each deserve attention and recognition, but the sum of the parts is even more important.

African American author Richard Wright was not known for his haiku during his lifetime, but this volume will bring much attention to his life and his work. Some of these are literal, some are figurative, some are both.

Nina Crews uses photographs in a unique way to illustrate the twelve poems. Instead of a single photograph, each page has a series of small photographs that combined show an image reflecting the haiku on that page.  Each spread includes a young African American boy exploring or experiencing the theme or topic of each haiku. Each poem is spread across a double page spread in a variety of colored fonts. The last page offers much hope of “seeing into tomorrow” with the boy posed as looking toward the future.

Could be used in elementary and middle school units about not only haiku, but photography, nature, the Great Migration and prejudice through the African American experience.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

All Are Welcome

All Are WelcomeAll Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on July 10th 2018
ISBN: 0525579648
Pages: 44
Goodreads
five-stars

With simple, rhyming text and bright illustrations, Penfold and Kaufman have created a diverse, welcoming, harmonious school setting in which children of all skin colors and abilities and cultural backgrounds can learn and share. This is the world that we wish our children lived in and should be a goal of all adults working with and reading to youngsters. The book does include a double-page fold out which will need to be handled carefully, but the reveal is so joyous, it is worth buying once and then again if it ever rips. From the end pages to the cover, every detail is thought through. A wonderful read-aloud and essential for all library collections.

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

five-stars

The Sun is Kind of a BIG DEAL

The Sun is Kind of a BIG DEALThe Sun Is Kind of a Big Deal by Nick Seluk
Published by Orchard Books on October 9th 2018
ISBN: 1338166972
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

The author uses humor, fun illustrations and facts to explain the  Sun’s role in  keeping our solar system together. Without the sun we couldn’t exist- it keeps us warm, gives us day and night and so much more, and that’s a really big deal! This a great read for kids K – 3rd grades. Many great discussions are started as each page is read, and starts to pique interest in some kids in seeking further information about our solar system.

Reviewed by Melissa Madigan retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

New Kid

New KidNew Kid by Jerry Craft
Published by HarperCollins on February 5th 2019
ISBN: 0062691201
Pages: 256
Goodreads
five-stars

Jordan’s parents send him to a new middle school that they feel will be terrific for him academically and socially. But Jordan doesn’t want to go, he’d rather go to art school. Once Jordan gets there he finds that because he is Black , teachers mix him up with other black students not seeing him for who he is. And that’s just one of the problems he has. There is actually quite a bit of humor in here (like the black and white sketches of Jordan going to and from school that showed the changes he made in his persona to fit into the different settings). I agree with a Goodreads review I read that it is great to have a book that exposes racism but still manages to have humor. Also, I liked Jordan. Is his character realistic? Maybe not, but he’s the kind of kid that you hope is out there. Humor can be such a good way to see things when done in the right way, and I think this novel does get it right.

Cream

Ages 9 and up. Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport,ME

five-stars

The House That Lou Built

The House That Lou BuiltThe House That Lou Built by Mae Respicio
Published by Wendy Lamb Books on June 12th 2018
ISBN: 1524717940
Pages: 231
Goodreads
five-stars

Lucinda Bulosan-Nelson loves houses. She  particularly tiny houses, and she loves building and making things, so it is only natural that she would want to build her own tiny house. Lou has been left a plot of land by her father, who died before she was born,  and she is determined to build a tiny house on that plot of land, especially once her mom starts talking about taking a new job in another state. Lou feels that once her mother sees the tiny house and how important it is to Lou, there is no way she will move them. This middle grade book explores the bonds of family and the importance of creating a legacy through the eyes (and hands) of one determined, creative, resourceful, handy girl. Readers who like strong characters on a mission and who want to read realistic stories about friendship and family will enjoy following Lou on her big quest for a tiny place to call her own.

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

five-stars

In the Barn

In the BarnIn the Barn (Farm Charm) by Pearl Markovics
Published by Bearcub Books on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 164280200X
Pages: 16
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a terrific early chapter/reader for new readers. The text is large and appears in colored bubbles making it stand out from the photos. The photos are crisp, clear and close up so it’s easy for new readers to figure out what the text is referring to- great visual clue. The text repeats itself just enough to help readers figure out their meaning but still be fun. The inclusion of animal sounds, even though the words might be challenging for a new reader, can be figured out thanks to the photos. Nice key word section in the back with photos for easy identification and reinforcement of newly learned words. A super choice for libraries or schools looking for books for young readers that will last.

Cream

Grades: preschool and up

Reviewed by Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport Maine

five-stars

Coming Home

Coming HomeComing Home by Michael Morpurgo, Kerry Hyndman
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on October 23rd 2018
ISBN: 1536200425
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

“Bring me home, my beating wings, Bring me home, my beating heart.”

The picture book Coming Home by Michael Morpurgo is deceptively emotional and intense. The robin is lost and faces many perilous situations in his flight home. The lovely prose is balanced well on the pages, surrounded by gorgeous illustrations from artist Kerry Hyndman.  In my opinion, Coming Home would be best suited for students second-grade and older. Educators should expect discussions about predator versus prey, the effects of weather on migrating birds, and how humans can care for injured wildlife.

I recommend this book for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public Library

five-stars

Ascent, A Peak Marcello Adventure (#3)

Ascent, A Peak Marcello Adventure (#3)Ascent (Peak, #3) by Roland Smith
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on May 8th 2018
ISBN: 0544867599
Pages: 240
Goodreads
five-stars

Ascent is the adrenaline-filled third book in Roland Smith’s Peak Marcello Adventure series. Set in exotic Myanmar, Peak along with his climbing support team decided to tackle the illusive Hkakabo Razi to prove that is indeed the highest peak in Southeastern Asia.  Peak’s character is relatable and real but the reader will be curious about what has happened in the previous titles. They are sure to contain valuable tidbits about the story. Peak’s Hkakabo Razi climb team includes a local guide who is suspected of murder, a dangerous pack elephant, the daughter of the French ambassador, her bodyguard, and even a mountain climbing Buddhist monk.  Alongside the non-stop action, readers are versed in mountain climbing terms, bits of botany, and some culture of Myanmar.

Ascent would appeal to middle school and high school students, especially those who love the outdoors. This title would benefit any library needing to add adventure series to their young adult collection. I recommend Ascent to be reviewed for Creme of the Crop.

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public Library

five-stars