Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction

Chance

ChanceChance: Escape from the Holocaust by Uri Shulevitz
Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) on October 13, 2020
ISBN: 0374313717
Pages: 336
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A middle school level memoir, Chance might be a perfect book for helping kids learn about the Holocaust. Shulevitz was a small child living in Poland when his parents decided to flee. What follows is, at times harrowing and at times touching, a memoir of his family’s ability to avoid being captured by Nazis. Shulevitz writes so easily, so conversationally, that it seems he’s sitting there with you, telling you his story. He never shies away from the horrors of his ordeal but he also relays some fond memories of the time, especially of his mother, who seemed to be  a wonderful person. Drawing is a major theme and his current illustrations are mixed with illustrations he did as a child. This is an exceptional book, both for its readability and its potential to educate.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Cast Away: Poems For Our Time

Cast Away: Poems For Our TimeCast Away: Poems for Our Time by Naomi Shihab Nye
Published by Greenwillow Books on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 0062907697
Pages: 176
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Young People’s Poet Laureate, Naomi Shihab Nye has created a set of poems about the unwanted and discarded products of our world today. Each poem reflects on a discarded item, whether it is an old sock found lying around, apiece of trash and even a pine cone that was found on a daily walk. Everything has a story, even trash and discarded items, but they also send a warning about how and why, we as a society regard trash in general.

Recommended for grades 5 and up. Would be an ideal book for teaching poetry that doesn’t fit in the normal realms of writing.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

This Is Your Brain on Stereotypes: How Science is Tackling Unconscious Bias

This Is Your Brain on Stereotypes: How Science is Tackling Unconscious BiasThis Is Your Brain on Stereotypes: How Science Is Tackling Unconscious Bias by Drew Shannon, Tanya Lloyd Kyi
Published by Kids Can Press on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 1525300164
Pages: 88
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Two Canadian authors define bias, discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes, and then relate how minds are trained to have certain beliefs. It uses science and relatable examples to explore these uncomfortable topics in an age-appropriate and engaging way. This book would make for good discussions in middle school classrooms and help young adults make sense of why we classify people, and how we can change our thinking. I particularly liked the Conclusion and the things we can do as individuals. My one criticism is that at times I felt the authors were a tad biased in their opinions.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer

four-stars

In Search of Safety: Voices of Refugees

In Search of Safety: Voices of RefugeesIn Search of Safety: Voices of Refugees by Susan Kuklin
on March 27, 2020
ISBN: 0763679607
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Five refugees recount the struggles that led them to flee their homelands and resettle in Nebraska. Representing Afghanistan, Myanmar, South Sudan, Iraq, and Burundi, these refugees give testimony on the brutalities of war, abduction into sex slavery, torture, and loss that can be difficult to read. Each person tells their own story with some supplemental commentary and photographs by the author. The readability of this book varies as it moves from one individual to another. Overall, it is an important book for high school students to gain empathy and understanding of what people in other parts of the world have endured in a time when immigration has been disparaged. The end of the book includes information about how a refugee attains that status and what the citizenship process is like for those who resettle in the United States. Pair with Call Me American: A Memoir by Abdi Nor Iftin.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

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

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

Great Escapes #1 Nazi Prison Camp Escape

Great Escapes #1 Nazi Prison Camp EscapeNazi Prison Camp Escape (Great Escapes, #1) by James Bernardin, Michael Burgan
ISBN: 0062860364
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Bill Ash was born in Dallas Texas and grew up during the Great Depression. As a young man he traveled the country. He read about Hitler and the Nazis. United States had not yet entered the war. He decided to volunteer in Canada and train as a pilot in the Royal Air Force. After training, he headed to England and ended up flying Spitfires, one of the world’s best fighter planes. He flew many successful missions, but on March 24, 1942 he was shot down over France. Eventually, he was captured by the Germans and sent to a POW camp. He met other prisoners as intent as he was on escaping. After thirteen attempts, transfers to other camps, and punishments upon capture, he finally made it. I highly recommend this informative and well written book for reluctant readers and others interested in this true story of courage and determination. There are black and white illustrations, an author’s note, bibliography, and map.  This is the first in the Great Escapes series.

Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and YouStamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi, Jason Reynolds
on March 10, 2020
ISBN: 0316453692
Pages: 294
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
A history book on racism that claims to not be a history book but rather a book that “contains history.” Reynolds brings the history (not history) of racism alive in this accessible remix of Ibram X. Kendi’s Stamped From the Beginning. Clearly delineating assimilationists (cowards) from segragationists (haters) from antiracists (people who truly love), Reynolds leaves readers with a call to action — “Scrolling will never be enough. Reposting will never be enough. Hashtagging will never be enough… We have to be participants. Active.”

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

The Talk: Conversations about Race, Love, and Truth

The Talk: Conversations about Race, Love, and TruthThe Talk: Conversations about Race, Love & Truth by Cheryl Willis Hudson, Wade Hudson
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on September 29, 2020
ISBN: 0593121619
Pages: 128
Genres: Non-Fiction, Short Stories
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars
This poignant and timely collection of essays from well known authors and illustrators is a frank depiction of the reality for Black and Brown families in our country. It captures discussions about race, racism, self esteem, safety, and family. At times hard to read, this book is real and raw. It is also sensitive and compassionate. The stories are short and the accompanying illustrations are beautiful. This is a great book to add to your collection as a way for families to learn more about being advocates, allies, and antiracists.

Recommended for middle grade readers 4th grade and up, and also highly recommended for parents.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Insects by the Numbers

Insects by the NumbersInsects: By The Numbers by Steve Jenkins
ISBN: 1328850994
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars
This next installment in the By the Numbers series by Steve Jenkins follows the same format as previous books. It is a book of infographics filled with fun and interesting information — how many insects are there, how big are they, which has the most painful sting, etc.? Nature enthusiasts will love this book, and the infographic format makes it accessible to younger readers. The format also allows kids to really understand the scale of things — some insects are pictured in their actual size. This series, and this book are a recommended addition to juvenile nonfiction sections. Recommended for readers 5 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars