A Thousand Sisters: The Heroic Airwomen of The Soviet Union in World War II

A Thousand Sisters: The Heroic Airwomen of The Soviet Union in World War IIA Thousand Sisters: The Heroic Airwomen of the Soviet Union in World War II by Elizabeth E. Wein
Published by Balzer + Bray on January 22nd 2019
ISBN: 0062453017
Pages: 388
Goodreads
five-stars

Fans of Elizabeth Wein’s  Code Name Verity will enjoy A Thousand Sisters. Wein introduces to the reader to  3 Soviet regiments that were manned by female volunteers to fly combat missions for the Soviet Union during World War II. Wein tells about their ambitions, duty to country, their daily lives along with the  horrors and successes of their combat missions. Most of these women were in their late teens and early twenties and many did not survive. The black and white photos in the book are of various individual women that are mentioned and of their regiments and comrades . This book would be considered a collective biography.

You  might want to pair this up with Kathryn Lasky’s Night Witches: A Novel of World War II, as the nickname Night Witches was given to these female pilots as they drop bombs during the middle of the night on unsuspecting German soldiers. Included is a TOC, bibliography, author’s notes and an easy to use index. Source notes are also provided.

Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford, ME.

five-stars

Yes She Can

Yes She CanYes She Can: 10 Stories of Hope & Change from Young Female Staffers of the Obama White House by Molly Dillon, Jenna Brayton, Eleanor Celeste, Nita Contreras, Kalisha Dessources, Andrea Flores, Vivian Graubard, Noemie Levy, Taylor Lustig, Jaimie Woo
Published by Schwartz & Wade on April 23rd 2019
ISBN: 1984848453
Pages: 176
Goodreads
four-stars

“Yes She Can” is a collection of accounts written by young adult women of various races and religions who worked in the Obama White House doing impressive things. One helped set up Pope Francis’ visit to the White House, another worked on a summit for women and girls of color, another helped work on legislation for immigration, and the inspiring work just goes on from there!

The stories are well-written and make you feel like you’re taking part in the event with them (you can feel the excitement when one of the women gets a call on her cell from the Vice President). They give a great inside perspective to working in government. It’s really refreshing to hear from women who are actively working within the government to make America better. The only way this book would have been better was if they had included a story from a Muslim or Arab-American woman working with White House policy.

Included in the middle of the book are photos of the women working at the White House, which helps personalize the stories even more. I was really pleased to see that they included a section at the end called “A Girl’s Guide to Getting into Government,” which lists various organizations and ways that readers can get involved like the women we just read about.

Aimed at readers aged twelve and up, this book is a must buy for any library where YA Nonfiction/Biographies are popular, or for any teenager who is interested in getting involved in politics or the government.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

Dear America: The Story of an Undocumented Citizen

Dear America: The Story of an Undocumented CitizenDear America: Young Readers’ Edition: The Story of an Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas
Published by HarperCollins on March 5th 2019
ISBN: 0062914596
Pages: 144
Goodreads
four-stars

“Dear America” is an autobiography of an undocumented citizen in America. Jose Antonio Vargas came to America from the Philippines at age twelve to live with his aunt and uncle and did not find out that he was not here legally until he turned 16. I have not read the adult version, but this Young Readers’ edition was emotionally moving and answered a lot of questions that I had about the immigration issues facing undocumented citizens.

Jose is an excellent narrator (which makes sense since he was a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for the Washington Post). He really makes you understand his frustration and feelings of helplessness at his situation. Aimed at children in grades 3 to 7, the book explains in a very understandable and personal way the issues surrounding immigration. I would recommend purchasing this to add to your middle grade biography section because this book is both a good read and brings up important current topics.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

Hello Ruby – Expedition to the Internet

Hello Ruby – Expedition to the InternetHello Ruby: Expedition to the Internet by Linda Liukas
Published by Feiwel & Friends on October 9th 2018
ISBN: 1250195993
Pages: 96
Goodreads
four-stars

In this fun exploration of the internet it is explained in terms that a child can understand.  Using a fun story of kids building  snowmen and igloos then connecting  them together the reader not only gets an explanation but also a visual of what the internet is and how it works.

There are also fun activities the kids can do that bring clarification of  concepts.

I read this book to first graders and they loved it and enjoyed the activity we did afterwards.

Previewed by Melissa Madigan retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

The Magic School Bus Rides Again – Sink or Swim

The Magic School Bus Rides Again – Sink or SwimSink or Swim: Exploring Schools of Fish: A Branches Book (The Magic School Bus Rides Again, #1) by Judy Katschke
Published by Scholastic Inc. on December 26th 2017
ISBN: 1338194453
Pages: 96
Goodreads
four-stars

This series is part of Scholastic’s early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, and fast-paced stories. I had some of the kids at the local elementary school read them and they really liked them , and were asking for more. A good addition to any library.

Although the teachers are different they follow the  same familiar motto: take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!

Reviewed by Melissa Madigan retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Whale Quest: Working Together to Save Endangered Species

Whale Quest: Working Together to Save Endangered SpeciesWhale Quest: Working Together to Save Endangered Species by Karen Romano Young
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on August 1st 2017
ISBN: 1467792462
Pages: 128
Goodreads
five-stars

Whales have captured the interest of humans for hundreds of years. Author Karen Romano Young introduces young scientists and environmentalists to the whale, its history – from Jonah to Free Willy, how they live, eat, breathe, mate and migrate. She also looks at the current condition of the whale population. Are they struggling with climate change as other animal populations are, how are they fairing in these current conditions and what does the future hold for the largest mammal on earth. Young has included side bars, photographs , a glossary, and a whale guide to give the reader the most accurate information available. Twenty First Century publications have always been on the cutting edge of science – be it whales, climate change, nuclear meltdowns. Add this important edition to libraries large and small. Use this with grades 5 and up.

Reviewed by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray, Maine.

five-stars

Sharks on the Hunt

Sharks on the HuntSharks on the Hunt by Paul Mason
Published by Hungry Tomato (R) on January 1st 2018
ISBN: 1512459755
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

This book is part of the series: Wild World of Sharks and gives the reader a crash course in sharkology. Within 32 pages, the reader learns the basics about these “wolves of the sea.” Sharks have been around some 400 million years, they are carnivores ( though some supplement their diet with plants). They hunt with all their senses- sight- they have good night vision, smell-nares on either side of their snout pick up scents for hundreds of meters touch- a line of sensors run the length of their body, it lets the shark know when the water is disturbed and they have touch sensitive teeth. They also have electro -location, they can sense anything that produces electricity- including humans. Other areas covered include what makes them sharks, where they can be found and what is their greatest enemy. Written in bullets surrounded with incredible photos, the information is short and sweet. The author offers a shark identification page and a glossary in the back. Author Mason has written a book that will whet the appetite of budding shark scientists. This addition works in any collection, large or small. Good for all ages.

Reviewed by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray Me.

four-stars

Ready For It

Ready For ItReady for It by Chusita Fashion Fever
Published by Imprint on September 25th 2018
ISBN: 1250133882
Pages: 160
Goodreads
four-stars

Ready For It by Chusita is a nonfiction book discussing sex and everything that goes along with it.  Chusita strives to cover a wide variety of topics a teen may have questions about ranging from how to know if someone likes you to how same gender couples have sex. Some of the other topics covered include male/female orgasm, attraction, dating, gender, masturbation, hook ups, breakups, kissing, oral sex, anal sex, and fantasies.  The book is laid out in clear, short sections with emojis and bright orange on every page. Comic strips, quizzes, rules, definitions, slang, and full page sketches are interspersed through the book providing information in a fun versatile manner. Adults will appreciate how Chusita offers many words of caution and advises readers to always have consent, use protection, and have fun.  Readers from ages 14-18 will find Chusita’s gender inclusive, nonjudgmental style relatable and find answers to many questions.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

four-stars

A Few Red Drops

A Few Red DropsA Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919 by Claire Hartfield
Published by Clarion Books on January 2nd 2018
ISBN: 0544785134
Pages: 208
Goodreads
four-stars

2019 marks a century since the Chicago Race Riot of 1919.  In that summer of 1919, 38 people died and 537 were badly injured over the course of several days of rioting.  Two-thirds of the victims were African-Americans. Despite this type of violence as categorized blithely as a “southern problem,” this marked a huge wake-up call that the North wasn’t as open minded as they liked to believe.  Historically, Chicago was both opportunity and oppression to recently transplanted African-Americans and new immigrants in the early 20th century. African-Americans were fleeing post-Civil War prejudice, lynchings and poverty of the deep South.  Europeans, especially those from famine-ridden Ireland, were desperate to find work and hope in America. The Midwest appealed to so many with its easy access from the train lines and with the chance to work in any of the large industries, which in Chicago was the meat-packing plants.  Bosses looking to keep wages low, crime lords looking to keep the nationalities in check and union laborers hoping to make a difference all clash throughout the early 1900s with the poor day wager caught in the middle. African-Americans were treated particularly poorly and often the most unskilled immigrant could get a job ahead of a black worker.  Even after heroically serving in World War I, African-Americans were still mistreated and disrespected. Tensions and hostilities in Chicago were at a fever pitch in the Summer of 1919, coinciding with an oppressive heat wave and the tragedy that befell the city brought tremendous shame to politicians, police and industry owners for so badly mismanaging the escalating violence.  The riots brought about needed changes in hiring policies and did help overall conditions between whites and blacks, but as current events demonstrate, Americans are still struggling to offer equality, civility and dignity to one and all. Text includes black and white photos, cartoons from newspapers and an extensive bibliography. An excellent addition to any middle and high school library, particularly where civil rights are taught as part of a curriculum.  Grade 7 and up.

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School, Westbrook, ME

four-stars

We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults

We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young AdultsWe Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults by Susan Kuklin
Published by Candlewick Press on January 8th 2019
ISBN: 0763678848
Pages: 192
Goodreads
five-stars

Originally scheduled to be published in 2017 with full-color portraits of the 9 young adults that were interviewed; the publication was held back do to the executive actions of our government regarding DACA. These actions had many DACA recipients concerned for their lives, making it too risky for the participants of this book to have their pictures posted for all to see. So now in its new publication format the areas where there should be photographs of the interviewees were left to just  white space with captions.

Kuklin had these 9 immigrants from countries such as Colombia, Ghana and South Korea share their experiences  they had coming to the United States and how they are living and surviving as undocumented immigrants. This is powerful and personal, not political. Well written with a realistic portrayal of what life is like for these immigrants. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford, ME

five-stars