Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi LeonardKawhi Leonard by Jon M. Fishman
Published by Lerner Publications on January 1st 2018
ISBN: 1541500415
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

This biography of San Antonio Spurs star player Kawhi Leonard is part of the Sports All-Stars series. Leonard is known for his big hands and wide wingspan (the distance from fingertip to fingertip when your arms are spread straight out). The book covers his early career as a high school basketball star (voted best basketball player in the state of California), his college career, and his professional career with the Spurs. Along the way, he has had to overcome the tragic death of his father while still in high school and various injuries. He also gives back to his community, even donating a new car he won to an organization helping children. His latest endeavor is designing clothing. With brief chapters and photographs, the attractive design should appeal to basketball enthusiasts and is appropriate for upper elementary/middle school readers (grades 4-6). The book includes an index, glossary, bibliography, and source notes.

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

three-stars

Birds from Head to Tail

Birds from Head to TailBirds from Head to Tail by Stacey Roderick, Kwanchai Moriya
Published by Kids Can Press on October 2nd 2018
ISBN: 1771389257
Pages: 36
Goodreads
four-stars

Birds is part of the From Head to Tail series of early science picture books.  From nicely illustrated end pages to the two page spreads with informational text, this book is fun and educational.  Several pages include only a hint of the bird while others display the bird in full glory.  Alternate spreads ask the reader a question and the following illustrations and text reply with the answer.  In many cases the piece of anatomy is enough to identify but then Roderick and Moriya throw in a stumper like the Kiwi or Blue-Footed Booby.

Children who love nature and animals will want to take this from the public library over and over.  While there is not enough information for even primary class reports this book belongs in early grade media centers.  Make your favorite child happy by reading Birds but be ready for repeated request to open the cover and devour.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars