Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction

The Real History of Juneteenth

The Real History of JuneteenthThe Real History of Juneteenth by Elliott Smith
Series: Left Out of History (Read Woke ™ Books)
Published by Lerner Publications on January 1, 2023
ISBN: 172847583X
Pages: 32
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In partnership with Cicely Lewis, the Read Woke Librarian, Lerner is publishing a “Left Out of History” series. This book, aimed at grade 4-6, offers the history of Juneteenth. Using plenty of archival and contemporary photographs, author Smith provides the background for the holiday, the rise in popularity of celebrating the day, and then brief profiles of the change-makers who advocated for a state-wide holiday (Texas) and finally a national holiday (signed into law by President Biden in 2021). There are also questions for reflection throughout the book that make this a fantastic resource for a classroom teacher. This is a succinct and useful book though the “Read Woke Books” logo on the cover could be a trigger for challenges in the current fraught political climate.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School

four-stars

Bake, Make and Learn to Cook Vegetarian: Healthy Green Recipes for Young Cooks

Bake, Make and Learn to Cook Vegetarian: Healthy Green Recipes for Young CooksBake, Make, and Learn to Cook Vegetarian: Healthy and Green Recipes for Young Cooks by David Atherton, Alice Bowsher
Published by Candlewick Press on November 8, 2022
ISBN: 1536228435
Pages: 80
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A great cookbook for young cooks that focuses on vegetarian recipes that are healthy and green. David Atherton, a winner of The Great British Baking Show, has put together a wide range of easy-to-make vegetarian recipes. Readers get to choose from four fun food sections — yummy meals, savory snacks, sweet treats, and showstoppers. The book starts with a section on eating green, pantry essentials, and a quick equipment list. Then, it is on to the food sections. Each recipe includes a brief overall description, ingredient listing, and a numbered set of instructions (method). The colorful illustrations are playful yet very helpful. Serving suggestions also appear with some of the recipes. Not only are the recipes included delicious, they are good for the planet. An outstanding cookbook that should fly off the shelves. For children 8 and up (with some adult supervision).

Reviewed by Terri Bauld,  Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library

four-stars

Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie’s Place, the Nation’s First Shelter for Women

Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie’s Place, the Nation’s First Shelter for WomenSanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie's Place, the Nation's First Shelter for Women by Christine McDonnell, Victoria Tentler-Krylov
Published by Candlewick Press on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 153621129X
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Sanctuary tells the story of how Kip Tiernan created Rosie’s Place in Boston, the first shelter just for women in America. As a child during the great depression, Kip had watched her grandmother share whatever she had with strangers, from food to shoes. She practiced those values as she grew up, and in the late 1960’s, inspired by the movement for social change as well as her own personal struggles – and because at that time shelters only served men (homelessness was not considered a “woman’s problem”), she pestered officials in the city of Boston until they provided space for her proposed shelter. She imagined a space where women were safe and cared for, listened to and respected – and she achieved it.

This book is a truly beautiful homage to a woman who made a lasting difference to women in Boston, and provided inspiration for other shelters like it across the country. McDonnell’s text is simple, moving, and personal; Tentler-Krylov’s watercolor and digital illustrations evoke a pitch-perfect visual counterpoint to the written word.

Endnotes provide more historical information and context about Kip, the great depression, and the many factors that can cause or impact homelessness, allowing for more discussion with older children. This is an inspiring story that will stay with readers.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

Special Delivery: A Book’s Journey Around the World

Special Delivery: A Book’s Journey Around the WorldSpecial Delivery: A Book's Journey Around the World by Klas Fahlen, Polly Faber
Published by Candlewick Press on April 4, 2023
ISBN: 1536229857
Pages: 32
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“It’s forty more sleeps until Jay’s birthday. At a factory far away, everyone is arriving for a busy day at work.” So begins a book’s journey, from factory to truck to ship and so on, until it arrives at a bookstore where Jay’s grandmother purchases it. Each step is simple, but personal, with names given to each person who handles the book at every stage. Digital illustrations are blocky and colorful, filling the pages. Overall, an engaging view of the process for young readers, particularly those interested in transportation. A section of Special Delivery Numbers at the end is a nice bonus, providing more detailed information about shipping statistics that slightly older kids (and grownups) will find interesting.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

four-stars

Work with What You Got: A Memoir

Work with What You Got: A MemoirWork With What You Got: A Memoir by James S. Hirsch, Zion Clark
Published by Candlewick Press on April 11, 2023
Pages: 240
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Zion Clark was born without legs due to a medical disorder, but that hasn’t stopped him yet. An elite wheelchair racer, mixed martial artist, and wrestler, “Work with What You Got” is Clark’s memoir. Focusing on his life in the foster care system and afterwards, Clark shows his resilience in life, despite the many challenges he faced in his foster care situations. This is an honest look at his time in the foster care system and Clark does not shy away from the abuse and poverty he faced. Defying the odds as a Black boy and disabled survivor of the foster care system, readers will learn from his journey and his advice. His drive, helped along by a few supportive members of his life, is impressive and he is only in his mid-20s, so I’m sure he has much more success to come. Written by Zion Clark and James S. Hirsch, this young adult memoir is a recommended purchase for YA biography collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

It’s Not Bragging if It’s True: How to be Awesome at Life

It’s Not Bragging if It’s True: How to be Awesome at LifeIt's Not Bragging If It's True: How to Be Awesome at Life, from a Winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee by Zaila Avant-Garde, Marti Dumas
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on May 2, 2023
ISBN: 0593568990
Pages: 144
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Zaila Avant-Garde is tenacious and intelligent. She is a Scripps Spelling Bee winner, a two-time Guinness World Record holder, and has won Sports Illustrated SportsKid of the Year. She has a lot to teach young people about setting goals and working hard to achieve them. With humor and insight, Zaila offers readers 9 steps to “level up” to meet their goals and become their most authentic selves. These steps include having someone else’s back, knowing when to ask for help, and embracing your own weirdness. Zaila’s positive attitude and confidence shines throughout in this nonfiction self-help book for upper-elementary aged children. Readers will enjoy the short chapters and the photos of Zaila’s achievements through the years.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Unseen Jungle

Unseen JungleUnseen Jungle: The Microbes That Secretly Control Our World by Eleanor Spicer Rice, Rob Wilson
Published by MIT Kids Press on May 2, 2023
Pages: 176
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A fun and fascinating look at the microbes that surround us in our homes, our yards, our food, and yes, our bodies. Conversational and humorous in tone, with colorful cartoon drawings throughout, this book is informative as well as entertaining. The chapters are short, the language is accessible, add in some occasionally creepy and gross details and you have high appeal for the upper elementary set. Interviews with scientists are interspersed and suggestions for further reading and a bibliography are included at the end of the book. 

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Grades 3-6

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

four-stars

A Different Kind of Normal

A Different Kind of NormalA Different Kind of Normal: My Real-Life COMPLETELY True Story About Being Unique by Abigail Balfe
on 10/04/2022
ISBN: 0593566467
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

In this illustrated memoir by Abigail Balfe, she describes growing up in England with undiagnosed autism throughout childhood all the way up to adulthood when she was finally diagnosed at the age of 33. Balfe begins by shedding light on what it means to be autistic and neurodivergent in general. Other chapters include discussions about how she handled school, friendship, family, sensory sensitivities, puberty, college and more. The end of the book contains a glossary, resources for further learning, tips for neurotypical people to relate to those who are neurodivergent, and an author’s note. 

The colorful illustrations and conversational tone are appealing but readers may find the meandering narration to be distracting. The overall message is reassuring–those who are neurodivergent may face struggles, but success and happiness are theirs to have too. 

Ages 9-12

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

three-stars

Money Out Loud

Money Out LoudMoney Out Loud: All the Financial Stuff No One Taught Us by Berna Anat, Monique Sterling
Published by Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins on April 25, 2023
ISBN: 0063067374
Pages: 258
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Berna Anat has written an irreverent and savvy guide to financial management for those feeling left out by the “hella male, pale and stale financial world”. The book is full of hip slang, pertinent black and white illustrations and, most importantly, sound financial advice aimed primarily at women, people of color, and children of immigrants; marginalized groups who often receive minimal financial guidance, if any. Teens and young adults will find it very readable – chapters are divided into short sections, with text bubbles, illustrations, sidebars and funny footnotes – and relatable, as Anat breaks concepts down to be inherently manageable by meeting readers where they are. She covers every financial topic from a first savings account to retirement. Her voice is unique and her writing style engaging; highly recommend.

5 stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

The Best Way to Get Your Way

The Best Way to Get Your WayThe Best Way to Get Your Way (-) by Chanelle Nibbelink, Tanya Lloyd Kyi
ISBN: 1525305484
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In The Best Way to Get Your Way, author Tanya Lloyd Kyi introduces readers to the debate process as she explores 5 common issues kids are familiar with, including eating vegetables and doing homework. Kyi follows the debate format and illustrates how it works by presenting both sides of the issue, from opening arguments and rebuttals to closing arguments. She uses various techniques to present each side and explains why the technique is used and whether or not it makes for a strong argument. At the end of each topic, she leaves it up to readers to decide which side they agree with. She introduces readers to new vocabulary such as rebuttal and bias and all new terms can also be found in the glossary. The back of the book also includes an index and a list of selected sources, reinforcing the importance of research to an effective debate. This book might look like a resource for kids to learn how to get out of doing chores, but really it’s about improving a child’s critical thinking and presentation skills in a fun way. The book is well organized and easy to follow and the colorful and inclusive graphics are engaging without being distracting. This nonfiction book would be great for 3-5th graders, especially those who are part of a debate team or who are ready to learn how to make thoughtful and effective arguments.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars