Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

Fly High, John Glen: the story of an American Hero

Fly High, John Glen: the story of an American HeroFly High, John Glenn: The Story of an American Hero by Kathleen Krull, Maurizio A C Quarello
Published by HarperCollins on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 0062747142
Pages: 48
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A well-rounded biography about John Glenn from as a child, his family, military service, life as an astronaut, political career, and as the oldest man to fly in space at the age of 77. Much of the book concentrates on his epic flight of the first astronaut to orbit the earth. Lovely oil painting illustrations are reminiscent of Norman Rockwell and Edward Hopper. I do agree with Kirkus reviewer: “Tales of his less-than-successful endeavors (his failed presidential bid, for example) are not mentioned, which seems a lost opportunity to discuss how setbacks are an inevitable part of success.” Regardless, this larger-than life hero and book will appeal to fans of space exploration. More information about John Glenn, timeline, and bibliography are in the back.

School Library Journal – “Krull’s picture book biography is a patriotic tribute to an American hero. The text and illustrations highlighting Glenn’s orbit are breathtaking. A highly recommended purchase that will have wide appeal for young readers.” (starred review)

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis’ Fleet-of-Foot Girl

Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis’ Fleet-of-Foot GirlAlthea Gibson: The Story of Tennis' Fleet-of-Foot Girl by Laura Freeman, Megan Reid
Published by Balzer + Bray on January 21, 2020
ISBN: 0062851098
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Before Serena and Venus Williams, in the 1940s there was Althea Gibson, the first black tennis player to win the championship at Wimbledon. Because of segregation, black people weren’t allowed to compete against white people in sports. Althea didn’t care. She just wanted to play tennis against the best athletes in the world. A well researched biography that many students will not have heard about.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Hard Work, but It’s Worth It: The Life of Jimmy Carter

Hard Work, but It’s Worth It: The Life of Jimmy CarterHard Work, but It's Worth It: The Life of Jimmy Carter by Bethany Hegedus, Kyung Eun Han
Published by Balzer + Bray on January 28, 2020
ISBN: 0062643789
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

An outline of President Jimmy Carter’s life—peanut farmer, president, and humanitarian. As a child growing up in the South, Jimmy had an African American friend named Alonzo until they got older and the ways of segregation altered their relationship. This relationship affected how he governed when his political career progressed from local school board member, to the Georgia state Senate, to governor, to president. Although there are no specifics as to what he did to improve racial injustice. I would have also liked to see the complete list of his “Good Mental Habits” to live by. There are author’s note, timeline, bibliography, and online resources at the back.

Kirkus review sums it up quite well: An affectionate, admiring tribute to our 39th president.

Reviewed by Barbara Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

The Nest That Wren Built

The Nest That Wren BuiltThe Nest That Wren Built by Anne Hunter, Randi Sonenshine
ISBN: 1536201537
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This rhyming book takes the form of “The House that Jack Built” and follows the planning, building, and nesting of Carolina Wrens. The text is informative and biologically accurate without being overly detailed or heavy. The illustrations really make the book. The text is good, but the illustrations are gorgeous. The beautiful detail in the line work and the careful use of blended colors really makes this book shine. Recommended for purchase and for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Nature’s Light Spectacular

Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
four-stars

Any science book that inspires you to immediately do further research is a good one. Nature’s Light Spectacular led to a Google search of all sorts of natural light phenomena I had never heard of. Our planet is so amazing. Light pillars?! Yosemite Firefall?! WOW. The book illustrates and describes twelve different natural phenomena. The science is easy to grasp and the drawings are beautiful. A good one for any age group. The only reason I’m not giving this five stars is I think there was a missed opportunity for an appendix with photographs. The illustrations are great but the actual images are awe-inspiring.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Ready to Fly

Ready to FlyReady to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina by A. LaFaye, Jessica Gibson, Lea Lyon, Sylvia Townsend
Published by HarperCollins on January 28, 2020
ISBN: 0062888781
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

 

An enchanted family tale staring a little girl who wants to learn ballet.   This is a biography about Sylvia Robertson Townsend who grew up poor in goods and wealthy in family love and support.  Told in rich and distinctive text by first time author Lea Lyon is the story of Sylvia’s childhood desire to dance.  Her personal story is shared with authors Lyon and LaFaye who bring the character to life.   Gibson’s illustrations add sparkle to the storyline.  Period clothing and household technology do not date the book, they add to the richness of the content and help expose the racism of the period. Colors are lavishly used and movement is throughout.

It may have taken a small group to write, illustrate, and produce this book but the completed picture book is a quality product.   All young girls who dream of flying (be it performing arts, sports or academics) will be reassured that they are capable.  All it takes is interest, practice, supportive parents, and a local helpful librarian.   An added plus is the short history of the bookmobile, many children may be hearing about this institution for the first time.  Add to all primary school media centers and to every public library as this book is lovely and faces issues of our past and present.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

five-stars

Chowder Rules! The True Story of an Epic Food Fight

Chowder Rules! The True Story of an Epic Food FightChowder Rules!: The True Story of an Epic Food Fight by Anna Crowley Redding, Vita Lane
Published by Islandport Press on October 13, 2020
ISBN: 1944762825
Pages: 32
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

Which is better: Manhattan Clam Chowder or New England Clam Chowder? That question has been argued for decades. Mainer Cleveland Sleeper, Jr., thought there was only one way to enjoy the traditional comfort-style  milky broth. But when people from New York City tossed in tomatoes, Cleveland saw red, and called it vegetable soup. He sought to have a law passed, but failing that, he proposed a culinary duel. And the winner was….

Great imagery and prose: “…it was the entire stature of Maine in a single bite…”

Full color illustrations show many of Maine’s famous icons, and perspective is given by including a map of the United States, and having the Statue of Liberty hoisting a tomato atop her torch. These visuals assist younger readers in accessing the locals and history. 

One detail about the debate is how the state of Iowa had a huge tomato industry at the time so some residents were very much against such a law banning tomatoes. This book would be an interesting way to introduce how laws are made, advertising hype, and how to debate an issue. This would also be a fun book for Maine or culinary history for middle elementary students.

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

Let’s Explore Honey

Let’s Explore HoneyLet's Explore Honey! by Jill Colella
ISBN: 1541582977
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Part of the “Food Field Trips” series by Lerner, this book first introduces honey, then takes the reader out to see an apiary in crisp, up-close photos. Clean, accessible text nicely describes each photo. Open-ended, thinking questions are posed throughout. Backmatter includes a recipe, activity, brief index and list of additional books and websites to read.

Recommended for any food collection, and as an introduction to the importance of bees in our environment. Pair with Gerald Kelley’s 2017 “Please Please the Bears.”

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

five-stars

Black Bear’s Adventure: An Appalachian Trail Journey

Black Bear’s Adventure: An Appalachian Trail JourneyGenres: Adventure, Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
five-stars

“Black Bear” is a Maine fitness enthusiast and former physical education teacher who invites readers to accompany her on her first through hike of the Appalachian Trail. This book describes in narrative form all the excitement, fears, challenges and success she experiences along the way. She is currently preparing for her third AT trip, and her experience on and off the trail are an inspiration to not only attempt a challenge, but to properly prepare oneself for such an endeavor  . 

The author encourages youngsters through her story, and direct words, “You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.” The title and cover invite readers to pick up this book, and the writing will have them feel they are stepping right along with the author, whose trail name is “Black Bear.”

Mixed media, full color collage illustrations capture the emotions and key concepts and common hiking scenes.

The possible uses for this book are limited only by a teacher’s imagination. Use for anchor text of first-person narrative studies, Maine studies, an inspiration to stay healthy, and to follow your dreams, just to name a few!

Consider purchasing “Black Bear’s Adventure Companion Book” for individual use or classroom ideas for journaling and dreaming and recording your own adventures!

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

five-stars

Solar System: By the Numbers

Solar System: By the NumbersSolar System: By The Numbers by Steve Jenkins
ISBN: 1328850978
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Thanks to this book I just learned what an AU, or astronomical unit, is; that it sometimes rains diamonds on Jupiter; and that in 1991 America launched a jellyfish into space. I love infographics and I think they’re a terrific tool for young visual learners. Solar System: By the Numbers is concise and interesting and the graphic design works well with the facts. To keep it sparse, words highlighted in blue are defined later in a glossary.  A perfect book for anyone interested in facts about our solar system.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars