Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

How to Solve a Problem

How to Solve a ProblemHow to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion by Ashima Shiraishi, Yao Xiao
on April 7, 2020
ISBN: 1524773271
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Ashima Shiraishi is a world-class climber, and in the climbing world, boulders are referred to as problems. Shiraishi takes this play on words and runs with it wonderfully. She talks about how she solves problems in rock climbing, and that easily equates to solving problems in life. She takes the reader through her thought processes in bouldering, and she walks through how she learns from mistakes.

This is a great book for kids working through anxiety or who are feeling overwhelmed. It has a similar feel to Kobi Yamada’s What Do You Do With a Problem? but tackles the issue with less metaphor, and thus, may resonate with younger kids more easily. The illustrations are high color and reminiscent of the style found in many graphic novels. This is a great book for one-on-one sharing and would be best for kids 4 and up. Even older kids who are working through some problems of their own will benefit from this book.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Picture book of Alexander Hamilton

Picture book of Alexander HamiltonA Picture Book of Alexander Hamilton by David A. Adler, Matt Collins
Published by Holiday House on December 10, 2019
ISBN: 0823439615
Pages: 32
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Beautifully illustrated biography of the life of Alexander Hamilton, which details all important aspects of his life from birth to death. Included is a time life highlighting important dates in his life. Excellent book to use for child doing a report on his life. I was not happy about how the African Americans were depicted in the book.

For ages 6 to 10

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

three-stars

When Lightning Strikes

When Lightning StrikesWhen Lightning Strikes by Katie Peters
Published by Lerner Publications, Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541558383
Pages: 16
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Dramatic photos and a simple text make this book an easy read for children who are just starting out. A simple weather book that some young readers will enjoy.

Preschoolers to 1st grade

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

three-stars

Spring after Spring

Spring after SpringSpring After Spring: How Rachel Carson Inspired the Environmental Movement by Stephanie Roth Sisson
Published by Roaring Brook Press on August 14th 2018
ISBN: 1626728194
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
An interesting biography about Rachel Carson and how she inspired the environmental movement. Spring after spring, year after year, she observed how all living things are connected. And as an adult, Rachel watched and listened as the natural world she loved so much began to fall silent. Spring After Spring traces Rachel’s journey as scientist and writer, courageously speaking truth to an often hostile world through her book, and ultimately paving the way for the modern environmental movement.

Yogi: The Life, Loves, and Language of Baseball Legend Yogi Berra

Yogi: The Life, Loves, and Language of Baseball Legend Yogi BerraYogi: the Life, Loves, and Language of Baseball Legend Yogi Berra by Barb Rosenstock, Terry Widener
Published by Calkins Creek on February 5, 2019
ISBN: 162979824X
Pages: 48
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Yogi Berra was the man who loved baseball, but baseball didn’t love him back – until he persevered and overcame personal, cultural, and sports obstacles.

Mostly two-page, expressionistic spreads, with Yogi quotes relevant to the event described in the text on that page. The rounded lines and full shapes resemble Yogi’s distinct appearance. Interesting, descriptive and well-thought out text in simple black font is well-placed on light background. Soft shading and hues with predominance of blue remind the reader of his life-long team, the Yankees. Each image of Yogi has a white outline, helping it to stand out in the layout, reminding the reader that he is indeed a standout player in the history of baseball. 

Extensive backmatter includes photos, author’s note, “Yogi-isms,” quotes about him, bibliography, the URL to the ‘Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center,’ and source notes. The author explains that Yogi-isms are difficult to prove, thus providing an important reminder that we cannot always prove exactly what was said or done in the past. 

This would be a great book for teachers to use as a mentor text for biographies, to inspire, to spark an interest in baseball legends or for any baseball fans wanting an in-depth look at one of our American heroes.

 

Reviewd by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to ReadThe Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Oge Mora, Rita Lorraine Hubbard
on January 7, 2020
ISBN: 1524768286
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
History, inspiration, and entertainment all in one book! A former slave, Mary Walker never found time to learn to read until she was 116 years old! Although this might be considered more historical fiction than biography (due to the lack of known facts about most of her life) the author weaves her life into a realistic and believable account. 

The book is large with mostly two-page spreads. In the illustrations we see Mary at various points in her life, and her mood of fatigue or hope is evident. End papers hold photos of Mary. 

This is one of those books that the more I read it, the more I like it. I think your middle and upper elementary readers will, too.

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

five-stars

Nature’s Ninjas: Animals with Spectacular Skills

Nature’s Ninjas: Animals with Spectacular SkillsNature's Ninja: Animals with Spectacular Skills by Rebecca L Johnson
Published by Millbrook Press (Tm) on October 1, 2019
ISBN: 154154241X
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars
I truly wanted to love this book: the organization, the clever comparisons, brilliant photographs, and extensive research had me jumping up and down with excitement. But then I read on page 13: “Other animals shoot out defensive weapons. Think of a porcupine’s quills…”

With all due respect, porcupines DO NOT SHOOT their quills. I even wrote to the author but as of June 30, have had no response. I will gladly update this review if she does respond. I don’t understand how such a book can have such extensive research done then miss a simple detail like this.

I would give this 5 stars but I cannot mislead elementary students about porcupines’ quills. Anyone considering purchasing this book will have to decide for themselves if they can live with that one glaring error.

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

 

three-stars

The Roots of Rap

The Roots of RapThe Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop by Carole Boston Weatherford, Frank Morrison
Published by little bee books on January 8, 2019
ISBN: 1499804113
Pages: 48
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
The Roots of Rap is fun, engaging and informative. The text is almost secondary to the pulsing, bursting-with-color, perfect illustrations and together they outline the beginning of Rap and Hip-Hop. It’s a quick read but for those who would like to know more it includes a glossary, notes by both the author and illustrator and a Who’s Who of Hip-Hop. It’s colorful enough to read to young kids but I think this would be especially good for older kids who are familiar with rap and would enjoy learning about its origins.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten free Library, Bath

five-stars

Brave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the World

Brave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the WorldBrave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the World by Cheryl Hudson, Erin K Robinson
ISBN: 0525645829
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Written with consultation from the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Smithsonian Institute, Brave. Black. First. is a testament to 50+ African American women who have shaped the course of history. Each eye-catching double spread pairs a page of biographical text with a beautiful portrait illustration of the subject. The text provides enough information for a brief overview of achievements and historical significance, and is a good introduction for further research and exploration. Final pages include additional factual information about each featured woman, a section dedicated to highlighting artifacts held at the National Museum of African American History and Culture along with a brief overview of the museum, a list of media on display at the National Portrait Gallery, and an index. With the current, reinvigorated global spotlight on the Black Lives Matter movement, this book would be a welcome addition to any public or school library. Well-suited for kids ages 8-12.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

four-stars

The Bug Girl (A True Story)

The Bug Girl (A True Story)The Bug Girl: A True Story by Margaret McNamara, Sophia Spencer
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 0525645934
Pages: 44
Genres: Animals, Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars
An autobiographical narrative, The Bug Girl tells the story of a young girl’s fascination with bugs. The language and writing style is clearly the voice of a child, which may appeal to young readers. A trip to a butterfly sanctuary when Sophia was two and a half years old ignites her interest in arthropods. The story follows Sophia through her young childhood, where her passion for bugs generates both positive and negative reactions from her peers, and ultimately leads her to find a community of scientists who share her enthusiasm. The watercolor illustrations are sweet and enjoyable. The final pages offer additional bug facts, Sophia’s pick of her four favorite bugs, information about the butterfly life cycle, and advice for studying bugs. Intended for children ages 5-8, The Bug Girl is an encouraging story for budding entomologists, and a reminder to be true to oneself, even in the face of adversity.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

three-stars