Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

A Lady Has the Floor: Belva Lockwood Speaks Out for Women’s Rights

A Lady Has the Floor: Belva Lockwood Speaks Out for Women’s RightsA Lady Has the Floor: Belva Lockwood Speaks Out for Women's Rights by Kate Hannigan, Alison Jay
Published by Calkins Creek on February 20th 2018
ISBN: 1629794538
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

This picture book biography is very well written and beautifully illustrated. Belva Lockwood believed in equality, not just for women, but for all people. As a young school teacher she saw that she was not paid the same as male teachers. When she taught in schools around New York she saw that girls were not allowed to speak in front of the school or participate in physical activity like the boys. She worked with Susan B. Anthony to push for teaching public speaking to boys and girls. She eventually moved to Washington D.C. to apply to law school. She faced obstacles along the way, but through determination became a lawyer and was able to argue cases in front of the Supreme Court. She was the first woman to appear on the ballot as a candidate for president of the United States, though women did not have the right to vote at that time. The layout of the book is excellent. The artwork is done with a type of oil paint and a crackle varnish making the full page illustrations appear as old paintings. The author’s note offers more information about Lockwood’s achievements such as her work with the Cherokee Nation concerning The Trail of Tears. There is an extensive timeline, bibliography, and source notes. I highly recommend this fascinating biography to young readers. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

five-stars

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow FlagPride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders, Steven Salerno
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on April 10th 2018
ISBN: 0399555315
Pages: 48
Goodreads
four-stars

“Pride” is a short biography about Harvey Milk’s political career, but mostly focuses on the creation of the rainbow LGBTQ+ flag. Written by Rob Sanders and illustrated by Steven Salerno, this inspiring book shows how Harvey worked hard to make his dreams of equality for LGBTQ+ people a reality through politics. Before a large march, Harvey thought, “we need a symbol,” and when he asked artist Gilbert Baker, Baker responed, “we need a flag!” So Gilbert worked on designing a flag and volunteers helped dip fabric into large vats of dyes and cut and sewed until they had a flag with eight colorful stripes.

The images in the book are bright and eye-catching and the text doesn’t shy away from difficult events, like Harvey’s assassination, but manages to maintain a positive and upbeat theme throughout. Change has happened and will happen and thanks to the rainbow flag, people have hope and pride. This is a picture book-style biography aimed at grades 1 to 3. This is a must-buy for any youth services non-fiction section!

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

four-stars

Howard and the Mummy: Howard Carter and the Search for King Tut’s Tomb

Howard and the Mummy: Howard Carter and the Search for King Tut’s TombHoward and the Mummy: Howard Carter and the Search for King Tut's Tomb by Tracey E. Fern, Boris Kulikov
Published by Farrar Straus Giroux on August 7th 2018
ISBN: 0374303053
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

This is an excellent account of Howard Carter’s determination to find a royal mummy. Since he was a boy he worked toward this achievement. The author’s occasional use of light humor brings Howard Carter to life. He wasn’t always easy to be with because of his hot temper and terrible habit of neatness. He was also stubborn. The numerous colorful illustrations enhance this fascinating story. The illustrations are in perfect sync with the well written text. I highly recommend this non-fiction book for younger readers interested in mummies, archeology, and a captivating story of someone following their dream. There is an author’s note and list of sources.

Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

five-stars

Alabama Spitfire

Alabama SpitfireAlabama Spitfire: The Story of Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird by Bethany Hegedus, Erin Mcguire
Published by Balzer + Bray on January 23rd 2018
ISBN: 0062456709
Pages: 40
Goodreads
I have fond memories of reading To Kill a Mockingbird when I was young. So, I was excited to read this picture book about Nelle Harper Lee. As an adult reader, I loved learning more about Lee and her connection to Capote, and I think the author and illustrator created a beautiful text. However, the intended audience is 4-8 year olds, and I’m having a hard time imagining how a young reader could relate to the historical context of the book, the images that conjure memories of Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, or the quotes from the novel embedded throughout. Perhaps it would be more suited to a teacher read aloud at the middle or high school level when students are experiencing To Kill a Mockingbird for the first time. 

 

Reviewed by Amy Roberson, Librarian, Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough

Thirty Minutes Over Oregon

Thirty Minutes Over OregonThirty Minutes Over Oregon: A Japanese Pilot's World War II Story by Marc Tyler Nobleman
Published by Clarion Books on October 9th 2018
ISBN: 054443076X
Pages: 40
Goodreads

In this important and moving true story of reconciliation after war, beautifully illustrated in watercolor, a Japanese pilot bombs the continental U.S. during WWII—the only enemy ever to do so—and comes back 20 years later to apologize.

The devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, drew the United States into World War II in 1941. But few are aware that several months later, the Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita dropped bombs in the woods outside a small town in coastal Oregon. This is the story of those bombings, and what came after, when Fujita returned to Oregon twenty years later, this time to apologize.      This remarkable true story, beautifully illustrated in watercolor, is an important and moving account of reconciliation after war.

Books for all ages have been written about the bombing of Pearl Harbor which caused the United States to enter WWII. Little is known about the other bombings by the Japanese in September of 1942 over the state of Oregon. This picture book tells the story in both text and illustration of a Japanese submarine coming into the waters off the coast of Oregon, to launch a small plane which would bomb the forests around Brookings ,Oregon. The hope was that a fire would start, spread and consume the forests in the area. Though the mission failed, it changed many lives for many years to come.

Author Nobleman and illustrator Iwai work perfectly together to engage the reader in this little known historical event. Even more important is what happened in the following years.

This book is one of many that are offering young readers moments in history that few have heard about. This is what makes this book important- it both informs and brings history to younger readers so the next generation can acknowledge and honor what our nation is about. Use in units on Pearl Harbor, World War II, forgiveness and friendship.

Should be considered for cream.

Use with 4th graders and up.

Reviewed by Kathy George, Gray Public Library

 

So Tall Within by Gary D. Schmidt

So Tall Within by Gary D. SchmidtSo Tall Within by Gary D. Schmidt
on 2018
ISBN: 9781626728721
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Schmidt artfully tells the life story of Sojourner Truth – her life as a slave and a mother and her courage to fight for her family and for freedom.  In the last pages, readers find biographical notes about Sojourner Truth as well as bibliographical information, but the most fascinating part was the artist’s note, in which Maine-based illustrator Daniel Minter explains his process of reading Truth’s story as poetry and drawing parallels between history and modern times.  This is a story of strength and perseverance told on a backdrop of beautiful paintings.

Reviewed by Noelle Gallant, Saco Middle School

 

 

 

five-stars

School People

School PeopleSchool People by Lee Bennett Hopkins
on 2018
ISBN: 9781629797038
Genres: Poetry
Goodreads
three-stars

School People is an anthology of poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins and illustrated by Ellen Shi. Thirteen of the poems are about school employees (bus drivers, nurses, music teacher, etc.) and the opening and closing poems are in the voice of the school itself. Poets selected include well known ones such as  J. Patrick Lewis, Hopkins himself, and Alma Flor Ada. Less known poets are also represented. The librarian and theater teacher are males; the principal is also a mother of a student, and the coach and bus driver are women. The poems are brief and  direct. Some rhyme, and many do not.  Digital artwork is light and fresh in the style reflecting the poems’ mood. Multiple skin tones on students and staff are shown. Primary classes k-2 will recognize themselves or others much like them in this book. Recommended by Margy Soule Coffin Library, Coffin School, Brunswick

three-stars

Jurassic Classics The Prehistoric Masters of Art Volume 1

Jurassic Classics The Prehistoric Masters of Art Volume 1The Prehistoric Masters of Art, Volume 1: Discover Art History with a Prehistoric Twist! (Jurassic Classics) by Elise Wallace, Sernur Isik
on January 1st 1970
ISBN: 1942875533
Goodreads
four-stars
This library edition was published in 2018 by Walter Foster Jr. an imprint of The Quarto Group. This is great for anyone who loves dinosaurs and art. The dinosaur artists are Vincent van Guanadon, Leonardo da Vilociraptor, and Claude Monetato and their human counterparts, along with some of their more recognizable paintings. The information is factual and humorous.

Reviewed by Jeri Fitzpatrick, GNG Middle School, Gray

four-stars

Vivid: Poems & Notes About Color

Vivid: Poems & Notes About ColorVivid: Poems & Notes about Color by Julie Paschkis
Published by Godwin Books/Henry Holt and Company on July 31st 2018
ISBN: 1250122295
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars
Colors bounce, bloom and dive into a world made bright by a talented author/ illustrator.  Vivid is a total artistic experience, what you see is movement and action all over the two page format.   Brightly colored illustrations are teamed with both a poem and an information block combining to make a winning concept poetry book for primary grade students. Background space is not limited to white, adding variety and interest.  Indigo is the most striking illustration, readers will anticipate entering the cool water as the girl dives in.  Many of the facts offered go beyond the grade K-2 audience making the book a fun fast read for older students.

Purchase this book for public library collection and then decide where to shelf.  Should it be among poetry or concept books?   Art teachers would be thrilled to receive this book as a gift and primary school media specialist will want it available to language teachers and students.

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

five-stars

Poop Detectives

Poop DetectivesPoop Detectives by Ellen Lawrence
Published by Not Avail on August 1st 2017
ISBN: 1684022452
Goodreads
three-stars
Young readers interested in early man and wild animals may find Poop Detectives enlightening and a little gross.  Lawrence shows how scientists and dogs search for poop in the field which is then testing in the lab.   The study of poop provides answers to questions about the health of endangered animals, establishes the DNA of dogs, and reveals facts about prehistoric eating patterns.   This is a nonfiction picture book that includes a simple lab, explains in text and pictures the science words used, and offers an index.   Clear and colorful photographs enhance the text and blue informative bubbles provide more specific facts.

A good match for K – grade 2 audience who enjoy bathroom talk, there is much content they will enjoy. Young scientist and Captain Underpants readers would make up most of the audience. Purchase of this book is not essential and the price is rather high for many libraries.

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

three-stars