Book Blurbs

Hello fellow readers! In the interest of time, mine and yours--and the fact that there are MANY wonderful book bloggers out there--I have decided to do "Book Blurbs" instead of blogging. Short, sweet and to the point. I'd still love your input! Happy Reading!

Be Careful, Icarus by Joan Holub & Leslie Patricelli

 Stumbled upon this gem while reading children's books for my graduate classes.

Apparently it's not the only one! Be Careful, Icarus takes the original myth and makes it relevant to kids today. A clever take on the original, this Icarus creates a kite, but doesn't always listen to his Dad's directions...you'll have to guess what happens next. The series by Joan Holub and Leslie Patricelli also includes titles such as Play Nice, Hercules and Be Patient, Pandora. If you're a fan of the original myths, this might be a good read for you to share with a little one you know. The books also include a brief summary of the original tale in child friendly language. Happy Reading!

Minn and Jake's Almost Terrible Summer by Janet S. Wong, Illustrated by Genevieve Cote

Synopsis: The second in the Minn and Jake series, this free-verse novel follows the friends into summer - a summer apart! Jake is visiting old friends and family in California, while Minn is all the way across the country! How are they supposed to be best friends when they can’t chase lizards together? Luckily, before things get too bad, Jake finds out Minn is coming to visit and everything seems great, until they go to Disneyworld and the happiest place on earth suddenly isn't...

Intended Audience: Boys and girls grades 3-5, likely those who have read the original Minn and Jake.

But it might also appeal to: Younger students as a read-aloud, or middle schoolers trying to forge friendships across that ever-frightening gender boundary.

Strengths: The style of the book - in verse - makes it accessible to newer readers and the images add a great deal of fun to the story. The message that friendship sometimes requires apologies is an important one for upper elementary and middle school students has they begin to have relationships outside of their families.

Weaknesses: Given that the novel is written in free verse, the author makes different style choices that readers of prose novels might not be used to: for example using italics instead of quotation marks to show who is speaking.

Special considerations: This is a companion to Minn and Jake. Not knowing the history of the friends made starting this one a big challenging, so it might be best to read this after the original!

Verdict: If the media center already has Minn and Jake, this would be an excellent addition as well -- its positive message about friendship, especially those between boys and girls, is valuable to kids of all ages! Wong’s unique style of free verse would also add to the diversity of any collection.

Waiting by Kevin Henkes

Synopsis: Five animal toys sit on a windowsill, each of them waiting for something to occur. The book follows their life through the seasons and a variety of emotions.

Intended Audience: Beginning readers, K-1

But it might also appeal to: Younger children as a guided reading or read-aloud text as beautiful illustrations tell the majority of the story and invite imaginative thinking.

Strengths: Vivid illustrations of the animals and their window watching, but also their emotions as they watch what happens outside. Very minimal text leaves a lot of room for children to invite their imaginations into the reading. The characters’ interactions with each other and their “visitors” model how important it is to be welcoming and share what you have.

Weaknesses: The book seems to end right when the excitement begins, but perhaps that is a lesson about waiting...?

Special considerations: One of the “visitors” to the windowsill, a ceramic elephant, “stayed for a while, then he left and never returned.” This, next to the broken ceramic pieces of the elephant, sadly looked upon by two of the toys, could serve as a helpful segue when talking to children about something as small as a broken toy or as large as a lost loved one.

Verdict: Waiting would be a great fit for a media center serving students pre-k through first or second grade. Its simplicity and lovely visuals make it a delightful choice for a new reader or an adult reading to children.

Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall

Synopsis: Spoiler alert! “Red” is a blue crayon with a red label. Everyone expects him to be great at drawing things like hearts and strawberries, but he keeps failing until a new friend asks him to do the unexpected....

Intended Audience: Pre K - grade 2

But it might also appeal to: Younger kids might enjoy as a read aloud, could be a good book for discussing identity and expectations with middle grade or YA readers.

Strengths: Sends a positive message about being true to yourself, colorful illustrations that look quite similar to typical crayon drawings and could be and exciting familiar feature for young readers. Demonstrates a healthy range of emotions for children (and crayons!).

Weaknesses: The text is quite small to leave room for the illustrations, but might be intimidating for new readers.

Special considerations: Although the basic message is about identity in general, this book could be used as a tool for teaching children about gender identity.

Verdict: Red tells a great story about getting to know yourself, a message that everyone can benefit from and should be available to be “red” by all audiences pre-k to adult.

The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents: Macbeth by Ian Lendler

Synopsis: As the title implies, this graphic novel is indeed a rendition of Macbeth, as performed by animals. Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies about a power hungry man in Denmark who wants to be king and will do almost anything to get the job. This version is no different, except for in place of brutal Shakespearean murder, there is the circle of life (animals eating other animals)...

Intended Audience: Grades 2-5, those interested in graphic novels, animals, and learning about Shakespeare

But it might also appeal to: Middle school students who might better be equipped for the animals eating animals bloody parts, adults and teens who are familiar with the original might enjoy this goofy spoof on Shakespeare’s classic.

Strengths: The illustrations are stunning and the writing makes Shakespeare’s story much easier to understand. For those who understand it, the parody is quite funny as well.

Weaknesses: It is hard to know what this book would be like for someone who hasn’t read (or taught!) Macbeth. Not sure that the story would be as entertaining for those without prior knowledge of the original.

Special considerations: Based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth, some references might be lost on a younger audience, some bloody scenes where animals eat other animals, could be used as a companion text to the original in a high school classroom.

Verdict: The Stratford Zoo’s version of Macbeth would add a new element to any elementary media center: a book about Shakespeare! Given the level of most Shakespearean plays, most students don’t interact with them until high school--or perhaps late middle--but this book allows for an easier access point and introduction to the author. It would also be a great addition to a high school media center where it might be accessed alongside the classic play.

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christina Baldacchino, Illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant

Synopsis: Morris Micklewhite loves to play dress-up, especially if it means he can wear the tangerine dress in his classroom’s dress up chest. Unfortunately, the other kids don’t think it is okay for a boy to wear a dress, so his classmates pick on him. One day he decides to stay home because he is feeling bad about himself, but learns something very important about the tangerine dress...and himself.

Intended Audience: Pre-k to grade 2

But it might also appeal to: Upper elementary students, even middle school students when talking about identity and having courage to be different from your peers

Weaknesses: Although the book encourages Morris’ choice to wear the dress and be different, the fact that he was essentially being bullied by his classmates is never explicitly brought up and the fact that the positive message comes when he skips school for a day might be a bit confusing for kids.

Strengths: The illustrations are stunning and the story sends a positive message about being unique and also a more subtle message about how sometimes gender norms restrict kids’ ability to express themselves.

Special considerations: Although subtle, the message about gender norms could provide for an interesting parent-child or teacher-child conversation about how toys and clothes are chosen for kids of different genders.

Verdict: Any book that promotes creativity and imaginative play in the same way as Morris Micklewhite absolutely deserves a place on the shelf of a media center for kids of all ages. I would even argue a high school media center could benefit from its presence.

The Year of Billy Miller

Synopsis: The Year of Billy Miller follows Billy through his second grade year filled with an annoying (and sometimes cute) little sister, a teacher he's convinced doesn't like him, and the know-it-all girl in his class he can't seem to avoid. At first, it seems to Billy that it's going to be rough year, but then he gets his teacher to smile and he comes up with a plan...

Intended Audience: Children in grades 3-6, interested in books about school, family and friends

But it might also appeal to: Younger children doing a read aloud in class or with an adult, adults working with elementary age students, second graders - it is about second grade!

Strengths: Very realistic representations of classroom and family dynamics, Billy is a likable character who learns a lot of important lessons about being confident and learning to interact with others.

Weaknesses: The description of the book alludes to the bump on his head (he gets while visiting the Jolly Green Giant statue on summer break) playing a bigger role in the story than it actually does, which is a bit misleading. I thought the story might deal with a memory loss or injury, when really that played a small part.

Special considerations: Kevin Henkes has written MANY books for children of all ages, but this is the first Billy Miller text. The book takes place in Wisconsin with geographical references that might be of interest to midwesterners!

Verdict: This novel would make an excellent addition to the shelves of any media center up to middle grades. It is well written, entertaining and has a great message about family for readers of all kinds.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Synopsis:  The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a mysterious graphic novel about a young boy living in a Paris train station. He is an orphan and steals from local vendors to survive, but he is working on a project--a secret project--that no one can find, so he must be careful, but then someone catches him stealing…

Intended audience: Children ages 9-12, readers who like graphic novels, mysteries

But it might also appeal to: Adults, children younger than nine reading it with an adult, or teenagers interested in graphic novels, mysteries, mechanical toys, Paris or history.

Strengths: The book is almost exactly 1/2 illustrations and 1/2 text, which allows for a stronger reader to have a more visual experience, while a reader who appreciates comics and graphic novels will have an immediate "in." The mystery keeps the audience's attention to the very end.

Weaknesses: While the artwork is stunning, it is limited to black and white which was slightly disappointing. The language of the text, while mostly simple, does include a bit of challenging lingo related to the keeping of clocks and other mechanical contraptions. In this case, an adult reader who could "translate" might be helpful to a younger reader.

Special considerations: This is a physically LARGE book, which could be intimidating to a reader who has traditionally read shorter chapter books, however the actual text takes up very little space on the page and reads quickly when partnered with vivid images. There is also a film, which could be used for a comparison/contrast activity. There is also quite a bit of historical context in the novel that could serve extension opportunities for students.

Verdict: This magical novel would be an excellent addition to a elementary, middle or high school library has it has the potential to reach a wide variety of readers interested in art, poetic writing, mystery and interesting characters.

Lucy Long Ago by Catherine Thimmesh

Grades 4 and up--

Lucy Long Ago tells the story of one of the biggest scientific discoveries of the 20th century: the uncovering of “Lucy”: the “oldest, most complete fossil skeleton ever found.” The book begins with the discovery of the bones in 1974 and traces the scientific research that followed. It is an intriguing combination of science and imagination written in an engaging narrative style.

Intended audience: Elementary or middle school students interested in evolution, science, anthropology or just generally curious about the world we live in.

Audience to whom it may appeal: This book has the potential to engage young and old audience alike with it’s clear explanations, vivid graphics and images and accessible story structure.

Strengths: Though the book is nonfiction, it is written in a narrative style so it has the potential to appeal to a variety of readers as informative as well as entertaining. The pictures and graphics are well done and help the reader to better understand the scientific research that went into Lucy’s discovery and subsequent theories about the history of humanity.

Weaknesses: Some of the science jargon could be a bit off-putting to lower level readers or those with minimal science education. In a way, it might be considered a challenge to creationism, which might bring about requests for removal in certain districts.

Special considerations: This book very much describes science consistent with Darwin (and others’) theory of evolution and could potentially face challenges from parents who prefer their children to focus on their religious teachings of creationism.

VERDICT: I think Lucy Long Ago would make an excellent addition to any elementary, middle or even high school library. Its unique content, vivid graphics and images and narrative style make it a great book for kids of all ages.

Sex: A Book for Teens by Nikol Hasler

Ages 15 and up--

Intended audience: This book is written for teenagers who are curious about sex, whether or not they are having it or plan to have it.

Audience to whom it may appeal: Although the content may appeal to a younger audience, I think would be difficult to convince a K-8 or younger library to carry this book. It could also appeal to adults who have lingering questions about sex. (I learned a lot!)

Strengths: This book is very straightforward with facts, figures and clear explanations. It is also inclusive of various sexualities and gender identities. The author incorporates humor as well, which could help to alleviate some of the awkwardness of reading such a book.  There are also many resources (websites, phone numbers) for learning more about safe sex including the possibility of STIs and teen pregnancy.

Weaknesses: The cover, style, and content of this book could be construed as giving permission or even promoting teens to have sex. There is also the potential for bits and pieces (chapter titles, cartoons) of the book to be taken out of context and misconstrued. Although the purpose of the book is to inform, I can foresee potential challenges to its forthright (and potentially encouraging) nature.

Special considerations: Clear explanations of sex in all of its variations including GLBT, as well as thorough objective descriptions of the spectrum of gender identities. This may be a book that, although not labeled “reference,” might not wander far from its shelf, though incurring frequent perusal from curious patrons.  

VERDICT: Although the chance of challenge might be high, I would still promote the selection of this book in a high school media center. It is a humorous look at an awkward topic and has the potential to be extremely informative in an area that is often considered taboo. I think that the (mostly) objective explanatory style of the book would be an excellent addition to the library collection.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Grades 8 and up--

Although Between Shades of Gray is a narrative capturing the horrors of WWII, it is unlike any other period novel I've ever read. This is the tale of the Baltics under the reign of Stalin, specifically tracing the journey of 15-year-old Lina and her family as they are deported from their home country (Lithuania) and dragged through Siberia into the frozen tundra if the Arctic Circle.

Intended audience: High school students interested in WWII history.

Audience to whom it may appeal: People of all ages, those interested in art, persevering through life's most unbearable struggles, family and history.

Strengths: The novels two biggest doorways are its story--wanting to know the fate of its characters-- and the characters themselves. Sepetys names few characters, Lina's family and three or four others, while the others are given nicknames such as “the bald man” and “the grouchy woman” which allows the reader to truly experience the events of the novel through Lina's eyes.

Weaknesses: The graphic descriptions of the conditions and violence they experience is quite intense and might be a turn-off for some readers. The ending is also quite abrupt and unexpected which might leave readers whose main doorway was characters a bit disappointed.

Special considerations: Prior knowledge of WWII history is critical to a full understanding of the context. Some Russian is used, but most often defined in context.

VERDICT: Due to the graphic nature and violence of the subject matter, this book best fits in a high school media center where students might be better able to contextualize the events of the novel. High school is also often the time during which WII is taught at length in history classes. This book will engage and likely elicit a visceral reaction from thoughtful readers. It is an important book to have on the shelf, not only for its unique perspective on a pivotal moment in history, but for the beauty and strength of its characters.