Mama: A World of Mothers and Motherhood by Hélène Delforge - NO

Mama: A World of Mothers and Motherhood by Hélène Delforge, illustrated by Quentin Gréban. PICTURE BOOK. Floris Books, 2022. $20. 9781782507710

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - NO 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Poetry is paired with water-color paintings expressing a wide range of emotions and experiences encompassed in motherhood. The words and the art dive into the loneliness, pain, sacrifice, and beauty of being a parent. 

This book is breathtakingly beautiful, but I can not see an obvious audience for this book in school libraries. I believe the intended reader for this book is an adult, a parent. That said, it could potentially be used as a model for water-coloring or writing poetry, but I don’t think the subject matter will naturally appeal to many students. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

 

Perfectly Pegasus by Jessie Sima - ADVISABLE

Perfectly Pegasus by Jessie Sima. PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster, 2022. $18. 9781534497177

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A delightfully serene, blue pegasus, Nimbus, is born on a cloud and enjoys the freedom to play and explore, but starts to feel a bit lonely as time goes on. While searching for a wished-upon star, Nimbus meets Kelp, a unicorn (from previous books), and all of Kelp’s friends.

I love that Nimbus, and Kelp for that matter, are largely non-gendered and will appeal to all readers. They do have gendered pronouns, but the illustrations subvert traditional color associations, allowing boys and girls to equally and safely enjoy pegasus’ and unicorns, both delightfully whimsical and creativity-evoking creatures.   

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

The Hotel for Bugs by Suzy Senior - ADVISABLE

The Hotel for Bugs by Suzy Senior, illustrated by Leire Martín. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2022. $18. 9781680102703

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A swanky new hotel has just opened up and everyone is having an excellent time until the bugs notice that a slug has tried to check-in and been turned away. The mood in the hotel shifts and a young bug has the courage to say that what happened was not right. Amends are made and everyone enjoys themself in the end. 

This is a bright and cheery book to read and it has a good message, albeit a very obvious one. I think the lack of subtlety actually makes it less useful to use as a teaching tool about social interactions with peers because it is so black and white, but still a good message to reinforce with young readers who may casually pick it up. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Just to See by Morgane de Cadier - ADVISABLE

Just to See by Morgane de Cadier, illustrated by Florian Pigé. PICTURE BOOK. Blue Dot Kids Press, 2022. $19. 9781737603207

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Told in first-person narrative, a little girl with red hair notices something new from her perch in a treehouse. When she investigates she finds a deer with antlers that have never been shed and instead have grown and grown. She asks permission and climbs the antlers to see all sorts of delightful surprises. 

Tall and narrow, the physical formate of this book lends itself well to the vertical sense of climbing high into the air and I enjoyed that reading sensation. I found the illustrations whimsical and engaging the whole way through, but the plot never really formed and left the conclusion feeling very flat. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

The Eyebrows of Doom by Steve Smallman - ADVISABLE

The Eyebrows of Doom by Steve Smallman, illustrated by Miguel Ordonez. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2022. $18. 9781680102673

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A bear named Dave is not amused when two bushy eyebrows, which he mistakes for slugs, attach themselves to his face. Their influence on him makes him react unkindly to others.  When the eyebrows have had their fun with Dave, they proceed to invade other animals’ emotional well-being by attaching to their faces. 

I was skeptical at the beginning of this story because the eyebrows just didn’t look natural on the animal faces, but it didn’t take long for the story to grow on me (pun intended). Kids, better than anyone, will understand the power of furrowed brows on others. This book is also fun to read aloud with a catchy rhythm and rhyme. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Once Upon a Camel by Kathi Appelt - ESSENTIAL

Once Upon a Camel by Kathi Appelt, 322 pages. Atheneum, 2021. $18

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

While Zada, a very old camel, makes it through a storm to a big mountain lion's cave, she thinks back over her life. She was born in Smyrna, Turkey, well cared for by her keeper, Teodor. While Zada was still young, she was given as a gift, along with all her friends, to the U.S. Army. She was transported in a boat across the Atlantic till they reached Texas. There they met many other camels. They helped the army transporting goods from Texas to California and back. Many years went by and Zada was happy. One day Zada and her best friend were set free. They stayed together and wandered by themselves. What will happen to the two camels? The story goes back and forth between West Texas and Smyrna. I learned a lot from this book. I had no idea that the army actually used camels in Texas. It was called the "Great Camel Experiment." There are still rumors that there are wild camels in Texas. This was a most amazing book. I loved it and I recommend it to everyone I talk to. The book is a great read aloud for a class. There are so many things to talk about and discuss. One of my favorite reads this year.

 Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Can't Be Tamed by Yamile Said Mendez - ADVISABLE

Can't Be Tamed (Horse Country #1) by Yamile Said Mendez, 224 pages. Scholastic, 2022. $8 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

11yo Carolina has lived her whole life on Paradise Ranch, working as stable hands with her parents. She knows every horse, and every nook and cranny of the place. When a new owner, Heather, comes to take over, she brings along her daughter, Chelsi. Carolina worries that Chelsi will take over the small barn and that she, along with her mom and dad will lose their jobs. Heather brings in new people and new horses. One of the new, Velvet, seems especially skittish. Carolina vows that one day she will ride that horse. She sneaks into the barn at night to get to know the new horse. She feeds her treats and even takes her out of her stall to show the others that she alone can get this skittish horse to relax. In the process she makes a huge mistake, and is nearly killed. 

I enjoyed this book much more that I thought I would. The story is told from Carolina's point of view. She is a very hard working, dependable 11-year old girl. She loves the horses in her charge and she cleans their stalls and their barn every day till it shines. She loves all the horses. sometimes, when her work is done she gets to ride on of the horses. She has a special touch with the horses. A talent. A gift. Carolina is a very believable character, and the author has written 11yo girls really well. Chelsi tells girls at school that the ranch is hers, and that Carolina is but a "pooper scooper." Read, and find out how Carolina help solve many problems on the ranch and for herself. I loved this book, and I know a lot of girls that middle school and upper elementary school age that will read all the horse books they can find on the library shelves. This would be good for a read-a-loud or even for reading groups. Carolina is Argentinian and white; her friend Vida is from the Philippines. 

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Shelter by Christie Matheson - ADVISABLE

Shelter by Christie Matheson, 178 pages. Random House, 2021. $17 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

11yo Maya, white, lives in San Francisco with her mom, dad and baby sister. Her dad has been in a bad accident and is in the hospital. Maya, her mom and sister have to move out of their cute, little house and into the homeless shelter. There they get their own room. Maya is embarrassed and feels really bad about the whole situation they are in. The story follows Maya through one whole day. She is hungry, she gets wet, she is worried, and she does not dare share her secret with anybody, not even her very best friend. Once in a while Maya thinks back to how things were before. She has a hard time concentrating, her backpack is stolen by a really mean girl. All the things Maya owns are in that backpack. 

The author did a great job handling such a sensitive subject. She gives great understanding and insight through the way Maya struggles through the day. She is doing her best to be a great student, a great daughter and a good friend. She carries the big secret and it weighs so heavy on her. Maya is strong and tough, yet tender hearted and kind. She tries to help her mom with her sister Gabby, who suffers from a multitude of severe food allergies and cerebral palsy. She tries so hard to be cheerful and kind, yet she has a hard time dealing with all the changes in her life. I admire May and I could not put the book down. 

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Before We Stood Tall by Jessica Kulekjian and Madeline Kloepper - NO

Before We Stood Tall: from small seed to mighty tree by Jessica Kulekjian, illustrated by Madeline Kloepper. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2021. $18. 9781525303241 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - NO 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

A forest of trees remembers back all the way to their beginnings. 

I tried to appreciate this as a poetic look back into the early life of trees, but that is lost in the figurative language in a non-linear form that confuses rather than invites. I even typed out the lines in case it made more sense as a whole, but I don’t enjoy it enough to fall in love. I would suggest The Second Life of Trees by Aimee M. Bisonette, or Trees by Tony Johnson, as more appealing looks at trees. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS  

When the Wind Came by Jan Andrews and Dorothy Leung - OPTIONAL

When the Wind Came by Jan Andrews, illustrated by Dorothy Leung. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, JUNE 2022. $19. 9781525303395 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

The little girl remembers life before the wind came and the devastation when it arrived. The wreck of their home seems hopeless, but just a tiny bit of levity helps lift all hearts. The family salvages what they can and drives away. 

While the story is tender and heartfelt, I am unsettled by kids thinking that families who go through a disaster can simply pick up everything and walk away – economically that is pretty much impossible for anyone who isn’t independently wealthy. And if this book is set in the past, like during the 1920’s, that is unclear, so not helpful. The family is Black. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Baby-Changing Station by Rhett Miller and Dan Santat - OPTIONAL

The Baby-Changing Station by Rhett Miller, illustrated by Dan Santat. PICTURE BOOK. Little Brown, AUGUST 2022. $18. 9780316459327 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

10yo James is not happy with the new baby in his house. When he finally gets out with his parents for a night of pizza, the parents tell James it’s his turn to change the stinky diaper. Then a secret message board appears, offering James all kinds of cool gadgets in exchange for the annoying baby brother. But does James really want that – maybe that little guy will grow up to be a great sidekick instead. 

Miller writes the story in rhyming tercets. I’m just not sure how much kids want to read about how much they should love any new little brothers and sisters – it comes off as a “THIS IS A LESSON” book. Also, while the different diaper folds on the endpapers are amusing – what family uses that type of old-fashioned diaper any more? I don’t think kids will even understand the pictures. James and his family are all white. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Family Business by Lenore Appelhans and Ken Lamug - ADVISABLE

The Family Business by Lenore Appelhans, illustrated by Ken Lamug. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, JULY 2022. $18. 9780062898869 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Lucky Racoon stays home by himself until he is big enough to join the family business – scavenging for food. When he is finally big enough, he gets a stomach ache when the humans yell at his family and chase them off every place. When he is sent off on his own, he finds there may be a different way to help his family. 

A fine middle-level look at a young family member who sees things differently from everyone else. A positive message about the importance of listening to each other and changing the “traditional” way. The background human characters in the illustrations are a nice mix of representation. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Little Good Wolf by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel - ESSENTIAL

Little Good Wolf by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion (Houghton), AUGUST 2022. $18. 9780358561880 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The Big Bad Wolf parents are at their wits end – their little wolf is just too good! In desperation they send him off to Bad School. Little Good Wolf “fails” every lesson and gets expelled. Is there any place in the forest for a good wolf? 

An amusing twist on the Big Bad Wolf story. I loved how Little Wolf turned every “bad” lesson into a lesson on being good. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Night on the Sand: a journey toward hope by Monica Mayper and Jaime Kim - ADVISABLE

Night on the Sand: a journey toward hope by Monica Mayper, illustrated by Jaime Kim. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion (Houghton), AUGUST 2022. $18. 9781328884183 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When disaster strikes, the two children are left alone – no home, no parents – just a blanket and an orange. Along with other stragglers, they make beds on the beach and share the little they have with each other, hoping that rescue might arrive soon. 

Oh my heart – a sweet simple look at the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Simple and gentle enough for little children to understand and hopefully begin developing empathy for displaced people. The place and the people are kept neutral (not white, though) to help the book apply to any displaced people. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Pigeon & Cat by Edward Hemingway - ADVISABLE

Pigeon & Cat by Edward Hemingway. PICTURE BOOK. Little Brown, JUNE 2022. $18. 9780316311250 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Cat has lived his life all alone in a broken crate in a deserted city lot. Then one day he rescues a baby pigeon and they become fast friends. Pigeon even ventures out of the lot and brings pretty things back to share with Cat. Until one day Pigeon doesn’t return – what can Cat do but venture out into the city himself in search of his best friend. 

A sweet look at the lonely life built from isolating ourselves and how profound the changes can be if we take a chance and reach out. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Punky Aloha by Shar Tuiasoa - ADVISABLE

Punky Aloha by Shar Tuiasoa. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, MAY 2022. $18. 9780063079236 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Punky wasn’t always a brave explorer ready to spread the Aloha spirit. One day Grandma asks her to go to the market for the very important butter before the fresh banana bread comes out of the oven. Punky’s not sure, but on that trip is when she finds her courage and becomes Punky Aloha by helping others, even when she is unsure. 

The bright, vibrant illustrations evoke the spirit of the islands and emphasize Punky’s adventure. I love that the author is a native Islander of Hawaii. I have island students who would be glad to see people like them on the pages of any book. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Stick and Stone: Explore and More by Beth Ferry and Kristen Cella - ADVISABLE

Stick and Stone: Explore and More by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Kristen Cella, 96 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Etch (Harper), JUNE 2022. $13. 9780358549369 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Follow Stick and Stone through 2 adventures in their beloved woods. Stick is not fond of adventures, but Stone very much is. A fun early graphic novel. Stick and Stone make a great buddy pair. While their adventures might have a very mild danger, the fun far outweighs any anxiety. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS h

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo andTom Clohosy Cole - ADVISABLE

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Tom Clohosy Cole. PICTURE BOOK. Farshore (Harper), JUNE 2022. $18. 9781405292443 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Before war broke out, Joey and his beloved horse Albert worked and played together on their English farm. After war started, however, the two were separated when Joey’s father sold Albert to the military. Running away from home, Joey was determined to find Albert somewhere in the chaos of Europe. Albert, meanwhile, worked in the English cavalry, was captured by Germans and used as an ambulance horse and many other things. Joey will never give up looking for Albert, and Albert keeps waiting for his master’s call. 

Though text dense, Morpurgo’s novel adapts well to a picture book – Cole’s illustrations bring each scene to life. A tender way to look at ways animals were used during war. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Time Flies: down to the last minute by Tara Lazar and Ross MacDonald - ADVISABLE

Time Flies: down to the last minute by Tara Lazar, illustrated by Ross MacDonald. PICTURE BOOK. Little Brown, 2022. $18. 9780759554924 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Private I is on the case again! Clocks and watches are disappearing all over town. Who is the culprit and what is their motivation? 

Chockfull of time related puns and alphabet inanity! You might have to explain a few of the references, but kids will still enjoy the silliness. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Courage Hats by Kate Hoefler and Jessixa Bagley - NO

Courage Hats by Kate Hoefler, illustrated by Jessixa Bagley. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle, 2022. $18. 9781797202761 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - NO 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

 A girl is afraid of bears, so she is afraid of traveling alone into the forest, so she makes a bear mask. A bear is afraid of people, so they make a people mask to wear on the train. Unknowingly, they sit next to each other and they support each other on their journey. 

I understand Hoefler’s point, but I don’t think that kids, who are more literal, will understand. And strangely, the train starts out with just people on it (and not other beings wearing masks), but at the end has a mix of people and animals. I found it to be weird, without being charming. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Itty-Bitty Kittycorn by Shannon Hale and Leuyen Pham - ESSENTIAL

Itty-Bitty Kittycorn by Shannon Hale, illustrated by Leuyen Pham. PICTURE BOOK. Abrams, 2021. $19. 9781419750915 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Kitty has made herself a horn and a bow and wants to be a unicorn, but Gecko and Parakeet are determined to remind her that Kitty is NOT a unicorn. It isn’t until a Unicorn comes by and confesses something to Kitty, that Kitty realizes that they both have many things in common – maybe they are both kitty-corns. 

 Pham starts the story from the opening endpapers and continues it onto the back endpapers. Just when you think unicorns have been overdone, Hale and Pham put their heads together and create a new tale you will not be able to resist. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Mars! Earthlings Welcome by Stacy McAnulty and Stevie Lewis - ESSENTIAL

Mars! Earthlings Welcome by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt, 2021. $19. 9781250256881 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

McAnulty applies her characteristic wit and info skills to Mars! 

Lewis’s illustrations back up the facts and emphasize the humor in all the right places. I don’t know if they can pull it off for every planet, but I sure hope they do. The back matter is a great support for the material. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

We Are Better Together by Bill McKibben and Stevie Lewis - OPTIONAL

We Are Better Together by Bill McKibben, illustrated by Stevie Lewis. PICTURE BOOK. Godwin Books (Macmillan), 2022. $19. 9781250755155 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Lewis’s illustrations are the star here. McKibben tries to make a point about the value of humans as individuals and the power of humans to make all kinds of things about the planet and about life on it better. Unfortunately, the tone is distracted and didactic and the illustrations can’t make up for that. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Bobcat Prowling by Maria Gianferrari and Bagram Ibatouilline - OPTIONAL

Bobcat Prowling by Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Bagram Ibatouilline. PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook (Macmillan), 2022. $19. 9781626727861 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Gianferrari and Ibatouilline treat us to a look at the life of a yearling bobcat as he tries to find a territory of his own after his mother boots him from the den. We see the other animals that already claim certain territories and the humans who have claimed theirs, also. The back matter gives more interesting facts about the bobcats. 

 Schools set in rural areas that see wildlife will definitely like this one. City schools may enjoy the idea that other kids live so close to such animals. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Nana Loves You More by Jimmy Fallon, illustrated by Miguel Ordonez - ADVISABLE

Nana Loves You More by Jimmy Fallon and Miguel Ordonez. PICTURE BOOK. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), $18. 9781250823946 

BUYING ADVISORY: GIFT - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

If you are a grandmother looking a new baby present, Fallon has the book for you. Written as a dialogue between child and grandparent – it would be fun to read aloud with an older child, too. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Our Planet! There’s No Place Like Earth by Stacy McAnulty and David Litchfield - ESSENTIAL

Our Planet! There’s No Place Like Earth by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by David Litchfield. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2022. $19. 9781250782496 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

McAnulty revisits the planet Earth, this time with a look at the effects of pollution. The narrative ends on a positive note, extolling several beautiful things that will survive if we can reverse the problem that people created. 

Litchfield’s illustrations continue to have a plethora of delightful details. Paired with McAnulty’s text, the duo lay out the stress that Earth is under. You should follow this up with more books about concrete ways students can make a difference. Try On Our Nature Walk, King Leonard’s Teddy, or One Plastic Bag. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

A Home Named Walter by Chelsea Lin Wallace and Ginnie Hsu - OPTIONAL

A Home Named Walter by Chelsea Lin Wallace, illustrated by Ginnie Hsu. PICTURE BOOK. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2022. $19. 9781250316417 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When his family moved away, Walter the House, was sad and lonely and grumpy. So grumpy, that when a new family moved in, Walter didn’t want them around at all. Hiss efforts didn’t work – in fact it helped the little girl realize that Walter was missing someone just like she was. 

The anthropomorphized house that misses its people may be a salve to small people who are missing others from their lives. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Wishing Balloons by Jonathan D. Voss - ADVISABLE

The Wishing Balloons by Jonathan D. Voss. PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2022. $19. 9781250317377 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Albert has just moved next door to Dot, but Albert is always looking sad. Dot comes up with different ways to make Albert happy, but after a few tries, Dot realizes that cheering up may not be what Albert needs. 

Voss’s impressionist illustrations add a lush note to his wistful look at a dimension of friendship that is very under-rated – empathy. Voss has set it up so that many children, like me, will get frustrated with how unresponsive Albert is to Dot’s overtures. But when they get it (like I finally got it), and can internalize the lesson, they will be better friends because of it. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

How To Hug a Pufferfish by Ellie Peterson - ESSENTIAL

How To Hug a Pufferfish by Ellie Peterson. PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook (Macmillan), 2022. $19. 9781250796998 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

While Pufferfish so is adorably cute that you want to hug it, you might want to take some precautions, because Pufferfish has a problem if it is startled. 

 Another adorable book about consent! Peterson presents to issues AND the answers without being preachy. Pair this with Rissy No Kissies for a mini conversation about boundaries and consent. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Ten Thousand Tries by Amy Makechnie - OPTIONAL

Ten Thousand Tries by Amy Makechnie, 384 pages. Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon & Schuster), 2021. $18 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG (terminal illness); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Golden is a soccer-obsessed 8th grader at Mudbury Middle School. Unfortunately, he is also the smallest boy in his grade, the only boy in his family, unlikely to be voted in as team captain, and may lose his best friend if she moves away from him. Worse than all of that is his dad's terminal bout with ALS that isn't going away. 

Golden's fierce attempts to make things stay the way they are will tug at any reader's heart-strings. The way family, friends, and the community rally to support Golden and his family in their struggle is ideal and inspiring. It is a relatively long, somewhat slow narrative, especially given the age-group of its intended audience, but soccer enthusiasts and tender-hearted readers will likely enjoy this story. 

Mrs. V, third-grade teacher