Today is Different by Doua Moua and Kim Holt - ADVISABLE

 Today is Different by Doua Moua, illustrated by Kim Holt. PICTURE BOOK. Carolrhoda Books (Lerner), 2022. $18. 9781728430294 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Mia and Kiara are both elementary age friends. Mia is used to doing everything with her friend. One day, Kiara doesn't come to school and Mia doesn't understand why. It turns out that Kiara is missing school so that she can protest with her family for Black rights. Mia wants to help, but her family doesn't want her to at first. Soon, everyone learns that people are stronger together.

This was a very text heavy book for young audiences. The message was good, but it the picture book wasn't very entertaining. I liked the friendship between the two girls and how their families came together at the end. 

A. Criswell, English Language Teacher 

Most Perfect You by Jazmyn Simon and Tamisha Anthony - ADVISABLE

 Most Perfect You by Jazmyn Simon, illustrated by Tamisha Anthony. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2022. $19. 9780593426944

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Irie, a young girl, hates how her hair looks. It doesn't move or hang the same way as other girls at her school. She wants to wear a hat during the middle of summer to cover it up. Her mom explains that she asked God to make Irie exactly the way she is. She specifically picked out her favorite style of hair, color of skin, shape of eyes etc. It all starts to make sense to Irie and she begins to like herself.

I did not like this book, mainly because it specifically said that mom "had a conversation with God" about how she wanted Irie to look. The book had a good message about it being ok to look different than others, and to love yourself, however, I was put off by the strong religious tone.

A. Criswell, English Language Teacher 

Pet That Cat!: A Handbook for Making Feline Friends by Nigel Kidd, Rachel Braunigan - ADVISABLE

Pet That Cat!: A Handbook for Making Feline Friends by Nigel Kidd and Rachel Braunigan, 130 pages. NON-FICTION. Quirk Books, 2022. $15.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Have you ever wanted a cat? Or, maybe you just wanted to pet one? Well, Pet That Cat is a super fun guide for understanding, caring for, approaching, and even choosing a cat. Very Kid friendly. I liked the quizzes, the stories, and the histories. The illustrations are adorable and it even includes space for taking notes about your own cat experience. Engaging and fun for even as young as 2nd grade.

Lisa Librarian

Apple and Magnolia by Laura Gehl and Patricia Metola - ADVISABLE

Apple and Magnolia by Laura Gehl and Patricia Metola. PICTURE BOOK flyaway books, 2022. $18. 9781947888357 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Britta has 2 favorite trees, Apple and Magnolia. She is sure the trees are best friends. One day, Magnolia loses her leaves and her bark turns grey - Britta is sure she is sick. Her Nana has told her that unusual friendships are special, so Britta devises a plan for Apple to help Magnolia. 

A sweet story about how love makes a difference, Britta's father and sister are naysayers, but Britta soldiers on and believes in the power of friendship. The text is lyrical and the whimsical illustrations are darling. Includes a link to teaching resources about how trees communicate.

Lisa Librarian

Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

 Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2022. $18. 9781536211511 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Mommy has to leave for a week to go on a trip. Her daughter, young in age, misses her terribly. Every day, she counts down the days until Mommy gets back. Mama, on the other hand, is still there each day to take care of their daughter. They talk about what Mommy might be doing, and sure miss her. At the end of the week, they are sure happy to have everyone home again.

This is a cute book about missing a parent. The daughter has two female parents and calls them Mama and Mommy. It was kinda boring though and lost my 3-year old's interest pretty quickly. She did relate to missing someone though. 

 A. Criswell, English Language Teacher https://www.kingsenglish.com/book/9781536211511

City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda - ESSENTIAL

City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda, 390 pages. Disney Hyperion. 2022. $17

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Sikander Aziz works at his parents’ deli in Manhattan with Daoud, an aspiring actor who seems to be only concerned with his looks. Sikander has an unwelcome and unexpected run in with Nergal, the ancient god of disease. Sik has to fight demons who believe he has something his late brother, Mo, stole from Iraq. Sik has to work quickly before the city is torn apart by plague. 

A Mesopotamian myth from Rick Riordan presents, this one deals with the legend of Gilgamesh. In the forward, Rick Riordan states that the book was ready to be published before the Covid-19 outbreak and in no way was meant to capitalize on the pandemic. The story does hit close to home because of the that, but is an exciting adventure as Sik makes his journey not just to find answers and save loved ones, but also to begin his own journey of growth and understanding. A great look into an overlooked mythology, this makes for an intriguing story line that the protagonist makes relatable. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Once Upon a Tim by Stuart Gibbs, illustrated by Stacy Curtis - ESSENTIAL

Once Upon a Tim by Stuart Gibbs, illustrated by Stacy Curtis 160 pages. CHAPTER BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2022. $13 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Fairy tale type threats from Trolls etc). 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Peasant Tim hears the news that Princess Grace has been abducted by a stinx and that (lazy) Prince Ruprecht is forming a legion of knights to help rescue her. Tim, hoping to improve his station in life, volunteers. What follows next is an amazing quest, with bravery and friendship and some pretty great life lessons, for everyone.

Oh so silly! I loved it! Once Upon a Tim would be a great read-aloud or a bedtime story and the kids will love the line drawings. Tim sometimes mentions modern inventions like TV or air conditioning - a great opportunity to talk about anachronisms.


Lisa Librarian

Moon Pops by Heena Baek - ADVISABLE

Moon Pops by Heena Baek. PICTURE BOOK Translated from Korean by Jieun Kiaer. Owl Kid's Books, 2021 $20 9781771474290 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

On a very hot night, when no one could sleep, the moon itself melted. Fortunately Granny ran out with a bucket and caught the falling moon drops. She had a great idea, and made icy moon pops for everyone. Even though the power went out, everyone in the apartments slept well, the moon pops kept them cool. But when 2 rabbits arrive because they lost their home, Granny needs to figure out how to help them. 

I loved this modern folktale! The mixed media illustrations were wonderful. A great bedtime story on a hot night.

Lisa Librarian

Once Upon a Scream by Vera Strange - ADVISABLE

Once Upon a Scream by Vera Strange, 252 pages. Disney Press. 2022. $7

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

13yo Dawn gets sent to live with her aunt and her aunt’s wife in Castletown, a small town in the middle of nowhere, that has spotty or no cell-phone reception. Dawn is in desperate need of friends, but when she gets snubbed by the school mean girl, she makes a deal with an evil fairy after pricking her finger on an antique spindle. Soon people are falling asleep right and left and danger to Dawn increases as the sleeping spreads. 

Standard Disney fare. Dawn is in way over her head with the mistress of evil in this modern take on Sleeping Beauty. The plot is rather simplistic, but if you like Disney villains winning the day in a modern remake, this is your series of books. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat and Joanna Cacao - ESSENTIAL

The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Joanna Cacao, 268 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Scholastic. 2022. $13

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Christina and her best friend, Megan, decide to try out for the 7th grade cheerleading squad. They are the only two kids of color in their middle school, and think that cheerleading would give them the popularity needed to be accepted by their peers. Tryouts are more difficult and terrifying than they thought and Christina becomes worried that her friendship with Megan may be on the line as they grow in different ways. 

 Soontornvat uses her real name in this story because it is highly biographical. She addresses issues of racism, identity, and community and the courage it takes to go to school and take risks. This story is so much more than just trying out for a cheer squad and captures the angst of middle school. Great read for anyone putting themselves out there to take on a difficult task. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

Crashing in Love by Jennifer Richard Jacobsen - ADVISABLE

 Crashing in Love by Jennifer Richard Jacobsen. 272 pages. Candlewick Press, 2021. $17 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G (Boyfriend talk); Violence: PG (Peril, hit and run accident).

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

On an early morning bike ride, 12yo Peyton comes across a boy on the road. He has been hit and the driver left the scene of the accident. Peyton calls 911, and he is taken to the hospital. Peyton happens to be hoping to find a boyfriend this year, and she's looking for the perfect one. Gray - the boy involved in the accident - might be perfect - but he's unconscious. Peyton hopes that if she hangs around the hospital enough, she'll be there when he wakes up, or maybe she can figure out who hit him. Somehow, she's sure, he'll open his eyes and see her and *boyfriend*!

A cute romance (rather one-sided I guess) with a good amount of other drama as well. Her parents are divorced and she is choosing to stay in town rather than help on her grandma's farm, there are some friend issues, as well as "honesty" issues between Peyton and her mom. While the story contains a mystery, Peyton's hope for this boyfriend was the main story. A cute lite romance for 6th or 7th graders.

Lisa Librarian

My Life Begins by Patricia MacLachlan - ADVISABLE

My Life Begins by Patricia MacLachlan, 128 pages. Katherine Tegen Books (Harper Collins), 2022 $17. Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

9yo Jacob is the big brother to 3 new babies, Charlotte, Katherine, and Elizabeth (Char, Kath, and Lizzie) but Jacob calls them the Trips. He wanted a litter of puppies, instead, he got sisters - identical, triplet sisters. Mr. Kelly, Jacob's teacher, wants the students to do a year-long research project, so Jacob is going to study the Trips.  He watches them change from identical babies to individuals. 

I loved this story. I loved how Jacob sets a new beginning for himself as well. A positive beautiful book. 

Lisa Librarian

Mardi Gras Almost Didn't Come This Year by Kathy Z. Price and Carl Joe Williams - ADVISABLE

Mardi Gras Almost Didn't Come This Year by Kathy Z. Price, illustrated by Carl Joe Williams PICTURE BOOK Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon and Schuster), 2022. $18. 9781534444256 

EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

After the hurricane (Katrina), everything is different. Too much to repair at their house, so they are living with their Aunt. Mamma is sad all the time, and it's almost Mardi Gras! Will they have to miss that too? The 9th ward is still too damaged to live in, no one wants to celebrate a holiday, especially Mamma. So Lala decides to make it special, just for her little brother, but when he starts playing his horn, everyone knows the party has returned. 

Oh the poetry - a great read aloud with a bunch of onomatopoeia. So beautifully illustrated, I was right there in New Orleans, sitting on the porch with Lala. Includes author's note about Katrina and Mardi Gras, and even includes how COVID-19 would affect the celebrations.

Lisa Librarian

The Story Seeker by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb - OPTIONAL

The Story Seeker (The Story Collector #2) by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb 272 pages. Henry Holt (MacMillan), 2020. $17.

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Viviani Fedeler lives in an apartment with her family in the New York Public Library. It's 1929 and her father is the superintendent, so she has the run of the place. When Vivian grows up, she wants to be a newspaper reporter. When she hears about a story contest where the winner gets their story published in the paper she knows she can win - if only she had the perfect story. Hoping for inspiration, she overhears the librarians talking about a mystery going on in the library involving overdue books. Perhaps, getting involved and finding the culprit will help break her writer's block and finally get her published. 

I would have loved to have lived in the library when I was that age. Tubb has based this series on an actual family.  A fun mystery that I think the reader will enjoy solving along with Viviani - and there's even a code to break.  I'm not sure, however, that my readers would embrace the nostalgia, and that's the best part.

Lisa Librarian

Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty and David Roberts - ADVISABLE

Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by David Roberts. PICTURE BOOK Chronicle Books, 2021. $18. 9781452142708 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When one of the jobs on the family list is "bathe the cat" and the list is made of refrigerator magnets, it's not hard for the cat to switch things up, so now the jobs are sweeping the dishes and scrubbing the fishes. But when bathe the cat changes to mow the cat, another mix up is needed. How many more until the cat is happy? 

Such a funny situation. I loved the switches and the silly jobs - I can see some delightful word plays with the child after reading. The illustrations were great, too. LGBTQIA - significant character or plot point worth noting.

Lisa Librarian

New From Here by Kelly Yang - ESSENTIAL

New From Here by Kelly Yang, 361 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2022. $18 

Language: G; (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (bullying, racist language).

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

10yo Knox Wei-Evans was living in Hong Kong with his family as the novel COVID-19 virus began to spread in China. Concerned for the family's health and safety, Knox's mom decides to take the children to their home in California. Knox doesn't get along well with his older brother 12yo Bowen, and he has had to leave his dad (who is his best friend) behind. Bowen hates middle school, and their younger sister Lea is having trouble making friends. Even Knox, who has a caring teacher, and a new friend, is facing racism as kids are targeting the Evans kids because they are Asian. 

It isn't too soon for COVID-19 children's fiction.  More a story about Knox who didn't know he had ADHD until he overheard his mother enrolling him in public school, than his brother and sister. I appreciated that Kelly Yang wrote from experience, not only the COVID-19 experience but also showed how the children face racism at school. Covid Tag was horrible. I can only imagine what Bowen was subjected to, as he kept what was going on at school to himself. We only got a glimpse at his track meets.  With Knox as the central character, this is placed solidly in upper elementary, so l was a bit daunted by the page count, however, the chapters are short, making it more accessible. I believe that it would appeal to a middle school audience as well. Yang's Front Desk series is popular, I'm excited to recommend this as well. Knox's family is Asian

Lisa Librarian

One Sun and Countless Stars: A Muslim Book of Numbers by Hena Khan and Mehrdokht Amini - ESSENTIAL

One Sun and Countless Stars: A Muslim Book of Numbers by Hena Khan, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini PICTURE BOOK Chronicle Books, 2022. $18. 9781452182728 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A counting book, but so special. Each number is associated with a special activity - like you need 2 hands for Dua, and there are 5 cups of tea at Halaqa, and 8 figs saved for sahoor. 

One Sun and Countless Stars is such a beautiful book! Amini's illustrations are brilliant, in both color and design. Khan is connecting the numbers to things with cultural and religious significance. The author's note and glossary were helpful. Oh - I have a Muslim friend with small children. I'm certainly buying a copy as a gift. Wonderful!

Lisa Librarian

The Katha Chest by Radhiah Chowdhury and Lavanya Naidu - ADVISABLE

The Katha Chest by Radhiah Chowdhury, illustrated by Lavanya Naidu. PICTURE BOOK Salam Reads (Simon and Schuster), 2022. $18. 9781665903905 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Nanu's house has all sorts of treasures in it, but the best of all is the katha chest. The katha chest is full of beautiful quilts made from saris Asiya's Maa and the aunts don't wear anymore. Now, when Asiya looks at the quilts, she remembers the stories that go with each Sari (or collection of saris), and ultimately remembers Nanu who sewed them all together. 

A beautiful story of family histories and memories. I loved the panels that wordlessly showed the special stories, and the clues left in the text to guide the reader. A nice author's note at the end adds extra meaning to rereads.

Lisa Librarian

Skywatcher by Jamie Hogan - ADVISABLE

Skywatcher by Jamie Hogan. PICTURE BOOK Tilbury House, 2021. $19 9780884488972 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Tamen's favorite book character is Skywatcher, and he wants to travel to the stars like she does, but he lives in a bright city and can't see the stars at all. So his mother takes him camping, and Tamen finally sees the stars. And it's so much better than he expected. 

Jamie Hogan has written and illustrated a beautiful story. Readers will love the camping trip and the constellations drawn into the pictures of the night sky. I loved the author's note which talks about light pollution, stars, owls, and moths, and even gives some tips on becoming Skywatcher!

Lisa Librarian

Interrupting Chicken: Cookies for Breakfast by David Ezra Stein - OPTIONAL

Interrupting Chicken: Cookies for Breakfast by David Ezra Stein. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2021. $18. 9781536207781

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Little Red Chicken wakes his dad up insistent that they have cookies for breakfast. After being refused the cookies, the little chicken settles for a book of nursery rhymes read to him but can not stop interrupting the book to inquire about the matter of eating cookies. 

This book was far too chaotic for me to enjoy. The illustrations were busy and the speech bubbles were distracting and the story was jumpy. I realize this is probably the point of the book, but I thought the humor of the interrupting youngster would have stood out better against a more streamlined and smooth story.  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Only One by Deborah Hopkinson - OPTIONAL

Only One by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Chuck Groenink. PICTURE BOOK. Anne Schwartz Books (Penguin Random House), 2022. $18. 9780399557033

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

The countless elements of our earthly experience - plants, animals, stars - all started with one bang. After recounting all the creations that came from that one moment, the book ends by concluding all those elements are part of our one and only earth and it takes just one person, one tree, and one act of service to make a difference.  

I liked the illustrations in this book, but it was hard to follow where the book was going once it start cataloging the creations - some by numbers and some without. One page would describe the ozone layer and another would give numbers for how many species live on earth. I thought it should have stuck with the theme of numbers to create a sense of cohesion in the book.  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

In the Spirit of a Dream by Aida Salazar and various artists - ADVISABLE

In the Spirit of a Dream by Aida Salazar, illustrated by various artists.  PICTURE BOOK.  Scholastic Press (Scholastic Inc), 2021.  $19.  9781338552874

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

This triumphant tribute features biographies of 13 immigrants of color in freeform poetic verse. The stories range from athletes, to musicians, to activists, to artists. The focus isn’t so much on how they achieved the American Dream, but rather the power and possibility of hope.

I liked the range of stories and artistic styles used in this collection, however, the poetic format didn’t add much to the biographies. The impact of their contributions could have been just as easily explained in a nonfiction format. The content isn't something that kids will consume regularly, regardless, I still think it’s a great book for a BIPOC collection as both the content and the writers and illustrators feature first- and second-generation immigrants of color.

BookswithBeddes

Born Hungry: Julia Child Becomes “the French Chef” by Alex Prud’homme and Sarah Green - ESSENTIAL

Born Hungry: Julia Child Becomes “the French Chef” by Alex Prud’homme, illustrated by Sarah Green. PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek (Astra Books), 2022. $19. 9781635923230

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Growing up with a family chef, Julia had little reason to learn how to cook, but her tall stature and high energy level meant that she was always hungry. Julia was hungry for food and for adventure. On one of her career adventures, she met her husband and together they explored a wide range of foods around the world and moved to France, where, at 37 years old, Julia started taking cooking lessons and then went on to build her own culinary career teaching.

I am so impressed when a picture book can cover a person’s life without feeling too simplistic on one end or overly detailed and slow on the other. This book stricks that balance beautifully and is paired with bright and engaging illustrations that help keep the plot moving fast.    

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

People are Wild by Margaux Meganck - ADVISABLE

People are Wild by Margaux Meganck. PICTURE BOOK. Alfred A. Knopf (Penguin Random House), 2022. $18. 9780593301944

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Animals in the wild ask their moms about the human creatures they are looking at. Animal moms warn their children to keep their distance because of all the wild and strange habits of humans. 

This would be fun to read aloud for a short storytime as it is quick and the humor is cutely understated. I would however be prepared for questions as the final line suggests that we shouldn’t own anything wild and felt like a mild critique of zoos, etc.   

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher