Saturday, June 29, 2024
Who Was Salvador Dali? by Paula K. Manzanero and Gregory Copeland - ADVISABLE
Finding Normal by Stephanie Faris - OPTIONAL
One Family by George Shannon and Blanca Gomez - ESSENTIAL
Biindigen! Amik Says Welcome by Nancy Cooper and Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley - ADVISABLE
Biindigen! Amik Says Welcome by Nancy Cooper, illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. PICTURE BOOK. Owlkids, 2023. $19. 9781771475150
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
Amik and her sister Nishiime are eagerly awaiting their beaver cousins who are coming to visit. Once the cousins arrive however, Nishiime becomes very shy and hides. Where did she go? As the beavers search the forest for Nishiime, they meet other animals that thank the beavers for helping the forest out.
I liked the message of the book, but didn't enjoy reading it. I felt like the text was a bit long and it didn't capture my attention. My five-year-old daughter got a little bored while reading it.
Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher
Piper Chen Sings by Philliipa Soo, illustrated by Qin Leng - ADVISABLE
Piper Chen Sings by Philliipa Soo, illustrated by Qin Leng. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Studio, 2024. $20. 9780593564691
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
A little girl loves singing. She sings and sings until she gets the opportunity to do a solo at her school, when she suddenly gets nervous. With her grandmother’s extra help, Piper learns how to manage her nervousness and sing her heart out.
This book handles stage fright very well and can help teach kids how to manage anxiety. The diversity in the book is great, incorporating Piper's culture as one of the solutions to her problem. This book is great for young performers, nervous kids, and the rest.
The main character and her family are Chinese, and the kids in the classroom around her are diverse, as well.
Bryant Baird, Librarian
Friday, June 28, 2024
What is the Story of Romeo and Juliet by Max Bisantz and David Malan - ADVISABLE
Old Friends by Margaret Aitken and Lenny Wen - ESSENTIAL
Wonder Tree by Teresa Heapy, illustrated by Izzy Burton - ADVISABLE
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Little Owl and his mummy were asleep in the tree where they lived. Little Owl woke up and was afraid because he saw leaves falling off the tree. His mother explains the life cycle of trees.
Wonder Tree is a nice way to teach young children about trees and how they can be good homes for animals. The owl illustrations are adorable.
PGPowers
My Antarctica by G. Neri and Corban Wilkin - ADVISABLE
Content: PG (The book covers mummified seals)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Follow an Arctic adventurer who shows us what the wildlife, weather, and previous adventures that had taken place. By explaining different roles that scientists and explorers play, we learn more about different fields of study around the globe. This book is a great pick for kids interested in science or animals that could be found in the arctic. It's also more of an in-depth explanation of science that older or more advanced kids could be interested in.
This book is a great collection of all things Arctic--wildlife, habitat, professions, and more. Kids interested in science would love this book. The fun, graphic novel-like illustrations keep readers hooked, as well. Bryant Baird, Librarian
Thursday, June 27, 2024
The Unlikely Hero: The Story of Wolf 8 by Rick McIntyre and David A. Poulsen - ADVISABLE
Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima - ESSENTIAL
What's New, Daniel? by Micha Archer - ADVISABLE
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Daniel, a young black boy, meets his grandpa at the park. His grandpa asks him, "What's new?" Daniel tells him that he will explore and find out. He sees a rock soaking up sun, a redwing blackbird, cattails sending out seeds, ducklings hatching, polliwogs growing legs and more. Daniel tells him all the things he has observed. His grandpa then asks "What's new with you?" What is new with Daniel?
What's New Daniel? sparks our own curiosity about nature, our self, and our important family members. The illustrations are gloriously detailed collages that invite us into Daniel's world.
PGPowers
How to Get Your Octopus to School by Becky Scharnhorst and Jaclyn Sinquett - ADVISABLE
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
A little girl is taking her octopus to school for the first time. Like many kids, the octopus is nervous about going to school and tries to stay behind. After gathering all of his things and getting him dressed, the octopus learns that school isn't what he expected.
Schernhorst has written a great for kids of all ages, especially ones that are afraid to go to school or try new things. We can all learn something from trying new things, especially things we're scared to do. I thought this book showed anxiety about school very well. The fun illustrations pulled young readers in, as well as fun facts about octopuses at the end of the book. This is a great choice for every kid, especially the nervous ones.
Bryant Baird, Librarian
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Unstoppable Us: Why the World Isn't Fair by Yuval Noah Harari and Ricard Zaplana Ruiz, - ADVISABLE
Unstoppable Us: Why the World Isn't Fair by Yuval Noah Harari and Ricard Zaplana Ruiz, 181 pages. NON-FICTION. Bright Matter Books, 2024. $25. 9780593711521
CONTENT: PG (The book discusses wars, discrimination, and more)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
"Unstoppable Us" follows humanity for thousands of years. We learn about the beginnings of civilization, farming, inventions, discovery, and more. With this, we also learn about oppression, unfair systems, world events, disasters, etc. In this book, we can learn about the good and bad about humanity and remember it. This book is a funny, interesting choice for older kids that want to learn more about the world around them and appreciate a darker sense of humor.
This book was a funny perspective of human civilization and how we've evolved and learned. By covering almost every topic, we learn through illustrations and fun facts about how humans have come to be. This book covers inequality and discrimination in a way that's respectful but funny. The book addresses homosexuality, different cultures, and more.
Bryant Baird, Librarian
Kaya and the Lizard Riders by Wes Craig - ADVISABLE
If Animals Went to Work by Ann Whitford Paul and David Walker - ESSENTIAL
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Do you ever wonder what would happen if animals acted like us? Had the same jobs as us? Went to work? This is a cute story showing what different animals would do. It has a fun rhyme pattern. If you loved reading If Animals Kissed Good Night, then you will definitely enjoy this companion text written by the same author.
This is a fun, predictable book written for young kids. The pictures are cute and go along with the text. It includes good word choice and onomatopoeias.
Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher
You and the Bowerbird by Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Maris Wicks - ADVISABLE
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
A young girl watches a blue-black male bowerbird collecting twigs and other treasures to put in his bower to attract a green female bowerbird. He places a blue feather for his welcome mat. Other male bowerbirds raid his bower while he is out. The little girl lets him have blue clothespins, blue marbles and her blue socks to decorate his bower. Will he ever keep his bower intact long enough to attract a female bowerbird?
You and the Bowerbird is very informative while creating a fun and interesting story for kids. I enjoyed learning about these unique birds. The Illustrations are cute and expressive."
PGPowers
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Rain Forests (Nerdy Babies) by Emmy Kastner - ESSENTIAL
Rain Forests (Nerdy Babies) by Emmy Kastner. NON-FICTION BOARD BOOK. Roaring Brook (Macmillan), 2022. $9. 9781250817099
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Venture into the rain forest to learn all about it. Learn about the different levels of the rain forest. Learning with words and illustrations, the baby can tell the difference between different types of rain forests and all of the species of animals that call the rain forest their home. Rain forests can be found on almost all continents.They are an important part of our world.
This was a cute board book that was very informative. The baby has funny comments that go along with the text. The illustrations help young readers understand the text.
Reviewer:A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher
Eowulf by Mike Cavallaro - ADVISABLE
Lost by Mariajo Illustrajo - ESSENTIAL
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
A polar bear can't find his way home. After searching through shops and streets for a friendly face, he meets a little girl who offers a hand and gives him help. This book is a great reminder that many people around us can feel lost and all they might need is a friendly face to help them get back home. With some kindness and compassion, Bear found what he needed.
This is a great book for kids across the ages, especially when learning about treating others the way we want to be treated. I thought this book was a great representation of showing compassion and kindness to those around us, especially those struggling. We have all related to Bear at some point in our lives. This book is a great metaphor for this and benefits kids and adults alike.
The Making of Butterflies by Zora Neale Hurston, Ibram X. Kendi and Yangni - ESSENTIAL
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
The Creator had almost finished making the world, but the flowers said that they were lonely, so the butterfly was created.
I liked this book because of the word choice and dialogue. It helps you really get into character as you are reading it. The illustrations and color are vivid and engaging. I also liked that it was a board book that is already introducing folktales to young readers. There is a note at the back explaining that the author overheard this being told to young children in a lumber camp in Polk County, Florida.
The Creator looks African American.
Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher
Monday, June 24, 2024
Mapmakers and the Flickering Fortress by Cameron Chittock and Amanda Castillo - ADVISABLE
My Poet by Patricia MacLachlan - OPTIONAL
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
A young girl takes a walk with a poet. With notebook and pen in hand, they explore Cape Cod together and write down words into the notebook. It's important to use all of your senses when exploring the world. At the end of the walk, can the girl use the words that she has gathered to write her own poetry?
This book was inspired and written as a tribute to the poet Mary Oliver. I liked the idea of the book, but it didn't pull me in. My daughter and I thought it was a little boring. It seemed like not a lot was happening in the plot.
Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher
Dorothy Height (She Persisted) by Kelly Starling Lyons and Gillian Flint - OPTIONAL
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Known as the godmother of the civil rights movement, Dorothy Height, a Black woman, worked hard all of her life to achieve equal rights for everyone. Dorothy was born in Virginia in 1912. After a few years, her family moved to the North to escape segregation. Growing up in Pennsylvania, Dorothy still experienced discrimination. She was not allowed to swim at the local swimming pool or go to the college of her choice because of the color of her skin. She worked with many influential people to further civil rights including Martin Luther King Jr and Barack Obama.
Lyonst taught me many interesting facts I did not know about the civil rights movement. Like other books in the She Persisted series, the chapters are short and engaging. This would be a good book to highlight during black history month.
Tracie, Elementary School Librarian
Welcome To Chinatown by William Low - ADVISABLE
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
There is so much to see in Chinatown. There are people practicing Tai Chi. You can see shoe cobblers, hand trucks, shopkeepers, cooks, fish, crabs and more. Chinese New Year brings more surprises. How many colors can you see on the dragons?
Chinatown is a colorful, simple, bilingual, board book that is a feast for the eyes. Children will enjoy all the ordinary and spectacular events portrayed. The illustration paintings are beautiful and colorful.
PGPowers
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Tryouts by Sarah Sax - ADVISABLE
Here We Come! by Janna Matthies, illustrated by Christine Davenier - OPTIONAL
Here We Come! by Janna Matthies, illustrated by Christine Davenier. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books (Simon), 2022. $13. 9781534417878
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
A little boy and his teddy bear go on a night-time stroll. Soon others want to join in the fun, singing, dancing and playing instruments to the catchy rhyme of the book. Each page adds another character as the boy asks, "Wanna come?" Will a rainstorm ruin all of their fun?
Here We Come is a very sweet book and Matthies has written a catchy rhyme. The illustrations are soothing and the text has many rhyming words that add interest to the book. I think young children would enjoy saying the rhyme along with the reader as a new character is added to each page. The young boy is presumably white.
Tracie, Elementary School Librarian
Go and Get with Rex by David LaRochelle and Mike Wohnoutka - ADVISABLE
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
"Go and Get with Rex" introduces young kids to different letters using alliteration and fun illustration to match. By highlighting the beginning letter of each word, kids can add more words to their vocabulary. Learning different kinds of words like adjectives, verbs, and nouns introduces kids to the foundation of grammar, as well. This book is a great pick for young kids learning how to read on their own.
This book is a great choice for early readers and expanding vocabularies. The fun, bright colors used in the alliteration and funny word choices pull readers in, helping them have fun and learn at the same time. This is a fun, short book that helps kids learn to read on their own.
Bryant Baird, Librarian
A Grand Idea: How William J.Wilgus Created Grand Central Terminal by Megan Hoyt and David Szalay. - ESSENTIAL
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
William J. Wilgus wanted to create an electric-powered train. After a tragic accident, where two trains collided together in New York City, he knew he could design something better. He envisioned a large, grand, multi-level building, that would be a hub for trains going in and out of the city. After many months of building, it was completed and the public came to see it. People came from all over the world to just walk inside this new building in order to see its beauty.
This is an incredible, detailed retelling of how Grand Central Terminal was built and why it is iconic, even today. I enjoyed this book because it told the story of how such an iconic building was constructed. It was filled with amazing details that I think most of the public isn't aware of. The illustrations were engaging and it included additional reading and facts at the end.
Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher
Saturday, June 22, 2024
I Was: The Stories of Animal Skulls by Katherine Hocker, illustrated by Natasha Donovan - ADVISABLE
CONTENT: PG (The skulls may upset small kids)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
"I Was" is an interesting and fun way to learn about the lives of animals from a different perspective. The book describes and explains the skulls of animals like birds, big cats, and more. The illustrations are simple but engaging, pulling readers in from the start. The end of the book also shows what a human skull looks like and names the anatomy, showing what they're for.
Hocker writes a beautiful way to show a different side of the animals of the world and would especially be great for kids interested in science. This book is great for students across the ages and exposes them to learning about the circle of life. It handles a difficult conversation in a graceful way, helping kids learn more about the world around them. While the topic may be difficult for some kids, especially younger ones, I could see many benefitting from it.
Bryant Baird, Librarian
My Name is Malala by Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by Mariam Quraishi - ESSENTIAL
My Name is Malala by Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by Mariam Quraishi. BIOGRAPHY BOARD BOOK. Little Brown Kids, 2022. $9. 9780316340274
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Malala is a daughter, a sister, and a friend. She is also Muslim and hopes for world peace. This book helps portray Malala as a relatable young girl who grew up in Pakistan. She encourages young girls to stand up for themselves. It only takes one to make a difference.
I liked this board book because the text was simple and yet thought provoking. If this is a young reader's first exposure to Malala, it helps teach about her life, not just the event that made her famous. Readers can make a lot of text-to-self connections.
Reviewer:A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher
The Grip by Marcus Stroman and Samantha Thornhill - ADVISABLE
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Marcus, an 11yo boy, loves sports so much that he devotes most of his time to playing baseball and basketball. He has a dad that practices with him every morning and a mom that goes to every game. As tryouts approach for an elite baseball team, doubt overtakes Marcus. Is he good enough? Is he too short to be a pitcher like everyone says?
This is a semi-autobiographical book by Marcus Stroman, an MLB All-Star pitcher. I enjoyed this book more than other sports books that I have read. I liked that the story was about baseball and mental health. There weren't too many baseball terms that I didn't understand. The Grip has a beautiful message about not giving up and seeking mental help when you need it.
Marcus is black.
Tracie, Elementary School Librarian
You Be Grandma by Karla Clark, illustrated by Addy Rivera Sonda - ADVISABLE
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
A grandma asks her granddaughter to be the grandma that night because she is too tired. She relates the list of things that they have already done together. So Grandma has her granddaughter do all the things for her such as rubbing her neck and back, making her a bedtime snack, making shadow puppets, reading stories, and turning off the light. But her granddaughter says that she is also tired. Who will put her to bed?
You Be Grandma is humorous and relatable. I enjoyed the way this very tired grandma in the story was still creative, and even made going to bed another fun activity for her granddaughter. The illustrations are colorful and adorable. Mexican ethnicity is represented in this book.
PGPowers
Friday, June 21, 2024
The Chaos Monster (Secrets of the Sky #1) by Sayantani Dasgupta - ADVISABLE
Always Beginning by Candace Savage and Rachel Wada - ADVISABLE
Always Beginning by Candace Savage, illustrated by Rachel Wada. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Kids, 2023. $19. 9781771648431
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
"Always Beginning" is a great introduction to the concept of the Universe for young ages. Through beautiful illustrations and metaphors, it shows how the Big Bang happened. The timeline at the end of the book and chronological order of the story shows evolution and how the world has grown for millions of years. The idea of the universe can scare many people, but this approach is an inspiring and easy way to look at it. I think adults and kids alike would love this book.
I loved this book because of the simplification of a very hard topic, making it accessible to younger ages. The illustrations are beautiful and the story balances science and art very well. Without being too existential, this book allows kids to ask questions about the world around them.
Bryant Baird, Librarian
Like Lava In My Veins by Derrick Barnes and Shawn Martinbrough - ADVISABLE
Like Lava In My Veins by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Shawn Martinbrough. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2023. $19. 9780525518747
Content: PG (superhero fighting)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Bobby Beacon isn't an ordinary kid, he has superpowers. The only problem is that he has trouble controlling his powers, so he has to go to a new school. Unfortunately, at first, it seems that he will experience the same problems as before. Why don't adults understand him? Luckily he gets a new teacher, Miss Brooklyn, who sees him for what he really is. When the school comes under attack, it will be up to Bobby to save the school.
I liked the message that this book conveyed. It teaches kids to be themselves, be in control of your emotions, and to stand up for what is right. It kept my attention and I enjoyed it.
Thursday, June 20, 2024
The New Girl by Cassandra Calin - ADVISABLE
Penguin Huddle by Ross Montgomery and Sarah Warburton - ADVISABLE
Granny's Kitchen by Sade' Smith, illustrated by Ken Daley - ADVISABLE
Granny's Kitchen by Sade' Smith, illustrated by Ken Daley. PICTURE BOOK. Macmillan's Children's Publishing Group, 2022. $9. 9781250806338
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Shelly-Ann is a young, black girl who lives with her grandmother in Jamaica. When she gets hungry, she asks her grandmother to make her some dumplins. Granny smiles and says, "Gyal, you betta can cook!" Shelly-Ann's grandmother tries to teach her how to make dumplins but they don't turn out. Shelly-Ann tries to make several different dishes but they don't turn out either. Will Shelly-Ann continue to learn to cook or will she give up trying?I enjoyed how this book introduced Jamaican food and culture in a fun way. The story is engaging and the illustrations are eye-catching. I loved the theme of perseverance There are recipes at the back of the book for the dishes that are mentioned.
Tracie, Elementary School Librarian
https://www.kingsenglish.com/book/9781250806338
Tangle-Knot by Loretta Ellsworth and Annabel Tempest - ADVISABLE
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Fia refuses to brush her hair. It is full of leaves and ribbons and her mother calls it a tangle-knot. Fia thinks it is perfect this way, and a bird has built a nest in her hair and laid three colored eggs. Her mother is embarrassed but Fia is proud and uses it for show and tell. When the birds hatch, she helps feed them. Soon the mama bird and the babies fly away. What will Fia do with her tangle-not hair now?
Tangle-knot is a whimsical story that many of us can relate to. I also liked the theme that even when parents don't agree with what you are doing, they still love you. The illustrations delightfully tell the story. PGPowers
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Penelope's Balloons by Brooke Bourgeois - OPTIONAL
Hush, Little Dozer by Rebecca Colby and Katya Longhi - ADVISABLE
Bird is Dead by Tiny Fisscher and Herma Starreveld - ADVISABLE
Content: PG (grief and the death of someone close).
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
A group of birds finds their friend, Bird, who is dead. They grapple emotions like anger, sadness, and more because of their friend. This book is a great way to approach a serious topic like grieving and death, making light of the lights and acknowledging the dark as well. While most kids won't be able to relate, it would still have a positive effect on those who haven't experienced grief. I would recommend this for kids and adults alike as it's a great reminder that it's alright to feel emotions about the death of a friend.
Fisscher gives us a great option for teaching kids about one of the saddest facts of life and how to cope with it. It shows the anger, sadness, and confusion that comes along with the passing of a friend or family member. While it's blunt and a bit sad at times, I highly recommend it.
Bryant Baird, Librarian
The Last Slice: A Three Kings Day Treat by Melissa Seron Richardson and Monica Arnaldo - ESSENTIAL
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
A young girl named Marta always looked forward to Three Kings Day. She loved the dessert, La Rosca de Reyes, because of the fun tradition that came with it. There was a small figurine baked inside of the dessert and whoever found it in their slice, would bring tamales to dinner. She had always been too young to participate in this tradition, however, this year her abuela told her she was old enough. Who will find the "teeny tiny little baby Jesus"?
I liked this book because it taught me about this Mexican tradition. I was able to learn a lot about the culture and enjoy a fun story at the same time. At the end of the book there is a fact page that goes into more detail about this tradition, as well as similar ones from other cultures.
The author grew up a Chicana in Southern California. The illustrator is a Canadian daughter of Mexican immigrants. Marta, the protagonist, is most likely Hispanic.
Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Snow, Snow, Snow! by Sandra Boynton - OPTIONAL
Whose Prints? by Kari Allen, illustrated by Kim Smith - OPTIONAL
Save The Giraffes by Anita Sanchez - ADVISABLE
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
Did you know that giraffes can be over seventeen feet tall? Or that giraffes fight with their necks? Learn this and more in Save the Giraffes.
Sanhez has written a combination of facts about giraffes interspersed with stories about how people have helped this species. It also talks about why they are in danger and what humans can do to help. Save the Giraffes has large text and many black and white pictures. It will appeal to students who are looking for something a little more challenging than early reader chapter books. The stories and facts were intriguing and held my interest. There are eight other books in this series that focus on learning about and helping specific endangered animals. Ways that students can help giraffes are listed in the back of the book.
Tracie, Elementary School Librarian
The Tree of Life by Eliza Boxer and Alianna Rozentsveig - ADVISABLE
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
It was winter in the ghetto and Jewish children were lonely and sad. Their teacher asked a man to smuggle in a sapling. Risking his life, the tree was smuggled in for BIShavt, or The New Year of the Trees holiday. The children planted it when the ground was warm enough. The tree grew as the hopeful children watered it. The tree was called The Tee of Life. The tree grew over the years and became a symbol of hope.
Elisa Boxer brings awareness of the Tree of Life in this story, but I felt it would have been better told in a first person story rather than just pedantic facts. I enjoyed reading the author's note at the back of the book as it enlightened me to the back history of this story.
Jewish child prisoners were the main characters.
MOMMAC
Monday, June 17, 2024
The Liars Society by Alyson Gerber - ADVISABLE
Blood City Rollers by V.P. Anderson and Tatiana Hill - ADVISABLE
Welcome to Kiss the Book Jr.!
Welcome! Kiss the Book Jr. is for board books, picture books, early readers, and chapter books. Also, any novels and non-fiction that we ag...