Review: Frankie D, Vegan Vampire

Frankie and his family have moved to America where the sun shines and he has the opportunity to attend fourth grade with human children. “Frankie D, Vegan Vampire” is all about trying to fit in while staying true to yourself and your values. Sally and Brian Dutra do an excellent job of building Frankie’s awkward, yet sincere personality as he learns to navigate the human world without giving away his true identity.

This story really is a delight. There is, of course, a nemesis (is he a troll or just a truculent human child?). Frankie’s earnestness earns him friends with kids who often see themselves as being on the outside. This story is also about different kinds of families and how kids feel about their families. It can be heavy, but also uplifting.

This book is great for kids who feel different or maybe view their family as eccentric. Even though Frankie is a vampire, there is no vampire type violence or threat of violence (after all, Frankie and his family have given up the traditional vampire diet to eat a vegan diet).

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Kids Can Press for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Review: Anxious

“Anxious” is a brief exploration into what it feels like to be anxious. A little girl describes her feelings and how she learns strategies to help her cope with her anxiety. The illustrations evoke the topsy-turvy world of an anxious child using a neutral palette. An afterword for adult caregivers provides additional information for helping a young child learn to deal with feelings of anxiousness.

Author Luciana DeLuca does a fantastic job putting to words the feelings of a young child. “Anxious” is a welcome entry into the growing selection of books on the subject of children’s mental health. 

This book is great for young children and adults to start that conversation about what anxiety feels like. Simple strategies such as taking a deep breath can help right away.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Annick Press, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Review: Ghostly Guide to Alcatraz

“The Ghostly Guide to Alcatraz” is part of the Eerie Expeditions Around the World Series. Readers are taken on a quick tour of the island, the prison, and its history. Interspersed are suggestions of hauntings, strange sounds, and general creepiness. 

The overview of the island and its prison is good, but there is only a suggestion of eeriness (well, except for cell 14-D. That one is well done with the text and photo hitting just the right level of creepiness).

The photographs of Alcatraz are great. They give a clear picture of what the site looks like today. Photos of several inmates are of high quality as well.

This book is great for kids who want to learn about historic landmarks or about creepy places. It’s not very scary and none of the tales of hauntings go into any depth. “The Ghostly Guide to Alcatraz” would make a great gift for a kid who will be visiting Alcatraz in the near future.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Gareth Stevens Publishing, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Review: How to Train Your Amygdala

“How to Train Your Amygdala” helps young children learn to appropriately tame their fight or flight response. The amygdala is portrayed as a creature with fuzzy fur (I’d personally like a plushie of this little guy for my classroom) who often overreacts to situations. However, with proper training it learns to tame its reactions to daily life. This delightful story and illustrations make a pretty complex topic comprehensible to young children.

I love that author Anna Housley Juster makes it clear that our amygdala is important and helps protect us, so we don’t want to punish it. We just need to train it to recognize real danger. 

Similar to many other books in this category, there are tips for adults to help their little ones. There are specific instructions for different kinds of breathing exercises (one example is box breathing)  to help “tame” your amygdala.

This book is great for kids (and their adults) who experience anxiety or otherwise have trouble regulating emotions.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Teacher Created Materials, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Review: Guts for Glory

Lyons Wakeman was a real soldier during the Civil War. He fought bravely and wrote letters home about those experiences. Thankfully, those letters were saved and now we can see the true story of Lyons’ life. Using the letters, author Joanna Lapati shows us that Lyons was in fact Rosetta Wakeman who wanted something more than life on a farm. She is one of many women who disguised themselves as men and fought during the war.

The story is clear and concise, but rich with detail. The artwork is stunning and an integral part of the story. It effectively captures the mood of the tale and is careful not to glorify war. 

This book is great for kids interested in history and the Civil War, in particular. It would also be a great addition to a classroom library for older students (even high school) as a resource to share varied experiences of soldiers during the Civil War.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Review: Folktales for Fearless Girls

“Folktales for Fearless Girls” is a collection of folktales from around the world that feature spunky, smart, clever, kind, and fearless girls and women. Author Samantha Newman’s adaptations of the stories are short and use language accessible to young children. Khoa Le’s illustrations are detailed and colorful. They often enhance the tension in the stories.

I love that the girls in the stories are praised for their cleverness. I found it interesting that several wanted to live apart from their groups either to experience solitude or to live in harmony with nature. Each of the girls in these stories is unique.

This book is great for people of all ages who like traditional folktales or stories featuring strong female characters. 

Classroom Considerations: This book would be great to have as an example if students are studying folktales. “Folktales for Fearless Girls” could also be used as a read aloud at times when only a few minutes are left in class. Most of the stories would take 5-15 minutes to read aloud. It would be great if teachers could get access to a slide deck of the illustrations to project in class. This would help students visualize the stories and also give them a great example of illustrations to match a folktale.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Review: Sensitive

Sara Levine’s “Sensitive” is a sweet story about a girl who has big feelings. She is criticized for her sensitivity with words that press against her heart. Then, after some alone time and rest, she realizes that those words can be changed to affirmations to celebrate who she is as an individual. 

Mehrdokht Amini’s collage illustrations help the reader visualize the impact of hurtful phrases and the joy of rest and recovery. 

I love the acknowledgement that sometimes sensitive individuals need alone time to do quiet activities such as read books or just be in nature. If you have a sensitive kiddo or were a sensitive kiddo yourself, this book is for you.

This book is great for kids and grown-ups. It will help readers better understand themselves and those they might know who are more sensitive to the world.

Thanks to Netgalley and Carolrhoda Books for an advance reader copy in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Review: The Cat at Night

“The Cat at Night” is the delightful adventure of a farmer’s cat after he’s put outside for the night. As he ventures towards the nearby village he encounters a variety of sights and other animals. The illustrations alter between silhouettes and full color to mimic what we humans might see and then how the cat sees the world at night. 

Several years ago I was given a vintage copy of this book so I was delighted to see an anniversary edition with additional information about author and illustrator Dahlov Ipcar. Though not entirely accurate about a cat’s nighttime meanderings (which can be very dangerous), I like that this story is gently told where Cat meets up with his feline friends in the village and still gets home in time for breakfast. 

This book is great for young children learning about shapes and prediction about what a shape or silhouette is and for anyone who likes cats.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher, Tilbury House Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: Stand as Tall as the Trees

“Stand as Tall as the Trees” is Paty’s story of growing up in the Ecuadorian rainforest where the Amazanga protect her people and the environment. She goes away to school and graduates from college, then is called back home to help her community when the government sells the land for oil exploration. She leads the charge and eventually the government is forced to return the land it attempted to steal and apologize.

I love that Patricia Gualinga’s story takes very complex issues (conservation, cultural preservation, human rights) and makes them understandable to young children. The story centers on the preservation of the natural world as a human right. The lush illustrations emphasize this point. I liked that there is information at the end of the story of conservation efforts by indigenous peoples from around the world. 

Classroom considerations: I like using picture books to help older students start thinking about complex issues in our world. “Stand as Tall as the Trees” will be an excellent addition to stories about the natural world and the rights of indigenous people.

Thanks to Netgalley and Charlesbridge for an advance reader copy in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Review: Nic Blake and the Remarkables Manifestor Prophecy

Nic Blake got a hellhound for her twelfth birthday. She really would rather have received a dragon and lessons on using the Gift. As a Remarkable, Nic is pretty sure that she should be learning to use her powers by now, but her dad puts her off, in part citing the fact that they live as exiles in the Unremarkable world. After Nic sneaks out of the house to meet up with her best friend JP and his mom to see their favorite author, Nic begins to learn the secrets of her past and unwittingly sets off a chain of events that lead her on a quest to prove her dad’s innocence of a crime she knows he didn’t commit, before it’s too late. 

Angie Thomas’ “Nic Blake and the Remarkables Manifestor Prophecy” is a winner. Though it’s geared toward middle grade readers, the story is so well-crafted that anyone who enjoys adventure stories will surely love it. Nic is a delight. Though headstrong, she is also thoughtful and introspective enough to know that, at twelve, she still has things to learn about life. All of Thomas’ characters are delightful, each with their own hopes and dreams. The world building is efficient, but gives the reader a clear sense of how the Remarkable and Unremarkable worlds work. This is a coming of age story about finding your Power. Thomas expertly weaves African American history and folklore into this first in a trilogy adventure. I am looking forward to what’s next for Nic!

This book is great for students who like adventure or fantasy stories. 

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for an advance reader copy in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Review: I Survived: The Children's Blizzard, 1888

One of my students recommended the “I Survived” series because the stories are fast-paced and can generally be read in one sitting. The student added that the history in the stories is interesting in a way that textbooks aren’t. I would agree with all of that.

At the student’s recommendation, I started with “The Children’s Blizzard, 1888.” The story focuses on a particularly scary weather event where a massive blizzard arrived on the Dakota plains seemingly out of nowhere. People were caught by surprise because the day had dawned clear and warm. Hundreds perished.

Author Lauren Tarshis does a great job setting the scene by showing the reader life on the plains and the particulars of the winter of 1887-88. She introduces the blizzard, appropriately, as our main characters are playing in front of their one-room schoolhouse. The action is focused as John and his friends struggle to survive the night in an unexpected place. I appreciated that the characters did not survive unscathed by the event.

The back of the book contains more historical information about the Children’s Blizzard as well as a Q&A with the author and a suggested reading list.

This series could be a great way to get middle grade readers (and even older students) interested in history.

Review: Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre

Yesterday, I saw “Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre” at a bookstore. The cover illustration alone was enough to make me pick it up and read. I love picture books that make a complex topic comprehensible. “Unspeakable” does this.

“Unspeakable” tells the tale of the Tulsa Race Massacre in poetic, yet child-friendly language. The lush illustrations add depth and additional emotion. The story ends on a hopeful note of reconciliation. There is additional information about the Tulsa Race Massacre at the end of the book that is great for adults and older kids. 

I would recommend this book for anyone looking for an introduction to the Tulsa Race Massacre. Carole Boston Weatherford (writer) and Floyd Cooper (illustrator) created an outstanding work. Read it today!

Review: I Eat Poop (Audiobook)

While browsing NetGalley, I kept running across the audiobook “I Eat Poop.” The title makes me giggle. This week I saw a review of the audiobook and decided I just had to hear it for myself. 

Mark Pett’s “I Eat Poop” features Dougie Dung Beetle. Dougie LOVES poop, but that is his secret. His favorite school lunch is a poop sandwich, but he fears the other bugs will make fun of him so he hides his lunch every day so they won’t see it OR see him eat it. In fact, Dougie has been telling the bugs at school he’s just a common Ground Beetle. One day, Dougie’s fondest wish comes true; he’s invited to eat lunch with the popular bugs. In the course of that one lunch Dougie has to decide if he will be an upstander and protect a friend from bullying AND whether or not he can be his true self with his classmates.

The story is delightful and the audiobook is a gem. The sound effects are spot-on as is the narration by Torian Brackett. I giggled throughout the story and was rooting for Dougie the whole time. The second half of the audiobook reviews Dougie’s school yearbook by introducing all of the bugs and their interesting characteristics. 

This story is great for young kids who might be worried about how they are different from their friends. It’s also great for anyone who likes a feel-good story about standing up for yourself and those you care about. If you’re working with older students on story writing for younger kids, this would be a solid example of a mentor story.

Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the advance audiobook in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

The audiobook of “I Eat Poop” will be available Tuesday, January 10.

✅2023 Reading Goal: Audiobook (I know, I know, it’s only 15 minutes, but you have to start somewhere, right?)

Baker and Taylor and the Mystery of the Library Cats

 I love cats. I love stories featuring cats. Who can resist book-loving best friends Baker and Taylor?

These chonky boys love nothing more than hanging out in the library reading their favorite stories and learning about far away places. Then they learn there are libraries in other towns! Baker and Taylor pack their backpacks and head for the bright lights of New York City. Once they secure directions to the New York Public LIbrary, they learn there are cats there! Will they be able to find their new feline friends?

This is a delightful story designed for “newly independent” readers. I love that Baker and Taylor use guidebooks to learn about New York City. The points of interest scattered throughout the book are fun and tell us more about the culture of the city. There is a nice afterward with more information about New York City and the New York Public Library.

I am looking forward to more stories featuring the adventures of the #bookish cats Baker and Taylor. This book would be great for kids who like cats or kids who are interested in travel. It might even be good for kids who are nervous travelers since Baker and Taylor use their smarts and their guidebooks to find their way around an unfamiliar city.

Thanks to NetGalley and Baker & Taylor, Paw Prints Publishing for an ARC in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Reading List: Novels in Verse

Brooke at Literacy in Focus has compiled an intriguing list of novels in verse for upper elementary and middle school students. 

I love that Brooke has included diverse perspectives and topics. I will be adding some of these to my 2023 reading list. 

Which ones will you read?

Fire Shapes the World

How do you explain to young children the importance of fire to the natural landscape? It’s easy. Read them “Fire Shapes the World.” I wanted to read an advance copy of this story because I live in a wildfire-prone state and I am a teacher who often finds herself wondering how to explain complex topics.

Joanna Cooke’s text explains the topic in an almost poetic way. I liked the way the words danced across the literal and figurative landscape of the book. Illustrations by Cornelia Li and Diana Renzina have an almost magical illuminated quality to them. The overall effect is one of comfort in scary times. 

The Author’s Note is extensive and would be great for older kids to read. There is a list of additional resources and websites if one wants to learn more about wildfire and fire policy. 

I would recommend this for elementary level students and their families and would even use it to introduce wildfire, conservation practices, and fire policy to middle school and high school students. 

Thanks to Edelweiss and Yosemite Conservancy for providing an advance copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own. The book is scheduled to release in April 2023.

Little People Big Dreams: Hedy Lamarr

 Yes, that Hedy Lamarr. Yes, the actress considered one of the most beautiful women of her day happened to develop the technology used as the foundation of today’s wifi. I became fascinated with Hedy Lamarr’s story after learning about her from the National Women’s History Museum. Naturally, I was interested in seeing how this complex story played out in one of the Little People, Big Dreams books for young children.

The text is straightforward, but does not oversimplify Hedy’s life. She is portrayed as curious about her world and brave for challenging society’s expectations for women. The illustrations are detailed, but not fussy. I could easily see an adult reading the book to a young child, then having a conversation about the action and emotion in the illustrations.

I would recommend this book for young children and their families. It would be particularly good for families wanting to share diverse lives early on. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and Francis Lincoln Children’s Books for providing a copy of “Hedy Lamarr” for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I Could Not Do Otherwise: The Remarkable Life of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker

 How did I not know about Dr. Mary Walker? 

Sara Latta’s “I Could Not Do Otherwise” demonstrates that Walker was a consequential figure in the early fight for women’s suffrage. She was at the forefront of women’s dress reform. She spoke extensively on both subjects. She served during the Civil War. She had access to the movers and shakers of the federal government for decades. Mary Walker did not compromise on her values and made enemies along the way. In short, her story is a fascinating example of someone who has nearly been erased from history.

The narrative of Mary Walker’s life smoothly flows throughout this book targeted to middle grade and teen readers. Latta provides some support for unfamiliar vocabulary terms and there are ample, clearly marked asides to help put Walker’s story in the context of her time. An extensive bibliography is provided for those who might wish to learn more about Mary Walker.

This telling of Dr. Mary Walker’s life is thorough and engaging. The reader learns about both her public and private life, including her quest to improve life for women, the poor, and veterans. I appreciate that the book does not sugar-coat aspects of Walker’s personality that made her difficult for others to deal with and, at the same time, dogged in pursuit of her causes.

I would recommend this book to teens and plan to get a physical copy for my classroom. This book is particularly good for teens who don’t conform to typical social norms.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #ZestBooks for a copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.