Today’s review of Easy Reader finalist Extraordinary Warren: A Super Chicken, by Sarah Dillard comes from panelist Kimberley at Books First in Maine. She writes: The illustrations in this book are picture book-like and the book also has chapters which are appropriately short enough for a young reader. There was so much to look at and think about as I …
Review: The Living
Today’s review of Young Adult Speculative Fiction finalist The Living, by Matt De La Peña, comes from our very own social media guru, Jen Robinson. Jen has been blogging at Jen Robinson’s Book Reviews for nine years and has become an indispensable presence in the Kidlit community. She reviewed The Living a year ago, writing: The Living by Matt De La Peña …
Review: I’ll Give You the Sun
Today’s review comes from Teen Librarian YA Fiction judge Megan who blogs at YA? Why Not?. Back in August, Megan reviewed YA Fiction finalist I’ll Give You the Sun, by Jandy Nelson, writing: I’ll Give You the Sun is a stunningly beautiful story. Noah and Jude are vibrant, complex, and flawed characters. They leap off the page and come alive. Read …
Revew: Be a Changemaker
Today’s review is YA Non-fiction finalist Be a Changemaker, by Laurie Ann Thompson, reviewed by judge Louise over at The Nonfiction Detectives where she blogs with Book App chair Cathy. Louise wrote: I found this “how-to handbook” very useful. Thompson uses simple, direct language to explain how to take something you are passionate about and turn it into a reality. Readers will …
Review: Brimsby’s Hats
One of my favorite things about Fiction Picture Book panelist Dawn’s blog, My Thoughts Exactly, is her Friday Five roundup. Most Friday, she features a list of 5 books (or things) she’s been reading (and loving). And during Cybils season, those roundups are usually of the books she’s reading. She highlighted Fiction Picture Book finalist Brimsby’s Hats, by Andrew Prahin. Dawn …
Review: Harlem Hellfighters
For those in the U.S.: Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! I was thinking that we’d feature something to do with the Civil Rights movement today. I found several books among our nominees that would fit, including YA Nonfiction finalist The Freedom Summer Murders, by Don Mitchell; Fiction Picture Book Nominee Knock Knock, by Daniel Beaty and Bryan Collier; but …
Review: Angus the Irritable Bull – A funny story of friendship on the farm
Over the months I’ve been rounding up reviews, I’ve noticed that writing one for a book app is a pretty difficult thing to do. Which means there isn’t a lot out there. However, Book App round 1 panelist Erin who blogs at Falling Flannelboards, wrote a lovely blurb for finalist Angus the Irritable Bull – A funny story of friendship on the …
Review: The Meaning of Maggie
Middle Grade Fiction panelist Jennifer is not only a long-time, hard-working panelist, but is also the managing editor of 5 minutes for Books, which highlights everything from picture books through adult fiction. Over the summer, she reviewed Middle Grade Fiction finalist The Meaning of Maggie, by Megan Jean Sovern, writing: The Meaning of Maggie is a fun heartfelt book. I love …
Review: Boys of Blur
Today’s featured review is of Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalist Boys of Blur by N. D. Wilson. It was featured on quite a few blogs, but I think EMFSF panelist Brandy, blogging over at Random Musings of a Bibliophile said it best: The imagery and descriptiveness of the book are pretty much perfect. As I read, I felt like I …
Review: Firefly July
Today’s review of the day comes from Poetry panelist Kelly, who blogs at Writing and Ruminating. Back during National Poetry month, she reviewed Poetry finalist Firefly July by Paul B. Janeczko and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Kelly wrote: Most of the poems fall into the “imagist” category: full of clear, sharp language, and conveying a clear snapshot description of the poem’s …