Easy Readers nominee See the Cat, by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutak, is the subject of today’s featured review: These entertaining stories give beginning readers a chance to practice their reading skills while having fun at the same time as they admire the expressive illustrations. The simple repetitive text helps readers practice sight words and word recognition in …
REVIEW: Elatsoe
Our featured review for this autumn Wednesday looks at Young Adult Speculative Fiction nominee Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger: Ellie (short for Elatsoe) and her ghost-dog Kirby seek answers to a cousin’s mysterious death in a car accident on a lonely rural road. Using her Lipan Apache tribal wisdom and lore, with assists from her deceased ancestors and living family …
REVIEW: All Thirteen
Today’s review looks at Middle Grade Nonfiction nominee All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat: I loved all the great details presented in this book. I knew of this rescue mission, but I really didn’t know much about the people involved, the work involved, or the massive amounts of volunteers that spent …
REVIEW: Ways to Make Sunshine
We dipped into our reservoir of Middle Grade Fiction nominees for today’s review, featuring Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson: The scenes in the book are set up to showcase the particular joys and problems of growing up Black, but the story should be enjoyable for all kids, person of color or not. And Ryan is growing up in …
REVIEW: Almost American Girl
Today’s featured review is from the Young Adult Graphic Novels category–Almost American Girl by Robin Ha, a memoir about the experience of immigrating from South Korea: This is the story of a young girl transitioning from life in Korea to life in Alabama in America. Chuna gives herself the American name Robin as an effort to fit in. Still she …
REVIEW: Love Is Powerful
Our featured review for today looks at Fiction Picture Book nominee Love Is Powerful written by Heather Dean Brewer and illustrated by LeUyen Pham: This very empowering story is a reminder that every voice matters, that each individual counts, and that change happens slowly but DOES happen. The full review was posted on Goodreads by Round 1 judge Sandy Brehl, …
REVIEW: Embassy of the Dead
We know, we know–Halloween was last weekend–but we could resist posting a featured review of spooky Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction nominee Embassy of the Dead by Will Mabbitt, illustrated by Taryn Knight: The Embassy of the Dead is an interesting organization whose primary purpose is to keep the living of the Earthly Plane and the dead from the Afterworld protected …
REVIEW: Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business
Today’s featured panelist review is Early Chapter Books nominee Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business, written by Lyla Lee and illustrated by Dung Ho: Through Mindy’s honest, endearing voice, humor, and a lot of heart, Lyla Lee expertly explores topics like grief, cultural identity, loneliness, friendship, and responsibility in age appropriate and fun ways. Click here to read the …
REVIEW: Furia
Happy November! YA fiction nominee Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez stars in today’s featured review: I enjoy a good sports movie (think: Remember the Titans, Hoosiers) or book. This one has a good combination of a bit of sports descriptions (but certainly not too much) and life and it’s really the life that is the star of this book. You …
REVIEW: Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera
Today’s featured review looks at Elementary Nonfiction nominee Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann: HONEYBEE: The Busy Life of Apis Millifera by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohman ( 2020) is robust in text, illustrations and backmatter. It pushes all of us to help out our honeybees. The full review was …