Non-fiction book review - We Shall Not Be Denied

 We Shall Not Be Denied by Cayla Bellanger DeGroat and Cicely Lewis

There are other books that explore voting rights and suppression, of course, but this is a solid one. In clear understandable language DeGroat and Lewis lay out the time line of voting rights. For each time period we learn who was allowed to vote and under what circumstances. Not only that, but also how people in power suppressed dissenting opinions and unpopular groups. Through these examples young readers gain a clear understanding of why voting rights should matter to them and the importance of casting your vote when you are able.

More information: We Shall Not Be Denied releases September 10.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Listen with me

 

Nightmare in the Backyard by Jeff Strand

It doesn't take long for this book to jump into the spooks and jump scares. Mysterious things moving under a tent. Scratching sounds and menacing shapes. Vines that act like tentacles and grab hold of people. Yeah, not only does it get spooky, it gets weird. The strangeness of the threat does not work in the book's favor. Neither does the bickering interplay between the characters. What starts as realistic interactions looses the sense of reality as the danger grows. While there are some interesting elements at play, ultimately the book was a little too far from reality for my tastes.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

How to Find a Missing Girl by Victoria Wlosok - Iris's sister disappeared a year ago and her life has fallen apart. She lost friends in the weeks immediately after and now she's barely holding it together. When another girl vanishes, Iris gets pulled into the investigation

What did you recently finish reading?

The Frindle Files by Andrew Clements - Josh loves coding and everything to do with computers. So it frustrates him that his English class is a no-technology zone. Then he discovers a secret about his teacher that will change everything he thought he knew.

What do you think you'll read next?

All the Ways to Go by Jessie Janowitz

Graphic novel spotlight - We Are Big Time

 

We Are Big Time by Hena Khan

If you're looking for a sports story that transcends the typical narrative about teamwork, give We Are Big Time a look. This book combines the typical new-kid story with a conversation about girls in sports. And more specifically, about being a Muslim girl in sports. We see a team that simply wants to play basketball without having to explain themselves but unexpectedly becoming ambassadors for the Muslim community. A sweet story that addresses racism and Islamaphobia without ever becoming threatening or violent. The athletics are nicely balanced with interpersonal issues so there's something here for most readers, sports fan or no.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Weeping angel redux

 Early in this blog's history I posted about a Weeping Angel I'd made from a Barbie doll. It was a bit of decor that I loved but had to give away when I moved. I've wanted to make another one since but never found a Barbie. Then I came across this in a box of junk my dad brought home.

While I've never understood the desire to have a fancy dressed doll in your bathroom hiding a roll of tp or an air freshener, I did see her potential on the Weeping Angel front. After a little razor knife and hot glue surgery, a new hair style, cardboard wings, and a fabric scrap dress, all she needed was some paint to make her a Doctor Who monster.

Non-fiction book review - All Consuming

 

All Consuming by Erin Silver

There has been a great deal of talk about the damaging effects of consumer culture in general and the fast fashion industry in particular. This book examines the subject in a way that is accessible for young readers. And it does more than look at the psychology and ecological impacts. We examine the history and racism that often impact consumer culture and the effects of consumption in every arena of our lives - fashion, technology, and food especially. Illustrations support the text and make this easily understood.

More information: All Consuming releases September 17

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - The Murderer's Ape

 

Title: The Murderer's Ape

Author: Jakob Wegelius

Genre: mystery

Similar books: The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge by Eugene Yelchin

                      The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Rating:

detail oriented

Summary (provided by publisher): Sally Jones is not only a loyal friend, she's an extraordinary individual. In overalls or in a maharaja's turban, this unique gorilla moves among humans without speaking but understanding everything. She and the Chief are devoted comrades who operate a cargo boat. A job they are offered pays big bucks, but the deal ends badly, and the Chief is falsely convicted of murder.

For Sally Jones this is the start of a harrowing quest for survival and to clear the Chief's name. Powerful forces are working against her, and they will do anything to protect their secrets.

My opinion: Stylistically, this book is reminiscent of older books. I was reminded somewhat of reading Doctor Dolittle or Toby Tyler. These are slower, meandering adventures with plenty of attention to detail. And that is certainly the case with The Murderer's Ape. There is far more attention paid to how Sally Jones occupies her time after the Chief's arrest than in the investigation into clearing his name. The new evidence comes along largely as a side product as Sally Jones meets new people and has varied experiences. While the mystery is compelling and thoughtful, the slower pace may be frustrating for younger readers.

More information: The Murderer's Ape releases September 10.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

What are you currently reading?

Night of the Living Head by  Hanna Alkaf - Alia's normal bad luck gets even worse when her family moves back to a remote village from Kuala Lampur. When her estranged sister returns home as well, things take a spooky turn. Could it be that her sister is not what she appears?

What did you recently finish reading?

10 Truths and a Dare by Ashley Elston - When Olivia discovers she's lacking a PE credit to graduate she cooks up an elaborate scheme to earn the credit helping out at a golf tournament while keeping it secret from her overbearing parents. She'll need the help of her phone swapping cousins and a cute but off-limits boy to pull it off.

What do you think you'll read next?

Mysterious Ways by Wendy Wunder

Listen with me

 

Nightmare in the Backyard by Jeff Strand

I've read a couple of Strand's books before and they're typically good for a solid, middle grade friendly scare. And a campout is a pretty standard setting for a spooky story, so I'm curious to see Strand's approach. Let's find out together.

Non-fiction book review - What Do We Eat?

 

What Do We Eat? by Meagan Clendenan

What people eat sounds like a simple topic but it's surprisingly complex and fascinating. For one thing, Clendenan isn't just looking at types of foods. This book explores agriculture, preserving food, culture, ceremonial and holiday foods, and trade. It is the ways that food play into multiple parts of our lives and are informed by relationships both individually and on a global scale. With art throughout breaking up the blocks of text, this is interesting to read and look at. Choose this book for kids who are interested in how people interact and culture.

More information: What Do We Eat? releases September 17.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Non-fiction book review - Finding the Clotilda

 

Finding the Clotilda by Anitra Butler-Ngugi

Africatown and the Clotilda were terms I'd heard but could not remember any details so I was primed for this book. The vocabulary is accessible and Butler-Ngugi lays out the information in a clear and concise manner. From this book we learn the whole story: the history of the Clotilda; the formation of Africatown; how racism destroyed the community that was built; how the Clotilda itself was found and verified; and how that discovery lead to the preservation of Africatown. A compelling read for fans of lesser known history.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Denim bowls

 Ever had a worn out pair of jeans and felt bad about throwing them away? There are many ways you can use that denim in crafting. For instance, my mother has been cutting jeans into strips and using crochet cotton to turn them into bowls like these:

Incidentally, these bowls and a few other designs are available on our Etsy shop.

WWW Wednesday

What are you currently reading?

House of Thorns by Isabel Strychacz - Lia's family has been falling apart for five years, ever since her older sister vanished and they fled from their house. She's been trying to be perfect. But now the house is calling them back and it's secrets will be revealed.

What did you recently finish reading?

Something's Wrong With Micah by Jamison Hill - Micah has a mysterious illness that keeps him confined to a wheelchair. His friends don't understand. His doctors think it's all in his head. Only Evie understands and she's keeping secrets.

What do you think you'll read next?

The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters by Joan Reardon

Picture books for everyone - Swinging Into History

 

Swinging Into History by Karen L Swanson

Not quite a biography, this book walks us through the professional journey of an unfamiliar figure in sports history. It uses a narrative style to tell us the basics about who Toni Stone was, the challenges she faced, and how she went about achieving her dream. Through the story young readers will be introduced to the Negro Leagues and the challenges for women in sports. While not an in depth exploration, it is very readable and well put together.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - The Super Berries Scam

 

Title: The Super Berries Scam

Author: Natasha Deen

Genre: realistic fiction

Rating:

a clearly explained intent

Summary (provided by publisher): Dalia Gopie is shorter than all her friends. Then she discovers that her favorite social media influencer is promoting a miracle fruit—one that guarantees to make anyone taller overnight! Is this online fad the real deal, or is the popular influencer selling a tall tale? With the help of other Cyber Sleuths—a network of mystery-solving kids—and legit online resources, Dalia uncovers the truth about this too-good-to-be-true product. Created in partnership with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), this action-packed chapter book is perfect for young readers and demonstrates valuable media literacy skills.

My opinion: You don't need to read very deeply to understand what this book is trying to teach. But that's okay. It makes the messaging easily grasped by young readers. It's a bit of a blunt object over the head in terms of teaching media literacy but it achieves that aim well.

Graphic novel spotlight - The Night Librarian

 

The Night Librarian by Christopher Lincoln

The promotional material for this book compares it to the movie Night At The Museum and that's a pretty accurate description. One could also compare it to The Pagemaster, though that's a little more niche. We jump right into a world of magic and adventure around famous books. With a cast that includes a pair of mischievous kids and a band of vigilante librarians, it's exciting and inventive. With a wild plot it requires a solid willing suspension of disbelief and a little patience to fully understand what is going on. But a kid who enjoys Hatke's Mighty Jack or the Amulet series is primed for this one as well.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - The Outsmarters

 

Title: The Outsmarters

Author: Deborah Ellis

Genre: realistic fiction

Similar books: Lost Kites and Other Treasures by Cathy Carr

                     The Truth About Twinkie Pie by Kat Yeh

Rating: 

what's not to like?

Summary (provided by publisher): Suspended from school and prone to rages, twelve-year-old Kate finds her own way to get on with her life, despite the messed-up adults around her. Her gran, for one, is stubborn and aloof — not unlike Kate herself, who has no friends, and who’s been expelled for “behavioral issues,” like the meltdowns she has had ever since her mom dumped her with her grandmother three years ago. Kate dreams that one day her mother will return for her. When that happens, they’ll need money, so Kate sets out to make some.

Gran nixes her idea to sell psychiatric advice like Lucy in Peanuts (“You’re not a psychiatrist. You’ll get sued.”), so Kate decides to open a philosophy booth to provide answers to life’s big and small questions. She soon learns that adults have plenty of problems and secrets of their own, including Gran. When she finds that her grandmother has been lying to her about her mother, the two have a huge fight, and Gran says she can’t wait for Kate to finish high school so she’ll be rid of her at last. Kate decides to take matters into her own hands and discovers that to get what she wants, she may have to reach out to some unexpected people, and find a way to lay down her own anger.

My opinion: There is a bit of an air of unreality to this story. The details sit just outside of what we would expect but that's less of a barrier than we might expect. It makes some resolutions a bit tidier than they ought to be in terms of facts. Emotionally, though, the journey is messy and complex. That's where this book shines. It gives us a cast of complex characters who have all made mistakes and need to find a way forward. While uncomfortable reading at times, the book overall is quick and worth the effort.

Advanced Reader Copy provided  by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

The Other Ones by Fran Hart - Sal has never cared much about living in a house rumored to be haunted. Not until he meets new boy Pax who will shake up his entire world and bring family secrets to light.

What did you recently finish reading?

Anyone But You by Kim Askew - Gigi's family has been feuding with the Montes for years and she's had enough. Then, the night of her special birthday dinner that is also intended to pull the family restaurant back to viability, she meets a boy who captures her attention and her heart. A boy who turns out to be Roman Monte.

What do you think you'll read next?

The Rule of Three by Heather Murphy Caps

Book review - The Creepening of Dogwood House

 

Title: The Creepening of Dogwood House

Author: Eden Royce

Genre: horror

Similar books: The Keeper by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

                      Mothman's Curse by Christine Hayes

Rating:

solid elements

Summary (provided by publisher): At night, Roddie still dreams of sitting at his mother’s feet while she braids his Afro down. But that’s a memory from before. Before his mom died in a tragic accident. Before he was taken in by an aunt he barely knows. Before his aunt brought him to Dogwood House, the creepiest place Roddie has ever seen. It was his family’s home for over a hundred years. Now the house—abandoned and rotting, draped in Spanish moss that reminds him too much of hair—is his home too.

Aunt Angie has returned to South Carolina to take care of Roddie and reconnect with their family’s hoodoo roots. Roddie, however, can’t help but feel lost. His mom had never told him anything about hoodoo, Dogwood House, or their family. And as they set about fixing the house up, Roddie discovers that there is even more his mother never said. Like why she left home when she was seventeen, never to return. Or why she insisted Aunt Angie always wear her hair in locs. Or what she knew of the strange secrets hidden deep within Dogwood House—secrets that have awoken again, and are reaching out to Roddie…

My opinion: The set-up could have made this a total cliche of a book - a grieving child moves to the old abandoned home where creepy things start happening. It could have been a standard haunted house with adults who don't believe what the isolated child is telling them. Royce takes a different approach, with Roddie and his aunt both slowly learning more about hoodoo and their family history, those thruths helping them unravel what is happening in the house and to keep it from happening again. It's not the most frightening book for middle grade readers but it is interesting.

Listen with me

 

A Game Most Foul by Alison Gervais

At the outset this is a pretty standard teen mystery. A girl on her own for the summer, studying abroad, who gets caught up in the disappearance of a classmate. But that basic format quickly twists in odd directions as the characters learn that their professor isn't simply named Dr. John Watson - he is the Dr. Watson. As Jules and her friends uncover the truth, we get some solid character development and setting descriptions. The clues for the mystery are integrated naturally into the plot, if a bit heavy-handed. The ultimate reveal, though it makes sense in the world of the book, is oddly unsatisfying and leaves too many questions unanswered. There is no strong emotional release and the tension simply falls apart. In the end, I found it a bit disappointing.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley