Non-fiction book review - Trash Revolution

Trash Revolution by Erica Fyvie


 Sound bites are a great way to inform young readers. You pass a great deal of information over a wide variety of subjects without becoming overwhelming. And Fyvie achieves this goal. She presents plenty of facts about foot garbage, recyclables, e-waste, and more. We see how various kinds of trash break down in landfills, ideal methods of disposal, social and political debates, and efforts to lower environmental impacts. It can easily be read section by section or picked at in small bites of factoids. The information is well supported by cartoon style illustrations that both inform and entertain.
advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Book review - Sci-Fu

Title: Sci-Fu
Author: Yehudi Mercado
Genre: science fiction/graphic novel
Similar books: Earthling! by Mark Fearing
                      Star Scouts by Mike Lawrence
Rating:

a little weird, mostly pretty cool

Summary(provided by publisher: Set in 1980s Brooklyn, a young DJ accidentally summons a UFO that transports his family, best friend, and current crush to the robot-dominated planet of Discopia.
Hip-hop, sci-fi and kung fu all hit the turntables for the mash-up mix of the year! Cartoonist/force of nature Yehudi Mercado (Pantalones, TX, Rocket Salvage) sets his sights on 1980s Brooklyn and Wax, a young mix-master who scratches the perfect beat and accidentally summons a UFO that transports his family, best friend, and current crush to the robot-dominated planet of Discopia. Now Wax and his crew must master the intergalactic musical martial art of Sci-Fu to fight the power and save Earth. Word to your mother.

My opinion: I grew up in the Midwest. Hip-hop and breakdancing were never really a part of my world. Luckily, you don't really need to be hyper-familiar with hip-hop culture to understand and enjoy this story. The plot is satisfyingly complex, with a sort of Scott Pilgrim vibe. The real selling point, here, is the art. Mercado has found the perfect balance between text and illustrations, allowing both elements to tell parts of the story. A great choice for readers looking for something off the beaten path.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Pick 6: humor

April Fool's Day is nearly upon us. How better to celebrate than with a funny read? Here are 6 funny books published in the last 6 months, covering everything from beginning chapter books to teen novels.

6 new comedies:
1.  Samantha Spinner and the Super Secret Plans by Russell Ginns

2. They Didn't Teach THIS in Worm School by Simone Cia

3. Wrapped Up by Dave Scheidt

4. Stuck in the Stone Age by Geoff Rodkey

5. Kim Reaper by Sarah Graley

6. Peanut Butter and Jelly by Ben Clanton

Non fiction book review - Better Together

Better Together by Nikki Tate

This is a book that could easily be used by both an upper elementary school child and a young teen. The vocabulary is accessible but the content isn't overly simplified. Concepts are explained simply but thoroughly. Readers will learn about all kinds of community: from the nuclear family to humans as a global community, following a series of concentric circles. While older readers will want to explore the concepts in more depth, this is a nice way to introduce a complex topic.

More information: Better Together releases April 3.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Book review double feature

Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

I'm departing from my regular review format today. These two books are linked thematically. It only seemed natural to draw comparisons between them. We have here two books on a timely and difficult topic: unarmed boys of color shot by law officers. There are, of course, differences. Tyler Johnson Was Here comes from the perspective of a victim's brother. It explores the nuanced nature of innocence, the right way to protest, and when violence and anger are justified. Coles' novel is more complex and aimed at a teen audience. Ghost Boys, a verse novel, is presented from the victim's perspective. It explores the history of violence against boys of color, how far we've come and just how far we have to go. Rhodes also touches on the emotional impact for the family of the shooter and the more subtle end of the racism spectrum.

While neither of these books are perfect, reading them with a group of kids is a great way to start a conversation about racism and violence in the modern world.

More information: Ghost Boys releases April 17.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Brighten up that bunny

Personally, I'm not big on holiday decorations. I don't like spending money on something that will only be displayed for a few weeks at most. That being said, I am a fan of re-purposing items that still have use. In this case, I was given this Easter decoration that had seen better days. 

While the paint was quite flaky, the underlying decoration was pretty cute. A quick once-over with a stiff brush and a fresh coat of paint has allowed it to shine again. 

Non-fiction book review - Robots and Drones

Science Comics: Robots & Drones by Mairghread Scott

I've had a mixed experience with the Science Comics series. This is a particularly good installment. The key is, Scott doesn't push too hard to give it a plot. This isn't a story, just a robot bird explaining the concepts, particularly the difference between a machine and a robot. We get history, basic details, a little bit about programming, and some speculation about the future, all with fairly simple but appealing illustrations. There is one fairly significant absence here: artificial intelligence doesn't even get a mention.

More information: Robots & Drones releases March 27.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley