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