Elem. – Evergreen

Posted on March 16, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Cordell, Matthew. Evergreen. Feiwel and Friends, 2023. 978-1-250-31717-9. unpaged. $18.99. Grades K-2.

Evergreen is not a brave squirrel. She is afraid of loud noises, heights, swimming, and thunderstorms. Buckthorn Forest, where Evergreen lives in a tall red oak tree with her mother, is full of scary things. But Evergreen’s mother needs her to deliver an acorn full of healing soup to an ailing Granny Oak. Evergreen has never traveled through Buckthorn by herself … until now. Along the way, she encounters a fluffy white rabbit trapped between two rocks, a red-tailed hawk, and an old toad and his great-grandson. Each new character needs Evergreen’s help, and she must find her courage to solve her fellow forest critters’ problems. What will happen when she meets the fiercest of all the animals in Buckthorn, a grizzly bear? Matthew Cordell’s ink and watercolor illustrations are characteristically wonderful. Evergreen’s expressive eyes and tentative posture reveal her anxiety; she practically quivers on the page! Full-page spreads featuring Buckthorn Forest’s predators add high-stakes drama to the story. A color palette of green, blue, and brown represents the natural world perfectly.

THOUGHTS: Readers of Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen and Cordell’s own Cornbread and Poppy series will love this woodsy adventure story. The ending hints at future Evergreen excursions!

Picture Book

YA – Promise Boys

Posted on March 16, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Brooks, Nick. Promise Boys. Henry Holt and Company, 2023. 978-1-250-86697-4. 294 p. $19.99. Grades 9-12.

J.B., Ramón, and Trey are students at the Urban Promise Prep School in Washington, DC. They do their best to follow the ultra-strict rules established by their principal as part of his “Moore Method.” But when Principal Moore is murdered, each of the three boys (who were all in detention and adjacent to the crime scene that day) become suspects. Although they do not trust each other at first, they soon realize that their best chance at clearing their names is to work together to expose the real killer. Debut author Nick Brooks does a great job of developing each character’s unique voice and personality, which is pivotal because the story is told from numerous points of view. Each teen has his own struggles, triumphs, and secrets that play into how they approach the world and each other. In addition to being a propulsive murder mystery, Promise Boys poses some serious questions about the prep school’s toxic culture of excellence.

THOUGHTS: Readers who enjoy books by Jason Reynolds, Angie Thomas, and Karen M. McManus will gravitate to this novel, which is both entertaining and rich with opportunities for deep discussion.

Mystery

J.B.Williamson, Trey Jackson, and Ramon Zambrano all attend Promise Academy, an all-male charter school in Washington D.C. intended to groom young men of color with its high standards and academic rigor. Its principal and founder, Kenneth Moore, is both slick and tough. The reader meets him as he is unraveling. He rules the school with an iron fist, yielding his power with impossible demands and punitive measures–a far cry from the environment of the school at its inception. The students keep silent in the building; follow straight, blue lines through the hall; and angst over demerits for petty infractions that threaten detention or expulsion. On the afternoon of an important basketball game, the three protagonists find themselves in detention when Principal Moore is mortally shot. All three are suspects for the murder. What follows is an examination from each character’s point of view of the events that brought them to that moment and their efforts to exonerate themselves and uncover the real murderer. Though the three are not friends, their common trouble unites them, and they join forces with their friends’ support to trace the downfall of a formerly idealistic leader and find his killer. Told in different voices and scenes, Promise Boys depicts cameos of boys of color striving to be their best selves but thwarted by an academic system that degrades and punishes them. Author Nick Brooks tells a compelling story featuring loving families and friends juxtaposed against the pressure of living in a world that deems one guilty before innocent. An important novel for any high school library.

THOUGHTS: This layered story provokes discussion around student voice and justice which keeps readers turning the pages. Both a mystery and a commentary on black young men in American society, the nature of school and punishment, and greed and corruption, Promise Boys reveals people are not all they seem. It forces the reader to see that each person has complicated workings and what they deal with may not be evident–even to those closest to them. Some curse words, some illegal activity (breaking into the school building), police shown in a negative light, and an intimation of sex (JB has his first girlfriend, and it is implied they had intercourse.), notwithstanding, this book relates a truthful tale relatable to many eighth grade students as well as upper high school. Weaving in text messages and multiple perspectives of various characters, Brooks’s unusual plot engages even reluctant readers. Compare this significant novel with Jason Reynolds’s and Brendan Kiely’s All American Boys or Kekla Magoon’s How It Went Down.

Realistic Fiction

Elem. – Seasons: Summer Shine! (Series NF)

Posted on March 13, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Murray, Julie. Seasons: Summer Shine! Abdo Kids, 2022. $21.95 ea. $131.70 set of 6. 24 p. Grades K-2.

Summer Adventures. 978-1-098-20930-8.
Summer Animals. 978-1-098-20931-5.
Summer Food. 978-1-098-20932-2.
Summer Holidays. 978-1-098-20933-9.
Summer Plants. 978-2-098-20934-6.
Summer Weather. 978-2-098-20935-3.

Summer Adventures is an early nonfiction book aimed at young readers. Bright photographs and bold primary colors are used throughout the book. Each two-page spread depicts a primary student enjoying a popular summer activity, including the beach, playgrounds, family barbecues, fishing, camping, and swimming and boating. Text is very simple, with only one sentence per page. Table of Contents, Index, Glossary, and suggestions for further summer adventures all are included in this nonfiction selection leveled for Kindergarten readers. A QR code at the end of the book enables teachers or parents to access free worksheets, coloring sheets, games, and more.

THOUGHTS: An excellent introduction to nonfiction text features. Photos depict diverse representations of children and families. Perfect for an early primary or preschool library or nonfiction section. Activities and lesson plans accessed through the QR code are developmentally appropriate and are a nice addition for easy lesson planning.

525.5 Natural Sciences and Mathematics Anne McKernan, Council Rock SD

Elem. – Pizza My Heart

Posted on March 13, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Song, Mika. Pizza My Heart. RH Graphic, 2022. 978-0-593-47972-8. $12.99. 91 p. Grades K-3.

Tired of eating only acorns, squirrels Norma and Belly set out in search of pizza. A new pizzeria has opened in town with a storefront vending machine. Norma and Belly observe a human operating the machine and decide to give it a try. The only problem is they do not have any money to insert into the machine. When Norma scrambles up the machine to try to figure it out, she is sucked in through the bill slot, and finds herself in the pizzeria, and the adventure begins. Hiding in a pizza box, Norma is accidentally packed onto a delivery bike and whisked away. Meanwhile, Belly, who has been desperately trying to break into the pizzeria, hops aboard the delivery bike in hopes of gaining access after the delivery. As it turns out, the delivery bike is headed to the home of Tomato, a mean cat wearing an eye patch. It will take brains and guts to get past Tomato and rescue Norma, but Belly prevails.

THOUGHTS: A delightful early graphic novel, Pizza My Heart has amusing illustrations and characters that are adorably silly. A great introduction to graphic novels.

Early Graphic Novel Anne McKernan, Council Rock SD

Elem. – The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Posted on March 13, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Barnett, Mac. The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Illustrated by Jon Klassen. Orchard Books, and Imprint of Scholastic, 2022. 978-1-338-67384-5. $18.99. 48 p. Grades K-3.

This is a beautiful and amusing retelling of the traditional Norwegian trickster tale, brilliantly illustrated by Jon Klassen. A hungry troll lives beneath a bridge that connects the farmland to a grassy hill. Barnett’s classic droll humor makes this troll particularly amusing – he is so desperate he even eats his own ear wax and belly button lint. When a small goat crosses the bridge the troll dances and chants in rhyming verse, explaining all the ways he enjoys eating goat. The small goat convinces the troll to let him go, claiming that his big brother will follow him over the bridge. The big brother has a lot more meat on his bones and will make a much tastier meal for the troll. The troll lets the little goat go and praises himself for tricking the small goat into telling him about a better opportunity. Next, of course, comes the big brother goat. Again, the troll launches into a hilarious, rhyming litany of all the ways he will prepare the big brother goat for dinner. The big brother goat explains he is not the biggest of the goat brothers and would spoil the troll’s appetite. The greedy troll lets this second goat pass over the bridge without harm. As the troll waits in anticipation of his large meal he considers the words he will choose for his next rhyming recipe. The words “strudel” and “escargot” have him particularly perplexed. Along comes the biggest goat. This third goat is so big that we only can see his hairy legs on the full-bleed-spread. This goat is much larger than the troll bargained for; he is so shocked he cannot even form a rhyme. The biggest goat firmly tells the troll he will not eat him, and then proceeds to head-butt the troll off of the bridge. The troll splashes into the water below and falls down a big waterfall, which leads to an even bigger waterfall, which leads to an absolutely enormous waterfall. The three goat brothers are reunited on the grassy ridge, where they live happily ever after.

THOUGHTS: Barnett and Klassen are fabulous as always in this classic fairy tale with a twist. The book works exceedingly well as a read aloud. Children will be delighted in the rhyming antics of the troll, and the reveal of the third goat is absolutely brilliant. An embedded lesson in superlative adjectives is a delightful added bonus.

Picture Book Anne McKernan, Council Rock SD
Fairy Tale

MG – Operation Pangolin: Saving the World’s Only Scaled Mammal

Posted on March 13, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Eszterhas, Suzi. Operation Pangolin: Saving the World’s Only Scaled Mammal. Millbrook Press, 2022. 40 p. $23.04. 978-1-728-44295-2. Grades 5-8.

Pangolins are an endangered species, and they couldn’t ask for a better book than Operation Pangolin to entice humans to ensure their survival. Wildlife photographer Eszterhas uses photographs liberally on wide pages, sure to elicit “oohs and aahs,” as well as “awws” for amazing baby pangolin photos. Eszterhas begins by focusing on the story of conservationist Thai Van Nguyen, who recalls the day as a child when he saw a pangolin and her baby being captured by poachers (likely for their scales, which are mistakenly believed to have medicinal properties), and how he vowed to “save all the pangolins in the world” (5). He now runs the world’s largest pangolin rescue operation, Save Vietnam’s Wildlife. He and his staff rescue and treat injured pangolins, and Thai frequently speaks about and introduces pangolins to humans. The small numbers of pangolins and their shyness means that scientists still have many questions about their life habits, such as life span, mating habits, and duration of pregnancy. Researchers do know that pangolins have poor eyesight and a strong sense of smell; they have special muscles to close their ears and nostrils (in addition to eyes) while eating ants; their sticky tongues can be longer than their bodies; and they swallow sand and small stones to aid digestion. The photos are the focus of this book. Readers see pangolins curled into balls, eating ants, using their fingers to dig or hold onto branches, undergoing medical exams by Thai’s staff, and babies feeding and riding on their mothers’ backs. The remarkably close and clear photos, even of their scales, gives a sense of wonder and understanding of these creatures.

THOUGHTS: This book is a winner for upper elementary and above, with facts and photographs to enthrall readers and urge them to help. Don’t miss other recent amazing animal books by Eszterhas, including A Leopard Diary (2022) and The Adventures of Dr. Sloth (2022).

599.3 Pangolins Melissa Scott, Shenango Area SD

YA – Four for the Road

Posted on March 9, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Reilly, K.J. Four for the Road. Simon & Schuster, 2022. 280 p. $18.99 978-1-665-90228-1. Grades 7-12.

One year ago, Asher Hunting’s mom was killed in a car accident by a drunken truck driver, who, due to a technicality, faced no penalties. For him, life continues. But for Asher, guilt over his part in the accident, along with revenge, consume his thoughts. He’s gone so far as to profile the drunk driver online and discover he has a teenage daughter Grace, who Asher ‘catfishes,’ planning to take her to her prom. Asher’s supportive father waits for him to process the grief, even taking him to multiple grief groups. In these groups, Asher meets Sloane, whose dad died of cancer; Will, whose little brother was in the minority of those to die from neuroblastoma; and eighty-year-old Henry, whose wife has died. The prom–and Asher’s revenge–is approaching, leading these four on a road trip from New Jersey to Graceland. Each person is seeking something different to heal their grief–and the success of each depends upon the unknowns of the trip and upon each other. By turns sarcastic and realistically grief-laden, this novel showcases grief and the things we need from each other. Asher’s voice rings true as the modern-day Holden Caulfield with a deep reason to voice his pain, confusion, and desperation. Although humorous at times, the novel does not downplay each character’s pain and growth. And when Asher arrives at Grace’s house, readers are treated to another unexpected character, and she is no shamed, wilting damsel.

THOUGHTS: This is a heart-wrenching and heart-healing book about grief, and readers will root for Asher, Sloane, Will, Henry, and Grace on their journey. It strikes just the right balance of humor, introspection, pain, and healing. Highly recommended.

Realistic Fiction Melissa Scott, Shenango Area SD

Elem. – Puppy Bus

Posted on March 6, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Brockington, Drew. Puppy Bus. Abrams Books, 2022. 978-1-419-75191-2. 40 p. $17.99. Grades PK-2.

Puppy Bus begins with a young boy who reluctantly climbs on the bus for his first day at a new school after a big move. He takes his seat… and quickly realizes that he has climbed onto the wrong bus. He’s on the PUPPY BUS! And where does the puppy bus go!? Puppy school! What to do!? Go to class! But class is strange and confusing, and the food is terrible! The boy begins to miss his old friends and family…and wants to go home–until a friendly puppy offers friendship. Puppy school might not be so bad after all!

THOUGHTS: Unique to this book is the storyline that the main character is starting a new school after a move (rather than it being the first day of school). This welcome addition to shelves of school stories will bring smiles to young readers’ faces and make the task of going to school seem just a little less daunting (at least they serve people food at school!). Recommended, particularly for schools looking to refresh their school stories shelves and for those looking for a fun welcome for their move-ins!

Picture Book Hannah J. Thomas, Central Bucks SD

Elem. – The Dark Was Done

Posted on March 6, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Stringer, Lauren. The Dark Was Done. Beach Lane, 2022. 978-1-534-46393-3. 48 p. $18.99. Grades PK-3.

The Dark Was Done spins a modern folktale about when the Dark, tired of being pushed away by lights and fears of humanity, decides to leave the earth. Initially, the boy at the center of the story and those around him do not miss the dark and go on with their daily business. But over time, the boy begins to realize what he has lost–the song of crickets, the hoot of owls, the stars–and goes on a journey to find the Dark and persuade it to return. Along the way, the boy is joined by others yearning for that which is missing. As the voice of one boy becomes the voice of many, the Dark is persuaded to return… and embraces the community that, in turn, embraces it.

THOUGHTS: Lauren Stringer’s illustrations are a wonderful compliment to her writing, reflecting the Dark’s personification in the text as a warm, mysterious entity. The people in the community are as diverse as they are foolish and frequently strike a fanciful note with their peaked caps. Small details, like the teddy bear the boy brings on his journey, a burglar portrayed as a racoon, and speech bubbles that illustrate the joys of night that the community is missing make the story both child-friendly and worthy of reading again and again. A beautiful story with beautiful illustrations. Highly recommended.

Picture Book Hannah J. Thomas, Central Bucks SD

Literature Review

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Monthly Archives: March 2023

Elem. – Evergreen

YA – Promise Boys

Elem. – Seasons: Summer Shine! (Series NF)

Elem. – Pizza My Heart

Elem. – The Three Billy Goats Gruff

MG – Operation Pangolin: Saving the World’s Only Scaled Mammal

YA – Four for the Road

Elem. – Puppy Bus

Elem. – The Dark Was Done