Elem. – The Fossil Whisperer

Posted on February 24, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Becker, Helaine, and Sandra Dumais. The Fossil Whisperer. Kids Can Press, 2022. 978-1-525-30418-7. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades K-3.

The Fossil Whisperer introduces the reader to Wendy Sloboda, a fossil hunter who unearthed a new species of dinosaur, which was named after her! The book follows Wendy from her early childhood of loving to find new things, into adulthood when she discovered a new species of dinosaur. The end of the book has a short biography on Wendy, as well as more information on how to become a fossil hunter. There is also a timeline of Wendy’s dinosaur discoveries, along with information about the area where Wendy is from (Southern Alberta) and includes more information about the Wendiceratops (The dinosaur that Wendy discovered). A glossary is found at the back of the book as well as a list of books if the reader wants to learn more.

THOUGHTS: This is a great introduction to Wendy Sloboda, especially if the reader loves learning about dinosaurs. Overall a great book for any elementary collection.

Picture Book Mary McEndree, Lehigh Valley Regional Charter Academy

YA – My Name Is Jason. Mine Too: Our Story, Our Way

Posted on January 24, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Reynolds, Jason, and Jason Griffin, illustrator. My Name Is Jason. Mine Too: Our Story, Our Way. Atheneum, 2022. 978-1-534-47823-7. Unpaged. $19.99. Grades 7-12.

College roommates turned best friends, Reynolds and Griffin moved to New York City with the hopes of pursuing their poetic and artistic dreams. Though glamorous, life in the city wasn’t easy and to make it work they had “No food. For the first six months we only ate cereal, peanut butter toast. Tuna. Fried Tuna. Tuna and rice. Rice and soup.” With little aside from their friendship to sustain them, they figure out ways “to make it” against the odds when everyone else seems to think they’re “probably stupid.” Griffin’s multimedia art including watercolors, collages, and sketches compliment Reynolds’ poems as their story unfolds. A tribute to their perseverance and friendship, this stunning work encourages readers to follow their dreams even when they seem unattainable and emphasizes the importance of having a good support system to help you get there.

THOUGHTS: The powerhouse duo behind Ain’t Burned All the Bright is back for another artistic collection of poetry. Fans of Reynolds’ work will enjoy learning the story behind how he got where he is today. Highly recommended for middle grade and young adult collections.

Poetry Maryalice Bond, South Middleton SD
Graphic Memoir

Elem. – Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion

Posted on January 18, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Stocker, Shannon. Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion. Illustrated by Devon Holzwarth. Dial Books for Young Readers. 978-0-593-10969-4. Unpaged. $17.99. Grades 2-4.

“This is a story of music…of obstacles…of hard work…[just] listen.” As a young child growing up in Scotland in the 1960s, Evelyn Glennie loved listening to her father play the accordion and her mother the organ. By the time she was eight, she had developed a strong love of music and could even play the piano without sheet music. The girl’s life changed by age twelve when she lost her hearing. Glennie did not want to go to a school for the deaf, but instead dreamed of going to school to learn music. At her secondary school, the young musician discovered the wonders of percussion instruments. Her music teacher encouraged her to “feel the music…resonate” throughout her entire body. Evelyn learned to listen in a different way by noting where the vibrations were felt in her body. She could feel in her legs the rumble of cars on the road and could even tune percussion by where she felt the vibrations. The percussionist was initially rejected by the Royal Academy of Music, but insisted on a second audition and was admitted. All music schools then agreed to offer applicants with disabilities the opportunity to audition. As a student, Glennie performed her first solo and won competitions. Her career blossomed, as she recorded albums and performed on television. As the first full-time solo percussionist, Evelyn received two Grammy Awards and many other honors, including an O.B.E from Queen Elizabeth. Still performing today, often barefoot, this Scottish musician did not see her deafness as a limitation, but instead says that it “made me a better listener.” Stocker describes her connection to Glennie in the author’s note. Holzwarth’s vibrant drawings are done in watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil and help bring the music alive. The illustrator depicts the kinetic energy of the sounds, which appear like waves emanating from the drums and mallets and enveloping the audience.

THOUGHTS: This wonderful picture book is a tribute to this amazing musician who overcame adversity to achieve her dream. It is a good choice for character trait units and for music teachers to inspire student musicians. A first purchase for elementary collections.

Biography Denise Medwick, Retired, PSLA Member
92,921, 786.8092 Percussion

Tags: Picture Book, Biography, Musicians, Percussionists, Perseverance, Deafness, Evelyn Glennie

Elem. – Olympics Stars (Series NF)

Posted on January 18, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Olympics Stars Set 3. Abdo, 2022. $22.95 ea. $45.90 set of 2. 32 p. Grades 2-5.

Hewson, Anthony K. Simone Biles. 978-1-532-19739-0.
Martinson, Morgan. Suni Lee. 978-1-532-19740-6.

The first chapter of Suni Lee, “All Around Champ,” launches readers into Suni Lee’s first event–the vault–in the women’s all-around competition at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and documents each event from that moment. The second chapter flashes back to Suni’s childhood in Minnesota with information on her family’s Hmong roots as well as her early years in Gymnastics. Moving forward, the third chapter, documenting Suni Lee’s rise to stardom, shares how her dad was injured helping a neighbor right before her debut at her first senior national championships. Chapter four returns to the Olympics and the response of her community after her historic win. Includes a timeline, glossary, and index.

THOUGHTS: Suni Lee is a well-organized and approachable biography. Each page has photos that complement the text, keeps the reader reading, and encourages browsers to delve into the text as they flip through the book. In particular, Suni’s story of strength under pressure and overcoming challenges will be inspiring to young readers and gymnastics fans. This book and the series are recommended for any library looking for biographies on their subjects.

796 Sports Hannah J. Thomas, Central Bucks SD

Elem. – Finding My Dance

Posted on January 6, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Thundercloud, Ria. Finding My Dance. Illustrated by Kalila J. Fuller. Penguin Workshop, 2022. 978-0-593-09389-4. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades K-5.

At four years old, Thundercloud is given a beautiful, hand sewn jingle dress with “silver cones that clinked together and made the most beautiful sound…like rainfall.” Thundercloud is from the Ho-Chunk Nation (Wisconsin and Sandia Pueblo, New Mexico) who values dance, and she is told that her dances will “send blessings to everyone watching.” So begins Thundercloud’s journey into the powwow circle where Indigenous people gather to “honor [their] culture through song and dance.” Every summer while her love for dancing continues to grow, Thundercloud and her brothers travel the powwow trail. Progressing through different traditional Native dances, she also is on an internationally recognized dance team and studies styles of dance that students may recognize: modern, jazz, tap, contemporary, and ballet. The confining structure of styles like ballet, though, sometimes make Thundercloud feel “like an outsider.” While she was the only Indigenous girl in a class and had her name constantly said incorrectly, dance always made her feel better. Later a professional dancer, Thundercloud never loses sight of her roots. Colorful illustrations beautifully capture Thundercloud’s emotions and passion for dance. A moving tribute to traditional Indigenous dancers, Finding My Dance will be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates the art and beauty of dance.

THOUGHTS: Highly recommended for elementary collections, especially those looking to add Indigenous representation.

Picture Book Maryalice Bond, South Middleton SD
Biography

Elem./MG – Because Claudette

Posted on January 4, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Baptiste, Tracey. Because Claudette. Illustrated by Tonya Engle. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2022. 978-0-593-32640-4. $17.99. 32 p. Grades K-8.

On March 2, 1955, Claudette Colvin refused to give up her bus seat to a white woman and was arrested. She was 15 years old. Claudette’s small act of resistance led to a chain of events that culminated in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Through her courageous act of civil disobedience, Claudette met Civil Rights activists and leaders who were inspired by her bravery to change segregation laws. Most students will have heard of Rosa Parks, but few know that she was inspired by a young teenager. This text is told in a very simple narrative with stunning oil and acrylic paintings by illustrator Tonya Engle.

THOUGHTS: I did not know the story of Claudette Colvin prior to reading this book. The beauty of this narrative is how Baptiste shows a direct line from one small courageous act to a world-changing event. An excellent read aloud, and an important addition for elementary and middle school collections.

Picture Book Anne McKernan, Council Rock SD
Biography

Elem. – Beautiful Useful Things: What William Morris Made

Posted on December 20, 2022 by pslamediaselectionreview

Kephart, Beth. Beautiful Useful Things: What William Morris Made. Cameron Kids, 2022. 978-1-951-83633-7. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades 2-4.

While adults may be familiar with the work of William Morris, this picture book may be a child’s first introduction to the famous designer. As a young boy growing up in 19th century England, Morris loved the outdoors and enjoyed the beauty of nature. As he grew older, he studied medieval crafts and incorporated them into his signature designs, but with a Victorian touch. This was the time of the Industrial Revolution and many items were being mass-produced with little variety or style. William believed that factories were causing a disruption of the environment and peoples’ lives and advocated for workers’ rights. Morris opened a workshop where he treated his employees well, as they fabricated wallpaper, tapestries, furniture, rugs, stained glass windows and fabrics, created by hand and drawn from nature. He understood that while things should be useful, it was just as important for them to “honor beauty.” In his later years, William produced handmade books and created new fonts for his own Kelmscott Press. In the author’s note, Kephart remarks that Morris laid the groundwork for the Arts and Crafts Movement. Some of his designs, like “Strawberry Thief” are still produced today. Melodie Stacey, a British illustrator, is an admirer of William Morris, and her colorful drawings are a tribute to his fabulous motifs.

THOUGHTS: This biography of a classic “maker” is a good choice for art teachers and for makerspace activities. Suitable for elementary collections.

Biography Denise Medwick, Retired, PSLA Member
92, 921. 709.2

YA – It’s My Whole Life: Charlotte Salomon, An Artist in Hiding During World War II

Posted on December 9, 2022 by pslamediaselectionreview

Wider, Susan. It’s My Whole Life: Charlotte Salomon, An Artist in Hiding During World War II. Norton Young Readers, 2022. 978-1-324-01531-4.$19.95. 160 p. Grades 7-12.

Illustrated with original drawings and photographs, this brief biography of an obscure Jewish artist living through World War II brings to light a sensitive soul living a troubled life in a troubled time. In a flashback from Charlotte Salomon’s student days at the United State Schools for Applied and Fine Arts in Berlin, the book traces her life from a lonely childhood to her dismissal from the art school–despite her superior talent–to the days in hiding in France at American heiress, Ottilie Moore’s Villefranche. In the midst, the reader learns of the introverted Charlotte’s obsession with art, her rocky relationship with her stepmother, and the cycle of depression and suicide on the maternal side of her family. Charlotte experiences unrequited love with intellectual Alfred Wolfsohn and finds mutual love with co-habitant, Alexander Nagler; they marry, get pregnant, but stay at Villefranche and are sent to their deaths at Auschwitz before she was thirty years old. Charlotte Salomon spent her last years making a visual autobiography entitled, Life? or Theater? She left this important package for her parents to find after the war. Since then, this life tribute has made its way into history gradually. The works of art show a special artist; those with an interest in World War II and the Holocaust will appreciate.

THOUGHTS: Charlotte Salomon may well pass under the radar in this period of history. However, her distinctive artwork and commitment to her art make her memorable. The mental health issues underlying Charlotte’s background reveal pain others may suffer. One puzzling characteristic of Charlotte is her reluctance to save herself during these turbulent times, though it seems she had some opportunities to escape or keep herself hidden. There is also a connection between Charlotte’s parents and Anne Frank’s father, Otto Frank.

Biography Bernadette Cooke, School District of Philadelphia

YA – Victory. Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice

Posted on October 25, 2022 by pslamediaselectionreview

Smith, Tommie, Derrick Barnes, and Dawud Anyabwile. Victory. Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice. Norton Young Readers, 2022. 978-1-324-00390-8 . 208 p. $22.95. Grades 8-12.

In graphic format Tommie Smith shares the story of how he came to stand on the podium during the medal ceremony at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics as the gold medal winner in the 200-meter sprint. Together with bronze medalist John Carlos, Smith stood wearing black socks, and the two raised their black-gloved fists to protest racial injustices. But long before that pivotal moment, Smith came from a hardworking family of sharecroppers in rural Texas. Seeing their children’s education as an opportunity for a better life, Smith’s parents moved the family and Smith’s speed eventually was noticed, giving him more opportunities than they could have imagined possible. Smith attended schools that were being desegregated and a predominantly white college, facing many life-changing obstacles that shaped him into the activist he became.

THOUGHTS: Showing how great platforms come with great responsibilities, this graphic memoir deserves a place in secondary libraries looking to update their sports and/or nonfiction graphic novel collections.

Graphic Memoir Maryalice Bond, South Middleton SD
796.42 Track & Field

Elem – Sweet Justice: Georgia Gilmore and the Montgomery Bus Boycott

Posted on October 24, 2022 by pslamediaselectionreview

Rockliff, Mara. Sweet Justice: Georgia Gilmore and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Random House Studio, 2022. 978-1-524-72064-3. $18.99. Grades 2-4.

Georgia Gilmore was cooking away when the news broke that Rosa Parks was arrested because she would not let a white man sit in her seat on the public bus. The outrage was loud, with radios urging people to boycott the bus on December 5, 1955. Throughout the protests and concerns, Georgia continued to cook and feed the protesters and raise money for support. Even when Georgia herself was fired, she continued to cook to do her part to help support the movement that was so critical to her and many Americans.

THOUGHTS: A nicely illustrated biography about Georgia Gilmore and the help and support she gave throughout the bus boycott. She personally met Martin Luther King Jr. and received support from him throughout this important part of American history. Overall this book is a great view of the bus boycott of Montgomery through the eyes of a person readers may not know about.

323.092 Civil Rights Leaders Rachel Burkhouse, Otto-Eldred SD
Biography
Picture Book

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