Tag Archives: Change

Elem. – Worm and Caterpillar are Friends

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Windness, Kaz. Worm and Caterpillar are Friends. Simon & Schuster Book for Young Readers. 2023. 978-16659-2001-8. $17.99. Gr. K-3.

Worm and Caterpillar are similar but different. Even though they are different, they are best friends! Caterpillar is about to go through a big change and is concerned about their friendship. Can two different animals survive such a big change? Will their friendship survive this change?

THOUGHTS: A fun Ready-to-Read graphic novel for beginning readers. Although change happens in life, friendship can last throughout it!

Graphic Novel

Elem. – No is All I Know!

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Grabenstein, Chris. No is All I Know! Illustrated by Leo Espinosa. Random House, 2023. 978-0-593-30204-0. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades PK-2.

Oh, Oliver McSnow. “NO!” is his favorite word. It’s “NO!,” no matter what. His “NO!” becomes the world’s strongest NO! and takes over his life and that of his family. No baths, no sleep, no puzzles, or pizza, or even ice cream! Only mac n’ cheese for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When cousin Jess, who loves to say “YES!” comes to visit, Oliver is too tired to say “NO!,” and follows Jess and his “YES!” Suddenly, a new world opens up to Oliver as he tries new things and discovers that “YES!” is a lot more fun than “NO!”

THOUGHTS: Leo Espinosa brings the rhythm and meaning of Chris Grabenstein’s text to life in No is All I Know! Oliver is depicted as stubborn and passionate–and his parents shocked and bewildered by his all-encompassing “NO!” While initially I thought that the book would appeal mostly to a Pre-K audience whose parents are desperate for some relief from the “NO” phase, I believe the book will have broad appeal to primary students who are looking for a fun read and a relatable story. Some younger brothers and sisters may even be treated to story time by siblings who find this book on the shelf in the library. Highly recommended for its humor, universal story, and appealing illustrations.

Picture Book 

Elem. – There’s Always Room for One More

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McGrath, Robyn. There’s Always Room for One More. Illustrated by Ishaa Lobo. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2023. 978-4-665-92537-2. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades K-3.

Claire’s family is getting ready to have a new addition, but in order to have enough room at the table for Grandpa they need to get a new one. Claire is excited to have Grandpa come live with them, but her old table has so many wonderful memories of “playing cards, homework help, and Saturday morning pancakes!” While Claire’s family shops and dreams of the opportunity a bigger table will bring (“more room for baking…space for all my crafts…and perfect for Grandpa’s thousand-piece puzzles”), Claire remembers “Chocolate birthday cakes, Pa’s bad jokes, and the feel of Penny’s soft fur against her feet.” Despite her wishing, the old table does not come home. As neighbors and friends stop by with things to prepare for Grandpa’s arrival, Mama and Pa invite them each for Grandpa’s surprise, and they respond with “There’s always room for one more.” After Claire’s emotions become too much for her, Claire’s mother comforts her by getting her to see that Grandpa is going to miss his things too, but “now we get to make room for new memories.” Will Claire learn to accept this life change, and how will Grandpa make out with his?

THOUGHTS: Hand this book to a child who is struggling with a life change. The bigger change (a grandparent moving in) is downplayed by the physical change the house takes (we need a bigger table). This title may help a reader who is experiencing a change (like getting a new sibling) look at the situation with optimism instead of focusing on what they’re losing.

Picture Book

MG – Light Comes to Shadow Mountain

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Buzzeo, Toni. Light Comes to Shadow Mountain. Holiday House, 2023. 978-0-823-45384-9. 263 p. $17.99.  Grades 4-6.

In her debut novel, Buzzeo has crafted an engaging story based on the arrival of electricity to the eastern Kentucky mountains in the 1930s. At that time, few rural areas had electricity, even though most cities did. Cora Mae Tipton lives on Shadow Mountain, one such unelectrified community. She dreams of becoming a journalist like Nellie Bly, while her best friend Ceilly wants to be an aviator. When news of the Rural Electrification Act arrives in the holler, the two girls are thrilled to learn about the formation of an electricity cooperative. Not everyone is excited about the life-changing news, including Cora’s mother, who is pregnant and still grieving for her daughter Ida, who died from the flu. Cora, always with a notebook in hand, questions her Pap, who is now working for the project. The budding journalist learns about the fees, which are prohibitive for some families and the school. Believing in the importance of electricity in the school, the friends come up with a successful plan to raise money for a subscription, but then trouble besets the Tipton family. Mrs. Tipton becomes more depressed, and there is frequent bickering between mother and daughter. One of the twins is badly burned, and the fundraising money is needed for medical bills. Cousin Glenna comes to stay to avoid an abusive father. Then Mrs. Tipton goes into premature labor at home. With no adult to help, Cora must call on  her inner strength if she is to save the baby and bring the Mountain out of the shadows. This piece of historical fiction offers an eye-opening look into rural America of the past- a world of pack horse libraries, settlement schools, and the frontier nursing service, which are all described in the back matter. The author has created well-developed characters, some who are resistant to change and some who embrace it. With its compelling plot, this deep and sensitive story will leave readers hoping for a sequel to learn what the future holds for the likeable Miss Tipton.

THOUGHTS: This outstanding book is highly recommended for middle grade libraries.

Historical Fiction

Elem. – When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left

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Colagiovanni, Marc. When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left. Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Orchard Books, 2023. 978-1-338-83118-4. 40 p. $18.99. Grades PreK-3.

In the beginning of this book, nothing is going right for our main character, no matter what they do. So they decide to go left. As the book goes on, the reader can see all the things the main character left behind and how that affects each decision they make moving forward. When they finally get to the end, they discover that their fears, worries, and concerns are smaller and they just need to make sure that they keep an eye on them so they don’t get out of control again. Throughout the book, there is a little bird that follows the main character, which is a nice addition in an otherwise minimalistic style of illustrations.

THOUGHTS: This is a great addition to any elementary school collection, and would be a great read aloud to discuss what to do if things aren’t going right. This would also be great to use with any art lessons about more minimal illustrations, or if you were doing an illustrator study on Peter H. Reynolds.

Picture Book

Elem. – Theo Thesaurus: The Dinosaur Who Loved Big Words

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Johannes, Shelli R. Theo Thesaurus: The Dinosaur Who Loved Big Words. Illustrated by Mike Moran. Philomel Books, 2021. Unpaged. 978-0-593-20551-8 $17.99 Grades K-2.

Theo and his parents are migrating, and his parents are excited, but Theo is worried about joining a new class where no one knows him. He and his parents are a special species of dinosaurs called Thesauruses–self-described ‘logo maniacs’ or word-lovers. Sure enough, Theo’s big words create a barrier between him and his new classmates. He tries to be friendly.  “Salutations!” he greets them; ‘Could you lead me to the athenaeum (library)?” in class; “Care for a crudite (raw snack)?” at lunch; “want to play conceal and search (hide and seek)?” at recess. Everything leads to misconceptions and confusion.  He keeps trying, even inviting them: “I request your attendance to celebrate the anniversary of my hatching.” When the birthday party arrives, but no friends do, Theo tries several words to describe his emotions but discovers he is speechless.  Then the doorbell rings and his classmates arrive, shouting, “Salutations!” Theo and his parents are equally excited to party with his new friends.

THOUGHTS: This is a cute concept, but the words used require explaining to K-2 readers for them to fully understand the humor. Also, Theo’s parents want to be helpful (but seem to miss the mark), while it is unclear what changes the minds of Theo’s classmates. A glossary of Theo’s “thesaurus” style words is included. Supplemental purchase.

Picture Book          Melissa Scott, Shenango Area SD

MG -Down to Earth

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Culley, Betty. Down to Earth. Crown Books for Young Readers, 2021. 978-0-593-17573-6. 210 p. $16.99. Grades 4-7.

9-year-old Henry Bowers is worried about whether he will be a dowser. His family has worked the land, quarried for granite, and drilled for water in rural Maine for generations, and many of them have a unique talent for dowsing, or finding water through the use of a forked stick and instinct. While Henry worries about his upcoming 10th birthday, the birthday when dowsers find out if they have the knack for dowsing or not, he carries on with his quiet life, including taking care of his sister Birdie and recording his observations about rocks in his homeschooling journal. Then one night, Henry witnesses a very large meteorite fall into his backyard, and he feels an instant connection with the huge lump of space rock. The meteorite turns out to be both a problem and a blessing for Henry and his town, and ultimately, his connection to the meteorite helps him discover who he is and what he wants to do with his young life.

THOUGHTS: This is a heartwarming story about a thoughtful boy who finds himself and his unique gifts through acts of helping others. Henry and his family are loving people who endure hardships with grace, and the pace of the book matches the soothing pace with which they seem to live life. Vague allusions to the healing powers of water “called” by the meteorite are sprinkled throughout this book, but the emphasis on facts from encyclopedia and book entries, a visit from a scientist from the American Museum of Natural History, and Henry’s own journal of science questions keep the story believable and rooted in realism.

Realistic Fiction          Erin Faulkner, Cumberland Valley SD

Elem. – Everything Naomi Loved

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Yamasaki, Katie, and Ian Lendler. Everything Naomi Loved. Norton Young Readers, 2020. 978-1-324-00491-2. Unpaged. $18.95. Grades K-2.

Naomi loves 11th Street, the place where she calls home. It has everything she and her family needs, including Mister Ray’s Automotive, pizza by the slice, a laundromat, her best friend (Ada), and more. One by one, however, 11th Street begins to change. They build a fancy building where her favorite tree once stood, and Ada moves away when they tear her family’s building down. Mister Ray explains to Naomi that things change, but they can keep the things they love with them by painting them into a mural. Mister Ray paints a beautiful tree, and he helps Naomi paint Ada underneath it. Eventually, Naomi’s family also moves out of their 11th Street home, but thanks to Mister Ray, she is able to take her memories with her. This is a beautifully written story about carrying memories we hold dear with us throughout the changing seasons of life.

THOUGHTS: This would be an excellent book to hand to a young reader whose family plans to move away in the near future. Perhaps readers, after finishing the story, could paint a portrait of all the things they hold dear, which they could take with them wherever they go. The book would pair well with other titles set in the city, such as Sydney Smith’s Small in the City (2019) or Marcie Colleen’s The Bear’s Garden (2020). Together, these titles would provide a comprehensive portrait of life in a constantly moving, ever changing city. Overall, this is a touching story with an important message about embracing positive memories when things change.

Picture Book          Julie Ritter, PSLA Member

MS – Chloe by Design; Buzzworthy 2017; Billy Wong

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Gurevich, Margaret.  Chloe by Design. North Mankato: Stone Arch, 2016. $18.49ea. $73.96 set of 4. 96p. Gr. 5-8.
Back to Basics. 978-1-49653261-9.

Made to Measure. 978-1-4965-3262-6.

All or Nothing. 978-1-4965-3263-3.

The Final Cut. 978-1-4965-3264-0.

Margaret Gurevich expands her Chloe by Design series featuring aspiring teen designer Chloe Montgomery with these four volumes (vols. 9-12 in the series). Chloe has returned home to California following a successful summer internship with a New York designer. As she starts her senior year of high school, she finds it’s more stressful than she ever imagined. Her best friend gained a boyfriend and new friends while Chloe was away over the summer, and Chloe must find where she fits in within this new dynamic. In addition, college application season is quickly approaching and she must arrange visits and begin designing portfolios for the fashion schools on each coast where she plans to apply. Chloe also finds herself working with Nina, her former fashion design rival, designing dresses for their school’s upcoming Winter Formal. Will Chloe be able to successfully balance all these obligations and relationships? THOUGHTS: A perfect choice for middle school fashionistas, this series is an engaging, quick read. The plot not only features fashion-related storylines, but also storylines involving evolving friendships, as well as the complexities of applying to and choosing a college. The series is greatly enhanced by the presence of color illustrations throughout the text meant to depict Chloe’s sketches and designs.

Realistic Fiction      Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg HS/MS

 

O’Brien, Cynthia, Michael Bright & Donald Summerville. Best and Buzzworthy 2017: World Records, Trending Topics, and Viral Moments. New York: Scholastic, 2016. 978-1-338-03912-2. $12.99. 319 p. Gr. 3-8.

The Scholastic Book of World Records has been redesigned and rebranded as Best and Buzzworthy. However, the basic concept of the series remains the same: to share high-interest trivia tidbits and world records facts/lists with readers. With facts on topics such as music, technology, animals, sports, and other pop culture topics, this title is designed to appeal to a broad range of readers. The text is greatly enhanced by inclusion of photos, charts and diagrams on every page.  THOUGHTS: Trivia and world records books remain in constant circulation in most school libraries. The the wide-ranging trivia topics in this title are sure to capture the the interest of students. Recommended for purchase in elementary and middle school libraries (high schools with trivia fans may wish to pick up a copy as well).

031.02; Trivia    Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg HS/MS

 

Scattergood, Augusta. Making Friends with Billy Wong. New York: Scholastic, 2016. 978-0-545-92425-2. $16.00. 209 p. Gr. 4-7.

Azalea was looking forward to the summer of 1952. She was going to spend time with her best friend and her family was talking about taking a trip to the Grand Canyon. Her plans are upended, however, when Grandma Clark hurts her foot. Azalea now finds herself in rural Paris Junction, Arkansas, for the entire summer helping her grandmother out. Her bossy grandmother has Azalea working in the garden and running errands, one of which is to the Wong family grocery store. It is there that Azalea meets Billy Wong, a boy her age who is staying with relatives in order to attend a better school. At first, Azalea is wary of Billy; would she and a Chinese-American boy really have much in common? As the summer progresses, the two develop a friendship, and Azalea also interacts with others in town, including Willis, a bully who doesn’t like Billy. Azalea learns more about her family history and develops a closer relationship with her grandmother. As the novel closes, she is looking forward to visiting again the following summer. THOUGHTS: This novel is both sensitively told and historically illuminating. While most of the story is told from Azalea’s perspective, occasional chapters feature verse from Billy’s perspective, in which he shares his enthusiasm for education and also relates the prejudice and bullying he and his family sometimes face as Chinese-Americans in the segregated south. An Author’s Note at the end of the novel shares historical information about the history of Chinese-Americans in the southern United States.

Historical Fiction (1950s)      Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg HS/MS