Elem. – The Together Tree

Posted on September 7, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Saeed, Aisha. The Together Tree. Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Salaam Reads, 2023. 978-1-534-46296. $18.99. 40 p. Grades K-3.

On his first day in his new school, Rumi was nervous and sad. He had just moved across the country and was joining his new class midway through the year. Being the new kid is hard, and Rumi had trouble fitting in. At recess he was often seen twirling a stick under a tree at the edge of the playground. Classmates were not kind to Rumi, making fun of his brightly colored shoes. Rumi had colored the shoes with his friends back in San Francisco. Rumi longed to return to his old school and ached with loneliness. One day in music class Asher threw a balled up piece of paper at Rumi as the other students snickered. The next day at recess Asher threw a rock at Rumi, scraping his leg. As blood dripped from his leg, a tear dripped from his eyes. The playground was silent. Han bravely stood up and asked Rumi to play with him. Han discovered that Rumi had not been twirling a stick beneath the tree, but had been drawing a fantastical mural in the dirt. Dragons, castles, mermaids, and ornate birds filled the ground beneath the tree at the edge of the playground. Han joined Rumi under the tree the next day and added to the drawing. Other curious students wandered over and marveled at the pictures in the dirt. One by one the students joined in and collaborated on the work of art. Everyone was enjoying this new activity except Asher, who remained inside playing alone. Rumi gently approached Asher and asked him to join the class under the together tree.

THOUGHTS: This is a very simple but moving picture book with a gentle message. The illustrations by LeUyen Pham are glorious. The author’s note at the end explains this book was created after her son faced bullying in Kindergarten. A wonderful elementary school addition with a powerful message.

Picture Book

Elem./MG – Be the Change: Rob Greenfield’s Call to Kids: Making a Difference in a Messed-Up World

Posted on March 1, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Greenfield, Rob, and Antonia Banyard. Be the Change: Rob Greenfield’s Call to Kids: Making a Difference in a Messed-Up World. Greystone Kids, 2022. 978-1-771-64591-1. 87 p. $18.95. Grades 4-6.

This book is a blend of autobiographical information about the author, Rob Greenfield, and environmental activism facts and challenges. Rob Greenfield has a popular Youtube channel where he completes challenges such as growing all his own food for a year, or biking across the country on a bamboo bicycle, in order to raise awareness about environmental and sustainability issues. This book is an extension of his online media work and details the ways in which he has tried to live more sustainability and simply while also helping kids to understand ideas like minimalism, recycling, food availability, and the global impact of different types of transportation.

THOUGHTS: This is an easy to read guide with a friendly tone and beautifully designed pages. The inspirational actions of Rob Greenfield make the book feel positive, even when delivering messages about world-wide issues like climate change, food shortages, and feeling disconnected from one’s community. The ideas in each chapter will be welcomed by students looking for ways to contribute positively to the world around them. Bright sidebars, bold text features, and short paragraphs with lots of pictures and white space on each page make the text an approachable read for upper elementary and middle school students alike.

333.72 Environmentalism and Conservation Erin Faulkner, Cumberland Valley SD

Elem./MG – Your Pal Fred

Posted on November 11, 2022 by pslamediaselectionreview

Rex, Michael. Your Pal Fred. Viking Press, 2022. 978-0-593-20633-2 255p. $12.99. Grades 3-8.

Fred is activated in a post-apocalyptic world after two brothers accidentally discover him in a pile of trash. Fred embarks on a journey over a land that has been destroyed by war, aliens, a comet, and cats. It is now ruled by two opposing characters: Papa Mayhem and Lord Bonkers. Fred is on a quest to bring peace to all. Along the way he makes friends with disgruntled characters who join him to bring kindness to all. Will he be able to convince the two top dogs that peace is the answer and not war?

THOUGHTS: This graphic novel is full of silliness and fun, and how one individual can create a positive chain reaction through one act of kindness at a time.

Graphic Novel Victoria Dziewulski, Plum Borough SD

Elem. – The Story of You

Posted on January 26, 2022 by pslamediaselectionreview

Scott, Lisa Ann. The Story of You. Boyds Mills, 2021. 978-1-635-92311-7. Unpaged. $17.99. Grades K-3.

For teachers or parents looking to initiate a discussion of how actions define us, this book fits the bill. With simple rhymes and vibrant artwork, it encourages young readers or listeners to consider how they are “writing the story of you.” Children are shown that their unique interests help define them, as well as their actions – sharing with a friend, being kind, bold, or brave. Choosing to be honest, or angry or struggling, it is all part of their story, and they should make it the best story they can. Children of widely varied ethnicities, abilities, and orientations populate the pages of the book.

THOUGHTS: A lovely book for a one-on-one read aloud or as a class discussion prompt. The artwork projects caring and the text gently guides young readers to live their best life.

Picture Book Nancy Nadig, Penn Manor SD

Elem./MG – Unplugged

Posted on July 19, 2021 by pslamediaselectionreview

Korman, Gordon. Unplugged. Blazer + Bray, 2021. 978-0-062-79889-3. $16.99. 324 p. Grades 4-6.

Meet Jett Baranov, bratty son of a super rich tech billionaire. Jett can’t help but get himself in lots of trouble! His father has had it, and decides to send Jett to a “resort” in the middle of Arkansas called The Oasis. Thinking The Oasis will be like any other upscale camp he’s been to, Jett is stunned when he has to turn in ALL his tech devices. Another shock comes when he hits the cafeteria; it’s all vegetarian! Finding a pet “lizard” with the other kids at the camp, Jett thinks his experience is finally turning around. They can’t figure out what kind of lizard Needles is, but they are in for the shock of their lives when they figure out the mystery of where Needles came from and the truth about the head counselor at the camp.

THOUGHTS: A must purchase for fans of Gordon Korman. His stories have the best hooks, and Unplugged does not disappoint.

Realistic Fiction Krista Fitzpatrick, PSLA Member

YA – Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel

Posted on May 4, 2021 by pslamediaselectionreview

Reynolds, Jason & Novgorodoff, Danica. Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel. Atheneum, 2020. 978-1-534-44495-9. 208 p. $19.99. Grades 10-12.

The seven floors that Will travels becomes even more of a punch in the gut with Novgorodoff’s eerie images. The story is the same; Will has to decide if he is going to follow the “rules” and kill the guy who killed his brother. During the sixty seconds it takes him to get to the ground floor, he meets someone who was connected to his brother in some way. Will gains access to more pieces of the puzzle with each encounter that is perfectly depicted with raw edged watercolor paintings. The graphic novel includes traditional panels as well as full page images that draw in readers, even those who know this story well.

THOUGHTS: For any library that is looking to expand their graphic novel collection with novel adaptations or more diversity, this book is a must. If Long Way Down is constantly checked out of your library, this could be a great segue for readers to appreciate the format of graphic novels with a terrifying story. Warning: There are images of guns and gore.

Graphic Novel Samantha Hull, Ephrata Area SD

Elem. – The World Needs More Purple People

Posted on December 7, 2020 by pslamediaselectionreview

Bell, Kristen & Hart, Benjamin. The World Needs More Purple People. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2020. 978-0-593-12196-2. 40 p. $17.99. Grades PreK-2.

You can hear Kristen Bell’s voice on every page in this adorable story about the importance of being an everyday hero. The moral of the story is to work hard, bring the community together, and use your voice. This book does not offer answers to some of the world’s toughest current issues, but it does offer a primer in recognizing that the world isn’t perfect and it’s hard to be angry if you’re laughing.

THOUGHTS: Although the book isn’t explicitly political, I do wonder if purple comes from combining red and blue (political party colors). A quick, silly read that can keep the attention of the youngest readers.

Picture Book Samantha Hull, Ephrata Area SD

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