Fiction
Roll With It
By Jamie Sumner
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2020
Target audience: Grades 4-6
Summary: Ellie just wants to be known for something other than the CP that puts her in a wheelchair. Everything changes when she and her mother move to her grandmother's small town in Oklahoma to help take care of her ailing grandfather.
Things begin looking up for Ellie: she makes the first friends she's ever really had in her life and sets her sights on winning a pie baking contest in the spring. But first prize for her is discovering a life that she thoroughly enjoys.
Strengths: Ellie is a spunky and outspoken heroine who will appeal to readers. The focus of the book is not on her disability but rather on her growing willingness to learn how to "roll with" challenges that life throws her way. All kinds of readers will love reading Ellie's story; there is something for children who are both typically and differently abled to enjoy and learn.
Weaknesses: Written by a mom with a child who has CP, Roll With It is not quite an example of an #ownvoices book. Additionally, Ellie and her group of friends describe themselves as a 'tribe' and in so doing appropriate and whitewash a term that doesn't quite belong to them.
Creative uses: Mentor text for an Identity/Who Am I? unit of discovery in which students look beyond superficial characteristics and search for what truly defines them; Pie bake-off/tasting competition; Empathy Building Activity: "Put yourself in Ellie's wheels" and think about how you would move through their day in a wheelchair: getting out of bed, using the restroom, going to class, having lunch, playing at recess, etc.
What librarians should know:
· Starred reviews, Booklist and Kirkus
· Ellie's voice is underrepresented in middle grade literature and makes a great addition to any collection.
What kids should know:
· In a moment of self-pity, Ellie describes herself as "crippled" and "stuck" in her wheelchair; these terms are not OK to use when describing other people, no matter their abilities.
Image source: Image source: https://catalog.simonandschuster.com/Default.aspx?cid=1376&ob=&FilterByName=&FilterBy=&FilterVal=&showcart=&camefrom=&find=roll%20with%20it&a=
Rain Reign
By Ann M. Martin
Feiwel and Friends, 2014
Rose (rows) is a fifth-grade girl who has been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. She is obsessed with homonyms and prime numbers and loves her dog, Rain (reign). When Rain disappears in a hurricane, Rose begins reaching out and connecting with others in her own special way. Readers will keep turning pages to discover what Rose will do next in this emotionally satisfying story. (Grades 4-6)
Image source: https://us.macmillan.com/search?keyword=rain+reign&bisac_heading=combined&order=relevance
Song for a Whale
By Lynne Kelly
Delacorte Press, 2019
Iris is a sixth-grade girl who is Deaf. She feels like no one is listening to her - no one canlisten to her - and connects to a story about a lone whale, Blue 55, who can't communicate with others because its voice is on a different frequency. On her epic journey to give a song to Blue 55, Iris just might figure out how to connect with her own family and friends. Readers will love watching this confident and determined girl learn to stand up for herself and take control of her own life. (Grades 4-6)
Image sourde: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/559442/song-for-a-whale-by-lynne-kelly/
Eliza Bing is (Not) a Big, Fat, Quitter
By Carmella Van Vleet
Holiday House, 2014
Eliza Bing is 11 years old and has so many passions; her latest involves taking an expensive cake decorating class with a famous TV chef. But money is tight and besides, Eliza learns that her family thinks she's a quitter. Is it something about Eliza, or does her ADHD prevent her from following through? Readers will love Eliza as she navigates friendships at school, is fun and funny, and works hard to overcome the challenges her ADHD gives her. (Grades 3-5)
Image source: https://holidayhouse.com/book/eliza-bing-is-not-a-big-fat-quitter/
Graphic Novel
All Summer Long
By Hope Larson
New York: Farrar Straus Giroux: 2018
Target audience: grades 4-6
Summary: It's hard for 13-year-old Bina to shake off her disappointment when her best friend Austin goes away to summer camp and leaves her alone. She feels lost, drifts around a bit, but befriends an older girl, Charlie. Bina struggles to reconcile the fun they have together with how mean Charlie can be at times. Finally, Bina discovers she is happiest when she is listening to new music and practicing her electric guitar.
Strengths: Upper elementary readers will identify with Bina's attempts to be true to herself and discover her passions. Larson's deceptively simple style of illustration reveals the emotional, interior life of her characters, and provides moments of LOL humor. All Summer Long is a deceptively simple story about the challenges of self-discovery. It's also a reminder of how sweet the rewards can be once you figure some things out.
Weakness: Young readers might race through reading this book, however, and miss some of these nuances.
Creative uses: Bina's search for her passion throughout her story would be a great jumping-off point for a comics-style autobiographical writing project in the library or classroom.
What librarians should know:
· Will Eisner Award Nominee, 2019
· YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens, 2019
Fun facts for kids:
· Bina's story continues: All Together Now, published in 2020
Image source: https://us.macmillan.com/search?keyword=all+summer+long&bisac_heading=combined&order=relevance
Non-Fiction
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science
By Joyce Sidman
New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, 2018
Target audience: grades 4-8
Summary: Imagine a world in which the metamorphosis of a butterfly is still a mystery, where people think moths come from woolen cloth and wasps are born out of sparks from a fire...
This was Maria Merian’s world. 17th Century Germany didn’t hold a lot of opportunities for a young woman, so she had to fit her natural studies, painting, and engraving work into the duties expected of a wife and mother. She would publish books of her artwork, gain fame as a collector of insects, and began thinking in terms of ecology: how organisms interact with their physical surroundings.
Strengths: The Girl Who Drew Butterflies follows the chronology of Maria’s life. Archival materials bring the past alive, and many of Maria’s original drawings, paintings, and engravings are included as well. The book paints a vivid picture of a lesser-known but nonetheless important historical figure placed clearly in her time.
This book is best for the upper elementary / middle school range of readers based on length, sentence structures, and wide range of historical topics discussed. However, motivated younger readers are helped by the organization of the book: images are captioned well and help explain the text. Many full-color photographs are included to aid understanding.
Weakness: A drawback of the book is that it tries to cover too much content: at times, the thread of Maria’s compelling life story is lost among the supplemental material. Maria Merian's story of curiosity and the rewards of perseverance will resonate with young readers today.
Creative uses: In a library setting, this book could be used as a mentor text for an autobiography unit in which students fill in the blank about themselves: "[Name], the person who [verbs] __________." This book could inspire a nature observation of hatching butterflies, butterfly-inspired arts & crafts, or a dance party in which children move like butterflies.
What librarians should know:
· 2019 Sibert Medal winner, many “Best Book” lists
· Joyce Sidman is a Newberry Honor winning author and poet
Fun facts for kids:
· Maria was the first person to discover the life cycle of a butterfly
Image source: https://www.hmhco.com/search?term=The+Girl+Who+Drew+Butterflies
Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker
Words by Patricia Hruby Powell; Pictures by Christian Robinson
San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books, 2014
From the segregated and hard-scrabble streets of St. Louis to the bright lights of Paris, this exuberant book in verse follows the life and times of performer and civil rights advocate Josephine Baker. Vibrant illustrations combine with rhythmic, sparkling poetry - it's like watching Josephine dance on the page. Readers of all ages will be captivated by the details of her notorious career and turbulent life. (Grades 3-8)
Image source: https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/josephine?_pos=1&_sid=0a5e1f7ee&_ss=r
How Women Won the Vote: Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and Their Big Idea
By Susan Campbell-Bartoletti; Illustrated by Ziyue Chen
New York: HarperCollins, 2020
What happens when strong-minded, brave, educated, and rebellious women get together to demand equality and justice for all? They succeed, but it's a long and painful journey.
This is the compelling and relevant story of how two Americans worked tirelessly to secure voting rights for all Americans. Archival photographs, maps, and copies of newspaper clippings make this complex topic accessible. Readers will be inspired by Alice and Lucy - and their many supporters - who worked so hard for human equality and true democracy. (Grades 2-5)
Image source: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/how-women-won-the-vote-susan-campbell-bartoletti?variant=32116577959970
Turning Pages: My Life Story
By Sonia Sotomayor; Illustrated by Lulu Delacre
New York: Philomel Books, 2018
The inspiring biography of Associate Justice to the Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayor, she tells how books and reading allowed her to achieve her dreams. Celebrates her Puerto Rican heritage and the strong women who raised her.
Soothing watercolor illustrations are complemented by photographs from Sonia's life on the endpapers. Lyrical language is almost poetic as she tells her very personal story. (Grades K-2)
Image source: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/562055/turning-pages-by-sonia-sotomayor-illustrated-by-lulu-delacre/9780525514084
Picturebooks
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
Written by Traci Sorell; Illustrated by Frané Lessac
Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge, 2018
Target audience: grades K-3
Summary: We are Grateful is a vibrant, gorgeous nonfiction picture book with a gentle message of the blessings offered by family, diversity, and inclusion. Readers follow a modern Cherokee extended family as they celebrate important traditions, remember past struggles, and show gratitude for the gifts each season brings.
Strengths: We Are Grateful presents a contemporary view of Cherokee culture to young readers in words and images that are both recognizable and altogether new. Familiar activities are presented (snowball fights in winter; picnicking at a riverside in spring) as well as some activities unique to the Cherokee culture (a community gathering to celebrate the Great New Moon Ceremony, with a traditional stomp dance around a sacred fire; observing the Cherokee National Holiday, which commemorates the signing of the Cherokee Constitution in 1839).
Weakness: The only limitation to this book has to do with its genre: as a nonfiction picture book, young readers expecting a traditional story might be left wanting a little bit more conflict and resolution. Never fear: check out some great fictional picture book read-alikes, below.
Creative uses: This would be a great read-aloud book for K-3, with advancing readers able to read through the pages themselves, and offers many opportunities for readers to connect to their own experiences. There are many extension opportunities in a library setting: for example, this book could kick off the start of the school year with its themes of acceptance and diversity, or it could complement a unit on personal and/or cultural identity. Older children would also enjoy discussing the ideas and themes from the book.
What librarians should know:
· Sibert Honor Book, 2018
· #ownvoices book – Sorell was born and raised in the Cherokee Nation
· Story is told in a gentle, instructional tone
Fun facts for kids:
· Careful readers can examine illustrations to follow family members – and one feathered friend – throughout the year. Watch how the baby grows and changes!
· Want to know more? The Cherokee Nation has created resources for children: https://language.cherokee.org/learning-materials/children-s-books/
Image source: https://www.charlesbridge.com/products/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga?_pos=1&_sid=ce23d4bfd&_ss=r
The Cloud Artist: Hoshonti Holbvttoba Inchunli
Story by Sherri Maret; Illustrated by Merisha Sequoia Clark
Oklahoma: The RoadRunner Press, 2017
A poignant retelling of a traditional Choctaw tale told to the author by her grandmother. The Cloud Artist is a young, strong female character born with the ability to paint with the clouds. She decides her art is meant to be freely given for everyone's enjoyment and uses it to carry on the history of her people. In English with Choctaw translation included. Many extension activities available on the author's website. (Grades K-3)
Image source: https://www.sherrimaret.com/?page_id=2708
First Laugh: Welcome Baby!
Written by Rose Ann Tahe & Nancy Bo Flood; Illustrated by Jonathan Nelson
Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge, 2018
In Navajo families, it's an honor to be the first person to make a new baby laugh... and the baby in this book is making his family work hard for his first giggles! This joyful story shows the love and ceremony of an important tradition as celebrated by many different kinds of Navajo families. Extensive backmatter includes information about birth customs in different cultures. (Grades K-3)
Image source: https://www.charlesbridge.com/products/first-laugh-welcome-baby?_pos=1&_sid=d37b0f3eb&_ss=r
Bowwow Powwow:
Bagosenjige-niimi'idim
By Brenda J. Child; Translated by Gordon Jourdain; Illustrated by Jonathan Thunder
Saint Paul, MN: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2018
Windy Girl and her good dog Itchy Boy love to ride in her uncle's green pickup truck and listen to stories about the powwow. One night, she dreams of a special powwow in which dogs replace humans in the Grand Entry parade, traditional dances, and even at the Indian fast food stands. It's a magical story that shows how the Native American powwow tradition has both survived and changed with the passage of time. (Grades K-3)
Image source: https://www.mnhs.org/mnhspress/books/bowwow-powwow
Early Readers
King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog TreatsWritten by Dori Hillestad Butler; Illustrated by Nancy MeyersAtlanta, GA: Peachtree Press, 2017.Target audience: grades K-3Summary: Three peanut butter dog treats are missing and Kayla thinks she knows who to blame: her energetic golden retriever, King. But King knows the truth – he uses his nose to figure out there’s an intruder in the house! Together, they look for clues, ask questions, and use deductive reasoning to solve the case and identify the real culprit. Strengths: The fun and diverse world will instantly draw in young readers. Kayla’s loveable dog, King, narrates the story. Everyone - humans and canines alike - works together to solve the mystery at the center of the story. Readers will celebrate when King is finally allowed to take the lead and all the other characters follow. And of course, King follows his nose and solves the case. This early reader has five chapters, uses mostly sight words to tell the story, and repeats some stretch words. Young readers will build fluency, gain confidence, and grow as emergent readers in the world of Kayla and King.Weakness: The book spends a bit too much time modeling the steps of analytical thinking: readers will wonder why Kayla stops the investigation to think about what she knows when there is a mystery to be solved. Creative uses: A fun extension activity in the library or classroom could be planning another mystery for Kayla and King – or any human-and-pet duo – to solve.What librarians should know:· Geisel Honor Book, 2018· Good for growing, independent readers· Appeals to older, reluctant readers, tooFun facts for kids: · 6 books in this series – all mysteries to solve, all told in the voice of King, Kayla’s loveable dog · Careful readers can examine illustrations to find at least one clue – often more – about the ending of the story· And … the dog always knows in the end!Image source: https://peachtree-online.com/portfolio-items/king-kayla-and-the-case-of-the-missing-dog-treats/
