Children’s Book Corner Blog
Red, White, and Whole
by Rajani LaRocca; Quill Tree, 2021.
Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca, a novel-in-verse the author calls “the novel of my heart,” is a story sure to touch the hearts of readers. Set in the 1980s, it centers on thirteen year-old Reha, who is endeavoring to manage her two worlds: a warm and loving home, but one that is not fully assimilated to life in America; and school, where possibilities—exciting, inviting, and perplexing—beckon. The story of how Reha comes to realize, cope, and ultimately grow from a devastating personal loss is at once heart wrenching and hopeful.
I Will Dance
by Nancy Bo Flood, illustrated by Julianna Swaney; Atheneum, 2020.
In the uplifting I Will Dance, readers meet ten year-old Eva who hasn’t the strength to move, but holds fast to a wish and a will to dance. How that dream becomes reality through her determination supported by the caring actions of others, makes for a truly inspirational “teachable moment.”
The Efficient, Inventive (Often Annoying) Melvil Dewey
by Alexis O’Neill, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham; Calkins Creek/Boyds Mills & Kane, 2020.
Well-suited to older elementary-grade students, The Efficient, Inventive (Often Annoying) Melvil Dewey picture book biography introduces readers to the complex man best known for creating the Dewey Decimal Classification system used in libraries across the world.
All Because You Matter
written by Tami Charles, illustrated by Bryan Collier; Orchard Books, 2020.
The books we choose to share with children can acknowledge feelings, convey options and paths for positive action, nurture, and initiate conversations based on common language. Books can offer kids affirmation, and from this comes agency, possibilities, and choice. A book such as All Because You Matter gives kids space to be heard, and gives educators an opportunity to listen.
A Place at the Table
by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan; Clarion, 2020.
Told in alternating viewpoints, A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan is a middle-grade contemporary novel that chronicles the growing friendship between 11 year-olds Sara and Elizabeth. As they grapple with family dynamics, school and friendship challenges, growing awareness of racism, and a cooking competition, they learn about themselves and claiming their space in the world.
Gurple and Preen: A Broken Crayon Cosmic Adventure
by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi; Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; 2020.
Years in the making, the eagerly-anticipated Gurple and Preen picture book began with Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s blog, which features broken-crayon art and has grown to enjoy immense popularity. I’m pleased to celebrate the launch of Gurple and Preen, a collaborative effort between Debbie and Newbery Award and New York Times bestselling author Linda Sue Park, with an interview featuring both creators and plenty of ideas for sharing this picture book adventure with children!
The Birthday Castle / Fort Builders, Inc.
by Dee Romito, illustrated by Marta Kissi; Aladdin Quix; 2020.
The Birthday Castle, the first of four titles planned for the Fort Builders, Inc. beginning chapter book series, centers on a resourceful group of friends who start a fort-building business. Their inaugural project is constructing a castle for a friend’s birthday celebration. A few changes of heart present a snag or two for the team. Nevertheless, Fort Builders, Inc. intends to make their customer’s dream a reality, because that’s what friends–and successful business people–do.
Resources for Sharing Outstanding Children’s Books by Authors and Illustrators of Color
This month’s Children’s Book Corner blog post is dedicated to shining a light on outstanding children’s books by people of color and offering resources for sharing their books with readers.
A Home for Goddesses and Dogs
by Leslie Connor; Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, 2020.
A Home for Goddesses and Dogs is one of those stories that holds you in its capable arms and wraps you in its goodness. Books such as this one reinforce why I prefer reading stories meant for kids over those written for adults. This middle-grade novel is impeccably crafted; there’s such care in the writing, skill in the rendering of authentic characters, and art in the measured unspooling of their journey. A Home for Goddesses and Dogs is a joy to read and share.
Write! Write! Write!
by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, illustrated by Ryan O’Rourke; WordSong/Boyds Mills & Kane, 2020.
Write! Write! Write! is the satisfying companion to Read! Read! Read!. This brightly illustrated, kid-friendly collection of poems celebrates the empowerment, the wonder–and the work–of writing.