Children’s Book Corner Blog
Just Like a Mama
by Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow; A Denene Millner Book/Simon & Schuster, 2020.
Just Like a Mama is a tender tale chronicling a foster child’s every-child activities framed by her relationship with Mama Rose, who is just like a mama to her. Though we do not learn of blood ties (or lack thereof) linking the two characters, readers are left with no doubt of the bond of love they share.
Hosea Plays On
by Kathleen M. Blasi, illustrated by Shane W. Evans; Sterling, 2019.
This picture book shines a light on Hosea Missouri Taylor, Jr. a musician with a mission. He was successful at engaging young children in his hometown of Rochester, New York with his skills at playing the saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and flute. But he did more than that. He shared his passion for music–and for community service–by offering free music lessons and purchasing instruments for children. He led by example, bettering the lives of those with whom he interacted.
Jasmine Toguchi: Drummer Girl
by Debbi Michiko Florence, illustrated by Elizabet Vuković; Farrar Straus Giroux, 2018.
Spunky, warm-hearted, and determined, Jasmine Toguchi returns in Drummer Girl, the third of four installments currently available in the eponymous early chapter book series written by Debbi Michiko Florence. Third grader Jasmine, who admits that “sometimes trouble finds me” despite her best efforts, is sure to delight young readers again as she works to solve a problem with the help of classmates, supportive family members, and her mom’s college friend.
I Am Love: A Book of Compassion
by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds; Abrams, 2019.
The latest in a series of picture books (I Am Yoga, I Am Peace, I Am Human) by the dynamic duo, Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds, I Am Love: A Book of Compassion encourages expressions of kindness and caring toward others and oneself.
Moon! Earth’s Best Friend
by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis; Holt, 2019.
From the flyleaves forward, you get the idea. Moon! Earth’s Best Friend is going to be learning fun. The third in the Our Universe series that began with Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, followed by Sun! One in A Billion, Moon: Earth’s Best Friend continues the theme of introducing space in an intriguing, entertaining—and accessible—way to preschoolers and primary graders.
New Kid
by Jerry Craft; Harper, 2019.
Jerry Craft has created a stand-out graphic novel for middle school readers in New Kid, one that is at once funny and thought-provoking. Twelve year-old Jordan Banks lives in two worlds—his Washington Heights neighborhood and the prestigious private school he commutes to daily. Over the course of his seventh grade school year, Jordan navigates new rules, new friends, and the expectations of his parents, teachers, and neighborhood friends. Throughout, his love of drawing cartoons sustains Jordan and helps him make sense of his world.
The Night Diary
by Veera Hiranandani; Kokila/Dial, 2018.
Set in India in 1947, this moving middle-grade historical fiction novel won a Newbery Honor. Written in diary form, it examines the effects of India gaining independence from Britain and becoming two countries: India and Pakistan. Known as the Partition, the division brought about widespread violence between Hindus and Muslims and resulted in the largest mass migration in human history. The novel, composed of diary entries written by twelve year-old Nisha to her deceased mother, personalizes the ramifications of this pivotal historical decision. Readers journey with Nisha and her family across new boundaries, navigating dramatic changes in the world they once knew and loved.
Hello Summer!
by Shelley Rotner; Holiday House, 2019.
Shelley Rotner is the author and photo-illustrator of a number of exuberant, timely, and highly-regarded informational books accessible to young children. Hello Summer! is her latest, the fourth and final installment in the Hello series of photo-illustrated celebrations of the seasons of the year.
When Sue Found Sue
Written by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Diana Sudyka; Abrams, 2019.
When Sue Found Sue is an affirming picture book biography of paleontologist Sue Hendrickson. The young reader learns about science, exploration, archeology, paleontology, discovery, and T. rex while gaining insight into human nature—and the wisdom and joy in following your own path.
Squirrel in the Museum
written by Vivian Vande Velde, illustrated by Steve Björkman; Holiday House, 2019.
Squirrel in the Museum features Twitch the squirrel. He is curious, spontaneous, and through his humorous (squirrely) adventures in this chapter book, the young reader gains insight into science and human nature—between giggles.