The topics and issues in these new picture books are varied: the friendship of a bear and a bird; a naked little boy who enjoys wearing his mother’s make-up, a fantasy alphabet; the life of a dung beetle. A shout out also goes to four publications from PLUMLEAF PRESS, each rich in narrative and illustration. 

 

AT THE HEIGHT OF THE MOON: A book of bedtime poetry and art by editors Alison Baverstock, Matt Cunningham, Annette Roeder  (poetry)

This is an exquisite collection of poetry and paintings. It’s a curiosity too for it is labeled a book of bedtime poetry and art. Whose bedtime I ask? This book, first published in Germany, is intended, I believe for adult to read to child before bedtime. Great that poetry gets into the ears of children and reading two or three poems before bedtime provide comfort, curiosity and perhaps send young people off to dreamland. But these poems, for the most part, do not seem to be intended for children, even though they are intended as read-alouds and the listener will ‘get out of the poems, whatever, they get out of the  Who am I to say what young readers will ‘get from the words of Ted Hughes, Robert Browning, Lord Alfred Tennyson, William Wordsworth and Walt Whitman about 1/4 of the book feature the names of familiar names for those who are poetry afficinados. eThe book is organized into six sections each with a title (e.g., Twilight, Dreamland, Moonlight Menagerie, Creepy Crawlie and Things That Go Bump Into the Night.The words, poem images and themes are quite sophisticated and do not seem accessible. I would say there would be few children who would respond to these poems without conversation and ‘analysis’. And who wants analysis before bedtime? The editors, however, have done a WOW! job of choosing art works to match the verbal text (sometimes literal matches, sometimes not).  Taking the children to an art gallery is a fantastic thing, and the art in this book (e.g., Henry Rousseau, Paul Klee, Georgia O’Keefe, Vincent Van Gogh, are some of the more familiar names),  beautifully reproduced, is certainly, page by page, a wonderful journey into landscapes, portraits, still life etc. Together, poems and arts, make for a staggering, rich collection of words and images.  For me, this was a wonderful bedtime book… but I’m over 70 years old. Am exquisite publication.  

BEAR AND BIRD: THE PICNIC AND OTHER STORIES by Jarv

Standing on the shoulders of Frog and Toad, and George and Martha, and Piggie and Elephant, Bear and Bird are two friends who understand each other, amuse each other, and are devoted to one another. There are four short stories in this  warms-the-heart chapter book each describing an amusing adventure and tale of the friendship bond between bear and bird (Bear forgets to pack items for a picnic outing; Bird pretends that he didn’t know (The Picnic): Bird gets trapped in a flower and Bear rescues him (The Flower); Bird discovers thatBear has more of an artistic talent than she does, but bear diplomatically shows his appreciation (The Painting): Their friendship is tested when Bird discovers that Bear would rather snuggle up with a blanked he named Suzie (The Blanket). Kindness abounds!   

COMMUNITY SOUP by Alma Fullerton 2013/2032

In a school garden in Kenya, Aa group fo children work together to harvest the vegetables they have grown in order to make a soup they will share with the community.  Unfortunately, mischievous goats cause chaos when they invade the garden. The narrative is modelled on the nursery rhyme. ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’. Fullerton’s paper collage illustrations are remarkable throughout. This new edition of the book, originally released in 2013, contains aded pages and discussion questions. 

EVERYTHING & EVERYWHERE by Marc Martin

This book intrigued me because of its full-page spreads of places around the world.  I was interested in seeing how places I’ve been to have been represented (New York City,  Reykjavik, Rio De Janeiro) but is also a great inspiration to visit places cities I’d love to visit someday (Tokyo, The Galapagos Islands, Alice Springs. This is a terrific travelogue book with detailed illustrations and labelled information about people, places, and natural life to discover around the world.  A  fantastic non-fiction picture book!

FRED GETS DRESSED by Peter Brown

Little Fred likes to run around the house naked. Left on his own to get dressed, Fred tries on his father’s clothes but they don’t seem to fit.  He has no trouble putting on his mother’s blouse, scarf and pair of shoes. With loving support and encouragement from Mom, Fred learns to apply makeup and do his hair. An amusing and heartfelt story about discovering who you are and being accepted for your choices. This is  terrific book to sit the shelf alongside other  gender identity titles.  (e.g.,Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress; Julian the Mermaid)

THE IMAGINARY ALPHABET by Sylvie Daigneault

 I love alphabet books. I love books that celebrate words. I love books with illustrations that enrich curiosity, wonder and imagination. this is a triple crown winner for me.  On one side of the page we see an alphabet letter adorned with visual images (‘C’  features cactus, ‘L’ features lemons) and each letter is accompanied with playful alliterative sentences. On the right hand page, Daigneault ‘illustrates’ the whimsical sentence in addition to a number of pictures that start with the same letter as the one featured in the large illustrations.  At the conclusion of this book there is a sit of about 300 words that have been ‘hidden’ throughout. 26 letters. 26 whimsical alliteratuve descriptions to accompany the letters. 300 words and one glorious trip to an art gallery with Sylvia Daigneault’s exquisite, fantastical illustrations. This is a WOW! of a book (to be released in September 2023 from Pajama Press.

G = Grumpy Gorillas Guarding the Garden Gate. Can you spot the gargoyles, gerbils, giraffe, gravel ground and gold hidden in the picture?

REMEMBER by Joy Harjo; illus. Michaela Goade

U.S. poet laureate, Joy Harjo is a member of the Mvskoke Nation. Michaela Goode is a Caldecott Medalist winner (We Are Water Protectors). This beautiful publication encourages readers to think about their place in the world they are born into. Poetic words and staggering paintings connect together to help us remember on how everyone on Earth is connected. Wow!

Remember you are all people and all people are you.

STEVE THE DUNG BEETLE ON A ROLL by Susan R. Stoltz; illus Melissa Bailey

Steve the dung beetle is on a mission to roll a ball of poo home and meets a cast of animal characters  (a giraffe, a warthog, a lion, a hyena) who each ask, “Why are you rolling that ball of poo?” A story about POO will likely appeal to many young readers and as they join in Steve’s journey they will learn some interesting facts about this fascinating insect as well as information about environmental uses of dung. 

What is the dung beetle’s favourite number?

Number 2

SHOUT OUT

SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE A RIVER by Danielle Daniel; illus. Josee Bisaillon

I’m very fond of Danielle Daniel’s book Sometimes I Feel Like a River and was thrilled to get this companion text in which the author and illustrator, through simple poems and lively colourful illustrations celebrate the natural world of moon, rain, forest clouds, ocean and mountain that  are made for us. Each spread helps reader to think about the beauty of the world that surround us.  Author’s note: “We are connected to the natural world through our biology, our ancestors and our hearts. 

Sometimes I feel like a mountain,

mighty and strong.

I reach for the sky with ice-covered peaks

as silvery mist brushes past me. 

 

SHOUT OUT

FOUR splendid CANADIAN titles  PLUMLEAF PRESS

 

I AM NOT A GHOST: The Canadian Pacific Railway by David Bouchard with Zhong Yang HUang; Illus. Sean Huang

This is a beautiful beautiful publication with a rich narrative and rich pictorial images that illuminate a period in Canadian and Chinese history.  The story (collaboratively written by David Bouchard and Zhong Yang Huang) is told in the voice of an elderly Chinese grandfather recounting (to his granddaughter) his countrymen’s legacy as builders of the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Perhaps an unknown piece of history is the fact that the Indigenous people helped Chinese newcomers to survive life-threatening conditions. This picture book is a testimony to the roots that are part of our identity and culture and the essential need to pass  stories on to future generations. I Am Not a Ghost is a historical account of racism, a tribute to the courage and tenacity of Chinese immigrants from 100 years ago, a story of forgiveness and a story of never forgetting. Such stories help readers to understand the past and support us in moving forward to combat obstacles that we encounter. As far as picture books go, this is a work of art in words and illustrations. 

This book is vital  “as a starting point for gathering your own knowledge of the history of Chinese Canadians. Make it a doorway to opening up new perspectives on how we must all remember and share our stories.”

from the Foreword by Dr. Brandt C. Louise, ninth Chancellor of Simon Fraser University.

Special note: The book includes a two page spread of Historical notes, summarizing the harrowing plight of Chinese workers who were about three-quarters of the workforce on the CPR>

 

ROUND & ROUND THE GARDEN Nursery Rhymes and Songs; illus. Olivia Skelhorne-Gross

This  collection of sixteen classic and contemporary rhymes can sit proudly on the poetry shelf of treasured nursery rhyme anthologies.  Some selections include Itsy Bitsy Spider, Hickory Dickory Dock  Zoom Zoom Zoom Sippity Sippity Sup. Exquisite hand-embroidered illustrations accompany each of the verses. WOW!  This is a gift of a book. This is book to give as a gift. 

TWELVE IN A RACE by Catherine Little; illus. Sae Kimura

This story provides a background narrative to how the Chinese zodiac came to be.  Twelve animals answer the emperor’s call to participate in  the Emperor’s great race. Each spread, through rhyming couplet describes the animals characteristics (e.g. “Rabbit was fourth so gentle and kind, Blown forward by strong winds that came from behind.” Each full page spreads beautifully capture the animals in action and the environment they race through. The Chinese translation of the animal name is bonus. This book brilliantly blends elements of folktale, rhyme, ordinal numbers, adventure and information. I love this book! (PS. I am an OX, what Chinese Zodiac animal are you?

WATER LOVE by Natalie Hodgson & Rajean Willis; illus. Sahle Robinson

Imagine that a young Black girl who loves water is told that swimming is not a Black Sport. This book is told in spoken word helping readers to consider ways to overcome discrimination, stereotyping and peer pressure.

“Black fear of water

our ancestors on slave ships

chained, suffered, thrown off

legacy of generational injury”

The ten titles listed below are recent purchases of fiction and nonfiction titles for middle years’ readers.  These titles were published in 2023 (except for 1).

 

FREEWATER by Amina Luqman-Dawson (2022)

Freewater is the winner of the Newbery Medal 2023. There are many fine pieces of historical fiction that deal with the plight of slavery and the escape to the North (e.g., Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis; The Gospel Truth by Caroline Pignat) but Luqman-Dawson has done remarkable research to tell the story of those who lived deep in the swamps, societies created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children. The author has presented a rich cast of characters who lived in the mythical maroon community of Freewater.  Homer and his sister have fled the Southern Plantation and are determined to be reunited with their mother who remains a slave; Sanzi is a brave freeborn citizen of Freewater who, Nora, a daughter of the plantation owner, wants to fight for justice even through the social events of her sister’s wedding. The chapter titles help to organize the different points of view of stories of enslavement.  This wouldn’t have been my choice of Newbery winner, but having said that, this adventurous debut novel is a rich contribution to stories of courage and survival of Black slaves. 

NOTE; secret communities like the ‘Freewater ‘were known as ‘maroon communities and the people who resided in them as ‘maroons’. Tbis novel tory is drawn from the history of the Great Dismal Swamp and the enslaved souls who found refuge within its confines.

 

THE IN-BETWEEN: A memoir in verse by Katie Van Heidrich

This is a heartfelt (and often a heartbreaking story) about a young adolescent girl who is caught in between two homes when her parent get divorced. Her mother is out of a job and strives to keep her family together and do her best for her three children. But for Katie, being forced to live in a cramped hotel room is a harsh reality. Her father, now remarried, has good intentions about caring for his children but Katie, Josh and Haley hope that he could do better. That this story is based on true incidents in the author’s life make this story particularly poignant. The free verse style and journal notes enrich this reflective stance of Katie Van Heidrich’s, memoir. Reading the author’s bio (she graduated from Brown University, was a fifth-grade teacher, and is an assistant principal today) make The In-Between a special story of perseverance, resilience and hope.

 

THE MANY ASSASSINATIONS OF  SAMIR THE SELLER OF DREAMS by Daniel Nayeri (historical fiction)

OVERVIEW

MONKEY: a 12 year old orphan who joins a caravan of traders and becomes servant to SAMIR

SAMIR: a corrupt swindler who lives on lies and dreams, a huckster trade merchant whose dealings arouse anger in every village he’s passed through

A COLLECTION OF MURDERERS (as listed in the book jacket) a Viking berserker, a Rogue legion, a Persian mystic, a Bedouin clan, A Mongolian gunner, a Chinese ablutionist and a mythic terrifying killer known as ‘Cid”

SETTING: The Silk Road which Nayeri in the Afterward describes as “the most magical place I can imagine. I have dreamed of it for most of my life.

THE PLOT: attempted assassinations on Samir and Monkey and how they survived them

I was quite eager to read this novel, since I was knocked out by Nayeri’s award-winning autobiographical book Everything Sad is Untrue: A true story. The Many Assassinations the Seller of Dreams reveals the author’s storytelling potential, but alas, the narrative didn’t grab me (and with al of Monkey’s and Samir’s adventures, and escapes from assassinations, it should have. This book is recommended for Middle Age readers and I have a bit of a problem with that. Not that there won’t be some keen readers of this age group who will be drawn to this expansive, rather exotic tale.but I think it it’s appeal is  for a narrow audience of 9-14 year olds.  I myself was wowed by the way Daniel tells a story but found alas I wasn’t as intrigued in the Silk Road adventures as I hoped to be. 

 

ON AIR WITH ZOE WASHINGTON by Janae Marks

Eighth grade student, Zoe Washington is a fighter. Zoe Washington is determined to fulfill her dreams and is committed to finding ways to accomplish her goals. One character says of Zoe “You can do anything you put your mind to. You have the power to make change.”When we first met Zoe in the book From The Desk of Zoe Washington she put forth a mighty effort and succeeded to get her biological father exonerated from prison for a crime he didn’t commit. . In this sequel, Zoe dreams of becoming a baker of renowned, opening a restaurant with Marcus, of having a successful podcast (“On Air With Zoe Washington”)  to bring the struggles of the exoneree experience to light and raising $30 000 on Kickstarter fundraiser so that Marcus can open up a food truck.  Knowing that what Zoe wants, Zoe gets doesn’t make the ending of this novel a surprise. How this ‘take action’ teenager gets there is the fun of the book as readers cheer her on. 

 

PENGUIN DAYS by Sara Leach; illus. Rebecca Bender (chapter book/ grades 2-4)

This book is one of the titles in a series by Sara Leach (Slug Days; Duck Days) that features the endearing character of Luaren who lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder and is mostly comfortable with routines. Her social skills are sometimes lacking but she is forthright and honest even when she has trouble  understanding the jokes that people tell.   In this story, she is assigned the role of flower girl in her aunt’s wedding. A scratchy dress, meeting strange cousins and an encounter with cows add to her stress, but Lauren strives to control her anxieties and make the most of adventures that come her way.  Young readers may see themselves or come to understand the thought porcesseces and behaviour of this young girl with ASD.  This chapter book was first published in 2018 but the paperback version was released in 2023.

 

THIRST by Varsha Bajaj

The world of poverty in Mumbai India is at the centre of this story about a young girl named Minni who is thirsty for clean water for her family, thirsty for a good education, and thirsty for justice to thr water mafia who are stealing water from ls, pipelines and tankers and are getting away the crime by bribing authorities. Narrative events that include caring for her sick mother, working as a maid for a rich family, preparing roti properly, winning a scholarship to a computer class and following the school rules are likely to engage readers who will cheer on this heroic young teenager. 

The author writes that “a staggering 784 million people world-wide live without basic access to clean water.” With Thirst, Varsha Basha encourages readers to learn more about the water situation and equitable water distribution in India and across the globe.  

 

SHOUT OUT

YOU ARE HERE: Connecting Flights edited by Ellen Oh (Short Stories)

In the past few years, I’ve been collecting titles that deal with Anti-Asian racism.  The Front Desk series by Kelly Yang, Maizy Chen’s Last Chance by Lisa Yee, and the Many Meanings of Meilan by Andrea Wang are particularly noteworthy. The newly released collection of short stories by 12 Asian authors, drawing from their own experiences, is worthy of a shout out. The setting is a crowded Chicago airport, where due to weather conditions, flights have been cancelled. Each story is centred on a character, who are themselves distinctly American,  awaiting departure to visit family (mostly to their parent’s homeland). We meet a Grandma who is held up in security when she tries to bring through a can of her husband’s ashes in a tin to take to Taiwan (Pink Lady whispers loudly, “Just our luck that we’d get stuck behind these people. They slow everything down). , a boy who is challenged with bringing his electric guitar through security (“Look there’s no way he plays guitar… Maybe piano.. or like violin. But not guitar.” ) Each story ignites with an incident of racism that encourages the characters to think about their identities, their heritage and what action they would take to confront racist comments. What should these young people do when they hear such gut-wrenching comments as “Nobody can hear you through those filthy masks”; ” Why is your Mom Chinese?… No, she’s Filipino; “If dude’s family is so broke, then how’d they even get to the United States? They stow away on a ship or something?; “Go back to where you came from.”These young adolescents have been advised by parents “Don;t make a scene. Don’t bring undue attention. Don’t cause trouble.” (p. 224) but how can the world change if we don’t disrupt, or confront racism. Editor Ellen Oh does a fantastic chop of interweaving the narratives of characters  from one story emerge in other stories. Stellar. 

 

SHOUT OUT

SUPERPOWER?: The Wearable-Tech Revolution by Elaine Kachala; illus. Belle Wuthrich

This is an engaging, informative book that provides middle years’ readers with everything they need and want to know about wearable technology a phenomenon that  in recent years has improved the lives of Canadians and  how such inventions Brain Computer Interfaces (BCs) and Virtual Reality (VR)I as have changed the way we live. The author effectively outlines ethical questions surrounding technology and the importance of responsible design. The resource also gives focus to Steve Mann, the Canadian inventor who started the field of wearable computing.  Kachala reminds us that “technology is moving faster now that at any time in history” and young readers are sure to be fascinated – and well-informed – about wearable technology that’s on, in, or attached to the body.  Some wow facts are presented under such headings as “Helping People with Disabilities”; “Skin Interfaces”; “Fashion + Tech” and “Mind-Melding”. 

This is a terrific terrific specimen of a nonfiction title. Text features include  Table of Contents, appealing chapter organization of main ideas, colourful illustrations, an abundance of photographs accompanied by brief informative text, Clear headings and Subheadings (in coloured font); a glossary, and Text Boxes (i.e., “Text Bytes” and  “Move Slow + Think Human”)

Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution is a new title in the Orca Think nonfiction series presenting issues that inspire curiosity, raise questions, and inspire action for a better future. Some titles include: Finding Home: The Journey of Immigrants and Refugees; Shelter: Homelessness in our Community and Fresh Air, Clean Water: or Right to a Healthy Environment.

 

 >>> SHOUT OUT <<<

THE WINDEBY PUZZLE by Lois Lowry

Inspired by the true discovery of a two-thousand year old Windey bog body in Northern Germany, award-winning author Lois Lowry transports readers into the Iron Age World with both facts and fiction to explain the what happened – and what might have happened – in the bogs. The unique hybrid format of this book is astonishing. In sections entitled HISTORY, the author presents fascinating research that inspired her to write two short novellas. Estrild’s Story, tells of a strong character who is determined to become the first girl warrior in her village and Varick’s Story relates the story of an orphan boy with a twisted back and a sharp mind . Each section  of the book is prefaced with  vivid black and white illustrations and photographs at the back of the book provide further information about this period in time.  Especially noteworthy is Lois Lowry’s reflection on how and why she came to write this book and her metathoughts (“Part of me is a storyteller…” / “I could have selected…”/ “I had to guess at possibilities…”/”Isn’t it interesting that the word history can be wrenched apart to become ‘his story’? (or hers?)…

         There is a saying that when people die, they continue to live as long as someone remembers them. I would add: “and tells              their story.” (p. 186)

Lois Lowry has written some fantastic books (Number the Stars, The Giver) and is a two-time Newbery Medal Winner. The Windeby Puzzle is the best of the best and I vote for a third medal honour for this special author. I love this book!

This posting presents fiction and nonfiction titles  for middle years readers that are matched up in pairs because they can be connected by theme, content, or genre. 

 

GOING GRAPHIC x 2:  13 year old boys goes on a school trip to Europe

A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING by Dan Santat

Picture book author and illustrator of novels ,Dan Santat (After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again); The Adventures of Beekle The Unimaginary Friend (Caldecott Medal, 2015) takes a journey into his past in this graphic memoir depicting his life as awkward eighth gradel student.  The story is an artful recollection of a 17 day school day trip to Europe where encounters many firsts: drinking Fanta, eating Fondu, going to a nightclub and a venture into first love. Told with humour and heart, this autobiography will be enjoyed by middle readers who can identify with being teased, with trying to fit in, and with having their world open up as they take baby steps and giant steps into the passage of growing up. 

SCHOOL TRIP by Jerry Craft

Jerry Craft is a terrific graphic novelists. He is the author of New Kid (2020 Newbery Medal winner) and has since written two companion titles, Class Act and School Trip where we meet middle-school students who attend Riverdale Academy Day School. In this third book, Jordan Banks and a group of school mates go a school trip to Paris, France, where they navigate the sounds (and tastes) of this magnifique European city. The thirteen to fourteen year old boys and girls also find themselves navigating their friendships, worries and  class and race differences that they encountered back home. Jordon, the main protagonist of Craft’s series hopes that this trip will help him figure out WHO he is, and what he REALLY wants. He has just received admission to an art school and needs to decide whether he will pursue the dream of becoming an artist even though it means he will be the ‘new kid’ once again. I particularly like the black and white chapter interludes that cover such topics as ‘Tips for Not Shaking Hands’ ‘Airplane Etiquette’; and ‘Attack of Thumb-downers’.  For discerning graphic readers, there’s sure to be a laugh found within every spread. This is another great story that illuminates the awkwardness and concerns of being a middle-age student. Formidable! P.S. Thanks to Mr. Craft for including my birthday date (hidden in a billboard sign). 

 

FICTION x2: British Authors

THE CATS WE MEET ALONG THE WAY by Nadia Mikail (ages 12+)

Not satisfied with her family’s lifestyle or the prospect’s that await, her, June leaves her family home. But when news that the end of the world is imminent, June’s sister, seventeen-year old Aisha embarks on a journey through Malaysia in a campervan accompanied by her mother, Aisha’s boyfriend, his parents and a cat named Fleabag, to reunite with her sister. Though there is the calamity of the world ending in nine months time, this is not a typical  ‘dystopia’ science fiction story. The narrative by debut author, Nadia Mikails is a stirring account of grief, loss and healing.

THE NIGHT BUS HERO by Onjali Q. Rauf

British author, Onjali Q. Rauf (The Boy at the Back of the Bus) has written a story that connects the menace of a mean bully with the plight of homelessness. Told from the bully’s point of view, we learn of Hector’s mean tricks he plays on others (extortion); stealing the trolley of a homeless man. Hector seems to have no remorse until the day he gets caught in the mission to find out who is stealing items from some important monuments in London (the fountain in Piccadilly Square, Paddington Bear’s statue). In the later part of the story Hector seems to be ‘turning around’ after volunteering in a soup kitchen and after listening to the background stories of homeless characters. A wild adventure plot unfolds when Hector and the homeless Thomas embark on solving the thief problem. A rather engaging story where a bully becomes a hero but, more importantly, an eye-opener for readers to reflect upon the plight of the homeless and perhaps take action to find out more of homeless people in their own communities.

Both authors’ books have been recognized by Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize: The Cats We Meet Along the Way  by Nadia Mikail(2023); The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf(2019)

 

FICTION x2: British author, Katherine Rundell

THE GOOD THIEVES by Katherine Rundell

Rundell is a great storyteller who wraps the readers up in mystery and adventure and imagination. The setting is 1920’s in Manhattan. Vita is the central character of this story who learns that her grandfather’s mansion has been taken from him. To get justice, Vita is fiercely determined to fight a powerful real estate tycoon.  She is joined by a pickpocket and some circus friends who  get caught in a web of escapades, escaping danger chapter by chapter as they move closer to solving the mystery of a hidden jewel and get back what rightfully belongs to Vita’s grandfather. A compelling read. 

ROOFTOPPERS by Katherine Rundell

Rooftoppers is the winner of several book awards, including Waterstones Children’ Book award and Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. In the  opening pages of the book readers meet Sophie, survivor of a shipwreck floating in a cello case in the English Channel. She is rescued by an eccentric bachelor who gives her a unique cultural and literary education, much to the who threaten to send Sophie to an orphanage. Charles and Sophie, escape to Paris. When Sophie encounters a group of orphaned children who survive atop Parisian rooftops, she sets off an adventure hoping to fulfill her dream of being  reunited with her mother whom all believe to be dead. Nighttime rooftop adventures fill the last part of the story  that will engage readers who enjoy magical narratives. (I preferred reading about her life in London the early part of the novel). “Never ignore the possible” is Sophie’s mantra in life” that spurs her – and readers -on. Shout Out to Terry Fan’s spot ‘circular’  illustrations that introduce each chapter. 

 

FICTION x2: Robot Characters

ROBODOG by David Walliams; illus. Adam Stower

Another year, another great release from bestselling author David Walliams who hasn’t yet lost his sense of humour or sense of mischief. This is yet another wild ride with the Walliams and Stower team with the invention of Robodog, the newest recruit at the Police Dog School, the perfect hero for helping police solve crimes in the town of Bedlam, one of the most dangerous places on earth filled with villains, i.e. cat villains, Velma (a dog-hating feline who belongs to the chief of police and her partner), Slash (the most terrifying), Codger (the oldest) and Pavarotti (the biggest). 

THE SUPERTEACHER PROJECT by Gordon Korman

Mr. Aidact has been assigned to teach at Brightling Middle School and students are wowed by his talents to remember song lyrics and trivia as well as his skill at coaching the girls’ field hockey team. Teachers at the school admire him because he takes over bus, detention and cafeteria duties.  Oliver Zahn, renowned rule-breaker and spitball champion becomes suspicious of Mr. Aidact’s background and when they learn that he is a robot, he and his sidekick, Nathan Popova, embark on a mission to protect this popular teacher, especially when the parent community is up in arms and want to get rid of him. Once again, Mr. Korman presents a plot filled with hi-jinx, mischief and the world of middle age students. The narratives of each chapter are presented through alternating voices. Another super read from the superauthor, Gordon Korman. 

 

SHOUT OUT x 2

BIG TREE by Brian Selznick

Big Tree is a big book. At 525 pages, it may seem to be a daunting read for middle-age readers. However, in Brian Selznick’s masterful style, the story is mostly told through black and white graphite pencil illustrations  Even some of the verbal passages are less than 1/4 page, some being only one-sentence in length.  Imagine a story told about two brave seeds. Louise and her brother, Merwin hope to settle down one day and become trees. A forest fire forces the two seed siblings to be separated from their mother and they are catapulted into a world of the unknown where they encounter, dinosaurs, meteors and volcanoes. Will they ever find a place to take root, settle down, and grow into trees? Will these two wee sycamore seeds be the salvation of the natural world from the Cretaceous Age into the future? As with other Selznick stories (The Invention of Hugo Cabret; Wonderstruck) text and visuals work together to tell a story. A captivating read filled with science, planet protection,  anthropomorphic heroes, and hope. WOW!

FINALLY SEEN by Kelly Yang

Lina Gao has been living in Beijing under her grandmother’s care. Her parents and younger sister have been living in California and have finally made plans for reunite with Lina. Although she will miss the special times she had with her grandmother, Lina is excited to be living in the United States. Kelly Yang coneys the trials of being an ELL student, the hardships of being an immigrant family who struggle to pay the rent, the challenges of being teased and confronting racism. But Lina is resilient and eagerly joins in her mother’s plans to establish a worthwhile business of selling bath bombs. She slowly discovers the hard work life of her father who helps out on a local farm with hopes of getting a green card. Kelly Yang’s gives her characters (and her readers) and optimistic outlook on life, even though living the American Dream may be but a dream. As one caring teacher tells Lina, “Your dreams matter. You Matter. Never forget that.” (p, 181).

“You’re the daughter of first-generation immigrants. Your blood is made of iron will and determination. Your backbone is uildt from the sacrifices and impossible decisions of all those who walked before you.” (p. 235)

I first encountered Kelly Yang’s talents with Front Desk and though I’m not usually fond of reading sequels, I continued to be enamoured with her engaging style and her depiction of Asian American identities in the Front Desk series. I was aggravated to read that her book Front Desk was getting banned in some school districts because it was considered ‘divisive’.  Are you kidding me? (The issue of conquering book banning is beautifully conveyed in this new novel ) I was surprised (and very pleased) to discover a new 2013 release. It seems that I just finished reading New From Here and Room to Dream. Prolific she is too. Kelly Yang is the amongst the best of the best contemporary authors for middle-age readers. Her books need to be read! 

 

 

Here is a list of ten titles, various genres, recently read by Dr. Larry

 

AT THE HEIGHT OF THE MOON: A book of bedtime poetry and art by editors Alison Baverstock, Matt Cunningham, Annette Roeder  (poetry)

This is an exquisite collection of poetry and paintings. It’s a curiosity too for it is labeled a book of bedtime poetry and art. Whose bedtime I ask? This book, first published in Germany, is intended, I believe for adult to read to child before bedtime. Great that poetry gets into the ears of children and reading two or three poems before bedtime provide comfort, curiosity and perhaps send young people off to dreamland. But these poems, for the most part, do not seem to be intended for children, even though they are intended as read-alouds and the listener will ‘get out of the poems, whatever, they get out of the  Who am I to say what young readers will ‘get from the words of Ted Hughes, Robert Browning, Lord Alfred Tennyson, William Wordsworth and Walt Whitman about 1/4 of the book feature the names of familiar names for those who are poetry afficianodos. eThe book is organized into six sections each with a title (e.g., Twilight, Dreamland, Moonlight Menagerie, Creepy Crawlie and Things That Go Bump Into the Night.The words, poem images and themes are quite sophisticated and do not seem accessible. I would say there would be few children who would respond to these poems without conversation and ‘analysis’. And who wants analysis before bedtime? The editors, however, have done a WOW! job of choosing art works to match the verbal text (sometimes literal matches, sometimes not).  Taking the children to an art gallery is a fantastic thing, and the art in this book (e.g., Henry Rousseau, Paul Klee, Georgia O’Keefe, Vincent Van Gogh, are some of the more familiary names),  beautifully reproduced, is certainly, page by page, a wonderful journey into landscapes, portraits, still life etc. Together, poems and arts, make for a staggering, rich collection of words and images.  For me, this was a wonderful bedtime book… but I’m over 70 years old. Am exquisite publication.  

BIRDS by John Moir (paintings)

A gallery of 100 British bird paintings (1/ page) accompanied by latin names and succinct bits of fascinating information.  I was familiar with some of the names (Barn Owl; Buzzard; Cukoo; Greenfinch, Puffin, Raven), but was glad to meet some new feathered friends (Crested Tit; Hawfinch, Lapwing, Redshank, Wheatear).  Exquisite!!!

Kestrel: Falco tinnunculus: a kestrel’s eyes can see ultra-violent light. This enables them to pick out the shining yellow urine trails left by mice and voles, so they can track and kill them more effectively. 

 

DEMON COPPERHEAD by Barbara Kingsolver (fiction)

Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, this is the story of an orphaned boy who has met his shares of troubled times but  seems to carry on being  after passed from home to home, being forced into child labour and struggling at school.  Like, Charles Dickens, David Copperfield, Copperhead is a survivor of poverty. I was on vacation and started reading  this Oprah’s Book Club Selection (2022) and was rather enjoying the book.  I like books with young characters and what a character Demon Copperhead is.  However, after 300 pages I was in a slump and lost interest. I put the book aside and though I don’t often do this, I returned to finish the novel that I once put down.  I’m not good with 500+ page books but I really admired Kingsolver’s style and ended up finishing the book.  The last part of the book deals with heavy addiction and disastrous love and I found myself cheering Demon on to a better life. 

 

THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE by Willian Strunk Jr. and E.B. White (nonfiction)

“If those who have studied the art of writing are in accord on any one point, it is this: Teh surc, est way to arouse and hold the readers attention is by being specific, definite, and concrete.” (p. 28)

I was reading an article the other day and mention was made of this seminal book, first published in 1935, that has been read by multitudes of English majors and journalists. ‘Why hadn’t I read it before?’ I asked myself and decided to get myself a copy consider how I might write better. .  There are 5 chapters, each providing information and a guide to being a better writer: Elementary Rules of Usage; Elementary Principles of Composition; A Few Matters of Form; Words and Expressions Commonly Misused; and An Approach to Style with a List of Reminders. There are  things I think I do right but this book has advised me that  there are things I needed to pay better attention to. (Damn those commas!).  The test of this book depends on how I apply Strunk’s Elements of Style to whatever writing I embark upon in the future.The book is offers great advice, and is a great guide worthy of its popularity for decades and decades.  I’m glad I finally got around to reading this treasure. (I’m sure I’ve made a dozen boo-boo’s in this paragraph alone.)

 

I’M TOO YOUNG TO BE 70 (and other delusions) by Judith Viorst (poems)

Judith Viorst’s claim to fame (one of them) is the picture book Alexander and the Terrific Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. She has written a series of slim, illustrated poetry volumes for adults celebrating life each decade (e.g. It’s Hard to be Hip Over 30; How Did I Get to be 40?) and most recently (Nearing 90). I’m too young to be 70 are humorous and sometimes tocuhing poems exploring this stage of life. The book is divided into sections that include such headings as: Still Married, The Children and Grandchildren, The Rest of It. Some poem titles include ‘As Time Goes By’,,’Body Heat, ‘They May be Middle Aged, But They’re Still My Children’, and ‘Still Dieting After All These Years’ and Too Young to be Seventy’. Judith Viorst  was born on February 2, 1931 (92 years old). 

In the life that I’m living I’m / Too young to be seventy. The woman I see in the mirror is not the real me./ When I elevate my chin, When I stick my stomach in, When I throw my shoulders back,/ When I tighten all that’s slack,/ I can’t be any more than/ Sixty-one. And a half?

 

KIMBERLY AKIMBO by David Lindsay-Abaire (script)

Kimberly has a lot to contend with: an alcoholic father who stinks at fulfilling fatherly duties, a pregnant mother who is a hypochondriac and a crazy aunt who’s a scam artist with a new plan that involves a stolen mailbox and forging cheques. Most of all, Kimberly has a rare genetic condition that causes her body to age faster than it should thus giving her the appearance of an elderly woman. This play was first in 2001 and then opened in New York in 2003.  Kimberly Akimbo has now evolved into a terrific musical which moved from Off-Broadway to Broadway in 2022. The comedy of the original script remains now woven into a great score. A staggering performance by Victoria Clark as the ‘teenage’ Kimberly  makes this a production worth seeing. 

 

LETTERS FROM MAX: A poet, a teacher, a friendship by Sarah Ruhl & Max Ritvom (epistolary nonfiction)

Playwright, Sarah Ruhl and Max Ritvo first met when he became a student in her playwriting course at Yale University. Over the course of four years, student and teacher exchanged letters and poems. Ritvo, a brilliant poet, and Ruhl a brilliant playwright support and mentor each other as they discuss their work and their outlook on life.  Max Ritvo bravely battles cancer and the written exchanges are honest and direct as the two ‘teachers’  write about life, love and the writer’s craft.  The conversational letters take us into a triumphant journey that intertwines heart and mind, art and mentorship. It matters not that the meanings of Ruhl’s and Ritvo’s  overwhelmed (confused) me. Letters from Max is moving account of a poet, a teacher, a friendship.

 

MOUTH TO MOUTH by Antoine Wilson (fiction)

Jeff Cook meets up with an old acquaintance and they chat together in an airport lounge while waiting for a delayed flight. . Actually, Jeff does all the talking as he describes a harrowing event where he once saved the life of a swimmer. Jeff has kept his heroism a secret -up until now. Jeff recounts his experiences of living in LA, of pursuing the man who’s life resuscitated, of joining a renowned art gallery owned by Francis Arsenault (the man who  almost drowned) and of his growing relationship with Chloe, who turns about to be the daughter of said Francis. Much of the book takes us into the life of an art gallery operations and shenanigans.  I should have liked this book more than I did because I like short books (178 pages) with short chapters and apparently it was one of Barack Obama’s favourite books of 2022. An intriguing, sort-of-athriller read, but not a favourite of mine. 

 

OLD BABES IN THE WOODS by Margaret Atwood (short stories)
I haven’t read Atwood titles in a long while and was intrigued to read her new collection of short stories. I usually tend to read short stories in chronological order and as always, some are better than others. This happened while I read through these 15 titles. Lengths of stories varied from 8 to 20 pages.. And one or two didn’t reallhold my interest. I gave up halfway through ‘Metempsychosis’ (something about a snail and the journey of the soul . The book is divided into three parts. Part One introduces a seniors couple named Tig and Nell and Part Three ends with 4 stories under the heading Nell and Tig. The stories I liked best were Tig and Nell selections when characters looked back on life and contemplate the future. (‘Wooden Box’; ‘Old Babes in the Wood)’.’ First Aid’ was rather funny and quite educational (about first aid techniques). “My Evil Mother’ tells the story of a relationship between daughter and a witch (not a typo) of a mother. And oh-so-clever Atwell presents an interview with George Orwell (‘The Dead Interview’). Did I like this collection of short stories?…not always. but wow! can that woman write!

 

THIS OTHER EDEN by Paul Harding (fiction)

My friend and I were browsing in a bookstore and the sales clerk suggested that I read this book which he considered ‘the best book of the year’. The intriguing title, the beautiful cover and the fact that the author, Paul Harding is the winner of a Pulitzer Prize (Tinkers) – plus the fact that it was only 220 pages – intrigued me. My friend bought me a copy. Based on true events, the story takes place at the beginning of the twentieth century. The settling is Apple Island a small fishing enclave off the coast of Maine where a small group of black, white and mulatto citizens meagerly survive from day to day. At one point in the story, officials come to ‘cleanse’ the island by evicting the residents from their homes, sending a group to the school for the feeble-minded. Harding’s writing about generations, about daily chores, about art, about religion, and about racism, justice and  humanity is rather exquisite.  Well, not the best book of the year of me, but it’s wonderful to read wonderful writing. “The smells of his paints and the spirits on his hands and in the rough clothes and the sweat on his skin swirled in her nose and behind her eyes and through the tight space inside her head between her brain and skull, but she was not afraid.” (p.137)

 

The ten books listed in this posting are newly purchased titles, each published in 2023 (except for two).
 

ALL THE BEATING HEARTS by Julie Fogliano; illus. Catia Chien

From the book jacket: “This poignant, powerful book is a celebration of self-acceptance and a potent reminder that, even in our uniqueness we are divided.” This is a book about reassuring that most of our days are filled with goodness. Sometimes they are not. We carry on.  The book ignites wonder and reflection of dreams and hopes and a curiosity of our connection to others and our place in the world and.  I so love the wonderful wonderful, colourful and poetic illustrations that often dance on the page our hearts beat. 

the beats of our heart, strong, and steady and sure is

“a reminder

that we are here and alive

together but apart

the same but exactly different.”

 

AT THE DROP OF A CAT by Elise Fonentaille; illus. Violeta Lopez

A young boy loves spending time with his Spanish grandpa Luis who is known for his gardening “The Earth is my mother”, his cooking )”There is always something baking or simmering.” his knowledge of bird language” and his talent as an artist (“Dad says Luis is as good as Henry Rousseau”). When he talks to the chickadees, thy talk back.” Grandpa Luis had a hard life running away from a terrible war in Spain until he settled in France. He never went to school, worked hard in the fields and never learned to read or write. This is a beautiful,  beautiful  story of the relations relationship between grandfather and grandson (“He says I am ‘the apple of his pie’, which means he really likes me.”)This picture book has been translated from the  French with rich, detailed illustrations by Spanish illustrator Violeta Lopez,  each image inviting close scrutiny. 

 

A FLOWER IS A FRIEND by Frieda Wishinsky; illus. Karen Patkau

Master nonfiction author Frieda Wishinsky helps readers think about the way that flowers care for those around it. In spare text, Wishinsky explains how flowers are friends because they ‘dust a bumblebee’; ‘Burst with color’; ‘Kiss a butterfly’ an ‘Drink the rain’. Each page of text features a question that helps readers think about the wonders of nature and the beauty of flowers. Full page, close-up illustrations by award-winning illustrator Karen Patkau are spectacular. In an afterward to the book, succinct information about each of the animals we have met throughout the book. This is a gorgeous gem of a nonfiction title. Hooray for Frieda Wishinsky! Hooray for Karen Patkau1 Hooray for flowers!

 

THE KINDEST RED: A story of Hijab and Friendship by Ibtihaj Muhammed with S.K. Ali; illus Hatem Alythe 

The team that created The Proudest Blue now present a story of a young girl named Faisah who is excited to wear a red dress that has been passed down from Asiya, her older sister and before that from her mother. Asiya looks beautiful in her class picture but she is worried when it comes to the sibling photo, that her clothes does not match her sister’s.  Faizah’s teacher gives the class (and the reader) the big question: What kind of world do you want to create? Being kind, she says, helps us to make a difference.  Faizah’s classmate presents her dress’s red sash to match Asiyah’s hijab. The Kindest Red is an endearing   story about the bonds of family and the place of being kind to others when they are troubled. 

“What do I want?

A world where there’s always a friend nearby.

 

HAPPY by Miles Van Hout (2011/2023)

I was as terrifically pleased to see that this terrific picture book from Pajama Press (2011) has been released in a 2023 edition. This is the ideal picture book for recognizing and naming different emotions. Each emotion is depicted in expressive font and colour matched by the image of a  single fish swimming on each spread. This is a book that helps build a vocabulary of emotions (e.g furious, glad, content, afraid, startled) facial expressions and love of illustration. A winner of a book. Great to visit these fish friends again! Thank you Miles Van Hout. Thank,  you Pajama Press.  

 

ONCE UPON A BOOK by Kate Messner; illus. Grace Lin

A young girl named ALICE is bored with staying inside and when she discovers a book, Alice has adventures in wonderland by entering into the picture book and visiting the homes of birds, a desert, the ocean, clouds,  and the moon. In the end she discovers that ‘there’s no place like home’. The illustrations by award-winning illustrator, Grace Lin are exquisite. The narrative pattern of Kate Messner’s story carries readers into the magical world, that can only happen once upon a book. 

“That sounds like our home,” said the clouds. “Turn the page and come in…”

So she did. 

 

TOO MANY PIGS and ONE BIG BAD WOLF by Davide Cali; illus Marianna Balducci (2022)

A  colourful book with lots and lots and lots of pigs . This picture book offers  some mathematical fun figuring out the number of pigs that the hungry wolf has eaten, whether my rainbow colour, by alphabetical names or one a day for a month.

“Once upon a time there were three little pigs. Then the wolf ate them. THE END”  (and that’s only the first page!)

 

WHAT’S YOUR NAME? by Behanie Deeney Murgulia (2022)

I have a nice little collection of stories about names (The Name Jar by Yabsook Choi; Your Name is a Song by  Jamila Thompkins-Bigelow; Thao by Thao Lam)  by and am pleased to add this title to my bookshelf inviting kids to celebrate their own names. Using a rhyming pattern (and an abundance of graphic speech bubbles), Murgulia’s book invites readers to think about the story about their own names – and nae smtories and identities of other people in their lives. 

A name can be common,

familiar and known.

A name can be rare, 

unique all your own. 

 

SHOUT OUT

MY BABA’S GARDEN by Jordan Scott; illus. Sydney Smith

They dynamo creators of  the special picture book, I Talk Like A River have thankfully joined together once again to offer another beautiful beautiful book about the relationship between grandmother and grandson.  Scott pays tribute to the special times he spent with his beloved Baba. Baba loved to cook, she loved to garden and she enjoyed collecting worms on rainy days to nourish vegetables grown in her garden.  If I were judge for best picture book of 2023, this would absolutely be a contender. Thanks for sharing your memories Mr. Scott. Thank you for your glorious illustrations, Mr. Smith that compliment the voice of a child reminiscing. 

“My mom says that my Baba didn’t have very much food for a long, long time. I eat everything in the swimming-pool bowl, and my Baba walks me to school.”

 

 SHOUT OUT

AN AMERICAN STORY by Kwame Alexander; illus. Dare Coulter

This is a picture book about slavery unlike any other written before.  In 32 pages  Kwame Alexander, a Newbery Medal-winning author, presents a narrative of the history of slavery in America told in staggering verse. Most pages have text that is less than 20 words. It is. a sory of struggle, strength, horror, hope and survival. Added to the brilliance of this book, are pages (yellow background) where a teacher questions her ability to tell the story to her students (“I don’t think I can continue./ It’s just too painful. I shouldn’t have read this to you/ I’m sorry children.”). The children’s voices spur the teacher on to speak the truth, even when it’s hard. Yes, this is an American story of slavery. It is a story of the past and of now that gives honour to Black Lives Matter. Astonishing!

The powerful illustrations  by artist Dare Coulter that appear throughout the book are mixed media created with a combination of spray paint, acrylic paint, charcoal, graphite, ink and digital painting on wood panels, watercolour and Adobe Photoshop.  The sculptures are both ceramic and polymer. I doubt there will be a picture book this year with dynamic and dramatic images that appear in this book.  Hello Caldecott committee 2024!

How do you tell a story that starts in Africa and ends in horror?

… a story of struggle about bold men and women jumping into the sea?

.How do you tell a story about strenght and pride and refusing to be broken?

 

HISTORICAL NONFICTION

The following 11 titles recount true stories of  Jewish citizens trapped under Hitler’s power. Each book is a powerful story of survival, strength and hope. 

 

ALIAS ANNA by Susan Hood with Greg Dawson (Free verse)

Zhanna (alias Anna) , a young Jewish girl, living in the Ukraine when it was invaded by Germans during World War II is forced to l her entire family when the Nazis force them out of their home. Zhanna has strong musical talent and a promising future as a pianist. When her father bribes a guard, Zhanna is fortunate to take and hide  a treasured sheet of Chopin music.  This historical fiction title, told in verse, tells the story (one of hundreds) of Jewish children who were forced to give up their names and hide their identities. The author, along with Zhanna’s son, Greg Dawson recount the true, moving story of how two piano prodigies, outplayed their pursuers while hiding in plain sight.  Like The Children of Willsesden Lane and Hiding Edith this is a remarkable story of resilience and perseverance set during the Holocaust. 

“I don’t care what you do, just live.” (Zhanna’s father)

 

THE CHILDREN OF WILLESDEN LANE: A True Story of Hope and Survival During World War II by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen adapted by Emil Sher (Historical Fiction)

This story of courage and hope recounting the experiences of teenager Lisa Jura’s life in England during WWIi. Lisa was chosen for the Kindertransport, the rescue effort to relocate Jewish children to great Britain. Separated from her family and left unaware of their fates, Lisa finds company in the refugee home on Willesden Lane. A musical prodigy, Lisa Jura is devoted to practicing piano, receiving a scholarship to the Royal Academy and giving concerts. It is music that gives her hope and helps her to keep her promise to her mother ‘to hold on to her music.”  Her daughter Mona Golabek a celebrated concert pianist, along with journalist Mona Golabek recounts Lisa Juras’s experiences. This version is a Young Readers Edition adapted by Emily Sher. The Hold On To Your Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization which has created a series of Willesden Reads across North American. Recently, copies of this historical fiction have been donated to middle age readers throughout the GTA to read this inspirational of a courageous Jewish refugee survivor.  www.holdontoyourmusic.org

 

HIDING EDITH by Kathy Kacer

Kathy Kacer tells the story of a young girl Edith Schwalb who was caught up in the Nazi invasions of World War II. Separated from her parents and her family, Edith, forced to conceal her identity and faith,  is always hiding.  Even at the risk of losing their own lives, who can help? A French Jewish couple, Shatta and Bouti Simon, offer Edith a place of hiding to join other young people in their secret school for fugitive Jewish children. Oncle Albert and Tante Marie provide shelter and offer bounty even with the restrictions of ration cards.  Even the residents of Moissac, France conspire to hide hundreds of Jewish children.  This is an important  beautifully written story helping young readers understand what it meant for young people to survive during the Holocaust when armies are trying to hunt them  down. It is one story of hundreds of parents who were forced to find someone to hide their children and to recognize that there wer many Christian families who were brave enough to provide salvation and hope.

 

THE LIBRARIAN OF AUSCHWITZ: the Graphic novel, based on the book by Antonio Iturbe (ages 12+)

The Librarian of Auschwitz is a bestselling novel by Spanish author, Antonio Iturbe, and for those who admired this book, a new graphic novel verson has been created. Iturbe tells the y fourteen-year0old Dita who was, along with her mother and father imprisoned in Auschwitz. For Dita, the horrors of the concentration camp were counterbalanced when she was asked to become the librarian of Auschwitz and take charge keep safe, the 8 books that were smuggled past the guards. The books along with real stories told by prisoners educated the children in the camp, even though they discovery of the books in Block 31, the children’s camp would prove to be dangerous, perhaps resulting in execution. Iturbe’s story is based on the true story of Dita Kraus, a Holocaust survivor. This graphic novel adaption synthesized the 400 pages of the original novel by presenting historical facts and  powerful narratives. The strong images  illustrated by Loreto Aroca along with the narrative captions and dialogue match the power of the original novel in presenting another haunting historical account of the Holocaust.

 

THE MISSING by Michael Rosen (Ages 11+) 

British author Michael Rosen had heard stories about his great uncles who were there before the war, but not after. Rosen embarks on research to discover the true story of his family in World War II and takes readers on an investigative journey to find about the disappearance of people lost during the holocaust. 

 

MORDECHAI ANIELEWICZ: NO TO DESPAIR by Rachael Hausfater (Ages 12+)
(translated by Alison L. Strayer) 

Set in Poland during the Holocaust, No to Despair is a powerful account of the final days of the life of Mordechai Anielwicz, the young leader of the Jewish Fighting Organization that led to the insurrection agains the Nazi control. Anielewicz was a revolutionary leader with resolve and immense strength of resistance with obligations to defend each other, no matter the costs. “The opposite of despair is not hope, it’s struggle.” This title is part of the “They Said No” historical fiction series from Seven Stories Press for young readers about protestors, activists and revolutionaries (e.g., Harvey Milk, Primo Levi, George Sand, Victor Hugo).

 

SHANGHAI EXPRESS by Kathy Kacer

When Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party made life unbearable for Jewish people, many desperately sought refuge. Lily Toufar and her mother and father was one family that travelled to Shanghai China to escape the horrors of war.  Unfortunately, all was not safe for the more thatwenty thousand Jewish refugees who moved to  Shanghai. The area was controlled by Japan, whose leaders supported Hitler. The local government ordered Jewish refugees to move into a poor area known as Hongkew where conditions were unbearable. Living spaces were crowded, food was scarce, and freedom was limited. For the Jewish people, it seemed that they were in as much danger in China as they were in Europe. Kathy Kacer tells Lily’s story from leaving her home in Vienna in 1938 to liberation in 1945, a life filled with danger, hanging on to hope. Shanghai Express is a Holocaust Remembrance Book for Young Readers from Second Story Press.

 

THE UNDERGROUND REPORTERS by Kathy Kacer

This story takes place in Budejovice, a quiet village in Czechoslovakia, laws and rules were introduced to restrict the freedom of Jewish people during the dark days of World War II. As a form of resistance, some brave young people decided to create a newspaper, a magazine that would prove to themselves and their community that they were still creative, energetic, and adventurous. The magazine, Klepy (which means Gossip), was born on August 30, 1940, and over the following two years, twenty-two issues were created and circulated, thus giving the Jewish citizens a sense of connection and hope. John Freund was one of the young “reporters” who contributed to the magazine. In April 1942, John and the other one thousand Jews of Budejovice were deported to the Terezin ghetto. Most of these deportees were immediately sent on to Auschwitz and to their deaths. . Remarkably, copies of Klepy also survived. Author, Kathy Kacer,  had the opportunity to visit John Freund and Irena Stadler who survived the war and have them share their memories under Nazi power and with the publication of Klepy

 

>>>>>>>> PICTURE BOOKS <<<<<<<<<<

 

THE BRAVE PRINCESS AND ME by Kathy Kacer illus. by Juliana Kolesova

The story is set during the Second World War in Athens where Princess Alice, who was born deaf, lived. With the arrival of the Nazis in Greece, Jewish people were endangered. Tilda Cohen and her mother Rachel  were desperately seeking refuge and arrived on Princess Alice’s doorstep begging her to hide them. The brave princess agreed to conceal  the two Jews in her home but they were forced to go into hiding and never leave the house. When the Gestapo police came to the Princess’s house to search for hidden Jews, Princess Alice pretended that she didn’t understand them. The princess stood her ground and fooled the police who gave up and left.

 THE MAGICIAN OF AUSCHWITZ by Kathy Kacer; illus. by Gillian Newland

 The setting is in the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. Young Werner Reich has been separated from his family and faces terrible circumstances from day to day. The young boy shares his bunk with a quiet man named Herr Levin who’s gentle manner seems out of place in the dire setting.  The older man was once famous for performing remarkable tricks as Nivelli the Magician in the great theatres of Berlin. At the Family Camp of Auschwitz, the prison guards learn of Nivelli’s talents and enter the barracks ordering Herr Levin to do his magic. The story of The Magician of Auschwitz centred on two prisoners who find friendship, hope, kindness and magic during frightening times. It is also the story of two Holocaust survivors and how perform magic helped each of them to thrive and live a happier life. An afterward to the book provides readers with information and photographs about how the story of these two heroes evolved and survived appalling conditions.

THE PROMISE by Pnina Bat Zvi and Margie Wolfe; illus.. Isabelle Cardinal

This picture book tells the story, based on true events, of two sisters, Rachel and Toby, who were taken to the Auschwitz concentration camp The narrative and strong visual images depict the constant danger the girls faced, especially when they were forced to separate. Three gold coins and a promise they had given to their parents keep the two sisters hopeful in their striving to survive. 

THE PRISONER AND THE WRITER by Heather Camlot; illus. Sophie Casson  (YA )

This is a stirring picture book of historical fiction.  In 1895, Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer was falsely accused of being a traitor to France by passing military secrets to Germany. Dreyfus as exiled to a prison on Devil’s Island. (“My only crime was to have been born a Jew.” Alfred Dreyfus). In 1898 writer Emile Zola’s powerful political letter was published declaring Dreyfus’s innocence and accusing those who were to really to blame. This picture book provides readers with the significance of The Dreyfus Affair in French and world politics. It is a story of antisemitism reminding readers about truth, justice and equality and the need to stand up and speak out against any prejudice they are faced with. Author Heather Camlot has done. brilliant job through lyrical, poetic text and alternate narratives to shine a light on this historical incident and to encourage readers to learn more about two heroic characters and see the relevance of their story in today’s world. Sophie’s Casson’s lightly coloured illustrations strongly support the verbal text.

NOTE: I am creating this posting on 23.01.23, 125 years since Zola’s 4000 word open letter to the president of France was published January 13, 

“The truth is on the march and nothing will stop it.. When we bury the truth underground, it builds up, it takes on such an explosive force, that the day it bursts, it blows up everything with it.” (From “J’Accuse)

 

FURTHER READING

 

TRUE STORIES OF HIDING FROM THE NAZIS

 

Alias Anna: A true story of outwitting the Nazis by Susan Hood with Greg Dawson (free verse memoir)

Catherine’s War by Julia Billet; illus. Claire Fauvel

The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank (also: All About Anne by Menno Metselaar and Piet Van Ledden / Anne Frank House)

Hidden: A child’s story of the Holocaust  by Loic Dauvillier; illus. Marc Lizano and Greg Salsedo (graphic story)

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Survivors of the Holocaust: True stories of six extraordinary children by Kath Shackleton (ed.); illus. Zane Whittingham (graphic story)

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

 

TRUE STORIES OF HIDING FROM THE NAZIS: Picture Books

 

The Boy Who Jumped Off the Train by Malka Adler

The Brave Princess and Me by Kathy Kacer; illus. Juliana Kolesova

Hiding from the Nazis by David A. Adler; illus. Karen Ritz

Hold on To Your Music: The inspiring true story of the children’ of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen (adapted by Emil Sher); illus. Sonia Possentini

The Whispering Town by Jennifer Elvgren; illus. Fabio Santamauro

 

 

Below is a list of ten new picture books, each published in 2022,  that came my way. 

 

ALTE XACHEN (Old Times) by Ziggy Hanaor; illus. Benjamin Phillips

A young boy and his Bubbe (Jewish grandmother) wander the streets of New York collecting items for a Friday night dinner. Life for Bubbe ain’t what it used as the venture arouses memories of the way things were for her. A wonderful  graphic picture book!

“Bubbe, it’s not like that these days. Girls don’t need boys to validate them. They can wear what they want and do what they want.”

“Huh. What do you know?”

BLUE: A History of the Color as Deep as The Sea and As Wide as The Sky by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond; illus. Daniel Minter

 A fascinating and  informative non-fiction book that explores the history along with the  natural, cultural and artistic significance of the colour blue.

“…blue has such a complicated history of pain, wealth, invention and recovery,
it’s become a symbol of possibility,
as vast and deep as the bluest sea…”

ENDLESSLY EVER AFTER: Pick your path to countless Fairy Tale Endings by Laurel Snyder; illus. Dan Santat

An original, humorous choose-your-path picture book of fractured fairy tales. 

“What’s next, Rosie? Are you really so afraid of magic?
To pass the thorns and enter a castle, turn to page 42.
To back away, turn to page 64.

I AM GOLDEN by Eva Chen; illus. Sophie Dao

A beautiful ode to the immigrant experience, particularly illuminating the issue of self-love for young Chinese American people.

“You are the lotus flower unfurling – triumphant and bright -in the darkest water. You are the first bamboo stalk, piercing the soil, that will overtake the sky.”

KNIGHT OWL by Christopher Denise

This Caldecott Honour book tells the story of Owl who has big dreams of becoming a real knight. What Owl lacks in size, he makes up in cleverness, courage and  optimism

“Knight School was hard, but Owl worked and worked. He graduated with honor, as all knights do.”

NIGEL AND THE MOON by Antwan Edy; illus. Gracey Zhang

A book to inspire young readers to consider the beauty in their every days lives and the importance of having big dreams that may be inspired by moongazing. 

“Back in his bed, he searches for the moon.
In the dark hue of the night, he finds it once more.
And there, between the moon and him, his dreams are waiting.”

PERCY’S PERFECT FRIEND by Lana Button; illus. Peggy Collins

Percy is the new boy in the classroom and feels uncomfortable and alone until he comes upon a cuddly plush cat he names Miss Petticomb. The toy keeps him good company until his classmates snatch the cat away for a party. A book that celebrates the importance of toys in child’s play.

…when he brought her fluffy cheek close to his, Percy felt a whisper in his ear. “Of course I’ll play with you,” he whispered back. “That’s what friends do.”

THE TALK by Alicia D. Williams; illus. Brianna Mukodiri Uchendu

An important book about race, family, and growing up and the need  ‘the talk’  to prepare young people for the realities or racism they (particularly black youth)  may encounter in the world. 

“No playing, no loud talking, and don’t put your hands in your pockets unless you are in an open space.”

TO CHANGE A PLANET by Christina Soontornvat; illus. Rahele Jomepour Bell

Through spare text and brightly colourful illustrations, this is picture book through that illumin ates the causes of climate change and the invitation to take action to make the world a better place to live. 

“Our planet has spun through eons of time, but this moment is the one that matters most…”

 

SHOUT OUT

THE PRISONER AND THE WRITER by Heather Camlot; illus. Sophie Casson 

A picture book for ages 12+

This is a stirring picture book of historical fiction.  In 1895, Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer was falsely accused of being a traitor to France by passing military secrets to Germany. Dreyfus as exiled to a prison on Devil’s Island. (“My only crime was to have been born a Jew.” Alfred Dreyfus). In 1898 writer Emile Zola’s powerful political letter was published declaring Dreyfus’s innocence and accusing those who were to really to blame. This picture book provides readers with the significance of The Dreyfus Affair in French and world politics. It is a story of antisemitism reminding readers about truth, justice and equality and the need to stand up and speak out against any prejudice they are faced with. Author Heather Camlot has done. brilliant job through lyrical, poetic text and alternate narratives to shine a light on this historical incident and to encourage readers to learn more about two heroic characters and see the relevance of their story in today’s world. Sophie’s Casson’s lightly coloured illustrations strongly support the verbal text.

NOTE: I am creating this posting on 23.01.23, 125 years since Zola’s 4000 word open letter to the president of France was published January 13, 

“The truth is on the march and nothing will stop it.. When we bury the truth underground, it builds up, it takes on such an explosive force, that the day it bursts, it blows up everything with it.” (From “J’Accuse)

 

FYI: CALDECOTT  WINNERS 2023

The winners of the 2023 American Library Association Youth Media Awards were annoUnced on Monday January 30, 2034.  The Caldecott Prize for most distinguished American picture book  for children were as follows:

Caldecott Medal Winner

HOT DOG by Doug Salati

Caldecott Honor Books

Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds; illus. Jason Griffin

Berry Song by Michaela Goade

Choose Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and EmMett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement by Angela Joy illus. Janelle Washington

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

 

 

 

 

Ever since reading Out Of The Dust by Karen Hesse (1997), Love That Dog by Sharon Creech (2001), and Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate (2007), I’ve been intrigued with the free verse style and knowing that an author has chosen that format is a strong motivator to pick up the book. The ten titles below are some great titles that I delved into, mostly all were published in 2022. One title received 2023 Newbery Honor Recognition. Writing as poems, the characters tend to dig into their hearts and make poetic observations of events and relationships.  Not that authors of prose novels, don’t work carefully to mold sentences and paragraphs but I feel that the free-verse art form encourages authors to choose words carefully to create vivid images and sharp emotions  and to shape and re-shape line lengths to tell a story.  If you haven’t read books in this format, try it you’ll like it. I do. 

 

ALIAS ANNA by Susan Hood with Greg Dawson

Zhanna (alias Anna) , a young Jewish girl, living in the Ukraine when it was invaded by Germans during World War II is forced to l her entire family when the Nazis force them out of their home. Zhanna has strong musical talent and a promising future as a pianist. When her father bribes a guard, Zhanna is fortunate to take and hide  a treasured sheet of Chopin music.  This historical  fiction title tells the story (one of hundreds) of Jewish children who were forced to give up their names and hide their identities. The author, along with Zhanna’s son, Greg Dawson recount the true, moving story of how two piano prodigies, outplayed their pursuers while hiding in plain sight.  Like The Children of Willsesden Lane and Hiding Edith this is a remarkable story of resilience and perseverance set during the Holocaust. 

 

THE DEEPEST BREATH by Meg Grehan (originally published 2019)

This free verse novel;, bu Irish author, Meg Grehan, presents a sensitive portrait of an 11-year old girl who is questioning her sexuality. Stevie has. a fizzy feeling in her tummy about a girl named Chloe in her class whom she makes friend. She has a loving relationship with her now single mother and Stevie doesn’t want to let her down. Grehan presents an inquisitive, reflective -and rather anxious – character on the path of discovery about changes in her life especially on her path to  accept her feelings for another girl.

 

ODDER by Katherine Applegate

Wow! a new book by Katherine Applegate. I’m a fan and was thrilled to see that she has written another free verse novel (I’m so fond of Home of the Brave) and another story honouring the world of animals (I’m so fond of The One and Only Ivan). Odder is an otter. Life is grand for Odder the brave curious sea otter as she enjoys frolicking off the coast of Central California. One day, Odder is attacked by a great white shark and when she is rescued by humans she learns about the possible dangers of swimming freely in the ocean and humans who care and protect for endangered animals. The story is inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that paired surrogate orphaned pups with surrogate pups. Katherine Applegate has – of course done extensive research about sea otters and presents a rich hybrid of novel, non-fiction and poetry in this wonderful wonderful book. 

Humans envy the way

otters sleep on the water, 

paws linked,

untroubled as lily pads.

 

FLY by Alison Hughes 

Life in high school can be difficult but for teenager Felix Landon Yarrow (a.k.a Fly)  living life in a wheelchair can be particularly challenging.  But Fly is particularly observant of those around him and bravely carrie on. He has a crush on a girl named Daria and keeps this dream a secret. When he becomes aware of a the creepy Carter who is involved in a scheme selling pills, Fly secretly plans to set a trap to catch Carter and perhaps win favour with Daria. This is a wonderful story about the identity of a disabled teenager who  bravely wrestles with life’s circumstances. The free verse style of this excellent novel invites readers into the mind and soul of this boy with cerebral palsy. Beautiful writing. Beautiful character. 

Fly in the hall,

a fly on the wall – 

         watching

        listening,

        missing nothing, 

        remembering

 

GARVEY IN THE DARK by Nikki Grimes

There have been, and will likely continue to be, stories set during the Pandemic. In this free verse novel, the author tells Garvey’s story as the world and his family are smothered by lockdown.  Garvey is afraid but hangs on to hope and music (‘singing heals my heart) and friendship to get him through the days of living through the outbreak and the heartache of police brutality of Blacks (George Floyd)  This is a sequel to the author’s Garvey’s Choice. Much of Nikki Grimes poems in Garvey in the Dark use the ancient poetry form of Tanka (‘short poem’) originally from Japan. The form is usually broken down as follows in a five line format (5 syllables; 7 syllables; 5 syllables; 7 syllables; 7 syllables. 

Comfort

A few times a day

I turn up in the kitchen

hungry for something

to chew on besides worry,

thirsty for back-to-normal. 

 

GOLDEN GIRL by Reem Faruqi

Imagine a novel about a girl who is a kleptomaniac (i.e. lip gloss, ornament from the teacher’s desk,   Aafiyah Qamar is a grade seven girl who is drawn to pretty things that she’d like to borrow.  On a return trip from Pakistan, her father is falsely accused of a crime and Aafiyah rationalizes that her habit can help with her family problems. Reem Faruqi has written an engaging coming-of-age story about a young adolescent girl who is smart (lists of Weird But True Facts), talented (tennis player), caring (for her sick grandfather who is undergoing cancer treatment), physically challenged (slight hearing loss)   and a good friend. The big problem, however,  is that Aafiyah needs to  conquer her ‘itchy fingers’ habit. 

But these hands have borrowed too many things,

These hands are guilty.

These hands are going to do better.

I promise.

 

A SEED IN THE SUN by Aida Salazar

Lula Viramontes is a Mexican farm-working girl  with big dreams (being a daring ringleader in a traveling circus). The novel is set in the mid 1960’s in Delano, California. Lula and her brothers work under dangerous conditions during the grape harvest. Adding to Lula’s problems is the responsibility she feels for taking care of mother who has fallen ill and combatting her father who has a volatile temper. When she meets labor activists,  Dolores Huerta and  Larry Itliong, Lula is passionate about striking for better treatment and wages. A richly detailed story of activism and a universal narrative protesting for what you believe in in any generation. A wonderful free verse title.

 

WHAT ABOUT WILL…by Ellen Hopkins

With over 14 free verse novels, (mostly YA / Crank, Tricks, Smoke),  author Ellen Hopkins is a master at the style.  What About Will… is her second middle grade title and she provides readers with a strong story about family and about a teenager dealing with pills. Twelve-year-old Trace Reynolds admires his brother, Will, and  enjoyed a strong bond with him, especially during the divorce of his parents. After Will was knocked out in a football game he was struck with a brain injury that left him with a facial tic and severe depression. The bond between the two brothers subsequently becomes stressful, especially when Will keeps secrets and his addiction to pain medication keeps him with angry and withdrawn. Not to add any more strain to his family, Tracy covers for Will who skips school, steals, and hangs out with the ‘wrong’ people. Family is important to Tracy and when he learns that his father has a new girlfriend and discovers that his mother, a recording artist devoted to her singing, seems to have officially abandoned her sons, Tracy tries to hold things together. Conversations with a senior neighbour, laying baseball, and forming a new friendship with Cat, a star baseball player help Tracy through troubled times. Readers ages 12+ are certain to care about Tracy and Will and many students will recognize the anxieties that these characters face. Ellen Hopkins powerfully captures the voice and emotions of this age group. 

Dedication: “For everyone who has lost someone they love, I hope you are able to find them again. If you haven’t keep looking.:

WORDS WITH WINGS by Nikki Grimes (2013)

For Gabriel, daydreaming is an escape from family arguments. Even though her daydream distractions get her in trouble at school it is essential for her to put thoughts to paper, especially to celebrate words that particularly inspire her (“Say ‘comet’ and I am weightless..” / “Say ‘spring’ and I am bouncing on the balls of my feet…” / “Say ‘butterfly’ and I am swimming in sunshine, sprawled in the grass…” It is a caring teacher who recognizes how daydreaming is vital to Gabby and devises a program to honour and celebrate her dreams and words and wings. At 83 pages, a gem of a free verse novel.

Some words

sit still on the page

holding a story steady.

 

SHOUT OUT

IVELIZ EXPLAINS IT ALL by Andrea Beatriz Arango (ages 12+)

This novel was brought to my attention with the announcement of the Newbery Award winners 2003. Arango’s novel was chosen as an honour book (Newbery medal went to Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson) and when I learned that Andrea Beatriz Arango’s book was a free verse novel I was intrigued.  This is a special book, probably one of the most powerful recent novels for young adolescents that deals with Mental Health. The book compassionately shows what many kids and teens go through from day to day. “You are not alone and there’s nothing wrong with you.” (author’s note p. 265) The author hopes s that Iveliz’s story will encourage anxious, troubled students to get support from friends, family or professionals. 

Iveliz (EE-VEH-LEASE) is a 7th grade student who is  burdened with the memory of a traumatic event in her life. The book is presented as a series of journal entries where the young adolescent girl pours out her heart, explains her feelings and shares stories about her meds, her therapist (‘Dr. Turnip’), school bullies, her best – only – friend Amir from Afghanistan, her new friend, her grandmother (abuelita), Mimi,  diagnosed with Alzheimers’ who has just moved from Puerto Rico to live with Iveliz and her mother. Some thoughts are written in Spanish bringing authenticity to the novel. (not understanding Spanish is NOT a deterrent). Iveliz ties to explain all her fears, worries and sadness in the journal because she feels like no one else is listening to her. The book packs an emotional wallop. The free verse style , the lined journal format, the font, the ever-changing list of coping goals, and the inclusion of illustrations help to make this a special, a very special book. 

“It’s stupid how a journal is the only one I can talk to right now. 

The only one who won’t judge me or call me crazy

or mad.” (page 106)

 

Ten titles (7 nonfiction + 3 fiction)  that I’ve recently read to end 2022 and begin 2023. One title will absolutely be at the top of my favourite list for 2023. 

 

NONFICTION

 

BRAIDING SWEETGRASS: For young adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer; adapted by Monique Gray Smith; illus. Nicole Neidhart (nonfiction)

NOTE: although this title been adapted for Young Adult Audiences, this edition and/or the original is a an astonishing book. Here, I am reproducing the blurb that I posted in YA recommendations. There is no doubt that this is a powerful piece of nonfiction for grown-ups. 

(From the book jacket cover): “As a botanist Robin Wall Kimerer is trained to use the tools of science to ask questions about nature. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces plants and animals as our oldest teachers… Adapted by Monique Gray Smith with illustrations from Nicole Neidhardt Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults highlights how acknowledging and celebrating our reciprocal relationship with: the earth results in a wider, more complete understanding of our place and purpose.”

What a rich, remarkable, detailed  book that presents adolescent readers with an encyclopedic document of the plant world which at the same time informs them of the journey of Indigenous ancestors to understand the generosity of the earth and our part in being grateful for the gifts and giving gifts in return. The layout and text features of this book os wonderful: Chapter organization (Meeting Sweetgrass, Planting Sweetgrass, Tending Sweetgrass, Picking Sweetgrass, Braiding Sweetgrass, Burning Sweetgrass) evocative black and white illustrations spread throughout; the green (Sweetgrass green) to highlight titles and definitions; black and white photographs; Text boxes that define terms (e.g., circumnutation; poultice; windthrow); Questions to inspire the reader that inspire reflection (e.g.,’What happens to our perception, engagement, and connection to the world when we feel the natural world communicating with us?” ; “What would it be like to live with a heightened sensitivity to the lives given for ours?”)  I particularly admired the frequent use of text boxes that highlighted statements from the text. In fact, these excerpts are framed, not in boxes, but in circular borders designed as braided sweetgrass.  (e.g., “How in our modern world, can we find a way to understand the earth as a gift again?”‘ “To be heard , you must speak the language of the one you want to listen.”) Of special note are the stories and legends of that help to explain Indigenous relationship with the natural world (e.g., Nanabozho’s Journey, The Wendigo, Three Sisters). This is an astonishing book.

FINALE: Late Conversations with Stephen Sondheim by D. T. Max

D.T. Max, a staff writer for New Yorker Magazine began working on a profile of celebrated composer, Stephen. Sondheim. Due to the pandemic, to Sondheim’s hesitancy and ultimately his death in November 2021, the project never came to fruition, until this book.  The author has taken transcripts from four major conversations and presents them in revealing talks with Sondheim, who didn’t seem to be all that fond of spotlight recognition. Talk about his work, his family, life in New York and aging provide further evidence of the wisdom of this brilliant composer.  I, as a Stephen Sondheim fan, was very pleased to have this candid portrait of the artist in his twilight years. 

I’M GLAD MY MOM DIED by Jennette McCurdy

I wasn’t familiar with  celebrity Jennette McCurdy (I never watched  the TV show iCarly) but there’s been lots of buzz around this book and the title sure is captivating.  The book recount her entry into stardom under the mighty force of her mother, who makes Mama Rose in the musical Gypsy seem like Mary Poppins. Her mother had dream to make her daughter a tar, no matter the cost (i.e., harassing her for her calorie restricted diets, taking showers with her even when she was a teenager). No wonder McCurdy is glad her mom died (of cancer). But in part two of the book, we read more about the anxiety, shame and self-loathing. She embarks on eating disorders (bulimia) and unhealthy relationships. This was a heartbreaking, tough read (told with humour at times about dealing with the past and embarking on a journey to grow out of being a celebrity, having a tormented youth  and moving forward. Fascinating!

HOUSE ARREST by Alan Bennett

A slim volume (49 pages) of dramatist Alan Bennett’s  experiences during the pandemic. Readers experience Bennett’s life in lockdown through excerpts of diary entries written during the pandemic. I’m sure there is an abundance of rich stories if we were to read his complete day to day diaries. but having chosen excerpts provides us with glimpses into thoughts of Boris Johnson, of filming Talking Heads, of Donald Trump, of getting a haircut, junk shops and book stories, and fishing (a passage of going fishing with his family when in his childhood  is the longest passage at 5 pages).  Literary references, glimpses of life in England, reflections on ailing health as a senior make this another fine Alan Bennett read. 

“14 September: One phone call today, a woman enquiring if I’ve made arrangements for my funeral yet. At least it isn’t a recorded voice. “

PAUL NEWMAN: The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man: A memoir

In 1986, Paul Newman and his close friend Stewart Stern, embarked on a project to compile an oral history about the famous actor’s life. Throughout the book, transcripts of anecdotes from family and friends provide an additional perspective of how he lived his life. This book is an honest account of a five year project documenting Newman’s early family life, his initiation into the theatre world and his rise to fame as a Hollywood actor (e.g., Hud, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Verdict).  He had two main loves in his life, but it is his marriage to actress Joanne Woodward was a deep relationship that lasted  until his death in 2008 at the age of 83. Reading about his traumatic childhood, the many jobs he had, his insecurities,  his rise to stardom, his drinking and his passion for race car driving is candid and enlightening. Particularly poignant his the way he describes his relationship with his six children. This is a fascinating and revelatory memoir of a sexy, talented, driven celebrity – and philanthropist. 

SHY: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers by Mary Rodgers and Jesse Green

Mary Rodgers was the daughter of the celebrated songwriter, Richard Rogers. She was also the daughter of a domineering mother. Father and mother were not forthcoming in their love for their daughter. Talented in her own right, Mary worked hard to move out of the shadow of her father’s talents and decided to become a composer herself.  Her musical Once Upon a Mattress, starring Carol Burnett as the ‘shy’ princess in a musical based on the story The Princess and the Pea. Although she is acknowledged for her unique talents as a woman composer, she never (could never) achieve the success that her father had., particularly with his work with Oscar Hammerstein (i.e., Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, The Sound of Music.). Mary Rodgers never gave up and would embark on whatever projects came her way.  Fame did come when she authored the children’s book Freaky Friday.  in this memoir, Mary Rodgers works alongside theatre critic, Jesse Green and pours out stories of family, fame, philanthropy, failed relationships and motherhood. Shy is a fascinating report of the golden age of musical theatre. It is a dynamo account of a dynamo figure respected by many from New York’s entertainment world. (including Stephen Sondheim). Stories are funny, wise, gossipy, candid and delicious making for a remarkable read from “the alarmingly outspoken”, Mary Rodgers.

 

SHOUT OUT

RUN TOWARDS THE DANGER: Confrontations with a Body of Memory by Sarah Polley (essays)

Let me start by quoting Margaret Atwood who reviewed this book by writing “Fascinating, harrowing, courageous, and deeply felt.”  “Absolutely”, says I.  Run Towards The Danger is a collection of six essays written by the oh-so-talented actor, screenwriter and director, Sarah Polley. Polley digs into her past and  bravely attempts to capture memories and their meanings of those relationships as they appeared in the past and helped to frame the person she has become. The first story of stage fright while playing Alice in Wonderland at the Stratford Festival was a punch in the gut. Other stories of sexual assault,  a troubled childbirth, of being. child actor working under a domineering director, of the aftermath of concussion each punch the gut and hit  the heart. When dealing with her traumatic injury, Sarah Polley was advised by a specialist to ‘run towards the danger’. “In order for my brain to recover from a traumatic injury, I had to retain it to strength by charging towards the very activities that triggered my symptoms. This was  a paradigm shift for me – to greet and welcome the things I had previously voided.” (page 2)

WOW! WOW! WOW! This astonishing book is certain to be at the top of my year end list of favourites. This is a special read. Thank you, Ms. Polley for your storytelling, bravery and courage. ‘Harrowing and courageous’ indeed.

 

FICTION

 

THE MARRIAGE PORTRAIT by Maggie O’Farrell

The draw for this read was the author, Maggie O’Farrell who’s Hamnet was a wow read.  The  novel was inspired by the poem “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning. The setting of this novel is 16th century Italy and centres on the young adolescent Lucrezia di Cosimo deMedici who was thrust into a marriage with the Duke of Ferrera. Her husband, Alfonso, a megalomaniac,  is at times passionate and attentive, at times ruthless and political. Lucrezia has one duty – to provide the heir for the Ferrarese dynasty.  Lucrezia does not get pregnant and she is certain that Alfonso is determined to kill her. The Duchess spends days of luxury living in the palazzo, but longs for days when she can be free of being smothered by Alfonso, where she can dedicate herself to her talent as an artist, and for the possibility of heading back to Florence to be reunited with her family.  Then novel plods along languishes and only seems to get more inspiring with the painting of the marriage portrait in the later part of the story.Only the final part seems to hold adventure and suspense. But O’Farrell’s writing is exquisite in detail and description. She is a perceptive – perhaps too perceptive – wordsmith.  Sentences are masterful portraits of the sights and sounds of all that is going on in Lucrezia’s life… and of words that illuminate the feelings of this observant, resilient character.  Research of aristocratic life and culture of the Renaissance is staggering.

Excerpts

“He leads her up a spiral staircase slippery with moisture and moss. She must cling to his hand so her shoes don’t skid, so she doesn’t stumble on the hem of her gown. It is only by the candle’s wear yellow penumbra that she can see where she is, the walls and corridors of this place.” (p. 56)

“Let the ghouls that hover in the corners of the room see what they are dealing with: she is the fifth child of the ruler of Tuscany; she has touched the fur of a tigress; she has scaled a mountain range to be here. Take that, Darkness. (p. 128) 

 

SELF-MADE BOYS by Anna-Marie McLemore

When the author first read The Great Gatsby as a teen, they were certain that Nick Carraway was in love with Jay Gatsby and that ‘the story wasn’t done for me’.  This title is a remix of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic work. . Jay Gatsby is now a transgender young man, Daisy is a Latina lesbian debutante and Nick Carraway is a Mexican American  transgender boy intent to making a better life for himself. McLemore is a transgender who aspired to present the American dream myth through a new lens. From the author’s note: The term Self-Made men, according to Frederick Douglass “implies an individual independence of the past and present which can never exist.realized ” Award-winning transgender author, Anne-Marie McLemore, has realized their dream by writing about Nick and Jay who couldn’t make themselves as boys and men without each other and without their communities of East Egg and West Egg.  Self-Made Boys is a fresh, honest  well-written novel for teenagers who may or not be familiar with the classic novel on which it is based. 

THE SLEEPING CAR PORTER by Suzette Mayr

The year is 1929. Even though he has strong aspirations to become a dentist, Baxter, a Black queer man considers himself lucky to hold a position as a sleeping car porter aboard a train that crisscrosses Canada, a job that will help him to earn money to pay for his dreams. He puts on a smile for the white passengers hoping not to receive any demerit points for bad behaviour. Mayr presents a cast of unruly passengers aboard the train and it is their stories – and Baxter’s servitude to them – make this novel come alive. Winner of the 100K Scotia Bank Giller Prize 2022. 

The month of December offered more free time than usual to dig into books (when not watching Netflix.  This posting outlines 11 books for middle years and teenage readers with some fine fiction, nonfiction titles and poetry titles.

 

MIDDLE YEARS (ages 9 – 12)

 

AVIVA VS. THE DYBBUK by Mari Lowe (Fiction)

Aviva is an orthodox young girl, who experienced tragedy in her life, when her father was killed. Aviva is now living alone with her mother who supervises the community mikvah (a pool used for religious immersing).  A ghostly and mischievous dybbuk (ghost of a deceased person who returns to complete a certain task) keeps Aviva company even though he is the cause of mayhem in destruction. Aviva’s relationship with her best friend Kayla has gone sour but when the two are forced to work together to plan festivities for the girls in their school who approaching Bat Mitzva (coming of age for Jewish girls at twelve), the two girls renew their friendship, especially when tension mounts in the community where they live when vandalism and antisemitic crimes escalate, as does the actions of the dybbuk. This was an engaging suspenseful read, I would say for a particular audience, where Judaic customs might be familiar (e.g. Mikvah; Dybbuk: Shul: Torah; Bat Mitzvah Genizah). Still a story of grief, healing, popularity and resilience are universal themes to engage many young adolescent readers. 

 

THE CHILDREN OF WILLESDEN LANE: A True Story of Hope and Survival During World War II by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen adapted by Emil Sher (Historical Fiction)

This story of courage and hope recounting the experiences of teenager Lisa Jura’s life in England during WWIi. Lisa was chosen for the Kindertransport, the rescue effort to relocate Jewish children to great Britain. Separated from her family and left unaware of their fates, Lisa finds company in the refugee home on Willesden Lane. A musical prodigy, Lisa Jura is devoted to practicing piano, receiving a scholarship to the Royal Academy and giving concerts. It is music that gives her hope and helps her to keep her promise to her mother ‘to hold on to her music.”  Her daughter Mona Golabek a celebrated concert pianist, along with journalist Mona Golabek recounts Lisa Juras’s experiences. This version is a Young Readers Edition adapted by Emily Sher. The Hold On To Your Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization which has created a series of Willesden Reads across North American. Recently, copies of this historical fiction have been donated to middle age readers throughout the GTA to read this inspirational of a courageous Jewish refugee survivor.  www.holdontoyourmusic.org

 

THE DEEPEST BREATH by Meg Grehan (Free verse novel)

This free verse novel;, bu Irish author, Meg Grehan, presents a sensitive portrait of an 11-year old girl who is questioning her sexuality. Stevie has. a fizzy feeling in her tummy about a girl named Chloe in her class whom she makes friend. She has a loving relationship with her now single mother and Stevie doesn’t want to let her down. Grehan presents an inquisitive, reflective -and rather anxious – character on the path of discovery about changes in her life especially on her path to  accept her feelings for another girl.

 

MARSHMALLOW CLOUDS: Two poets at play among Figures of Speech by Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek; illus. Richard Jones (Poetry)

How lovely it is to dip into a poetry anthology of  poems that spark our imaginations and wonder about familiar elements of our world. Marshmallow Clouds is framed by the four elements of fire, water, air and earth and according to the jacket blurb are about ‘art and reality, fact and fancy.  Ted Kooser was the US Poet Laureate from 2004 to 2006 tells us that the ‘poems in this book are about foolign around, about letting one’s imagination run fee with whatever it comes upon. For poet Connie Wanek “it’s fun to listen for voices from unexpected voices.” I liked this collection a lot, but if truth be told especially was wowed by the vivid images created by artist Richard Jones, images of pure poetry. 

from “In November”

The leaves at the tops of the trees

are the last to fall. They cling

to summer as the first cold winds 

begin to pinch at them  like

someone’s fingers trying to put out 

the flames of a thousand candles.”

 

THE UNDERCOVER BOOK LIST by Colleen Nelson (Fiction)

Tyson is known as the class troublemaker and Jane the the class bookworm join forces within a secret club to find Jane a new book-loving friend. Canadian novelist, Colleen Nelson weaves two stories together. where each character discovers their own self-reliance and courage to overcome obstacles. Chapters are organized by alternating characters Jane and Tyson. This novel is a finalist for several book awards, including the OLA Forest of Reading Silver Birch Award.  This story will particularly engage middle-age readers who think about their identities (who doesn’t?) and how caring, empathetic  friendships are built. That it helps to celebrate the world of children’s literature is a bonus. The Kids Lit Quiz competition is an important part of the plot. 

 

SHOUT OUT

MAIZY CHEN’S LAST CHANCE (Fiction)

Maizy Chen has travelled with her mother to visit her grandmother (Oma)and grandfather (Opa) who live in Last Chance,  small community in Minnesota. Oma and Opa run small restaurant called The Golden Palace which had in the family for generations. But business hasn’t been going well recently, especially with Opa’s declining health. Though she was reluctant at first to spend time in this small town, the visit becomes important to Maizy as she learns about Chinese cooking, her mother’s conflict with her grandmother and the mystery of pictures on the office wall and stories from her family’s past. Threaded throughout the book is the story of her great great grandfather Lucky’s journey from China (1876 – ) to San Francisco to Minnesota.  Incidents of Anti-Asian Racism, past and present, are disturbing to read about but Maizy is a smart, determined character who’s hard questions and determination  brings honour to immigrant families. Plying poker, digging for worms, dealing with mean girls, inventing fortune cookie sayings and protecting a large wooden bear mascot that is vandalized  all help to make this a wonderful engaging read.

This is one of the best titles of recent fiction that deal with Anti-Asian Racism that can proudly sit beside the works by Kelly Yang (Front Desk Series; New From Here), Andrew Wang (The Many Meanings of Meilan, Cynthia Kodato (A Place to Belong  and Linda Sue Park (Prairie Lotus).

 

YOUNG ADULT (ages 12- 16)

 

BRAIDING SWEETGRASS: For young adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer; adapted by Monique Gray Smith; illus. Nicole Neidhart (nonfiction)

(From the book jacket cover): “As a botanist Robin Wall Kimerer is trained to use the tools of science to ask questions about nature. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces plants and animals as our oldest teachers… Adapted by Monique Gray Smith with illustrations from Nicole Neidhardt Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults highlights how acknowledging and celebrating our reciprocal relationship with: the earth results in a wider, more complete understanding of our place and purpose.”

What a rich, remarkable, detailed  book that presents adolescent readers with an encyclopedic document of the plant world which at the same time informs them of the journey of Indigenous ancestors to understand the generosity of the earth and our part in being grateful for the gifts and giving gifts in return. The layout and text features of this book os wonderful: Chapter organization (Meeting Sweetgrass, Planting Sweetgrass, Tending Sweetgrass, Picking Sweetgrass, Braiding Sweetgrass, Burning Sweetgrass) evocative black and white illustrations spread throughout; the green (Sweetgrass green) to highlight titles and definitions; black and white photographs; Text boxes that define terms (e.g., circumnutation; poultice; windthrow); Questions to inspire the reader that inspire reflection (e.g.,’What happens to our perception, engagement, and connection to the world when we feel the natural world communicating with us?” ; “What would it be like to live with a heightened sensitivity to the lives given for ours?”)  I particularly admired the frequent use of text boxes that highlighted statements from the text. In fact, these excerpts are framed, not in boxes, but in circular borders designed as braided sweetgrass.  (e.g., “How in our modern world, can we find a way to understand the earth as a gift again?”‘ “To be heard , you must speak the language of the one you want to listen.”) Of special note are the stories and legends of that help to explain Indigenous relationship with the natural world (e.g., Nanabozho’s Journey, The Wendigo, Three Sisters). This is an astonishing book. 

 

FLY by Alison Hughes (Free Verse Novel)

Life in high school can be difficult but for teenager Felix Landon Yarrow (a.k.a Fly)  living life in a wheelchair can be particularly challenging.  But Fly is particularly observant of those around him and bravely carrie on. He has a crush on a girl named Daria and keeps this dream a secret. When he becomes aware of a the creepy Carter who is involved in a scheme selling pills, Fly secretly plans to set a trap to catch Carter and perhaps win favour with Daria. This is a wonderful story about the identity of a disabled teenager who  bravely wrestles with life’s circumstances. The free verse style of this excellent novel invites readers into the mind and soul of this boy with cerebral palsy. Beautiful writing. Beautiful character. 

Fly in the hall,

a fly on the wall – 

         watching

        listening,

        missing nothing, 

        remembering

 

THE PRISONER AND THE WRITER by Heather Camlot; illus. Sophie Casson  (YA Picture book/ Historical Fiction)

This is a stirring picture book of historical fiction.  In 1895, Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer was falsely accused of being a traitor to France by passing military secrets to Germany. Dreyfus as exiled to a prison on Devil’s Island. (“My only crime was to have been born a Jew.” Alfred Dreyfus). In 1898 writer Emile Zola’s powerful political letter was published declaring Dreyfus’s innocence and accusing those who were to really to blame. This picture book provides readers with the significance of The Dreyfus Affair in French and world politics. It is a story of antisemitism reminding readers about truth, justice and equality and the need to stand up and speak out against any prejudice they are faced with. Author Heather Camlot has done. brilliant job through lyrical, poetic text and alternate narratives to shine a light on this historical incident and to encourage readers to learn more about two heroic characters and see the relevance of their story in today’s world. Sophie’s Casson’s lightly coloured illustrations strongly support the verbal text.

NOTE: I am creating this posting on 23.01.23, 125 years since Zola’s 4000 word open letter to the president of France was published January 13, 

“The truth is on the march and nothing will stop it.. When we bury the truth underground, it builds up, it takes on such an explosive force, that the day it bursts, it blows up everything with it.” (From “J’Accuse)

 

THE REALM OF POSSIBILiTY by David Levithan (Poetry)

This is an early work (2004) by popular author David Levithan where he digs into the minds and observations and angst of twenty teenage voices. This  a collection of poems where gay and straight characters reflect on love. This is not a free verse novel but each poem, a monologue of sorts  each telling a story. For me, the narratives do not always come through. The book is divided into five sections, each framed on 4 different characters. I went online and stumbled on a list of characters with brief descriptions summarizing their life and relationships. This would have been very helpful if included in the book. As a poet, like his  work in fiction, presents the world of teenagers with authenticity.  

 

SELF-MADE BOYS by Anna-Marie McLemore (YA+) (Fiction)

When the author first read The Great Gatsby as a teen, they were certain that Nick Carraway was in love with Jay Gatsby and that ‘the story wasn’t done for me’.  This title is a remix of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic work. . Jay Gatsby is now a transgender young man, Daisy is a Latina lesbian debutante and Nick Carraway is a Mexican American  transgender boy intent to making a better life for himself. McLemore is a transgender who aspired to present the American dream myth through a new lens. From the author’s note: The term Self-Made men, according to Frederick Douglass “implies an individual independence of the past and present which can never exist.realized ” Award-winning transgender author, Anne-Marie McLemore, has realized their dream by writing about Nick and Jay who couldn’t make themselves as boys and men without each other and without their communities of East Egg and West Egg.  Self-Made Boys is a fresh, honest  well-written novel for teenagers who may or not be familiar with the classic novel on which it is based.