Month: March 2021

Featured

Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

Written by Ernesto Cisneros, Published by Quill Tree Books, 2020 (ages 8-12)

I really enjoyed reading about Efrén. He reminded me of some of the first students I worked with in a school library: hardworking, extremely bright, with plenty of pluck and heart. Even though he faces heartbreak and challenges, Cisneros does a great job in respecting the gravity of Efrén’s situation while maintaining a hopeful tone.

BACKGROUND

Life is busy enough with two very young siblings but Efrén’s parents, especially his mother, always had a way to keep things in order. When she is suddenly deported, Efrén’s fathers works overtime to provide and find a way to bring her back. Meanwhile Efrén finds himself taking care of well….everybody. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

This middle grade novel is best for students who like realistic fiction with relatable characters overcoming big obstacles. It also discusses friendships, community, and activism.

PAIR WITH

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

Featured

Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee

Written by Yoon Ha Lee, Published by Rick Riordan Presents, 2019. (Science Fiction, ages 8-12)

I’m not going to lie, it has been tough especially this last week. When you hear from friends and family of growing harassment and violence then to see it culminate in a hateful event with lives lost, it’s devastating. My family is still processing, but one of the things I have clung to is to think of the victories no matter how seemingly small they are. A few of these victories I look to is when I read a children’s book that is unapologetically authentic and unique. It’s so empowering to me and for readers everywhere to read stories that aren’t written to “fit” in a certain narrative and quietly gives permission to go ahead and be different. So here’s to all of you who, despite the message that someone’s story is less valued or purposely overlooked by others, are totally unafraid to be your authentic self and to share your story. What you really end up doing is giving everyone a wondrous gift. Thank you.

BACKGROUND

Min is a gumiho, a Korean fox spirit that can shape shift. Life seems bleak on her desolate planet Jinju, but when her older brother Jun is rumored to defect to look for the powerful Dragon Pearl, Min thinks it sounds suspicious. She takes it upon herself to prove his innocence. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

This middle school novel has Korean folklore interwoven throughout the story. It would best suited for readers looking for a high action, science fiction, gritty (but not too gritty!) read.

PAIR WITH

The Serpent’s Secret: Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond by Sayantani Dasgupta

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee

Featured

Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer by Traci Sorell

I finally got my copy in the mail this week and it did not disappoint! I have been excited to get a hold of this title since I read Traci Sorell’s previous middle grade novel, Indian No More. I was able to get a signed copy through a great bookstore called Birchbark Books. They are an independent Native bookstore located in Minnesota and have a great collection, check them out!

BACKGROUND

Native Mary Golda Ross was always gifted at math and science and paved her own path becoming an engineer responsible for designing aircrafts for the US during World World II. All along the way she stayed true and taught according to the Cherokee values she was raised with. Much of her work is still kept secret today. A timeline, notes about Cherokee Values, and a bibliography is included. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a fifteen to twenty minute read aloud that would be great for a biography unit, STEM, to highlight trailblazers, and World War II.

PAIR WITH

Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code: A Navajo Code Talker’s Story by Joseph Bruchac

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer

Featured

Lift by Minh Lê

Written by Minh Lê, Illustrated by Dan Santat, Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2020 (picture book, ages 4-8)

I’ll be honest, this book was my default Christmas gift to friends and family last year. Not only is the story funny and imaginative, but it also has that quality to really connect with a large age range of kids. I’m talking about older grade school children to really young toddlers. I was also overjoyed to hear that this title has also become the recent favorite of one of my nephews who loves the book’s travel to distant and different landscapes.

BACKGROUND

Iris is light skinned with dark hair and she loves pushing buttons — elevator buttons that is. Things get interesting when her toddler little brother starts encroaching on her button pushing. When Iris finds an abandoned elevator button and brings it home the two siblings will find a new adventure with every single ding of the button.

BEST FOR

The literal reading aloud of the text would be about five minutes. However this can easily be extended by explaining the illustrations since they read like a graphic novel. Kids would also love to have a turn narrating as well. This book is ideal for inspiring out-of-the-box thinking, storytelling, imaginative play, and sibling relationships.

PAIR WITH

What if…by Samantha Berger

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Lift

Featured

The Sea in Winter by Christine Day

Written by Christine Day, Published by Heartdrum, 2021. (fiction, ages 9-12)

Christine Day is an author that I have been keeping an eye on and she did not disappoint. She has a talent of writing simplistic narratives that capture the complexity of issues and the emotions of her characters. In this particular title she addresses how protagonist Maise must deal with the loss of a dream and finding a new goal to work towards.

BACKGROUND

Native Maise Cannon lives for ballet, so when she suffers a knee injury the pain is more than physical. When her family takes her on a vacation to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, Maise realizes her need to heal with the support of her community. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

This middle grade novel is great for readers that love to read about relationships, family, friendships, big life transitions, and dance.

PAIR WITH

Dancing Home by Alma Flor Ada

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore