Rainbow in the Dark, written by Sean McGinty, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary:  Shortly after relocating to a new town with her mom and brother, CJ, Rainbow finds herself standing in the dark, unable to remember her own name. She thinks she was headed for the beach, but she’s in a field and nothing looks familiar. As she begins to explore her new surroundings, she finds a box that issues her an ID code, a task, and a few pages of memories. It seems that in this new land, Rainbow is on some kind of quest. She meets another player named Chad01, who provides some background to the game and starts to journey with her, both hoping to accomplish the same goal - find the portal to home. They meet twins, Owlsy and Lark, along the way and they become a team, working together, taking on missions, finishing quests, all in the hopes of going home. But the longer they are together, the more intense and confusing the quests become, and as Rainbow receives more memories, she starts to wonder how much of this game is real and how high the stakes really are.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Rainbow in the Dark is one of the most unique books I have ever read. Structurally, the narration moves back and forth between first person (when Rainbow is in her memories) and second person (when Rainbow is in the game). The story itself does not remind me of anything else. Rainbow’s quests in The Wilds frequently feel like a video game, but the inclusion of more serious elements and her flashbacks into her memories mute the video game vibe and give the story a more serious tone. That being said, many of the details and interactions in The Wilds are quite humorous. The way that the world is built, the characters in it, and the rules that must be followed often made me chuckle. But there is definitely a lot of darkness to the story too. It becomes clear that mental health, and possibly suicide, are aspects of Rainbow’s life outside of the game, which leaves the reader in suspense about how those components led Rainbow to The Wilds in the first place. And as more details of Rainbow’s past are revealed, the weight of her actions, inside and outside of the game, become heavier and more meaningful as the truth of Rainbow’s reality is finally discovered. This book is quirky and interesting, but it may fly above the heads of some students. However, those who connect with Rainbow’s struggles or who are engaged by an unusual story are likely to love it. Connections to Psychology curriculum are high, and there is an opportunity to use this book or a selection from it as a mentor text on story structure and narrative voice. Add this book to any collection lacking in mental health materials or where readers seek unusual stories.

Racers, The: How an Outcast Driver, An American Heiress, and a Legendary Car Challenged Hitler’s Best, written by Neal Bascomb, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary:  The Racers is an exciting piece of narrative nonfiction that builds to the culminating event of the 1937 European Grand Prix. But before readers get to that momentous race, we meet the drivers, teams and cars that participated. Hitler was reveling in his power and trying to prove the prowess of the Third Reich in motor sports. The Nazi German driver, Rudi Caracciola, and his line of vehicles drive one piece of the narrative. We also follow Rene Dreyfus, a French driver of Jewish heritage who is barred from racing for most teams despite having much success in racing. He finds a spot with Ecurie Bleue, a team run by Lucy Shell, an heiress and racer in her own right, who wanted to make her mark on the sport. As the Grand Prix approaches, the book becomes more and more exciting as readers wonder if the underdog team of Dreyfus and Shell stands a chance against the powerhouse force of Nazi Germany.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This book is incredibly detailed in its description of the cars and races in which each of the drivers competed. This reader, who is not a car or racing enthusiast, occasionally felt mired by the profuse details, but fully recognizes that the many middle school and high school readers who are fans of cars and racing will be delighted by the level of detail included. The historical context of the story is incredibly interesting, focusing on the power dynamics in Europe during the late 30s and the many ways in which the Nazi power overwhelmed nearly anyone or anything that crossed its path. There is plenty of room for curricular connections to world history, and the inclusion of an exciting tale of racing and power dynamics may be just the thing students need to add excitement to their curriculum. The connections between many still existing car companies and the Nazi regime were also fascinating to learn, and are rarely discussed, even in suburban Detroit, the Motor City, where this reviewer lives. Ultimately, this book is an underdog story, following scrappy Rene Dreyfus and determined Lucy Shell as they pursue their dreams in the face of immense power, fear and hatred. If students are interested in the first half of the story, they will certainly stick around for the heart-pounding finish. Recommended for libraries where car and racing books are popular and for collections in need of additional perspectives on World War II.

The Circus Rose, written by Betsy Cornwell, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary:  Rosie and Ivory are twins who have grown up in the circus with their mother, the bearded lady and ringmaster. The sisters are extremely close, but incredibly different. Ivory is the primary storyteller, a lover of engineering and the circus stagehand. Rosie is the secondary storyteller, a performer in the show who becomes so overwhelmed after appearances that she must retreat to a dark room. After traveling for years through Fey lands, the circus has returned to its home city, Port’s End, which the performers expect to be a joyous occasion. But the city has changed while they were gone, and is now filled with religious fervor and zealous preachers who speak out against those who are different, like many in the circus family, especially Tam, an agender Fey magician with whom Ivory begins a relationship. When mysterious events befall the circus, Ivory must discover who is responsible in order to save the lives of many that she loves.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  There are some clever devices at play in this story. Ivory, the analytical sister, tells her chapters in prose, while Rosie, the creative sister, tells her chapters in beautiful verse. The effect is interesting, but also leaves the reader feeling like they understand Ivory much better than Rosie. One of the story's greatest strengths is its seamless inclusion of characters that represent many different gender identities and defy traditional gender norms. We see this most clearly in the character of Tam, who is Fey, none of whom identify as male or female, and who uses fe/fer/fers pronouns throughout the book. Tam’s relationship with Ivory is very queer positive, as is Rosie’s relationship, though it is a bit more mysterious. The girls’ mother proudly sports a beard and is considered one of the most attractive women among many in society. These inclusive elements are no doubt responsible for the inclusion of The Circus Rose on the 2021 Rainbow List, along with the plot element involving the persecution of each of these people and many others by religious groups. All of these positive elements aside, the story meanders and is occasionally difficult to follow. It offers almost too many world-building details without enough explanation of most of them. Some of the books' big reveals feel extremely obvious and others seem to appear from nowhere. Many readers are likely to abandon this book before they are able to process the messages, but students who are seeking out fantasy stories heavy on queer elements are likely to appreciate this book. Recommended for collections that are in need of more queer representation.

Land of the Cranes, written by Aida Salazar, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  Betita is a nine-year-old girl in Los Angeles who loves to write poems and draw pictures - until her father is deported and she and her pregnant mother are detained in a family detention camp. Among her fellow asylum seekers, Betita meets cruel guards, unfeeling administration, and desperately seeks to get her poems and story told - and her family reunited in their home. Told through pictures and poems, Betita's story is difficult to read but ultimately hopeful.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Betita's story is hard to read, but an important view into detainment centers and the difficulties faced by detainees. A beautiful collection of poems and pictures that tells a timely story about issues and fears faced by immigrants in the United States every day. Hand to readers who won't flinch from cruelty and are prepared to read the harsh reality and frustrations of immigration policy.

Barakah Beats, written by Maleeha Siddiqui, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  Nimra knows that transferring to a public middle school for seventh grade from her small Islamic academy will be difficult, but she's confident that her best friend, Jenna, will help her through. When Jenna becomes distant and seems to be ashamed that Nimra is the only person at school wearing a hijab, Nimra decides to prove to her that she fits in by joining the cool kids: three older Muslim boys who form the best band around, Barakah Beats. There's only one problem - Nimra's family's interpretation of Islam doesn't allow music.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Nimra is a refreshingly confident, proud Muslim character who has no interest in hiding herself or her religion, and readers looking for representation will flock to her. There's a lot to learn about Islam and the differences of practice even within the religion, as well as a diverse picture of the different types of people, races, and cultures that identify as Muslim. Although Nimra is wrestling with complicated decisions and issues that impact her family, friends, and religion, the story stays fun and hopeful.

Don't Say Poop! written by Jimmy Matejek-Morris, illustrated by Fred Blunt, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  Don't say the word "poop" - that's rude. Instead, you can say "humdrum bum crumbs" or "smelly belly funky jelly". This silly, gross picture book is a feast of rhymes, alliterations and tongue-twisters for "rude" words like pee, burp, boogers, and farts. Accompanied by colorful illustrations depicting all the rude words included, a young narrator walks the reader through a mixture of tongue-twisters that will have young readers rolling on the floor.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Be ready for gross-out contests and giggles after reading this book aloud! Or hand to readers looking for tongue-twisters.

Only My Dog Knows I Pick My Nose, written by Lauren Tarshis, illustrated by Lisa Bronson Mezoff, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  Lauren Tarshis (I Survived) makes her picture book debut with this sweet story about the relationship between a boy and his dog. The boy is a helpful, brave, broccoli-eating, toy-sharing brother - but only his dog sees the more mischievous burping, nose-picking, wild, silly side of him. Light watercolor illustrations depict the boy and his dog on their adventures together.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This picture book is a beautiful representation of the special relationship between people and pets, and shows a flawed but well-meaning boy whose dog "knows everything about me, and loves me all the time." Hand to young dog-lovers or read aloud as an illustration that no one is perfect.

Sydney & Taylor Take a Flying Leap, written by Jacqueline Davies, illustrated by Deborah Hocking, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  Hedgehog Taylor and skunk Sydney are best friends, back again for this second installment of their series. Taylor is ready to share his next Big Idea with Sydney: Taylor wants to fly. Several failed attempts - a blanket held by birds, building his own bat-like wings - end with Sydney breaking his fall, although Sydney continues to remind him that "hedgehogs cannot fly." When they come across a remote-control plane, Taylor at last has his chance to fly - and quickly comes close to crashing into a tree, then must flee from a great hawk. Throughout Taylor's hijinks, Sydney remains a loyal, if reluctant, friend and supporter.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Sydney and Taylor remain the same upbeat, silly pair from the first installment of this early chapter book series, and fans of the first book - as well as fans of Mercy Watson, Frog & Toad, and illustrated chapter books - will be delighted with Taylor's hijinks and Sydney's loyalty in this volume. Use as an impetus for a STEM lesson (What invention could we make to help a hedgehog fly?) or as a science lesson on the categorization of animals.

A Parade of Elephants, written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  What do elephants do all day?  They parade.  They gather and march.  Up and down, in and out, over and under until it's time to go to sleep.  Even sleeptime has its ritual of yawning and stretching, lifting your trunk and trumpet, and then falling asleep.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  A great first book for any preschooler-Kindergarten.  A fun way to learn to count to five.  Use it as an action book.  March like an elephant.  Participate in the elephant parade.  Be creative as they pass by up and down, over and under, and in and out. After marching all day, they yawn and stretch and take their nap,  Great addition for a kindergarten classroom.

The Scourge, written by Jennifer Nielsen, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary:  Best friends Ani and Weevil are part of the community of River People.  They are oppressed in a variety of ways.  They are told that they are the source and spreaders of the Scourge. When people test positive for the Scourge they get sent to The Colony.  Ani gets in trouble with the Warden all the time and it is like the Warden is looking for a reason to get rid of her.  Ani and Weevil are beginning to uncover a government conspiracy and learn about the truths being hidden from them.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This book is part fantasy, dystopia and action packed adventure.  There are some funny parts and some parts hit a bit close to home in terms of containing a pandemic. There is a little bit of mystery and romance.  There is a message about how misinformation breeds intolerance.  This book is a great choice for middle school libraries and classrooms.  Jennifer Nielsen books are very popular and this book will help round out her collection in your library.

The Parker Inheritance, written by Varian Johnson, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary:  Candice and her mom have moved from Washington DC to a small town in South Caroline.  Candice meets Brandon and they become fast friends.  Candice finds an old letter that was from her grandmother with a mystery in it.  Her Grandmother had tried to solve the mystery but the town just thought she was crazy.  There is supposed to be a treasure at the end of the mystery puzzle, so Candice and Brandon decide to attempt to piece together what had really happened during an illegal tennis match played in 1957.  The match was between the white Wallace School and the African American Perkins School.  As they get closer to solving the mystery the deeply rooted racism starts to become very visible.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This book is a good mix of historical fiction, realistic fiction, and mystery.  There is lots of action and suspense.  Readers will begin to see that racial equity is still an unresolved problem.  What happened in the past, can still be spilling over into today.  The pages that take place in the present are white pages, and the pages that take place in the 1950s are shaded gray. There are some pages set in 2007 that are black with white text, showing the words of the grandmother.  I really enjoyed the visual effect of different time periods were in a different color.  I think this is a great middle-grade book.  It could be used in an ELA classroom, a history classroom, or just for fun reading.  Some elements for discussion could include how schools were segregated, how some students were able to “pass as white”  I am a big fan of Varian Johnson and this book will not disappoint readers.  Get this for your middle school library or classroom.

Sydney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World , written by Jacqueline Davies, illustrated by Deborah Hocking, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  When best friends skunk Sydney and hedgehog Taylor (think Frog and Toad) set off on an expedition to see the Whole Wide World, they find out just how exhaustingly large it is - and they meet a family of frogs, defend themselves from an excitable dog, and even meet Miss Nancy, whose potting shed they live in. Sydney and Taylor are funny, brave, and a great example of supportive best friends.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This short illustrated chapter book is perfect for fans of Mercy Watson, or those who love Frog and Toad but are ready for something longer. It could be used as a silly aside during social studies to demonstrate the importance of a map ("Maps and the real world are different," notes Sydney) or as a character lesson to describe the distinct personalities of the two friends. Young readers just ready for chapter books will love Sydney and Taylor's funny friendship and adventure, and will be begging for the next installment in the series.

We Shall Overcome, written by Bryan Collier, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  Accompanying the lyrics of the Civil Rights anthem "We Shall Overcome", four-time Caldecott honoree Collier illustrates the journey of a young Black girl as she passes both historical and current landmarks. As she wanders through black-and-white depictions of the 16th Street Baptist Church, the bus on which Rosa Parks refused to move, and Little Rock Central High School, the girl also passes modern scenes shown in full color, such as a Black Lives Matter rally and the painting of a mural. Often both black-and-white historical and full-color contemporary scenes are shown on one two-page spread, showing the juxtaposition between past and present.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This illustrated anthem is an excellent addition to any civil rights collection. The appendix gives a detailed history of each landmark passed, as well as the titular song itself, and describes the importance of each event. School librarians may want to note that some of the lyrics repeat "The Lord will see us through, someday". A great informational picture book!

Dustborn, written by Erin Bowman, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  Delta, is a girl with a back tattoo full of secrets. Living in a wasteland full of dust squalls, geomagnetic storms, and solar flares, she is left to fight to survive. No made any easier as people begin to learn the secrets her tattoo holds. While Delta is focused on saving her family she quickly learns that she must do this on her own. After all, if you can not trust your oldest friend, what is left to help you survive? Will she be able to save her loved ones and the world at the same time?

Straight Talk for Librarians:  It really feels like a female Mad Max. With a female main character, this novel opens a different perspective to the Sci-Fi genre. With lots of action and other classic tropes woven in with some modern twists, it really is a fresh addition. While I enjoyed this read I often found myself struggling to move to the next plot point. I can very easily see this book being abandoned by a student who is not a seasoned reader. For the Secondary population, this is definitely a novel to add to the collection, but maybe not multiple copies. I rate this book a 3 out of 5 stars.

Marsha is Magnetic, written by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  Marsha is a scientist, but when it comes to making a list of friends to invite to her birthday party, she's stumped. To solve her "birthday problem", she follows the scientific method: After observing Christa, the popular girl in school, and her "magnetic personality," Marsha decides to make her own popularity by wearing a magnetic suit and handing birthday invitations to everyone who gets stuck to her throughout the day. Her suit allows her to make connections with new friends and eventually opens a locked gym door, turning  her into a hero.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  "Marsha is Magnetic" is a cute, scientific spin on making friends by being yourself. This story could be used as a fun review or introduction to the Scientific Method, as each step is explicitly stated in a heading before Marsha embarks on it; teachers could also use this silly picture book to illustrate the importance of being yourself. A great beginning-of-the-year read for science and STEM classes.

Princess Unlimited, written by Jacob Sager Weinstein, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  The king and queen shower Princess Susan with sparkles and dresses, while below the castle walls, villagers are desperately trying to fight off a dragon using mops, umbrellas and drinking straws. To address the inequity and equip the knights, Princess Susan embarks on money-making schemes - becoming a scullery maid and selling lemonade - only to have the king and queen once again squander the gold. Finally, Susan and her "vice princess of brave truth telling" (a former scullery maid) go off to fight the dragon themselves, and - with the help of some of Susan's sparkles - are able to convince it to contribute to the castle's coffers by providing dragon-fire fireplace subscriptions to the villagers.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This picture book is fun and full of sparkles, so young readers looking for a princess adventure will be well satisfied. The plot is reminiscent of "The Paper Bag Princess", and the colorful illustrations and fearless princess are charming. A fun depiction of a determined young princess out to live outside the box her parents and position have restrained her to.

Disasters by the Numbers: A Book of Infographics, written by Steve Jenkins, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  This non-fiction book explains the causes, effects, and extremes of natural disasters throughout the world, sorted into four sections: earth, weather, life, and space. Each disaster is treated to a two-page spread in the style of an Eyewitness non-fiction book: Every page is filled with colorful pictures, graphs, or diagrams explained by small paragraphs of text.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  If you're looking for a non-fiction book with high appeal for everyone, this colorful collection of disaster-themed infographics will fit the bill. Use it for a unit on non-fiction text features - you'll find every variety of graphs, charts, maps, timelines, and diagrams you can think of - or to satisfy a reader's curiosity about any number of natural disasters. Ranging from the more commonly known phenomena such as earthquakes and tornadoes, to lesser known dangers such as locusts and space disasters, and even including contemporary issues such as pandemics and climate change, this book leaves no disaster unexplored. COVID-19 is mentioned as "a new threat" under pandemics, and wearing a mask is identified as the best way to protect against it.

Time for School, Little Blue Truck: A Back to School Book for Kids, written by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Jill McElmurry, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  Little Blue Truck and Toad meet School Bus.  She’s big and yellow and all his friends are inside riding to school.  Little Blue truck wishes he can be a school bus too.  What a fun job it would be, but Blue is a truck not a bus.  On the way home, Little Blue and Toad see Piggy crying by the road.  He missed the bus and will be late for school.  Blue tells Piggy to get in.  He knows of a shortcut through the woods.  It is a rough, bumpy, and wet ride, but they make it in time.  Blue saves the day.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Little Blue Truck and Toad feel sad that they don’t go school and that they cannot be a bus taking their friends to school.  Everyone has limitations, but they can always help out when needed.  Blue became the backup school bus and everyone was happy.  Great lesson to learn.  Highly recommended.

Imagine, written by John Lennon, illustrated by Jean Jullien, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  John Lennon’s song “Imagine” is put to words.  A little bird flies all over spreading peace and love to the world with an olive branch.  If we do not fight over religion, possessions, or hunger, we might live together in harmony. His journey is long and far reaching.  In the end, the little bird and the other birds he met live as one.  Included in the book is a very nice forward tribute from Yoko Ono Lennon about her husband’s goal of world peace.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  While reading and humming the words in this book,  I couldn’t help but imagine the meaning it has today.  While written during the time of the Vietnam war, it can also be applied to today’s struggle with diversity.  This book of peace using birds of different colors could be used in today’s classroom to teach diversity, love and peace.   Very highly recommended!

Fairy's First Day of School, written by Bridget Heos (Author), Sara Not (Illustrator), reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  Fairy’s first day of school is today. Fairy’s mom helps ease her into her day by explaining all that will happen. How she will get to school, where to hang her backpack, remember to say hello or simply smile, how to sit during circle time, etc.  There are times for show and tell, art and clean up.  There is snack time, story time and nap time.  Daily fun for all fairies and at the end of the day, she gets to tell mom all about her day.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This is a look into the first day of school for a fairy kindergartener.  It is very similar the the first day of school for a little child.  This is especially useful for that student who is nervous about attending kindergarten. It includes advice on how to make friends and to join in on games.  The book details common courtesies on what will be expected and how to ask questions.  Presented in fairy fashion. Highly recommended.

The Fishy Treasure Caper Graphic Novel (Carmen Sandiego Graphic Novels), written by May Chan, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  Carmen SanDeigo and her crew help the Ecuadorian people get back a treasure lost many years ago in a sunken ship.  VILE, of course, has deemed the treasure invaluable.  This time fighting occurs down in the depths of the ocean with Carmen vs. El Topo vs. Ecuadorian fishermen.  The fishermen end up with the coin inside a tuna, but don’t know it’s there.VILE fights for the coin, but doesn’t realize the value is only in the history of it.  Carmen and crew fight to retrieve the treasure for the Ecuadorian people.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Adventure is a fun way to learn about different cities and cultures around the world.  Carmen and crew take off for Ecuador.  In the back of the book, there are 2 pages devoted to Ecuador with fun facts and did you knows.  Did you know the Galapagos Islands are in Ecuador? Did you know that Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution there?  The graphic novel style and storyline keeps readers turning the page.

Normal: One Kid's Extraordinary Journey, written by Magdalena Newman (Author), Nathaniel Newman (Author), Neil Swaab (Illustrator), reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  Nathaniel Newman details his life as a  child growing up with Treacher Collins syndrome, Craniofacial differences, with interchanging chapters from his mother’s viewpoint from birth to fifteen.  Nathan takes on a superhero facade to get through 67 surgeries before the age of 16.  He details his life’s highlights and losses.

Straight Talk for Librarians: Catchy book summary, but a bit of a slow start to a very good autobiography.  Students will enjoy the novel  and graphic  illustrations interspersed throughout the book. The illustrations kept the story light instead of sad.  Nathaniel's story was written with injected bits of humor, which allows you to read the book without crying.  It will be a success in any school library.

The Sticky Rice Caper (Carmen Sandiego Graphic Novels), written by Clarion Books, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  Carmen SanDiego and her crew, Player, Ivy and Zack, are trying to foil VILE’s plans again.  As they are leaving Paris, there is a thrilling espionage style boat race down the Seine. They arrive in Jakarta and use several of Carmen’s tools to enter into the Research and Design building of Dr. Bellum, a super villain of VILE.  The superheroes are in action trying to save the Indonesian rice crops from Dr. Bellum’s bio super spores.  These spores can wipe out the entire nation’s crop industry in a matter of hours.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Fun way to learn about different cities and cultures around the world.  Carmen starts off in Paris and flies to Jakarta.  In the back of the book, there are 2 pages devoted to each city with fun facts and did you know.  Did you know Paris has the most visited museum in the world called the Louvre and Indonesia has more volcanoes than any other country?  The graphic novel style and storyline keeps readers turning the page. Highly recommended for adventure seeking students.

Three Little Superpigs: Once Upon a Time, written by Claire Evans, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  Three little pigs love to play superheroes and mess up the house.  So one day mother told them it was time you move out and find your own homes.  They searched and searched until they came to fairyland. One piggy built a straw home and another piggy built a stick home really fast and spent their days playing.  The third piggy took his time and built a brick home.  Then one day, the big bad wolf came to fairyland.  He blew down the straw home and then the stick home, but he could not blow down the brick home. Wolf tried to get into the brick home by way of the fireplace. He landed in a pot of hot water and was captured.  Wolf went to prison and the whole town celebrated the three Superpigs.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  True to the original story with updated costumes for the Superpigs.  Great beginner reader book and fun to read over and over again. Colorful illustrations and board book cover without a dust jacket makes for easy wipe down.  A definite add to your school collection. Great way to teach patience and perseverance pays off. Highly recommended.

Manu: A Graphic Novel (¡¡MANU!!), written by Kelly Fernández, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  Best friends, Manu and Josefina, attend a magical boarding school for girls. Manu always seems to find herself on a crazy adventure that leads to her getting in trouble with the nuns. While the Nuns see a little girl with grand magical potential, Manu just wants to be a kid and have fun. In this graphic novel by Kelly Fernandez, a prank Manu pulls goes horribly wrong. Josephina is upset and wishes for Manu to disappear! When Manu really does disappear she struggles to find a spell to change her back. Manu’s magic is too powerful and Manu learns why the Nuns were always trying to get her magic under control.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Being a big fan of graphic novels Manu!! Is a great addition to any library. Although it is focused on the middle grades, High Schoolers can still capture the thematic joy that is this modern fairytale. Beautiful design, well-structured, and antic-filled magic adventures. While I assumed this would be a quick read I found myself trapped in the imagery. What should have taken me an hour to read took me three! The diversity and cultural connections without making them the prime focus of the story really allows the reader to experience Maru’s story as their own. Personally, I give this book 5 stars.