My Bed: Enchanting Ways to Fall Asleep Around the World, written by Rebecca Bond, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: This book is an interesting story of how children sleep in different countries. The beautiful illustrations, by Salley Mavor, are colorful and hand-stitched. The intricacy of the illustrations adds so much to the descriptions for each area of the world. Children will learn how other children sleep, where they sleep and what they sleep on. They will learn that the climate impacts where children sleep as well as the nature and style of the dwellings. Some children sleep inside and some outside. It is a short history of sleep that will be of interest to children. A bonus illustration of an animal representing each country will provide some extra interest and discussion for children. The book will show children that there are similarities, in something such as sleeping, throughout the world and that the differences are not that far apart. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A good comparison of children in different countries and how and where they sleep. Something children will relate to and, most likely, find fun and interesting.

Enzo Races in the Rain, written by Garth Stein, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: A puppy who loves to run and never stays in one place is chosen for a pet by Denny and his daughter, Zoe. Denny, a race car driver, appreciates the puppy’s love of speed and names him Enzo, after Enzo Ferrari. Enzo is delighted by riding in a fast car with his new family, and is excited by all of the smells and sights in their new home - until he enters Zoe’s bedroom. Her bed is covered with stuffed animals that stare at him and smell funny. He feels cooped up in the house with them, so when Zoe shows Enzo the doggie door, he smells fresh air and longs to run. He takes off, out the doggie door, through a crack in the fence, and into a street busy with cars before Zoe can put his collar on him. Enzo gets lost and wonders if he will ever find his way back to his new home until finally he smells pancakes and the sweet smell of Zoe. The family is reunited and celebrates with a pancake dinner. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This picture book adaptation of The Art of Racing in the Rain features an adorable dog on the cover, which will draw in nearly every young reader. The story is told from Enzo’s perspective, making elements of normal human life seem interesting and fresh, and even funny at times. The illustrations are colorful and warm, creating a sense of happiness around Enzo as he explores the world with delight. There is a significant amount of text on each page, making this book better suited to more established readers and to lap listeners with good attention spans. Children will absorb messaging about belonging and family, and learn an important lesson from Enzo about wandering away from home. This book stretches quite a bit from the original story, which may disappoint parents who are already fans, but young readers who are not familiar with the novel will only see this book as a heartwarming story about a dog who loves to run and finds a happy home.

We Had to Be Brave, written by Deborah Hopkinson, reviewed by Stephanie Wilson

Summary: In November 1938, days after Kristallnacht (the Night of Broken Glass); plans were made to rescue as many Jewish children as possible by sending them to England. 10,000 Jewish children primarily from Germany and Austria were ultimately rescued. We Had to Be Brave tells the individual stories of the children whose lives were saved by the Kindertransport. A variety of individuals and organizations worked together to facilitate the transports. Only children under the age of seventeen were eligible for the Kindertransports. One memorable scene from the book tells the story of a boy who was discovered after boarding the transport to be eighteen. His head was shaved. It was clear he had likely been arrested and released from a concentration camp. This presented a devastating dilemma. If they told the officials the truth, it would doom him to certain death. If they lied to protect him, they risked jeopardizing the lives of the other children. Hopkinson organizes the information chronologically. She follows the individual stories of the children from their memories of life before Hitler and on into adulthood. Many of the children hauntingly remember sobbing as they said their good-byes. The older children realized the partings might be permanent. Many of the children held out hope they would eventually be reunited with their families. Roughly 90% of the Kindertransport children never saw their parents again. The book is filled with photographs and online links to individual stories. A glossary and timeline of events is also included. The final section of the book features updates on the survivors and rescuers. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: It’s difficult to read a book like We Had To Be Brave and not find yourself moved to tears. The children who were rescued have fond memories of their idyllic childhood prior to Hitler’s rise to power. They had vacations at the beach, visits to their grandparents and close friendships with their classmates. The events that followed Kristallnacht marked them forever. We Had To Be Brave sends a warning about how intolerance slowly became persecution through hate speech and small indignities and continued to grow unchecked. It ended in the "final solution." It's a warning about intolerance we would be wise to heed. The book lends itself easily to cross-curricular applications. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Snail and Worm, written by Tina Kugler, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: Snail and Worm is a sweet collection of three short stories that are sure to delight young readers. In the first tale, old friends Snail and Worm attempt to include new friends (inanimate objects) rock and stick into their game of hide and seek. In the following story, Snail receives encouragement from Worm to climb a very tall flower. He is proud of his success and celebrates his accomplishment by describing the view from his new elevated perspective. Readers and Worm are amused and baffled to see that Snail’s weight has bent the flower nearly to the ground. In the final tale, Snail and Worm talk about their pets, mistaking a dog for a spider and vice versa. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: These simple stories are just clever and funny enough to be an easy sell for both preschoolers and early readers. The text has a simplicity that a beginning reader can grasp, providing a new entertaining option among the Level 1 reader sets, but the stories are appropriate for preschool listeners. The illustrations are colorful acrylic and collage, and provide easy connections to the text without overwhelming or distracting the eye. Snail and Worm misunderstand their circumstances or environment frequently, but the reality is clear to readers. This provides young readers with a precious opportunity to access expert understanding and “know better” than the characters themselves. Paired with the simple text, this wisdom that we feel as readers is likely to provide a significant dose of confidence to a beginning reader. Snail and Worm has a classic feel and is likely to become a staple in any collection for young children and early elementary students.

One Little Bag, written by Henry Cole, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: The interesting opening to this book shows the evolution of a tree being cut in a forest to becoming paper and ultimately a paper bag. The pencil illustrations in black and white with the tree in brown is an excellent way demonstrate the mechanics of the process of turning wood into paper. The illustrations then tell the story without words. It is powerful, fun and informative. The story begins with a boy and his lunch bag on the table at school and follows with the boy getting older but with a paper bag in each depiction. The bag holds marshmallows while he is camping, tools while working on a car and, as he grows older and goes to college, aids him as he courts a young woman. A bag is with the couple as their relationship grows. A paper bag holds a ring as the young man proposes, flower petals to be strewn down the aisle for their wedding and acts as a mobile over their baby’s crib. As the couple grows old a paper bag is in each illustration as the now old man spends time with his grandchild. The juxtaposed paper bag and young boy growing old really works well in telling the story. The ending is sweet and beautiful. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A great book for discussing the topics of recycling, nature, family, aging and relationships.

Heartstopper, Volume 2, written by Alice Oseman, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: This second book in the Heartstopper series picks up immediately where the first book left off. Charlie and Nick, having spent the majority of the first book becoming close friends and experiencing building romantic tension, have just kissed for the first time. The kiss is interrupted and Nick, who has not previously had feelings for another boy, leaves Charlie rather abruptly. Book Two begins with both characters awash in feelings of confusion, wondering how the other feels. Charlie, who has been out as gay for several years, feels that he has made a mistake in kissing his straight friend and worries that he has ruined their friendship. Unbeknownst to Charlie, Nick is realizing that he enjoyed the kiss and has feelings for Charlie, but is trying to process what this means for him and for their relationship. The two spend the remainder of the book enjoying the bubbling excitement of new love and supporting each other through the hills and valleys of coming out, making their relationship public, and dealing with a wide variety of reactions and levels of acceptance. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is a hug snuggled under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate. Charlie and Nick both experience confusing feelings at times, but they are so wonderfully kind and understanding to each other as their relationship and personal identities grow and change. While there are a few students at Charlie and Nick’s school that do not seem to accept them and engage in some homophobic teasing, many of the people in their lives, including parents, sibling, and friends from school, process the new relationship and Nick’s coming out in warm and loving https://libresbooksmi.blogspot.com ways. Some of Charlie’s friends express concern about Nick hurting Charlie by using him in a temporary and experimental way, which is a common trope in lesser stories. But in this case, though the story could easily go in that direction, Oseman chooses to help readers see, through Nick, that while caution is prudent, Nick’s new bisexual identity only becomes clear to him after he becomes so close with Charlie. While the romance vibes and attraction are definitely swoony, the interactions through Book 2 remain firmly in the PG category, making this an aspirational and acceptable story for MS students as well as HS students. There is some language, including some possibly triggering homophobic remarks, but students are more likely to hear worse on Netflix or in the hallways of their own schools. This is a heartwarming, sweet story that offers a beautiful picture of two boys falling in love. It is a must purchase, along with Book 1, for secondary school libraries.

Fortune Falls, written by Jenny Goebel, reviewed by Todd Erickson

Summary: After a string of bad luck, 12 year old Sadie is one of the unluckiest girls in Fortunate Falls, the magical town where if you're one of the Luckies - life is the goose that laid the golden egg. Unlucky Sadie will probably fail her big luck test and be sent away at age 12 to Bane boarding school, where all Unluckies are sent to protect their loved ones. Might not be a bad idea since Sadies dad has already died, her dog has ended up missing and her little brother just wants to be spared of her bad ju-ju. She and best friend Cooper devise a plan to reverse her fortune. But will it work, or has all her luck run out? 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book reads like a clever joke that gets old fast. It's vapid enough to be entertaining, but and Sadie seems stuck in the shallow end of the wishing well. She doesn't ask for much, just enough luck to be spared banishment from her basic life in her inane town. Luckily the author ditches the thesaurus early on, and it is reasonably well written. But the tone of this book is off putting, it seems a little too happy go lucky for a girl with such bad luck written in her stars. A tacked on ending with Sadie saving the day for some fellow Unluckies seems like an afterthought to redeem Sadie, who seemed like she'd settle for being just lucky enough to dance with Cooper at the school dance.

A Long Road on a Short Day, written by Gary D.Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: This is a charming story about a boy, Samuel, and his papa on a mission to bring a milk cow home to mama. They set out on a cold, wintry day and make many stops to visit neighbors in hopes of trading for a milk cow. Papa begins the trading by exchanging his best knife for two lanterns. As Samuel and Papa go house to house they trade one item after another until they have what they need to trade for a milk cow. There are poignant scenes in which Samuel is given a pony and cart, which he loves, only to have them traded at the next house. Papa does not trade these items away in a cruel way but they do teach Samuel lessons about doing the right thing and keeping the end goal of the mission in mind. The illustrations by Eugene Yelchin are perfect. They wonderfully depict Samuel and papa, neighbors and items traded and, of course, the cold, wintry short road. Family, friends, hard work, weather, politeness and accomplishment are all represented so nicely in this story. It is an exceptional "feel good" book and will be popular with children. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A lowkey but excellent book about family, hard work, doing the right thing and friends and neighbors. I can imagine a lot of discussion with children on these topics and more.

Addy's Cup of Sugar: Based on a Buddhist Story of Healing, written by Jon J. Muth, reviewed by Judy Hauser

 

Summary: This book, based on a Buddhist story, is beautifully written and beautifully illustrated. It is, however, about healing from the death of loved ones. I can see that the book would be perfect to read to a child if the child has lost a pet like the girl in the book. Her kitten was hit by a car and her imaginary friend helps her with her loss by having her go neighbor to neighbor to borrow a cup of sugar. However, her friend tells her that the sugar must come from a house that has not experienced a death. In doing so the girl finds that everyone has lost someone they love and it helps her heal. The story is very nice and it may be helpful to children who have lost a pet. I don't know if I would try to use it as a book to read to a child who has lost a family member or friend. There is, obviously, a lot of talk of death and it may be too much for a young mind to take. Recommended but probably for special cases where a child has experienced a loss or where a child's friend has experienced a loss. The story and the illustrations may help a child to understand loss and how to heal from a loss. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A lot of talk of death. I can see this book read to a child who has lost a pet. But, even though the story and the illustrations are great it is still about death and healing.

Empress of All Seasons, written by Emiko Jean, reviewed by Stephanie Wilson

Summary: Mari is not conventionally pretty so her mother trains her to be a warrior instead. She is an animal wife yokai whose sole purpose in life is to make a man fall in love her. Once she has his heart, she steals his riches and abandons him. Her mother has trained her for the ultimate prize: winning the heart of the prince. Mari is clever and strong but her status as a yokai puts her at risk. The Emperor despises the yokai and seeks their complete annihilation. Mari must survive the competition that takes her through the rooms of the Palace of Illusions. Each room corresponds with a season: Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring, and is filled with deadly monsters and traps. She must not only survive but beat the rest of the competitors to become Empress. Mari must maintain the illusion she is in an ordinary girl or risk certain death. She focuses her attention on winning and returning home to her village with the spoils. Complicating matters, Mari develops strong romantic feelings for Taro the “cold prince.” Her friend from the village, Akira has her back but he worries about Mari’s shifting loyalties. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: The mark of an excellent book is the deep desire of the reader to savor it. I slowed the pace of my reading and reread passages that spoke to me. I am absolutely floored by the brilliance of this novel. The interwoven stories of Mari, Akira, and Taro create a compelling tale of love, loyalty and fate. The various plot lines are strong and the pacing is spot on. The writing has a beautiful, lyrical quality rarely seen in young adult novels. Even the minor characters are memorable. Empress of All Seasons contains some darker moments and deeper themes that might be difficult for younger readers to process. Jean masterfully combines Japanese Mythology, romance and adventure into an incredible novel. It's a YA masterpiece. My only regret was finishing it.

Little Blue Truck's Valentine, written by Alice Schertle, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: Preschool aged children will love this book. The Little Blue Truck delivers several Valentine cards to friends like Hen, Pig and Horse. The vivid, cute illustrations by Jill McElmurry colorfully fill the thick, board pages. Little Blue Truck delivers more and more Valentine cards and wonders if, perhaps, friends will reciprocate. But, alas, as he delivers his cards to friends he does not receive cards in return. When Little Blue Truck arrives at his home his friends surprise him with a large Valentine card. The story and illustrations are both cute and will probably be popular with very young children. The sturdy book would make a nice Valentine's Day gift and a fun read aloud. The theme would also be good for discussing expectations and friendships. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This would, of course, be a great preschool book for Valentine's Day. It is a also a good story about friendship and expectations.

Valentine is missing!, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: A class of students is having a Valentine's party for their teacher. They make a Valentine for their teacher but it goes missing! The cute cut-outs (Valentine shaped of course) throughout the book will be a fun feature for young ones. Each page, around the cut-outs, depicts the items that may be hiding the Valentine. Balloons, strawberries, pizza, the owl and hot cocoa are some of the items that may be involved in hiding the Valentine. The illustrations by Anne Passchier are colorful and cute and perfect for preschool aged children. Children will enjoy this happy mystery of the missing Valentine. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is for preschoolers. It is a heavyboard book with cute cut-outs of Valentines. It is, of course, perfect for Valentine's Day.

Boyfriend App, written by Katie Sise, reviewed by Stephanie Wilson

Summary: Nothing in Audrey's life has gone right since her father died in a tragic accident at work. Her best friend ditched her. Most of her classmates think she's a freak. She has a small circle of friends from her tech class and that’s it. She has a crush on her techie friend Aidan. Audrey doesn’t want to ruin a good thing so she keeps her feelings hidden. One day, her principal announces that the largest tech company in the world (Public Corporation) is hosting an app designing contest for high school students. First prize is a $200,000 scholarship to the college of the winner's choice. Audrey designs The Boyfriend App as a way for teens to pair up with each other. Initially, the app takes off but it rapidly loses popularity when some of the matches go awry. Audrey accidentally discovers corporate secrets that reveal the true reason for Public Corporation’s success. Armed with this information, Audrey redesigns her app as The Boyfriend App 2.0. The improved app quickly causes pandemonium. Audrey has some tough choices to make as the novel races to its dramatic conclusion. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: What starts out as a straightforward teen romance, quickly morphs into a more sophisticated story. The novel’s plot builds slowly but once it's up to speed, it's amazing. Audrey is a hacker with a heart. Her father trained her to use her knowledge to help people, not hurt them. The Boyfriend App blends romance and a classic underdog story with a twist. Students with an interest in computer programing and emerging technology would enjoy this novel. Sise presents the programming information accurately without getting bogged down in jargon. The novel is recommended for high school students but mature middle school students could handle the content without any issues. There are several scenes of intense kissing, references to gay relationships and passing references to Blake losing her virginity. Blake is grounded when her dad finds out about it.