I so wish that Lauren in the Limelight had been in my local library when I was a tween-ager… I would have loved loved loved to imagine myself Lauren then and I know that tweens — ballet fans or not — are going to love it now. —Nancy Pearl, author of the Book Lust series …
Authored by a teacher/librarian, This Is a Story imparts to the smallest page-turners, in a gentle, entertaining way, what a wondrous and deeply human experience it is to open a book and establish a connection to the big world around them. It’s a lovely read (or read-aloud) but for me, it’s Lauren Castillo’s illustrations that make …
I am a sucker for historical fiction based on fact, particularly if it involves World War II. Add to that mix, people who make their living dealing with books, such as booksellers and librarians and I will jump on the book. Alan Hlad has written just such a book. The title is The Book Spy. It …
Ibi Zoboi (The People Remember; American Street) pays radiant homage in Star Child to the woman who inspired her, taught her and shared her birthday. She deftly combines poetry, prose, quotes and photos to create what she calls the “constellation” of science fiction writer Octavia Estelle Butler: “I decided to call this biography a constellation because Octavia’s …
A work of triumphant wonder, representation and truth telling to transform the 1619 Project’s essence into picture book for children. A family tree assignment sparks questions of “who are you, trace your roots, draw a flag that represents your ancestral land…” and for some and reminders the erasure of records. Grandmother gathers the family around …
Nina Laden’s words of wonder paired with Melissa Castrillon’s lush jewel-toned illustrations pay tribute to and honor the bounty of the natural world. There is a almost a reverent musical dancing movement of this book that engages all of the senses. Feel your breathing calm and your whole body relax into the beauty of each …
Independent bookstores love helping with summer reading. The booksellers won’t necessarily write chapter synopses or book reports for you, but they’ll help you track down the books you want (or need) to read this summer. Educators, please consider emailing or dropping off your lists for students at your local bookstore; most stores enjoy putting together …
