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General Recommendations
The Darla Doodles Favorite Reads for 2019: Juvenile/YA Genres
By:
d
darladoodles
Mid-Continent Public Library
Community-created list
Out of the 450+ books I read in this past year, there were many in the Juvenile genres and some YA titles. Here are some I am especially happy to recommend.
By:
d
darladoodles
Mid-Continent Public Library
Book - 2019
One of the best things about fall is the latest installment in the Vanderbeekers series! The newest episode is my favorite yet as the five kids scramble t...Show more
One of the best things about fall is the latest installment in the Vanderbeekers series! The newest episode is my favorite yet as the five kids scramble to save their mom's business and help the homeless pets that keep showing up on their doorstep. You really feel their frustration and dismay. Mrs. Vanderbeeker's cookie business is in jeopardy because of the animals in the house and more keep appearing! Karina Yan Glaser gives us the distinct flavor of their Harlem neighborhood through the eyes of this group of siblings from a blended, intact home. It is such a delight to watch them work through solutions to the problems they are confronted with. They make unwise decisions at times and then work to correct their mistakes. No free passes, but plenty of grace and encouragement to try again. The covers for the series are beautiful and inviting and the illustrations inside are perfectly matched to the narrative. If you are still mourning the end of the Penderwicks, look no further for your next series.
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One of the best things about fall is the latest installment in the Vanderbeekers series! The newest episode is my favorite yet as the five kids scramble t...Show more
One of the best things about fall is the latest installment in the Vanderbeekers series! The newest episode is my favorite yet as the five kids scramble to save their mom's business and help the homeless pets that keep showing up on their doorstep. You really feel their frustration and dismay. Mrs. Vanderbeeker's cookie business is in jeopardy because of the animals in the house and more keep appearing! Karina Yan Glaser gives us the distinct flavor of their Harlem neighborhood through the eyes of this group of siblings from a blended, intact home. It is such a delight to watch them work through solutions to the problems they are confronted with. They make unwise decisions at times and then work to correct their mistakes. No free passes, but plenty of grace and encouragement to try again. The covers for the series are beautiful and inviting and the illustrations inside are perfectly matched to the narrative. If you are still mourning the end of the Penderwicks, look no further for your next series.
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Book - 2019
A fitting end to the Three Rancheros trilogy in "a crooked little house by a crooked little sea." Beverly Tapinski leaves the grave of her belov...Show more
A fitting end to the Three Rancheros trilogy in "a crooked little house by a crooked little sea." Beverly Tapinski leaves the grave of her beloved dog Buddy and hitches a ride to Tamaray. Once she gets there she starts walking and experiencing what is right there. Beverly is a resilient young lady who is wise beyond her years. As she makes her way through town, she makes a difference in the lives of everyone she meets. Of course, even though Beverly's dear dog has died there are new animals to liven up her stay in Tamaray in a persistent seagull and a cat named Nod. (Beverly does not like cats, but Nod falls in love with her.) DiCamillo has given us yet another classic story to cherish and I can envision it being picked up as a read aloud in classes all over the country.
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A fitting end to the Three Rancheros trilogy in "a crooked little house by a crooked little sea." Beverly Tapinski leaves the grave of her belov...Show more
A fitting end to the Three Rancheros trilogy in "a crooked little house by a crooked little sea." Beverly Tapinski leaves the grave of her beloved dog Buddy and hitches a ride to Tamaray. Once she gets there she starts walking and experiencing what is right there. Beverly is a resilient young lady who is wise beyond her years. As she makes her way through town, she makes a difference in the lives of everyone she meets. Of course, even though Beverly's dear dog has died there are new animals to liven up her stay in Tamaray in a persistent seagull and a cat named Nod. (Beverly does not like cats, but Nod falls in love with her.) DiCamillo has given us yet another classic story to cherish and I can envision it being picked up as a read aloud in classes all over the country.
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by Lenz, Niki
Book - 2019
Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit. This down home redemption story was a breath of fresh air and made me proud of this local author. Bernice Butt...Show more
Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit. This down home redemption story was a breath of fresh air and made me proud of this local author. Bernice Buttman's voice rings true and I loved the little things like a horse named Hoof Hearted, the poker game played with banana stickers, and the book quote notes that Sister Angela-Clarence would leave for Bernice (one time on a Hubba Bubba wrapper). Readers who have enjoyed "Gertie's Leap to Greatness" and "Beverly, Right Here" will also want to read this debut from Niki Lenz.
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Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit. This down home redemption story was a breath of fresh air and made me proud of this local author. Bernice Butt...Show more
Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit. This down home redemption story was a breath of fresh air and made me proud of this local author. Bernice Buttman's voice rings true and I loved the little things like a horse named Hoof Hearted, the poker game played with banana stickers, and the book quote notes that Sister Angela-Clarence would leave for Bernice (one time on a Hubba Bubba wrapper). Readers who have enjoyed "Gertie's Leap to Greatness" and "Beverly, Right Here" will also want to read this debut from Niki Lenz.
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Book - 2019
She had me at British Baking Show. Ellie is an aspiring baker and is inspired by Mary Berry, Julia Child and other baking greats. She is also confined to ...Show more
She had me at British Baking Show. Ellie is an aspiring baker and is inspired by Mary Berry, Julia Child and other baking greats. She is also confined to a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy and lives with her divorced mother. The two of them move to a trailer in Oklahoma to help Mema take care of grandpa after his dementia symptoms cause a couple of dangerous accidents. Now she is the new kid in a wheelchair at a small middle school coming from the wrong side of town -- the trailer park. Spunky Ellie may be down, but she is not out. With the help of her two new friends, Coralee and Bert (short for Robert), she will learn the joys of not being normal and discovering who she really is. This book reveals much about living with a disability without being just about that. Ellie's voice is authentic and will provide a much needed window for middle grade kids to living with CP. There is something for everyone in here: baking, therapy, mini golf, pageantry, fishing, and more. As promised on the cover, there is most definitely PIE! This is most definitely one of my favorite new juvenile titles in 2019. Enjoy.
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She had me at British Baking Show. Ellie is an aspiring baker and is inspired by Mary Berry, Julia Child and other baking greats. She is also confined to ...Show more
She had me at British Baking Show. Ellie is an aspiring baker and is inspired by Mary Berry, Julia Child and other baking greats. She is also confined to a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy and lives with her divorced mother. The two of them move to a trailer in Oklahoma to help Mema take care of grandpa after his dementia symptoms cause a couple of dangerous accidents. Now she is the new kid in a wheelchair at a small middle school coming from the wrong side of town -- the trailer park. Spunky Ellie may be down, but she is not out. With the help of her two new friends, Coralee and Bert (short for Robert), she will learn the joys of not being normal and discovering who she really is. This book reveals much about living with a disability without being just about that. Ellie's voice is authentic and will provide a much needed window for middle grade kids to living with CP. There is something for everyone in here: baking, therapy, mini golf, pageantry, fishing, and more. As promised on the cover, there is most definitely PIE! This is most definitely one of my favorite new juvenile titles in 2019. Enjoy.
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Downloadable Audiobook - 2019
Aven Green lives her life without arms more authentically than many kids with all of their limbs. Her story is inspiring and informative as she befriends ...Show more
Aven Green lives her life without arms more authentically than many kids with all of their limbs. Her story is inspiring and informative as she befriends a boy with Tourette's and another with a weight problem. They run into each other while avoiding eating lunch in the cafeteria. Together they team up to try and solve the mystery of the missing owner of Stagecoach Pass. When Aven's spirits dip into a valley, her father inspires her with Matthew 5:15 and encourages her to let her light shine. Shine on, Aven. Looking forward to the sequel!
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Aven Green lives her life without arms more authentically than many kids with all of their limbs. Her story is inspiring and informative as she befriends ...Show more
Aven Green lives her life without arms more authentically than many kids with all of their limbs. Her story is inspiring and informative as she befriends a boy with Tourette's and another with a weight problem. They run into each other while avoiding eating lunch in the cafeteria. Together they team up to try and solve the mystery of the missing owner of Stagecoach Pass. When Aven's spirits dip into a valley, her father inspires her with Matthew 5:15 and encourages her to let her light shine. Shine on, Aven. Looking forward to the sequel!
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Book - 2019
This book was so much fun to read. Lizzy is totally serious about basketball and she is a worthy competitor for the boys in her middle school. When she ge...Show more
This book was so much fun to read. Lizzy is totally serious about basketball and she is a worthy competitor for the boys in her middle school. When she gets the opportunity to make one wish, her life changes in exponential ways. At times the narrative is like a play-by-play with participants and observers contributing information. Sometimes it is famous people we all know like Spike Lee, Jack Nicholson and LeBron James. Reading about Lizzy reminded me of the movie "Like Mike" that my boys watched over and over and over when they were in the middles grades. The magic of those shoes was like the magic Lizzy finds when she makes her wish. You, too, will feel that magic when you read this debut novel. I loved it!
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This book was so much fun to read. Lizzy is totally serious about basketball and she is a worthy competitor for the boys in her middle school. When she ge...Show more
This book was so much fun to read. Lizzy is totally serious about basketball and she is a worthy competitor for the boys in her middle school. When she gets the opportunity to make one wish, her life changes in exponential ways. At times the narrative is like a play-by-play with participants and observers contributing information. Sometimes it is famous people we all know like Spike Lee, Jack Nicholson and LeBron James. Reading about Lizzy reminded me of the movie "Like Mike" that my boys watched over and over and over when they were in the middles grades. The magic of those shoes was like the magic Lizzy finds when she makes her wish. You, too, will feel that magic when you read this debut novel. I loved it!
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by Ponti, James
Book - 2016
I love mysteries and this one is so much fun! Florian and Margaret are the Sherlock and Watson -- middle school version. TOAST (Theory of All Small Things...Show more
I love mysteries and this one is so much fun! Florian and Margaret are the Sherlock and Watson -- middle school version. TOAST (Theory of All Small Things) is Florian's go-to method. Once he shares it with Margaret, they soon come to the attention of the FBI. Even seasoned agents realize that Florian has some major detective skills. Loved the twisty plot and the art museum component. Impossible to put down. Can't wait to read the second book in the series.
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I love mysteries and this one is so much fun! Florian and Margaret are the Sherlock and Watson -- middle school version. TOAST (Theory of All Small Things...Show more
I love mysteries and this one is so much fun! Florian and Margaret are the Sherlock and Watson -- middle school version. TOAST (Theory of All Small Things) is Florian's go-to method. Once he shares it with Margaret, they soon come to the attention of the FBI. Even seasoned agents realize that Florian has some major detective skills. Loved the twisty plot and the art museum component. Impossible to put down. Can't wait to read the second book in the series.
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Book - 2008
As a mother of boys, I love books like this. They give us the opportunity to walk in the shoes of a boy and see the world through his eyes. Indeed, how wo...Show more
As a mother of boys, I love books like this. They give us the opportunity to walk in the shoes of a boy and see the world through his eyes. Indeed, how would you know it is a rule not to make walrus teeth with your sticks? How frustrating to have good ideas and want to implement them only to find out you have broken yet another rule set in place by grownups.
I found this to be an entertaining and enlightening read. Made me miss the days when my boys were this age. Would make an excellent classroom read aloud for K or 1st grades.
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As a mother of boys, I love books like this. They give us the opportunity to walk in the shoes of a boy and see the world through his eyes. Indeed, how wo...Show more
As a mother of boys, I love books like this. They give us the opportunity to walk in the shoes of a boy and see the world through his eyes. Indeed, how would you know it is a rule not to make walrus teeth with your sticks? How frustrating to have good ideas and want to implement them only to find out you have broken yet another rule set in place by grownups.
I found this to be an entertaining and enlightening read. Made me miss the days when my boys were this age. Would make an excellent classroom read aloud for K or 1st grades.
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by Lowry, Lois
Book - 2002
This book is truly a delight. Gooney Bird enters her second grade class like a bawse and as she tells her stories each day, the class is enthralled and fa...Show more
This book is truly a delight. Gooney Bird enters her second grade class like a bawse and as she tells her stories each day, the class is enthralled and fascinated. Even the teacher falls under her spell. Gooney Bird truly has a storytelling gift complete with the instincts for dressing well without overstating. What is even better is how she shares her knowledge and skill with the entire class. Kids who enjoy Pippi Longstocking and Clementine will also fall in love with Gooney Bird Greene.
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This book is truly a delight. Gooney Bird enters her second grade class like a bawse and as she tells her stories each day, the class is enthralled and fa...Show more
This book is truly a delight. Gooney Bird enters her second grade class like a bawse and as she tells her stories each day, the class is enthralled and fascinated. Even the teacher falls under her spell. Gooney Bird truly has a storytelling gift complete with the instincts for dressing well without overstating. What is even better is how she shares her knowledge and skill with the entire class. Kids who enjoy Pippi Longstocking and Clementine will also fall in love with Gooney Bird Greene.
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Book - 2017
There are so many things to love about this book. When you read it you get a backstage view of a kid's cooking show with production information, personali...Show more
There are so many things to love about this book. When you read it you get a backstage view of a kid's cooking show with production information, personality conflicts and bloopers. Kids who love cooking will get some tips on new things to try and be motivated to get in the kitchen. It was brilliant to make each week in the competition a book. You walk through the week with the contestants all the way through the elimination round. This is why I love to read Charise Mericle Harper's books and recommend them to middle grade readers!
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There are so many things to love about this book. When you read it you get a backstage view of a kid's cooking show with production information, personali...Show more
There are so many things to love about this book. When you read it you get a backstage view of a kid's cooking show with production information, personality conflicts and bloopers. Kids who love cooking will get some tips on new things to try and be motivated to get in the kitchen. It was brilliant to make each week in the competition a book. You walk through the week with the contestants all the way through the elimination round. This is why I love to read Charise Mericle Harper's books and recommend them to middle grade readers!
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Book - 2019
The cover is priceless and speaks beautifully of the story within. An unemployed WW II vet risks his own life to save a twelve-year-old boy from getting h...Show more
The cover is priceless and speaks beautifully of the story within. An unemployed WW II vet risks his own life to save a twelve-year-old boy from getting hit by a car. In the voice of this young man we view the town of Birdsong, South Carolina circa 1946. We learn the harsh realities of the Jim Crow South through his eyes and hear his voice. As Meriweather becomes a friend, we learn the value of seeing the world through more than one set of eyes. Highly recommended!
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The cover is priceless and speaks beautifully of the story within. An unemployed WW II vet risks his own life to save a twelve-year-old boy from getting h...Show more
The cover is priceless and speaks beautifully of the story within. An unemployed WW II vet risks his own life to save a twelve-year-old boy from getting hit by a car. In the voice of this young man we view the town of Birdsong, South Carolina circa 1946. We learn the harsh realities of the Jim Crow South through his eyes and hear his voice. As Meriweather becomes a friend, we learn the value of seeing the world through more than one set of eyes. Highly recommended!
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Audiobook CD - 2017
Simply perfect. It was everything I hoped it would be and I don't know why it took me so long to actually get around to reading it. No wonder it is a classic.
Simply perfect. It was everything I hoped it would be and I don't know why it took me so long to actually get around to reading it. No wonder it is a classic.
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Simply perfect. It was everything I hoped it would be and I don't know why it took me so long to actually get around to reading it. No wonder it is a classic.
Simply perfect. It was everything I hoped it would be and I don't know why it took me so long to actually get around to reading it. No wonder it is a classic.
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Book - 2017
Loved this one the first time around. So glad it made the nominee list for the 2019-20 Mark Twain Award. Just reread it to prep for an upcoming Kid's Lit ...Show more
Loved this one the first time around. So glad it made the nominee list for the 2019-20 Mark Twain Award. Just reread it to prep for an upcoming Kid's Lit group and it totally holds up. In fact, the end had me reaching for the tissues yet again. My Dutch roots may give me an instant connection to the girl in the platter, but I do think there is much in this book to connect today's kids as well. I still love, love, love the cover, too. In the words of Joplin: "My mind was on bigger things: the problem of evil, the perils of immortality, and this really bad feeling I had."
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Loved this one the first time around. So glad it made the nominee list for the 2019-20 Mark Twain Award. Just reread it to prep for an upcoming Kid's Lit ...Show more
Loved this one the first time around. So glad it made the nominee list for the 2019-20 Mark Twain Award. Just reread it to prep for an upcoming Kid's Lit group and it totally holds up. In fact, the end had me reaching for the tissues yet again. My Dutch roots may give me an instant connection to the girl in the platter, but I do think there is much in this book to connect today's kids as well. I still love, love, love the cover, too. In the words of Joplin: "My mind was on bigger things: the problem of evil, the perils of immortality, and this really bad feeling I had."
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by Lee, Stacey
Book - 2015
An amazing frontier tale of two girls on the run disguised as Argonauts. The very first sentence sucked me right in: "They say death aims only once a...Show more
An amazing frontier tale of two girls on the run disguised as Argonauts. The very first sentence sucked me right in: "They say death aims only once and never misses, but I doubt Ty Yorkshire thought it would strike with a scrubbing brush." I loved getting to know Samantha (Sammy) and Annamae (Andy). Stacey Lee helped us to become acquainted with them as each imparted wisdom from their own culture and backgrounds. The addition of music to the plot with Sammy's violin gave some fortuitous openings for interaction with other travelers and invited the reader to feel the book more deeply. Perilous trail events keep the story moving. The inclusion of each main characters birth year animal contributed to character development and increased our knowledge of eastern culture. Would have been great to have a trail map to refer to. There were times when I really wanted to place them on a map.
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An amazing frontier tale of two girls on the run disguised as Argonauts. The very first sentence sucked me right in: "They say death aims only once a...Show more
An amazing frontier tale of two girls on the run disguised as Argonauts. The very first sentence sucked me right in: "They say death aims only once and never misses, but I doubt Ty Yorkshire thought it would strike with a scrubbing brush." I loved getting to know Samantha (Sammy) and Annamae (Andy). Stacey Lee helped us to become acquainted with them as each imparted wisdom from their own culture and backgrounds. The addition of music to the plot with Sammy's violin gave some fortuitous openings for interaction with other travelers and invited the reader to feel the book more deeply. Perilous trail events keep the story moving. The inclusion of each main characters birth year animal contributed to character development and increased our knowledge of eastern culture. Would have been great to have a trail map to refer to. There were times when I really wanted to place them on a map.
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Book - 2019
"Every nation has scars and hidden history. When stories of historical conflict are read and discussed, we have an opportunity to be united in study ...Show more
"Every nation has scars and hidden history. When stories of historical conflict are read and discussed, we have an opportunity to be united in study and remembrance. In that way, books join us togther as a global reading community, but also a global human community, striving to learn from the past." -- Ruta Sepetys
It is the commitment Sepetys has to transporting us into a piece of history that shines through so brightly in each and every book. Her extensive research (eight years for this title) results in a narrative so soundly rooted in the facts that you expect to see a stamp in your passport. Interspersed throughout are quotes from historical archives that set the tone and add historical perspective. We care deeply about Ana, Daniel and Puri and the secrets they have to keep, discover, or forget. Each one of them holds a thread that is woven into the overall narrative. There are no easy solutions to their struggles, but there is hope. Contains an impressive list of source material and a helpful glossary.
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"Every nation has scars and hidden history. When stories of historical conflict are read and discussed, we have an opportunity to be united in study ...Show more
"Every nation has scars and hidden history. When stories of historical conflict are read and discussed, we have an opportunity to be united in study and remembrance. In that way, books join us togther as a global reading community, but also a global human community, striving to learn from the past." -- Ruta Sepetys
It is the commitment Sepetys has to transporting us into a piece of history that shines through so brightly in each and every book. Her extensive research (eight years for this title) results in a narrative so soundly rooted in the facts that you expect to see a stamp in your passport. Interspersed throughout are quotes from historical archives that set the tone and add historical perspective. We care deeply about Ana, Daniel and Puri and the secrets they have to keep, discover, or forget. Each one of them holds a thread that is woven into the overall narrative. There are no easy solutions to their struggles, but there is hope. Contains an impressive list of source material and a helpful glossary.
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America's War in Vietnam
Book - 2018
As a child of the 70's I have found the subject of the Vietnam War to be difficult to get a handle on until I read "Most Dangerous" by Steve She...Show more
As a child of the 70's I have found the subject of the Vietnam War to be difficult to get a handle on until I read "Most Dangerous" by Steve Sheinkin. That particular book is cataloged as Juvenile Nonfiction in our system and I believe that it manages to just qualify with a lexile under 900.
"Boots", however, seems to me to most definitely be a YA Nonfic and is definitely Printz worthy. The timeline of the war is shown to us through the eyes of the presidents who were in office, personal stories of veterans, a refugee story and the story of the memorial wall. There is even a chapter on Woodstock. It is an evenhanded, comprehensive presentation that is effective and moving. I would highly recommend its use in high school history classrooms.
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As a child of the 70's I have found the subject of the Vietnam War to be difficult to get a handle on until I read "Most Dangerous" by Steve She...Show more
As a child of the 70's I have found the subject of the Vietnam War to be difficult to get a handle on until I read "Most Dangerous" by Steve Sheinkin. That particular book is cataloged as Juvenile Nonfiction in our system and I believe that it manages to just qualify with a lexile under 900.
"Boots", however, seems to me to most definitely be a YA Nonfic and is definitely Printz worthy. The timeline of the war is shown to us through the eyes of the presidents who were in office, personal stories of veterans, a refugee story and the story of the memorial wall. There is even a chapter on Woodstock. It is an evenhanded, comprehensive presentation that is effective and moving. I would highly recommend its use in high school history classrooms.
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by Hale, Nathan
Graphic Novel - 2014
Making a graphic novel that covers the entire span of WW I is an ambitious undertaking. Nathan Hale not only does this quite effectively, but also adds in...Show more
Making a graphic novel that covers the entire span of WW I is an ambitious undertaking. Nathan Hale not only does this quite effectively, but also adds in a dash of humor and even incorporates animals. One very effective storytelling choice was to show the god Ares growing more and more out of control as the war progresses. This is a very dense graphic novel, but I was happy to spend the time working through the pages to gather the information provided in this compact volume. My favorite page is the one of the author at the WW I Museum in KC where I live. We are very proud of our museum and this graphic novel is a partner in helping the world remember what the Great War was all about.
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Making a graphic novel that covers the entire span of WW I is an ambitious undertaking. Nathan Hale not only does this quite effectively, but also adds in...Show more
Making a graphic novel that covers the entire span of WW I is an ambitious undertaking. Nathan Hale not only does this quite effectively, but also adds in a dash of humor and even incorporates animals. One very effective storytelling choice was to show the god Ares growing more and more out of control as the war progresses. This is a very dense graphic novel, but I was happy to spend the time working through the pages to gather the information provided in this compact volume. My favorite page is the one of the author at the WW I Museum in KC where I live. We are very proud of our museum and this graphic novel is a partner in helping the world remember what the Great War was all about.
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The First Women's Air Race Across America
Book - 2019
Steve Sheinkin is a sure bet for me. Every book I have read by him is well-researched and written in engaging, informative prose. This book shattered my i...Show more
Steve Sheinkin is a sure bet for me. Every book I have read by him is well-researched and written in engaging, informative prose. This book shattered my image of Amelia Earhart as the only pioneer in women's aviation. Sheinkin even addresses this phenomenon in the Epilogue to this book. Most certainly the mystery surrounding her disappearance plays a role. I would also contend that her husband and publisher, George Putnam, also played a significant role in her visibility to the public. There are many wonderful photos included in this book. The illustration style is appealing, but can not compete with the window we gain through photos. Highly recommended for 5th grade and up.
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Steve Sheinkin is a sure bet for me. Every book I have read by him is well-researched and written in engaging, informative prose. This book shattered my i...Show more
Steve Sheinkin is a sure bet for me. Every book I have read by him is well-researched and written in engaging, informative prose. This book shattered my image of Amelia Earhart as the only pioneer in women's aviation. Sheinkin even addresses this phenomenon in the Epilogue to this book. Most certainly the mystery surrounding her disappearance plays a role. I would also contend that her husband and publisher, George Putnam, also played a significant role in her visibility to the public. There are many wonderful photos included in this book. The illustration style is appealing, but can not compete with the window we gain through photos. Highly recommended for 5th grade and up.
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Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler
Book - 2018
Using text and graphics, Hendrix gives us a compelling look into the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer while at the same time showing us the rise and fall of th...Show more
Using text and graphics, Hendrix gives us a compelling look into the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer while at the same time showing us the rise and fall of the German Reich. When juxtaposed against the historical background of Hitler's Germany, we see how Bonhoeffer and others around him struggled to respond to what was happening around them. It is easy for us to use our rearview mirrors and condemn the country as a whole. Hendrix presents the tensions surrounding the German citizens in a style that grabs your attention and forces you to consider what it would be like to be in their shoes. Includes key quotes from Bonhoeffer's own pen. This is highly recommended for ages 12 and up.
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Using text and graphics, Hendrix gives us a compelling look into the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer while at the same time showing us the rise and fall of th...Show more
Using text and graphics, Hendrix gives us a compelling look into the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer while at the same time showing us the rise and fall of the German Reich. When juxtaposed against the historical background of Hitler's Germany, we see how Bonhoeffer and others around him struggled to respond to what was happening around them. It is easy for us to use our rearview mirrors and condemn the country as a whole. Hendrix presents the tensions surrounding the German citizens in a style that grabs your attention and forces you to consider what it would be like to be in their shoes. Includes key quotes from Bonhoeffer's own pen. This is highly recommended for ages 12 and up.
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by Black, Holly
Book - 2019
Five epic stars for the third and final book of "The Fold of the Air" series. Jude begins this installment exiled to the mortal world. With her ...Show more
Five epic stars for the third and final book of "The Fold of the Air" series. Jude begins this installment exiled to the mortal world. With her unique set of skills, it doesn't take long for her to get into a duel with the infamous redcap Grima Mog. Twin sister Taryn asks for a favor and Jude is off on a ragwort pony to return to the Faerie Court and her kingdom. Full of surprising twists and turns and all things faerie, this last book was all I was waiting for and more. Highly recommended!
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Five epic stars for the third and final book of "The Fold of the Air" series. Jude begins this installment exiled to the mortal world. With her ...Show more
Five epic stars for the third and final book of "The Fold of the Air" series. Jude begins this installment exiled to the mortal world. With her unique set of skills, it doesn't take long for her to get into a duel with the infamous redcap Grima Mog. Twin sister Taryn asks for a favor and Jude is off on a ragwort pony to return to the Faerie Court and her kingdom. Full of surprising twists and turns and all things faerie, this last book was all I was waiting for and more. Highly recommended!
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Book - 2018
Bronte Mettlestone is given instructions in her parents' will (bound in faery thread) to visit ten of her father's sisters, keeping to a particular schedu...Show more
Bronte Mettlestone is given instructions in her parents' will (bound in faery thread) to visit ten of her father's sisters, keeping to a particular schedule and deliver them each a small gift. Along the way, she finds many adventures that are unexpected and build to a satisfying pinnacle in the final pages when the gifts she has been toting develop new significance. Lemony Snicket fans will enjoy meeting Bronte and the varied cast of characters in her story.
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Bronte Mettlestone is given instructions in her parents' will (bound in faery thread) to visit ten of her father's sisters, keeping to a particular schedu...Show more
Bronte Mettlestone is given instructions in her parents' will (bound in faery thread) to visit ten of her father's sisters, keeping to a particular schedule and deliver them each a small gift. Along the way, she finds many adventures that are unexpected and build to a satisfying pinnacle in the final pages when the gifts she has been toting develop new significance. Lemony Snicket fans will enjoy meeting Bronte and the varied cast of characters in her story.
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Book - 2012
A very clever and twisty take on the Snow White story. Abby (10) and little brother Josh (7) stumble across a magic mirror in their new house and are suck...Show more
A very clever and twisty take on the Snow White story. Abby (10) and little brother Josh (7) stumble across a magic mirror in their new house and are sucked into the forest where Snow White lives with the seven dwarfs. Abby and Josh arrive just in time to stop Snow from taking the poisonous apple that her evil stepmother is peddling in disguise. The dilemma now is how to get Snow to her happy ending? Abby and Josh brainstorm and work as a team with Snow and even the dwarfs pitch in. This Snow may recognize her prince when he arrives, but will not jump thoughtlessly into matrimony. A promising start to the Whatever After series.
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A very clever and twisty take on the Snow White story. Abby (10) and little brother Josh (7) stumble across a magic mirror in their new house and are suck...Show more
A very clever and twisty take on the Snow White story. Abby (10) and little brother Josh (7) stumble across a magic mirror in their new house and are sucked into the forest where Snow White lives with the seven dwarfs. Abby and Josh arrive just in time to stop Snow from taking the poisonous apple that her evil stepmother is peddling in disguise. The dilemma now is how to get Snow to her happy ending? Abby and Josh brainstorm and work as a team with Snow and even the dwarfs pitch in. This Snow may recognize her prince when he arrives, but will not jump thoughtlessly into matrimony. A promising start to the Whatever After series.
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Graphic Novel - 2015
This full-color, Newbery-Honor graphic novel is well represented by its cover art with Asteroid in her kick butt costume (including her rainbow socks from...Show more
This full-color, Newbery-Honor graphic novel is well represented by its cover art with Asteroid in her kick butt costume (including her rainbow socks from her former best friend Nicole). Even though this story just covers one summer in Astrid's life, we learn so much along with her about hard work, friendship, honesty and encouraging others. Her notes back and forth to Rainbow Bite were a highlight of the book for me. I also appreciate the resolution to conflict that was modeled throughout. Last, but not least -- Roller Derby! Now I must go see our very own Kansas City Roller Warriors when their 2020 season begins.
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This full-color, Newbery-Honor graphic novel is well represented by its cover art with Asteroid in her kick butt costume (including her rainbow socks from...Show more
This full-color, Newbery-Honor graphic novel is well represented by its cover art with Asteroid in her kick butt costume (including her rainbow socks from her former best friend Nicole). Even though this story just covers one summer in Astrid's life, we learn so much along with her about hard work, friendship, honesty and encouraging others. Her notes back and forth to Rainbow Bite were a highlight of the book for me. I also appreciate the resolution to conflict that was modeled throughout. Last, but not least -- Roller Derby! Now I must go see our very own Kansas City Roller Warriors when their 2020 season begins.
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Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure
Graphic Novel - 2019
This sparkly addition to the Phoebe and Her Unicorn Series is like bowling a perfect game. Filled with a year of adventures including the llama diorama pa...Show more
This sparkly addition to the Phoebe and Her Unicorn Series is like bowling a perfect game. Filled with a year of adventures including the llama diorama pajama comma drama trauma (a legend involving Robin Velvet Eyes and a diorama) it does not disappoint. Another highlight is Camp Shimmerhorn where stereotypes are explored and Phoebe is an exchange camper in the midst of unicorns. Phoebe and Her Unicorn fans will rejoice over this collection.
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This sparkly addition to the Phoebe and Her Unicorn Series is like bowling a perfect game. Filled with a year of adventures including the llama diorama pa...Show more
This sparkly addition to the Phoebe and Her Unicorn Series is like bowling a perfect game. Filled with a year of adventures including the llama diorama pajama comma drama trauma (a legend involving Robin Velvet Eyes and a diorama) it does not disappoint. Another highlight is Camp Shimmerhorn where stereotypes are explored and Phoebe is an exchange camper in the midst of unicorns. Phoebe and Her Unicorn fans will rejoice over this collection.
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A Wonder Story
Graphic Novel - 2019
This book is a treasure. The beautiful binding protects and projects the gorgeous artistry and storytelling inside. Palacio sets up the plot with Julian (...Show more
This book is a treasure. The beautiful binding protects and projects the gorgeous artistry and storytelling inside. Palacio sets up the plot with Julian (a familiar character from "Wonder" and "Auggie & Me") asking his grandmother to tell him her story for a school assignment. She agrees and a compelling tale follows. I could not put it down and read it almost straight through. As denoted by the title, a bird motif is featured throughout and ties the narrative together in unexpected ways. Sara & Julian's story reminds us to be kind and to help one another. As Mr. Rogers advised us in the wake of 9/11 to "look for the helpers," this story reminds us that we also need to be those "helpers." This book may be shelved in the J Graphic section, but it is for everyone!
"What is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it from happening again." -- Anne Frank
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This book is a treasure. The beautiful binding protects and projects the gorgeous artistry and storytelling inside. Palacio sets up the plot with Julian (...Show more
This book is a treasure. The beautiful binding protects and projects the gorgeous artistry and storytelling inside. Palacio sets up the plot with Julian (a familiar character from "Wonder" and "Auggie & Me") asking his grandmother to tell him her story for a school assignment. She agrees and a compelling tale follows. I could not put it down and read it almost straight through. As denoted by the title, a bird motif is featured throughout and ties the narrative together in unexpected ways. Sara & Julian's story reminds us to be kind and to help one another. As Mr. Rogers advised us in the wake of 9/11 to "look for the helpers," this story reminds us that we also need to be those "helpers." This book may be shelved in the J Graphic section, but it is for everyone!
"What is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it from happening again." -- Anne Frank
Show less