Literacy Now

The picture books and novels in this week’s collection travel to a range of historical and contemporary settings, addressing important issues and events while following the day-to-day lives of people from around the world. These stories serve as windows, providing insights into different human experiences within different cultural contexts.

Ages 4–8

Kissimi Taimaippaktut Angirrarijarani=Only in My Hometown. Arnakuluk Friesen. Trans. Jean Kususak. Ill. Ippikasuat Friesen. 2017. Groundwood/House of Anansi.

Set in the Canadian territory and archipelago of Nunavat, this story shows the daily life of a tightly knit Arctic community. Bright acrylic-and-watercolor illustrations complement the richness of the lyrical text. For example, accompanying the illustration of children and women in parkas standing in blowing snow are the lines “‘Only white remains of the fourteen long blizzarding days. / Get out the shovel. /Don’t fuss or grovel. / Only in my hometown.’” The bilingual text is in both written and spoken Inuktitut followed by an English translation on each page, which highlights the importance of language to cultural self-identity.

Nipêhon=I Wait. Caitlin Dale Nicholson (with Leona Morin-Nielson). 2017. Groundwood/House of Anansi.

In this gentle intergenerational story, a young girl waits with her mother for her grandmother before the First Nations family sets out on a day trip to collect wild yarrow. Written in Cree and translated into English, the story shows the fullness of their day as they share a quiet connection walking through fields and woods. Warm acrylic illustrations express the sense of peace and pleasure of time spent together conveyed by the text, which is punctuated with playful humor. The back matter includes a recipe for yarrow tea and a dedication by each author to the women and others in their lives with whom they have shared love, connection, and work.

When the Rain Comes. Alma Fullerton. Ill. Kim La Fave. 2017. Pajama Press.

Living in Sri Lanka, Malini is delighted to awaken one morning to the sound of an approaching ox cart bringing rice seedlings. The arrival is particularly exciting because she will be learning to plant them. With a monsoon storm approaching, her first task is to hold the reins of the huge, snorting ox. When the wind blows the seedlings across his back, the ox becomes increasingly agitated, and when the rain floods the roads, Malini is cut off from family. She must swallow her fear of the frightened ox, lead him to safety, and find shelter to protect the seedlings. Rendered in pencil and watercolor, the illustrations depict the drama and danger of the wind, driving rain, and Malini’s effort to protect the rice seedlings and soothe the ox.

Ages 9–11

Amina’s Voice. Hena Khan. 2017. Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster.

Amina, a middle school student in Milwaukee, faces two challenges: participating in a pioneer project with her friend, Soojin, and another student, Emily, who has teased her in the past and, at the wishes of her father, practicing for a public competition in reading the Quran organized by the Iman of her Islam Center. Amina loves music and when she sings she feels transformed from a skinny girl into a glamorous star, but her singing is discouraged when her uncle, visiting from Pakistan, insists music is forbidden by their religion. When Soojin becomes an ally of Emily, Amina questions the alliances she has with others at school while she also strives to meet her family’s expectations. As she reads the Quran, Amina finds new meaning in the values of her family, and when vandalism devastates the mosque, she uses her special musical talents to soothe the pain of her family and community.

Beyond the Bright Sea. Lauren Wolk. 2017. Douglas & McIntyre Dutton /Penguin.

The only life that 12-year-old Crow has known is living on the Elizabeth Islands off Cape Cod, Massachusetts with Osh, the man who rescued her, as a newborn, from the sea. In this historical novel set in 1925, she yearns to find out where she is from and who her parents were. Once she learns she came from Penikese, a nearby island that had been a leper colony, she gains insight, but the discovery brings more questions into her life.  She now realizes why people avoid her and why she wasn’t permitted to attend the local school. People fear what they do not understand. All she has of her past is a ring and a nearly indecipherable letter that had been attached to the swaddling when Osh found her. Searching for answers about her family puts Crow and the people she loves in danger as she learns the history of her family and the people who lived on the island.

Three Pennies. Melanie Crowder. 2017. Atheneum/Simon & Schuster.

Eleven-year-old Marin has had seven foster mothers in San Francisco, California. The only consistent part of her life is a copy of the I Ching (The Book of Changes) that she consults daily. To determine her reading for the day, she uses three pennies to indicate the change lines identifying the hexagram that gives her guidance into the events of her life. When Gilda, her social worker, interviews her for possible adoption, Marin reads her fostercare file left open on the table containing a sheet with a contact name given when Marin was surrendered to social services. As Marin discovers a link to her birth mother, Gilda arranges a probationary period with Lucy, a doctor who wants to be Marin’s adoptive mother. Although her life is made comfortable and she is cared for and valued, she yearns to find her birth mother. In this novel of discovery, Marin gains an unconditional acceptance that both sustains her in her search for her birth mother and challenges her to think about her life in a new way.

Ages 12–14

Turtle Island: The Story of North America’s First People.  Eldon Yellowhorn & Kathy Lowinger. 2017. Annick.

Chronicling thousands of years, this nonfiction book illuminates cultures of First Peoples in different parts of the continent and shows how civilizations grew and changed from the Ice Age to the 20th century. In the creation myth, pregnant Sky Woman falls through a hole in the sky and birds set her down on the back of the Great Turtle. Other animals plunge into the sea and retrieve mud to make the world on the turtle’s back. Each chapter focuses on a different cultural community of the North American Northwest, the Plains, the Southwest and Mexico, and the Northeast and presents the history and mythology of the people, their invention in building communities, the effects of the encounter with Europeans, and information on contemporary daily life. The book includes sources and suggestions for further reading in the back matter.

Ages 15+

#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women. Lisa Charleyboy & Mary Beth Leatherdale (Eds.). 2017. Annick. 

In a book of multiple genres, including narrative, poetry, drawings, and paintings, the stories of contemporary girls and women of First Nations from all over North America share their fears and aspirations, as well as their experiences with self-identity, family, community, and sisterhood. The stories, accompanied by photographs, include calls to action, rousing women to take pride in who they have been and who they are now. The back matter includes credits and acknowledgments. 

In a Perfect World. Trish Doller. 2017. Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster.

Caroline looks forward to summer vacation, working with her best friend at the local amusement park, and traveling with her boyfriend before their senior year of high school, until suddenly, plans are disrupted. Instead, Caroline must move to Egypt for the coming year, with her mother who is opening an eye clinic in Cairo. As part of her mother’s residency, the family has a driver who shows them historical and religious sites until he falls ill and his son, Adam, takes over the job. Adam dutifully chauffeurs Caroline around the city and environs, and takes her to famous sites such as Giza and to places that tourists do not usually see such as neighborhood markets and ancient religious sites. In this novel of self-doubt, discovery, and loss, affection grows between Caroline and Adam, until Caroline’s life is once again disrupted.

Speak of Me as I Am. Sonia Belasco. 2017.  Penguin/Philomel.

After the death of his best friend, Carlos, Damon sets out to discover what Carlos experienced in his life as a photographer. While working in the family diner, Melanie explores the world of painting that her mother had been immersed in before her death from cancer.  They each ponder the lives of the people they were so close to and discover their growing friendship as they prepare for the upcoming high school production of “Othello,” with Damon as Othello and Melanie as the designer and painter of the stage sets. In this novel of loss and healing, Damon and Melanie discover they can make contributions to people they love in ways they didn’t expect.

When Dimple Met Rishi.  Sandhya Menon. 2017. Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster.

In this romantic comedy, Dimple Shah and Rishi Patel participate in Insomnia Con, a web technology summer program at San Francisco State University for students entering college. Dimple, who is keenly interested in coding, is committed to education, and she challenges her parents’ expectations that she finds a good husband. Rishi, who loves comic book art, as the eldest son of his family, is committed to meeting the family’s expectations to be an engineer. Although their families have intended that Dimple and Rishi get to know one another, the two Indian-American teens (who plan to attend universities on opposite coasts) have no intention of cultivating a relationship. When they are paired up to work on a special project, however, things get complicated, and they are challenged in pursuing their own dreams while honoring their families’ values.

Sandip LeeAnne Wilson serves as professor in the School of Education and the English Department of Husson University, Bangor, Maine.

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Literacy Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Literacy Daily.

As Halloween approaches, there is no better treat than a spooky story or two! The recently published books in this week’s column include some whimsical and not-too-scary stories for younger children and suspenseful and chilling tales for older readers. Share these books with students to give them a ghoulishly good time.

Ages 4–8

Boo Who? Ben Clanton. 2017. Candlewick.

New to town, a little ghost named Boo is searching for some friends. Luckily, Boo meets T. Rex (a dinosaur), Gizmo (a robot), Wild (a monster), and Sprinkles (a unicorn rabbit). The four pals welcome him, but he has a hard time fitting in. Boo is not good at playing their favorite games, and this makes him sad. However, they are determined to find a way to help him fit in. How about a game of hide-and-seek? This playful read-aloud with expressive cartoon art will help young children see that differences are what make us special and that there are always ways to include new friends.

—RM

Creepy Pair of Underwear! Aaron Reynolds. Ill. Peter Brown. 2017. Simon & Schuster.

Children who loved Reynolds and Brown’s Creepy Carrots!, a 2013 Caldecott Honor book, will delight in Jasper Rabbit’s latest fright. When his mom takes him underwear shopping, Jasper insists he is not a little bunny anymore and begs for a pair of Creepy Underwear. When he is alone in his room that night, however, he finds that the “ghoulish, greenish glow” of the underwear is too scary. Desperate to get rid of the underwear, he tries everything from cutting it to shreds to mailing it to China. To Jasper’s horror, the Creepy Underwear keeps returning! Jasper finally devises a solution to his creepy undies problem that also helps him conquer his fear of the dark and proves he is a big rabbit after all. The black and white of the illustrations add a spooky tone and provide the perfect backdrop for the Day-Glo green underpants. The comical faces of the Creepy Underwear lend humor to this not-too-creepy story.

—DH

I Want to Be in a Scary Story. Sean Taylor. Ill. Jean Jullien. 2017. Candlewick.

Little Monster, a purple monster with big yellow eyes, declares that he wants to be in a scary story, but he soon learns that witches, ghosts, and haunted houses might be too scary for him. What kind of story is just right for Little Monster? Could it be a funny story? The story is told as a dialogue between Little Monster and the writer, presented in alternating font colors—purple for Little Monster and black for the writer. The bold digital illustrations spookily and humorously reveal the evolution of the story, ending with a delightful surprise.

—SR

The Scariest Book Ever. Bob Shea. 2017. Disney-Hyperion.

The narrator, a small ghost, would rather stay home than venture into the dark woods. After all, the woods might have scary things in it. Although the ghost wants you, the reader, to keep him company, you enter the woods. Upon your return, you tell him about the harmless things you saw, but he won’t believe you. When the ghost finally goes into the woods to see for himself, he is in for a fright and a surprise. Young children will enjoy journeying through this giggle-inducing story with brightly colored comical illustrations.

 —ACS

Ages 9–11

Elizabeth and Zenobia. Jessica Miller. Ill. Yelena Bryksenkova. 2017. Amulet/Abrams.

Following the unexpected departure of his wife, Dr. Murmur retreats to Withering House, his childhood home, to lose himself in his scientific work with his daughter, Elizabeth, and her best friend, Zenobia, in tow. Elizabeth is unsure about the creepy atmosphere of Withering House, but for Zenobia, who loves all things macabre, living at Withering House is an adventure. The weathered, stately mansion holds secrets from Dr. Murmur’s past which Zenobia is determined to ferret out. Timid Elizabeth reluctantly follows Zenobia on a ghoulish quest to contact the Spirit Presence that she is positive resides in the forbidden East Wing of Withering House. The girls uncover more than they bargained for, and Elizabeth must conquer her fears to confront ghosts from her father’s past and save them all from grave danger. Middle school readers will relish the humor as well as the gothic influences of this horror/mystery novel.

—KC

The Girl with the Ghost Machine. Lauren DeStefano. 2017. Bloomsbury.

When Emmaline’s father begins building a ghost machine to bring back her deceased mother, it is as if Emmaline has lost both of her parents—her mother to the grave and her father to his obsession with the machine. Though Emmaline knows it’s preposterous to imagine the machine working, she has a sliver of hope that it could. But getting involved with spirits is risky business, and the ghost machine just might have some unintended consequences. This intriguing story of death, loss, family, and friendship will appeal to middle graders who enjoy ghost stories with a twist.

—RM

A Properly Unhaunted Place. William Alexander. Ill. Kelly Murphy. 2017.  Margaret K. McElderry/Simon & Schuster.

Rosa, the daughter of a ghost appeaser, can’t imagine living in a town without spirits, but that’s where she finds herself when she moves to Ingot, the world’s only “unhaunted” town. While Jasper, a lifelong Ingot resident who has never witnessed a haunting, is showing Rosa around Ingot’s Renaissance Festival, a supernatural creature invades the mermaid lagoon. The town of Ingot is about to change. Can Rosa and Jasper save the only ghost-free town in the world? This story keeps readers guessing until the very end. With its strong character development, humor, and unexpected twists, readers will lose themselves in a world filled with family, friendship, and the supernatural.  

—ACS

Spirit Hunters. Ellen Oh. 2017. HarperCollins.

Twelve-year-old Harper is troubled. She knows something bad happened to her last year, something that landed her in a mental health hospital. Harper simply can’t remember, and nobody in her family will talk about it. Things become worse when Harper’s family moves into an old, supposedly haunted house, and her younger brother Michael’s personality takes a sudden turn from sweet and loving to angry and insolent. After being attacked by an unseen force in Michael’s room, Harper becomes convinced that his imaginary friend, Billy, might be a manipulative spirit. As Harper’s repressed memories surface, she realizes it is up to her to save Michael from Billy’s malevolence. But she’s going to have to be brave. Very brave. The swift action and increasing suspense of the plot will appeal to middle-grade readers, especially those who love a paranormal mystery.

—DH

Ages 12–14

The Disappearances. Emily Bain Murphy. 2017. Houghton Mifflin.

When 15-year-old Aila arrives in Sterling, her deceased mother’s hometown, she quickly realizes that something is not right. Soon Aila learns about the Disappearances; every seven years, some part of life disappears for good. Scent. Reflections. Color. Music. When Aila realizes her arrival in Sterling coincides with the next Disappearance, she hurriedly works to unravel the mystery of Sterling’s curse. Meanwhile, a reclusive stranger with long-forgotten ties to Aila’s family finds out she possesses something he wants—and he plans to get it no matter the cost. Mystery fans will love the convergence of two seemingly unrelated storylines at the novel’s dramatic conclusion.

—DH

Poe: Stories and Poems. Gareth Hinds. 2017. Candlewick.

This graphic novel adaptation includes seven of Edgar Allen Poe’s most enduring short stories and poems: “The Masque of the Red Death,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” “Annabel Lee,” “The Pit and the Pendulum,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Bells,” and “The Raven.” While Poe’s tales are frightening on their own and have earned their rightful place as literary classics, the illustrations in this graphic novel heighten their horror and suspense for a new generation of readers. Much of Poe’s original text is retained, and the illustrations will aid young adults in their comprehension of the tales. As a bonus, Hinds includes an introductory “checklist” of horror motifs such as creepy animals, death, disease, and murder used by Poe, which are listed at the beginning of each story. An author’s note provides additional information on Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) and notes on the stories and poems Hinds selected for this volume.

—DH

Ages 15+

A Good Idea. Cristina Moracho. 2017. Viking/Penguin.

It is the final summer before starting college, and Finley is back in Williston, her coastal Maine hometown, after a tumultuous senior year in New York City. This summer is different. Her best friend, Betty, disappeared last fall. Did Betty run away, or did something more sinister happen? Finley is enraged when she learns no one in Williston seems to care what happened to Betty. Aided by Serena, her new love interest, Finley is determined to learn the truth about Betty’s disappearance. But before she does, Finley must uncover Williston’s unsavory secrets and peel back the many layers of Betty’s troubled life. Finley’s growing despair and the bleakness of the cold, rainy summer set the perfect mood for this fast-paced, dark thriller. A Good Idea will keep older teens up all night as they race through the pages to learn what becomes of Betty.

—DH

The Special Ones. Em Bailey. 2017. Houghton Mifflin.

Esther has spent two years as part of the Special Ones: an ominous cult living a “simple” life on a secluded farm. She was chosen by the cult leader, who none of the Special Ones has seen. He, supposedly, is constantly watching them, making sure they are playing their parts as spirit guides and following his rules. The Special Ones live one day at a time, fearful of “renewal.” Although they have no idea what happens when a Special One is renewed, they suspect nothing good will come from it. Esther feels that she can no longer keep up the act of obedience she puts on. Is it her time to be renewed, or will she continue to live this troublesome lie? The progression and ending of the book will leave readers shocked, wanting more of the troubling story of Esther and the Special Ones.

—ABS

Danielle Hartsfield is assistant professor in the Teacher Education Department at the University of North Georgia in Cumming. Kristina Chérres, Rebekah Mitchell, Selena Rosario, Alexis B. Sharbel, and Amanda C. Shreve are all seniors majoring in Elementary and Special Education at the University of North Georgia. They are currently enrolled in Hartsfield’s Children’s Literature and Language Arts class.

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Literacy Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Literacy Daily.

B is for biographies! Readers will learn about the lives and works of both well-known historical figures, such as Marie Curie and Jackie Robinson, and lesser known people, such as John Deere and Sophie Blanchard, in the recently published books reviewed this week. Fascinating stories of accomplishments, at times of hardships and discrimination, abound in this bunch of biographies.

Ages 4–8

Alexander Graham Bell Answers the Call. Mary Ann Fraser. 2017. Charlesbridge.

Fraser’s picture book biography of Alexander (“Aleck”) Graham Bell (1847–1922) begins with his childhood in Scotland and how he became interested in the science of sound. Bell’s mother was partially deaf, and his father was a speech therapist. Throughout his life, Bell experimented with sound, eventually partnering with Thomas Watson on his famous invention, the telephone.  Lively cartoon-style multimedia illustrations complement the accessible text. Text boxes inserted throughout the book give readers short bursts of related information. Back matter includes information about Bell’s many inventions, a timeline, and a note from the author on her inspiration for writing a biography of Bell and using a photographic collage technique in the illustrations. Fascinating photographs on the endpapers provide a visual timeline of the evolution of the telephone from 1876–1989.

John Deere, That’s Who! Tracey Nelson Maurer. Ill. Tim Zeltner. 2017. Henry Holt.

Did you know that John Deere did not invent the big green tractors that many people associate with his name? It’s true. This biography introduces young readers to John Deere (1804–1886), the young blacksmith who invented a new type of steel plow that could handle the thick, sticky soil of Illinois fields. Illustrations, rendered with acrylic paint on plywood, evoke an old-fashioned feel to this biographical account of the inventor and manufacturer. Back matter includes a glossary, a list of facts about John Deere and the manufacturing company that bears his name, a detailed bibliography, and acknowledgments from the author.

Lighter Than Air: Sophie Blanchard, the First Woman Pilot. Matthew Clark Smith. Ill. Matt Tavares. 2017. Candlewick.

In this picture book biography, readers learn about the life and dreams of Sophie Blanchard (1778–1819), a French woman who was married to famous balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard. She yearned to go up into the air by herself and did so, becoming the first female to pilot a hot-air balloon in 1805. Later she was named chief air minister of ballooning by Emperor Napoleon. Ink-and-watercolor illustrations depict each scene in fine-line, colorful detail. Back matter includes brief notes from the author and the illustrator and a list of selected sources.

Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women’s Olympics. Jean L. S. Patrick. Ill. Adam Gustavson. 2017. Charlesbridge.

Lucille “Ludy” Godbold (1900–1981) was born in South Carolina, at a time when women were not permitted to do many of the things that men could do, including participate in the Olympics. However, Ludy was selected as one of fifteen American women to participate in the 1922 Women’s World Games, the “First Women’s Olympics,” a world-class event organized by Alice Milliat of France.  Ludy went on to become a world-champion athlete who excelled in many events including the shot put, which is the featured event in this picture book biography.  Bright and whimsical oil paintings capture the time period and depict Ludy as the tall and lanky athlete she was. Back matter includes an author’s note and two photographs of Ludy Godbold.

Marie Curie (Little People, Big Dreams). Isabel Sánchez Vegara. Trans. Emma Martinez. Ill. Frau Isa. 2017. Frances Lincoln.

This picture book biography gives young readers a sense of the accomplishments of Marie Curie (1867–1934), the scientist who discovered radium and polonium and is the only female to win two Nobel Prizes, one for physics and one for chemistry. Spare text and colorful stylized illustrations offer a child-friendly inspiring account of how Curie, who as a young child declared her determination “to be a scientist, not a princess,” overcame much discrimination, as many people believed that women should not be educated—especially in the field of science—in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Back matter includes a timeline of Marie’s life, photographs, and an author’s note with more details of Curie’s life and work.

Ages 9–11

Newton’s Rainbow: The Revolutionary Discoveries of a Young Scientist. Kathryn Lasky. Ill. Kevin Hawkes. 2017. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

This illustrated biography of Isaac Newton (1642–-1727) gives a detailed account of his early life as a curious but not-so-good student and, later, as a college scholar. Lasky addresses the legendary apple-falling story related to Newton’s explanation of the forces of motion and gravity as well as his other contributions to science, including the “secret” of the rainbow— the discovery that white light is actually made of colors. Ink-and-watercolor paintings add interesting details for younger readers. A bibliography is included.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality. Jonah Winter. Ill. Stacy Innerst. 2017. Abrams.

This picture book biography of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (R.B.G.), who was born in Brooklyn in 1933, begins with her childhood as a determined young girl who refused to be daunted by discrimination for either her religion or gender. The text opens with readers being asked to serve as the jury in “the Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality.” Presentation of the facts of the case include “exhibits” of how R.B.G. pursued her dream of going to law school and overcame obstacles to have a successful legal career, eventually becoming the second woman ever appointed to the Supreme Court. The muted tones of the illustrations, rendered in gouache, ink, and Photoshop, complement the text. Back matter includes a glossary and an author’s note.

Ages 12–14

42 Is Not Just a Number: The Odyssey of Jackie Robinson, American Hero. Doreen Rappaport. 2017. Candlewick.

Jackie Robinson (1919–1972), one of the best baseball players in history, is most remembered as the man who broke the color barrier in major league baseball when he took the field as first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. This biography covers Robinson’s early years, beginning when Jackie was eight years old and one of five siblings being raised by his mother in California. Jackie’s baseball career began in the Negro Leagues in 1945. He was recruited the next year by Brooklyn Dodgers Manager Branch Rickey, who envisioned Jackie and another player becoming the first African Americans to play on a major league team. The road to this eventual victory was not easy, as Jackie faced seemingly insurmountable challenges along the way. Today he is viewed as an American hero for his brave stance against discrimination. Back matter includes an author’s note, a timeline, extensive source notes providing details to support the quotes and statements in each chapter, a selected bibliography, additional resources, and an index.  

Jack London and the Klondike Gold Rush. Peter Lourie. Ill. Wendell Minor. 2017. Henry Holt.

Most people know Jack London (1876–1916) as the author of Call of the Wild, one of the most well-known animal adventure stories of all time. But people might not know that London got the inspiration for that story—and many others that he wrote—from his time as an adventure-seeker during the Alaskan Gold Rush of 1897. London helped his financially struggling family by joining thousands of others hoping to “strike it rich” in the Klondike. Jack and the men in his group had to carry their own gear and traverse over 600 miles, most of it by walking. The journey was long and arduous, and many men died along the way. London spent two years in Alaska mining for gold, but was largely unsuccessful and had to leave the wilderness to be treated for scurvy.  Instead of gold nuggets, London found the nuggets for stories, and would eventually go on to publish several books, many short stories, and articles based on his days in the Klondike. Back matter includes an afterword, notes from the author, notable places, London’s writings, an illustrated timeline, a glossary, a bibliography and sources, and an index. Minor’s expressive black-and-white illustrations and captioned archival photographs provide additional historical context.

Ages 15+

Eyes of the World: Robert Capa, Gerda Taro, and the Invention of Modern Photojournalism. Marc Aronson & Marina Budhos. 2017. Henry Holt.

In this well-researched and meticulously documented biography, readers learn about husband-and-wife photography team Robert Capa (1913–1954) and Gerda Taro (1910–1937). Capa and Taro are recognized as pioneers in photojournalism for their outstanding photographing of modern warfare during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. Later, Capa would capture some of the most iconic scenes from the World War II D-Day invasion in 1944. This biography is told with photos, primary source documents, and text that fully immerses the reader in the time period in which Capa and Taro lived. Back matter includes a “cast of characters” providing further information on key people, a timeline, chapter-by-chapter notes, a list of web resources, and an index. Additionally, Aronson and Budhos discuss their collaboration on this project which was an important endeavor for them.

Jennifer W. Shettel is an associate professor at Millersville University of PA where she teaches undergraduate and graduate course in literacy for preservice and practicing teachers.  Prior to joining the faculty at Millersville, she spent 16 years as an elementary classroom teacher and reading specialist in the public schools.

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Literacy Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Literacy Daily.

Just as some sports identify rookies of the year, bibliophiles are excited to discover authors or illustrators whose debut literary works promise a bright future in the world of children’s and young adult literature. This week’s column includes reviews of some of my favorite books by debut authors of 2017.

Ages 4–8

City Moon. Rachael Cole. Ill. Blanca Gómez. 2017. Schwartz & Wade/Random House.

On a fall evening, a young boy and his mother go for a walk. Determined to see the moon (no easy feat in a city with tall buildings that block out the sky), he spots it in different places, even seeing its reflection in a puddle. It's almost as though the shiny orb is playing a game of hide-and-seek with them. Returning home, the boy chooses to sleep with his curtains drawn back so he can keep watching for the moon. The digitally-created illustrations handsomely depict the pair strolling hand in hand in search of the elusive moon and contain eye-catching details of the city landscape and the boy’s bedroom. Cole’s debut picture book describes perfectly the curious boy and his mother’s evening walk looking for the moon in their city neighborhood.

Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3. Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan. Ill. Grace Zong. 2017. Peachtree.

Although students might not believe it, eventually even teachers who love their jobs must say goodbye. In McLellan’s debut picture book, the dedicated Mrs. McBee finishes her last day of teaching on the final day of the school year. A consummate teacher, Mrs. McBee delivers one more lesson to her students through reminders that each one of them made the classroom special. Simple, straightforward text and expressive illustrations show how Mrs. McBee and her students find different ways of coping with change and saying farewell.

My Grandpa’s Chair. Jiyeon Pak. 2017. Knopf/Random House.

Julie's grandfather seems to have lost his zest for life and can’t even sit comfortably on his favorite couch. She takes him chair shopping, but he is unable to find anything that meets his needs in the store and decides to have one custom made. As it turns out, he’s so worried about his new chair being damaged that he puts it away instead of using it. Eventually, Julie finds the ideal sitting place for Grandpa—a tree stump in the park where there's room for him, his dog, Mimi, and her. The color-drenched, richly-detailed illustrations reveal a possible reason for Grandpa’s inability to find a happy place to sit. One of the family portraits hanging on the wall in the opening pages shows him and his wife, who does not appear elsewhere in the book. Presumably, it’s his loneliness not the chair that is the problem. This is a touching intergenerational story from a debut author-illustrator originally from South Korea.

Ages 9–11

Twelve-year-old Ruby Clyde Henderson is keenly aware of her mother’s inability to make good choices. A case in point is her current boyfriend, Carl—dubbed the Catfish by Ruby Clyde—who robs a convenience store while they are heading to a new home, resulting in the arrest of him and her mother. Ruby Clyde and Bunny, her pet pig, make their way to her mother's estranged twin sister, Eleanor, who lives on an orchard in the Texas Hill Country. Even though she loves her solitary ways, Eleanor takes in Ruby Clyde. Ruby Clyde is guaranteed to steal her way into readers' hearts just as surely as she does into the hearts of Eleanor and her mother's attorney, Joe Brewer. This is a superbly-crafted debut novel, which also will have readers reaching for copies of Charles Dickens' books, especially Oliver Twist, to reread some of his immortal lines. In the end, Ruby Clyde decides she’s had enough adventure to last her a lifetime.

Martí’s Song for Freedom/Martí y sus versos por la libertad. Emma Othegay. Ill. Beatriz Vidal. Spanish trans. Adriana Dominguez. 2017. Children’s Book Press/Lee & Low.

This bilingual picture book offers an introduction to Cuban freedom fighter and social activist José Martí (1853–1895). Troubled by the injustices he saw in Cuba, including slavery, Martí began writing social commentary calling for the Spanish conquerors to account for their actions. He was arrested, sentenced to hard labor in a quarry, and then exiled from his beloved island. Eventually settling in New York City, he continued to write about politics and social justice. Martí’s inspiring story is told through verses that include excerpts from his writings, offering glimpses into the life of someone determined to fight for social justice no matter the personal cost. Vidal’s beautiful gouache illustrations pay tribute to this man of words and deeds and his love of the natural world. Back matter includes an afterword, an author’s note, excerpts from Martí’s Versos Sencillos, and a selected bibliography.

Take a Picture of Me, James VanDer Zee! Andrea J. Loney. Ill. Keith Mallett. 2017. Lee & Low. 

Lively text and expressive acrylic illustrations bring the Harlem Renaissance to life in this engaging biography of African American James VanDer Zee (1886–1993), a self-taught photographer. VanDer Zee grew up in Lenox, Massachusetts, where he enjoyed music and art. When he turned to photography, his work became all the rage since he captured the essence of his subjects, retouching the photographs to make them more attractive and often using backgrounds, props, and clothing to enhance the images of those who visited his shop. As times changed, VanDer Zee's services were no longer in demand since almost everyone owned cameras. VanDer Zee’s photography was featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Harlem on My Mind exhibit in 1969, bringing a renewed attention to his work. The afterword of this Lee & Low New Voices Award picture book showcases some of VanDer Zee’s work and provides an example of how retouching a portrait of a woman showed her in a more flattering light.

Ages 12–14

The Epic Crush of Genie Lo. F. C. Yee. 2017. Abrams.

Junior Genie Lo attends a competitive San Francisco Bay Area high school where most of her classmates study hard and dream of leaving the area. Genie plays volleyball and is heavily involved with extracurricular activities to make herself a more attractive candidate for colleges. When a strange new student, Quentin, arrives, Genie can hardly believe that he is the Monkey King of Chinese folklore and is looking for her. Readers will enjoy watching the relationship between the two of them develop as well as seeing Genie gain confidence, sort out her priorities, deal with her mother and father, and fight off the demons that are suddenly plaguing her California suburb. Fast-paced action is offset with moments of introspection as Genie is forced to decide what matters most. Ultimately, Genie epitomizes the type of kick-ass heroine promised by the book’s cover—one who uses her wits and brawn in her battles.

Viva, Rose! 2017. Susan Krawitz. 2017. Holiday House.

Set in El Paso, Texas, in 1915, this story follows the adventures of a most unlikely heroine: 13-year-old Rose Solomon. When Rose sees a photograph of her beloved brother Abraham in the local newspaper alongside Pancho Villa, she realizes that something is fishy and her brother is not where their parents think he is. Her plan to send a letter to him is thwarted, and Rose is kidnapped and taken to the revolutionary leader's camp where she comes to the attention of Villa’s spoiled daughter, Dorotea, who chooses Rose as her playmate. Judging by how the girl treats her dog, Pico, readers will be worried for outspoken Rose. Once Rose is reunited with her brother, she learns that he is playing a dangerous game that could cost him his life. Rose manages to pull off her escape, and returns home a stronger, wiser person.

Ages 15+

The Hate U Give. Angie Thomas. 2017. Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins.

Although 16-year-old Starr Carter still lives in Garden Heights, where her father runs a small grocery store, she feels disconnected from her former classmates because her parents have opted to send her to a prep school in the suburbs instead of the local public high school. Starr hides part of her identity from her new friends, including a white boyfriend, and she works hard to keep her two worlds from colliding. When she and a long-time friend Khalil run into each other at a neighborhood party and go for a ride, a police officer shoots him right in front of her. Starr must find the courage to tell the truth about what happened and defend her friend's character, no matter what the cost may be to her or her family. Delivering a knock-out punch concerning social justice while simultaneously exploring identity, race, prejudice, and family, Thomas’s debut novel paints an emotionally-riveting portrait of what it can be like to be African American in this country. At the novel’s conclusion, readers will surely be emotionally wrung out but hopeful, having come to care deeply about many of the characters.

A List of Cages. Robin Roe. 2017. Hyperion.

Senior Adam Blake faces plenty of challenges due to his ADHD, but he's coping well. When he starts working as an aide to the school psychologist, Dr. Whitlock, he realizes that a student whose absentees concern the psychologist is Julian, his former foster brother. The boys reconnect, and Adam realizes that he had no idea just how much Julian has had to endure or the lengths to which his Uncle Russell will go to keep what happens at home a secret. This is a haunting, unforgettable debut novel featuring two characters with abundant courage and resilience. Readers will follow the hints that something is awry from the opening pages, but will be unable to imagine just how wrong things are.

What I Lost. Alexandra Ballard. 2017. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Barnes has reached her goal of losing 40 pounds, but her body image is out of whack. She still thinks her skeletal frame is covered with fat. As the book begins, Elizabeth is being admitted to a treatment facility for girls with eating disorders, but she has no plans to get well or gain weight. Instead, she figures she’ll eat just enough to be released, and then return to her old habits. Through therapy, soul-searching, and constant monitoring of her food intake by the staff, Elizabeth comes to realize all that she has lost through her self-destructive behavior. In the end, Elizabeth must save herself, bite by bite and meal by meal. Through making healthier choices and no longer dropping pounds, she finds her true self.

Barbara A. Ward teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in literacy at Washington State University, Pullman. She spent 25 years teaching in the public schools of New Orleans, where she worked with students at every grade level, from kindergarten through high school, as well as several ability levels. She is certified in elementary education, English education, and gifted education. She holds a bachelor's in Communications and a master's in English Education from the University of Tennessee and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of New Orleans.

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Literacy Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Literacy Daily.

Violent conflicts occur around the globe every day. History shows how small disagreements often erupt into larger conflicts that can morph into wars. Wars have long-lasting effects on the environment as well as civilians and the troops who fight in them. This week’s column features books that explore some of those wars and conflicts.

Ages 4–8

Flowers for Sarajevo. John McCutcheon. Ill. Kristy Caldwell. 2017. Peachtree.

Although Drasko is amazed by his father’s ability to identify the best roses by smell, he is unsure about his generosity, even including giving flowers to a grumpy street vendor. When his father joins the country’s military force, leaving Drasko in charge of their flower stand, the other merchants force him into a less favorable spot in the marketplace. After an explosion kills 22 citizens standing in line waiting to buy bread, the town square becomes deserted. Drasko vows to do his part to restore the city and extends an act of kindness toward Goran, that grumpy merchant. Created in ink, charcoal, graphite pencil, and Adobe Photoshop, the illustrations focus on the city's beauty and resilience. Back matter includes maps of the Balkan region and notes on events in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War, which inspired this story set in 1992. The accompanying CD includes a narration by McCutcheon of his story and Albinoni’s “Adagio,” played by Vedran Smailovic, the cellist in the story.

Where Will I Live? Rosemary McCarney. 2017. Second Story.

Often, conflict and war within a country or across its borders force its inhabitants to leave their familiar world. Finding a new home isn’t easy. This photo essay contains 24 large portraits of children who are uncertain where they will spend each day and night.  After describing the various reasons why and how these children and their families fled their homelands, the author poses a series of questions that these children might ask. Still, humans are surprisingly self-sufficient, as shown by their temporary dwelling places that function as homes—tents, the space beneath a staircase, or even a shelter created by using carpeting for walls and a ceiling. Because the children are from various countries, young readers will recognize that homelessness is a worldwide issue. The photos also portray the resilience of children as they show them indulging in moments of play while facing an uncertain future.

Ages 9–11

Army Brats. Daphne Bendis-Grab. 2017. Scholastic.

After moving to Fort Patrick with their rescue dog, Cupcake, the Bailey family finds that living on the base is a very different experience from life as civilians. Although Tom, Charlotte, and Rosie are free to move around as they please in the base’s protected environment, the disappearance of several dogs seems to point to possible danger and to a mystery that needs to be solved. In addition, the siblings are dealing with personal problems—Tom is miserable after the class bully calls him Sergeant Wimpy; Charlotte fails to realize that her new friends are interested only in gossiping and denigrating others; and the youngest sibling, Rosie, is challenged by a headstrong need to have her own way all the time. Although the adults in their lives are nearby, they allow the youngsters to solve their problems on their own. The author capably captures life on a military base in the United States for the Bailey family.

Ages 12–14

Escaping the Nazis on the Kindertransport. Emma Carlson Berne. 2017. Capstone.

Stories about the Kindertransport, the trains that took children to freedom and out of reach of the Nazis during the Holocaust, are especially compelling. In separate narratives, told in distinct voices, seven very different children, one as young as five years old, relate their experiences of leaving behind everyone and everything that was familiar. The author includes photographs, poems, brief memoirs, and snippets of what the storytellers recollect about those frightening times and their aftermath. She also details the events that led up to each survivor’s departure, pointing out that while some of the children came from wealthy families, others were not. Many of the children never saw their families again. Although it might seem like a small number against the more than one million children who died during the Holocaust, thanks to the kindness of strangers, 10,000 Jewish children survived because of this relocation plan. Readers will ponder the enormous losses associated with this period of history after reading this accessible introduction to the Kindertransport rescues just prior to World War II.

Genevieve’s War. Patricia Reilly Giff. 2017. Holiday House.

As time for her vacation in Alsace draws to a close, 13-year-old American Genevieve Michel decides to stay in the area and help her elderly grandmother, Mémé. Her impulsive decision is one she will live to regret; it is 1939 and the Germans have begun crossing over the border into France, commandeering food, supplies, and even houses. At first, there is friction between Genevieve and Mémé, but mutual respect slowly develops as they deal with Nazi occupation, hunger, and cold weather and hide a member of the Resistance from the Germans. Giff painstakingly demonstrates the difficulty of knowing who could be trusted during those troubling times. Genevieve grows enormously from her experiences during the four years she spends in Alsace during World War II.

Two Times a Traitor. Karen Bass. 2017. Pajama Press.

Twelve-year-old Laz Berenger is less than thrilled about visiting Halifax with his family. He’s still angry over the family's recent move to Boston and chafing under his father's rules. While exploring on his own, Laz slips into a tunnel which sends him back in time to 1745. He quickly realizes the importance of the St. Christopher's medal he always wears, but it is no longer in his possession.  Laz is forced by English Colonists to spy on the French, with whom they are at war. However, the kindness of Commander Morapain and others in the town of Louisbourg make it hard for Laz to spy on those he considers to be his friends when he knows he will be aiding their enemies. But if he doesn’t betray them, how will he ever get back the medal he needs in order to time travel back home? While it might help readers to have some background on the time period, the author provides enough details to allow them to draw their own conclusions about the battles between the French and the English and Laz’s own personal dilemma.

Ages 15+

Grendel’s Guide to Love and War. A. E. Kaplan. 2017. Knopf/Random House.

Seventeen-year-old Tom Grendel lives a quiet life with his father in a Southern neighborhood. His own mother died when he was nine, and his father suffers from PTSD as the result of his time spent in the military service. Tom spends his free time mowing yards, weeding gardens, and interviewing his elderly neighbors about their lives. The arrival of a rowdy and rude family that moves into the neighborhood leaves Tom feeling assaulted, mostly because the son, Rex Rothgar, throws parties and blasts loud music into the wee hours. Tom has no choice but to intervene. The battle for a quiet night's sleep is on, and Tom enlists help from some surprising allies. While this is an account of a neighborhood conflict and one boy's determination to fix things, it is also a celebration of love, loyalty, and memory and a story about how hard it is to know someone, much less yourself. Savvy readers will recognize the references to the classic Beowulf that have been woven throughout the narrative.

To Look a Nazi in the Eye: A Teen’s Account of a War Criminal Trial. Kathy Kacer (with Jordana Lebowitz). 2017. Second Story.

Jordana Lebowitz, a 19-year-old college student, travels from her Canadian home to the town of Luneburg, Germany, to hear testimony from Oskar Groening, a Nazi accused of being complicit in the deaths of more than 300,000 Jews at Auschwitz. Jordana feels conflicted about and sometimes even sympathetic toward Groening as she weighs his words for sincerity and regret. Jordana also listens to the testimony of Holocaust survivors and relatives of those who died in the camps, and she spends time with some of them in between days at the trial. Convinced that it is important for her to bear witness to the trial and for those responsible for all those deaths to be held accountable, Jordana blogs about her experiences. Kacer skillfully juxtaposes Jordana's blog entries, a BBC interview, and other media accounts of the trial. Readers may come away with an understanding that evil wears many faces and that it is unfair to generalize about a particular nation and its citizens. Ultimately, Jordana meets kind-hearted Germans and realizes that simply standing by and doing nothing in the face of evil is the worst crime of all, a lesson readers today might take to heart.

Barbara A. Ward teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in literacy at Washington State University, Pullman. She spent 25 years teaching in the public schools of New Orleans, where she worked with students at every grade level, from kindergarten through high school, as well as several ability levels. She is certified in elementary education, English education, and gifted education. She holds a bachelor's in Communications and a master's in English Education from the University of Tennessee and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of New Orleans.

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Literacy Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Literacy Daily.