Literacy Now

Although books are challenged throughout the year, book lovers designate one week each year as Banned Books Week. This is an annual opportunity to celebrate the right to read and to savor the intellectual freedoms through the unfettered access to texts with disparate points of view. Banned Books Week (Sept. 27–Oct. 3) was initiated out of growing concern over the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores, and libraries. The event debuted in 1982.

During this past year, the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom reported 311 book challenges. The 10 most challenged titles of 2014 are as follows, and several were reviewed on Literacy Daily:

1. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

2. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

3. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

4. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

5. It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris

6. Saga by Brian Vaughan and Fiona Staples

7. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

8. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

9. A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard

10. Drama by Raina Telgemeier

I strongly suggest you check out these titles and decide for yourself what you think about the books rather than simply avoiding them because others have filed a complaint about them. Each of these books merits reading, discussion, and contemplation of the ideas expressed and the issues raised in their pages. In this column, I will introduce two of the books already raising the hackles of those who would decide what others can read.

One book, the award-winning Into the River, already has been banned in New Zealand, where it is now a crime to supply, distribute, or even display it. When will these censorious individuals realize no one can decide for someone else what it is appropriate to read and pulling books from shelves makes them only more alluring to many? Seek out these books and others that offer different perspectives on life, open your mind, and join the conversation with other readers.

Ages 9–11

George. Alex Gino. 2015. Scholastic.

Although it fails to challenge several gender stereotypes, this important book has the potential to change minds and attitudes. Given the world's preoccupation with the transition of Bruce Jenner to Caitlyn Jenner, it’s being published at the right time. Fourth grader George has always felt more like a girl than a boy, and when she—the author uses the pronoun with which George prefers to identify herself—tries out for the role of Charlotte in the school dramatization of Charlotte's Web, at the urging of her supportive best friend Kelly, even her teacher, Ms. Udell, fails to understand. Readers will empathize with George's attempts to tell her mother how she feels, only to be ignored or to have her feelings discounted or misunderstood. The details the author provides about George's discomfort with her male anatomy and the constant harassment she endures from the class bully, Jeff, ensure that readers will feel sympathetic toward George. Although the story and George's struggles ultimately are resolved (perhaps too easily), the book reaches into readers' hearts and plucks their heartstrings, a gentle reminder of how hard it can be to "be who you are" when the world seems unable to accept you for yourself. This book will have readers talking, and is as groundbreaking for the younger set as Susan Kuklin’s Beyond Magenta was for an older audience. Even the cover, showing George peeking through the letter O of her name, makes it impossible to tell for sure George's gender. Read this book, and imagine the possibilities and the limitations placed by how society determines what it means to be a boy or a girl. Then consider how difficult it is to hide so much of yourself from the world around you, even your loved ones.

Ages 15+

Into the River. Ted Dawe. 2012. Mangakino University Press.

This New Zealand title, the supreme winner in the NZPost Book Awards, follows a young Māori boy from a small rural town on the country’s east coast to an exclusive boarding school in Auckland, where he receives a scholarship. The boy, Te Arepa, or Devon as his new classmates call him, is fully aware of the importance of his name—that of a brave ancestor credited with saving the whole tribe and of his potential to lead his people in the future. Not only does the youth experience cultural dissonance and loneliness, but he also encounters bullying, peer pressure, relationships, drugs, and loss. As Te Arepa feels increasingly marginalized and loses pieces of himself, bit by bit, readers will ask themselves what makes him so compliant and unable to resist those who seem determined to dismantle him and what makes those who surround him so willing to erase his identity. Clearly, Devon may fit more cleanly in the modern world than Te Arepa, but at what cost? Critics of the book have expressed concern over its language and what they term adult themes. I didn’t notice anything any more shocking in its pages than many young adult titles I’ve read in the past.

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 Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Literacy Daily.

We often turn young readers to biographies to find role models and a rich source of inspiration. However, we should be sure to share biographies that feature diverse historical figures. It’s important to consider who is being overlooked, whose stories have been neglected, and why certain subjects are favored. The members of the Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group present new biographies that cross boundaries, raise complex questions, and highlight unsung heroes.

Ages 4–8

How Jelly Roll Morton Invented Jazz. Jonah Winter. Ill. Keith Mallett. 2015. Roaring Brook Press.

Jelly Roll Morton claims to have invented jazz in 1902. In this biography, readers are invited to learn about his early life, whether or not the claim is true, and the nature of jazz itself. The narrative is presented playfully with repeated phrases (“let’s say”) and text variations in the forms of songs and recipes. The rich blues and oranges in the illustrations add to the liveliness and celebratory feel of the book. A lengthy and informative author’s note is included, but only minimal references and discography.

Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America. Carole Boston Weatherford. Ill. Jamey Christoph. 2015. Albert Whitman and Company.

This biography joins the handful of picture book treatments of photographers such as Ansel Adams, Wilson Bentley, and Dorthea Lange. While biographies of both artists and activists have become more abundant, this appears to be the first book for children about Gordon Parks. The tone is matter of fact, chronicling personal tragedies and addressing historical inequality. The replicas of Parks’ photographs in the illustrations are especially engaging. The back matter includes some sample photographs and an author’s note, but lacks a timeline and bibliography.

Ages 9–11

The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch. Chris Barton. Ill. Don Tate. 2015. Eerdman’s Books for Young Readers.

The striking cover illustration of the subject of this biography captures the warmth and honesty readers will encounter inside the book. The appealing illustrations, full of close-ups of faces and details of the historical context, drive the story and will engage readers. The narrative presented carefully balances Lynch’s personal journey with the larger political issues of the time period. The story is quite long, covering a lot of historical ground from slavery through reconstruction and beyond, but plenty of humor and drama in both the art and the text keep the story flowing. The back matter continuesthe story with a historical note, highly detailed timeline, further reading, and author and illustrator notes.

Ages 12–14

Enormous Smallness: A Story of E.E. Cummings. Matthew Burgess. Ill. Kris Di Giacomo. 2015. Enchanted Lion Books.

The book offers good advice for students who may tend to get frustrated or are unmotivated: “Anything is possible, as long as you are true to yourself and never give up, even when the world seems to say, stop!” Burgess begins the biography by painting a quick picture of Cummings’ life at the point in which the story eventually ends. Then he nicely flows into where his love for writing poems began. The story walks through his life, but it specifically focuses on what really impacted his writing career. It introduces different people in his life, and throughout the book he explains the roles that they played in his writing career: “Some people criticized him for painting with words. Others said his poems were too strange, too small.” It does not illustrate just the positive aspects of Cummings’ life, but also the hardships of his writing career.

Ages 15+

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club. Phillip Hoose. 2015. Farrar, Straus, & Giroux.

The resistance movement in Denmark during WWII has been treated in children’s novels like Number the Stars and pictures books like The Yellow Star. Hoose’s new book tells the story of the genesis of that movement. Two teenage brothers find themselves appalled with their country’s leader and the community around them when the Nazi occupation begins. Knud Pedersen may only be 15 but, with the help of his brother and a cadre of friends, he goes on the attack against the German occupiers. Teen readers will be on the edge of their seat as they learn of Pedersen’s bravery and activism. Hoose balances his voice with that of Knud’s, whom he interviewed and corresponded with in order to write the book. This is an exemplary piece of nonfiction with ample back matter.

Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries Who Shaped our History…and our Future. Kate Schatz. Ill. Miriam Klein Stahl. 2015. City Lights Books.

This book for all ages features 25 women who made a difference,  women readers young and old should know all about, and  women who all deserve more than the one page dedicated to them in this book. While some of the names will be familiar to readers (Rachel Carson and Carol Burnett), many will stand out as new and unknown (Jovita Idar, the Grimke sisters, Yuri Kochiyama). Energy and enthusiasm pervade the text and art in this book; each woman featured gets a byline (“who reminds us to bravely claim our true identity,” “who shows us the power of a brilliant mind,” “who led her people with strength and courage”), a cut-paper portrait against a bright background, and a page of biographical information. The back matter is as engaging as the individual treatments, featuring “26 things you can do to be rad” and plenty of resource material.

Lesley Colabucci is an associate professor at Millersville University in Pennsylvania, where she teaches courses in children’s/adolescent literature. She is currently serving on NCTE’s Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children.

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.

Children’s and adolescent literature has the power to open windows and doors into new worlds and lived experiences. Historically, the experiences of Latina/o children, families, and communities have been lacking from the corpus of literature published in the U.S. Moreover, some literature that is categorized as Latina/o-centric offers only cursory, stereotypical, or, at worst, deficit views of Latina/o families and experiences, as reported in Journal of Children’s Literature in 2013.

Instead, Latina/o children and those who read about Latina/o children and families should be exposed to characters and narratives that embody the complexity, excellence, and unique funds of knowledge that Latina/o communities offer, as K Hasse suggested in The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin. The literature that is reviewed in this column meets and surpasses these qualifications, providing critical encounters with literature that disrupt single-story or majoritarian narratives of Latina/o children, families, and communities. The selections can be shared with students at all grade levels.

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music. Margarita Engle. Ill. Rafael López. 2015. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Engle’s book depicts a young girl’s persistence to play the drums in a world where “only boys play drums.” Lopez’s words border poetry as we read how Drum Dream Girl’s world is filled with beats and music. Lopez writes, “When she walked under the wind-wavy palm trees in a flower-bright park she heard the whir of parrot wings the clack of woodpecker beaks the dancing tap of her own footsteps and the comforting pat of her own heartbeat,” showing how Drum Dream Girl draws inspiration from the world around her. The cadence of Engle’s prose mirrors the tap, tap, tapping of a drum as we are guided through Drum Dream Girl’s quest to defy gender norms and play the drums. The words are supported by the illustrations which present a whimsical, botanical world that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. 

Drum Dream Girl teaches the reader about the importance of pursuing what we love, about listening to our dreams, and the power of parents and important adults in shaping the interests and trajectories of young girls. The importance of women in the lives of women is also evident as Drum Dream Girl receives support from her sister’s “all-girl dance band,” showing how her comadres cultivated her dream. Ultimately, Drum Dream Girl’s father does provide lessons, in which she eagerly immerses herself. With practice and the guidance of her teacher, she achieves her goal. Drum Dream Girl invites readers to ask questions about the positioning of girls and boys, the impact of adults on the dreams of young children, and how even the strongest held traditions can be bent, changed, or transformed.

—LR

Finding the Music/En Pos de la Música. Jennifer Torres. Ill. Renato Alarcão. 2015. Children’s Book Press/Lee & Low Books, Inc.

This bilingual picture book acknowledges family heritage while celebrating the power music has to bring joy, bridge generations, and build community. Reyna’s abuelito was a gifted mariachi musician, and his vihuela, a small, high-pitched guitar, is proudly displayed in her family’s restaurant. Reyna accidently breaks the vihuela and decides to fix it before her mother learns about the incident. Reyna reaches out to several individuals in the community for assistance. During her search, she discovers precious mementos related to her abuelito’s life as a mariachi musician. She receives a photo from Mr. Antonio of the hardware store, but she also learns a special story. “None of us had much money then, so instead of a gift, your abuelito and his mariachi played for us.” She meets the school music teacher who shares that her abuelito taught her on the vihuela, but the special memento that she receives (her abuelito’s sombrero) makes her beam with pride. Finally, she stops at the music shop and receives an old record with a recording of her abuelito’s mariachi band performance. The rich details coupled with the warm hues create a balance to this tenderhearted story. There is also an author’s note with additional information about mariachi music.

—MN

Growing up Pedro. Matt Tavares. 2015. Candlewick Press.

Red Sox fan Matt Tavares’ latest picture book biography provides readers with information about Pedro Martinez and his brother Ramon, both of whom grew up in the Dominican Republic. Organized by important milestones with concise text, readers learn about Pedro’s early life and his strong relationship with his brother. Tavares includes information about the positive influence Pedro’s older brother, Ramon had on his life. Information about Ramon’s selection as a Major League Baseball player fuels Pedro’s commitment to follow in his brother’s footsteps. 
The author’s note includes important facts about how Martinez gave back to his hometown in the Dominican Republic from building schools, paving roads, and baseball fields. The beautiful illustrations complement the narrative and the selection would partner well with other biographies about baseball players, including those by Matt Tavares: Henry Aaron’s Dream and There Goes Ted Williams.

—MN

Little Chanclas. Josó Lozano. 2015. Cinco Puntos Press.

In Little Chanclas, Lozano presents a small but mighty little girl who wears noisy chanclas. In a world where girls are often encouraged to be quiet and sacrifice comfort for style, Lily defies the norm by “slippety-slappetying” through life with her beat-up chanclas. Lily even wears her chanclas to parties, much to the chagrin of her mother and other party-goers. Both tragedy and hilarity ensue at the party when  Lily’s chanclas break while she is dancing and a dog gobbles up the pieces of her beloved shoes. All is resolved later in the story when Lily’s granny arrives with new chanclas in every color.

Young children will enjoy the onomatopoeia used through the book to describe the sound of Lily’s chanclas. Those who are familiar with the linguistic nuances of the border regions and Spanish-speaking enclaves in the U.S. will identify with the authentic use of Spanglish in both the English and Spanish text to contextualize and describe Lily’s environment; for example, shopping at the Shoeteria and eating dinner at the Sushiteria.

—LR

Lola Levine is Not Mean. Monica Brown. 2015. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

The salutations “Dear Diario” and “Shalom” at the onset of this book set the stage for the intersectional identities that are presented in Monica Brown’s Lola Levine is Not Mean. Through Lola’s diary entries and narrative, Brown addresses gender, language, and cultural themes to explore challenges and potentials when we resist or step outside of society’s norms. The issue of gender identity plays a role in the main conflict of the story as Lola Levine experiences the different expectations of girls/women in sports. When Lola displays confidence and competitiveness in a soccer game at school, she accidentally injures a male classmate. This treatment sets in motion a series of events that can only be described as bullying. Lola’s classmates call her “Mean Lola Levine” and isolate her from social interactions at school. The school principal, who happens to be a woman, bans Lola from soccer and effectively shames Lola for her “behavior.” As the events of the story unfold, the complexities of how norms are enforced and resisted against by different female characters are shown. The principal and Lola’s classmates show a clear preference for adhering to gender norms while Ms. Garcia, Lola’s favorite teacher, and Lola’s mother offer support and solutions. While bullying is often addressed in simplified or superficial ways in children’s literature, Brown moves beyond this common trope by clearly showing bullying is often underpinned and supported by issues of prejudice. Brown shows that Lola still resists these prescribed norms and, rather than changing who she is, resists against the attacks on her character.

Overall, this book invites the reader to ask, “Is Lola mean? Why or why not?” and sets the stage for educators to select strategic stopping points to engage in dialogue about the roles women and girls can embody. Readers can explore the contradictory expectations placed on girls and women, questions about friendships between boys and girls, the power of art and writing, and the way we support or deny multiple ways of knowing and being at school and at home. 

—LR

Medina’s Mango, Abuela, and Me is a contemporary story depicting the realities of immigration and the inevitable impact on la familia. Namely, the story illuminates the experience of language loss across generations, a reality for many second- and third-generation immigrants. In this story, a young girl named Mia is anxious about the arrival of her abuela, who comes to live with her and her family. Since Mia’s primary language is English and Abuela speaks only Spanish, Mia and Abuela initially find it difficult to connect and express love through words.

Over time, Mia fills her home with English labels, Mia and Abuela share English and Spanish words while cooking together, and Mia and her mother purchase a parrot, Mango, who reminds Abuela of her house by the sea. The parrot becomes a key player in the bilingual exchanges that occur between Mia and Abuela. Medina pays careful attention to what it means to live in a new language. She writes that Abuela can’t “unlock the English words” which expertly and succinctly portrays the time it takes to adopt a new linguistic repertoire. In the end, Mia says, “Our mouths are full of things to say.”

—LR

Maya’s Blanket. Monica Brown. Ill. David Diaz. 2015. Lee & Low Books, Inc.   

In this beautifully illustrated, bilingual picture book, inspired by by the Yiddish folk song “Hob Ikh Mir a Mantl” (“I had a little coat”), Monica Brown provides readers with a story that celebrates love, family, creativity, and resourcefulness. Young Maya loves her handmade magical butterfly printed blanket crafted by her abuelita. When the blanket becomes old and frayed, she decides to create something new. “With her own two hands and Abuelita’s help,” Maya recreates the blanket into a dress, a skirt, a shawl, and a scarf, until it was so small that she was only able to make a bookmark. Maya’s ability to invent and create culminates into her writing a story filled with memories of the blanket’s metamorphosis. The butterfly print symbolizes renewal and, each time the blanket is refashioned into a new creation, it becomes a testimony of renewal and preservation. The cumulative structure coupled with the bright illustrations contribute to its heartwarming message. It will certainly inspire readers of all ages to reuse and recycle usable objects and to appreciate special treasures and family heirlooms.

—MN

Miracle on 133rd Street. Sonia Manzano. Ill. Marjorie Priceman. 2015. Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Sonia Manzano’s newest picture book celebrates the power of community and how one family’s quiet holiday dinner plans turned into a wonderful celebration. On Christmas Eve, Mami, Papi, and José were preparing their special dinner, but when the roast doesn’t fit into their oven, it sets into motion a sequence of events that brings friends and neighbors together. Manzano’s excellent writing offers strong characterization coupled with the perfect blend of emotion and dialogue. This wonderful holiday story is brought to life with colorful and magical illustrations perfect for December story times and thematic lessons about family/community.

—MN

My Tata’s Remedies/Los Remedies de mi Tata. Roni Capin Rivera-Ashford. Ill. Antonio L. Castro. 2015. Cinco Puntos Press.

My Tata’s Remedies/Los Remedies de mi Tata presents a young boy, Aaron, who guides the reader through his father’s practice of holistic medicine. Sometimes referred to as curanderismo, folk, or natural healing, the book sheds light on the rich knowledge of how our natural environment offers solutions to our ailments. 
As each neighbor, friend, or family member arrives at Aaron’s home, Tata knows just what to do. He enlists Aaron’s help in seeking the right remedy for each ailment. Through this process, we see how children are apprenticed to the knowledge that is passed down through generations of healers. The strength of la familia y la communidad is also a primary theme in this text, showing the ways in which members of la communidad rely on one another to share their unique and vital funds of knowledge.

Both English and Spanish appear on the page, with English taking first billing. Select words and phrases are included in the English text. The names of plants and herbs are listed in both Spanish and English, allowing readers to delve into both language and content through this resource. The illustrations mirror this approach with realistic sketches that expertly capture the expressions of characters and accurate renderings of the plants used for Tata’s remedies.

—LR

Sofi and the Magical, Musical Mural/Sofi y el magico mural musical. Raquel Ortiz. Ill. Maria Dominguez. Trans. Gabriela Baeza Ventura. 2015. Piňata Books/Arte Público Press.

This bilingual picture book celebrates public art murals and culture, specifically the one located in the South Bronx entitled, “El Pueblo Cantor” (The Pueblo Sings). While walking back to her apartment building, Sofia becomes transfixed by the vibrant colors in the public mural that celebrates Puerto Rican culture. As she stares at the images, she is slowly transported, through her imagination, into the lively scene. She dances with new friends, sings traditional songs, and is initially fearful of the masked trickster, the vejigante. She is encouraged to continue dancing and dancing until her original fear of the vejigante in the mural slowly disappears. Her imagination transports her into the air over the town, the rainforest, and the beach. Finally, her mother finds Sofia deeply entranced in front of the mural. Sofia realizes that she had been daydreaming. At home, she was still so deeply affected by the characters in the mural that she continued to dance and sing. From her bedroom window, she could still see the mural and even imagined that the vejigante winked at her. The story captures the power that art has on our senses and would be appropriate for art educators. Art educator and muralist Maria Dominguez adds colorful and spiraling illustrations to enhance the story.

—MN

Mary Napoli is an associate professor of reading at Penn State Harrisburg and focuses her teaching and research on children’s and adolescent literature. She teaches both undergraduate and graduate literacy courses focused on children’s literature. Her current research pertains to guiding preservice teachers to become more critical readers of texts. Laura Roy is an associate professor of education at Penn State Harrisburg. Laura’s research examines the classroom and community experiences of new and existing refugee and immigrant populations in the U.S., focusing particularly on the intersections of race, culture, language, and other markers of identity. She is particularly interested in the discursive practices in the classroom that help and/or hinder students’ success in language learning contexts. Both her teaching and research are grounded in social justice frameworks, advocating for equitable learning opportunities for all students. 

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.

Books that are published in countries other than the United States often provide insight into a wider world for readers. Although these publications may address some of the same themes and issues, they also may address other topics with which U.S. audiences aren’t familiar or explore familiar topics from a fresh perspective. They allow all of us to expand our worldview and become familiar with ways of looking at the world that may at first seem a little bit uncomfortable. Just like trying on a new pair of shoes or a piece of clothing, sometimes it takes a little bit of time before the newness and unfamiliarity wears off, and we become more comfortable with different types of humor and different means of self-expression. This week’s book reviews from the Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group examine international books. Get your passport ready as we travel to different parts of the world.

Ages 4–8

Astrid the Fly. Maria Jönsson. 2015. Holiday House.

In this picture book published originally in Sweden, Astrid the fly relates a cautionary tale. Although she’s heard many a story from her relatives about the perils of flyswatters and vacuums and the mysterious disappearance of her uncle, her own experience is enough to keep a fly from wandering very far from home. After overindulging in Danish salami, Astrid experiences ghastly side effects, including vision loss and a low body temperature. Amusingly, her problems were not related to the food but to having been trapped in a refrigerator when someone moved the salami there. Her experience causes her to forego meat. The brightly colored watercolor and ink illustrations enhance the message that healthy lifestyle changes can occur, even on the basis of false evidence. The book is wryly funny because it is told from Astrid's misguided perspective and she ends up avoiding salami for the wrong reasons.

My Two Blankets. Irena Kobald. Illus. by Freya Blackwood. 2015. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers.

Cartwheel and her aunt flee the violence in their homeland. Their physical journey to safety is long and tiring, but the emotional journey is even more trying. Although they are safe in their new home, everything is unfamiliar and confusing, and Cartwheel feels disoriented and lonely until another girl in the park befriends her. Over time, she learns the language and is able to read, surrounding herself with a word blanket that is every bit as comforting as the blanket she uses to fend off the cold. The watercolor and oil paint illustrations and the text perfectly depict her feelings of isolation and uncertainty in a new place with unfamiliar words and practices; for instance, "When I went out, it was like standing under a waterfall of strange sounds. The waterfall was cold. It made me feel alone" (unpaged). This picture book, originally published in Australia, reminds readers eloquently of the power words have to diminish or enhance distance.

The White Book: A Minibombo Book. Silvia Borando, Elisabetta Pica, & Lorenzo Clerici. 2015. Candlewick.

Originally published in Italy, this amusing wordless picture book shows a small boy busily painting the white walls of someone’s room in bright colors. Each time, as he deftly rolls the paint onto the left-hand page, to his delight, various animals emerge. Unfortunately, they seem to come to life only to disappear as they travel off the right-hand page. He's thrilled to see birds, fish, a dinosaur, an elephant, a giraffe, an anteater, and a dog and eagerly anticipates the fun they will bring into his world. By the time he sees a dog appear beneath the paint with which he is coating the walls, he knows not to expect too much. But this time, the dog decides to brighten his world by staying with him. Providing some humor to readers while also encouraging reflection, this picture book is funny and creative, and encourages readers to read between the lines to figure out what might be happening.

Ages 9–11

Our Heroes: How Kids Are Making a Difference. Janet Wilson. 2014. Second Story.

This inspiring Canadian book profiling 10 youngsters from across the globe who are making a difference in the world dispels the myth that the current generation lacks compassion or a desire to change the world. Not only may it prompt others to do their share to right some wrongs, but it also may remind many children to be grateful for what they have. Some of the projects involved raising money for the education of females, lobbying for a Children's Peace Forest, raising funds for soccer equipment, uniforms, and fields, aiding the homeless, and collecting donations to eradicate hunger. The issues these youngsters are tackling are not trivial matters but important ones. The book also contains several quotes about changing the world from these young world-changers as well as from famous men and women who also changed the world. In addition to the brief stories about these social activists, there are even more thumbnail sketches describing additional ways the next generation is making a difference before they’re even old enough to vote. This book would be a wonderful introduction to community service or to teach students empathy as well as encouraging them to feel empowered and able to make a change in their own small corners of the world.

The World in a Second. Isabel Minhós Martins. (2015). Illus. by Bernardo Carvalho. Enchanted Lion.

Thoughtful and thought-provoking text and large, colorful illustrations sprawling two pages take readers to 23 different stops throughout the world in one-second pauses. Beginning in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and ending in Florianopolis, Brazil, readers have the chance to see what is happening at the exact same point in time. There are moments of anxiety as a ship fights its way through treacherous waves, annoyance as a driver waits impatiently for a long line of traffic to move, loneliness as an elderly woman falls asleep in her bed, and even closure as a reader comes to the final pages of a book. Readers will be intrigued by the choice of seconds that are depicted here and fascinated by the stories hidden within each second. Because the last two pages show a woman flipping through the pages of this very book, teachers may want to explore metafictive techniques that question the line between the observer and the observed. Readers can use clues from the illustrations or the map to figure out exactly where each scene takes place. Originally published in Portugal, the book encourages reflection about the importance of a second in someone’s life.

A Year in the Life of a Total and Complete Genius. Stacey Matson. 2015. Scholastic.

Seventh grader Arthur Bean has a lot more than school on his mind, and this book, published originally in Canada, provides insight into his unique way of thinking. A series of letters, e-mails, and journal entries written from October to June reveal both how Arthur is coping with the unexpected death of his mother and his inflated sense of self. There is little doubt in his mind that one day his writing will be just as celebrated as the works of Stephen King. But his overconfidence and arrogance mask deep pain and insecurity as well as the extreme writer’s block that prevents him from writing a story that will claim first prize in the school contest. His frustration leads to his making a very bad decision. Although parts of the book are hilarious, the humor masks the heavy issues with which Arthur and others are contending. The notes detailing Arthur’s unwilling tutoring sessions with the hated Robbie Zack, those from Ms. Whitehead, and e-mails from a female classmate interested in writing will prompt readers to shake their heads in dismay as they watch Arthur paint himself into a corner more than once. What remains to be seen is whether he can paint himself out of a mess of his own making.

Ages 12­–14

Moletown. Torben Kuhlmann. 2015. NorthSouth.

This talented author/illustrator from Germany impressed critics and readers alike with Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse (2014), and this follow-up is equally impressive. In this almost-wordless picture book, one mole moves underground, leaving the lush greenery of the outside world behind, and then slowly, things get out of hand. Industrialization, progress, and damaging environmental practices eventually take their toll on Moletown, leaving its residents with only a very small patch of land that has not spoiled by the land’s exploitation. Clearly, while progress has its place, it also comes with a price, making this a humorous but stark reminder of what may lie ahead for all of us. The illustrations are filled with exhausted workers, congested streets, and air that has become increasingly hard to breathe. This book should surely serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of careful stewardship toward the good, green Earth and a consideration of the environmental choices being made. If this and his earlier publication are any indication of this artist’s potential, waiting to see more will be hard.

Some Things I’ve Lost. Cybele Young. 2015. Groundwood.

Although it is short in length, this very different book from Canada is not short in ideas. Without a doubt, it will encourage readers to reconsider how they regard commonplace objects in their lives or even their reaction to losing something. Although it is frustrating to lose or temporarily misplace objects, the author/illustrator wonders what might happen to them after they’re lost. With complicated and extraordinarily detailed paper sculptures, she unravels the 12 different objects in the book to reveal what might be hiding inside an umbrella, a wristwatch, and a lawn chair, among others, as well as relating where they were last seen. The book’s pages unfold to show what this visual artist sees within each of those common objects, objects to which most individuals would never give a second thought. Perhaps there is more to each of them than is visible to the naked eye, and perhaps we should look more closely and more imaginatively to the world around us. This book would provide marvelous inspiration for a creative writing or an art class, as the illustrations are incredibly detailed and move out in many different directions.

Ages 15+

A Prince Without a Kingdom. Timothee de Fombelle. 2015. Candlewick.

Fans of this book’s predecessor, Vango: Between Sky and Earth (2014), will find that it shines even more brilliantly paired with this concluding volume. The same elements that made the first title so appealing are here: espionage, a dash of romance, intrigue, complicated characters, exotic locations, misplaced loyalty, revenge, heroics, and travel from one continent to another. The list of characters provided at the start of the book is helpful because there are several characters in the books who appear briefly, disappear, and then appear again. Although the first book offered only shadowy hints of Vango’s past and his identity, this one solves that mystery satisfactorily and places it within the context of the Russian Revolution and the Holocaust. Teen readers will be mesmerized by the intrigue while rooting for true love to find a way and a happy ending for several of the characters. Often, only the barest of margins separates the characters from joy or disaster. Clearly, desperate times call for desperate actions and force otherwise good individuals to behave in ways they wouldn’t have otherwise. Originally published in France, this book certainly gives a whole new meaning to the term "breathless" as Vango zips from place to place and one dangerous situation after another and his desire for revenge and some answers about his past have been satisfied.

Speak a Word for Freedom: Women Against Slavery. Janet Willen & Marjorie Gann. 2015. Random House/Tundra.

Relying on primary documentation when available in addition to secondary sources and interviews, the authors have assembled an impressive collection of 14 female abolitionists who dared to call to question the continued use of slaves to perform tasks as well as reminding those around them of the immorality of owning another person. Starting in 1781 with Elizabeth Freeman, who sued her master on the grounds that slavery was illegal in Massachusetts, and concluding with Nina Smith, the director of GoodWeave, who works to end child slavery and ensure ethical trade, the book provides information about each woman and her work to eradicate slavery. Although some of these activists such as Harriet Tubman and Harriet Beecher Stowe will be familiar figures, others who are less famous have still cut a mighty swath for equity and against slavery and deserve acknowledgment.

Strange Light Afar: Tales of the Supernatural From Old Japan. Rui Umezawa. 2015. Illus. by Mikiko Fujita. Groundwood.

Eight beautifully written stories filled with supernatural elements and in-depth character development are contained in this book. Based on familiar Japanese folk tales, the kernels of the stories are simplified into one-word titles for each story and enable readers to explore themes concerning greed, desire, honor, and betrayal, and the reasons for the foolish actions of humans. Choosing favorites out of such an outstanding collection isn’t easy, but many readers will be horrified by "Envy," in which a brother who is jealous of the fortunes of his own brother shows just how envious he is and what that envy brings him to do in chilling fashion. Also notable is "Betrayal," in which new bridegroom Tamiya isn’t content with his lovely bride Oiwa but wants even more than what he has and plots to kill her. Perfect for a Halloween night or an evening spent by a campfire, these stories are captivating. There isn't a single one that will fail to hold readers’ interests.

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.

Summer weather always brings out all sorts of fascinating critters, and along with the delicious fresh produce that fills gardens and grocery shelves at this time of the year, there is a bumper crop of marvelous books dedicated to critters from pests to pets. As most teachers know, fiction books featuring animals tend to be popular with elementary and middle school readers, and readers of all ages gravitate to nonfiction titles featuring strange insects and ocean dwellers—and if the photos in those books are large and contain close-ups, so much the better. This week’s book reviews from the Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group focus on books containing animals of all sorts, some contributing in immeasurable ways to our lives and some simply oddly fascinating.

Ages 4–8

Cicada. Michael Shoulders. 2015. Cherry Lake.

What first seem like perfectly preserved insect carcasses to observant youngsters in the warm summer months are soon discovered to be the crunchy, translucent shells of cicadas found on the ground or attached to trees. This species seems to have a hard life, and  not just because they shed their outer surface as they grow. Along with photos of cicadas at different life stages in, this well-written, entertaining, and informative book describes the mating habits of cicadas and how, after hatching on a tree leaf and dropping to the ground, the cicada nymphs must tunnel to the surface of the earth and lie buried for long periods of time. There are plenty of intriguing facts on this interesting species, about which much is still unknown. Other titles in this series feature the ant, grasshopper, honeybee, and katydid. 

Guess What: Twisty Tails. Kelly Calhoun. 2015. Cherry Lake.

With carefully chosen vocabulary perfect for beginning readers yet interesting enough to keep them engaged, this book is essentially an animal guessing game. Readers examine textual and visual hints through text and photographs that allow them to figure out what the animal is. The clues become easier throughout the book, and it concludes with five interesting facts about the animal as well as a brief glossary. The title cleverly informs readers about one of the characteristics for which the animal is best known. This, and all the titles in this series, would be excellent introductory animal books for an elementary science classroom or a home library. Additional titles in the Guess What series are Guess What: Fast and Flightless, Guess What: Feathered and Fierce, Guess What: Fiercely Feline, Guess What: Flashy Feathers, Guess What: High-Speed Hoppers, Guess What: Majestic Manes, Guess What: Poised and Pink, Guess What: Scaly Swimmers, Guess What: Slinky Sliders, Guess What: Sneaky Snouts, and Guess What: Spotted Singers (all written by Kelly Calhoun).

My Dog, Bob. Richard Torrey. 2015. Holiday House.

Anyone who spends time with a dog knows just how smart, clever, and obedient this family pet is. But sometimes the talents of a canine are not meant for public display. In the case of Jeff's extraordinary dog Bob, Bob is completely disinterested in fetching a stick, sitting on command, or speaking when told to do so. To his master’s dismay, he ignored the challenges laid down by Mimi, a neighbor, who shows off her dog Truffles while Bob merely watches. But as readers realize at the story’s conclusion, Bob can do so much more that. After all, he can easily prepare delicious meals for the family, but that can be their secret. The watercolor and oil pencil illustrations and the sparse text will warm the hearts of dog lovers who know just how exceptional their dogs are.

Over in the Wetlands: A Hurricane-on-the-Bayou Story. Caroline Starr Rose. Ill. Rob Dunlavy. 2015. Schwartz & Wade.

Natural disasters such as hurricanes often bring to mind the destruction they wreak on manmade structures, but as this nonfiction title vividly illustrates, they also affect nature in many ways. Filled with stunning images, created with watercolor, ink, pencil, paint, collage, and Adobe Photoshop, this book provides readers with a ringside seat on nature’s fierceness. Just as humans place plywood boards on their windows and stock up on supplies, so do the denizens of the wetlands: Pelicans, alligators, fish, and turtles prepare for the onslaught of the storm’s fierce winds and waves. The rhyming text evokes the hurricane wind: “Pounding,/wailing,/hours endless./Blasting,/breaking/storm's relentless.” Readers may be mesmerized by the winds’ brutal power followed by a calm aftermath. An afterword describes the importance of the U.S. wetlands and the challenges that lie ahead for the Louisiana region because of the encroachment of humans on this natural resource. This title might be worth sharing on this, the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the destruction it brought to the Gulf Coast and New Orleans.

Playful Pigs From A to Z. Anita Lobel. 2015. Knopf Books for Young Readers.

Twenty-six handsome and playful pigs scamper through the letters of the alphabet in this ABC book illustrated beautifully with gouache and watercolor scenes. After slipping out of their pigpen and sauntering through the countryside, they have no trouble finding adventures aplenty. As might be expected, each of these porcine individuals has a name, starting with Amanda Pig and ending with Zeke Pig, appropriately. Alongside each pig, the author has placed a short sentence containing a word that starts with the pig’s particular letter of the alphabet. Including the entire alphabet at the bottom of each page allows beginning readers to consider the placement of each featured alphabetical letter on the book’s pages. Delightful and creative, there is no doubt that title will keep emergent readers engaged and learning for long periods of time.

Ages 9–11

From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess. Meg Cabot. 2015. Feiwel & Friends.

Fans of the Princess Diaries are sure to love this title, part of a new series about a New Jersey middle school princess who has no idea that she has royal connections. While Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison has no idea how to handle Annabelle, a school bully who is jealous of her, she clearly has a way with dogs. In fact, once she is swept up by a limousine and brought to a swanky New York City hotel, she quickly befriends the royal pets, Snowball, who becomes hers, and Rommel, who never likes anyone, but does like the princess. The youngster has never met her father and had no clue that she is related to someone royal. Except for her talent in art, Olivia really isn’t all that different from her classmates at Cranbrook Middle School. Still, she is simply endearing, making the best of her lonely existence and second-class status with her aunt’s family, and then grateful at the good fortune that comes her way once her true identity is revealed. The wonder of it all is that she is thankful to have a loving family, not that she’s so glad to have all that wealth and privilege. As most dog lovers can tell you, dogs are good judges of character, and they don’t miss in assessing Olivia’s worthiness.

Unleashed. Gordon Korman. 2015. Scholastic.

In this seventh title in the Swindle series, Griffin Bing and his friends are divided suddenly in a gender war, boys against girls. The rift results from the pressure Griffin feels to win the school’s competition for best invention. He’s pitted against arch-enemy Darren Vader and his good friend Melissa. As Griffin and his crew experiment with ways to muffle the sound of a vacuum cleaner, Melissa crafts an invention that will prevent Luthor, Savannah’s beloved and reformed attack dog, from chasing after the exterminator’s truck. There are plenty of hair-raising adventures, some questionable activities, and close calls within the book’s pages. Fans of this series will not be disappointed, as each character has a chance to shine. As always, the author hooks readers until the very last page, when Luthor’s reasons for chasing the truck become all too clear. There’s no one better at coming up with interesting plots, terrific characters, and authentic dialogue, all wrapped in a layer of sophisticated humor and canine affection than Korman. It’s a dog lovers’ delight.

Ages 12–14

Close to the Wind. Jon Walter. 2015. David Fickling.

Although this book brings to mind the Holocaust and Nazi Germany, the author never specifies the story’s setting, which makes its appeal more wide reaching. Ten-year-old Malik and his grandfather are waiting to board a ship that will bring them to sanctuary. Ticket costs are quite steep, but the grandfather has hidden resources—a large diamond secreted in a tooth in his mouth. When two men with whom Papa is acquainted betray the old man, he scrambles to get his grandson on that ship. Malik constantly annoys his grandfather with questions and his interest in a stray cat he befriends. Once Malik and the cat, eventually named Booty by the purser, are on board the ship, he is placed with other orphans who offer survival tips. A chance encounter with the sons of the men who betrayed his grandfather leads to his agreeing to a trade, and Malik is torn between his conflicting thoughts about what he values. The affection he has for Booty, the only thing from his former life, is quite understandable and moving for readers. The book is compelling, heartrending, and ends on the perfect note. Clearly, access to money can make life much easier, but it isn’t what matters. A fantastic debut that will stay with readers long after they have reached the last page, the book explores loyalty, compassion, generosity, and treachery, encouraging readers to explore what they might have done had they been in the characters’ shoes.

Stormstruck! John Macfarlane. 2015. Holiday House.

Twelve-year-old Sam hasn’t really processed the death of his brother Steve who was killed in military service. But he takes seriously his promise to take care of Steve’s Labrador, Pogo. After overhearing his parents discussing putting Pogo, who has cancer, to sleep, Sam decides to head out to a nearby island. His plans are vague, but he has the good fortune to meet Magnus, a retired ornithologist, and his crippled bird. After sharing a meal and a chat, he tries to go home but is delayed by dense fog and a series of accidents and mistakes. Through it all, Steve is with him in the form of survival tips he shared with his brother. The author piles on the suspense, providing riveting details of how helpless Sam feels when he is unable to see where the boat is going and his wariness of the shark nearby. This adventure story featuring one boy against the elements will appeal to animal lovers and anyone with a tender place in the heart for seemingly hopeless causes. As sick and frail as Pogo is, he still keeps watch over Sam, often with no concern about his own welfare. To entice readers to give this action-filled survival story a try, teachers should read aloud one of the compelling passages with which it is filled.

Survival Strategies of the Almost Brave. Jen White. 2015. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

This book scared me to death! Not in a Stephen King–horror way, but in an edge-of-the seat-worry-about-what-might-happen way for the two sisters at the story’s heart. I kept thinking about all the terrible individuals they could have encountered and keeping my fingers crossed they would be OK. After the death of their mother, 12-year-old Liberty and her 8-year-old sister Billie stay with their mother’s friend Julie until some sort of arrangement can be sorted out. Although they’ve hardly had contact with their father, he agrees to take responsibility for them, and they spend the summer roaming the Southwest. But he isn’t up to the task, and the girls find themselves left behind at a gas station. With a little luck and a lot of pluck, they take matters into their own hands and do what they have to do as they try to find a way back to San Diego. Middle-grade readers will find Liberty’s notebook filled with animal facts and the way she sees the world in terms of predators and prey and survival fascinating. It’s hard to resist some of their benefactors, most of whom have no idea that they’re helping the girls. In the end, as Liberty realizes that she has plenty of folks who care about her, she also decides that she can form her own pod, as whales do, and surround herself with supportive individuals—a good reminder for all readers. This is a fine authorial debut, filled with strong writing and vivid word paintings that make her characters unforgettable. I love the book cover, too.

Won Ton and Chopstick: A Cat and Dog Tale Told in Haiku. Lee Wardlaw. Ill. Eugene Yelchin. 2015. Henry Holt.

A series of Japanese Senryu poems highlights the relationship between a cat and a dog. Readers of Won Ton (2011), the book’s predecessor, will recognize the independent—and possessive—feline from that earlier charming poetry book. From his first sighting of the interloper, “My eyes full of doom” to their initial uneasy encounters and all the way to their collective morning assault on their boy as two “furry alarm clocks!” the verses honor a feline, an only child, who learns to coexist peacefully with a dog. Created with graphite and gouache, the illustrations feature winsome facial expressions and body language. This book is perfect for teaching students about voice in writing because of Won Ton’s distinctive feline voice. Every word captures Won Ton’s dismay at being possibly supplanted in the family hierarchy.

Ages 15+

The Dogs. Allan Stratton. 2015. Anderson.

On the run from his abusive father, Cameron and his mother settle into a remote town far from his reach—or so they believe. Just as they think that their five years of avoiding him may be over and that they’re safe, Cameron makes a mistake, contacts his father, and sets into motion a frightening chain of events. If that were all that the book was about, it would be engaging. But its additional layers of suspense and the hints dropped about Cam’s own mental health and the bullies he faces at school make it even more intriguing. Teen readers won’t be sure what to believe or who to trust. It seems that the old house in which Cam and his mother are living has secrets about its previous inhabitants, and Cam may—or may not—be seeing and hearing things, including barking, growling, snarling dogs.  Watching the author unspool this story and then reel in his readers was a compelling experience since it skirts so closely to madness before dipping back to reality time and again. Be careful not to read this as dusk is falling or while you are alone because it may send chills down your spine every time you hear the neighborhood dogs howling or feel their breaths at your back.

Last of the Sandwalkers. Jay Hosler. 2015. First Second.

It might be a stretch for most of us to envision a complicated insect world where a group of explorers boldly go where no one else has gone before. But the book’s creator has done just that in a way that makes the insects themselves come to life in believable ways. Not only do Lucy, the scientist who is leading the expedition beyond these insects’ known world, and her companions have personality quirks and habits that make them seem real, but also they are imperfect and splendid in their wonder at the things they are stumbling upon. Readers can certainly enjoy the book just for its story or to see similarities between these beetles and we humans as they realize that they are not the only living things found on earth while navigating complicated family dynamics and dealing with political intrigue and treachery. Hmm...it sounds like higher education and academia, doesn’t it? The annotations at the end of the title add plenty of interesting science to an already fascinating book. I hope there will be more forthcoming.

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 Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG)and are published weekly on Literacy Daily.