This week at the library

another quilt I'm working on

Programs

• Lakeland School field trip
• Paws to Read
• Pokemon Club
• Outreach storytimes: Get up and move! (9 sessions)
• Family Storytime
• Maker Workshop: Beading
• Lapsit
• Dungeons and Dragons
• Foodie Friday
• Maker Workshops: Sewing

Narrative

• Catching up on emails, projects, notes, etc. for March. Nothing exciting, although we did close for Tuesday due to ice.

Moving Forward: From space-age rides to civil rights sit-ins with airman Alton Yates by Chris Barton, illustrated by Steffi Walthall

Barton brings to life another little-known figure in the person of Alton Yates. Born in Florida in the 1930s, he experienced prejudice and racism, and heard the stories of his veteran neighbors who went to war for a country that refused to give them equal rights or even basic respect. But there were limited choices for a Black teenager in the 1950s, especially one from a big family who wanted an education, and Yates took a chance on joining the Air Force. Yates volunteered to work with Colonel John Paul Stapp in researching and exploring faster and faster speeds. When Yates’ grandmother died in 1959, he was honorably discharged from the military and returned home to help his family. Four years had given him an education, experience, and the respect of his fellow soldiers and superiors.

But when he crossed the state line back into Jim Crow territory, none of that mattered. He couldn’t buy gas or a sandwich or use the restroom. Despite his uniform, he wasn’t accorded even the most basic of human respect. When he finally arrived in Jacksonville, he was determined to enlist in a new battle and he joined the NAACP Youth Council at the age of twenty-three, working to organize teenagers and kids as young as thirteen to fight for their civil rights. Despite the dangers, they staged a sit-in at Woolworths and were attacked by a violent mob of white men with ax handles and baseball bats. The narrative breaks abruptly with a vicious red line running across a dark page, as Yates is struck down and then resumes fifty-seven years later with Barton interviewing Yates.

Surviving the attack, Yates moved forward as science moved forward to spaceflight, building on the research of Stapp and men like Yates, as civil rights moved forward to commemorating the work of Yates and others on the NAACP Youth Council in Florida. “Alton remains optimistic. From where he peacefully stands, that forward motion continues.” A timeline, sources, and quotes from Alton Yates are included in the back matter.

Verdict: Another excellent biography from Chris Barton; I am eager to introduce the powerful story of Alton Yates to my teachers and students and consider this a must-have choice for most libraries.

ISBN: 9781534473652; Published January 2022 by Beach Lane Books; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

Unbound: The life + art of Judith Scott by Melissa Sweet by Joyce Scott with Brie Spangler and Melissa Sweet.

I am generally not interested in picture book biographies of artists, but this unique story was intriguing and I think will speak to many people among our readers, both children and adults. The story is told from the perspective of Joyce, Judith’s twin sister. The two are close as children, their tight bond shown in lyrical text and Sweet’s joyous collage illustrations. But they are separated when Joyce goes to school; schools at the time would not accept children with disabilities and Joyce has what would eventually be known as Down Syndrome. She does not speak and on the advice of doctors is institutionalized.

As an adult, Joyce finds out that Judith is deaf, that the institution has labeled her uneducable. She fights to have her released and they are finally reunited after thirty-five years “It’s as if we were never apart.” Joyce enrolls Judy in an art studio that offers programs for adults with disabilities. For a long time, Judy does not participate but finally she is inspired by a selection of natural materials and begins to create unique creations, natural fibers and found objects, wound with yarn and string. “When she leaves this world, my sister is celebrated as a great artist. Her fame still grows.”

Back matter pictures Judith Scott and gives more details about her life, transitioning from being confined in an institution for thirty-five years to attending the Creative Growth Art Center. Notes from the author and artist, sources, and images are included to deepen readers’ understanding of Judith Scott’s life and experiences.

This is not a typical biography; it is more a tribute to the deep love between sisters and the triumph of a person who created art and meaning despite many challenges. It will open conversations on the treatment of people with disabilities and their opportunities and encourage readers to develop empathy for all those they encounter.

Verdict: Share this with classes and storytimes to inspire art and to think about what we, and the people around us, are capable of. Pair with Milo Imagines the World to explore perspectives and stereotypes, to go beyond the surface of people that we see. A powerful and moving story, highly recommended.

ISBN: 9780525648116; Published June 2021 by Alfred A. Knopf; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

The Big House and the Little House by Yoshi Ueno, illustrated by Emiko Fujishima

Nostalgia can be a slippery slope. It’s easy to get caught up in remembered stories from childhood and conflate your own sentimental memories with quality or even popularity. If the only reason you’re keeping, teaching, or promoting a book in your library or school is because you loved it as a child (or your kids loved it when they were little) that’s a serious problem. Having said that, there are many books I loved as a child and when I have gone back to find them a surprising number were Asian imports from China or Japan. There’s a delicacy of line and a simplicity of text that seems to distinguish these picture books and my first reaction upon reading Big House and Little House was that it reminded me of the stories of my childhood.

Little Mouse lives in a little house by the river. Big Bear lives in a house by the tree. Every morning Little Mouse walks to town and Big Bear walks to the forest, in opposite directions, and so they never meet. Both are busy - and lonely. When they do finally meet, they cautiously become friends and plan to meet up the next week. But when next week comes, so does a big storm. Will their friendship hold firm through the wind and rain?

Fine lines curve through the rounded green trees, the trunks, bushes, and clouds, create the illusion of woodcuts. Bear is a chunky, pale brown with blue shirt and dark pants, Mouse a white and pink creature that matches her pastel house.

So, is this one that I love just for nostalgia or would it appeal to today’s children? It has a gentle message of friendship and helping others, and short, simple sentences that will appeal to young listeners. “Bear and Mouse had a great time together, but soon it was time to go home.” It has a little more text than I’d usually look for in a storytime book for very young children, and it doesn’t have the flash and pizzaz of many modern picture books, but it’s deeply satisfying.

Verdict: For listeners who like quieter, comforting stories, and those who are used to being read aloud to and will fall into the cadence of the story, this will be a new childhood favorite and a charming bedtime story. An additional purchase for libraries who have an audience for this style of classic read-aloud.

ISBN: 9781646140497; This edition published March 2021 by Levine Querido; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library

Amah Faraway by Margaret Chiu Greanias, illustrated by Tracy Subisak

 Kylie is used to connecting with her Amah over the computer; Amah speaks slowly and carefully to bridge the language gap, and shows her granddaughter her snacks, songs, and stories. But now Kylie is traveling across the ocean to visit Amah in Taipei and it's not the same. Things are different, Kylie has trouble understanding Amah, and she feels nervous and shy.

Kylie hangs back, daunted by the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and tastes, unsure about her Amah's enthusiasm, and feeling shy around the many strange people she's introduced to. However the patience and kindness of Amah and extended family gradually make her feel more at home and by the end of the visit she's fully enjoying the city of Taipei and her family there - so much so that she doesn't want to return home to San Francisco. However, when she does she stays in touch with Amah on the computer, this time practicing Mandarin and connecting on her own as well as listening and when it's Amah who visits she runs ahead, eager to introduce her to her own beautiful city.

Lovely watercolors splash across the pages, showing the exuberance and life of Taipei and Kylie's growing connection to her Amah and the city she loves. Notes from the author and illustrator, both of whom, like Kylie, had to adjust to rare visits to extended family in Taiwan, talk about their own experiences that shaped this story. The author also talks about the unique structure of the book, which repeats the same lines but in slightly different contexts and with different punctuation that follows Kylie's changing feelings. There is also a note from the illustrator and details on the significance of the places, food, and other sights of Taipei. 

Verdict: This is a little lengthy and complex for storytime, but it would make a wonderful read-aloud to a classroom or the basis of an exploration of different cultures and experiences with extended families. A simple read-aloud of the basic storyline would work well with preschoolers, especially if paired with a discussion of trying new things. A strong purchase for most libraries.

ISBN: 9781547607211; Published January 2022 by Bloomsbury; Review copy provided by the publisher

Piper and Purpa Forever! by Susan Lendroth, illustrated by Olivia Feng

 Piper, introduced as a pink-cheeked toddler with a fluff of brown hair, has a beloved purple sweater. She calls it "Purpa" when she finds it in a box of hand-me-downs, and wears the oversized sweater everywhere. As Piper grows through her childhood, Feng's soft crayon illustrations with pink and red undertones showing Piper' experiences, Purpa shrinks until finally it just doesn't fit. Her family tries to convince her to repurpose it, but she resolutely refuses. Switching from full page illustrations to small vignettes, Feng captures Piper's determined struggle to fit her tiny sweater on one more time and her sullen misery when even she has to acknowledge that it just doesn't fit anymore... at least, it doesn't fit Piper!

Her father produces a consolatory gift, a cheerfully smiling stuffed koala, and Piper knows just what to name him - and how to keep Purpa close even if it doesn't fit anymore. Charming illustrations follow a familiar story of a beloved possession that finds a new purpose, albeit with a new toy.

Verdict: An additional but sweet purchase that will charm listeners in storytime - and hopefully not result in too many children refusing to recycle or regift their own beloved possessions! This would also pair well with a program on recycling clothes and toys.

ISBN: 9781953458292; Published February 2022 by Yeehoo Press; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library.

The treasure box by Dave Keane, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell

 An unnamed little girl with black hair and brown skin loves to collect treasures, which she saves in her special box. When Grandpa and Grammy arrive, she waits patiently for her special time with Grandpa, when they look at the treasures in her box.

As her grandfather ages and grows ill, the two keep their special connection until the very end, sharing their special treasures from nature and their private jokes. After his funeral, and a period of grieving, Grammy finally comes to visit and the two bond over their shared grief and memories of a kind and beloved man, eventually setting out to find more treasures - and memories - together.

Delicate textures and collages fill this loving generational story. Bright colors stand out against the natural hues of the expeditions the girl and her grandparents make and her treasures, a feather, snake skin, and other natural wonders, are shown in loving detail.

This story of memories and intergenerational bonds will speak to families who have lost a beloved grandparent, especially those who have struggled to maintain bonds over a distance. The wonders of treasures in nature are spread throughout, adding an additional element.

Verdict: I wouldn't choose this as a storytime book, but I also would not relegate it to parenting or issue collections. It's a perfect book to shelve in your picture book collections with other titles on family, grieving, and the bonds between grandparent and grandchild. I would consider this Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs for a new generation. Touching and beautifully illustrated, it will find a place on most library shelves.

ISBN: 9781984813183; Published 2021 by Putnam; Purchased for the library; Review copy provided by publisher.

This week at the library

when i manage to stop thinking about work
i'm working on these quilt blocks from my 
great-great grandmother

Programs

• Paws to Read
• Dungeons and Dragons
• Art Workshop: Envelope Cities (3 sessions, after school)
• Winter Wigglers
• Get up and move storytime (3 sessions, school)
• Library on the Go (4 sessions, school)
• Lapsit
• Virtual screening of puppet show
• Sewing workshop

Narrative

 I still feel like I will never catch up on my backlog of work. I have gotten (most) of our programs finalized through May, gotten a start on summer, caught up on some of the collection development, pulled innumerable books for schools, and dealt with an endless stream of problems, questions, and issues. I am frustrated that the much-needed weeding of the picture book area has been put aside though. We really need some time to stop and take stock of what we're doing. Next August/September maybe.

13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton

[Originally published in 2013]

This book is strongly in the "and THEN" genre of child-like storytelling. It's weird, hilarious, and pointless. A certain subsection of elementary school readers will love it.

So, Andy and his friend Terry live in a 13-story treehouse. A glorious diagram of said treehouse fills the end pages, showing exactly where the unique features of the room from giant catapult to secret underground laboratory. Besides being their home, the treehouse is also where they write books. They've written a whole stack of them (a close observer may see some familiar titles).

Sometimes they make up their books, but sometimes they just write down what happened and that's where this book comes from. It all starts with the canary-cat, or catnary. Then their publisher, Mr. Big Nose, calls. He is a little upset that their current book is a tad late and they set out to write it immediately...as soon as they deal with the sea monkeys. But then they find themselves facing down a sea monster, attacked by a giant gorilla, blowing burp-filled bubblegum bubbles and...will they ever get the book written?

The illustrations are pen and ink scribbles, just the kind of thing a kid would doodle all over a book as they write crazy adventures with a friend. The pictures - and the stories - are cheerfully inappropriate, ranging from the main characters kissing a mermaid (and the resulting grossness) to the drawing of super finger, complete with bare bone sticking out the end.

Verdict: Fans of Griffiths' easy readers (The Big Fat Cow that went Kapow is a favorite at our library), Captain Underpants, or Zombiekins will be delighted by the mixture of gross, nonsense, and total randomness dumped into this book. The reading level varies throughout the book, but a good 2nd or 3rd grade reader should be able to handle it. Do not hand to stuffy people, those without a sense of humor, or anyone who hasn't recently had an uncensored talk with a 3rd grader.

Revisited: This is a staple series now and they are up into the 100s of stories of the treehouse. Bearing in mind that Griffiths' original hit book was "The day my butt went psycho" any kids who love Pilkey, gross humor, and lots of cartoons, continue to devour these and I consistently purchase multiple copies.

ISBN: 9781250026903; Published 2013 by Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Added to the library's order list; Purchased multiple copies for the library

Nonfiction Monday: Zoology for kids by Josh and Bethanie Hestermann

[Originally published in 2015]

Kids who are fascinated with animals will love this introduction to zoologists which, as the subtitle says, covers both "Understanding and Working with Animals."

The book opens with an introduction from the Kratt brothers and the co-authors, followed by a timeline of somewhat random events, from the opening of zoos to the contributions of people in the field.

The main text of the book, after a brief introduction defining zoology, begins with a definition of the concept of animals. Readers are warned that this is a little dense, and it is challenging, discussing cells, species, types of animals, and various special skills like echolocation. The next chapter explains animal behavior; life cycles, communication, and more. The third chapter explains how animals relate to and are intertwined with their environments, the concept of biomes, neighborhoods, and food chains. This is the first part of the book.

The second part of the book is much less dry with lots of stories and real-life anecdotes about animals and the zoologists who work with them. There are chapters on zookeepers, veterinarians, wildlife researchers, and conservationists. Each chapter explains in detail what the jobs entail, including education requirements, typical daily life on the job, and interviews with real zoologists and scientists. Each chapter ends with talking about the different careers available in the field and the best preparation for them. I appreciated that they included all the many different support positions, like groundskeepers and receptionists, that are included in the field.

Back matter includes acknowledgements, a detailed glossary, resources (various organizations), selected bibliography, and index. Hands-on projects are included in each chapter, ranging from creating your own species survival game (yes, this is a little morbid) to performing your own backyard animal research to playing an echolocation game. Additional information is included in charts and offset paragraphs throughout the book.

This isn't a book for a casual browser or a struggling reader. The text is fairly dense and the vocabulary challenging. The authors are honest about the difficulties and competition you will face in trying for a career as a zoologist. However, it's well-written, informative, and provides a wealth of information in an attractive format.

Verdict: Motivated animal lovers will devour this book, especially if they're serious about pursuing a career as a zoologist. Teachers will appreciate the variety of hands-on projects, which are suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities, and will want to use this as a resource. Although this won't have the high circulation numbers of, say, a National Geographic factoid book, it's a needed purchase for any library looking to balance their animal collection with some challenging, thorough resource materials.

Revisited: This is still in print, although currently out of stock, and I consider it still a solid purchase that most libraries will want to have on their shelves.

ISBN: 9781613749616; Published 2015 by Chicago Review Press/IPG; Review copy provided by the publisher; Donated to the library

Garlic and the vampire by Bree Paulsen

In a dark, Victorian setting, readers are introduced to Garlic, a small creature with a garlic bulb for a head and a whole host of worries on her small shoulders. She wants to please the kind witch, Agnes, who created her, she wants to impress her friend Carrot, but she just seems to mess up again and again. She’s late to market, she knocks over stalls, and she keeps annoying judgmental Celery. When the garden hears of a scary vampire returning to his ancestral castle, Garlic is as scared as any of them - especially when Celery volunteers her to take him on alone!

The atmospheric, brooding art is enlivened by the cute vegetables and the ultimately happy and cozy ending. Despite the creepy aspects, and Garlic’s incessant anxiety, she triumphs in the end with friendship and courage backing her up, and discovers that she is brave, even if she’s not a vampire-slayer!

Verdict: This quirky little book will attract readers who like the idea, but not the reality, of something scary and all those who enjoy sentient vegetables finding their courage. Pair with Kaeti Vandorn’s graphic novels, which although brighter in color scheme, include similar themes.

ISBN: 9780062995094; Published 2021 by Quill Tree Books; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

RA RA Read: Stories with Science

When I originally made this list in 2016, it was a small, but popular sub-genre: chapter books that included science experiments or concepts. Some include back matter with science, some incorporate experiments and concepts directly into the narrative. Readers who prefer non-fiction and kids who like hands-on learning often like these stories. Over the years, the volume of science-based narratives has really exploded, thanks to adults discovering the maker movement "look at this cool new thing!" (librarians and teachers mutter that we've been doing it for decades thanks very much) and a new emphasis on STEM. However, more science-based stories is good no matter what the reason!

Beginning and transitional chapters

• Summer Camp Science Mysteries by Lynda Beauregard
• Mystery, Graphic Novel, Science Experiments
• Each book in this series is focused around a different science concept. The counselors at camp pose questions, challenges, and perform experiments relating to the central concept. It's mostly still in print, either in paperback or more expensive library bound.
• Zoey and Sassafras by Asia Citro
• Fantasy, Science Experiments
• I love, love, love this series! Zoey uses science to help her mother treat the magical creatures that come to their door. She tests compounds to help a monster get rid of the mold on his fur, learns about bacteria when helping a unicorn with a cut, and so on. There are science experiments in the back as well as the science included in the book.
• Ellie Engineer by Jackson Pearce
• Realistic Fiction, Making
• This series is based more on the maker movement. Ellie has a hammer, drill and other tools and likes to build things. Along the way, she gives the reader tips, learns about math, and also negotiates social relationships. Safety tips and suggestions are included in the back.
• S.W.I.T.C.H. by Ali Sparkes
• Science Fiction, Nonfiction Blend
• This series is in two parts; it starts with bugs and then moves on to reptiles. This weighs more heavily on the narrative side; it features twin boys, a mad scientist neighbor, and transformations into bugs or reptiles. Incorporated throughout the books are facts and information about bugs, reptiles, and other animals. Science, with varying levels of realism, is used to solve each crisis. Some titles are out of print, but most are still available from Darby Creek, an imprint of Lerner, in either paperback or (expensive) library bound.
• Doyle and Fossey by Michele Torrey

• Mystery, Science Experiments
• This six-book series is still available in paperback, although most hardcover and prebound versions are out of print. They're basically Encyclopedia Brown but with science instead of logic puzzles. The solutions and science experiments are at the back of the book.
• Girls Who Code by Various
• Realistic Fiction, Coding
• This is a fairly typical friendship series, with a diverse group of girls working together. They all meet in and around coding club which is incorporated into their projects and activities. This quartet is written by a variety of authors and sponsored by the Girls Who Code group.

Middle Grade Chapters

• George's Secret Key by Stephen Hawking
• Action and Adventure, Scientific Theory, Technology
• The loose story lines, treasure hunting, journey to space, etc. are just filler for the explanations of technology, scientific theory, and essays from prominent scientists throughout the book. These won't appeal to kids who want a straight-forward narrative, but those who want science with a little story to hold it together will enjoy it. There are several sequels.
• Club CSI by David Lewman

• Mystery, Scientific Method
• These are spin-offs of the popular CSI tv shows. They feature middle school students using their forensic class studies and logical deductions to solve various mysteries. There is no blood or gore. Most are out of print.
• Nick and Tesla by Bob Pflugfelder
• Action/Adventure, Technology
• This series is based around the stories of twins Nick and Tesla, who live with their eccentric uncle, who is also an inventor. They fight off bad guys and discover secrets about their parents all while creating various scientific contraptions like robots, alarms, and more. The books are all available from Quirk Press.
• Explorer Academy by Trudi Trueit
• Action/Adventure, Technology
• This is an ongoing series from National Geographic, their first step into middle grade fiction. It's kind of like 39 Clues but with technology. A lot of the gadgets, technology, and futuristic science is explained at the back.
• Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang

• Graphic Novel, Coding, Math
• I will admit these drive me crazy, but the kids like the combination of puzzles, adventure, mysteries, and coding they include.
• Science Comics by various authors/illustrators
• Graphic Novel, Science
• This series from First Second often includes some kind of framing story around the central scientific concept. For example, in Koch's Bats: Learning to Fly, a bat being rehabilitated invites readers to join in learning about the different species. In Dinosaurs by M. K. Reed and Joe Flood, readers learn the story of Mary Anning and the history of fossils, both their discovery and natural history. This is an ongoing series and includes Maker Comics and History Comics now.

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale

[Originally published in 2008]

Yee-haw! Rapunzel's here and she's ready to ride! She thinks. After all, she's ridden a wild boar, so a horse should be no problem, right?

This retelling of Rapunzel's story combines the magical and fairy tale elements of the original story with a wild west adventure. Dwarf miners, giant rattlesnakes, Jack and his goose that (maybe) lays golden eggs, and a happy ending. The art is wonderful, full of life and expression, and supports the perfect blending of wild west and fairy tale.

I'll be recommending this to fans of adventure stories, fairy tales, westerns, fantasy, graphic novels, family stories, romance, and basically anybody who happens to walk by!

Verdict: This is going to be one of the graphic novel classics of the middle grade group. Purchase it now if you missed out on it before!

Revisited: This definitely stayed popular; I have replaced it several times, most recently in a prebound edition. It's a great adventure, full of humor with some underlying thoughtful elements. There's also a companion volume, Calamity Jack.

ISBN: 978-1599900704; Published August 2008 by Bloomsbury; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library