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2/14/2021 0 Comments The Wild Robot by Peter BrownTitle: The Wild Robot
Author: Peter Brown Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2016) ISBN13: 978-0316381994 Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Middle Grade/Elementary Topics/Themes: Friendship, Finding your purpose Diversity Tags: Recommended Age Level: 7-12 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: A mysterious crate washes up onto the shore of remote island after a cargo ship is caught in a hurricane, and from within the crate, Roz the robot opens her eyes for the very first time. While her robot brain is programmed to learn and master tasks, she begins to realize that she is not meant to live in the wild, especially since all the local animals view her as a “monster” and are afraid of her because she is so different from them. But when an accident occurs and she rescues an orphaned gosling, she begins to win over the animals as they teach her how to survive and raise her “son”. When catastrophe befalls the island, Roz must use everything she has learned, as well as her own special skills as a robot to help her new friends and family. Professional Reviews: “Brown has written a lively tale that is sure to engage young readers.”―The New York Times “The novel carries a subtle but powerful message about harmony between technology and the natural world, brought to life with painterly prose and eloquent illustrations.”―Financial Times “Roz may not feel emotions, but young readers certainly will as this tender, captivating tale unfolds.”―The Washington Post “Brown’s picture books are consistent bestsellers and critically acclaimed. Expect readers to go wild for his robot-themed novel.”―Booklist, starred review “Thought-provoking and charming.”―Kirkus Reviews, starred review “This strong debut middle grade novel by the acclaimed picture book author/illustrator is a first purchase for most middle grade collections.”―School Library Journal, starred review “Simultaneously unsentimental and saturated with feeling.”―Publishers Weekly, starred review Personal Insights:This is a delightful little story that is simple and straightforward, but at the same time educational and entertaining. Finding the perfect reader for this book might be a bit of a challenge…. The bigger vocabulary is better suited for a more advanced reader, but the simple story is geared more towards younger readers. I think this book would make for a perfect read-aloud for grades 3-4 with its short chapters, likeable characters, and the dead-pan silliness. And who doesn’t love a talking robot and animals?? Not to mention the illustrations throughout the book are beautiful, striking, and a great addition to the story. Notable Quotes: “As the robot looked out at the island, it never even occurred to her that she might not belong there. As far as Roz knew, she was home.” “If you stand in a forest long enough, eventually something will fall on you. And Roz had been standing in the forest long enough.” “But I do not know how to act like a mother.” “Oh, it’s nothing, you just have to provide the gosling with food and water and shelter, make him feel loved but don’t pamper him too much, keep him away from danger, and make sure he learns to walk and talk and swim and fly and get along with others and look after himself. And that’s really all there is to motherhood!” Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) The Last Human by Lee Bacon (2019) - In the future, robots have eliminated humans, and 12-year-old robot XR_935 is just fine with that. Without humans around, there is no war, no pollution, no crime. Every member of society has a purpose. Everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Until the day XR discovers something impossible: a human girl named Emma. Now, Emma must embark on a dangerous voyage with XR and two other robots in search of a mysterious point on a map. But how will they survive in a place where rules are never broken and humans aren’t supposed to exist? And what will they find at the end of their journey? The Boy, The Boat, and the Beast by Samantha M. Clark (2018) - A boy washes up on a mysterious, seemingly uninhabited beach. Who is he? How did he get there? The boy can’t remember. When he sees a light shining over the foreboding wall of trees that surrounds the shore, he decides to follow it, in the hopes that it will lead him to answers. The boy’s journey is a struggle for survival and a search for the truth—a terrifying truth that once uncovered, will force him to face his greatest fear of all if he is to go home. Brambleheart: A Story About Finding Treasure and the Unexpected Magic of Friendship by Henry Cole (2016) - Twig has always wondered who he will become. In the Hill, everyone studies a craft and becomes a master’s Apprentice, but first you have to be good at something. Twig tries very hard in all his classes, but his imagination wanders to his favorite books or the delicious mayapples growing beyond the scavenge yard...and then he loses his focus. Unsure he’ll ever amount to anything, Twig sets out on a journey to discover himself. However, instead of finding answers, he stumbles upon a strangely colored globe that contains a curious secret. Protecting his secret is all Twig wants to do. But when he learns that his secret might hurt others, he’s forced to make a choice between his place in the world and the feelings in his heart.
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Title: Zoey and Sassafras (#1): Dragons and Marshmallows
Author: Asia Citro Pictures: Marion Lindsay Publisher: The Innovation Press (March 14, 2017) ISBN: 9781943147090 Genre: Fantasy Topics: STEM, Animals, Science, Mystery, Adventure Recommended Age Level: 6-10 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: Zoey and her sidekick Sassafras, the cat, discover that her mother has been caring for and rehabilitating magical creatures since she was a little girl. When Zoey’s mom needs to leave on a business trip, this responsibility falls to Zoey to care for any creatures who may come while she is away. No one else can see them, not even her father, so it is up to Zoey to use problem solving, the scientific method, and her knowledge of regular animals to help save these creatures in need of help. Professional Reviews: “Concepts are explained concisely and clearly, and a short glossary provides valuable vocabulary building. The slightly larger font makes the text inviting for emerging readers, and the illustrations blend perfectly into the story. This book is a natural fit for STEM collections and deserves a place in all libraries serving young readers.” – Sarah Wetheren, School Library Journal 2017 Personal Insights: There are two main elements that make this story (and series) rise to the top of quality literature for this reading level. The first being a strong sense of connection to STEM and introduces problem solving and the scientific method to the young readers of this book in an engaging way at their reading level. The second being the cast of diverse characters portrayed, and illustrated, in this book: Zoey is an intelligent and science-minded girl of color who uses her own ingenuity and determination to save the day. Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) March of the Mini Beasts (The DATA Set #1) by Ada Hopper and Sam Ricks (Illustrator) (2016): Gabe, Laura, and Cesar live on a quiet cul-de-sac. They are the whiz kids of Newtonburg Elementary and each specializes in their own subject. In fact, everyone in town lovingly refers to them as the Data Set. However, their quiet days of learning take a sudden turn for the exciting when they meet Dr. Gustav Bunsen—a mad scientist who throws the kids into a wild spiral of adventures. When Dr. Bunsen’s latest invention, a growth ray, hits several tiny animal toys, the mini beasts don’t just grow, they come to life! The DATA Set love their new tiny pets…until they continue to grow. Now there’s an actual elephant in the room—not to mention a chimp, a giraffe, and a dinosaur. When the beasts wander off, it’s up to the DATA Set to track them down. But will they catch the mini beasts before they grow big enough to start trouble in town? Frankie Sparks and the Class Pet by Megan Frazer Blakemore and Nadja Sarell (Illustrator) (2019): The best thing EVER is happening in Frankie Sparks’s third grade class: They are getting a class pet! Their teacher, Miss Cupid, tells them they will vote on their pet, but it has to meet some “parameters.” Their pet must: 1. Fit in aquarium. 2. Cost less than $50. 3. Be easily portable. 4. Be able to be left alone for the weekend. Frankie thinks that a rat—just like the rats in her beloved Aunt Gina’s lab—would be the perfect fit. But her best friend, Maya, doesn’t think a rat would be great at all. They are kind of gross and not as cool as a hermit crab, which is Maya’s top choice. Using her special workshop, can Frankie find a way to convince her teacher and her best friend that Team Rat is the way to go? Mighty Meg and the Magical Ring (Mighty Meg #1) by Sammy Griffin and Micah Player (Illustrator) (2019): Eight-year-old Meg's life is turned upside-down when the ring she received from her Aunt Nikki, an archaeologist, gives her superpowers, but can she find the courage to be the superhero her town needs? Title: Peter & Ernesto (#1): A Tale of Two Sloths
Author: Graham Annable Publisher: First Second (April 10. 2018) ISBN13: 9781626725614 Genre: Fantasy, Graphic Novel Topics/Themes: Friendship, Courage, Overcoming Fear, Adventure, Value of Home Recommended Age Level: 6-10 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: Peter and Ernesto, two sloth besties, enjoy their lazy life of snacking on hibiscus leaves and watching cloud atop their tree home. One day Ernesto decides he wants to see ALL of the sky and promptly sets off on an adventure without giving much more thought. Peter, on the other hand, is terrified by the idea of leaving the safety of their tree home and is left behind when he is overwhelmed by fear and indecision. Eventually Peter leaves to go after Ernesto in order to convince him to come back, but Ernesto is already on the adventure of his life. Will the two B.F.F.’s ever see each other again, and if they do, can they ever be as close as they once were? Professional Reviews: “Annable’s gift for caricature and zippy dialogue shines through, as he celebrates his characters’ contrasting temperaments without a hint of snark.” – Publishers Weekly 2018 “Recommended for beginning reader shelves and elementary graphic novel collections.” – Jennifer Costa, School Library Journal 2018 Personal Insights: This books is all sorts of silly and quirky and Peter and Ernesto make me think of some goofy hybrid of Sid the Sloth from the film “Ice Age” and the sloth bank teller from Zootopia. This is a great introduction to the graphic novel format due to its simple and straightforward layout, and would be a great pick for reluctant readers! Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea (Narwhal and Jelly #1) by Ben Clanton (2016): Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love waffles, parties and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole wide ocean together. CatStronauts (#1): Mission Moon by Drew Brickington (2017): When the world is thrust into darkness due to a global energy shortage, the World's Best Scientist comes up with a bold plan to set up a solar power plant on the moon. But someone has to go up there to set it up, and that adventure falls to the CatStronauts, the best space cats on the planet! Meet the fearless commander Major Meowser, brave-but-hungry pilot Waffles, genius technician and inventor Blanket, and quick thinking science officer Pom Pom on their most important mission yet! Hippopotamister by John Patrick Green (2016): The zoo isn't what it used to be. It's run down, and Hippo hardly ever gets any visitors. So he decides to set off for the outside with his friend Red Panda. To make it in the human world, Hippo will have to become a Hippopotamister: he'll have to act like a human, get a job, and wear a hat as a disguise. He's a good employee, whether he's a construction worker, a hair stylist, or a sous chef. But what he really needs is a job where he can be himself. |