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3/9/2020 1 Comment New Kid by Jerry Craft
Title: New Kid
Author: Jerry Craft Publisher: Quill Tree Books (February 5, 2019) ISBN13: 9780062691200 Genre: Realistic Fiction, Graphic Novel Topics/Themes: Friendship, New School, Racism, Bullying, Peer Pressure Recommended Age Level: 9-13 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: Jordan Banks wants nothing more than to go to art school to be able to pursue his passion of drawing. Instead, his parents are sending him to the prestigious prep school across town where he is only one of a handful of non-white kids there. As he adjusts to his new life in this new school, can Jordan find a balance between his old friends and his new friends, cultures that are so drastically different? Which world does Jordan really belong to, and can he ever really fit into one or another again? Professional Reviews: “Speaking up about the unrepresented experience of so many students makes this a necessary book , particularly for this age group. Possibly one of the most important graphic novels of the year.” – Jesse Karp, Booklist 2018 “An engrossing, humorous, and vitally important graphic novel that should be required reading in every middle school in America.” – Kirkus Review 2018 Personal Insights: As someone with their own host of white privileges, for me this book was a fantastic example of being a window to show someone a glimpse of what someone else’s life looks like that they have no way of experiencing themselves. Craft so skillfully portrays a myriad of ways in which subtle, or not so subtle, racism appears in a person of color’s life, all in an easy-going artistic style captured in the pages of this graphic novel. As someone who does not read a lot of graphic novels, I can definitely see the appeal now, and I do not think this story could have had the impact it did if it were text only. The power of this book’s message rests in the perfect marriage between the illustrations and conversations captured. Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga (2019) - Jude never thought she’d be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives. At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven’t quite prepared her for starting school in the US—and her new label of “Middle Eastern,” an identity she’s never known before. But this life also brings unexpected surprises—there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is. It All Comes Down to This by Karen English (2017) - It’s 1965, Los Angeles. All twelve-year-old Sophie wants to do is write her book, star in the community play, and hang out with her friend Jennifer. But she’s the new black kid in a nearly all-white neighborhood; her beloved sister, Lily, is going away to college soon; and her parents’ marriage is rocky. There’s also her family’s new, disapproving housekeeper to deal with. When riots erupt in nearby Watts and a friend is unfairly arrested, Sophie learns that life—and her own place in it—is even more complicated than she’d once thought. Unidentified Suburban Object by Mike Jung (2016) - The next person who compares Chloe Cho with famous violinist Abigail Yang is going to HEAR it. Chloe has just about had it with people not knowing the difference between someone who's Chinese, Japanese, or Korean. She's had it with people thinking that everything she does well -- getting good grades, winning first chair in the orchestra, etCETera -- are because she's ASIAN. Of course, her own parents don't want to have anything to DO with their Korean background. Any time Chloe asks them a question they change the subject. They seem perfectly happy to be the only Asian family in town. It's only when Chloe's with her best friend, Shelly, that she doesn't feel like a total alien. Then a new teacher comes to town: Ms. Lee. She's Korean American, and for the first time Chloe has a person to talk to who seems to understand completely. For Ms. Lee's class, Chloe finally gets to explore her family history. But what she unearths is light-years away from what she expected.
The official book trailer
An introduction to the book by author Jerry Craft
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Title: Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster
Author: Jonathan Auxier Publisher: Puffin Books (September 25, 2018) ISBN: 978-1419731402 Genre: Historical Fiction Recommended Age Level: 9-15 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: Nan Sparrow, an eleven-year-old orphan, is the best chimney climber out of the kids that are indentured to Wilkie Crudd, their heartless and cruel chimney sweep master. He provides food and a place for them to sleep in exchange for long days of extremely dirty and dangerous work. For five years her skills and wit have gotten her out of many tight situations, but she meets her match when she gets stuck in a flue with a chimney fire roaring beneath her. The next thing she knows, she is safe, waking up in the attic of the building, but with a small creature made of ash and coal next to her. Together, Nan and this creature (which she later discovers is a Golem), create a new life, away from the cruel and abusive master, who thinks she died in the fire. Nan raises and cares for the Golem, and as she allows herself to love and be vulnerable in a world that has always been cruel and indifferent to her, she comes to realize that she just might be able to change their corner of the world for the better, with the help of her new friend and “monster”. Professional Reviews: “A stunning historical fantasy novel about the power of friendship, our potential for courage, and the beauty of remembering loved ones, set in Victorian England.” – Amy McInerney, School Library Journal “Auxier wipes away the grime from a bleak chapter in history where children were forced to work dangerous jobs that claimed many lives. He questions what makes one a monster and applauds helping others, activism, education, earthly marvels, and the possibility of magic.” – Julia Smith, Booklist Personal Insights: The part that most amazed me about the story was reading through the author’s notes at the end and realizing just how much research went into this book to make it so historically accurate (fantastical “monsters’ aside). Auxier is able to describe the setting so well that you can’t help but feel transported in time. He gives such a stark look at the harsh realities of life in that day while also weaving an intricate and glowing story that leaves the readers feeling as if they are holding their own, little piece of warm char. Notable Quotes: “Am I a monster?” Nan hesitated a long moment before answering. She thought about Crudd and Trundle and the cruel indifference of every person in the city who didn’t care if she lived or died. “I’ve met monsters before,” she said, resting her head atop his. “And you are not one of them.” “That’s what it is to care for a person,” Toby said. There was not even a hint of mocking in his voice. “If you’re not afraid, you’re not doing it right.” “That’s how it works, doesn’t it? We are saved by saving others.” Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (2007): Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery. Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell (2013): Everyone thinks that Sophie is an orphan. True, there were no other recorded female survivors from the shipwreck which left baby Sophie floating in the English Channel in a cello case, but Sophie remembers seeing her mother wave for help. Her guardian tells her it is almost impossible that her mother is still alive, but that means still possible. You should never ignore a possible. So when the Welfare Agency writes to her guardian threatening to send Sophie to an orphanage, she takes matters into her own hands and flees to Paris to look for her mother, starting with the only clue she has - the address of the cello maker. Evading the French authorities, she meets Matteo and his network of rooftoppers - urchins who live in the sky. Together they scour the city for Sophie's mother before she is caught and sent back to London, and most importantly before she loses hope. Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk (2016): Growing up in the shadows cast by two world wars, Annabelle has lived a mostly quiet, steady life in her small Pennsylvania town. Until the day new student Betty Glengarry walks into her class. Betty quickly reveals herself to be cruel and manipulative, and while her bullying seems isolated at first, things quickly escalate, and reclusive World War I veteran Toby becomes a target of her attacks. While others have always seen Toby’s strangeness, Annabelle knows only kindness. She will soon need to find the courage to stand as a lone voice of justice as tensions mount. 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.
Below is the official book trailer!
Title: The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle
Author: Leslie Connor Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (January 23, 2018) ISBN: 9780062491497 Genre: Realistic Fiction, Mystery Topics: Grief, Learning Disability, Friendship, Family Recommended Age Level: 10-15 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: 12-year-old Mason Buttle has lived in a “crumbledown” house at the family orchard with his Grandmother and Uncle Drum ever since his mother died when he was little. Not only does Mason struggle with school, specifically with letters and words that never stay in the right order, but he is the self-proclaimed biggest and sweatiest boy at school, and constantly picked on and bullied. Things used to be better when he had his best friend, Benny, with him, but Benny died in an accident 15 months ago in their family orchard. Mason, being the last person to see Benny alive, is hounded by the lieutenant about what happened, and can’t understand why the lieutenant doesn’t seem to believe the story that Mason has told him. The one bright spot in his life is his new friend, Calvin, who genuinely enjoys spending time with Mason. But when Calvin goes missing, Mason is once again under the crosshairs and is pushed to his limits in order to help figure out what happened to his friend, and in the process, uncovers more details about what happened to Benny. Professional Reviews: “Throughout this realistic problem novel, Connor’s portrayal of Mason is spot-on, and the seventh-grader’s honesty shines through as his greatest attribute. Laced throughout the story, and evident at the end, is hope for a brighter future, both for the entire family and the community. Connor’s novel provides a thoughtful look at human nature, resilience, and love.” – J.B. Petty, Booklist 2017 “Using Mason's conversations with the detective and his voice-to-text storytelling, the author weaves the back story into a narrative of redemption chronicling his growing friendships. Connor's gift for creating complex characters extends to the supporting characters and makes this a compelling read.” – Kirkus Reviews 2017 Personal Insights: From bullying to learning disabilities, from depression to grief, this story gives a very realistic look at the ways these things can impact a young boy’s life. But Connor also masterfully shows how love, friendship, and family can come together to overcome these incredibly difficult things that life can throw at someone in a moving tale and gripping mystery that doesn’t come across as cheesy or heavy-handed. Notable Quotes: “Got me thinking. I know what I love too. Family and friends. All the ones here and all ones gone. I love my dog, and this orchard, and a crumbledown house. Funny thing. The way that feels. It's not dark, unlucky, or stupid. Tell you what. Stupid can go sit on the head of a pin somewhere. Knowing what you love is smart." Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff (2015): Everyone says that middle school is awful, but Trent knows nothing could be worse than the year he had in fifth grade, when a freak accident on Cedar Lake left one kid dead, and Trent with a brain full of terrible thoughts he can't get rid of. Trent’s pretty positive the entire disaster was his fault, so for him middle school feels like a fresh start, a chance to prove to everyone that he's not the horrible screw-up they seem to think he is. If only Trent could make that fresh start happen. It isn’t until Trent gets caught up in the whirlwind that is Fallon Little—the girl with the mysterious scar across her face—that things begin to change. Because fresh starts aren’t always easy. Even in baseball, when a fly ball gets lost in the sun, you have to remember to shift your position to find it. Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly (2017) (2018 Newberry Medal Winner): In one day, four lives weave together in unexpected ways. Virgil Salinas is shy and kindhearted and feels out of place in his loud and boisterous family. Valencia Somerset, who is deaf, is smart, brave, and secretly lonely, and loves everything about nature. Kaori Tanaka is a self-proclaimed psychic, whose little sister Gen is always following her around. And Chet Bullens wishes the weird kids would just act normal so that he can concentrate on basketball. They aren’t friends -- at least not until Chet pulls a prank that traps Virgil and his pet guinea pig at the bottom of a well. This disaster leads Kaori, Gen, and Valencia on an epic quest to find the missing Virgil. Through luck, smarts, bravery, and a little help from the universe, a rescue is performed, a bully is put in his place, and friendship blooms. Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks, Gita Varadarajan (2016): Joe and Ravi might be from very different places, but they're both stuck in the same place: SCHOOL. Joe's lived in the same town all his life, and was doing just fine until his best friends moved away and left him on his own. Ravi's family just moved to America from India, and he's finding it pretty hard to figure out where he fits in. Joe and Ravi don't think they have anything in common -- but soon enough they have a common enemy (the biggest bully in their class) and a common mission: to take control of their lives over the course of a single crazy week.
Below is a clip of the author, Leslie Connor, reading an excerpt of the book
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