She's Booked Up: July 2023

When You Trap a Tiger

Keller, T. (2023). When You Trap a Tiger: (Newbery Medal Winner). Random House Children's Books. ISBN 9781524715731

Some stories refuse to stay bottled up…

“When Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, a magical tiger straight out of her halmoni's Korean folktales arrives, prompting Lily to unravel a secret family history. Long, long ago, Halmoni stole something from the tigers. Now they want it back. And when one of the tigers approaches Lily with a deal--return what her grandmother stole in exchange for Halmoni's health--Lily is tempted to agree. But deals with tigers are never what they seem! With the help of her sister and her new friend Ricky, Lily must find her voice...and the courage to face a tiger.”

(Amazon Reviews)

Tae Keller has written a moving tribute to Korean American culture and family lore that lingers and pulls over time. Halmoni’s body grows weaker throughout the book, but her stories reveal her strength and the power of vulnerability. Themes of friendship bolster a tale with threads of death, aging, and mental and physical illness. Lily and Sam confront these subjects in their own way as they come to terms with the inevitable. Mystical elements add tones of danger and magic to the story, and as you read you begin to expect the unexpected. Keller’s writing is engaging, and the characters are likable and real. This story is an example of families coming together and accepting the light and dark in each of us.

Book Reviews:

“Deeply moving... vulnerable and mythic storytelling in the vein of Erin Entrada Kelly and Kacen Callender.”

(School Library Journal, starred review)

“Keller's (The Science of Breakable Things) #OwnVoices journey through Korean mythology begins with a fantastical quest and slowly transforms into a tale about letting go and the immortality that story can allow.”

(When You Trap a Tiger. (2020). Publishers Weekly, 267(49), 54.)

“Keller weaves ancient folklore with Korean history through contemporary magical realism. She calls on the power of stories to bring families and communities together and the ability to heal by speaking to their pasts. This deeply moving book is a must-purchase for all collections, showcasing vulnerable and mythic storytelling…”

(Saunders, M. (2020). When You Trap a Tiger. School Library Journal, 66(1), 70.)

Connections:

This is a circle of life story that would give students an opportunity to discuss aging and death of loved ones.
This would be a good discussion starter about traditions, culture, folklore, and family lore and how it affects us.

Awards:

Boston Globe Horn Book Honor Award for Fiction and Poetry

Newbery Award, 2021

APALA Asian/Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians

Krosoczka, J. (2009). Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians: Lunch Lady #2. Random House Children's Books. ISBN 9780375846847

“Lunch Lady can sniff out something rotten like no one else—and there’s definitely something rotten going on in the library. The usually friendly librarians have become cold and secretive. Even Dee can’t seem to crack a smile out of them. What darkness may lurk in the hearts of librarians? Lunch Lady is on the case! And Hector, Terrence, and Dee are along for a wild ride!”

(Amazon Reviews)

Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians is a bundle of laughs, and the perfect example of how a graphic novel can capture the attention of young readers. The story follows three young schoolchildren and their good friends Lunch Lady and Betty, who use their wits and handy gadgets to defeat evil enemies. This time, their foes are a group of librarians dead set on destroying video games. The story is fast paced and witty, with puns, jokes, and hilarious situations stacked one after the other. The rapid pace paired with clever illustrations pull the reader into the universe of the book. The book, which is largely from the perspective of the young kids, and which deals with relevant topics for school children, is a delightful and relatable read.

Book Review Excerpts:

“The black-and-white pen-and-ink illustrations have splashes of yellow in nearly every panel. The clean layout, featuring lots of open space, is well suited for the intended audience. Terrence, Hector, and Dee become more developed in this second installment in the series, especially Dee, who asserts herself as the strong-willed leader of the group. The winking references to book fairs, read-a-thon enrollment, and media specialists fit well with the story line. With its appealing mix of action and humor, this clever, entertaining addition to the series should have wide appeal.”

(Janker, T. (2009). [Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians]. School Library Journal, 55(9), 188.)

Connections:

This book is a conversion starter about kids learning to interact with adults.
This could be part of a larger discussion about healthy habits. For instance video games vs. reading, and how to set healthy boundaries and expectations.

Awards:

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

Invisible

Gonzalez, C. D. (2022). Invisible: A Graphic Novel. Ill. Gabriela Epstein. Scholastic.

ISBN 9781338194548

Can five overlooked kids make one big difference?

There’s George: the brain

Sara: the loner

Dayara: the tough kid

Nico: the rich kid

And Miguel: the athlete

And they’re stuck together when they’re forced to complete their school’s community service hours. Although they’re sure they have nothing in common with one another, some people see them as all the same . . . just five Spanish-speaking kids.

Then they meet someone who truly needs their help, and they must decide whether they are each willing to expose their own secrets to help . . . or if remaining invisible is the only way to survive middle school.

(Amazon Book Reviews)

Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Gabriela Epstein created a graphic novel that challenges cultural stereotypes and race divides. It chronicles the plight of a group of misfit teens. This unlikely group of friends, each with their own private struggle, comes together to help a mother and daughter in need. The dialogue, written mostly in Spanish with English translation, highlights Latino characters coming from diverse cultures, who often get lumped together under a single generalized label. The challenges of bi-lingual students are a common theme throughout. The expressive and colorful illustrations carry the story as you learn to understand each character’s backstory. The novel is set in the principal's office as the characters retell the story of their fateful friendship. You hope, as you read, that these misunderstood kids are not in trouble, and it keeps you guessing until the very end. The adult characters, (the lunch lady, principal, counselor), are ironically written as stereotypical authority figures. It’s an enjoyable read, with a thoughtful moral to the story.

Book Reviews:

A welcome addition to any graphic novel collection, Invisible skillfully explores the negative impact of stereotyping while also offering an entertaining and spirited reading experience.

(Melilli, A. (2022). Invisible. School Library Journal, 68(8), 87.)

Alternating flashbacks among the five students, Gonzalez (Concealed) clearly shows how each kid—all characterized distinctly and with complexity—is more than others' assumptions. Epstein's expressive contemporary style brings the characters' singular experiences to the forefront in a story that largely focuses on its child protagonists finding community over change among its biased adults.

(Invisible. (2022). Publishers Weekly, 269(27), 66.)

Connections:

This graphic novel is a compelling introduction to language bias. This could be used for an SEL lesson, or a class discussion on stereotypes.
These kids take matters into their own hands to help someone in need. The book could be used to inspire community service projects across the school.

Awards:

Texas Bluebonnet, 2023-2024

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

Chickadee

Erdrich, L. (2012). Chickadee. HarperCollins. ISBN 97980060577902

"Twin brothers Chickadee and Makoons have done everything together since they were born—until the unthinkable happens and the brothers are separated.

Desperate to reunite, both Chickadee and his family must travel across new territories, forge unlikely friendships, and experience unexpected moments of both unbearable heartache and pure joy. And through it all, Chickadee draws from the strength of his namesake, the chickadee, to carry him home." (Amazon Reviews)

Chickadee is an interesting and heart-warming tale about a young boy on an unintentional journey. Chickadee, who spends all of his time with his family, is kidnapped, and in his efforts to escape and make it back to his family, he meets fascinating characters, faces difficult challenges, and comes into his own. The story is captivating both because of its plot and because the author draws the reader in with her use of Ojibwe vocabulary words and stories. In her vivid description of Ojibwe narratives and traditions, she invites the reader to learn actively. Some major themes of the book include independence, cultural differences, family, and folklore. The charming characters, clever illustrations, and important lessons of Chickadee make the book an impactful read.

Book Review Excerpts:

“Erdrich’s charming pencil drawings interspersed throughout and her glossary of Ojibwe terms round out a beautiful offering.” (School Library Journal, starred review)

“Readers will absorb the history lesson almost by osmosis; their full attention will be riveted on the story. Every detail anticipates readers’ interest.” (The Horn Book)

Connections:

- This book would be a great way to foster discussion about how we face challenges.
- Studying different cultures broadens our perspective, this book is a valuable exploration.

Awards:

Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, 2013

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

Turtle in Paradise

Holm, J. L. (2010). Turtle in Paradise. Random House. ISBN 9780375836886

“In Jennifer L. Holm's New York Times bestselling, Newbery Honor winning middle grade historical fiction novel, life isn't like the movies. But then again, 11-year-old Turtle is no Shirley Temple. She's smart and tough and has seen enough of the world not to expect a Hollywood ending. After all, it's 1935 and jobs and money and sometimes even dreams are scarce. So when Turtle's mama gets a job housekeeping for a lady who doesn't like kids, Turtle says goodbye without a tear and heads off to Key West, Florida to live with relatives she's never met. Florida's like nothing Turtle's ever seen before though. It's hot and strange, full of rag tag boy cousins, family secrets, scams, and even buried pirate treasure! Before she knows what's happened, Turtle finds herself coming out of the shell she's spent her life building, and as she does, her world opens up in the most unexpected ways.”
(Amazon Reviews)

This story, written to reflect Turtle’s adventures in the Florida Keys, chronicles the life of a group of rag-tag Conch children in 1935.

conch
Pronunciation: ‘kӓnk, ‘kӓnch
Function: noun
1: any of various large spiral-shelled marine gastropod mollusks (as of the genus Strombus)
2: often capitalized: a native or resident of the Florida Keys
(Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate dictionary, 11th edition)

The unique culture of the keys, the great depression, and a fateful Labor Day Hurricane make this a laughter-through-tears tale. The story is inspired by the author's great-grandmother, Jennie Lewin Peck, who emigrated to Key West in the 1800’s. Family photos and other resources are included in the author’s note at the end. Holm brings you into the story through the eyes of an independent and determined child. While the book deals with tragic and dramatic themes, the book is not devastating or traumatic. It is a story of hope and triumph, with a little pirate’s gold mixed in. This story has heart. The characters are full of personality and mischief from the diaper gang to the docks. In the end, the story is about family and perseverance.

Book Review Excerpts:

"Just the right mixture of knowingness and hope . . . a hilarious blend of family drama seasoned with a dollop of adventure." (Booklist, starred review)

“Modern-day readers will have no trouble relating to Turtle, though, and the fast-moving plot will keep them interested to the end.” (Lempke, S. D. (2010). [Turtle in Paradise]. Horn Book Magazine, 86(3), 81–82.)

Connections:

- For students not familiar with the Florida Keys, this is a nice introduction to this culture.

- This story could be told in conjunction with studies about the great depression, and specifically it’s effect on children.

Awards:

Newberry Honor Book, 2011

Golden Kite Award

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

Dash

Larson, K. (2014). Dash. Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780545416351

Although Mitsi Kashino and her family are swept up in the wave of anti-Japanese sentiment following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mitsi never expects to lose her home -- or her beloved dog, Dash. But, as World War II rages and people of Japanese descent are forced into incarceration camps, Mitsi is separated from Dash, her classmates, and life as she knows it. The camp is a crowded and unfamiliar place, whose dusty floors, seemingly endless lines, and barbed wire fences begin to unravel the strong Kashino family ties. With the help of a friendly neighbor back home, Mitsi remains connected to Dash in spite of the hard times, holding on to the hope that the war will end soon and life will return to normal. (Amazon Reviews)

Kirby Larson uses young Mitsi’s connection with Dash to soften the truth of a tragic time in American history. Families must find a way to survive in internment camps with none of the comforts of home, and no familiar routines to help them cope. Mrs. Bowker’s compassion lends a glimpse of humanity and gives hope to the story as she sends letters and photos from Dash to Mitsi. Larson’s writing is engaging and educational. The story reads easily and hooks you from the start. This is a great read that will spark young readers to learn more about history and think more deeply about their communities. In the acknowledgments at the end of the book, Larsen offers some sources from her book, including memorabilia from Mitsi Shiraishi’s family. She lists Densho.org as a resource to learn more about life at camp Harmony and Minidoka.

Book Review Excerpts:

“Spot-on dialogue, careful cultural details and the inclusion of specific historical characters such as artist Eddie Sato make this an educational read as well as a heartwarming one. An author's note adds further authenticity.This emotionally satisfying and thought-provoking book will have readers pulling for Mitsi and Dash.”
(DASH. (2014). Kirkus Reviews, 82(12), 140.)

“Larson makes this terrible event in American history personal with the story of one girl and her beloved pet. Spot-on dialogue, careful cultural details and the inclusion of specific historical characters such as artist Eddie Sato make this an educational read as well as a heartwarming one. This emotionally satisfying and thought-provoking book will have readers pulling for Mitsi and Dash.”
(Kirkus, starred review)

Connections:

- This book is a great conversation starter about World War II and its effect on American culture.
- This would complement a SEL lesson on community, service, and kindness.

Awards:

Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award

Capitol Choices Nomination

Horned Toad Tales Award

Nebraska Golden Sowers Award

NAPPA Gold Award

South Carolina Young Reader’s Choice Award

CBC Hot off the Press Featured Book

BEA Galleys to Grab

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

Heroines, Rescuers, Rabbis, Spies

Swartz, S. S. (2022). Heroines, Rescuers, Rabbis, Spies: Unsung Women of the Holocaust. Second Story Press. ISBN 9781772602623

Discover nine ordinary women who took extraordinary measures to save lives during the Holocaust, resisting terror and torture while undercover or in hiding, in concentration camps, in forests, and in exile. (Amazon Reviews)

Sarah Swartz chronicles the stories of women who rose up from their ordinary lives to help others in a time of turmoil. The stories are told in a factual and thorough nature. Each highlights the impact the woman had on the war and the impact the war had on the woman. The final chapter is particularly poignant as the author relates the stories of two women from her own life who experienced the holocaust first hand. The author is clearly passionate about telling these stories that have been overlooked and untold. This inspiring writing reminds us that we truly underestimate what we are capable of as women, citizens, and human beings; an enlightening and important read.

Book Reviews:

"These personal stories are illuminating and powerful, offering ways for readers to connect with and understand the past. Swartz writes from a feminist perspective, questioning why these heroic figures went unsung and frequently even unmentioned while male heroes received praise and recognition... Phenomenally done and more necessary than ever."
― Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“These personal stories are illuminating and powerful, offering ways for readers to connect with and understand the past. Swartz writes from a feminist perspective, questioning why these heroic figures went unsung and frequently even unmentioned while male heroes received praise and recognition. With one exception, she chose to focus on women who survived the war, and her personal connection becomes poignantly clear in the final chapter about her mother and aunt, Regina Zlotnik Silberstein and Ruth Zlotnik Altman, Holocaust survivors who were active in the resistance in Warsaw. Phenomenally done and more necessary than ever.”
(HEROINES, RESCUERS, RABBIS, SPIES: Unsung Women of the Holocaust. (2022). Kirkus Reviews, 90(18), N.PAG.)

Connections:

- Any of the nine stories from the book could stand alone. They would enhance a history lesson, SEL lessons about determination, and are poignant examples of feminism.

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

Down Down Down

Jenkins, S. (2009). Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 978.618966363

Half the earth’s surface is covered by water more than a mile deep, but most of this watery world is a mystery to us. In fact, more people have stood on the surface of the moon than have visited the deepest spot in the ocean. Come along as we travel down, down, down, from the surface to the bottom of the sea. Along the way you can see jellyfish that flash like a neon sign, creatures with teeth so big they can’t close their mouths, and even a squid as long as a bus, which battles to the death with a sperm whale, the largest predator on earth. (Amazon Reviews)

With each turn of the page, Jenkins goes deeper into the increasing cold waters of the ocean. Labeled illustrations showcase sea-dwellers from the surface waters all the way to the deepest spot in the ocean at 35,838 feet. The author writes a brief descriptive summary of each ocean zone that is informative and interesting. The illustrations, combined with Jenkins’ documentary language, make for a non-fiction text that reads like a character-driven story.

Book Reviews:

"In this plunge into the deep, Jenkins displays his usual keen awareness of what is fascinating about biology and imparts it without sensationalism—the facts speak for themselves . . Sophisticated cut- and torn-paper collage-work fit the alien qualities of the subjects well; it’s equally at home capturing the tiered needlepoints of lizardfish teeth as it is delivering an impressive and illuminating display of bioluminescence."--Booklist

“Browsers will be delighted by the variety of species, shown in their appropriate colors although not to scale. Backmatter provides some information about the animals pictured, including sizes compared to a human body or hand, although the bibliography does not seem to include the sources used for those facts. Once again, Jenkins provides an almost irresistible entry into our natural world for the youngest readers.”--Kirkus Reviews

Connections:

- A science teacher could use this as a study enhancement for learning about oceans and marine life.
- Students could create artworks representing yet-undiscovered creatures of the deep.

Awards:

Notable Children’s Books, 2010

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

A Home for Mr. Emerson

Kerley, B. (2014). A Home for Mr. Emerson (E. Fotheringham, Ed.). Scholastic Press.

ISBN 978054535088

“This introduction to the life of Ralph Waldo Emerson will help readers begin to understand the thoughts and values of this great American thinker. Emerson grows up in Boston, but yearns to make a life closer to nature where he can surround himself with books and friends. He finds a perfect home in Concord, Massachusetts, where he and his wife raise a family. Emerson eagerly becomes a part of the community, even playing the role of hog reeve, gathering up the town's runaway pigs. After collecting his thoughts in journals, Emerson begins traveling across the country to lecture, attracting visitors from around the world to his doorstep. A house fire later in his life devastates Emerson, but allows the town to demonstrate their affection for him as they rebuild his home.” (McLeod, M. (2014). A Home for Mr. Emerson. School Library Journal, 60(2), 120.)

Barbara Kerley and Edwin Fotheringham have created a whimsical story-telling of venerable historical figure Ralph Waldo Emerson. The illustrations bring the story to life with warm and colorful depictions of Emerson’s life in Concord, Massachusetts. It’s a thoughtful story that demonstrates Emerson’s background and philosophy using his own words. The way he loved his home and community bring hope and purpose to the pages. The tragic fire that nearly destroys his beloved home becomes a welcome glimpse of humanity as his community rallies to repair and replace what was lost. It is a warm and welcome look into the life of a kind and thoughtful character.

Book Reviews:

“An eye-catching, kid-friendly biography that is a wonderful addition to any collection.”
McLeod, M. (2014). A Home for Mr. Emerson. School Library Journal, 60(2), 120.

“In bold and whimsical spreads, Emerson literally dives into books, strides across a U.S. map and, most dramatically, looms as a silhouette amid the flaming ruins of his beloved house. It's hard to say whether this tale will inspire children to further investigation into the philosopher's life and work, but the author's note does help round out the portrait, including Emerson's friendships with Henry David Thoreau and Louisa May Alcott. A small, inviting window into the life of Ralph Waldo Emerson and an inspiring tribute to a life's dream realized.”
A Home for Mr. Emerson. (2013). Kirkus Reviews, 81(24), 143.

Connections:

- Students could learn about Emerson through the book, then find favorite quotes to print and illustrate.
- This book could be used to demonstrate the effects of positive thinking in an ESL lesson.

Awards:

A Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner

An NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

The Right Word: Roget and his Thesaurus

The Right Word

Roget and his Thesaurus

Bryant, J. (2014). The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus. Ill. by Melissa Sweet. Eerdmans Publishing Company. ISBN 9780802853851

For shy young Peter Mark Roget, books were the best companions -- and it wasn’t long before Peter began writing his own book. But he didn’t write stories; he wrote lists. Peter took his love for words and turned it to organizing ideas and finding exactly the right word to express just what he thought. His lists grew and grew, eventually turning into one of the most important reference books of all time.
(Amazon Book Reviews)

This book, highlighting the life of Peter Mark Roget (pronounced “Roh-Zhay), is delightfully written with Illustrations that carry the story. The illustrations are colorful and captivating; they take on a character of their own as they wind you through the clever mind of the list-making Roget. In the span of his life (1779-1869) Roget had many interests and occupations. The habit that carried through it all was his book of lists. Jen Bryant’s storytelling is amusing and personable. I recommend this book for anyone who takes delight in writing, speaking, or words in general.

Book Reviews:

“Sweet tops herself -- again! -- visually reflecting Roget's wide range as a thinker and product of the Enlightenment. Injecting her watercolor palette with shots of teal, scarlet and fuchsia, Sweet embeds vintage bits (ledger paper, type drawers, botanical illustrations and more), creating a teeming, contemplative, playfully celebratory opus…In a word: marvelous!”
THE RIGHT WORD: Roget and His Thesaurus. (2014). Kirkus Reviews, 82(15), 89–90.

“The book contains extensive back matter, including an incredibly detailed time line that goes into the man's other inventions (the slide rule, the pocket chess set) and an author and illustrator's note, as well as Roget quotations that are sure to inspire if not a love of language then at least a search for the perfect turn of phrase. An excellent illustrated biography.”
Fabicon, J. K. (2014). The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus. School Library Journal, 60(10), 128.

Connections:

- This would be a wonderful addition to a lesson about reference materials. Students would gain an understanding of the origin and production of tools that they will use in their writing throughout their life.

- Students could write sentences, journal style, then read this book. They could then use Roget’s Thesaurus to re-write their original entries.

Awards:

Sibert Medal Winner, 2015

Caldecott Honor Book, 2015

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.