Spinning by Tillie Walden

Spinning is a graphic memoir that is the coming of age and coming out story of author and illustrator Tillie Walden. For twelve years Tillie would wake up before dawn to get to the ice rink, first on the Jersey shore, and then in Texas.  After her figure skating lessons, Tillie would go to school and then to synchronized skating practice. In Walden’s visual narrative we see the effort, struggle and stress that accompany her athletic and social experiences.

Spinning is one of those books you may devour in one sitting if given the time (it is, after all, close to 400 pages long). While ostensibly about one girl’s experiences as a young competitive figure and synchronized skater, the story covers a much larger terrain, and will therefore appeal to many readers of both graphic novels (such as Mariko Tamaki’s ThisOne Summer), and traditional realistic fiction (works by Laurie HalseAnderson). The work also very much captures the zeitgeist of this period of stressed out teens and of increased awareness of sexual assault and harassment. Recommended. 2017.

Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package by Kate DiCamillo

What will Eugenia Lincoln do with the package that unexpectedly arrives at her doorstep? It is certainly not in her character to learn to play the joyous instrument that is inside, much to the chagrin of Baby Lincoln, her more upbeat sister. Find out what happens in this new installment of Kate DiCamillo’s series, Tales from Deckawoo Drive. 

In Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package we re-encounter not only the Lincoln sisters, but the beloved pig Mercy Watson as well. Children who enjoyed the colorful, square-shaped Mercy Watson books will likely also embrace this beginner chapter book, which transitions young readers to a more typical children’s chapter book format with frequent black and white illustrations. While the story is fun and appealing, some of the vocabulary (borne, obtuse, auditory hallucinations) seems too advanced for its intended readership. All in all, however, Kate DiCamillo fans and others in the K-3 set will likely enjoy reading to find out how Eugenia Lincoln solves the “problem” of her unexpected package. Recommended with reservations. 2017

One Thing Stolen by Beth Kephart

There are many reasons to like Beth Kephart’s One Thing Stolen. The story unfolds in present-day Florence and includes interesting historical references. Nadia has been reluctantly displaced from her Philadelphia home and her best friend Maggie in order to live temporarily in Florence with her mother, brother and father, a professor who is writing a book about the 1966 flooding of the Arno river and the so called “mud angels” –an onslaught of volunteers who converged on the city to save its artwork. Much of the book is an interior monologue conveying Nadia’s growing fascination with a mysterious and beautiful boy on a Vespa who may or may not really exist and her memories of time spent with Maggie back in West Philadelphia. At the same time, the reader becomes increasingly attuned to the fact that something is wrong with Nadia. Her speaking abilities are deteriorating, and she is increasingly obsessed with stealing objects that she then incorporates into intricate nests she constructs and hides in her temporary bedroom. Over time, the reader gains more of the family’s perspective, and a neurologist is brought in to untangle what is happening to Nadia. The suspense mounts as the reader eagerly waits to find out whether Benedetto, the boy on the Vespa, is real, and what affliction Nadia has been stricken with.

Many readers will enjoy this book’s suspense, its characters and the lovely and historical setting. However, those who find flashbacks and changes in narrator difficult to follow will find the story confusing, and become frustrated towards the end of the book when Nadia’s friend Maggie suddenly becomes the narrator just at the point where we wish a clear resolution to all of the mystery. In addition, it is not particularly believable that a well-respected neurologist who is an old friend of Nadia’s father and a former “mud angel” happens to coincidentally be on-hand to help the family.  Recommended with reservations.  2015

D. Rosen-Perez

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin

Rain Reign joins the new and growing genre of literature told from the point of view of a young person with autism.  Ann Martin’s newest work also joins the ranks of other realistic fiction books featuring young protagonists who, despite absent or sub-optimal parenting, manage to thrive due to the support and intervention of another relative, educator, or community member. Rain Reign is also a story of a girl and her dog.  Many middle grade readers will find this to be a winning combination, particularly given Martin’s expert writing and character development.

The reader quickly enters the mind and life of Rose, a young girl who is fascinated by homonyms and prime numbers. These fascinations make for some interesting wordplay. Identifying homonyms is a source of joy for Rose that the reader gets to experience vicariously. Conversely, when Rose becomes anxious and agitated, the mention of prime numbers grows in frequency. Rose also occasionally addresses the reader directly to charming effect, with instructions to skip to another chapter, lest we not share the protagonist’s enthusiasm for homonyms, for example.

In many ways the strongest part of this book is the beginning, which is the more character-driven portion of the novel. Things become less interesting when Rose’s dog, Rain, runs away during a storm, she and her uncle set about finding her, and complications ensue. Perhaps this is because this plot-driven portion of the book seems less original, and reminiscent of a section of Kate DiCamillo’s excellent Because of Winn-Dixie. It could also be said that Rose’s obsession with prime numbers is not a new literary idea, given that in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, also a book about a young person with high functioning autism, the topic of prime numbers is also explored, even providing the pattern with which to number the chapters. To be fair, the question of whether people with Asperger Syndrome (which is how Rose identifies herself) have an affinity for prime numbers is a topic of discussion readily found on the Internet, so perhaps both of these authors are simply displaying their research acumen in giving both of their characters this trait. Similarly, reading about the super-storm (named Susan in this work of fiction, but inspired by Hurricane Irene of 2011 according to an author’s note) through Rose’s eyes recalls the protagonist of Jonathan Safran Foer’s Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, a post 9-11 work of fiction that also features a young protagonist who is presumed to have autism. This reader was left wondering whether employing the astute musings of a child with autism as a lens through which to view catastrophic events (climate change, terrorism) might be a new literary device.

On a sunnier note, the character and voice of Rose are among many positive and creative aspects of this novel. The description of the interaction between Rose and her classroom aide, Mrs. Leibler, and Rose’s employment of “conversation starters,” in contrast with the more organic drawing together of Rose and her peers through her dog’s appearance at school and sparks of connection with her classmate Parvani all offer a window into Rose’s world. Having the opportunity to experience this world is a very satisfying experience for the reader. 2014

D. Rosen-Perez

Below by Meg McKinlay

 Below

The day 12 year old Cassie was born is a memorable one in the history of her hometown. It is the day that Old Lower Grange was purposely flooded by the town's mayor, in order to provide access to water for surrounding areas. Every building in the town was replicated in great detail and renamed "New Lower Grange." For Cassie, the mystery of the original town which now lies beneath a large lake, is irresistible, even though the town's inhabitants are repeatedly warned to steer clear of the area of the lake beneath which Old Lower Grange resides.

Despite not being a strong swimmer, Cassie decides to swim out to the forbidden area, just barely being rescued by a boy named Liam who also seems drawn to the mysterious waters. Together they unlock a secret that lies beneath the lake that provides some much needed answers for Liam's family and the true nature behind the mayor's seemingly friendly behavior.

While the story starts off seeming a bit like a futuristic type of novel, it is actually more of a mystery/suspense  story. The "big reveal", however, doesn't quite live up to the level up suspense that builds throughout story and leaves the reader wishing for more details behind the decision to "flood" the original town.

P.Sassoon. 2013.

In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz

In a Glass Grimmly

This book warns readers from the start that true fairy tales are "strange, bloody, and horrible," not like the drivel children hear nowadays, and that readers are about to hear many terrible things.  Not unlike the warnings in A Series of Unfortunate Events, this is certain to pique the interest of most kids reading it.  And in a style similar to the Lemony Snicket books, In a Glass Grimmly does indeed present some horrid deeds, but in such an entertaining and light-hearted style that kids are much more likely to laugh than to be frightened.

The book tells of the exploits of cousins Jack and Jill, accompanied by their friend Frog the frog, as they search for The Seeing Glass.  As they go on their travels, many of their adventures are based on some sort of fairy or folk tale, although they are often very different than the original story.  But whether they're killing giants or outwitting goblins, Jack and Jill always triumph through the use of their wits and their daring.

This is a very entertaining and enjoyable book, and it's great fun to see old fairy tales being re-imagined in such creative ways.  There are a few mentions of horrible deaths and mutilations, but in true fairy-tale style, they come to those who have earned such a fate.  I recommend this book to anyone who wants a fun book with lots of imagination and adventure.  2012

M. Adams

The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech

The Great Unexpected

Sharon Creech (Walk Two Moons, Newbery Award 1995) has created two interesting and outspoken heroines, Naomi Deane and Lizzie Scatterding. Naomi has a knack for being around when trouble happens, starting with the incident when she was three and a dog attacked her. Her father died trying to save her. Lizzie could "talk the ears off a cornfield" and signs the girls up to be "companions" to some of the needier local senior citizens.

Naomi and Lizzie are both orphans and live in an obscure little Southern town called Blackbird Tree, which has a full cast of unusual characters, including Witch Wiggins, one-armed Mr. Farley, the Dimmens clan up on the mountain, Crazy Cora and Mr. Canner. One day a boy named Finn literally drops into their lives and so begins a chain of events that change both their lives.

In the meantime, a separate plot line involves an old lady on a grand estate in Ireland who is hatching a plan and sending a spy to gather information on the people in Blackbird Tree. Her heart being broken many years ago and an estrangement with her sister were both caused by another boy named Finn.

This book is well written and creates an air of mystery as the two storylines unfold, eventually joining up to create a satisfying, if slightly too good to be true, ending.     2012

R. Rauch

Red Thread Sisters by Carol Antoinette Peacock

Red Thread Sisters

Red Thread Sisters is a moving novel about Wen, a girl who is adopted from China when she is eleven years old.  Although she is thrilled to be chosen to be adopted, her happiness is tempered by the sadness she feels at leaving her best friend at the orphanage.  Wen and Shu Ling have been inseparable ever since Shu Ling comforted Wen after Wen was left at the orphanage.  But now it is Wen's turn to comfort Shu Ling with the promise that she will find a new family for Shu Ling in America. 
As Wen adjusts to life in America and learns to trust and love her new family, her emotions remain conflicted as she remembers her best friend.  Can she find a family for Shu Ling before Shu Ling becomes too old to be adopted?  Will her new family send her back if she causes trouble by trying to help Shu Ling?  This well-written and touching book details Wen's life and development as she bravely does all she can to help Shu Ling while coping with the many changes in her own life.    2012.

M. Adams

Flabbersmashed About You by Rachel Vail, Illustrated by Yumi Heo

Flabbersmashed About You

This lovely picture book tells the story of Katie Honors, "a really friendly kid" whose best friend is Jennifer.  Jennifer's smile "is as bright as the morning sun in your eyes."  They always play together and walk in together from recess -- always, that is, until today.  Suddenly Jennifer is playing with Roy, and Katie is left out and hurt.  "My whole self felt like a bruise."  Worse yet, Katie and Roy hold hands to walk in together.  Katie is left feeling flabbersmashed.  Luckily, Arabella, the quiet kid in the class, takes Katie's hand, and smiles a smile "gentle like the afternoon sun between the leaves." 

Flabbersmashed About You addresses a common concern for children in a simple yet entertaining story.  I liked that Jennifer is not portrayed as deliberately mean, instead, she is simply interested in playing with someone else.  Katie is still hurt, but she is open to Arabella's offer of friendship.  By acknowledging Katie's feelings but showing that other friends can also be fun, the book gently suggests a solution for children smarting over the shifting alliances between friends.  Yumi Heo's illustrations are bright and cheery, yet effective at portraying Katie's feelings when she is upset. 

This book is entertaining for anyone, and particularly good for instigating a discussion about feelings, friendship, and loyalty.  2012.

M. Adams

Imogene's Last Stand by Candace Fleming

Imogene's Last Stand

Imogene is a history-loving young girl who manages to get Liddleville, New Hampshire's dilapidated Historical Society Building renovated, only to find it is to be torn down and replaced by a shoelace factory!  Mayor Butz and most of the Liddleville's residents think the shoelace factory will "put this town on the map."  Imogene's efforts to keep the historical society open seem to be doomed until she finds a letter in the building from George Washington, indicating that he had slept in town.  Imogene informs the Liddleville historian about President Washington's letter and asks for his help.

Imogene has already locked herself in a stockade when the bulldozers arrive.  Fortunately the Liddleville historian and the President of the United States declare the house a national landmark!  This will definitely put Liddleville on the map!

Filled with appropriate quotations from several United States presidents and other actual historical figures, this book is a delightful call to stand up for what you believe in.  The charming illustrations perfectly complement the old -time feeling of the story.  The endpapers describe the origin of each famous quotation.  The book ends with Imogene's own "immortal" quotation: "That was totally fun," which is a perfect description of the experience of reading this book.

Carol Buchanan
2012

Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller, by Joseph Lambert

Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller

This is an engaging and moving graphic novel about Annie Sullivan, describing, in flashbacks, her tragical childhood of loss and deprivation, her own partial blindness, and then her acclaimed work as Helen Keller's teacher.

Joseph Lambert created a special cartoon style--wordless, in mostly gray and black, and using simple human forms without visual details--for the period during which Helen, up to about age 8, had no language whatsoever, due to her blindness and deafness. These pages are interwoven with detailed, colorful pages showing what else is happening at the same time (such as conversations between Helen's parents and Annie), that Helen is not aware of.

Those of us familiar with some of the conventional biographies of Helen Keller will recognize these scenes, such as Helen running around her family's breakfast table, helping herself to everyone's plate, grabbing and eating their eggs. A strong pair of arms, which we know must be Annie's arms, are shown restraining Helen, repeatedly, making her sit in a chair, and hold a spoon, which Helen endlessly resists.

There is the well-known scene at a water pump, in which Helen finally understands what Annie has so long been trying to teach her--that the word for "water" represents water. And so Helen acquires language, which transforms her life. After this, their relationship deepens, and becomes a flourishing and life-long friendship and collaboration.

This beautiful book is very highly recommended.   2012.

K. Muhm

Last Airlift: A Vietnamese Orphan's Rescue from War, by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Last Airlift: A Vietnamese Orphan's Rescue from War

This short narrative reads like a well-written novel, but it's the true story of Tuyet Son Thi Anh, a young girl who endured polio and war, and who was flown out of Saigon in 1975 by Americans, at the end of the Vietnam War.
Tuyet spent most of her early years in a Vietnamese orphange, caring for children younger than she was, and with only vague memories of her mother. After the fall of Saigon, Tuyet and hundreds of other Vietnamese children were airlifted to western countries--and Tuyet found herself in Canada.
Her memories, as told to the author, are fascinating and poignant. Having never seen a bed, a bathtub, or a fork, Tuyet had many adjustments to make. But luckily she was cherished in her new Canadian family, and has been able to survive and thrive.
An author's note at the end of the book tells of now-adult Tuyet's life today.
Highly recommended! 2011.
K. Muhm

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Breadcrumbs

Inspired by Grimm's fairy tale "The Snow Queen" the author has crafted a chapter book about two friends, Hazel and Jack, fifth graders who live next door to each other, go to school together, play together--until this year. Hazel is hurt and bewildered by Jack's sudden decision to spend his time with his male classmates, often excluding her in rude, gruff ways. She feels very much alone. She is trying to make sense of her mother and father getting a divorce, causing her to leave a much-loved private school where she excelled. The public school is not challenging her academically, she has not made any new friends, and she is struggling with the fact that she is adopted, and she and her parents do not "match"--Hazel is an Asian Indian and her parents are white. The one bright spot in her life was her best friend Jack.
During recess one day, Jack is struck in the eye by a sharp object and is taken for medical attention and then home. Hazel decides to stop at his house to check on him, and his parents tell her that Jack has gone to a relative's house to recuperate. Hazel finds this odd, and decides to go to a shed in the woods where she and Jack used to talk out their problems as well as plan fun stuff. As she approaches the spot, she sees Jack climb into a white sleigh with a woman who closely resembles the Snow Queen of fairy tale fame. She decides that Jack must have been tricked into doing this, and she must rescue him.
Hazel's mission takes her deep into a forest filled with literary references that she and Jack have shared over the years. She is frightened but determined to help her friend. With each scary incident she realizes that she is stronger than she thought she was, and makes up her mind to be more focused on the positive aspects of her life, and less dependent on Jack as her only friend, if they ever emerge from this dark and threatening forest. They do! 2011.

M. Cooney

Liberty's Voice: The Story of Emma Lazarus, by Erica Silverman. IIlustrated by Stacey Schuett

 Liberty's Voice: The Story of Emma Lazarus

Unless they have visited the Statue of Liberty, many young children may not have heard of the poet Emma Lazarus. This picture book biography tells the fascinating story of the woman whose poem, "The New Colossus" is engraved on a plaque in the Statue of Liberty. From the time she was a young girl, Emma loved learning and writing. She kept a notebook which she filled with her poetry. It is a little-known fact that at Emma's request, Ralph Waldo Emerson served as her writing coach. As she became increasingly more aware of the difficulties and injustices immigrants coming to the United States experienced, Emma wrote newspaper articles, plays and poems to raise awareness and change attitudes.

Although in picture book format, LIBERTY'S VOICE tells a story that will interest readers of all ages. The bright watercolor illustrations wonderfully capture the feeling of the nineteenth century. This book may even inspire a family trip to Liberty Park and Ellis Island.

2011

C. Buchanan

Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace by Jen Cullerton Johnson. Illustrated by Sonia Lynn Sadler

Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace

Did you know that one person can change the world? Wangari, a young girl growing up in Kenya, did! She learned from her mother that the mugumo tree was home to many creatures and supplied food to many people and animals. When she returned to Kenya after studying biology in college in the United States, she saw that foreign companies were cutting down trees so they could develop coffee plantations. With fewer and fewer trees to hold the soil in place, the land was being destroyed. Wangari began a campaign to encourage women to plant trees. Eventually thirty million trees were planted! Learn how Wangari's persistence taught people all over the world to protect the environment. She showed the power women can have when they work together. This true story is brightly illustrated with stylized drawings that make you want to visit Kenya. An inspiring biography for readers of all ages.

2010

C. Buchanan

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall

When Florence finds out that she is to leave Miss Medleycoate's Home for Orphan Girls to live on her great-uncle's estate in the English countryside, she is both excited and apprehensive. She is sorry to leave her friends at the orphanage but happy to get away from the meager existence and cruel grownups. She is sorry to learn that a cousin, Sophia, who was close to her age, died in an accident the year before. Sophia's younger brother still lives at Crutchfield Manor, so at least Florence won't be the only child living there.

Florence arrives at Crutchfield Hall and discovers that her uncle's sister, Great-Aunt Eugenie, loved Sophia almost obsessively and isn't happy that her brother has invited Florence to live with them. Furthermore,Florence's cousin, James, is a sickly boy and she is not allowed to visit or play with him, so she is very lonely in the big house that sits so far out in the countryside.

It doesn't take long for Florence to discover that Sophia's ghost roams the estate and that she blames her brother, James, for her death. She has plans to return to the world of the living and send one of those living at Crutchfield to their death in return. Can Sophia involve Florence as a pawn in her scheme?

Mary Downing Hahn's ghost stories never fail to create eerie suspense and this one doesn't disappoint. 2010

Renee Rauch

Junonia by Kevin Henkes

Junonia

Alice, nine years old but soon to be ten, arrives in Florida with her parents for their annual vacation. Every year this week is one of the best weeks for Alice: she gets to visit with special friends (elderly folks who spoil her) , she looks for shells to add to her collection, and she celebrates her birthday. Upon arriving, though, Alice discovers that all the usual visitors will not be present.

Feeling slightly disappointed, she decides to go look for shells, and makes up her mind to find a junonia , a rare shell that she desperately wants for her collection.

Alice's mother has a best friend ("Aunt Kate" to Alice) who arrives this year with a boyfriend and his six-year-old daughter Mallory. The plot thickens. Alice dutifully tries to befriend Mallory, but her unhappiness and tantrums make it difficult. Alice's tenth birthday party is almost ruined by one of Mallory's meltdowns.

Alice is thoughtful and mature; her week did not turn out exactly as she had planned it, but she goes home thinking how extraordinarily lucky she is to have the parents that she has, and the friends who tried so hard to make her happy.

I have really mixed feelings about this book: it is beautifully written and illustrated, and the story has some wonderful moments, but the tone is cold. I felt as if I were watching this story unfold behind a glass wall. When I read about Lily, Owen or Chrysanthemum , it is so obvious that Henkes really likes them , and I do, too. He makes me care about what happens to them . I don't particularly care about Alice; she returns to her perfect little world. I do wonder what is going to happen to Mallory, and I fear that her road is going to be a bumpy one. 2011.

M. Cooney

Silk & Venom: Searching for a Dangerous Spider, by Kathryn Lasky. Photos by Christopher G. Knight.

Gorgeous photos by Christopher G. Knight invite readers to look--really look, up close--at the poisonous spider, the Loxosceles, also known as the Recluse. Scientist Greta Binford is curious, devoted, imaginative and brave in her quest to understand all about this intriguing, and very dangerous, spider. The book follows Greta's life and career, and her worldwide travels and adventures, offering a solid female non-traditional role model. 2011.

K. Muhm

Gooney Bird Greene, by Lois Lowry

When Gooney Bird Greene opens the door of Mrs. Pidgeon's second grade classroom, wearing pajamas and cowboy boots, and announces that she is a new student, things are never quite the same for the Watertower Elementary School second graders. Gooney Bird's outlandish outfits, unusual lunches, wild red hair and her extraordinary stories (which by the way are all "absolutely true") combine to make Gooney Bird a remarkable character. Over the course of the next seven chapters, Gooney Bird shares her unbelieveable stories, which include "How Gooney Bird Came from China on a Flying Carpet," "Why Gooney Bird Was Late for School Because She Was Directing a Symphony Orchestra" and "Beloved Catman Is Consumed by a Cow," and it turns out they all have plausible explanations.

As Gooney Bird relates her stories, she also slips in lessons on the elements that make up a good story: a clear beginning, middle and ending, a strong main character, suspense and plot twists. She also convinces her teacher and her classmates, from the shyest to the most outspoken, that they all have stories to tell from the events of their own lives.

Gooney Bird is a fun read and a good book for readers who enjoyed Junie B. Jones and Clementine. Sequels include: Gooney Bird and the Room Mother and Gooney Bird Is So Absurd. 2002

R. Rauch

Girl's Best Friend, by Leslie Margolis

Seventh-grader Maggie Brooklyn has a lot on her mind -- her ex-best-friend Ivy is now her enemy, she is hiding her dog-walking business from her parents, and, worst of all, dogs in her neighborhood are disappearing and she's worried that Milo, the boy she has a crush on, is responsible. Then there's the odd way her landlady is behaving... It's a good thing that Maggie has studied Nancy Drew and knows a thing or two about being a detective.

This book, the first in a series featuring Maggie, is an enjoyable, well-written mystery set in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Written from Maggie's viewpoint, it builds up the clues about the mysteries well, while at the same time developing Maggie's personality and introducing us to her friends and family. Fun, intelligent and entertaining, Girl's Best Friend will leave readers happily anticipating the release of the next book in the series. 2010.

M. Adams