Reviews
One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia
“Notes of hope, determination, and empowerment suffuse Paul’s story…. Incorporating real plastic bags into her mixed-media collages, Zunon, who grew up in West Africa, juxtaposes the brown, dusty landscape against splashes of color and vibrant printed dresses and head… View →
Place Hacking: Venturing Off Limits
“This look at the controversial but endlessly fascinating pastime of urban exploring should have readers scanning their skylines, checking out dilapidated buildings, and even eyeing manhole covers in a new light…. High-interest stuff that appeals to both the intellect and the View →
Elephants Can't Jump!
“Elephant may fail spectacularly, but this is a success story through and through.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
A Rock Can Be . . .
“The economy of language and breadth of imagination suggests a broad audience for this wide-ranging and inventive exploration.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
Exposing Torture: Centuries of Cruelty
“[T]his overview provides readers with a useful starting place for further exploration.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
The Bunker Diary
“Brooks’ latest is not an easy novel, but it’s one that begs for rereading to suss the intricacies of its construction of plot, character development and insight into the human condition.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
The Nitty-Gritty Gardening Book: Fun Projects for All Seasons
“This book encourages budding horticulturalists with the notion that gardening doesn’t have to depend on having access to the perfect climate and location.” —Booklist View →
Dear Wandering Wildebeest: And Other Poems from the Water Hole
“A fine volume of verse for independent reading or sharing with a class.” —Booklist View →
Rockin' the Boat: 50 Iconic Revolutionaries — From Joan of Arc to Malcolm X
“[I]rreverent, edifying reading.” –Publishers Weekly View →
I Say Shehechiyanu
“This unnamed girl is warmhearted, generous and utterly charming as she embraces every moment and sees goodness and joy all around her, all expressed, with great enthusiasm, in simply stated declarative sentences. Filipina’s lovely, warmly hued illustrations beautifully… View →
Hare and Tortoise Race Across Israel
“Instead of teaching the value of slow and steady progress, this version of the fable says: Stop and look around; there are olive groves and persimmon trees . . . There are animals everywhere: whales and ravens and swimming camels. They’re made up of bold, geometric shapes in View →
Sammy Spider's First Mitzvah
“This is yet another Sammy Spider tale that young children will love. I’ve read many Sammy Spider tales and this one is a perfect one to introduce the bikkur cholim.” — Feathered Quill View →
The Wren and the Sparrow
“Nayberg’s stylized brush strokes initially take tones of brown and drear, but they warm with hope toward the end. The textured creases and cracks of paint echo the deliberate folds of the letter that holds such importance. A lyrical look at a horrific time; an appeal to the… View →
Escape from Egypt
“Kimmel keeps the story flowing at a rapid pace, employing 21st-century tone and syntax for the twins as well as the ancients with whom they interact . . . it’s accessible for modern young readers of all religions and makes it possible for them to gain a modicum of… View →
Arctic Thaw: Climate Change and the Global Race for Energy Resources
“[T]his is an excellent resource for school libraries and those passionate about the environment or politics.” —VOYA View →
The Moon Dragons
“[I]ts sweet lesson of the value of art and life over a room full of gold is a lovely one.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
Pope Francis: First Pope from the Americas
“[A] wide-ranging portrait of the religious leader.” —School Library Journal View →
Sneaker Century: A History of Athletic Shoes
“Readers of all stripes will appreciate the role sneakers play in our lives. A fun and informative addition.” —School Library Journal View →
Sadie, Ori, and Nuggles Go to Camp
“This short picture book portrays a realistic look at a natural concern. It is amusingly told and accompanied by colorful, whimsical illustrations which make camp look like lots of fun.” — Jewish Book World View →
Chernobyl's Wild Kingdom: Life in the Dead Zone
“Thought-provoking.” —School Library Journal View →
Sammy Spider's First Mitzvah
“Everyone’s favorite little spider is back, still spinning webs and still teaching children Jewish values in his delightful way. His latest adventure educates about the mitzvah of bikur cholim, visiting the sick to promote healing and to bring comfort and a sense of caring.… View →
Remaking the John: The Invention and Reinvention of the Toilet
“[T]his honest, fact-filled little book should attract readers and researchers.” —School Library Journal View →
Overturning Wrongful Convictions: Science Serving Justice
“Murray lays a solid foundation for readers, taking them through the legal system’s long road, from questioning all the way to appeal, while explaining how exoneration is achieved, mostly through DNA testing and fingerprints…. A chilling… View →