Reviews
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 →
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 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
You Can Do It, Bert!
“A winning example of less is more.” —Kirkus Reviews 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 →
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 →
Place Hacking: Venturing Off Limits
“Rosen emphasizes the pleasure of discovery and the joy of participating in a sport with style and a goal of mastery. From the cockamamie (extreme ironing) to daredevilry (rooftopping) to a fine day out (catacomb rambling), a taste of unbridled adventure for everyone.”… View →
“An entertaining romp, more comical than scary and with a poignant but hopeful close.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia
“Though Isatou Ceesay’s country may be unfamiliar to young readers, they’ve probably done some handicraft recycling of their own. The easy connection makes this a welcome addition to the small shelf of examples of ingenuity in developing nations.” —Kirkus… View →
Sneaker Century: A History of Athletic Shoes
“An illuminating and amusing look at a subject with much more history than one might expect.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
Tear You Apart
“As before, Cross keeps readers guessing as she unfolds her mashup, bringing the German Märchen versions into the story with satisfyingly gruesome effect. A fan-pleasing combination of fairy tale and thriller.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
BirdCatDog
“This innovative charmer can be read four different ways….Stylish and inventive and an excellent examination of point of view.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
Remaking the John: The Invention and Reinvention of the Toilet
“A good-spirited, wholly serious broaching of the—incredibly—still taboo subject of human waste, once a problem and even more so today.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
Ruby Valentine and the Sweet Surprise
“A good choice for Valentine’s Day as well as for kids who are coping with a new member of their household, whether animal or human.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
Girls vs. Guys: Surprising Differences between the Sexes
“Each stereotype is covered in a short, two-page spread, featuring full-color photos and well-written text that doesn’t try too hard to be cool.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
Chernobyl's Wild Kingdom: Life in the Dead Zone
“The appropriate background and clear, easy-to-understand explanations make this one-of-a-kind title both accessible and interesting. An important story clearly and engagingly told by an experienced science writer.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
BZRK Apocalypse
“Like reading an action movie.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
Alice + Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis
“A historically resonant reminder of how far societal tolerance has come and that it still remains a work in progress.”—Kirkus Reviews View →
Daisy to the Rescue: True Stories of Daring Dogs, Paramedic Parrots, and Other Animal Heroes
“Overflowing with information, fascinating tales and thought-provoking information; give it to animal-loving middle graders on up.”—Kirkus Reviews View →
What's that Smell?: A kids' guide to keeping clean
“An upbeat, serviceable introduction to the benefits of wearing clean clothes, changing bed sheets regularly, and caring for skin, nails and hair.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
