Reviews
The Pets You Get
“[T]he children and animals shine and take center stage in the big, bold, and colorful illustrations, with backgrounds minimal or nonexistent.” —School Library Journal View →
Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball
“Morse’s energetic illustrations add an old-fashioned charm to the narrative….This entertaining and informative story will delight young sports fans.” —School Library Journal View →
My Crocodile Does Not Bite
“This fun read-aloud will keep listeners and readers chuckling. Kulka’s spirited acrylic artwork gives personality to the characters and adds to the humor.” —School Library Journal View →
Cookie, the Walker
“Part picture book with full-page illustrations, part comic book with speech balloons and panels, the story is illustrated in a cartoonish two-dimensional cartoon style. Funny antics abound.” —School Library Journal View →
Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and the Secret Mud That Changed Baseball
“Dominguez’s illustrations, which are painterly in style, look as if pastels were used to draw the dramatic baseball poses in a variety of perspectives….This accessible story will be enjoyable to a larger audience than just baseball fans.” —School Library… View →
The Sin-Eater's Confession
Reminiscent of Bick’s Drowning Instinct (Carolrhoda Lab, 2012), the story is told in flashback, this time in diary-type letters….This novel should be in all YA collections, and would be interesting reading for members of GSA’s." —School Library Journal View →
Oh! If Only...
“Nearly every page is full of movement as animals fly or scamper away, and bright primary colors highlight focal points. Kids will enjoy the increasing destruction and silliness, while the minimal text and refrain make this a good read-aloud.” —School Library Journal View →
My Happy Life
“The illustrations complement the narrative well, and will enable younger readers to feel a sense of accomplishment for tackling a lengthy chapter book….The difficult subjects are handled gracefully, allowing children to realize that happiness comes and goes, and that… View →
My Happy Life
“The illustrations complement the narrative well, and will enable younger readers to feel a sense of accomplishment for tackling a lengthy chapter book….The difficult subjects are handled gracefully, allowing children to realize that happiness comes and goes, and that… View →
“The book is well presented and fascinating and could be used as part of a geography lesson or to teach about animals’ unusual lifestyles. The large print, simple, straightforward vocabulary, and appealing format make it a good choice for a report or a simple research project View →
Something to Prove: The Great Satchel Paige vs. Rookie Joe DiMaggio
“The author builds suspense with dazzling descriptions of Paige’s ‘wobbly ball’ and ‘windmill wind-up’ that even nonbaseball fans will appreciate….[T]he action-filled poses are consistently dramatic, and the portraiture is outstanding. Use this… View →
The Mitzvah Magician
“Gabriel’s overzealous wand-waving gets him into trouble when he plays magician: he knocks things over and pokes his sister in the tummy. Mom helps him redefine the role of magician. ‘Good magicians do things that make people happy, not sad. They do mitzvot–that’s a Jewish… View →
“Given its slightly sarcastic tone, it should find a willing audience among upper middle school through high school students and would make an excellent addition to career/job search collections.”—School Library Journal View →
Let's Meet a Construction Worker
“Cartoon-style animated drawings in bright colors introduce diverse characters who will capture children’s interest….Additional titles where more books on community helpers are needed.” —School Library Journal View →
The Twelve-Fingered Boy
“Shreve is an admirable, wise protagonist…. Fans of Alexander Gordon Smith’s ‘Escape from Furnace’ series (Farrar) will enjoy the fast-paced paranormal twists this novel offers, and the ending will leave them wanting more.” —School Library Journal View →
The Royal Treasure Measure
“This clever account, told in rhyme, alludes to the basis for most of today’s standard measurement: the human body….The exaggerated, colorful cartoon illustrations are humorous and appealing. Fans of the author’s other math concept books will be delighted with… View →
H.O.R.S.E.
“This book will encourage all readers to grab a close friend and get out to play a game, matching their athleticism to their imaginations.” —School Library Journal View →
Circles, Stars, and Squares: Looking for Shapes
“This simple, straightforward title is perfect for young children who are learning the basics, while the examples could easily lead to discussions about the objects themselves with slightly older readers. A great addition to concept-book collections.” —School… View →
Peace and Quiet: Book 4
“This graphic novel is perfect for all young readers, but especially those who might be dealing with their own blended-family situation. Readers learn there will be hard times adjusting to the changes but that they can still be part of a loving family unit.” —School View →
Plague Riders
“The short text (approximately fourth-grade reading level) and intriguing design of these books will appeal to challenged and reluctant readers in middle and high school.” —School Library Journal View →
Four Secrets
“These middle school kids encounter drugs, alcohol, sexuality, and violence, but Willey sensitively and skillfully reveals not only the details of their drastic act, but also the secrets that the three friends and their victim harbor, secrets that shape who they are and what their… View →