Reviews
Monkey with a Tool Belt
“Despite his somewhat frou-frou name, Chico Bon Bon is the most tool-savvy monkey around. . . Wide-eyed and widow’s-peaked, Chico is a very likable little guy, vaguely spider-monkey-ish in appearance, and his attachment to his tool belt is clearly evident (he all but pats… View →
“. . .a riveting, scientific adventure tale. A fascinating selection for report writers, this is an exciting catch for paleontology and nature buffs as well.” —Starred, The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books View →
“The intriguing premise, the dramative sense of horror, and the unanswered questions will nonetheless ensure that readers return for the next in the series.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books View →
"The last laugh is on Simon, though, and timid listeners who have been led to the brink of childhood disasters by a fearless will cheer his comeuppance . . ." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books View →
Druscilla's Halloween
“The blend of origin tale and Halloween story is a fresh one, and Walker’s clever imagery and lively turns of phrase add vitality to the text.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books View →
“Ramon is a significant and compelling figure to many, and this emotional, fact-based story puts that impact into context as well as giving it a worthwhile narrative.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books View →
Rescue on the Outer Banks
“Newly independent readers with a penchant for true adventure will welcome these new entries [Rescue on the Outer Banks and The Daring Escape of Ellen Craft] in the On My Own History series.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s… View →
The Daring Escape of Ellen Craft
“Newly independent readers with a penchant for true adventure will welcome these new entries [The Daring Escape of Ellen Craft and Rescue on the Outer Banks] in the On My Own History series.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s… View →
“With a down-home storytelling style that enlivens his already flamboyant subject, Porter treats Zora Neale Hurston’s life as if it were one of her own best stories. Porter’s book captures all the complications and contradictions of Hurston’s character, . . .… View →
Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir
“One of the most important insights—hard won after over a decade of searching for something about herself to love—that Liz gains is that gender can be identified on one’s own terms: girl doesn’t have to equal cheerleader.”—The Bulletin of the Center for… View →
Secret Holes
“Syliva is a spunky character. . . and her first-person narration flows in easy-to-read dialect with enough cultural references thrown in to evoke the seventies setting. Her ten-year-old voice reflects an apt egocentrism, and her retreat into theatrical illness whenever she is… View →
The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth
“Fiery play action and the august presence of Ruth and Gehrig should keep boys’ interest blazing, but girls especially will relish vivid descriptions of Mitchell’s devilish pitching ability. Plenty of colored-pencil illustrations draw readers onto the diamond and… View →
It's Test Day, Tiger Turcotte
“Though never dismissing her protagonists worries, Flood takes a low-key approach to this common situation, neatly demonstrating that the adults don’t always have all the answers either, while making the point that people are more important than categories. Tiger himself… View →
Double Cheeseburgers, Quiche, and Vegetarian Burritos: American Cooking from the 1920s through Today
“There are plenty of edible info bites here. . . readers will enjoy learning about the introduction of food phenoms such as Rice Krispies, TV dinners, and fast-food hamburgers. They’ll be intrigued to see the way the food landscape has changed, and they’ll join the… View →
“Children will enjoy this story on different levels depending on their ages; preschoolers will not know who wrote the letters, but will still find the story and its resolution highly satisfying, while older children will delight in being on the secret with Katie’s parents. View →
Harvest of Light
For the young Israeli girl narrating this photoessay, this year’s Hanukkah observance will be particularly meaning-ful, since she will help harvest the olives that will be pressed into the ritual lamp oil. She introduces the olive trees in spring: “When the days start to get… View →