Reviews
Detective Gordon: A Complicated Case
Large and small, the many colorful illustrations perfectly capture the lovable, idiosyncratic characters and their woodland world. . . . First published in Sweden, this beguiling chapter book is a fine choice for young independent readers or for reading aloud."—Booklist Online View →
Luis Paints the World
“This story is inspired by an art program in Lawrence, Massachusetts, a town of residents from all over the world, who share their stories and traditions through mural art. Its beautiful message will touch the hearts of readers and maybe inspire them to create art of their… View →
Don't Call Me Grandma
“It’s easy . . . to write books about fun grandmothers. . . . Introducing a sharp-tongued, disagreeable grandmother is more difficult. But Nelson pulls it off. . . . By book’s end, perceptive readers will see this 96-year-old as a multilayered woman who has experienced… View →
Timber Creek Station
“British author Lewis’ debut is based on her time as the family helper on just such an outback [cattle station]. . . . It is the learning curve of Liz that will engage the reader who is open to understanding a variation of abject intolerance in a remote culture that is… View →
Whose Hands Are These?: A Community Helper Guessing Book
“Care has been taken to ensure that people of all ages, races, and genders are depicted doing the work. . . . [T]he text is linguistically complex and fun, helping readers to build vocabulary with words associated with the professions. . . . An engaging, well-executed… View →
Collateral Damage
“This entry in the Support and Defend series will draw military and nonmilitary teens alike. The high/low story is full of action and raw emotion that will engage reluctant readers.”—Booklist Online View →
Ice Time
This tale of a young Canadian immigrant who gets a longer for but unexpected chance to join a local team will score an easy goal with younger or less expert readers mad for hockey. Money is so tight since Paul’s divorced dad went back to Trinidad that the equipment and registration costs View →
Blazing Courage
“With an accessible, straightforward first-person narrative, this high/low title will be a good selection for struggling readers. Annie’s heartening connection with horses and the nicely crafted narrative, however, would make this appealing for anyone who enjoys a good horse… View →
Freedom Flight
“This high/low, fast-paced read about military life is part of the Support and Defend series and will be popular with many YA readers.”—Booklist View →
Meg Goldberg on Parade
“Using rhyming couplets, Rosenbaum introduces readers to the annual Celebrate Israel Parade, held every spring in New York City. Meg and her family drive in from the suburbs and watch from the sidelines, until the wind magically sweeps Meg up high, giving her a chance to… View →
Nonna's Hanukkah Surprise
“References to King Antiochus, panettone, lasagna, and latkes are seamlessly woven into the story, and young readers will readily absorb new information along with affirmations of tolerance and acceptance. Illustrations in muted warm colors create a cozy feel and help make this a… View →
The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem's Greatest Bookstore
“This companion to No Crystal Stair (2012) introduces younger readers to Nelson’s great uncle, Lewis Michaux Sr., owner of Harlem’s National Memorial African Bookstore. . . . [T]his moving tribute should be a welcome addition to almost any… View →
The Great Monkey Rescue: Saving the Golden Lion Tamarins
“Told in an engaging manner, the tamarin rescue story is enhanced by large, brilliant photos that appear on every page. From its endearing cover image onward, the book encourages readers to learn about this little-known species and care about its future.”—Booklist View →
The Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-Loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition
“Even readers familiar with The Nutcracker will probably learn a good deal from this engaging picture book. Bravo! Brava!”—starred, Booklist View →
What Makes Sports Gear Safer?
“By focusing on the myriad ways young readers experience the useful application of STEM concepts every day, this title . . . will likely pique interest in the scientific method and expand the scope of readers’ career aspirations.”—Booklist View →
A Spectacular Selection of Sea Critters: Concrete Poems
“This exploration of marine animals around a coral reef is a clever blend of eye-catching pictorials and jaunty, concrete poems. . . . [T]his book’s playful design will likely make a splash among young readers.”—Booklist View →
Out of Darkness
“Elegant prose and gently escalating action will leave readers gasping for breath at the tragic climax and moving conclusion.”—Booklist View →
Being a Good Citizen: A kids' guide to community involvement
The Start Smart: Community series offers readers a way to think about where they live, who helps them, and what it means to be an effective part of their communities. Being a Good Citizen explains in simple language hwo their world is arrange and advises kids on how to find way… View →
Smart and Spineless: Exploring Invertebrate Intelligence
“Lucid and well organized, the writing grips readers with a combination of facts and related narrative accounts of scientists at work. . . . A fascinating book for science fans.”—starred, Booklist View →
Detective Gordon: The First Case
“This involving, thought-provoking chapter book is utterly charming. Nilsson…creates endearing characters and a childlike sensibility through writing that is clean, precise, and amusing. A wonderful choice for independent reading, particularly for kids who become accomplished View →
Exposing Torture: Centuries of Cruelty
“Marcovitz avoids sensationalizing the topic, treating both it and his readers seriously….This is a good pick for schools or those interested in current events.”―Booklist View →
“The fourth installment of Friedman’s series is as breezy and funny as previous volumes, and April’s determination to remain true to herself in spite of her complicated emotions will resonate with readers.”―Booklist Online View →