Book Reviews

The Friendship Train by Debbie Levy – Book Review

| Tasha

The Friendship Train: A True Story of Helping and Healing after World War II by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Boris Kulikov (9781547608027)

Children is Europe following World War II were going hungry after war decimated their countries. In the US, one man asked how he could help and soon Drew Pearson was thinking big. He dreamed of a Friendship Train that could cross the nation gathering donations from people across the country to send to Europe. Pearson made the suggestion in a national paper and soon he got lots of letters in return. Children wanted to help. Soon the plan grew bigger and bigger, as everyone worked together to make a difference for people they had never met.

An important story of children’s impact as they worked together to help others and the man who created an idea that grew and grew to meet what children accomplished. Just the empowering nonfiction we need about thinking of others, seeing everyone as human and working to make change. 

Appropriate for ages 5-10.

Reviewed from copy provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

I Am the Swarm by Hayley Chewins – Book Review

| Tasha

I Am the Swarm by Hayley Chewins (9780593623862)

Nell knows that her magic is going to appear soon since woman in her family gets their magic at age fifteen. Each woman’s is unique to them. Her mother changes ages constantly, her grandmother can feel every room in the house she is in, her aunt’s hair whispers secrets to her. Perhaps the worst of them is Nell’s sister, Mora, who bleeds music and who uses razor blades to release it from her body. Mora is now in the hospital to get help, and Nell fears what her own magic will do to her. When her magic arrives as insects that reveal the emotions that Nell is unable to feel, Nell doesn’t know what to do. The blue stick insects are her sadness, the ladybugs are her creativity, but worst are the wasps that are her rage. Can Nell manage to lock away her emotions deep inside to keep the wasps from coming again? Or can she find a way to feel these dangers emotions somehow?

This verse novel is simply incredible. Chewins writes a book of raw and edgy verse that demands that we see beyond the magic to the truth of each person’s experience. The verse lays bare Nell’s experience, including the abuse that she refuses to acknowledge and the trauma of her family because and despite the magic they have. The use of insects adds a creepy beauty to the book, enough to make your skin itch but also be in awe of the spectacle.

Furious, beautiful and dangerous, this verse novel insists on being heard. Appropriate for ages 13-16.

Reviewed from library copy.

Lighthouse Ladies by Kris Coronado – Book Review

| Tasha

Lighthouse Ladies: Shining a Spotlight on Hardy Heroines by Kris Coronado, illustrated by Islenia Mil

This nonfiction picture book shares the stories of four women from history who worked in lighthouses across the United States. The jobs were a challenging mix of boredom, dedication and danger in tight quarters, often wearing long dresses. Ida Lewis worked a lighthouse in Rhode Island and was known for rescuing people whose boats had capsized. Juliet Nicols in California was challenged by the fog and her resilience and strength alone kept the fog bell sounding. Venus Parker worked in Virginia with her husband. She had to carry on despite terrible ice and her husband’s unexpected death. Julia Toomey worked in Hawaiian lighthouses with her parents. When her father died saving the lighthouse, Julia had to manage to carry on. 

These stories of women and girls facing impossible tasks to save strangers from wrecking their ships and boats on the rocks capture the fraught nature of working in a lighthouse. The stories capsize the image of lighthouses as peaceful icons and instead show the risky work close up. They also ruin the tales that are often told of men having these sorts of roles rather than women. The illustrations are friendly and approachable, filled with curving stairs and beautiful lighthouses until the pages turn dark with storms and the dramatic moments happen. 

A glorious look at women facing danger head on with skill and resilience. Appropriate for ages 7-10.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Clarion Books.

Nightsong by Sally Soweol Han – Book Review

| Tasha

Nightsong by Sally Soweol Han (9781547615063)

Lewis waits for his mother and the other grownups to stop talking and then boards the bus with her to head home. He is just getting sleepy listening to the engine and then suddenly one of the bus tires pops. They wait on the road and Lewis is bored. But just on the other side of the hedge he can hear noises, so he investigates. The dark is full of beetles and creatures moving, buzzing and rustling around. A creek burbles nearby and Lewis plays with a firefly. When it’s time to board the bus again, Lewis continues to think about the noises of the night he experienced.

This entire picture book focuses on sounds, from those within a house to on the street to settling into a nature scene. It’s an enticing framing for the story as Lewis discovers the world just nearby. The illustrations are done in rich blacks of the night sky and then fine lines that capture moonlight, small creatures and the sounds they make.

A quiet celebration of nighttime nature. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Blue Sky Morning by Kim Jihyun – Book Review

| Tasha

Blue Sky Morning by Kim Jihyun (9781782509080)

Eunny’s school day starts slowly as she gets up and her family does too. Grandpa is coming back from his walk. After breakfast, it’s time to head off to school with Mama. Eunny makes sure to notice the flowers and the blue sky. She drops her mother at the bus stop and heads to school around the corner. She and a friend walk in together, happy on such a beautiful day.

This is a quiet and meditative picture book, full of little special moments that urge readers to slow down and notice. The art is done in fine lines and is filled with details of life in South Korea.

A lovely picture book to share in a still moment together. Appropriate for ages 4-7.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Floris Books.

A Song for You and I by K. O’Neill – Book Review

| Tasha

A Song for You and I by K. O’Neill (9780593182307)

Rowan is learning to be a ranger, taking care of the land and its people with the help of a flying horse. But when Rowan tries to show off their skill and doesn’t listen to cautions, their horse is injured. Stuck now walking everywhere, Rowan is assigned to help Leone, a lone figure who spends a lot of time with sheep. Leone has his own dreams. He plays the fiddle constantly but won’t play for any person at all. As the two of them start their slow journeys together, their friendship begins to grow. Each finds support in one another, creating joy and romance.

O’Neill is author of The Moth Keeper and the Tea Dragon Society. This graphic novel combines a fantasy world with a trans and non-binary coming out story for both main characters. Beautifully told and filled with true moments of connection and romance, this book features characters who are complex and layered.

Beautifully illustrated and compellingly told, this graphic novel will make your heart soar. Appropriate for ages 10-14.

Reviewed from library copy.

Giant Parsnip Soup by Daniela Sosa – Book Review

| Tasha

Giant Parsnip Soup by Daniela Sosa (9781665961967)

What should you do if you find a giant parsnip with your friends? Make giant parsnip soup together, of course. All it takes is 1 giant parsnip, 2 bags of potatoes, 3 crates of carrots, and more ingredients as we count to ten together. A diverse cast of children work together on the huge pot of soup that is taller than them. There are children of a variety of races, children with hearing aids, and a variety of ages. The book ends with 10 full bellies once a dog and cat join in the fun.

A friendly and bright counting book sure to make your tummy rumble. Appropriate for ages 2-4.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Beach Lane Books.

Double Dutch Queen by Deann Wiley – Book Review

| Tasha

Double Dutch Queen by Deann Wiley (9781250876386)

Shay would love to try double dutch with her cousins, but she’s way too worried about getting tangled in the ropes or falling down to give it a go. She knows that she can do other complicated and fast things like hula hooping or roller skating, but in the end she longs to double dutch. It’s not until her auntie comes out and skips rope herself that Shay is encouraged and brave enough to risk trying it herself. Soon all of her cousins are cheering her on too. A picture book featuring a large Black family where taking a risk and failing seems far too frightening to even try. The illustrations are large and bold with bright jump ropes and the perfect sunny day. Great for encouraging trying new things while surrounded by love.

Appropriate for ages 4-6. Reviewed from e-galley provided by Henry Holt & Co.

Fireworks by Matthew Burgess – Book Review

| Tasha

Fireworks by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Cátia Chien (9780063216723)

It’s a hot July day in the city as two siblings head outside. The fire hydrant offers some splashes of water along the way. They give the musician in the park some coins. There is watermelon to feast on and music that comes through the open windows to dance to. The two climb way up to the top of the building where they wait… for fireworks!

From the anticipation through their entire day to the marvelous display at the end of the book, this picture book truly captures the joy of fireworks, their mesmerizing qualities, and the fizz that stays with you afterwards.

A great summer read. Appropriate for ages 3-7.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by HarperCollins.