Written by Renée Watson Illustrated by Christian Robinson Reviewed by Una O’Donnell-King (LC MAT 2019-2020) I love biographical picture books so much, I use them in my classroom all the time and I am always looking for one that show diverse people and the change they made. Harlem’s Little Blackbird is the true story of […]
Month: January 2021
Between Us & Abuela: A Family Story from the Border
Written by Mitali Perkins Illustrated by Sara Palacios Reviewed by Allison Johnson Think of the last time you were reunited with a long, lost loved one. Had it been a few weeks or several years? Did you meet at a coffee shop or on a street corner? The circumstances don’t matter. To be reunited with […]
I Remember: Poems and Pictures of Heritage compiled by Lee Bennett Hopkins
This book is a collection of poems and illustrations by poets and artists who share childhood memories that have stuck with them through their lives. They reflect on their heritage, traditions, beliefs, and values that are a part of their diverse backgrounds. Each poem is paired with a beautiful illustration that captures on the themes […]
Drawn Together
Written by MINH LÊ Illustrated by DAN SANTAT Reviewed by Maddie McBride (LC MAT 2020-2021) At first glance, one might think that this story is simply about a strong connection between a grandfather and a grandson. However, within the first few pages, just through illustration, we learn that their connection was not always as close […]
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Written and Illustrated by Grace Lin Reviewed by Julia Marlin Minli and her parents live in a village in the Valley of Fruitless Mountain where everything is dry and faded brown. All day, Minli and her parents work in the fields, trying to “coax rice out of the stubborn land.” Minli’s only escape from the […]
Anh’s Anger by Gail Silver & Christiane Kromer
Anh’s Anger written by Gail Silver and illustrated by Christiane Kromer Reviewed by Sarah Conley “‘Finally!’ said a voice. ‘I was hoping you would notice me.’ Anh lifted his head and came face-to-face with a hairy, red creature.” Anh’s Anger is a beautifully illustrated story about a young boy and his experience with […]
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
Author: Kadir Nelson Author Kadir Nelson sought to capture the joy of living in and engaging with the world which was inspired by the song’s simple message, “he’s got the whole world in his hands.” If you are looking for a book which most importantly portrays the world as a child might see it — […]
I Am Perfectly Designed
Written by: Jason Brown and Karamo Brown Illustrated by: Anoosha Syed Reviewed by: Macey Putnam (2020-2021) “An ode to loving who you are, exactly as you are.” I am Perfectly Designed is a book that celebrates who you are and reminds the reader, no matter how they might feel, they are perfectly designed just the […]
Fatty Legs
Written by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton Illustrated by Liz Amini-Holmes “This book is a rare book” proclaims the first line of the foreword in this book. And it is. Fatty Legs is the true story of an Inuit girl, Olemaun (or Margaret) who leaves her home in the Arctic Circle to attend a […]
The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth and Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth and Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Reviewed by Isabelle Grant. “When Dad went to a bank to borrow money to open a bookstore for black people, the banker said no. He said Dad could have a loan to sell fish and chips or […]