The Harlem Charade
Written by Natasha Tarpley Reviewed by Melody Falleur-Fettig (2021-2022) From the acclaimed author, Natasha Tarpley, comes a book about the city of Harlem, its rich cultural history, and the modern capitalistic forces that threaten to destroy it. The Harlem Charade is a chapter book best suited for middle grade but an acceptable read for grades […]
Max and the Tag-along Moon
Written and illustrated by Floyd Cooper Reviewed by Sofia Puorro The moon is a powerful symbol that traverses borders, cultures, and languages. In Max and the Tag-along Moon, Floyd Cooper skillfully uses this symbol to represent the un-waning love a child has for his grandfather. It is a beautifully illustrated, yet simple story about the […]
Sweet People Are Everywhere
Written by Alice Walker Illustrated by Quim Torres Reviewed by Miles Hartfelder Often in elementary classrooms, students only learn about other countries and the people who live there during geography or history lessons. While this book doesn’t dive into the distinct cultures of individual countries, it does provide an opportunity for students to expand their […]
Malala’s Magical Pencil
Written by Malala Yousafzai Illustrated by Kerascoet Reviewed by Jane Lyons This biography tells the story of Malala as a young girl growing up in Pakistan. The picture book begins with a simple question. Do you believe in Magic? Malala shares that she wished for a magical pencil to solve life’s problems when she was […]
Radiant Child : The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Written and Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe Reviewed by Mary Bishop Winner of the Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award, this wonderful picture book tells the story of Jean-Michel’s early life as an artist. Steptoe’s accolades are well deserved, his sparse and poetic word choice evoke the bold and alluring style of Basquiat himself. […]
Who are you?
Written by Brook Pessin-Whedbee and illustrated by Naomi Bardoff Reviewed by Lucie Wharton-Moeur Early Elementary Picturebook The book Who are you? is a book designed for you and only you. The author describes this book as a personal experience for every reader and an experience that will change every time you read it. This book […]
Grandpa Grumps
Written by Katrina Moore. Illustrated by Xindi Yan. Reviewed by Emily Richardson. Daisy has been eagerly awaiting Yeh-Yeh’s visit from China, even preparing a list of everything she can’t wait to do together (have a tea party, build a snowman, drink hot chocolate!). When he finally arrives, however, Daisy is surprised to find Yeh-Yeh appears […]
I Dream of Popo
Written by: Livia Blackburne Illustrated by: Julia Kuo Reviewed by: Erin Healy I Dream of Popo is a story of a little Taiwanese girl who is very close with her grandmother (Popo). One day the girl’s family moves to The United States while her Popo stays in Tawian. The girl and her grandma keep their […]
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners
Written by Joanna Ho Illustrated by Dung Ho Reviewed by Lindsey Smith Everyday diversity, the idea of showing different people living ordinary lives, is a crucial consideration for any library. But if we know anything about children, it’s that they notice every little difference. If your students don’t look like those in dominant culture, you […]