Mae Among the Stars written by Roda Ahmed Illustrated by Stasia Burrington Reviewed by Jane Lyons (MAT 2022) Mae Among the Stars is a historical fiction picture book inspired by Mae Jemison, the first black woman in space. The story begins with Mae as a little girl. She was working on an assignment for school […]
Tag: K-1
Town Is by the Sea
Written by Joanne Schwartz Illustrated by Sydney Smith Reviewed by Lindsey Smith It’s hard to find good children’s books about working class people. Sí Se Puede by Diana Cohn and A Chair for My Mother by Vera Williams come to mind of course, but they’re lonely exemplars in a sparse field. Town Is by the Sea […]
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 […]
Honey, I Love
Written by Eloise Greenfield Illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist Reviewed by Lindsey Smith Some picture books tackle huge topics. They can attempt to cover a political movement, a large-scale injustice, or tell a winding, elaborate story. Honey, I Love does just the opposite, and it does it very well. The poem, written by Eloise Greenfield […]
Teddy’s Favorite Toy
Written by Christian Trimmer. Illustrations by Madeline Valentine. Review by Emily Richardson. Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of the Pacific is an etiquette icon, action hero, and fashionista extraordinaire all in one. In Teddy’s Favorite Toy, she is also Teddy’s most beloved and treasured toy. One day, when the doll goes missing, it falls to Teddy’s mom […]
Families Can
Written by Dan Saks and Illustrated by Brooke Smart Reviewed by Emily Richardson, 2021-2022 “A family is love, no matter how it looks, And when they are together, like the pages in this book, Your family’s a story that’s unique and true. A family is beautiful, as beautiful as you.” This picture book is a […]
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 […]
Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation
Written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh Separate Is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh tells the story dating back to the 1940s when segregation based on race or national origin was common throughout the United States. The Mendez v. Westminster School District case paved the way for the desegregation of schools in America. After the Mendez […]