Biography The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story, by Emma Bland Smith, illustrated by Jenn Ely, Charlesbridge, 2022. This unusual picture book biography focuses on counterfeiter Elliot Michener, who was an inmate on Alcatraz in [continue reading]
Summer I Turned Pretty Read-Alikes
READ-ALIKES The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han Buzo, Laura. Love and Other Perishable Items. Calame, Don. Swim the Fly. Dessen, Sarah. Along for the Ride. Fortune, Carley. Every Summer After. Gehrman, Jody [continue reading]
If You Miss Me Review
Langrand, Jocelyn. If You Miss Me. Jocelyn Li Langrand, Illus. Picture Book. Scholastic/Orchard, 09/2021. [36]pp. $18.99. 978-1-338-68069-0. HIGH ADDITIONAL. GRADES PRE-2. A little girl’s family is moving, and she is afraid she will miss her [continue reading]
Digger and the Duckling Review
Kuefler, Joseph. Digger and the Duckling, The. Joseph Kuefler, Illus. Picture Book. Balzer & Bray, 02/2022. [40]pp. $18.99 .978-0-06-306254-2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. GRADES PRE-K . Digger and the other construction trucks’ work is disrupted by a [continue reading]
Every Bird a Prince Review
Reese, Jenn. Every Bird a Prince. James Firnhaber, Illus. Fiction. H. Holt, 05/2022. 304pp. $16.99. 978-1-250-78344-8. ADDITIONAL. GRADES 4-7. Ever since seventh grade started, Erin, who is white, has felt like she is on a [continue reading]
ACL Members Ann Hotta and Yesica Hurd Featured in Children & Libraries
ACL Members Ann Hotta and Yesica Hurd Featured in Children & Libraries. Check out the Summer 2022 issue of ALA/ALSC’s Children & Libraries (v. 20, no. 2) to see articles by two ACL members! Ann [continue reading]
Frankie & Bug Review
Forman, Gayle. Frankie & Bug. Fiction. Aladdin, 10/2021. 273pp. $17.99. 978-1-5344-8253-1. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 5-8. Ten-year-old Bug (Beatrice) is upset that her summer vacation will not go as planned. Her older brother Danny needs time to [continue reading]
Happy Times Review
Foreman, Michael. Happy Times! Michael Foreman, Illus. Picture Book. Andersen, 03/2022. [26]pp. $17.99. 978-1-7284-4972-2. ADDITIONAL. GRADES TOD-PRE. Experience a fun day at the beach via short action-packed text and full-spread illustrations. A light brown teddy [continue reading]