Every month, we post an annotated bibliography of books that were rated ‘Outstanding’ and nominated for our Distinguished List at our previous month’s meeting. Members can see full reviews of these books and many more in the October edition of BayViews. Sorry for the late posts everyone!
PICTURE BOOK
The Airport Book written and illustrated by Brown, Lisa; Roaring Brook Press 2016
A family with young children go on vacation, but first they must go to the airport. Describes the airport experience for young children. Engaging art with tons of fun details and attention to diversity make this an outstanding book. (2-0)
Before Morning written by Sidman, Joyce and illustrated by Krommes, Beth; HMH Books for Young Readers 2016
Sidman delivers an invocation on the importance of slowing the speed of a fast paced life. The message is most powerfully delivered in conjunction with Krommes’ stunning sketchboard and watercolor illustrations. (PS-2)
A Child of Books written and illustrated by Jeffers, Oliver; Candlewick 2016
Jeffers teams up with typographic artist Winston to produce a beautiful and imaginative tribute to reading. Masterfully manipulavery month, we post an annotated bibliography of books that were rated ‘Outstanding’ and noted typographic landscapes made from the texts of classic books combine with beautiful art to convey humor and adventure in books. (K-3)
The Night Gardener written and illustrated by Fan, Terry; Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 2016
The creation of topiaries turns a gray town colorful. The marvelous art, the sense of wonder as the pages turn and the calm telling distinguish this work. Art can bind a community. (K-2)
I Hear a Pickle (and Smell, See, Touch, and Taste It, Too!) written and illustrated by Isadora, Rachel; Nancy Paulsen Books 2016
In this celebration of the five senses, each spread focuses on one, offering examples such as “I hear the birdie. I hear the bee…” with some onomatopoeia, “I hear thunder. Boom!” There isn’t a plot, just the examples, with charming illustrations feature a multicultural cast of toddlers. (PS-1)
Waiting for High Tide written and illustrated by McClure, Nikki; Harry N. Abrams 2016
A boy, his parents, and grandmother picnic, build a raft, and see the range of life in the mudflats as the await the return of the tide. Even the end papers add to this fascinating look at people enjoying life at the ocean’s edge. McClure’s illustrations are full of details. (K-3)
Around America to Win the Vote: Two Suffragists, a Kitten and 10,000 Miles written by Rockliff, Mara and illustrated by Hooper, Hadley; Candlewick 2016
Snappy, upbeat text and bright, graphically strong illustrations bring to life the cross-country journey of suffragettes Nell Richardson and Alice Burke. Substantial back matter provides context for both the automotive adventure and the cause of women’s suffrage. Perfect for read-aloud. (K-4)
They All Saw A Cat written by Wenzel, Brendan; Chronicle Books 2016
“The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws…” and along the way meets a cast of characters of the animal variety – each of them viewing our feline friend in a slightly different way. Using repeated phrases and a pleasing rhythm, the result is a fun read-aloud that gives young audiences an imaginative introduction to the concept of perspective. (PS-2)
FICTION
A Bandit’s Tale: The Muddled Misadventures of a Pickpocket written by Hopkinson, Deborah; Knopf Books for Young Readers 2016
Rocco is a young Italian immigrant in New York City in 1888, where he is a virtual slave for the padrone who paid for his passage. To break free, he resorts to being a pickpocket with the help of some other boys.Overall, this is a highly entertaining tale filled with rich historical detail, adventure, cliffhangers, and unpredictable but believable coincidences that make for a rousing read. (4-8)
The Wild Robot written and illustrated by Brown, Peter; Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2016
A female robot gradually becomes a part of life on an island inhabited only by animals. The interplay between technology and nature makes this an unusual survival tale and a great starting point for discussions. (3-6)
Ghost written by Reynolds, Jason; Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books 2016
This compelling fast-paced first book in a series about members of an elite black track team will appeal to readers of Kwame Alexander’s books. Castle ‘Ghost’ Crenshaw joins the team as a sprinter, and his training helps him stay focused on what’s important, and quieten the “scream inside.” (4-7)
The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog written by Gidwitz, Adam and illustrated by Aly, Hatem; Dutton Books for Young Readers 2016
Gidwitz tackles medieval life, religious intolerance and the power of deep, loyal friendships–all with a healthy dose of fun, adventure and brilliant storytelling. Three children, a peasant girl, a young monk and a Jewish boy, band together to escape persecution by the king of France–dodging knights, dragons and angry townsfolk along the way. (4-8)
It Looks Like This written by Mittlefehldt, Rafi; Candlewick 2016
It Looks Like This is somehow a both heartwarming and heartbreaking tale of first love between two teenage boys desperately tangled with the beliefs of their ultra conservative parents. With short sentences and no quotations to mark the speech, the text feels more personal, more raw, making the story even more real. (9-12)
The Memory of Light written by Stork, Francisco X.; Arthur A. Levine Books 2016
Following a suicide attempt, Vicky Cruz is put in a therapy group with three other Latinx teens. Inspired by the author’s own experience, this is a rich and resonant novel about teen mental illness that is full of illuminating conversations and metaphors. (9-12)
Rani Patel in Full Effect written by Patel, Sonia; Cinco Puntos Press 2016
Rani Patel’s experiences of Gujarati and Hawaiian culture, her survival of sexual abuse and assault, and her powerful, original raps are intertwined in a compelling narrative about a distinctive protagonist. (9-12)
Wolf Hollow by Wolk, Lauren; Dutton Books for Young Readers; First Edition edition 2016
In Wolk’s outstanding first person debut novel, Annabelle describes life in her small town of Wolf Hollow in early 1940’s America, where newcomer Betty bullies Annabelle and begins a series of events that impact the community, including a WWI homeless veteran whom Betty blames for her violent actions. The language is rich, the emotions deep and authentic, and the plot is not predictable or safe. (5-9)
Unidentified Suburban Object written by Jung, Mike; Arthur A. Levine Books 2016
Chloe Cho is the only Asian in her whole middle school and she’s sick of being stereotyped. She is proud of being Korean, until her parents reveal the shocking truth about their true heritage. A dose of sci-fi adds fresh perspective to issues of racial identity. (4-8)
Zoe in Wonderland written by Woods, Brenda; Nancy Paulsen Books 2016
Zoe daydreams to avoid confronting school bullies and her own insecurities. But when her only friend Quincy is sent away while his mother battles cancer, Zoe must face reality. From the intriguing opening to the unexpected conclusion, Zoe narrates a compelling tale filled with nuance and personality. (3-7)
FOLKLORE
The Storyteller written and illustrated by Turk, Evan; Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2016
Multiple nested stories set in the Moroccan desert highlight the unifying power and magic of storytelling. Dynamic, fluid illustrations pair beautifully with the rich text. Features an author’s note on Moroccan culture. (1-5)
NON-FICTION
Like a Bird:The Art of the American Slave Song written by Grady, Cynthia and illustrated by Wood, Michele; Millbrook Press 2016
Thirteen slave songs are illustrated with acrylic paintings, and accompanied by text explaining the historical context and biblical allusions of each song. Exceptional art and breadth of subject distinguish this work, which is recommended for all collections.
GRAPHIC NOVEL
Lowriders to the Center of the Earth written by Camper, Cathy and illustrated by The Third, Raul; Chronicle Books; 1st Ed. edition 2016
A catnapping by Mictlantecuhtli, the Aztec god of the underworld, forces Lupe Impala, Elirio Malaria (a mosquito) and El Chavo Flapjack (an octopus) to take a roadtrip to the center of the earth in their most mechanically inventive, exquisitely detailed and galactic powered lowrider. Zany plot twists, shameless puns, energetic illustrations, lots of Mexican culture and Spanish vocabulary add up in an impossibly wonderful, madcap adventure. (3-7)
Leave a Reply