Each 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. Not a member? Join, come to our monthly meetings, and hear about these Outstanding books in person!
Picture Books
Here and There written by Ellis Smith, Tamara and illustrated by Daviddi, Evelyn; Barefoot, 2019.
A young boy named Ivan struggles to feel comfortable with a new living situation after his parents separate. Ivan’s family is mixed race: he and his mother are dark-skinned, and his father is light-skinned. This thoughtful story handles the difficult subject of divorce with care. (Grades Kindergarten-2.)
Hiro’s Hats written and illustrated by Kleven, Elisa; Wild Swans, 2019.
Hiro, a young snow monkey, though teased by his siblings for thinking a hat is his friend, eventually becomes friends with a robin through their shared appreciation of the hat. A slightly surreal tale bolstered by delicately beautiful collage art in colors that evoke harsh, snowy winters and lush, blooming springs. (PreK-3.)
Fiction
The Little Grey Girl written by Kiernan, Celine; Candlewick, 2019.
With this second in the Wild Magic trilogy, we follow Mum Taylor and her family as they move to The Glittering Land of Witches Borough. With beautiful language and an engagingly mature yet child-appropriate approach to fantasy, this is a wonderful continuation of this unique trilogy. (3-7.)
Graphic Novels
The Iliad adapted and illustrated by Hinds, Gareth; Candlewick, 2019.
With this richly detailed and action-packed graphic novel adaptation of The Iliad, Gareth Hinds presents an accessible and appealing version of an ancient story for a while new generation. His detailed retelling echoes the rhythmic quality of Homer’s original poetic form. (5-12.)
Topside written by Monk, J.N. and illustrated by Bogosian, Harry; Graphic Universe/Lerner, 2019.
Protagonist Jo has a talent for technology and a maintenance job in the core of a dying planet. When a small mistake leads to profound consequences, Jo ends up going above ground on an adventure which includes bounty hunters, con artists, and a pursuing posse of regulation-spouting bureaucrats. (6-12.)
Nonfiction
Did You Burp?: How to Ask Questions… (or Not!) written by Sayre, April Pulley and illustrated by Hernandez, Leeza; Charlesbridge, 2019.
A group of students, diverse in both skin tones and ability (some are wearing glasses, and one uses a prosthetic leg), demonstrate why we ask questions, how we ask questions, when not to ask questions, and what questions are not. A resource that encourages us to “Be brave. Be bold. Ask questions!” (PreK-3.)
Leave a Reply