Book review: The Little Linebacker

As part of Multicultural Children’s Book Day I received the uplifting softcover picture book The Little Linebacker: A Story of Determination by Stephen Tulloch and Maria Dismondy, illustrated by Heather Heyworth. Sure to appeal to young football (or other sport) fans, The Little Linebacker is the story of young Stephen Tulloch, who grows up to be a…Continue reading Book review: The Little Linebacker

Book review: Poetry for Kids: Emily Dickinson

I was lucky enough to snag a copy of the gorgeous, brand-new Poetry for Kids: Emily Dickinson from Quarto Publishing. If you love poetry and art–or heck, just appreciate thoughtful contemplation of the seasons–check out this book. Divided into seasons, 35 of Dickinson’s nature poems edited by Dickinson expert Susan Snively dance among beautiful ink-and-watercolor illustrations…Continue reading Book review: Poetry for Kids: Emily Dickinson

Book review: Last Stop on Market Street

Have you read Last Stop on Market Street yet? It’s the first picture book AND the first Latino author, Matt de la Pena, to ever win the Newberry medal. If you haven’t, pick it up, because it’s gorgeous. Of course, even with a book this lovely, there’s controversy. Apparently, some commentators think that diversity can’t exist…Continue reading Book review: Last Stop on Market Street

Book review: Thunderboy Jr.

I love Sherman Alexie’s writing, so I was excited to see he has a new picture book. Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Yuyi Morales, is a cute story–with deeper themes–about a chubby-cheeked kid who doesn’t think his name is “normal.” His real name is Thunder Boy Smith, named for his father, but…Continue reading Book review: Thunderboy Jr.

Book review: I Am Jazz

Banned books stun me. Seriously? We’re still doing this? When I read about a school in Wisconsin cancelling an author’s reading–of a PICTURE BOOK–for fear of lawsuits, and then 600 people packed a library a week later to hear that author read, I knew I had to check out this book. I Am Jazz by Jessica…Continue reading Book review: I Am Jazz