Science Fiction/Fantasy, PreK-6th. Another

 Another by Christian Robinson

Springfield-Greene County Library (SGCL) places this item within the Children's Picture Book genre.

Target audience is children ages two to six, and grade levels preschool through third, and will be included in searches within juvenile fiction relating to imagination, voyages and travels, cats, and stories without words.

Another tells the story of a young girl, inseparable from her cat, and their journey into another world!  Together they encounter doppelgangers, alternative worlds, and a whole assortment of odd characters.  Filled with adventure and fantasy, Another is wordless - taking readers on a different journey each time they open it - what will your adventure be?

I was initially unaware that Another was wordless, but chose it after researching books for the appropriate age group featuring themes involving imagination and voyages.  Robinson's illustrations encourages readers to develop their own stories, creating endless possibilities!

For this entry, I will be evaluating character, pace, and illustrations.

The main characters are young girl and her cat, whom initially are sound asleep until awoken by a strange sight: a red toy mouse.  Hmmm. what to do?  The cat chases the mouse with the young girl close behind - just as one would expect!  Realism mixed with alternative reality provides powerful ingredients for fun and adventure - Robinson nudging readers beyond their comfort zones.  I believe the answer to the question regarding believability of the main characters' actions is simple: why are you looking for your pet now?

The book's fast pacing is evident within illustrations that change with each page - one feels compelled to follow the characters to see where they go next!  From the young girl being jolted awake and following her cat through unimaginable worlds, readers examine the pages at comfortable paces while still taking sufficient time to enjoy and absorb.  Other examples implying a fast pace include a multicolored treadmill, stairs, bouncey ball pit, and hula hoops, simply to mention a few!

Another's illustrations add to the plot in an interesting manner: without words, readers must develop their own words and BECOME the story!  Illustrations provide powerful examples of diversity and inclusion with different genders, races, interests, talents, abilities all occurring simultaneously.  For example, one the very first page, one witnesses multicolored circles adorning the young girl's hair - different strands attached to one head; metaphorical of numerous races composing one society.

Nicole, R. (2021). Another book cover image. Book Review: Another by Christian Robinson. Raising Real Readers. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://raisingrealreaders.com/book-review-another-by-christian-robinson/.

Robinson, C. (2019). Another (C. Robinson, Illus.). Atheneum, Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

Caldecott Award Winner - Watercress

Watercress by Andrea Wang

Springfield-Greene County Library's (SGCL) catalog places this item in the Children's Award genre.

Target audience is children ages four to eight, grades kindergarten through first; item will be included in results when searching for themes within juvenile fiction related to harvesting, Chinese Americans, Families, and Ohio.

Watercress is a story involving the blending of two cultures: parents whom escaped persecution in China juxtaposed against second-generation children who possess modern, Westernized customs and cultural perspectives. The plot guides the readers through familial relations while instilling appreciation for past sacrifices in order to secure future generations' welfare, and what role does watercress play?

Watercress featured prominently when searching for Caldecott Winners, and was highly recommended by staff within SGCL's youth services departments.

For this book, I will be evaluating tone, style and language, and illustrations.

The tone displayed throughout is aptly-suited while concurrently demonstrating the author's respect for the characters and culture. Wang accomplishes both objectives while effectively relaying Watercress' themes to readers so they would understand, appreciate, and empathize while being drawn into the story. Famine, death and sacrifice, can be complicated topics for children to comprehend, yet I feel that Wang goes to great efforts to instill an inviting tone inviting children to connect with, and understand the story.

Watercress' style and language involves composing short sentences that morph into brief paragraphs, taking target audiences' attention spans into consideration, while creating a powerful story that young readers can enjoy and learn. I strongly believe that Wang's efforts to compose such a powerful story within a finite amount of space is one of many reasons it received the Caldecott Award.

Chin's illustrations weaved among Wang's words enable readers to connect with the characters while simultaneously experiencing the story. When Wang describes the red, faded Pontiac, readers feel as if they are between the author and her older brother; and when harvesting watercress, one feels the coldness of the water in the creek (Wang, 2021). Personally, the illustrations provided past links with China, the present, in Ohio, and left me wanting to see the future, the next generation.

Wang, A. (n.d.). Watercress book cover. Watercress - Andrea Wang. andreaywang.com. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://andreaywang.com/books/picture-books/watercress/.

Wang, A. (2021). Watercress (J. Chin, Illus.). Holiday House. 

Texas 2x2 - BIG by Vashti Harrison

BIG by Vashti Harrison

Springfield-Greene County Library's (SGCL) catalog in the Children's Award and picture books genres, as well as being a Caldecott Award Winner (2024), and a Texas 2x2 Award Winner.

Target age range for this book is four to eight, and will be included within searches involving the following terms within juvenile fiction: physical-appearance-based bias, identity (psychology), self-acceptance, self-confidence, African American girls.

BIG follows a young girl's journey to accept herself for who she really is, and the powerful impact of words upon individuals of any age.  This book also enables self-help for those struggling with criticism regarding their appearance. 

This book was chosen for a few reasons.  First, living in Missouri, I am not familiar with the Texas 2x2 award, and research provided insight.  Second, BIG, addresses the issue(s) of body shaming and self-acceptance.  Third, for someone who has been big and tall for most of their life, it was wonderful to see a book addressing this very issue.

For this blog entry, I will be evaluating style and language, character, and illustrations.

The style and language utilized within BIG is what one would expect considering the age group (four to eight): short words and sentences enables young readers to easily grasp the subject content with minimal words on each page - sufficiently conveying that particular plot segment in relation to the illustration(s).  For example, the first word at the beginning of the story is entirely capitalized, as are key portions of illustrations: DREAM BIG on the main character's outfit, and the use of BIG throughout (Harrison, 2023), particularly the metaphorical tattoos.

BIG's main character is a nameless young girl symbolizing body shaming - physical characteristics behind her control.  The main character becomes realistic and relatable in part due to experiencing and exhibiting so many emotions: shame, frustration, pain, but also self-acceptance, adaptability, and self-awareness - providing inspiration through example in a manner that the age groups can identify with.  

Initially, illustrations are light and colorful with gentle pastels which change as the plot proceeds to exemplify growth.  Pink and white are dominant throughout to represent the character's attributes; however, darker colors are introduced when others exert influence.  One major transformation occurs when the character stands-up for herself, mostly rejecting the negative connotations while retaining the positive ones essential to her character; the darker images remain for they have been essential in shaping her character.

Cabrera, K. (2023). BIG book cover. Texas Standard - The Daily News Show of Texas. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/big-childrens-book-vashti-harrison/.

Harrison, V. (2023). Big (V. Harrison, Illus). Little, Brown and Company. 

Historical Fiction for 7th through 12th Grade - A Seed in the Sun by Aida Salazar

A Seed in the Sun by Aida Salazar

Springfield-Greene County Library (SGCL)'s catalog lists this book as juvenile fiction.

Recommended target age group are ages eight to 12, grades fourth through sixth, and will be included in results when searching California Grape Strike, agricultural workers, strikes and lockouts, and Mexican Americans. 

Salazar's work follows Lula Viramontes and her family as they endure back-breaking work as migrant farm workers during grape harvest season near Delano, California.  Lula does not want to be a migrant worker forever, and yearns to become a circus ringleader - with many present and future obstacles including acting as a surrogate mother to her younger siblings, caring for her often ill mother, and avoiding her hot-tempered father.  However, a chance meeting will initiate events affecting her and her family's fates.

I chose A Seed in the Sun due to my interest, and degree in history, and this is an era in which I am not overly familiar.  Secondly, it combines two genres: novel in verse, and historical fiction.  Third, in the current environment of inclusiveness and diversity, I felt this work exemplified these two traits.

For this review, style and language, pacing, and setting will be critiqued.

The style and language changes depending on usage within specific settings; as this is a novel in verse combined with historical fiction, these are critical plot elements.  In some circumstances, the words read like most poetry works, while in others, lines are shortened to emphasize tension - obstacles to a better life described by walking a weed-lined path to school (Salazer, 2022).  Salazer uses different techniques when telling a story to familiarize readers with people or environments (i.e., union organization meetings, family home), or centers text when defying striking workers (scabs) in order to provide for her family.

I would categorize this story's pacing as moderate for in places, readers sense a slower pace, such as working in the fields, or at organization meetings, when one is absorbing many details.  Other times, a faster pace is detected in tense environments such as when the family patriarch's temper is evident.  The combined pacing movements entice readers to continue reading the story to its next chapter, or conclusion - will Lula and her family receive better treatment and wages, or will more obstacles emerge?

The title A Seed in the Sun is metaphorical in respect to the Viramontes as the grapes are in the sun, so is the family enduring sweltering conditions trying to earn money.  Three settings a predominant in this story: the family home, the grape fields, and when attempting to unionize.  Each setting is critical - enticing readers to continue, as the unique environments add depth to the characters, particularly Lula, and as each chapter passes, one juxtaposes symbols of their current plight along with signs of hope.

Kirkus Reviews. (2022). A Seed in the Sun cover image. A SEED IN THE SUN - Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/aida-salazar/a-seed-in-the-sun/.

Salazar, A. (2022). A seed in the sun. Dial Books for Young Readers.

Fantasy for 7th through 12th Grades - Lumara by Melissa Landers

Lumara by Melissa Landers

Springfield-Greene County Library (SGCL) 's catalog places Lumara in Young Adult Fantasy.

SGCL's catalog recommends this work for ages 14 to 18, grades 10 to 12, and will be included within searches with the following subjects: magic - juvenile fiction, secrecy - juvenile fiction, young adult fiction, and fantasy fiction.

Landers' work draws readers into a world where mystics and traditional people live side-by-side, but are soon transported to Lumara, an island hosting a powerful mystical family and community.  Talia has fallen in love with her boyfriend, Nathaniel, knowing very little about him or his family.  Accompanying him to a wedding occurring on an island steeped in mystery, an earth-shattering event turns everyone into suspects, leaving Talia not sure whom to trust, even her own father, her only living parent, while searching how to break a long-standing curse.

I chose this work after recognizing the popularity of fantasy within this specific age group, many of which are the same age as the main character, and is combined with a good mystery.  Also, while Harry Potter remains popular, I was seeking a book with similar elements, yet, told differently, in polar opposite settings: enchanting castle versus a desolate island, several diverse characters juxtaposed against a tight-knit family.

For this review, I will be critiquing pacing, setting, and tension.

I felt the pacing within Lumara was aptly suited depending on the setting: slow-to-medium when the main character, Talia, is with her boyfriend, Nathaniel, or chatting with her friends or roommate, yet, the implied tempo increases when interacting with Nathaniel's family, or an event(s) serving as catalysts within the plot.  Readers sense when to slow down and read certain portions more in-depth, while simultaneously eager to see what transpires.  In one particular instance, using italics when describing the setting and actions occurring within an attic invokes urgency on Talia's part, while instilling the same within readers (Landers, 2022), albeit for different reasons.

The settings within Lumara are well-described and entice readers to continue reading while inviting them into various environments.  From a concert to a college dormitory room to a place where Talia knows she should not be, readers feel like they are part of the story alongside the main characters.  Landers' use of terminology, italics, and caps not only help readers connect with the settings but also with the characters and the plot.  Personally, this was a primary motivator in wanting to finish this book.

Landers uses tension well particularly in stressful situations: when seeing Nathaniel, meeting his family, being judged by a council - there is no shortage of examples for this attribute.  Landers’ careful use of tension guides the plot - light tension to suggest uncomfortable or unfamiliar surroundings, heavier emphasis when magic has been used - particularly curses.  One specific example is where a mysterious male voice forebodes the fates of those affected by a particular curse, and the magical powers of the island (Landers, 2022). 

Landers, M. (2022). Lumara book cover. LUMARA Kirkus Reviews. Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved 2AD, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/melissa-landers/lumara/..

Landers, M., & Penning, M. (2022). Lumara. Disney Hyperion.

7th through 12th Grade Horror - The Black Girl Survives in This One: Horror Stories

The Black Girl Survives in This One: Horror Stories edited by Desiree S. Evans and Saraciea J. Fennell

SGCL's catalog places this item within several genres: paranormal fiction, short stories, and horror fiction.

The target audience is children ages 12 to 18, and patrons searching for topics relating to African American - Juvenile Fiction, Monsters - Juvenile Fiction, Survival - Juvenile Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, and Horror Tales.

This collection of 15 horror stories will take campfire tales to a whole new level! From stories taking place in old houses, cemeteries, outer space, school theaters, and desolate cabins, readers will enjoy each tale as each story’s characters entice to see what happens next! Will at least one character survive, or will everyone succumb? Will the curse be broken, or endure? What are the mysterious lights seen in the theater? Not only will these questions be answered, but will incite more!

The Black Girl Survives was chosen as horror is a popular genre among teens and young adults, and I felt a compilation of various authors composing stories across a vast array of themes would well represent female and male authors of color. The primary selling point for me was that while many stories occur in traditional settings (i.e., old houses, cemeteries), new settings such as outer space were utilized, which is appealing to modern audiences whom are highly interested in science and technology.

For this book, I will be evaluating style and language, character, and setting(s).

As each story was submitted by various authors, the differing styles and languages contributed unique elements to the specific stories. In Welcome Back to the Cosmos, the terms hologram, vessels’ names, and equipment are unique to outer space, in Ghost Light, and usage of crew, transition, lights, and sound are what one would expect in a theatre (Evans & Fennell, 2024). By using specific terminology, readers experience the story alongside the characters - enhancing their enjoyment, and increasing the probability of recommending it to others.

Each submission contains unique, yet relatable characters: frustration within teenage relationships, a precocious sophomore directing a stage production, or anxiety when relocating are universal emotions expected when encountering the very same scenarios. Such characters are tributes to authors’ abilities to effectively tell compelling stories while simultaneously instilling an adequate pace within stories. From participating in a spacewalk to encountering ferocious figures, and outrunning monsters, the characters connected well with each story’s plot (Evans & Fennell, 2024).

Each story’s setting is aptly suited and by incorporating a vast array, concerns regarding the predictability of specific environments are alleviated; with a collection, readers know that the stories are short, and the sequential ones will feature something entirely different. As each submission has a short amount of time to accomplish several objectives, I felt that each author did well in establishing effective, realistic settings at the immediate start as readers were drawn in while characters were being introduced.

I will recommend this work to be included in displays for Black History Month, authors of color, and horror collections. For colleagues and readers seeking diverse characters and settings, and fast-paced, short stories, there will be no need to look beyond this book.

Evans, D. S., & Fennell, S. J. (Eds.). (2024). The black girl survives in this one: Horror stories. Flatiron Books. 

Macmillan Publishers. (n.d.). The Black Girl Survives This One cover images. Macmillan Publishers. Retrieved June 5, 2024, from https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250871657/theblackgirlsurvivesinthisone.

Graphic Novel/Manga for 7th through 12th Grades - The Well by Jake Wyatt

The Well by Jake Wyatt

Springfield-Greene County Library (SGCL) 's catalog places this work in Young Adult Comics, within the following genres: action and adventure comics, monster comics, graphic novels. fantasy comics, and comics (Graphic works). 

Comics and graphic novels are highly popular among teens and young adults, and SGCL recommended ages 14 to 17 due to age-appropriate themes: magic, monsters, quests, family secrets, and sexuality. 

The Well is an enticing story filled with adventure, mysticism, monsters, choices, and consequences that will keep readers' attention until the story's conclusion!  The plot alternates between Lizzy's devotion to her grandfather, and their livelihood, and her journey where she encounters a well full of coins, and makes a fateful decision.  Throughout this modern fable, readers discover the power of consequences, and how everyone must be aware of their personal limits while concurrently exploring new horizons.

I chose this work after interacting teens and yound adults desiring modern graphic novels featuring fables and quests, and could not put it down until finished; the plot, text, characters, and illustrations combined to weave a wonderful story!

I will be evaluating character, tension, and illustrations.

Lizzy, the main character, is a woman bordering on teenager and young adult, and encounters a common dilemma: devotion to family while yearning to be her own person. This is accomplished by bargaining with her grandfather who agrees to let her indulge, yet, return with a minimum amount of money after concluding business at the market.  Some might argue these quests undertaken as unrealistic for a young woman of her age - however, the same could be said for Bilbo Baggins, and concerns due to his diminutive stature, or potential ineptness due to his long,peaceful life in the shire!

The tension is well-suited to specific moments throughout the plot: the bashful expression when Lizzy bargains with Ah-Gong, the timidity when flirting with Eli, anxiety when encountering otherworldly figures, and apprehension when attempting quests.  Relaying aptly-placed tension is performed via characters' facial expressions and body language, and bridges sequential pages - making readers want to continue reading towards resolution: will bargaining efforts with Ah-Gong be successful, will feelings for Eli be reciprocated, will Lizzy succeed in her quests, or fail?

Finally, the illustrations need to be addressed as for me, they enhanced the plot, and a critical reason behind me reading this book in an entire afternoon!  Using light pastel colors to emphasize uplifting moments alternatively against dark, tense hues to relay dangerous situations, or denote authoritative, domineering figures.  Another method in which the illustrations contribute to the plot where differing tones within dark environments: dark blue hues depicting goblins within the already dark chamber inseminating questions within readers' minds - will Lizzy prevail?

Curtis, M. (2022). The Well book cover image. Book Review of The Well by Jake Wyatt and Choo. Forever Young Adult. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://foreveryoungadult.com/book-report/the-well-jake-wyatt-choo/.

Wyatt, J., & Choo. (2022). The well. First Second.