Bluebonnet Award Winner - Caves by Nell Cross Beckerman

Bluebonnet Award Winner

Caves by Nell Cross Beckerman

Springfield-Greene County Library places this item in juvenile nonfiction - Sciences and Nature.  Searches involving caves, speleology, and caving will include this book within results.

Recommended target age is four through eight, grades kindergarten and first.

Beckerman takes readers along a wonderful journey exploring cave systems all over the world by stemming from her love of them as a child (pictures included).  Caves combine history, science, archaeology, animals, and recreation.  Additionally, Beckerman provides readers with proper cave etiquette (i.e., pre-exploration, reporting discoveries), safety tips, and unique facts about cave systems all over the world.

I discovered Caves while searching Bluebonnet Awards, and several colleagues familiar with Beckerman's work raved about it due to ita simple, age-appropriate language, and amazing illustrations.  

Three aspects about Caves stood-out to me: illustrations, tone, and the design and layout.  

The illustrations are wonderful and effective: from the cover to the family photos, each page maintains readers' attention until the very end.  The careful use of light on each page highlights the subject matter - a group exploring a cave, yet, each can tell where the other team members are due to flashlights (safety), whereas on another page, lighter illustrations compliment the author's description of complex stalactite formations.  Chock's selective use of color emphasizes each page's important message(s), and the writing style and language is oriented towards the appropriate age group.

With Beckerman indulging her lifelong passion for caves, her tone when using language to convey the plot group is evident - when emphasizing safety, important historical information, or providing information about unique animals or cave systems, the use of bold versus soft words draws readers in, holding their attention while encouraging them to finish the story.

Caves' design and layout of effective when conveying pages' massages: from cascading text that resembles eventual darkness, to attention-grabbing text describing the scenes, each page informs readers aware of the risks involved, while educating them about specific attributes.  For example, Beckerman repeats the word drip on one to describe what speleologists experience when exploring, which then leads to an explanation: the formation of stalactites and stalagmites. 

Due to Caves being nonfiction, I preferred to read this book in its physical format, as I do not feel that other formats, such as electronic versions or audiobooks, could provide the same experience.  By reading the text while experiencing the illustrations, the physical format is what I will be recommending to patrons and colleagues.  For me personally, there was just something about being able to flip pages back-and-forth resonated with me.

Beckerman, N. C. (2022). Caves (K. Chock, Illus.). Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.

Caves book cover - Beckerman. (n.d.). Scholastic Book Clubs. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://clubs.scholastic.com/caves/9781338726626-rco-us.html.

Poetry or Novel in Verse - Rebound by Kwame Alexander

 

Poetry or Novel in Verse

Rebound by Kwame Alexander

Springfield-Greene County Library's (SGCL) catalog categorizes this book at Juvenile Fiction, and would be revealed if a search required any of the following attributes: Novels in verse, basketball stories, Families -- Juvenile fiction, African Americans -- Juvenile Fiction, and Washington (D.C.) -- History -- 20th century -- Juvenile fiction.

After consulting with colleagues who read this book, they feel that the ideal target age group would be junior high, grades fifth through seventh.

Kwame Alexander takes readers on a journey of self and family discovery through the eyes of Charlie, who seems to be making every mistake imaginable during the summer of 1988, while staying with his grandparents.  Intertwined with poetry and comics, Rebound is certain to please readers from start to finish.

I initially struggled when searching for a book to satisfy this requirement, and each colleague recommended this work as a possibility; Alexander visited SGCL last year, which still resonates to this day!

For Rebound, I will be evaluating mood, tone, and illustrations.

Alexander does a great job in conveying the character's moods: despair, frustration, and enlightenment, simply to mention a few emotions.  The use of comics to convey Charlie's visions and dreams, combined with italics to represent different parties engaged in conversation, perform wonderfully in conveying desired tones of the characters.  

The tone conveyed throughout reflects Alexander's passion for writing and educating; -mirroring my colleagues' opinions.  As stated on the book jacket, the author strives in the belief about the powerful nature of words and literature (Alexander, 2018), and Rebound provides no shortage of examples of internal and external tones.  Internal tones vary depending on the nature of the conversation - regular font and punctuation for conversations with deep themes, sometimes bordering morose.  External tones are effectively conveyed with italics and use of ALL CAPS to differentiate between conversations with adults, and also distance with higher volumes, or emotions (anger).

Illustrations throughout Rebound are sparse, yet effective, and considerably emphasize the plot, along with the main character's main emotions - what he dreams he really is.  Aside from the physical illustrations intertwined with the poetry selections, I feel that these two elements effectively combine to create illustrations within the poetry - connecting readers with Charlie, and the subject(s).  The illustrations are powerful tools that aid readers in obtaining context as they continue with the poetry selections that follow.

Alexander, K., & Anyabwile, D. (2018). Rebound. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Pike’s Peak Library District. (n.d.). Rebound book cover. Book Review: Rebound. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://ppld.org/book-reviews/rebound.

 

Coretta Scott King Award - Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson

 Coretta Scott King Award

Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson 

Springfield-Greene County Library's catalog description recommends this book for ages eight to 12.   

This powerful work takes readers on a journey undertaken by countless slaves seeking freedom.  12 year-old Homer and his younger sister endure an arduous journey, ultimately reaching a community of similar-minded former slaves, now living as fugitives.  Rife with courage, turmoil, Freewater reminds us that families exist in numerous forms, and obstacles are often opportunities in camouflage.

I chose Freewater after researching books Coretta Scott King Award winners, and seeking referrals from colleagues that work in Childrens and Youth Services departments; another reason: I had yet to read a book receiving such a prestigious award.  After reading, I feel comfortable recommending to patrons seeking stories of courage and examples of diversity, as well as colleagues constructing displays for Black History Month, and authors of color.

I will be evaluating Freewater's style and language, tone, and accuracy.

The style and language utilized not only creates the plot, but I feel reveals a sub-plot of its own.  When Homer and his sister talk, the author has taken careful consideration to create realistic dialogue that children of these ages would engage; similar consideration when overseers speak to slaves and among themselves.  The efforts undertaken to create realistic experiences and environments through the use of short sentences and paragraphs will appeal to children, and keep them engaged.

Freewater's tone reveals the author's passion for the subject while educating readers. Additionally, respect for the subject, as well as taking young readers' attributes into consideration, displays qualities about the author.  By educating current readers about the mistakes of the past, those lessons can be applied in the future while concurrently preserving heritage and culture.  I feel that examples of Luqman-Dawson's efforts to respect the subject and readers are well done, and will certainly be recommending her work to others.

Regarding accuracy, the author's efforts to research and convey the subject, specifically environments, are reflected. While Freewater is fictional, its subject matter is not, highlighting the importance of representing it fairly and accurately.  Luqman-Jones' efforts make this work highlights the importance of remembering and respecting those who risked everything to obtain a common, universal right: freedom.  

I read this work via audiobook (playaway audio) and enjoyed the content and format immensely!  Listening while walking, I felt like part of the experience along with Homer and his sister.  These experiences have enhanced my appreciation for this subject, and will certainly recommend to patrons who are traveling, and looking for recommendations matching the attributes displayed in this work.

Italie, H. (2023). Freewater book cover. Associated Press. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://apnews.com/article/books-and-literature-childrens-entertainment-carole-boston- weatherford-frank-morrison-28c89b2b438458d5807e061818e7c68b.

Luqman-Dawson, A., Hite, C., & Johnson, S. A. (2024). Freewater. Playaway Products, LLC.

 

Historical Fiction eBook Format - I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis

 Historical Fiction - I Survived the American Revolution, 1776

by

Lauren Tarshis

The Springfield-Greene County Library (SGCL)'s catalog places this book within two distinct genres: historical fiction, and action and adventure fiction.

This book predominantly appeals to children attending third-through-fifth grades.

Told from the perspective 11 year-old Nathaniel Fox, readers join him as he flees home only to eventually find himself an active participant in the American Revolution!  Witnessing pivotal events in this nation's early history, readers see Nathaniel's quick-wit, hard work, and resourcefulness serve him well countless times.

I chose this book for a variety of reasons.  First, this book combines my love of history with a true underdog story.  Second, I work quite often with children and young adults, and have witnessed the I Survived series' popularity firsthand.  Third, I wanted to personally experience this topic written specifically for children.

I will be evaluating this book's character, point of view, and tension.

Nathaniel Fox is the main character who makes a decisive decision to flee a hostilve home environment, and try to survive on his own in the world.  The method in which the author describes the journey to New York, and the high level of detail when describing the city, the encampment, people, armaments, and clothing, gives the character texture, and provides realisitic emotions that a child would experience in such circumstances - these all draw readers into the story quite well.

Fox's point of view wonderfully makes readers feel like they are directly beside him, experiencing uncertainty, initially unsure of where to go after fleeing home, sadness, losing a friend from the encampment to smallpox, and fear, hearing cannons erupt, knowing that the enemy is nearby.  

The tension within this book is well-timed increasing and decreasing as scenarios dictate, significantly contributing to the plot, while encouraging readers to not only continue reading to see what unfolds, but also to explore other books in the series.

I intentionally chose to read this book in electronic format to experience in order to recommend it to children and their parents/guardians.  Personally, I enjoyed being able to read this book on both my iPad and I phone, and the convenience afforded will be a major selling point to parents in today's fast-paced world.

An Unlikely Story Bookstore. (2017). I Survived...American Revolution, 1776 book cover. An Unlikely Story. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.anunlikelystory.com/event/lauren-tarshis.

Tarshis, L. (2023). I survived the American Revolution, 1776. Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic Press.

Pura Belpre Award Winner - Mexikid! by Pedro Martin

Pura Belpre Award Winner - Mexikid!

by Pedro Martin

The Springfield-Greene County Library (SGCL)'s catalog places this book within five distinct genres: Autobiographical comics, Graphic novels, and Comics (Graphic works).

Derived from a variety of sources, the average recommended age is nine to 14.  The Springfield-Greene County Library's catalog lists this item in Children's Biography, and can also be searched among juvenile literature, identity (Psychology), and comic books.

Family road trip, cultural exposure, intergenerational relations - what more could one ask for? This wonderful adaptation emphasizes family, familiarizing readers with Mexican culture and language, particularly with the use of specific terminology and bold lettering effectively used to provide insight into the Martin(teen) family's inner workings, as well as various actions and attitudes.  This wholesome family adventure is sure to please readers of any age, but particularly juvenile children, and those born to parents who have immigrated.

I chose this particular graphic novel for a few reasons.  First, I have been attempting to engage more within this medium as it continuously continues to insurmountably expand in terms of content and format(s).  Second, this medium is highly popular among the recommended age group, and I feel does a wonderful job of conveying a story in a manner that will resonate.  Third, this works approach to expose readers to several aspects of a differing culture: family, food, customs, and living history.

For Mexikid, I will be evaluating settings, point of view, and dialogue.

Mexikid hosts several settings, and I feel that the author does a great job transitioning: from the Martin's (een) family home to their Winnebago, to the parents' home village to the local cemetary.  Each setting provides different dynamics, yet, one element remains steadfast - family!  The author also effectively uses color to differentiate between the settings: the family home predominantly features varying tones of yellow and beige, terra cotta when reflecting on the past, brown combined with yellow and beige within the Winnebago (literally their mobile home), the use of dark orange and turquoise to represent the village.

The primary point of view is that of the narrator, Pedro, and his interactions with numerous siblings, parents, and his abuelito [grandfather] (Martin, 11).  Pedro has a remarkable ability to relate conversations, settings, and circumstances to the appropriate age group, and draw readers into the story, making them feel like they are part of the experience.  One wonderful and unique aspect this book provides is that the narrator illustrates he and his sibling's coming-of-age while traveling, and perhaps, can help children who are personallly struggling.

Mexikid is all about dialogue between the numerous family members, yet, it is different depending on who is interacting: Pedro with his parents, between he and his siblings, but, most importantly, between he and his grandfather, emphasizing the importance of family.  One part that is resonating with me is that Pedro loves to draw, and is infatuated with super heroes, and throughout the journey, discovers that not only his is grandfather a good artist, but that he is a superhero in his own right!

References

Cabrera, K. (2023). Mexikid - A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin. Texas Standard. Texas Standard.                     Retrieved May 28, 2024, from https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/mexikid-graphic-novel-                 pedro-martin-comics-mexican-american-seventies/.

Martin, P. (2023). Mexikid: A graphic memoir. Listening Library. 

 

Printz Winner - Firekeeper's Daughter

Printz Winner 

Fire Keeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Young Adult mystery

The average target age obtained from several sources ranges from 14 to 17+ due to adult themes: drug use, sex, murder, and adult situations

This book follows Daunis Fontaine: an 18-year-old student about to transition from high school to college, when unexpected events completely upend her life. Ultimately, Daunis becomes and FBI informant aiding their investigation into a drug manufacturing ring, with several plot twists - including characters who do not quite live-up to their projected images, and navigating a complicated federal judicial system, this work is guaranteed to keep readers’ attention.

I chose Fire Keeper’s Daughter due to its recognition as a Printz Award Winner, and on the recommendation of several colleagues. Another reason for choosing, is that one of the central plots evolve around the methamphetamine epidemic, which is rife where I live in southern Missouri, and like many of Daunis’ friends, I too have witnessed how this horrendous drug destroys people, along with their lives and families.

For this review, I will be critiquing Fire Keeper’s Daughter’s evaluating plot, pacing, and tension.

This book’s plot is well-written in that it introduces characters and dynamics related to school and family, and with each incident, whether it be a family member’s health, choosing classes and books for the next semester, or coordinating with officials as part of the investigation, keeps the readers wanting to know what happens next, and how the story concludes. Another element that significantly contributes to the plot is suspense; the author has taken great consideration when emphasizing the necessary amount of suspense at certain points, further enticing the reader’s interest.

Fire Keeper’s Daughter’s pacing is well-balanced in that readers, including my colleagues whom recommended it, are not felt rushed in certain parts and lackluster in others. I felt that each chapter’s length was justified to contribute to the overall plot, and like the plot, the pace kept readers wanting to not only continue, but also recommend to others. When discussing plot elements, pacing must be appropriately matched in that specific topics require more time to emphasize, letting them register and resonate.

The tension within the plot is certainly not lacking, and the anticipation and regression surrounding events and characters create desire within readers to continue reading, particularly among young adults who can directly relate to the main character, as well as sympathize with her circumstances. With this and the other described elements well-utilized throughout, I can certainly see why this work is not only popular among young and older adults, but also why it was considered and won an Printz Award.

Boulley, A. (2023). Firekeeper’s daughter. Square Fish.Paxson, C. (2021). 

Firekeeper’s Daughter book cover image. “Firekeeper’s Daughter” Forges A New Path Between Cultures And Genres. National Public Radio (NPR). Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.npr.org/2021/03/20/979303110/firekeepers-daughter- forges-a-new-path-between-cultures-and-genres.

Tod's Book Manifest

  INFO 5421

Summer Semester, 2024

I would imagine that for many of us avid readers, when thinking about books, libraries, and book shops, our imaginations conjure images similar to that below:

    While this image shows the library at Gonville and Caius College at Cambridge University, the manifest for my class blog is a scaled-down version.  As the weeks proceed, I hope you enjoy the critiques of my choices, and that they assist you in future endeavors!

 PreK-6th Grade

Bluebonnet Award - Caves by Nell Cross Beckerman 

Texas 2x2 - Big Vashti Harrison

Coretta Scott King winner - Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson (Audiobook format)

Pura Belpre winner - Mexikid by Pedro Martin

Caldecott Medal - Watercress by Andrea Wang 

Informational or biography - Chinese Menu by Grace Lin

Historical fiction - I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis 

Fantasy or science fiction - Another by Christian Robinson

Disability or Differences - Henry, Like Always by Jenn Bailey

Poetry or Novel in Verse - Rebound by Kwame Alexander

7th through 12th Grade

Fantasy - Lumara by Melissa Landers

Historical Fiction - A Seed in the Sun by Aida Salazer

Mystery/Suspense or Horror - The Black Girl Survives This One: Horror Stories by Desiree S. Evans and Saraciea J. Fennell

Printz winner or Printz Honor book - Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Graphic Novel or Manga volume - The Well by Jake Wyatt

References

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/.

Cabrera, K. (2023b). Mexikid book cover. Texas Standard - The Daily News Show of Texas. Retrieved from https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/mexikid-graphic-novel-pedro-martin-comics-mexican-american-seventies/.

Caves book cover - Beckerman. (n.d.). Scholastic Book Clubs. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://clubs.scholastic.com/caves/9781338726626-rco-us.html.

Cicero books quote. (n.d.). Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://quotefancy.com/quote/21/Marcus-Tullius-Cicero-A-room-without-books-is-like-a-body-without-a-soul. 

C.S. Lewis book and tea quote. (n.d.). Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://bookandbiscuit.com/2013/09/05/quote-me-on-that-books-tea-and-biscuits/.

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/.

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.

Gonville & Caius College Library - Cambridge University. (n.d.). Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.cai.cam.ac.uk/discover/library.

Italie, H. (2023). Freewater book cover. Associated Press. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://apnews.com/article/books-and-literature-childrens-entertainment-carole-boston-weatherford-frank-morrison-28c89b2b438458d5807e061818e7c68b.

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/.

Knoth, M. V. (2023). Henry, Like Always book cover image. Review of Henry, like Always. The Horn Book. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.hbook.com/story/review-of-henry-like-always-mar23.

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

Makhijani, P. (2023). Chinese Menu book cover. Order Up: PW Talks with Grace Lin. Publisher’s Weekly. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/93007-order-up-pw-talks-with-grace-lin.html.

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/.

Paxson, C. (2021). Firekeeper’s Daughter book cover image. “Firekeeper’s Daughter” Forges A New Path Between Cultures And Genres. National Public Radio (NPR). Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.npr.org/2021/03/20/979303110/firekeepers-daughter-forges-a-new-path-between-cultures-and-genres.

Pike’s Peak Library District. (n.d.). Rebound book cover. Book Review: Rebound. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://ppld.org/book-reviews/rebound.

An Unlikely Story Bookstore. (2017). I Survived...American Revolution, 1776 book cover. An Unlikely Story. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.anunlikelystory.com/event/lauren-tarshis.

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