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Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

Genre/category: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Novel

Targeted Age: 7th to 12th graders

Quick plot synopsis: In Huaxia, invading Hunduns are kept at bay by Chrysalis pilots— boy-girl pairs that control giant mecha robots. In almost all cases, the girl pilot is sacrificed by the boy pilot. When Wu Zetian instead kills the boy she’s paired with, she embarks on a journey to overthrow Huaxia’s patriarchal order.

Why I chose Iron Widow: Becoming a #1 New York Times Bestseller immediately upon publication, Iron Widow is Xiran Jay Zhao’s debut novel. The book re-imagines the only woman to rule China, Empress Wu Zetian, in a science fiction/fantasy world that draws heavily from East Asian folklore. Most of the characters are inspired by Chinese history or myth, and a love triangle is subverted via polyamorous relationship. Zhao’s novel also appears on the 2022 Hal Clement Notable Young Adult Books List. Also, I chose to listen to the audiobook for Iron Widow, and I enjoyed having access to author-approved pronunciation of names and places.

Evaluation:

This novel does not sugar-coat or shy away from the horrors perpetuated against women. Iron Widow’s protagonist faces her oppressors with vicious intent, knowing that polite diplomacy is not enough to fix systemic problems. Zetian’s violent rise to power is cathartic, and the science fiction and fantasy genre intensifies that feeling. The Chrysalis robots allow characters to transcend their own abilities, giving them agency otherwise impossible to achieve. Zetian, while controlling the Nine-Tailed Fox Chrysalis, realizes she can walk without the agony of her bound feet. She exults at being “set free from [her] broken body, that husk of flesh and bone that has been prepared all its existence to be used for the whims and pleasures of men” (Zhao, 2021, p. 76). Sci-fi and fantasy elements allow for deeper exploration of character and story.

Iron Widow owes much of its rich story to its characters. Wu Zetian, Li Shimin, and Gao Yizhi are the focus of the story in all their complex glory. Zetian is an Iron Widow, making her a hated figure capable of killing boy pilots while inside Chrysalis robots. Shimin, known as the Iron Demon, is the strongest pilot alive but is despised for murdering of his brothers and father. Yizhi is the son of a shady media mogul and has a soft exterior, but he knows exactly how to manipulate situations in his favor. The flaws of each character makes them feel real, which is part of why Iron Widow is such a satisfying read. Told entirely through Zetian’s first-person perspective, the novel explores her justified rage at an unjust world. Her sister’s been murdered, her family treats her as disposable property, her feet are permanently disfigured from bindings, and she’s expected to submit or die. When Zetian becomes the Iron Widow, her newfound power fuels her desire to take Huaxia by storm and punish the system that’s designed to hurt girls. Shimin and Yizhi are integral to the story as well, supporting Zetian because of love and their own traumas at the hands of Huaxia’s patriarchy. Instead of pitting the two men against each other over love for Zetian, Zhao’s novel creates a polyamorous relationship. When Yizhi and Shimin express affection for one another, Zetian reflects that “it feels like a completion… the final line in this triangular formation… making [them] stronger than ever” (Zhao, 2021, p. 332). This subversion of traditional love triangles is refreshing and adds depth to the story.

Zhao uses their compelling writing style and expertly weaves in East Asian folklore to create this impressive debut. The fast-paced plot of Iron Widow develops naturally. Tension is maintained without fatiguing the reader through Zhao’s use of detail and lighter moments. Zetian making fun of Yizhi’s “dedicated skin-care fridge” and Shimin’s relief when Zetian does not die in the Chrysalis are examples of this (Zhao, 2021, pp. 271 & 108). Moments like these reveal humanity in the characters and allow the reader to breathe between intense scenes. This creates a sense of connection to the story, which makes each plot point even more impactful.

Do I recommend it?: Without a doubt! Xiran Jay Zhao’s debut novel is a must-read for sci-fi fans, fantasy fans, and anyone who wants to celebrate a woman taking over the world by force. Plus, the cover art by Ashley Mackenzie is flat-out gorgeous. The sequel, Heavenly Tyrant, is anticipated to come out Spring 2023, so now is the perfect time to pick this masterpiece up.

Citations: American Library Association. (2022, January 24). Announcing the 2022 Excellence in Children’s and Young Adult Science Fiction. ALA News and Press Center. https://www.ala.org/news/member-news/2022/01/announcing-2022-excellence-children-s-and-young-adult-science-fiction-notable

Zhao, X. J. (2021). Iron Widow. Penguin Teen Canada. (Physical copy used for specific page citations)

Zhao, X. J. (2021). Iron Widow (R. Fu, Narr.) [Audiobook]. Penguin Teen Canada.

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Himawari House by Harmony Becker

Genre/category: Graphic Novel, Asian Diaspora, Realistic Fiction

Targeted Age: 7th to 12th graders

Quick plot synopsis: Nao, Hyejung, and Tina are brought together at the Himawari sharehouse in Tokyo, Japan. The story centers on all three girls, but primarily on Nao’s journey to reconnect with her heritage and find belonging as a Japanese American girl.

Why I chose Himawari House: Himawari House is listed as a 2022 Top Ten Great Graphic Novel for Teens by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Harmony Becker’s solo debut graphic novel is an emotional story of navigating life and dealing with diaspora. Nao, Hyejung, and Tina are each from different parts of the world (America, Korea, and Singapore, respectively), and each brings their own cultural perspective to life in Tokyo. Additionally, the text is multilingual— Japanese, Korean, and English text appears throughout, and often at the same time.

Evaluation:

Harmony Becker’s illustrations are full of heart, humor, and her love for the characters. The artwork conveys a great deal about each character, with style changes to indicate different emotions. For example, when any character feels awkward their depiction becomes less detailed. Masaki, a boy who also lives in the sharehouse, gets nervous about speaking English with his housemates. His internal anguish over the language barrier is often represented with exaggerated facial expressions and fluctuations in level of detail. The black and white illustrations use lighting to indicate emotion as well, such as sudden shadow to indicate shock, shame, or disappointment. Himawari House is packed with visual humor as well, such as Hyejung’s very realistic open-mouthed-putting-on-mascara face and Tina’s ferocious expression while shouting her hopes for the New Year (Becker, 2021, pp. 84 & 262).

The writing in Himawari House is just as beautiful as its artwork. Metaphor plays a large part in expressing Nao’s struggle to reconcile her past and present. She identifies her feelings of diaspora very early, saying “I feel like I’m mourning a twin I lost in childhood. A twin who never got to grow up, but who always, always, waited for me to come back” (Becker, 2021, pp. 60-61). Nao was born in Japan and spent her early childhood there, but grew up mostly in America. She longs to return to the person she was in Japan, but feels disconnected once she arrives. Much of Himawari House focuses on the part language plays in identity. This is reflected in almost all the characters, including Nao’s mother, a Japanese woman who moved to America as a young mother. Nao reflects that her mother “could weave complex tapestries, rich with nuance and humor, in Japanese”, but was “reduced to stringing simple words together like flimsy plastic beads on a necklace” in English (Becker, 2021, p. 337). This powerful metaphor enriches the story by illustrating additional perspective on diasporic experiences.

The plot of Himawari House takes the reader through slice-of-life style moments of life in Tokyo alongside flashbacks and refections on Nao, Hyejung, and Tina’s pasts. Each memory or experience keeps the reader engaged and wanting to read more. The ending is emotional and bittersweet— Nao only stays in Japan for a year and must return to America at the end of her stay. It’s sad to watch Nao leave the Himawari sharehouse, but each of the characters has grown and changed in positive ways over the year together. To some, the ending may feel abrupt. Nao thinks about the importance of her stay, says goodbye to her friends, and the book quietly ends on a view of the Himawari sharehouse. But, this ending benefits the story— goodbyes are often simple, with uncertainty about the future for those involved. Himawari House asserts that what mattered was not that the story lasted forever, but that it happened and meant something to each of the characters.

Do I recommend it?: はい! (Yes!) Himawari House is the perfect book for anyone, especially older teens nearing the end of high school and facing major transitions. I loved everything about this story, and recommend it for all the reasons mentioned above.

Citations: American Library Association. (2022, February 7). 2022 Great Graphic Novels for Teens. Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). https://www.ala.org/yalsa/2022-great-graphic-novels-teens

Becker, H. (2021). Himawari House. First Second.

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Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang

Genre/category: Printz Award Honor Book 2021, Sports (Basketball), Nonfiction, Graphic Novel

Targeted Age: 7th to 12th graders

Quick plot synopsis: In the 2014-15 high school basketball season, the Bishop O’Dowd Dragons have hopes of finally taking the title of California State Champion. Gene Luen Yang is more familiar with stories than with sports, but as he travels with the team he learns that the two subjects have more in common than he thought.

Why I chose Dragon Hoops: Yang’s nonfiction graphic novel was named a Printz Award Honor Book for 2021. Dragon Hoops finds its roots in bridging gaps between “nerds” and “jocks”, but goes even further to highlight the overlap between basketball, race, gender, and class. The book is a kind of blend between Yang’s own life during the season, the lives of the O’Dowd Dragons, and the history of basketball. The book is also full of exciting depictions of actual basketball games.

Evaluation:

Dragon Hoops is extremely transparent with any and all alterations made to the true life story of the O’Dowd Dragons boys’ basketball team. Situated during the 2014-15 school year, the story alternates between Yang’s own life, his interviews with the players and coaches, O’Dowd games, and stories from basketball history. Yang lists the numerous books and news articles that he referenced while researching for this graphic novel. Additionally, he included notes at the end that acknowledged changes he made to make the story flow as a narrative. Examples of changes include moving plays earlier or later in the game, or re-imagining email correspondence as face-to-face conversation. These notes also refer to YouTube videos of the actual players in the story, which can still be found at the time of this writing. Discussions of accuracy and storytelling come up multiple times throughout Dragon Hoops, occasionally including the reader. This adds a unique aspect to the story. Each character and each event feels genuine, sometimes even more so after the discussion of story modification.

As a graphic novel, Yang’s illustrations and Lark Pien’s color work takes center stage. Yang’s caricatures are flexible, as seen in a moment between Yang and #24 Jeevin Sandhu regarding Sandhu’s cartoon hairline. As they discuss how Sandhu wanted to be represented, his hairline changes between panels (Yang, 2020, p. 144). Colors help indicate historical moments; for example, Pien used desaturated, sepia tones for the moment Senda Berenson introduced new rules that allowed women to play basketball (Yang, 2020, pp. 172-176). Each 2014-15 O’Dowd basketball game is in brighter color, often featuring the school’s gold and black. A notable motif throughout Dragon Hoops is characters taking decisive steps toward their goals. This is always represented via a tight shot of a character’s feet captioned by “STEP” in large yellow letters. Each step precedes a change in the character’s life: Yang’s choice to write this book, #22 Alex Zhao’s choice to leave China and play in America, Senda Berenson’s choice to make basketball a sport for women too, and more. This motif adds gravity to the story.

The plot of Dragon Hoops follows the team’s wins and losses over the course of the school year, with interludes for history and player’s stories. Through this, Yang illustrates (literally and figuratively) the far-spread reach of basketball in various aspects of life. He discusses the origins of the game, its accessibility for marginalized communities, and above all how it brought all the characters together. The story also deals with complex emotions surrounding beloved figures who have fallen from grace. In one way or another, basketball serves as an escape from everyday life for every O’Dowd player. Dragon Hoops taps into all of this, and synthesizes it into a compelling graphic novel.

Do I recommend it?: Of course! Dragon Hoops is a great choice for basketball fans and non-basketball fans alike. It presents a thoughtful exploration of sports, stories, and life alongside edge-of-your seat accounts of real basketball games.

Citations: American Library Association. (2022, January 24). Michael L. Printz Winners and Honor Books. Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). https://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklistsawards/bookawards/printzaward/previouswinners/winners

Yang, G. L. (2020). Dragon Hoops. First Second.

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Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin

Genre/category: Banned/Challenged Book, LGBTQ+, Nonfiction

Targeted Age: 7th to 12th graders

Quick plot synopsis: This book is a collection of six interviews with transgender young adults. Each interviewee comes from different backgrounds, has different goals in life, and presents very personal stories of transition.

Why I chose Beyond Magenta: Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out has appeared on the ALA’s Top 10 Most Challenged Books lists in the years 2015, 2019, and 2021. The chief reason this book gets censored is its focus on transgender issues. This collection of interviews focuses on the fact that “the risks in transitioning have less to do with hormones or surgeries than with how society deals with folks who are transgender” (Kuklin, 2014, p. 337). Beyond Magenta can provide an introduction to transgender issues and some readers may see themselves in the young adults interviewed. Of the interviewees, two are trans women, two are trans men, one is nonbinary, and one is intersex.

Evaluation:

Credibility is important in good nonfiction, and Beyond Magenta has plenty. An award-winning nonfiction author and photographer, Susan Kuklin often writes about controversial topics. The topic of transgender youth seems to only get more controversial as time goes on, with constant new restrictions on everything from sports to medical care. Kuklin is a cisgender woman, so Beyond Magenta does not include any personal stories from her. The book is organized into six sections where each interviewee tells their own story with a few of Kuklin’s notes or clarifications woven in. Taking a backseat to allow the trans young adults space lends credibility to Kuklin and her book. Additionally, Beyond Magenta includes an interview between Kuklin and Dr. Manel Silva, the clinical director of a teen-focused medical facility that specializes in transgender care, HIV care, mental health, and STI screening.

Kuklin met with each interviewee to take audio recordings of their stories and later transcribed them to text (with edits for narrative purposes). Chapters were then sent to the respective interviewees for any final edits or requests. Described at the end of the book, this process gives Beyond Magenta a sense of transparency. The stories present an unabashed view of the struggles of being a teen and of being trans. One limitation of this book is the small number of locations. Five of the young adults interviewed lived in or near New York City, and the sixth lived in a Wisconsin city. Rural and Southern trans youth are severely underrepresented, and that is also the case with Beyond Magenta. Despite this, Kuklin’s collection of interviews appears true-to-life. The stories are extremely specific to each young adult and highlight the intersections of race, class, mental health, and, of course, gender. Additionally, the glossary at the end of the book is useful, albeit simplistic. Beyond Magenta is written with the education of cisgender readers in mind.

Beyond Magenta’s writing style fluctuates between interviews, reflecting the way each young adult told their own stories. Kuklin’s own additions tie the six pieces together stylistically. Her style of writing also connects with her photography skills. A few of the teens consented to taking full photographs, while others preferred either censored images or no photos at all. Some pictures are candid, others are more like fashion shoots. The images blend seamlessly with the text, often accompanied by the interviewee’s own descriptions or explanations of how they feel. Having the photographs reinforces emotional connections felt by the reader. I chose to read this book in e-book form as opposed to my usual print form. The e-book allowed me to adjust font size and color, which I appreciated, but it also made the included photographs feel disjointed at times.

Do I recommend it?: Yes! This book is informative, quick to read, and provides bold stories of transgender youth in America. Beyond Magenta is a good choice for anyone looking to read about real struggles faced by trans kids. To quote the book itself: “Once we get to know individuals who may be different from ourselves, it is less likely we will be wary of them” (Kuklin, 2014, p. 299).

Citations: American Library Association. (2022, April 4). Top 10 Most Challenged Books Lists. Advocacy, Legislation & Issues. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10

Kuklin, S. (2014). Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out [E-book]. Candlewick.

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The River Has Teeth by Erica Waters

Genre/category: Fantasy/Horror/Thriller, Novel

Targeted Age: 7th to 12th graders

Quick plot synopsis: Della’s mother has been turned into a monster by wayward magic, and Natasha’s sister has gone missing nearby. As they fight to unravel their own mysteries, their lives draw closer and closer together.

Why I chose The River Has Teeth: The River Has Teeth is a horror fantasy novel full of love, rage, and grief. With a diverse cast of characters, Waters’s novel also explores the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexuality. Additionally, the book received a Kirkus starred review, and appears on the 2022 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults list.

Evaluation:

Waters’s second novel, The River Has Teeth is told in two alternating points of view. Della Lloyd is adept at tapping into the magic of the forest known as the Bend, and she’s desperate to hide her mother-turned-river-monster from the world. Natasha Greymont is hell-bent on finding out what happened to her sister, who disappeared in the Bend. Two different manifestations of love and grief appear in each point of view— Della’s fierce protectiveness of her mother and Natasha’s nearly uncontrollable rage. The two protagonists are dynamic and refreshing with their intense, messy emotions. Supporting characters are also fleshed out, with a few exceptions. Natasha’s adoptive parents feel like cookie-cutter depictions with little personality of their own. And, although she’s incredibly important to the plot, Ruby Lloyd’s character development lacks resolution at the end of the novel.

The River Has Teeth’s plot is intense and fast-paced. The story leaves little room to breathe between the monsters and confrontations. This use of near-perpetual tension and quick succession of events helps to establish this book as a horror/thriller. Natasha and Della’s relationship drives the story forward, as they are inextricably connected to the tragedy in the Bend. Della fears that her mother is responsible for the string of disappearances in the forest she grew up in, and therefore fears Natasha’s powerful drive to locate her sister. As their POVs intertwine, the two girls go from antagonism to mutual respect to romance. The relationship is integral to the story because as the girls begin to care for one another, secrets are harder to keep. The one remaining question is how Ruby Lloyd readjusts to life with her daughter and husband at the conclusion of the novel. As Della’s mother, Ruby is the center of much of the book’s tension. The epilogue offers little closure on the recovery of Ruby, or how it relates to Della’s father and cousin.

Like many fantasy settings, the Bend becomes its own character in The River Has Teeth. Waters deftly describes this Tennessee forest in a way that immerses the reader. Della, and later Natasha, often notes how the Bend feels angry, how Bend magic keeps going astray. The Lloyd family is adept at tapping into the power of the land beneath them, but as the story unfolds it becomes clear that this is a two-way exchange. The Bend uses its magic to create monsters that protect it, but its magic also has the tendency to enhance human corruption. Having such a strongly written (and characterized) setting boosts the fantasy element of this novel and enriches the story.

Do I recommend it?: Yes! The River Has Teeth is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a blend of supernatural and gritty mystery. Pacing and gore can be intense, but brave readers will be satisfied by each twist and turn. Additionally, this is the perfect book for those looking for women protagonists who wear their anger and passion on their sleeves.

Citations: American Library Association. (2022, February 7). 2022 Best Fiction for Young Adults. Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). https://www.ala.org/yalsa/2022-best-fiction-young-adults

Waters, E. (2021). The River Has Teeth. HarperTeen.

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Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker

Genre/category: Texas Bluebonnet Award Masterlist 2021-2022, Newbery Honor Award Honoree 2020, Horror, Novel

Targeted Age: 3rd to 6th graders

Quick plot synopsis: Seven young foxes want seriously scary stories from the Storyteller. Only one kit is brave enough to hear the whole tale of Mia and Uly, who face rabid foxes, human hunters, hungry alligators, and domestic violence.

Why I chose Scary Stories for Young Foxes: Heidicker’s novel appears on the Texas Bluebonnet Award Masterlist 2021-22, in addition to being a 2020 Newbery Honoree. Included with the story are illustrations by Junyi Wu. Scary Stories for Young Foxes is organized as interconnected short stories, each separated by updates on the seven little foxes listening to Mia and Uly’s adventures.

Evaluation:

First and foremost, the visual design of Scary Stories for Young Foxes is impeccable. The interludes between stories are printed with white text on black paper to distinguish them from Mia and Uly’s stories. The final page is also black, reads “Sleep tight, little foxes.”, and is juxtaposed with bright red endpapers (Heidicker, 2019). Along with the design, Junyi Wu’s illustrations add to the scary mood of the novel. Each piece of artwork appears to be done in charcoal pencil, with ample texture created via hatching technique. Each story is headed by a full page illustration, and smaller pieces appear throughout as well. Wu’s artwork shows long shadows, frightening foxes, and fearful young kits. These support the moods of the novel, as well as the fact that it is a horror book.

Both the main characters, Mia and Uly, are dynamic and go through considerable growth during the story. Mia, who is separated from her family first by illness and then by a human, is forced to learn that the world is not always comforting. Uly, who grew up with cruel sisters and only three legs, learns to face his abusive father and conquer his numerous fears. Their stories begin separately, but intertwine as the plot develops. Together, Mia and Uly help each other face their own struggles, past and present. The villains and dangers they face feel realistic, from Uly’s father to hungry alligators. There is possibly one exception: the human enemy that Mia faces is Beatrix Potter. The beloved children’s author’s presence feels a little inexplicable. But, she is truly horrifying through Mia’s eyes and fits into the story.

Of course, when talking about horror it’s important to talk about tension. Good horror stories require good tension, and Scary Stories for Young Foxes does the job. It maintains tension throughout, without becoming tiring. This is achieved through the pacing of frightening events. When Uly is swimming for shore, Mia’s increasingly frantic encouragements heighten the fear of the scene. This climaxes in Uly getting grabbed by an alligator and making a daring escape (Heidicker, 2019). In between horrors, the readers are given respites in the form of happier scenes and the interludes. The little foxes in the breaks help with the tension as well, constantly needing the Storyteller to remind them to be patient.

Do I recommend it?: Definitely! Scary Stories for Young Foxes is the perfect middle grade horror novel, and it is probably my favorite book I’ve reviewed for this blog so far. Kids who read this novel will find that it is satisfying and has a hopeful ending.

Citations:

Heidicker, C. M. (2019). Scary Stories for Young Foxes (J. Wu, Illus.). Henry Holt and Co. (BYR).

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The Real Boy by Anne Ursu

Genre/category: Disability/Difference, National Book Award Nominee, Fantasy, Novel

Targeted Age: 3rd to 6th graders

Quick plot synopsis: Oscar works as a hand in the shop of the last magician in Aletheia. He’s happiest in his small room, working with herbs behind the scenes, but one day he’s forced to run the shop all alone. Aletheia is changing— a monster is in the forest, children are getting sick, and Oscar must make sacrifices to save the world as he knows it.

Why I chose The Real Boy: The Real Boy is listed on Disability in Kidlit’s Honor Roll. Oscar, while never explicitly referred to as autistic, has clear signs of autism. Ursu’s novel is told from Oscar’s perspective and is an accurate representation of an autistic character. Additionally, The Real Boy was a National Book Award Nominee. Illustrations and setting map by Erin McGuire appear on a few pages, each accompanying the scenes they depict.

Evaluation:

Oscar is the definitive focus of The Real Boy. The novel is told entirely from his third person perspective. The reader experiences the magic and conflict of the world through his interactions and interpretations of them. By focusing on Oscar’s perspective, his differences are portrayed in the way he experiences them. This avoids the sense of othering present in many other books with autistic characters. The only indication that Oscar is “odd” comes from the reactions other characters have to him. Oscar’s behavior is normal to him, and through the third person limited perspective, it’s normalized to the reader as well. Rather than treating him like a specimen, The Real Boy treats Oscar as a fully realized human being, a real boy.

Ursu’s primary characters in The Real Boy are well-rounded and dynamic. Over the course of the story, Oscar is changed by his ever-evolving situation. He develops a strong friendship with the healer’s apprentice, Callie, who also grows over the course of the novel. The pair assist each other with things they need to survive— Callie helps Oscar interact with his shop’s customers and Oscar helps Callie learn about herbs and remedies. One thing I appreciated about The Real Boy is that the plot does not focus on “curing” Oscar of autism. His character growth is not aimed at changing autism, but rather at his developing friendships and desire to protect others. His autism is part of his character, but not all of it.

The Real Boy has very quick pacing of events for Oscar, but I felt that the pacing of the mystery was somewhat slow. At times, it seems like poor Oscar can’t catch a break. Tragedy strikes the magician’s shop more than once, leaving him all alone to deal with belligerent customers. He hardly has any time to recover from some of these obstacles. But, he always has his beloved cats and friend Callie to rely on. For the mystery of the attacks on the Barrow village and the sickness of the City children, not much progress is made toward the solution until the latter half of the book. However, when Oscar and Callie find their solution and life starts to return to balance, the relief in the story is palpable. Perhaps the constant turmoil Oscar faced makes the ending of the novel even sweeter.

Do I recommend it?: Yes! The Real Boy is a loving portrayal of an autistic boy in a fantasy setting. Readers of all ages will love to read about his adventures and dealings with magic.

Citations:

Duyvis, C. (2015, April 13). Review: The Real Boy by Anne Ursu. Disability in Kidlit. https://disabilityinkidlit.com/2015/04/13/review-the-real-boy-by-anne-ursu/

Ursu, A. (2013). The Real Boy (E. McGuire, Illus.). Walden Pond Press.

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New Kid by Jerry Craft

Genre/category: Coretta Scott King Award Winner 2020, Newbery Award Winner 2020, Banned/Challenged Book, Graphic Novel

Targeted Age: 3rd to 6th graders

Quick plot synopsis: Twelve-year-old Jordan Banks is less than enthused about going to his new school. As one of the few students of color at the distinguished private academy, Jordan learns to navigate the struggles that come with class and racial differences.

Why I chose New Kid: New Kid won a Coretta Scott King Award in 2020, which celebrates Black authors and illustrators of youth literature. In addition, Craft’s graphic novel also won a Newbery Award in the same year. Jordan’s story is presented realistically, showing the reader both the highs and the lows of being a young Black boy in a predominantly white school. This book has unfortunately faced numerous bans/challenges over the past year. A ban near me, at Katy Independent School District of Katy, Texas, made national headlines for alleging that New Kid violated Texas law. This censorship is concerning, as Jordan’s story is important and stifling this book only makes kids like him feel more alienated than they already are.

Evaluation:

As a graphic novel, visual representations of the character, story, and setting are integral to New Kid. We see Riverdale Day Academy through Jordan’s eyes, both his actual experiences and his interpretations in his own sketchbook. The connections between the two give depth to Jordan’s character. His humor and emotions are easy to see in his own personal sketchbook, but they also appear in the full color “real life” parts of the text. For example, background characters move and behave like zombies on the first day of school and when Jordan’s parents argue, Jordan is represented as a baby sitting between them (Craft, 2019). Additionally, the exaggerations and caricatures in Craft’s artsyle enhance the awkwardness of the situations Jordan finds himself in. Through Craft’s illustrations, the reader is right alongside Jordan for every high and every low.

New Kid is full of wit, humor, and well-placed allusions. Each chapter heading references another popular media. For example, “Chapter 2 The Road to Riverdale - There and Back Again” is a reference to The Hobbit, or There and Back Again. The illustration supports this, with a map that evokes J.R.R. Tolkien’s own style (Craft, 2019, p. 16-17). The humor of the story often pokes fun at the unfortunate behavior of Jordan’s teachers and peers. On page 129, the school librarian recommends a book to Maury, another Black student. She asserts that he’ll relate to the fatherless, poor main character only to be told “Thanks, Miss Brickner, but my dad is the CEO of a Fortune 500 company” (Craft, 2019). The humor apparent in the school librarian’s mistake points out how absurd similar behaviors can be.

Insights into the very real problem of seemingly “harmless” interactions that are actually racist are a major focus of New Kid. Throughout the book, incorrect assumptions are constantly made to the detriment of students of color at Riverdale. Craft uses these insights to encourage the reader to consider similar problems faced by themselves or their peers. All of Craft’s scenes are well thought out and poignant. One in particular stuck out to me— when Jordan’s white teacher insists that he should be happy to be different, he asks if she’d teach in his predominantly Black neighborhood so she could feel special too (Craft, 2019, p. 221). This scene challenges the idea that white society should be seen as a "reward" for people of color.

Do I recommend it?: Definitely! Jordan’s story offers a mirror for kids like him, and a window for others. His experience is true to life and is told with humor and kindness throughout. New Kid can (and should) be enjoyed by anyone of any age.

Citations:

American Library Association. (2022, January 24). Coretta Scott King Book Awards - All Recipients, 1970-Present. ALA. https://www.ala.org/rt/emiert/cskbookawards/coretta-scott-king-book-awards-all-recipients-1970-present#2020

Craft, J. (2019). New Kid. HarperCollins.

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The Cat Man of Aleppo by Irene Latham and Karim Shamsi-Basha, Illustrated by Yuko Shimizu

Genre/category: Caldecott Award Honoree 2021, Picture Book

Targeted Age: PreK to 2nd graders

Quick plot synopsis: When people must flee war in Aleppo, Syria, they're forced to leave beloved pets behind. Alaa, an ambulance driver, stays in Aleppo and takes care of lonely, scared cats.

Why I chose The Cat Man of Aleppo: The Cat Man of Aleppo is a 2021 Caldecott Award Honoree that depicts kindness following tragedy. Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, known as Alaa in the book, is a real-life cat rescuer in Aleppo, Syria. A note from him appears at the beginning of the text. This book covers his story and shows the very real horror that is the Syrian civil war (2011 - ). I selected The Cat Man of Aleppo because I think it’s the perfect book to introduce concepts that Western children would not otherwise see. The story also concludes with notes from Latham, Shamsi-Basha, and Shimizu, discussing their own connections to the story, Alaa, and Aleppo.

Evaluation:

Yuko Shimizu’s digitally colored ink illustrations support the mood of scenes in The Cat Man of Aleppo. Bright pages with a bustling bazaar are immediately followed by a nearly all-black page spread featuring Alaa grieving in front of a view of Aleppo burning. The illustrations show the war-torn Aleppo that surrounds Alaa as he helps injured people. These pair with the text’s description of the increasing emptiness of the city. Brighter colors seep back into the pages as the cats are introduced. With the rescue of the cats, hope begins to find its way back into Alaa and Aleppo. Additionally, Shimizu put a lot of effort into research to represent Aleppo and its people as accurately as possible. For example, when researching Alaa myself, I recognized a real-life cat because I had seen him in Shimizu’s artwork.

The Cat Man of Aleppo tells the true story of Alaa’s efforts to protect and care for abandoned animals in Aleppo. The book follows events from his first efforts feeding cats in the street to the assistance for orphaned children he now provides. Some elements of Alaa’s story are left out, such as the bombing of the original cat sanctuary. It would have been interesting to see this event addressed, and how it contributes to Alaa’s heroic perseverance in the face of devastating loss. However, I can see why various details such as this were left out for brevity’s sake. Leaving the sanctuary bombing out also makes the story less traumatic for younger audiences. Additionally, some of the elements of Alaa’s story not in the text are referenced in the authors’ notes.

Cultural details in Latham and Shamsi-Basha’s text helps the reader to imagine the Aleppo that thrived before the war. We learn that Aleppo was a city of “pistachios and jasmine soap”, of “boiled corn and dried figs” (Shamsi-Basha & Latham, 2020). Rather than see Aleppo as only a dangerous place, The Cat Man of Aleppo encourages the image of the city as hopeful, human, and deserving of protection. These details about the food, trees, and fashion of Aleppo create this image. Alaa loves his country, his people, and of course, his cats.

Do I recommend it?: Of course! The Cat Man of Aleppo tells a powerful story of helping others in the face of horrible devastation. It’s a great way to introduce children to this topic and encourage them to follow Alaa’s example and make a positive impact on the world.

Citations:

American Library Association. (2022, January 10). Randolph Caldecott Medal. Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecott

BBC News. (2019, March 7). Return of the cat man of Aleppo. https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-47473772

Shamsi-Basha, K., & Latham, I. (2020). The Cat Man of Aleppo (Y. Shimizu, Illus.). G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.

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Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack, Illustrated by Stevie Lewis

Genre/category: Banned/Challenged Book (5th most challenged in 2019), ALA Rainbow Book List Top Ten 2019, LGBTQ+, Picture Book

Targeted Age: PreK to 2nd graders

Quick plot synopsis: After struggling to find someone special to be his bride, a prince teams up with a knight in shining armor. Together, the two men face a dragon and fall in love with each other.

Why I chose Prince & Knight: Prince & Knight was the fifth most banned and challenged book in 2019. Unfortunately, book banning is becoming more and more rampant, with over 1,500 books challenged in 2021 alone (American Library Association, 2022). Books by and about LGBTQ+ people and/or people of color are by far and away the most censored books in the United States. Prince & Knight celebrates the love story between two men, and shows their wedding. The story allows LGBTQ+ readers the opportunity to see themselves in the fantasy setting, as well as offering non-LGBTQ+ readers a potentially new perspective. Additionally, Prince & Knight is a Top Ten choice from the 2019 ALA Rainbow Book List.

Evaluation:

First of all, Prince & Knight is full of gorgeous illustrations by Stevie Lewis. Her work is characterized by inviting colors, expressive characters, and beautiful depictions of nature. To convey the tone of various scenes, Lewis utilizes color and shadow. Two scenes occur at a long table in the castle. In the first, the prince sits alone in bright light at one end of the table, and his parents sit in shadow at the other end. This conveys the king and queen’s concerns about finding him a bride, as well as the fact that he alone is the focus of their attention. In the second scene at the same table, the prince, knight, king, and queen are gathered at the same end of the table. Natural light floods the entirety of the room. Having met their son’s husband-to-be, the prince’s parents are relieved that he will not have to rule the kingdom alone. The lighting and color express the emotions in both moments, from worry to joy.

Daniel Haack tells the tale of the prince and the knight in verse. Prince & Knight is sonically pleasing, a perfect candidate to be read aloud. Each line rhymes, such as “As the villagers returned, / it became clear to those around / that the prince’s one true love / had at last been found” (Haack, 2018, emphasis added). By using rhyme, Haack evokes the long tradition of fairytales, which were often originally oral narratives. The pleasing rhythm of the story’s language also contributes to its memorability.

Prince & Knight follows a central idea of the importance of being true to oneself. Right at the beginning, we learn that the prince is known to be sincere, and he expresses this quality throughout. Because of his sincerity, he does not waver from what he knows is his true self. The prince does not find love in any of the women he meets, and he refuses to lie to them even at risk of causing disappointment. Later, by staying true to his own beliefs and bravery, the prince goes to fight the dragon and protect his land at whatever cost. His choices in both ventures, courting and protection, earn him his happy ending with the knight. If the prince had strayed from his true self, he likely would not have found his true love.

Do I recommend it?: Certainly! Prince & Knight is a delight— this modern fairytale is beautifully illustrated and written. Readers from any background will love the story of bravery, joy, and true love.

Citations:

American Library Association. (2022, April 4). Top 10 Most Challenged Books Lists. Banned & Challenged Books. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10

American Library Association Rainbow Book List Committee. (2019, January 28). The 2019 Rainbow Book List. Rainbow Book List. https://glbtrt.ala.org/rainbowbooks/archives/1324

Haack, D. (2018). Prince & Knight (S. Lewis, Illus.). little bee books.

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Thunder Underground by Jane Yolen, Illustrated by Josée Masse

Genre/category: Poetry, Picture Book

Targeted Age: Toddlers to 2nd Graders

Quick plot synopsis: Thunder Underground is a collection of poems about all the things you can find under the earth. The illustrations follow two children as they explore caves, subways, farms, and more.

Why I chose Thunder Underground: Recipient of more than one starred review (Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly quotes can be found on the back of the book), Thunder Underground is a poetry collection any child can enjoy. The collection includes both scientific/nonfiction and personal poems relating to things in the earth. Together with the illustrations, each poem can inspire a child. The last page of Thunder Underground contains notes on each of the twenty-one poems for the reader to learn more. Further, Jane Yolen is a prolific children’s writer whose work spans almost 400 titles.

Evaluation:

The poems of Thunder Underground are perfectly paired with mixed media illustrations. Masse fills the pages with Earth-tones, greens, and blues befitting the topic. Cross-sections reveal fossils, animal burrows, roots, subways, and sewers below the feet of the two children. Paired with the poems, the artwork demonstrates the ideas being described. For example, on page twenty-four and twenty-five, “Notes from Some Old Fossils” is about ways fossils are made (Yolen, 2017). Three ways are described and three ways are illustrated: buried in the ocean, stuck in tar pits or bogs, and from volcanic activity.

Thunder Underground begins and ends with two poems titled “Under”. These two poems bookend the rest of the collection and form a sort of frame narrative. One introduces the underground, the other gives a conclusion, and the other poems are laid out to explore all the topic’s facets. On a page level, each layout includes a double spread illustration and at least one poem. Often, the poems are arranged to interact with the artwork, such as on page sixteen where the title of a poem is lit by streetlights.

Yolen’s poetry pleases the eye and the ear. The poems steer clear of condescension, respecting children’s reading capabilities. Thunder Underground shows Yolen’s love of wordplay in each poem. “Seeds” compares the growth of plants to writing: “This dot, / this spot, / this period at the end / of winter’s sentence / writes its way up / through the dull slate of soil / into the paragraph of spring.” (Yolen, 2017, p.8). A few puns are sprinkled here and there among the poems as well. The wordplay and different styles of poetry come together to make Thunder Underground a rich soil for planting ideas.

Do I recommend it?: Absolutely! Thunder Underground can be enjoyed by all ages and should be included in every poetry section for children. Both poems and illustrations are educational, imaginative, and inspiring.

Citations:

Yolen, J. (2017). Thunder Underground (J. Masse, Illus.). Penguin Random House.

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When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff, Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

Genre/category: Stonewall Award 2020, LGBTQ+, Picture Book

Targeted Age: Toddlers to 2nd Graders

Quick plot synopsis: Aidan is a young transgender boy excited to become a big brother. He wants everything to be perfect for the baby, and learns along the way that it’s okay to make mistakes.

Why I chose When Aidan Became a Brother: Winner of a 2020 Stonewall Award, When Aidan Became a Brother relates the experience of being a transgender child. Lukoff’s story also shows how that complex experience intersects with expecting a new family member. When Aidan Became a Brother is an excellent window into both topics. Additionally, in the author’s note Lukoff discusses being transgender and the hope that all kids can find belonging.

Evaluation:

Gorgeous, brightly colored illustrations by Kaylani Juanita capture the reader’s attention in When Aidan Became a Brother. With digitally created watercolor artwork, Juanita includes delightful detail on every page. Before Aidan came out, the illustrations provide multiple hints at his unhappiness. One detail in particular, the paper that he used to cover his mirror, indicated his dissatisfaction with his appearance. After he comes out, the artwork supports his newfound joy. Depictions of animals and plant life are abundant, especially in the form of patterned fabric each character wears (Lukoff, 2019).

Being a trans child, Aidan has to navigate a world that does not see him the way he sees himself. The text does not shy away from this reality, but draws its tension from it instead. Aidan wants to protect his future sibling from expectations that made him uncomfortable. When strangers ask about the gender of the baby, Aidan responds negatively; he “didn’t like it when people asked if he was a boy or a girl, and he hoped the baby couldn’t hear yet” (Lukoff, 2019). The story’s tension stems from wondering how Aidan will overcome his worries about misunderstandings he and his family face.

Characterization in When Aidan Became a Brother is well crafted, especially in terms of Aidan’s growth. Aidan’s visual representation changes over the course of the story as he tries out different hairstyles and fashions. In addition to embracing who he is as a trans boy, Aidan is dynamic in his emotions surrounding becoming a brother. He feels nervous as the due date draws closer, hoping that he can help the baby feel accepted from the start. But, Aidan grows to overcome these nerves and learns that the best he can do for his new sibling is express his love.

Do I recommend it?: For sure! When Aidan Became a Brother is a great read for parents and children alike, whether they’re in the same situation as Aidan’s family or not.

Citations:

American Library Association. (2020). When Aidan Became a Brother | Awards & Grants. ALA.org. Retrieved February 9, 2022, from https://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/when-aidan-became-brother

Lukoff, K. (2019). When Aidan Became a Brother (K. Juanita, Illus.). Adfo Books.

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Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston by Alicia D. WIlliams, Illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara

Genre/category: Biography, Picture Book

Targeted Age: PreK to 2nd Graders

Quick plot synopsis: This biography covers the life of Southern author Zora Neale Hurston (Their Eyes Were Watching God) from childhood to acclaimed novelist.

Why I chose Jump at the Sun: Jump at the Sun, by Newbery Honoree Alicia D. Williams and illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara, recounts the early life of Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960). Hurston wrote mainly about struggles the Black community faced in early 20th century America. Her work gained little notice in literary communities until Alice Walker (The Color Purple) recovered her history. Williams’s biography of Hurston introduces children to the beginnings of her career, opening the door for readers to learn more about this important Southern author.

Evaluation:

Jacqueline Alcántara’s lively illustrations blend history and folklore; depictions of Zora throughout her life are almost always paired with characters from the Black Southern folklore that Hurston studied. Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox appear frequently. Using color, the illustrations in Jump at the Sun provide the tone of each scene. When young Zora flees from her disapproving father, the house and his clothes are desaturated and cold. In contrast, the colors around Mama are bright, warm, and inviting (Williams, 2021). The story centers Mama as Zora’s main inspiration, and the colors emphasize this.

Like Hurston does in her own work, Williams chose to use African-American dialect when writing Jump at the Sun. This is especially notable in speech bubbles containing bits of folklore: one reads “Ah’m tellin’ dis lie on de ‘gator. Well, de ‘gator was a pretty white varmint wid coal black eyes… So one day he was layin’ up on de grass in a marsh sunnin’ hisself and sleepin’ when Brer Rabbit come bustin’ cross de marsh and run right over Brer ‘Gator…” (Williams, 2021). This use of dialect seeks to recreate the experience of listening to these folk tales told aloud. Jump at the Sun’s use of dialect connects biography to the writing style of its subject.

As a work of nonfiction, Jump at the Sun provides sources and further reading at the end of the text, alongside a more detailed overview of Hurston’s entire life. The story is well-researched and lovingly recreates Zora Neale Hurston’s history for its audience. My only concern with accuracy is that the story seems somewhat sanitized at times. Jump at the Sun is, of course, aimed at children, but occasionally it glosses over the struggles that Hurston faced while starting her career. Despite this, this biography is a delightful celebration of Hurston’s accomplishments.

Do I recommend it?: Yes! With beautiful illustrations and inspiring story, Jump at the Sun is a great primer on the life of Zora Neale Hurston.

Citations:

Williams, A. D. (2021). Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston (J. Alcántara, Illus.). Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books.

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¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market by Raúl The Third, Colors by Elaine Bay

Genre/category: Pura Belpré Award 2020, Picture Book

Targeted Age: Toddlers to 2nd Graders

Quick plot synopsis: Little Lobo, his dog Barnabé, and their roach friend make deliveries to the market. Together they help out friends old and new while exploring the variety of vendors.

Why I chose ¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market: Written and illustrated by Raúl the Third and colored by Elaine Bay, ¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market won the 2020 Pura Belpré Illustrator award for its authentic portrayal and celebration of a mercado (market). The Pura Belpré Award promotes the depiction of Latina/o culture from Latina/o authors and illustrators. ¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market’s colorful pages are interspersed with both English and Spanish text, complete with a glossary of Spanish terms at the end. This book provides a great way to naturally learn Spanish vocabulary via context and images.

Evaluation:

Created with ink and colored in Adobe Photoshop, the illustrations of ¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market are chock full of detail (Raúl the Third, 2019). Each page is reminiscent of the work of Richard Scarry, full of busy animal characters and Spanish words labeling different objects and activities. The art style also echoes elements of vintage cartoons. Every illustration in ¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market provides details that introduce more plot elements than in the text. For example, early in the book a newspaper detail reads “el TORO loses mask!” and on the accompanying page El Toro can be seen wearing a paper bag over his head (Raúl The Third, 2019). The saga of El Toro’s mask is not mentioned in the text until the very end, when that plotline intersects with Little Lobo’s. Each and every character suggests life beyond the plot of the story, lending depth to the world created.

As indicated on the dedication page, the Mercado in ¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market is inspired by the real life El Mercado Cuauhtémoc in Ciudad Juárez, México. El Mercado is the central focus of the story, and the fact that it is so faithful to reality is one of the reasons this book is a Pura Belpré award winner. References in the illustrations, such as puppets that look like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, provide credibility to the the Mexican setting. These elements of Latina/o history and culture are fundamental to the life of Little Lobo and other market goers.

Both text and illustrations support a theme of appreciating the benefits of helping others in a community. Little Lobo delivers things that Mercado vendors need, and in return they give him gifts and things that he needs. Through this, the community in El Mercado participates in a form of mutual aid. ¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market uses the events of the story to present its theme, successfully avoiding didacticism. Rather than explicitly stating the lesson it wishes to teach, the book allows the reader to reach their own conclusions.

Do I recommend it?: ¡Por supuesto! (Of course!) ¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market can be enjoyed by any age with its delightful references, and it provides ample opportunities for readers to learn some Spanish and Latina/o culture.

Citations:

American Library Association. (2020, July 26). ¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market | Awards & Grants. ALA.org. Retrieved February 8, 2022, from https://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/%C2%A1vamos-lets-go-market

Raúl The Third. (2019). ¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market. Versify, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

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List of Reviewed Books

(This list will be updated as I add reviews here.)

PreK through 6th:

Hike by Pete Oswald

¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market by Raúl The Third

Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston by Alicia D. Williams and Illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff and Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

Thunder Underground by Jane Yolen and Illustrated by Josée Masse

Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack and Illustrated by Stevie Lewis

The Cat Man of Aleppo by Irene Latham and Karim Shamsi-Basha and Illustrated by Yuko Shimizu

New Kid by Jerry Craft

The Real Boy by Anne Ursu

Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker

7th through 12th:

The River Has Teeth by Erica Waters

Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin

Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang

Himawari House by Harmony Becker

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

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Hike by Pete Oswald

Genre/category: Texas 2x2 2021, Picture Book

Targeted Age: Toddlers to 2nd Graders

Quick plot synopsis: A father and young child go on a hike in this nearly wordless picture book. Together, they explore nature, plant a tree, and record the memory in the family picture album.

Why I chose Hike: Hike is on the 2021 Texas 2x2 List, meaning it is a recommended title for 2-year-olds to second graders. The goal of the Texas 2x2 Book List is to inspire children in this age range to love reading. In addition, Hike allows children to tell the story in their own creative way. Being nearly-wordless, Pete Oswald’s solo debut is flexible for countless interpretations. Furthermore, any child can see themselves in the child character.

Evaluation:

Of course, the star of the show in Hike is Pete Oswald’s skill in illustration. The only text appears in the forms of onomatopoeia and a few signs along the road and trail. As such, the illustrations do the work of telling the story. Each digitally created page of artwork evokes watercolor and colored pencil, with soft colors and textured detail. Richly colored double-page spreads depict grand landscapes in shades of green, blue, and brown. Pops of bright reds, pinks, yellows, and oranges come from wildlife, flowers, and the child’s hat or helmet.

Pete Oswald’s loving windows into the natural world create a meditative mood. As father and child travel out of the city, up the mountain, and back home, the narrative often pauses on spacious landscapes that go all the way to the edge of the page. I spent a great deal of time on each page, soaking in the details. There is a sense of mindfulness in the way Hike honors each element of nature.

Even without text, Hike establishes a sense of tension akin to the curiosity of exploration. The story leads us to wonder what is around the next turn, across the river, at the top of the mountain. Additionally, we wonder how they will solve each obstacle that comes their way. This tension is achieved through narrative distance. One moment in particular exemplifies this: when father and child must cross a fast-moving river at the base of a waterfall. First we see the father walking across a fallen log from a distance. As the scene unfolds, the illustrations “zoom in”— from a distant view to the child’s anxious face to their hands reaching for each other to their triumphant hug (Oswald, 2020). This fluctuation in narrative distance creates the tension.

Do I recommend it?: Absolutely! Hike is perfect for nature lovers of any age. It’s a wonderful interpretation of the multi-generational connection between family and the natural world.

Citations:

Oswald, P. (2020). Hike. Candlewick.

Texas 2x2. (2021). 2021 Annotated List.docx. Google Docs. Retrieved February 7, 2022, from https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RWQJ0X-YRTFjnjgX14BSF6_nfEMjS1Xd/