youngreaderreviews

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: Mexikid by Pedro Martín

Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir

Written and illustrated by Pedro Martín.

Genre or Category

Pura Belpré Winner

Target Age Group

PreK-6th grade

Recommended for ages 9 years and up, grades 5-9th

Format

Physical, print

Summary

What is a “Mexikid”? Pedro (or Peter, depending on who’s calling) Martín may have the answer! In this lively graphic memoir, Pedro/Peter sets out to tell the story of one wild road trip, wherein he and his family go to Mexico to retrieve his Abuelito who is coming to live with them. However, Abuelito won’t go without a fight! In fact, he has business of own to attend to before settling in the United States. Mexikid will have you laughing and sobbing all in one go! 

Justification

This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “Pura Belpré Winner.” This graphic novel has received many awards, all of which it absolutely deserves! To name a few, it was the winner of both the Pura Belpré Author and Illustrator Awards. It was also a Newberry Honor Book and an Odyssey Honor Audiobook! In addition to these awards and honors, it was also listed “Best Book of the Year” for NPR, Booklist, Kirkus, Amazon, New York Public Library, and the Chicago Public Library. It was also listed in lists for “Best Books of 2023” for Booklist and the New York Times, received “Best Graphic Novel of 2023” for School Library Journal, and was in the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)’s 2024 Notable Children’s Books. It also has many starred reviews in reputable literary review publications.

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating illustrations,accuracy, and design and layout.

Illustrations

Mexikid is a graphic novel for younger audiences that utilizes a variety of vibrant colors to bring its story to life! The illustrations are lined with a bold black line, which helps to separate details like clothing, hair, facial features, backgrounds, and objects that the characters interact with. Additionally, the linework comes in handy when diagrams are used to illustrate levels of the earth, maps, and areas within the Winnebago that he and his family drive cross-country. Although the illustrations seem simple, they are highly detailed with shadowing, cross-hatching, and other forms of emphasis that bring out things like texture and movement.

Accuracy

Mexikid is a graphic memoir, which is based on the experiences of the author, Pedro Martín, and his family. In the section titled “Some Of Your Questions Answered,” the author states that he likes to say his stories are “... 100 percent true, 90 percent of the time.” He also says that his heart and his memory like to play tricks on each other, too, which can make it difficult to remember specific details. With the information that he didn’t remember, or didn’t access first-hand, Pedro Martín states that he gathered information from his family and other loved ones who did have those memories, such as the ones of his Abuelita. Although this graphic memoir is based on a true story, the author tried his best to create a sense of authenticity that was real to his own understanding and perspective.

Design and Layout

The choice of text used throughout is incredibly fun to read through because of the way it mimics handwriting, especially handwriting that belongs to a young boy. Not only does this make it engaging, and sometimes easier to read, but it also creates a sense of relatability between Pedro Martín and the reader. Another interesting design choice was the use of less-than (<) and greater-than (>) symbols to let the reader know when characters were speaking Spanish throughout the graphic novel. Although, this is typically for longer pieces of text. Shorter sentences will often be written in Spanish, sometimes with an English translation at the bottom of the page, led by a asterisk (*).

References

Martín, Pedro. (2023). Mexikid: A graphic memoir (P.Martín, Illus.). Dial Books.

Martín, Pedro. (2023). Mexikid: A graphic memoir [Cover illustration] (P.Martín, Illus.). Dial Books. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/691514/mexikid-by-pedro-martin/

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic by Michael McCreary

Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic: A Comedian’s Guide to Life on the Spectrum

Written and narrated by Michael McCreary.

Genre or Category

Biography or Autobiography

Target Age Group

7th-12th grade

Recommended for ages 12 years and up, grades 7-9th

Format

Digital, audiobook

Summary

Michael McCreary is twenty-six (at the time of this review) and is one of many individuals that has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Or, in other words, he is on “the spectrum.” In this rousing and absolutely laugh-out-loud audiobook, Michael takes us on a journey through his early childhood and on through his later adulthood, wherein he tells us his experiences with autism and the ways that it had shaped his life. In addition to the personal narrative, Michael also dispels myths about ASD and provides insight into his world and the ways that he sees it.

Justification

This audiobook was chosen because it fulfills the category “Biography or Autobiography.” This audiobook was first published as a print book in 2019, and was later published as an audiobook later that same year. Within the five years it has been on the market, Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic has received multiple awards. It was a joint winner for the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books for Kids & Teens in 2019, the Ontario Library Association’s Best Bets List, Top Ten, in 2020, the Texas Library Association’s Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List in 2020, and the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)’s Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities in 2021. It was also short-listed for the Next Generation Indie Book Award in 2020 and the Saskatchewan Young Readers’ Choice Awards’ Willow Award in 2020. It has also received immense praise from multiple literary review publications.

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating tone, accuracy, and style and language.

Tone

Michael McCreary’s tone throughout this autobiography is incredibly sincere. Although Michael does have a lighthearted tone towards his own experiences, he also doesn’t shy away from being honest about less-than stellar interactions with other people and his environment. This is expected in an autobiography, for there are both good times and bad times. It can also be said that his tone does bounce between other variations, such as thoughtful, witty, and playful. These variations are, of course, appropriate to the context (i.e. playful when describing a childhood play going incredibly wrong in all of the best ways). 

I have not read this autobiography in print format and have only listened to the audiobook version. That being said, it is much easier being able to decipher tone with audio versus text. 

Accuracy

This is an autobiography about Michael McCreary, written by Michael McCreary. The information that he writes about himself comes from true events that happened, and can be accounted for by the author, Michael McCreary, and his loved ones that are mentioned throughout the autobiography. It would not appear that he would have any reason to lie. However, if there were any doubts then they could be verified with the number of press releases and other media he has been featured in, which are covered within this book. All of this is to say that this book is fairly accurate.

On another note, Michael McCreary does state that his experience with ASD is not the only experience with this form of neurodivergency. This speaks to his credibility as an author, especially one who speaks about autism broadly and how it may present in others who also have it. 

Language and Style

Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic was written for young adults in mind and thus does not have a version of the book adapted for young readers. This has impacted the language and style used throughout the book significantly, because the writing is youthful and is full of charm and wit that is both digestible for young adults and adults alike. Although Michael is in his twenties, he does not attempt to “dumb down” the language he uses when addressing the reader, even when discussing the more scientific or medical terminology associated with ASD. He also uses common language throughout the book and does not attempt to use language or lexicon that is not typically used unless it is within a specific context.

References

McCreary, Michael. (2019). Funny, you don’t look autistic: A comedian’s guide to life on the spectrum (M. McCreary, Narr.) [Audiobook]. Annick Press.

McCreary, Michael. (2019). Funny, you don’t look autistic: A comedian’s guide to life on the spectrum [Cover illustration] (M. McCreary, Narr.) [Audiobook]. Annick Press. https://www.annickpress.com/Books/F/Funny-You-Don-t-Look-Autistic

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: Forest Hills Bootleg Society by Dave Baker and Nicole Goux

Forest Hills Bootleg Society

Written and illustrated by Dave Baker and Nicole Goux.

Genre or Category

Graphic Novel or Manga Volume

Target Age Group

7th-12th grade

Recommended for ages 14 years and up, grades 9-12th

Format

Physical, print

Summary

Anime movies produced by Studio Ghibli are all the rage, especially when you’ve gotten them from some random guy outside of a gas station. However, these aren’t your average Studio Ghibli movies. In fact, they aren’t that at all! Unknowingly Brooke, Kelly, Maggie, and Melissa just purchased a bootlegged copy of the anime Super Love XL - a highly risque robot anime that’s unfit for their highly conservative community in Forest Hills, California. This would be bad… if it meant not making a profit off the local boys who are willing to pay premium prices for it. One thing leads to another and suddenly things get complicated: new relationships, new demand, and new drama.

Justification

This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “Graphic Novel or Manga Volume.” This graphic novel was first published in 2022, and although it has not received any awards, it has received glowing reviews from multiple literary review publications. It has been featured on Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, and on Publishers Weekly, which provided it with a starred review. In addition, the duo of writers and illustrators are both highly esteemed and have been recognized for their talents. Dave Baker was nominated for the Eisner Award for his writing and illustration. Nicole Goux does not have this distinction, though she does share with Dave her participation in big comic publishers like DC Comics. Additionally, Forest Hills Bootleg Society is a coming-of-age story that discusses societal issues such as racism and homophobia, which are especially prevalent in society today amongst the political backdrop in the United States with which young adult readers are existing.

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating illustrations, character, and design and layout.

Illustrations

Forest Hills Bootleg Society is a graphic novel for young adults that takes the art styles of other popular graphic novels and mushes them all into one! With illustrations similar to that of Nimona and Lumberjanes, and the monochromatic coloring as Heartstopper and This One Summer, you roll it up and create one incredible graphic novel! The lineart is simple and fluid, which is forgiving to character proportions and body language. The style of character features is also reminiscent of anime, which is one of the primary focuses of this graphic novel. The color scheme of this monochromatic artwork contains a a pale chartreuse, a muted teal, white, and black. The use of the pale chartreuse creates a sense of nostalgia and reminds the reader of glaring fluorescent lights, while the muted teal communicates a air of moodiness and angst.

Character

Brooke, Kelly, Maggie, and Melissa are all highly believable characters that are distinct from one another in all of the best ways. Throughout the book the reader is provided with character introductions through a showering of word balloons that shout-out character names and the character’s defining traits (i.e. “MAGGIE HILCOT” “LOVES PLAYING BY THE RULES”). When reading a typical prose novel, we are either told these character traits directly by the narrator (i.e “I am right-handed”) or observe them naturally through character actions (i.e. “I threw the ball with my right hand.”). There are also in-depth explanations of defining traits stationed throughout the book that provide more insight into why a character is acting a certain way, which provides context but takes away from a reader’s natural instinct to draw conclusions through assumptions. It should also be noted that these characters are believable through the use of emotion, dialogue, personal decisions, and clothing that is worn.

Design and Layout

Forest Hills Bootleg Society takes an interesting approach at storytelling.It incorporates word balloons to include information about a character and why a place is of interest. These are also used for dialogue. As a result of this device being used for multiple things, it can be difficult to see when a character is speaking and when they are not, since the same font is also used in both contexts. However, the distinction between dialogue and infodumping can be seen in the shape of the word balloon’s tail: curved tails are for dialogue and straight tails are for information.

References

Baker, Dave, & Goux, Nicole. (2022). Forest Hills Bootleg Society (D.Baker & N.Goux, Illus.). Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Baker, Dave, & Goux, Nicole. (2022). Forest Hills Bootleg Society [Cover illustration] (D.Baker & N.Goux, Illus.). Atheneum Books for Young Readers. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Forest-Hills-Bootleg-Society/Dave-Baker/9781534469488

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: What You Need to Be Warm by Neil Gaiman

What You Need To Be Warm

Written by Neil Gaiman. Illustrated by Yuliya Gwilym, Nadine Kaadan, Pam Smy, Daniel Egnéus, Beth Suzanna, Marie-Alice Harel, Petr Horácek, Chris Riddell, Bagram Ibatouilline, Benji Davies, Majid Adin, Richard Jones, Oliver Jeffers, Oliver Jeffers, and Benji Davies.

Genre or Category

Poetry or Novel in Verse

Target Age Group

PreK-6th grade

Recommended for ages 4-8 years, Preschool to 3rd grade

Format

Physical, print

Summary

What do you need to stay warm? Everyone has their own definition of what it means to be warm, including the means of staying so. In the wake of civil unrest and tragedy around the world, Neil Gaiman provides a poem of welcome, which has been illustrated to show the different facets of humanity in moments of vulnerability. 

Justification

This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “Poetry or Novel in Verse.” What You Need To Be Warm is a book featuring a single poem that is divided into twelve stanzas, which is written in free verse. Although it hasn’t received any awards, it does have glowing reviews from multiple literary review publications, such as Publishers Weekly,  Booklist, and School Library Journal. There are also many notable illustrators, including those with less notoriety, that collaborated with Gaiman on this book, which showcases a variety of art styles. Most importantly, this book was created to benefit the UNHCR, or UN Refugee Agency, which is dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for people affected by conflict and persecution. 

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating illustrations, theme, and mood.

Illustrations

What You Need To Be Warm is an incredibly emotional picture book that captures the essence of belonging in the midst of tragedy. In that sense of belonging, it also incorporates different aspects of warmth, such as body heat, warm food and beverages, fur, and textiles. In order to capture the feeling of warmth, including turmoil and loss, the illustrations gravitate towards a selection of colors that are representative of this. The only colors used in these illustrations are black, grey, white, and orange.The monochromatic scale ranging from black to white creates a sense of emptiness while the bright orange illuminates the pages and draws attention to the objects of warmth in question.The illustrations themselves also vary from artist to artist, which captures desires of a more simple time versus the current, more bleak reality. 

Theme

Although this picture book addresses multiple societal issues in its visuals, the stanzas of the poem itself go on to discuss what it means to be warm and what it means to belong. These ideas are expressed both through the text and in the illustrations, which both mention and show family members, friends, and communities. Outside of the poem, the thirteen illustrators that contributed towards the visuals in the book provide their own interpretations of the stanzas that they were assigned, which provide a diverse range of understanding and recognition of these concepts.

Mood

The mood of What You Need To Stay Warm can be challenging to articulate, because it attempts to create balance between tragedy and hope. What sticks out the most is its sense of nostalgia, which yearns for when we were warm and the lives we lived previously. In one way, the mood is melancholic because of how it approaches subjects like war and displacement. In another, the mood is hopeful because of how it addresses goodwill and kindness amongst strangers. It is also incredibly sobering. These moods are dictated by illustration and the poem itself, which has been interpreted by so many different people.

References

Gaiman, Neil. (2023). What you need to be warm (Y. Gwilym et al., Illus.). Quill Tree Books.

Gaiman, Neil. (2023). What you need to be warm [Cover illustration] (Y. Gwilym et al., Illus.). Quill Tree Books. https://www.harpercollins.com/products/what-you-need-to-be-warm-neil-gaiman?variant=41073292312610

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: This Is How We Do It by Matt Lamothe

This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World

Written by Matt Lamothe.

Genre or Category

Informational or Biography

Target Age Group

PreK-6th grade

Recommended for ages 3-7 years, Kindergarten to 3rd grade

Format

Physical, print

Summary

What is your name? Where do you live? What do you eat for lunch? This informational book follows the everyday lives of seven children around the world and the different ways that they ‘do’ things like eating, sleeping, and learning. Throughout the book, the reader may find themselves represented or may find how they are similar or different from other kids around the world. 

Justification

This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “Informational or Biography.” To date, This Is How We Do It has received four awards: the 2017 Booklist Editors’ Choice Best Book of the Year, the 2017 Amazon Best Book of the Year, the 2017 Parents’ Choice Award Winner, and was a Junior Library Guild Selection. It was also the recipient of many glowing reviews from across different literary review publications,which have praised its ability to showcase the concept of mirrors and windows, which allow readers to see themselves and others represented, which is important for emotional and social development. It was also listed on the Read On Wisconsin! State Reading List between 2018 and 2019.

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating illustrations, design and layout, and style, and accuracy.

Illustrations

Although their purpose is to provide information to the reader that is comprehensive and easy to digest, informational books can be fun! This Is How We Do It creates a learning environment for the reader that is both fun and playful through various illustrations that are maintained in a single style, though the illustrations themselves do not sacrifice the informational integrity of the writing. The illustrations are simple, yet have an incredible attention to detail which help to flesh out texture and other colors (i.e. a bruised banana). The color is also plentiful, though most of the colors used are muted and do not strain the eye. The illustrations of the children and their families are based on real people, too, who can be seen in photographs towards the end of the book.

Design and Layout

This book follows the lives of seven different children, which could pose a problem when it comes to formatting and keeping each story separate. However, the layout of the book is clean and creates sections where each child is able to exist freely in the space provided. Typically, these spaces are evenly-sized boxes that show a variety of images, such as a child’s portrait, their home, or a spread of clothing or food. What child and their country is represented in each box also varies and tends to change from page to page, which allows the reader’s eye to wander and take in more information without feeling locked into a pattern.

Accuracy

Accuracy is important for an informational book like This Is How We Do It, because it tells the story of seven children. It also includes seven countries and seven cultures. This can be daunting for any writer on any single subject dealing with humanity, much less seven. The author, Matt Lamothe, states that he gathered his information from seven real children and their families around the world, which was facilitated through email and messaging apps. A guide with detailed instructions on what information Lamothe needed was created, which included personal narratives and photos. The photos were used as references. Although these are real people, Lamothe states that they cannot represent entire countries or cultures, which is important when considering the politics of representation in media.

References

Lamothe, Matt. (2017). This is how we do it: One day in the lives of seven kids from around the world (M. Lamothe, Illus.). Chronicle Books.

Lamothe, Matt. (2017). This is how we do it: One day in the lives of seven kids from around the world [Cover illustration] (M. Lamothe, Illus.). Chronicle Books. https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/this-is-how-we-do-it

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: Very Good Hats by Emma Straub

Very Good Hats

Written by Emma Straub. Illustrated by Blanca Gómez.

Genre or Category

Texas 2x2

Target Age Group

PreK-6th grade

Recommended for ages 3-5 years, Preschool to Kindergarten

Format

Physical, print

Summary

What is a hat? This is a great question, which this picture book goes out to solve. To put it simply: a hat can be anything! Hats can be raspberries on fingers, pajama pants on heads, and even a turtle’s shell. A hat isn’t just a special item of clothing; it’s what you believe something can be!

Justification

This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “Texas 2x2.” Very Good Hats was added to the Texas 2x2 list in 2024 because of its ability to serve children two years old to children in grade two. In addition to joining this prestigious list, this picture book has also received glowing reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Book Riot.

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating illustrations, design and layout, and style and language.

Illustrations

Very Good Hats is a delightful picture book that oozes with color and texture. The illustrations themselves stick to using simple shapes and outlines, which are easy for young children to recognize. Additionally, there is an abundance of colors that range from dark to bright. The pages also have white backgrounds, which the characters pop out against and create a sort of contrast. Not only is this good for childhood development, but it also makes it fun for children to interact with, too. Although the shapes are simple, they are still defined enough to know exactly what it is supposed to represent. There are also multiple textures used throughout the book, too, which help to define what a character might be wearing or what their hair looks like in comparison to reality.

Design and Layout

This picture book uses illustrations that were created digitally and incorporates paper collage, which helps to illustrate different textures. The digital manipulation of these images creates a very clean look to the illustrations, which make them lay flat against the white background. Within this white background there is a small amount of black text that leads the reader throughout the story of different people exploring the concept of what a hat is and what it could be. This text is set in ITC Avant Garde Gothic Pro, which is a sans-serif font that is bolded. The text size is consistent throughout the book and creates a sense of control without overwhelming readers. It is simply a mode of moving the story along and does not draw attention to itself, which allows more focus on the illustrations.

Style and Language

Although Very Good Hats is a picture book intended for young children, it makes a great use of playful language that is not used on a day-to-day basis. Not only does this help expand a child’s developing vocabulary, but it also prompts an interest in language learning by making it fun. One fine example is the word “haberdashery,” which is used on the second page. A young child may not know what a haberdashery is, but they can use visual context to understand what that word means and how it is used. It is also worth mentioning that the language used in this book is age-appropriate for both younger and older children and does not make an attempt to be under- or overcomplicated. The language also has a friendly and inviting tone, which is assisted by punctuation and a lack of exciting text, like text that is capitalized randomly.

References

Straub, Emma. (2023). Very good hats (B. Gómez, Illus.). Rocky Pond Books.

Straub, Emma. (2023). Very good hats [Cover illustration] (B. Gómez, Illus.). Rocky Pond Books. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/702827/very-good-hats-by-emma-straub-illustrated-by-blanca-gomez/

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki

This One Summer

Written by Mariko Tamaki. Illustrated byJillian Tamaki.

Genre or Category

Printz Winner or Printz Honor Book

Target Age Group

7th-12th grade

Recommended for ages 12-18 years, grades 7-12th.

Format

Physical, print

Summary

Awago Beach is a refuge for the young Rose and Windy, who are friends and enjoy the festivities of summer there every year. This summer isn’t like every past year though, because tensions between Rose’s parents have grown. In the midst of family issues, Rose and Windy find themselves tied up in the drama with some local teens that are also at Awago Beach.

Justification

This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “Printz Winner or Printz Honor Book.” In 2015 it received the honor of being listed as a Michael L. Printz Honor Book, which is an award that recognizes the best books written for teens, which is based entirely on literary merit. Additionally, it was also a Caldecott Honor Book in 2015, received an Eisner Award for Best New Graphic Novel in 2015, and an Ignatz Award for Outstanding Graphic Novel in 2014. Both Mariko and Jillian Tamaki have received highly esteemed awards for both their works in writing and illustration. Although this book has received many brilliant reviews, it has also been on the end of scrutiny with many attempts at censorship because of the mature themes included in the story. 

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating illustrations, mood, and tension.

Illustrations

This One Summer is a graphic novel for young adults that features gorgeous illustrations that depict both lighthearted and emotionally heavy scenes. Although the character designs are fairly simple themselves, they have more detail in the linework used to create unique features, facial expressions and clothing, including the various textures used to emphasize those aspects. This is the same in regards to the scenery and settings used throughout the graphic novel - what appears simple is rather quite intricate. One key element that ties these illustrations together is the use of color, which is dominated by dark purple and purple blue in the linework. The remaining space is white. This use of a monochromatic design creates a sense of nostalgia, especially when characters are going through a sequence of memories. Additionally, these dark colors help to set different moods throughout the narrative. 

Mood

Graphic novels and other media intended for young adults often explore the complexities that come with growing up, and This One Summer is no exception. Mood in this graphic novel is established in one sentence of the synopsis of the story: “Rose’s mom and dad won’t stop fighting, and Rose and Windy have gotten tangled up in the tragedy-in-the-making in the small town of Awago Beach.” In this sentence, it has told the reader that this particular story is moody and that it will most likely be angsty and full of conflict. This is also highlighted in the dialogue between the characters and the illustrations, which feature soured facial expressions and intense weather.

Tension

Tension is present throughout This One Summer in many different interpersonal relationships. It’s seen between friends, lovers, and characters we wouldn’t think of having tension between them. Similar to the mood, tension is supported by the writing and illustrations present in the graphic novel. However, the more mature or sensitive themes in this story tend to create the most tension. For example, Rose’s mother, Alice, experiences a miscarriage which impacts her ability to connect with other people and enjoy the lake. As a result, this creates tension between her, her husband, and her daughter. The use of onomatopoeia is also helpful in creating tense scenes, such as doors slamming or heavy rain on the roof.

References

Tamaki, Mariko. (2014). This one summer (J. Tamaki, Illus.). First Second.

Tamaki, Mariko. (2014). This one summer [Cover illustration] (J. Tamaki, Illus.). First Second. https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781596437746/thisonesummer

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O’Donoghue

All Our Hidden Gifts

Written by Caroline O’Donoghue. Illustrated by Stefanie Caponi.

Genre or Category

Fantasy

Target Age Group

7th-12th grade

Recommended for ages 14-17 years, grades 9-12th

Format

Digital, ebook

Summary

After a falling out with her best friend (now ex-best friend) Lily, Maeve discovers a deck of tarot cards hidden amongst relics from the 1990s in a storage closet. Soon Maeve finds herself at the center of her school as their lead diviner. However, Lily becomes the newest victim of the tarot deck when she draws the Housekeeper card and goes missing. Now, with the help of faces old and new, Maeve must find Lily and solve the mystery surrounding the Housekeeper herself.

Justification

This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “Fantasy.” All Our Hidden Gifts is a young adult novel that falls within the fantasy and paranormal fiction genres, which explores topics related to the occult, such as tarot cards, magical rituals, and supernatural creatures and beings. In 2021, it was the recipient of two awards: the Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Books and School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. It also received incredible praise from The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, School Library Connection, NPR, and multiple book review magazines.

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating illustrations, theme, and setting.

Illustrations

The illustrations used throughout this novel are all intentional and provide an incredible amount of context for the actions that Maeve takes throughout the story. All of the illustrations are of different tarot cards that are drawn from the deck that Maeve finds in the storage closet, which each have a unique design that have their own meanings. However, the meanings behind these cards are not always explicitly stated in the book, which allows the reader to explore independently and read into the subtext behind each scene where a tarot card is drawn. These tarot cards are described as being colorful with reds and golds, though the cards in the books are in black and white, usually on top of a grey background. 

One particular aspect of these illustrations that sticks out is the use, or lack of, color. For printed books, it is logical for the publishing houses to print it in black and white to reduce the cost of the book, both in terms of ink and paper. However, the ebook version of this book is being reviewed, and does question the lack of color. In theory, ebooks should be able to use color liberally in illustrations without consequence. Additionally, the linework in these illustrations seem especially clean, as if they had been created digitally. This is common in most mass-produced works, though it would be interesting to see if the appearance of these illustrations changed between print and digital formats.

Theme

All Our Hidden Gifts is a complex coming of age story that explores multiple themes. In particular, it explores what it means to be a person and how we become who we are through trial and error. This is especially evident in the way that the author portrays Maeve and the other characters she interacts with, which in a way shows the reader rather than tells them. Themes related to personal identity are important for young adult readers who are typically finding their place in the world and confronting issues of their own, both internally and externally. 

Setting

Although it is explicitly stated that this story takes place in Ireland, the author does not have to state this fact because of the amount of worldbuilding that goes into the pages. The town in which this story is told is illustrated through characters’ speech, cultural practices, local architecture, and food that is eaten. We are also given significant landmarks, such as the Beg River. Additionally, there is a distinction of when this story takes place, which is supported by things like clothing and social media apps that the characters interact with, which in turn creates a sense of relatability with young adult readers. 

References

O’Donoghue, Caroline. (2021). All our hidden gifts (S. Caponi, Illus.). Candlewick Press.

O’Donoghue, Caroline. (2021). All our hidden gifts [Cover illustration] (S. Caponi, Illus.). Candlewick Press. https://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=format&mode=book&isbn=1536213942&bkview=pabrkfjg&pix=y

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

Challenger Deep Written by Neal Shusterman. Illustrated by Brendan Shusterman.

Genre or Category

National Book Award Winner

Target Age Group

7th-12th grade

Recommended for ages 14-17 years, grades 9-12th.

Format

Physical, print

Summary

Caden Bosch is changing. When he isn’t walking for miles under the guise of joining his school’s track team, he’s documenting a grand ship’s journey to Challenger Deep… but how is that possible? Caden Bosch is experiencing an onset of schizophrenia and he’s in for quite the journey.

Justification

This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “National Book Award Winner.” Specifically, this book received the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature in 2015. The National Book Award for Young People’s Literature is one of five National Book Awards, which are bestowed annually and seeks to recognize literature written by US citizens. In addition, it has also received the Golden Kite Award and was a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book. 

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating point of view, illustrations, and accuracy.

Point of View

Challenger Deep is unique because it incorporates a dual narrative, which shows the protagonist, Caden Bosch, in both the first and second person. In the first person, Caden uses “I” and recounts his experiences in real-time, both in the real world and what has become his own reality, which has been distorted by onset schizophrenia. In the second person, typically the word “you” and other variations is used to refer to the reader. In this specific instance, “you” is used to refer to Caden. When the narrative is in second person, we see the world from outside of Caden’s own perspective and are seeing it from a spectator’s viewing. For example, we see Caden being admitted to a psychiatric facility in the second person (i.e. “To keep yourself from pacing, you focus on the fish tank.”) This transition between different points of view shows us the instability that Caden is experiencing, both internally and externally. 

Illustrations

Although Challenger Deep is a young adult novel, it does incorporate illustrations throughout the story. These illustrations are typically in black and mimic drawings done in pen or other writing instruments. They are also chaotic in nature and have erratic linework, usually with jagged or swirling lines. Sometimes the illustrations attempt to mimic things found in reality, such as snails, but it will be drastically disfigured. They are often used to illustrate what cannot be said through text and help to convey emotions that the main character is experiencing. The illustrations in this novel were created by Brendan Shusterman, the son of Neal Shusterman, who had similar experiences with schizophrenia.

Accuracy

In the “Author’s Note,” Neal Shusterman states that in order to capture “the descent” he collaborated with his son. In addition to speaking about his son and other loved ones’ experiences with mental illness, Shusterman also states in the “Acknowledgements” that he had used resources provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which is a nonprofit mental health organization in the US that provides support and education for people with mental illness and their families. Although this story was informed by real-life accounts and educational resources, it does not claim to be the only story of schizophrenia, which helps in justifying its accuracy.

References

Shusterman, Neal. (2015). Challenger Deep (B. Shusterman, Illus.). Quill Tree Books.

Shusterman, Neal. (2015). Challenger Deep [Cover illustration] (B. Shusterman, Illus.). Quill Tree Books. https://www.harpercollins.com/products/challenger-deep-neal-shusterman?variant=32206548828194

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Marlon Bundo and Jill Twiss

A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo Written by Marlon Bundo and Jill Twiss. Illustrated by E.G. Keller.

Genre or Category

Banned or Challenged Book

Target Age Group

PreK-6th grade

Recommended for ages 2-7 years, grades 1st-3rd grade.

Format

Physical, print

Summary

Marlon Bundo, a lonely bunny, has his life changed forever on one Very Special Day. On this particular day, he meets another bunny that he falls in love with.

Justification

This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “Banned or Challenged Book.” This book has both been banned and challenged. According to its data regarding book challenges and bans, A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo made the “Top Ten Most Challenged Books” in both 2018 and 2019. The reason for it’s banning and challenging is because of the LGBTQIA+ content, which is shown through the romantic relationship between the characters Marlon Bundo and Wesley. 

Despite the challenges and bans, this title has had a mixed response, though mostly positive. Its publishing prompted donations towards The Trevor Project, AIDS United, the A21 Campaign, and Tracy’s Kids. It has also raised awareness regarding same-sex marriage and the attitudes and policies related to it.

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating tension, theme, and tone.

Tension

This is a light-hearted picture book that discusses the complexities of same-sex marriage in the United States, specifically in relation to intolerance. This is used to create tension in the story between Marlon Bundo, Wesley, and the antagonist. Tension is created in this story through the use of different text sizes, adjectives, facial expressions, and capitalization. All of these are tools used to emphasize tense moments. This tension is eventually resolved and the story continues with a happy ending.

Theme

A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo has a theme focused on LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, though it does delve into topics related to advocacy and democracy. Although this book is a comedic and political satire, it does handle this theme with care and discusses it consistently throughout the book. It also makes the topic of LGBTQIA+ inclusivity more accessible to children, using relatively simple concepts related to marriage and age-appropriate language.

Tone

Being that this story is comedic and political satire, it is clear that the authors are against anti-LGBTQIA+ intolerances and policies, including the political figures that support them. In fact, this book was published in response to the policies supported by Mike Pence, the “Grampa” of Marlon Bundo. In contrast, the authors are enthusiastic towards LGBTQIA+ inclusion and provide a hopeful tone towards the end of the story.

References

Bundo, M., Twiss, J. (2018). A day in the life of Marlon Bundo (E. Keller, Illus.). Chronicle Books.

Bundo, M., Twiss, J. (2018). A day in the life of Marlon Bundo [Cover illustration] (E. Keller, Illus.). Chronicle Books. https://www.chroniclebooks.com/cdn/shop/products/9781452173801-350.jpg?v=1618348716

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: The Cat Man of Aleppo by Irene Latham and Karim Shamsi-Basha

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

Genre or Category

Caldecott Medal book OR Newbery Medal book

Target Age Group

PreK-6th grade

Recommended for ages 4-8 years, grades PreK-3rd grade.

Format

Physical, print / Audio (VOX Book)

Summary

Aleppo is Alaa’s home, which he treasures dearly despite the ongoing war in Syria. Many of his neighbors flee, Alaa stays to help those in need- both human and animals alike. Alaa may be an ambulance driver, but he’s also the caretaker for Aleppo’s many cats. In his journey to take care of these cats, Alaa does even more good for his community and makes some friends along the way.

Justification

This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “Caldecott Medal book OR Newbery Medal book.” In 2021, The Cat Man of Aleppo received honors for the Caldecott Medal, which is an award that recognizes outstanding American picture books for children. This specific award is gifted to the illustrators of the books that are awarded and honored. In addition, this title also received the 2020 Middle East Book Award, which recognizes youth literature that contributes towards meaningful understanding of the Middle East. It has also received a glowing review from Kirkus Reviews. 

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating setting, accuracy, and mood.

Setting

The setting is established quickly in the first few pages, which is explicitly stated by Alaa himself and in the narrative written by the authors. Without this, the reader can still tell where the story is located based on the context clues provided by the illustration, which is not always easy. The clothing seen on the background characters, the architecture, and the presence of different foods and spices tells us that the setting is in the Middle East, which is helpful to the reader if they aren’t familiar with Aleppo or Syria. Additionally, showing Alaa in a war-torn environment emphasizes how he feels and why.

In reference to VOX books specifically, which is the version being reviewed, the different sound effects used throughout the readalong helps to immerse the reader. Not only are there sounds of people, but there also sounds from vehicles, animals, and conflict. One thing to note is the use of a cat’s meow to signal when the page is being turned. Although the meows are delightful, they remove the reader from the immersive effects.

Accuracy

Although this book does not include a bibliography for works about Alaa, it does include a list of art references, which the illustrator used to design the backgrounds and characters seen throughout this book.  In order to guarantee accuracy, the illustrator utilized memoirs, videos, photos, and other forms of media. It is also stated that the cat sanctuary in the book is based on two separate cat sanctuaries, which were blended together. It should be noted that interviews were conducted with Alaa Aljaleel himself, which is why there is a lack of bibliographic information.

Mood

There are many different moods that are explored throughout this book. At some points it is fearful, other times it is lonely, but it ends on a hopeful note. The mood is shaped both by the writing and the illustrations. The writing helps the reader through using descriptive language and the illustrations show different forms of body language, while also showing mood through a variety of color schemes. 

In reference to VOX books specifically, which is the version being reviewed, the audio present in the readalong helps emphasize the mood of this book. These sounds also influence the mood of the reader because of the immersive effect it has. The mood can also be seen through the speech of the narrator, whose energy and tone changes throughout the story.

References

Latham, I., Shamsi-Basha, K. (2020). The cat man of Aleppo (Y. Shimizu, Illus.; R. Faragallah, Narr.) [Audiobook]. G.P. Putnam's Sons. VOX book. Listening Library.

Latham, I., Shamsi-Basha, K. (2020). The cat man of Aleppo [Cover illustration] (Y. Shimizu, Illus.). G.P. Putnam’s Sons. https://images4.penguinrandomhouse.com/cover/9781984813787

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey

A Friend for Henry Written by Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Mika Song.

Genre or Category Disability or Differences

Target Age Group PreK-6th grade Recommended for ages 3-5 years, grades PreK-Kindergarten.

Format Physical, print

Summary Henry is looking for a friend. He thinks that this friend should share, listen, and like order. Henry likes all of these things. However, making a new friend can be hard, especially when Henry is overstimulated by the other children in his class.

Justification This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “Disability or Differences.” Specifically, this book has a protagonist that is on the autism spectrum, which is a type of intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). In 2020 A Friend for Henry received an honor from the Schneider Family Book Award, which is an award that recognizes authors and illustrators that depict disabilities in youth literature. This book has also received a glowing review from the School Library Journal and eventually became the catalyst for a series of Henry books that feature the same character.

Evaluation For this review, I will be evaluating character, plot, and setting.

Character All of the characters that are shown in A Friend for Henry are unique and believable, which is an important quality in youth literature. Each character has their own interests and attitudes, as well as character designs and facial expressions. Henry, in particular, is unique in that he is on the autism spectrum, which creates obstacles for him when interacting with other children. However, this same quality is what makes it easier for him to make friends with Katie, a character that is introduced later in the book and who becomes Henry’s friend. Henry is also a believable character in the ways that he reacts to being overstimulated and that his experience with autism isn’t on any extreme side of the autism spectrum. Though this is not a bad thing, it can make representation of characters with autism difficult to relate to.

Plot A Friend for Henry has the ultimate major dramatic question (MDQ): “Will Henry makes a friend?”. This is the premise of the story, which shows Henry showing what qualities he wants and does not want in a friend over its progression. Additionally, readers see Henry experiencing challenges of his own, particularly in the ways that he interacts with others. These interactions either push Henry forward or pull him backward in the process of finding a friend, which also creates a sort of tension.

Setting The reader is explicitly told that this story takes place in “Classroom six, second left down the hall.” This tells the reader that the setting is in a school and that it takes place during the school day. Although the story starts in this one area, it gradually moves throughout the school into different areas, such as the playground and Art Class. The background of the illustrations are plain and typically white, which creates a space that is open for imagination. This allows the reader to create a setting that is limited to the text stating what is happening, but the areas itself can be as big or small as the reader imagines.

References Bailey, Jenn. (2019). A friend for Henry (M. Song, Illus.). Chronicle Books.

Bailey, Jenn. (2019). A friend for Henry [Cover illustration] (M. Song, Illus.). Chronicle Books. https://www.chroniclebooks.com/cdn/shop/products/9781452167916_0d744b97-0439-41c4-9420-1ff8df9434d0.png?v=1618329292

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

Julián Is a Mermaid Written by Jessica Love.

Genre or Category LGBTQ+

Target Age Group PreK-6th grade Recommended for ages 3-6 years, grades PreK-3rd

Format Physical, print

Summary While on the subway, Julián sees three women that remind him of mermaids. Julián loves mermaids, which causes him to become enchanted with the way that the women have dressed and styled their hair. When he returns home with his grandmother, Julián creates a mermaid costume for himself, which takes his grandmother by surprise.

Justification This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “LGBTQ+.” Specifically, this book explores themes related to gender nonconformity and gender identity. Julián Is a Mermaid was bestowed with the Stonewall Book Award, which is a literary award that recognizes works that relate to the queer experience, which includes the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities. It was also the recipient of the Klaus Flugge Prize, Children’s Book NAUBA Book of the Year Award, Opera Prima Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and the Bologna Ragazzi Award, in addition to having been selected and honored for other awards.

Evaluation For this review, I will be evaluating the character, tension, and illustrations.

Character Julián and his grandmother are both delightful characters, which are both unique and believable to the reader. Julián is unique in that he loves mermaids, which is typically an interest for girls. He is also a believable character because he is a young child with an imagination and a certain enthusiasm for the things he enjoys. His grandmother is unique in the way that she works together with Julián to support his interests. She is a believable character because she is an elderly woman who is associated with activities and interests commonly found in her age group, such as taking water aerobics (seen on the inside of the book cover) and owning a set of pearls.

Tension Although this story is fairly lighthearted, the main protagonist does encounter a moment of tension. This tension is experienced when Julián reveals his mermaid costume to his grandmother, who is caught by surprise when she first sees him. This moment is emphasized by the facial expressions and body language of each character, as well as the text “‘Oh!’” and “Uh-oh.” Not only does this pique interest in the reader, but may also resonate with readers that have experienced similar interactions, such as when someone ‘comes out’ or discloses their sexual or gender identity to others..

Illustrations The attention to detail in this picture book is remarkable! Each character that is shown has a distinct look, which is shown by a variety of body types, facial expressions, clothing, and hair styles and textures. Although the illustrations were completed in watercolor, gouache, and ink, Love was able to emulate different hair and fabric textures through the use of shadow and light. The illustrations are also very large and take up the entire page, which gives us more of the story despite having little text. The backgrounds are also fairly simple, with the exception of the parade scene, which helps different patterns and shapes pop.

References Love, Jessica. (2018). Julián Is a Mermaid (J. Love, Illus.). Candlewick Press.

Love, Jessica. (2018). Julián Is a Mermaid [Cover illustration] (J. Love, Illus.). Candlewick Press. https://www.candlewick.com/bookxtras.asp?isbn=0763690457&id=&browse=title&view=jacket&jacket=./images/cwp_bookjackets/648/0763690457.jpg&bktitle=Juli%E1n+Is+a+Mermaid

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: Radiant Child by Javaka Steptoe

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat Written by Javaka Steptoe.

Genre or Category Coretta Scott King winner Winner of the 2017 Coretta Scott King award

Target Age Group PreK-6th grade Recommended for ages 5-9 years, grades PreK-3rd

Format Physical, print

Summary Jean-Michel Basquiat was an artist that rocked the art world throughout the 1980s with his magnificent collage-style paintings. Since childhood, Basquiat saw art in everything he experienced, no matter how mundane it seemed. His story is illustrated through this biographical picture book, which features bold artwork and text.

Justification This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “Coretta Scott King winner.” Radiant Child was the 2017 winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator award, which is a literary award that seeks to recognize African American illustrators that create books for young readers that reflect the African American experience. In addition to this award, it was also the recipient of the Caldecott Medal in 2017. Kirkus Reviews, the School Library Journal, and Booklist have all given this book glowing reviews.

Evaluation For this review, I will be evaluating the pacing, accuracy, and the style and language.

Pacing This narrative about Jean-Michel Basquiat has a relatively consistent pace, which is neither slow nor fast. However, it does seem quick for a biographical work, which is appropriate for young readers. The story seems to linger on Basquiat’s childhood, which helps to establish how Basquiat became interested in art. Towards the end of the book, specifically in the section titled “More about Jean-Michel Basquiat” the pace seems to slow, which is emphasized by the large paragraphs of text that provide more information, including notes on symbolism and a personal note from the author.

Accuracy Radiant child accurately portrays the life of Jean-Michel Basquiat, which is supported by the extensive bibliography in the beginning of the book. Though the main narrative does not use the proper terminology to describe specific parts of Basquiat’s personal life (“His mother’s mind is not well” in place of “mental health issues”), though this seems appropriate for the age group this book is recommended for. This book also illustrates some of Basquiat’s works, which are fairly accurate to their source material.

Style and Language The author uses brief sentences throughout the narrative portion of the book, which creates quick pacing and a story that is easy to follow. In addition to the short sentences, a rhyming scheme is also used to create a sort of rhythm, though the rhyming isn’t constant. In terms of text, the narrative is primarily in Century Gothic but there’s also a display type in Basquiat. The type Basquiat is used to emphasize specific parts of the text, such as descriptive words, locations, and quotes.

References Steptoe, Javaka. (2016). Radiant child: the story of young artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (J. Steptoe, Illus.). Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Steptoe, Javaka. (2016). Radiant child: the story of young artist Jean-Michel Basquiat [Cover illustration] (J. Steptoe, Illus.). Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. https://www.littlebrownlibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/9780316213882.jpg

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: Stars of the Night by Caren Stelson, illustrations by Selina Alko

Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport Written by Caren Stelson. Illustrated by Selina Alko.

Genre or Category Texas Bluebonnet Award (nominated or winner) Listed on the 2024-2025 Texas Bluebonnet Award list, no winner released yet.

Target Age Group PreK-6th grade Recommended for ages 7-11 years, grades 2-3

Format Physical, print

Summary Nicholas Winton helped save 669 children from Nazi persecution using the Czech Kindertransport, which he helped to organize. This detailed picture book provides a collective narrative of the children who were rescued using the Czech Kindertransport during World War II and their experiences leaving their families and creating new ones abroad.

Justification This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “Texas Bluebonnet Award (nominated or winner).” Stars of the night is featured in the 2024-2025 Texas Bluebonnet Award list, which is a children’s choice literary award that helps to encourage reading outside of the classroom. Although it did not win this specific award, it was featured in the current list. Stars of the Night has also received recognition from the ALA Notable Children’s Book list, was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award, and has been featured on many other reading lists.

Evaluation For this review, I will be evaluating the setting, illustrations, and the point of view.

Setting This narrative in this book does an excellent job at establishing the setting. Although it makes distinct references to specific places (“Czechoslovakia 1938” and “In Germany”), the illustrations make it very clear of where and when this narrative takes place. The reader is told about the foods that are eaten in Czechoslovakia and England, which helps to further the point of how different these environments are. The clothing that the characters wear also shows us what period of time this narrative is in.

Illustrations Stars of the Night uses a variety of methods to illustrate a significant moment in history. There is not one singular medium that is used, though college and painting is prevalent. I believe that this is done to both create a sense of chaos while also reminding the reader of their own childhood, which may have included things like collaging and painting pictures. An interesting detail is that most of the paper with text on it that’s used in the collage is primarily in German, with the exception of the page showing a picture of Nicholas Winton, which is in English.The illustrations done in paint are also fairly simple while also evoking incredible emotions, such as joy and sorrow.

Point of View This book uses a first-person point of view, which is shown through the use of the pronouns “we” and “us.” The point of view does not change in the narrative portion of the book, which creates a sense of community and illustrates how this moment in time was experienced by a collective. Additionally, there is no reference to a specific mother or father (“our mothers”), which furthers the point of this being a shared experience.

References Stelson, Caren. (2023). Stars of the night: the courageous children of the Czech Kindertransport (S. Alko. Illus.). Carolrhoda Books.

Stelson, Caren. (2023). Stars of the night: the courageous children of the Czech Kindertransport [Cover illustration] (S. Alko. Illus.). Carolrhoda Books. https://assets2.titleleaf.com/lerner/product/cover/l_9781541598683_fc.jpg