It’s November and in two weeks it is Thanksgiving! How did this happen? The year is passing by so quickly, but I have to admit, autumn is my favorite time of year. I love shuffling through the leaves on my daily walks, seeing all of the pumpkins and gourds at Trader Joe’s, making lots of yummy soups and smelling my spice candles. I’ve been trying to enjoy every moment, although I’ve been a little overwhelmed during the past few months with Kid Lit. I’ve been lucky to have so many books to read and review! I’ve also been really busy with Kid Lit Exchange. We’re a group of kid lit lovers who read, review and exchange new books, many before they’ve been released. Our goal is to support the Kid Lit authors and to help our readers know about the great books that will be coming soon.  In August, the founder, @kate.olson.reads decided to step back and hand over leadership to a team. It’s been a huge project for us, but we’re succeeding. We feature the new releases each week on our blog and have lots of reviews on Instagram #kidlitexchange. I invite you to visit soon.

Now, here are some of my current favorites. I hope some will be your favorites, as well!

In Your Shoes by Donna Gephart

This is a story I will remember for a long time. It’s a story about twelve year olds, grandparents, grief, disabilities, anxiety, friendship and most of all love. There is kindness shown toward a new girl desperately searching for a friend in a new school in a new town, toward a boy who is missing his grandma and has a loving, but complicated relationship with his grandpa and with Miles’ quiet understanding and concern about Amy’s disability. ~~~
I loved so many things about this book…
~The narrator, who pops up throughout the book to add just a bit more to the story; especially the page where she writes “A Sad Truth” about losing someone. It is so true and offers comfort and understanding to those of us who are feeling that pain.
~Miles determination to save enough money to take his grandfather to the Bowling Hall of Fame
~Amy’s mom, who is always surprising her with encouraging and loving thoughts, as well as that extra little push that we all need to do the right thing.
~Finally, I loved the epilogue about Miles grandparents and Amy’s mom. I want to think of my parents experiencing the same sweet moments as they watch over all of us. ~~~
This is a book that needs to be in elementary and middle school libraries. I know it’s going to be on my bookshelf!

Middle grade ~ family ~ friendship ~ disabilities ~ kindness ~ grief

Operation Rescue Dog

written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Luisa Uribe

When I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to review it! We have rescued three greyhounds over the past twelve years. In every case, we feel that we were actually the ones who were rescued. These sweet girls brought so much joy to our lives, as well as companionship, humor and of course, love. Operation Rescue Dog sweetly describes just such a situation, although this time the one who is rescued is a lonely little girl.
🐶
Alma desperately misses her Mami who has been in Iraq for three months. She convinces her Abeula (grandma) that they need to rescue a dog to surprise Mami when she returns. The dog must be the color of Mami’s eyes and have a new yellow leash, Mami’s favorite color. The adoption process proves to be quite an adventure for all of them.
🐶
This engaging story, with heartwarming, colorful illustrations and told from both Alma’s and her new dog, Lulu’s points of view, is a perfect one to share with families who have adopted a dog, or who are pondering the possibility. I must warn you though, after listening to Operation Rescue Dog, your little ones may convince you that an immediate trip to your local humane society for an “operation rescue dog” is absolutely essential for your family.

Picture book ~ families ~ animals

Run Wild Written and Illustrated by David Covel 

It may be November and the winter winds are blowing, but what do so many of us wish for our children and ourselves – one more opportunity to RUN WILD. David Covell’s words and watercolor illustrations encourage you and your little ones to do just that! These pictures leap off the page as the story follows a boy and girl gleefully romping through a forest and wading in a lake. The intriguing vocabulary will initiate lots of conversations and questions as your family’s imaginations soar. You’ll find yourself yearning for one more hike through the park or forest preserve, or maybe even a weekend at a cabin in the woods. This is definitely a title you’ll want to add to your library or shopping list!🌲

Picture book ~ nature

Finding Esme by Suzanne Crowley

Esme is twelve years old and lives on a peach farm in Texas with her stoic grandmother, her mother, who isn’t really aware of her or anything else, and her little brother. Until three years ago, her dad lived there, too, but then one day he simply said goodbye and never returned. Her grandpa also lived in their old farm house until three months ago when his heart simply stopped working. Esme desperately misses Paps and the love, acceptance and attention she only received from him. I found myself wanting to hug Esme for a very long time, to tell her she really will feel better one day and to allow her the freedom to just be a child, rather than the adult everyone expects her to be.
🍑
This story is full of magic, mystery, adventure and family. I loved Esme’s resourcefulness and determination as she worked to solve her family’s financial crisis. I loved her fierce loyalty to her friends and family, including to her beloved dinosaur, Louella Goodbones, who she discovered on the farm. And finally, I loved her courage as she began to understand her gift of finding all things, as well as her ability to see ghosts.
🍑
This is a good choice for students in grades 4-7 who are looking for a magical story, with a lot of love and adventure mixed in. It would be perfect for those students who are looking for a book “just like a Wendy Mass book”! I recommend that it be added to both elementary and middle school libraries.

Middle Grade ~ families ~ magic ~ mystery

Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker: Incognito                       by Shelley Johannes

Beatrice is back in her second book, and I think I may have liked it even more than the first (which is saying a lot)! Beatrice is just beginning third grade and along with her best friend, Lenny, has a secret plan, Operation Upside. They plan to make a lot of people happy by presenting “Award of Recognition” certificates.
🔹
Here are some reasons for you to order Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker: Incognito
TODAY!

🔹The characters are so much fun!
🔹I loved the quiet kindness shown by Wes as he held the school door open for his classmates every single morning, his willingness to share his art supplies, and his thoughtfulness when he handed out kindness rocks to friends who might need them.
🔹Beatrice’s love of animals, her insistence that she thinks much better upside down, her creativity as she stealthily sneaks over to her neighbor’s window and her code names for Operation Upside members all added to this charming story.
🔹Ms.Johannes delightful illustrations bring so much life to the story. I would definitely love to have some of her artwork hanging in my office. You can’t help loving every character when you see their faces!
🔹The central theme of kindness in the story including the certificates, Beatrice’s plan to reward her teacher (even though it’s not too successful!) and the empathy shown by Beatrice and Lenny toward their classmates.
🔹
This is a great book to read aloud to all ages. Those ready for a chapter book are going to devour this latest addition to the Beatrice Zinker series and will be eagerly waiting for the news of her next adventure. I know I will!

Read aloud ~ humor ~ kindness ~ beginning chapter book ~ series

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

How can it suddenly be Labor Day? Every year on Memorial Day weekend I vow to make every moment of summer count. Ever since I read this column almost 20 years ago, I’ve kept this in mind. Summer is precious.

This summer we’ve had some special family visits with our children, siblings and nieces and nephews. We’ve enjoyed many long hikes both in nature and in our own city. We’ve spent countless hours on our patio reading so many, many books. We’ve walked the neighborhood with Brandy, our greyhound, and had many wonderful conversations with our neighbors. We’ve tried new restaurants and laughed with friends. These are all things we could do almost any time of the year, but somehow summer makes these memorable experiences all that much more special.

I hope you’ve had some equally great experiences and moments this summer! I especially hope you found some time to lounge with some good books. Maybe even some beach reading?! I’m sharing some of my recent finds that I don’t want you to miss. Did you find some new titles you think we should try? Please share those in the comments. Have a great Labor Day!

The Dress and the Girl

By Camille Andros

Pictures by Julie Morstad

Thank you to @kidlitexchange and @abramskids for the free review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. A little girl and her dress, a dress made by her mother on a Greek Island, long to do something “singular, stunning or sensational. For something extraordinary.” Thus begins this lovely and charming story. It’s a familiar story for so many of us, that memory of a special dress you can’t forget. I have one of those I just can’t part with. It was a “Cinderella” dress chosen in a special shopping trip with my mom. Whenever I see that pink party dress in my memory bin, I’m suddenly once again gathering chocolate Easter eggs with my brother, or bouncing out the door to one of  countless birthday parties I attended. Happily, I can say this story once again brought back those warm memories of a time long ago. And isn’t that one of the reasons we read stories?
🚢
The Dress and the Girl is made even lovelier when the lyrical words of @CamilleAndrosare are joined by the amazing illustrations of @JulieMorstad, one of my very favorite illustrators. Together they help us to understand the dreams of a little girl immigrating to the United States; the dream that maybe “now was the time for something singular, stunning or sensational. For something extraordinary.” The dream shared by immigrants a hundred years ago, as well as today.
🚢
This book is available now. It’s a “must read” to add to your library holds list or your shopping list. I know it’s going on my bookshelf!

Immigration, memories, dreams for the future

the truth as told by mason buttle  

by leslie connor  

Oh my, I just added another title to my “best of 2018” list!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mason is in seventh grade, lives in a “tumbledown” with his grandma and his uncle (his mom died in a traffic accident years before), is very large for his age, has dyslexia and lost his best friend a little over a year ago. Mason and Benny were inseparable and stood together against the neighborhood bullies. Their refuge was always their treehouse in Mason’s family’s apple orchard. At least it used to be their happy place, until one day Mason found Benny in a heap at the bottom of the ladder, dead. And Mason’s life has never been the same. The police suspect it was his fault, as do most of the town’s people, and the lieutenant won’t let him be, even though Mason has truthfully told him his story many times.

I loved everything about this book, which is a first person narrative, but the characters in this story are especially remarkable. 🌳Mason – You feel that you know exactly how Mason is feeling. You understand his sadness, his loneliness, his frustration that he is not believed, but you also admire his trust, his kindness and his optimism that all will be better. 🌳Grandma’s faith and love for her family and her fierce determination to protect Mason.🌳Ms. Blinny’s optimism, resourcefulness and support of Mason and the other kids in her social work office, The Swoof.🌳Calvin’s sense of humor, his adventurous spirit and his kindness🌳Uncle Drum’s complete trust in, and love for Mason, even though he is dealing with many problems of his own. 🌳Moonie, Mason’s neighbor’s dog who in Mason’s opinion is “the best dog” and becomes Mason’s dog.
And more. As you can see – remarkable!
🌳This was such a hard book to stop reading! It is full of unfairness and cruelty, but is also full of so much kindness and love. It’s one you will remember for a long, long time.🌳I recommend it to middle graders in grades 4-7. You’ll find in your library now, but be prepared to wait! It’s that good!

Grief, kindness, friendship, dog stories

All are welcome

by alexandra penfold

illustrated by suzanne kaufman

This is a picture book that needs to find its way into every preschool and early elementary classroom this fall. It’s the perfect book to share at the very beginning of the new year. The vibrantly colored illustrations help to tell the story of the first day of school for many children and their families. It reminds us that all children, no matter the color of their skin, where they are from, what clothes they wear, what religion they practice or who makes up their family, have a place in the school family. Your children will recognize many familiar moments of their day from circle time, to lunchtime, to recess, to the walk home, to sharing time at dinner. It offers reassurance to children that no matter their differences, they are welcome. Something we all need to think about, wherever we are. All are welcome!

Immigration, Acceptance of Differences, Windows and Mirrors

 no fixed address

 by susin nielsen

Thank you to @randomhousekids and @kidlitexchange for a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
🚌
This is a book you truly need to read the moment it is released on 9.11.18! Felix’s story will grab you from the very first page. We immediately feel his fear about being in a police station and being questioned by a kind, but nonetheless a police officer, about his iffy living arrangements and about his quirky, but loving mom. We learn about his astute P.O.O. (powers of observation) that help him to better understand the world around him. And then we learn a little more of Felix’s story about how he and his mom have been living in a stolen van for the past four months; a situation he insists is only temporary. He insists he’s definitely NOT homeless.
🚌
This book provided everything I’m looking for in a good story. It had family, friendship, resourcefulness, lovable characters and most of all kindness. I loved that Felix was surrounded by so much kindness. Even though his quirky mom stretches the truth and is a little distrusting of the world, she has a great deal of love for Felix and so much pride. Felix’s friends, Winnie and Dylan, as well as their families, were extremely welcoming and kind to Felix. Monsieur Thibault was the caring and supportive teacher we all hope our children will have. Even Mr. and Mrs. Ahmadi showed great kindness to Felix, once they realized his situation, even though he had stolen a banana from their store. I loved how all of these characters worked together to support Felix and his mom, when they finally understood their situation.
🚌
This is my first Susan Nielsen book, but I’m sure it won’t be my last! It needs to be in every public and middle school library. Be sure it’s on your fall order!

Kindness, Homelessness, Friendship, Resourcefulness, Pride

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

2018 is proving to be an amazing year for children’s literature. I’ve shared many of my favorites this spring and summer, but my list keeps growing! School may have started, but I hope you’ll still be taking trips to the library. Here are more favorite kids’ books to add to your list, or maybe your children will find them in their school libraries.

be kind by pat Zietlow miller

We need so much more kindness in our world! A great place to start making this happen is during read alouds with our little ones. Be Kind is the perfect conversation starter! It not only tells the story of how kindness in a classroom can happen, but also in the neighborhood and at home. It helps children to understand that kindness is friendliness, patience and working to right a wrong. It can be a small gesture, or something more, that will lead to a greater kindness. I highly recommend this very special book be shared with children 3 – 8 years old, both in classrooms and home. It’s definitely one you’ll want to add to your family library.🌼

Kindness, empathy, friendship, school

I Walk with Vanessa: A story about a simple act of kindness by Kerascoët

This charming wordless picture book won my heart when I saw the cover and after “reading” the story I knew I needed a copy of my own. It tells the story of a young girl who has just moved into the neighborhood and is new at school, a boy who isn’t very kind, and a teacher and classmates who show little empathy to the girl’s plight. No one asks her to join the class basketball game or sit with them. After school she’s left to walk home alone, ignored by all except one little boy who says some unkind things. Since it’s a wordless book, we don’t know what was said, but the colorful and expressive illustrations – especially the interaction of the two children which is contained within a bright red cloud of color, leave us no doubt as to what unkind words might have been said. We quickly realize no one has noticed the altercation, except for one little girl. She is obviously bothered by what she saw and shares her concern with her friends. Overnight she isn’t able to forget, and the sadness lingers during her happy family breakfast. But then she suddenly has an idea about how to help the little girl.

Your little ones will be able to find so many details in this book as you all retell the story over and over again.  The vivid illustrations of the characters’ expressions will leave no doubt in children’s minds about what they are thinking and feeling.They will recognize the familiar situation of a moving truck arriving and a new family moving in, whether they have moved themselves or they have a new neighbor. They will be able to imagine how a new girl feels, and they can theorize why someone might choose to bully a newcomer. The story will provide you with the perfect introduction to talk about what they can do to welcome newcomers to their neighborhood and school, about teasing, about name-calling and about being an ally, and especially about how one small act of kindness can mean so much.

The book offers a useful guide with suggestions about helping someone who is being bullied, as well as some helpful words to use during your discussions. And finally, don’t forget to notice the difference in the end papers from the beginning of the story to the end. Those alone are a wonderful thing to discuss with your children! I recommend this book be added to your home library, as well as to every public and school library for ages 4 – 7.

Kindness, empathy, friendship, school

50 States Fun Facts: celebrate the people, places and food of the usa!

and the 50 states activities book 

by Gabrielle Balkan

Thank you to @kidlitexchange for sharing these books with me. All opinions are my own.
🚘
Are you going to be traveling this fall? If that includes a road trip, a flight or even the possibility of some rainy days, these books should definitely be in your suitcase! Both are exceptionally detailed guide books with colorful illustrations, which will help both you and your kids learn more about the cities or states you’re visiting, as well as plan your trip. You will learn fascinating, and sometimes obscure facts, as well as the usual facts we all learned when we studied the states and cities in elementary school. For example, did you know there is a tiger sanctuary in Missouri or that shark attacks in New Jersey inspired the movie, Jaws? The city guide will also help you find lots of special places to visit, that you might not know about. I especially loved reading the Portland guide which told me about The Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden, Mount Tabor, (an extinct volcano), as well as their Art museum, Museum of Science and Industry and Holocaust Memorial. It makes me want to plan a trip soon! Both books also include detailed indexes to help you easily find what you’re looking for. The activity book even includes a fold-out map/poster and 50 stickers! These books would be great additions to your family library.

Activity books, geography, 

the cure for cold feet: a novel in small moments by beth ain

Thank you to @kidlitexchange for sharing the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
🌺
Izzy is in sixth grade. Not only is she navigating middle school, she’s also adjusting to her parents’ divorce, her father’s new fiance, her mother’s new girlfriend (who just happens to be the mother of one of the FOUR ANNOYING BOYS from elementary school) and her adored older brother who has dyed his hair blue and abandoned her for his own friends. 🌺
Both middle graders and middle school kids will find a lot of themselves in this wonderful novel in verse. They will find much reassurance to learn their struggles with friendship, first crushes and family issues are not unusual, but actually very normal. I especially loved the relationship between Izzy and her mom. It made me think this would be a perfect story to partner read with your daughter. It provides so many opportunities to begin a conversation about the angsts of growing up, as well as to share many laughs. 🌺
I highly recommend The Cure for Cold Feet. This is a book that needs to be added to both elementary and middle school libraries.

Novel in verse, middle school, divorce, friendship, family 

where the watermelon grows by cindy baldwin

Thank you to the author for a review copy of this middle grade book. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this middle grade book! It’s definitely one of my 2018 favorites! The imagery and the sense of place shines through on every page. The reader is transported to the small, close knit, coastal North Carolina town which is full of caring people who have known each other for most of their lives. You feel the heat and humidity as they struggle to survive the drought that is threatening their livelihoods. And Baldwin’s vivid descriptions of the characters make them come alive. You feel their kindness and their eagerness to help one another. You know exactly how they look, and what their passions are. This provides a great foundation for the important story about Della and her family.
🍉
Della is twelve years old and yearns to have a “normal” mom who gives her hugs, doesn’t worry that many of her favorite foods will make her sick and isn’t a germ aphobic. However, Della’s mom suffers from schizophrenia, so Della never quite knows what to expect from Mama. Mama has been better for a few years, but Della and her daddy begin to realize, that in addition to their need to deal with the record breaking heat and drought that is threatening their farm, they must also face the fact that she is suffering a relapse; a fact they strive to keep secret from everyone, even Della’s grandparents.
🍉
My heart ached for Della as she blamed herself for Mama’s illness, wondered if she, too, would suffer from schizophrenia when she was older and tried her best to keep the family secret. She felt completely alone, even though many neighbors reached out to help.
🍉
This is such an important story. So many families are living with a similar situation, and they, like Della’s family are keeping it a secret. But as Della’s daddy tells her after her mama returns to the hospital, schizophrenia is an illness like cancer is and they shouldn’t be ashamed. Most importantly, when the secret is shared with friends and loved ones, families will learn they are surrounded by so many caring people who want to help, just as Della learned about the kindness, support and understanding that was right there for her, if she would just accept it. People who not only would give her a hug, but would help her to understand that she was not at fault, that Mama will always have her good and bad days, but that her Mama will always love her. This is a book that should be in every elementary and middle school collection, as well as in the offices of school and hospital counselors. It offers a mirror to the kids in this situation; a mirror they need so badly.

Kindness, mental health, family, community, schizophrenia

what are some favorites you’ve found this summer? Please share them with
all of us in the comments below!

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

Thank you to Blue Slip Media and Two Lions Publishing for the free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The little girl in What if Everybody Said That? (Words by Ellen Javernick; Pictures by Colleen Madden), will immediately remind you of someone you’ve encountered, or perhaps even of yourself at one time. She’s a little girl who never thinks of anyone, but herself. She’s one who never “thinks before she speaks”, something my mother was always reminding me to do when I was growing up!

Every page of this story offers a perfect opportunity to begin a conversation about how the little girl’s, or another child’s, harsh words are making the other kids feel. The boldly colored and expressive illustrations add so much to the story. Your little ones can study every child’s expression to imagine just what that child is feeling and thinking after they hear the thoughtless words.  This can lead to wonderful discussions about what else the little girl might of chosen to say that wouldn’t have led to sad feelings.

Here’s one of my favorite scenarios in the book.

Happily, by the end of the story the little girl begins to have an understanding of the words, “What if EVERYBODY said that?” Her kindness begins to shine!

This book provides a perfect read aloud for children ages 3-7. It would be great to read during the first week of school as the classroom climate is being established. Perhaps it might even be a fun “back to school” gift for your little one’s new class!

Ellen Javernick is the author of more than twenty books for children, including the Children’s Choice Book Award finalist The Birthday Pet, illustrated by Kevin O’Malley, and the bestselling picture book What If Everybody Did That?, illustrated by Colleen Madden. She has been an elementary school teacher for more than twenty years and currently teaches second grade. She lives in Loveland, Colorado.

Colleen Madden is the illustrator of numerous children’s books, including the picture book adaptation of All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey and the bestselling picture book What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick. She lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and two sons. To see more of her work, visit: http://www.mbartists.com/cgi-bin/iowa/artists.html?artist=77

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

A few weeks ago I was invited to an elementary school to teach an author study with four second grade classes. When I’ve done this in the past, I usually begin with a short bio about the author, an overview of their books and then read aloud one or two of my favorites. This month I decided to teach a lesson that was a bit of a change. Rather than do an author study, I did an illustrator study and it was so much fun! I chose Christian Robinson, the illustrator who won the Caldecott Honor award in 2015. I began by sharing this PBS video. I hope you’ll share it with your kids. Christian Robinson’s Brief, but Spectacular Take on Telling Stories with Pictures. After viewing the short video, we discussed what they learned about Christian Robinson’s life and the steps he follows as creates the illustrations for a book. We then read Last Stop on Market Street, and The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade or School’s First Day of School. They had heard the first book, because it’s currently one of the Illinois’ Monarch books, but the other two were new. I decided to reread Last Stop on Market Street, because I’m a big believer in the importance of discussing a book as it is read aloud, and because of this, every time a child hears a story it helps them to learn something new about the book. We discussed the vocabulary in the books, the themes of the stories, the emotions that the characters were experiencing and of course, the illustrations. We compared and contrasted each of these aspects of the books and were excited to find a lot of similarities, especially in the illustrations. The children pointed out things that I hadn’t even thought of! For example the women in all of the books are wearing triangular shaped earrings, and the children in every story look very much the same. They were thrilled to discover they could recognize Christian Robinson’s style and technique in all of the books. Here are the three books I shared.

Last Stop on Market Street

Words by Matt De La Pena; Pictures by Christian Robinson

This award winning book tells the story of C.J., who yearns to go home and play after attending church with his Grandma. Instead, C.J. and his nana ride the bus to the very last stop on Market Street. Along the way, CJ peppers Nana with questions about their fellow bus riders and the people they pass by. His wise Grandma’s calm and optimistic explanations help to open CJ’s eyes to the beauty in his world, and also help him to realize just how fortunate they truly are.

Kindness, Diverse stories

the smallest girl in the smallest grade

Words by Justin Roberts; Pictures by Christian Robinson

Sally is the “smallest girl in the smallest grade” and no one notices her. However, Sally notices everyone and everything from Tommy “tripping” in the hall to the 27 keys on the janitor’s ring. She notices how a whisper can ruin someone’s day and how someone feels when they are pushed off the slide. She finally has enough and announces to her classmates “I’m tired of seeing this terrible stuff! Stop hurting each other! This is enough!” Her outburst inspires not only the children, but also the adults of the school to be a bit kinder and to feel a bit more connected, all because Sally had been paying attention.

Kindness, thoughtfulness

school’s first day of school

Story by Adam Res; Pictures by Christian Robinson

Did you ever think about how the school feels on the first day? School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex tells the story from the school building’s perspective. I love imagining what inanimate objects might be thinking and feeling and this story certainly does that. School is brand new and it doesn’t realize what the first day of school means, but his friend the janitor tries to prepare him. When that first day actually arrives, School isn’t so sure he likes the children being there. The children are everywhere and some actually say “this place stinks”. School’s feelings are hurt! When a kindergartner’s mother has to carry her little girl into school, School worries that he must be an awful place. Then lunch time comes and children spill food and milk all over School. School isn’t too happy about that! But afterwards the little kindergartner makes a sparkly picture of School, which he really likes and which makes her feel so much better. At the end of the day, School confides to Janitor that he is probably lucky to be a school! This book is a great one to teach about perspective and point of view, as well as helping those first timers get over their anxiety about the new school year.

Perspective, point of view

I hope your children will enjoy learning about Christian Robinson, as much as the second graders did! Also, I want to remind you that the Caldecott and Newberry awards will be announced on Monday. You can watch the announcement live to learn if any of your favorites are winners!

On this cold, but sunny winter day (yea for the sun!!), I want to share some books I’ve read during the the past month. Happily, I’ve been able to curl up with my new Christmas throw, my dog and my coffee and have found a lot of new favorites! Two are set in Cuba, which was a new and eye opening experience for me. Others offered window and mirror experiences for me as I’m sure they will for you and your kids. Through the stories of these brave characters, who bravely provide us with a window into their lives, we can develop a better understanding of some difficult topics, or they might mirror something you are experiencing, which will bring comfort to all of you. So that I don’t overwhelm you, this is the first of multiple posts with my new favorite books for your TBR list. Look for part two next week!

My Brigadista year

by Katherine Paterson

#partner @kidlitexchange

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book – all opinions are my own. I can barely remember the Cuban Missile Crisis and I’m quite sure most of you weren’t even dreamed about at that time! My vague memory is of my parents (who rarely watched television) and my aunt and uncle being glued to the set, while my cousins and I were allowed to play with very little supervision. I remember the murmurs and the fear on their faces. It was something I had never experienced before or since. So as you can imagine, both my memories and opinion of Castro and the Cuban government were not happy ones. Therefore, when I read My Brigadista Year my eyes were opened to a part of Cuban history I wasn’t aware of and was very different than I knew.
✨
When Castro became premier of Cuba, he called for an army of young people to go out into the jungles and mountains to bring literacy to the citizens who had never had the opportunity to learn to read and write. This historical fiction book is the memoir of a member of that army, who at the age of thirteen leaves the safety and the comforts of her life in Havana, much to her parents’ dismay, and goes off to tackle the huge job of teaching citizens to become literate. She does this with no electricity, no running water and with the constant fear that she will be discovered by the rebels. But her parents have raised her to share what she has and to help others who are lacking, so this is exactly what she does.
✨
I liked this book so much. In fact, I read it in one sitting! I just couldn’t stop reading Lora’s story. I admired her courage, her kindness, her empathy and her determination to do the right thing. Thanks to the brigadistas, many, many people became literate while the army of volunteers learned compassion and self reliance. In Lora’s words “I taught the campesinos how to read and write, and they taught me how to be a person.” (page 177)
✨

Middle Grade; Historical Fiction; courage; kindness; empathy; Cuba

insignificant events in the life of a cactus

by Dusti Bowling

Aven is a spunky thirteen year old with a great sense of humor who just happens to have no arms. She loves to tell stories about the reason why, but the truth is she was simply born way. Thanks to her parents, though, and her personality, she has the confidence to do just about anything. She can even put up with those “looks” she gets, at least most of the time. However, Aven has just moved to Arizona with her parents, because they become the managers of an old theme park and is starting a new middle school. This means lots of “those looks” and no friends.

I loved this amazing “windows and mirrors” story! Not only did we get to know what it means to be Aven, but we were also given an opportunity to view the world through the eyes of a child with Tourette Syndrome, as well as an overweight child, who are both feeling very much alone and ostracized in middle school. We learn about the friendship that develops among these three kids and what this means to each of them. We learn how friendships and the support of those friendships can lead to growth, self confidence and self acceptance.

This would be a wonderful read aloud for grade 5 and up and will prompt many meaningful class discussions about the acceptance of differences and friendship.  It’s the perfect book for those kids who have read Wonder and ask what they can read next! This book (and lots of copies) needs to be in every upper elementary and middle school library.

Grades 5 and up realistic fiction; friendship; Tourette Syndrome; overcoming obstacles; love and family support; acceptance of differences

all the way to havana

Written by Mararita Engle; Illustrated by Mike Curato

This book tells the story of a young Cuban boy, his family, some neighbors and their 30 mile journey to Havana to welcome the boy’s new cousin to the world. The seven happily squeeze into the family sedan, Cara Cara, which had originally belonged to the boy’s grandpa. It’s a conglomeration of parts pieced together to keep the fifty year old car running, with a little ingenuity from the boy and his father. We see the pride and joy on their faces as they arrive in Havana with their gift and their cake for the new cousin. The little boy sees so many cars of all shapes and colors as they drive through Havana, but proudly know his Cara Cara is the best! This story allows us to see and to gain an understanding of the strong family ties and pride in a Cuban family, as well as the determination of the Cuban people to make the best of what they have.

The illustrations are by one of my favorite illustrator’s, Mike Curato. He traveled to Cuba and took the same 30 mile hot and dusty ride in a 1954 Chevy that the young boy and his family experience in the story. From this, he created the illustrations using the textures from photographs he took along the way, along with pencil drawings and paintings. You’ll be transported to this beautiful island country as you imagine the warmth and love in a day in the life of a Cuban family. I highly recommend All the Way to Havana.

Family pride: ingenuity; Cuba

A Different Pond

Written by Bao Phi ; Illustrated by Thi Bui

I had seen this book on so many end of the year “best” lists, and after reading it, I certainly understand why that is! I remember reading about, and being aware of, the many Vietnam refugees in the 70s, but I never had any first hand experience in my small Midwestern hometown. This beautiful book helps me understand exactly what so many Vietnam refugees were feeling and experiencing as they struggled to live in the United States. The story tells of a little boy who accompanies his father on a fishing trip in the predawn hours. There’s much love and patience between the boy and his father, as the dad casts his line into the river and the little boy shivers from the cold. The dad shares stories about his childhood in Vietnam and about his brother who never returned from the fighting. Once they have a few fish, they return home knowing their family will be able to eat dinner that night when Dad comes home from one of his two jobs, Mom is home from her job and his brothers and sisters are home after school. This is a story about family, love and the struggles that a refugee family face as they work to survive in their new country. It enables us to have a small understanding of what the Vietnamese refugees experienced when they had to leave everything they knew in order to have a better life for their families, which is not unlike what refugees experience today. Sharing A Different Pond provides a perfect introduction to discussing the current world refugee situation. This book will help our children develop understanding of, and empathy for, the plight of refugees in our country and around the world.

Immigration; refugees; family love and support; Vietnam refugees

I have so many more books I want you to know about, but I’ll save them for another post – or maybe even two! Be sure and let me know what your new favorites are in the comments!

It’s hard to believe that school will be starting very soon. I don’t know about you, but the summer has flown by! We’ve spent a lot of time in Michigan and we’ve had the oportunity to renew old friendships and spend lots of time with family and friends. We’ve tried to enjoy every minute and we’re tired, but very happy!

I know there are a lot of anxious kids out there who are ready to begin school. Maybe it’s a new school because of a move, maybe it’s new because it’s middle school or maybe it’s just a new grade. No matter the situation, it’s always reassuring to know that whatever you’re worried about or whatever you’re feeling, you’re not alone. These books do that! Your tween may identify with Tessa’s fear about starting a new school, with Macy’s concern about moving and having a new family, with Abbie Wu’s feeling that she’s “totally freaking out” or with Lucia and Elyse’s feelings when their best friends turn to someone new. The books are about courage, acceptance of differences and kindness. They are perfect for kids as they begin middle school, but will also be great for 4th and 5th graders. I hope your kids will find a new favorite that will give them just the courage they might need to begin a new school year.

Bubbles

By Abby Cooper

• Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book – all opinions are my own.

Sophie has been in mourning for four months, because four months ago she is certain she caused her mom to break up with her long time boyfriend, as well as lose her job. As a result, her mom either sits on the couch reading boring magazines or cries in her room, instead of sharing lots of adventures with Sophie as they’ve always done And now Sophie has a new problem. She sees speech bubbles, just like those in cartoons, above people’s heads. She can tell what everyone is thinking!

Here are some of the many reasons that this book is definitely a 5 star review!

♥Sophie’s strength and courage to share about the speech bubbles with her mom and her friends

♥Sophie’s courage to talk to her counselor about her life

♥Sophie’s courage to creatively tackle her problems.

♥Sophie relationships with the adults in the story

♥Sophie’s friendship with her two best friends

Bubbles shows upper elementary and middle schoolers that struggling with friendships and self confidence, is very normal and it’s okay to be sad once in awhile. As Sophie said “…a sad thought every so often didn’t mean a sad life.  …And as long as I have my friends and family with me…I’d never have to deal with any of these things alone.”

The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street

By Lindsay Currie

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network and @lindsayncurrie for providing me with the review copy of this book – all opinions are my own. It will be released 10/10/17.

This is a story about ghosts, friendship, family and Chicago that I couldn’t stop reading! It is based upon a true story from Graceland Cemetery in Chicago and at first was really scary (at least for someone who NEVER reads ghost stories!). In fact I told my husband one evening that I had to stop reading or I’d never sleep! However, the mystery, the characters, the friendships and the great story had me quickly picking it up the next day. As more of the characters were revealed, and the more I learned about the ghost of the  little girl who was haunting Tessa (the strong, brave, resourceful and likeable main character) the more I wanted to quickly finish the book.  I know this is going to be a perfect story for all of those kids who ask for a scary book! And there are definitely a LOT of those kids in every library. But more importantly, this is a great choice for kids who are coping with middle school friendships, acceptance of a not so normal family or quirky friends.  5 stars for sure!

Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess

By Shari Green

Thank you to @Kidlit Exchange for telling me about this great new title!

Macy, who has been deaf since she had meningitis when she was four, is facing many challenges as she finishes up sixth grade. Her mom is getting married, they are preparing to move in with her new stepfather and his six year old twin girls, she isn’t speaking to her best friend, her mom is insisting she help with both the wedding AND her elderly neighbor’s moving preparations and she has a final sixth grade genealogy assignment to finish.  Shari Green tells Macy’s story in free verse, which I wasn’t sure I would like, but it turned out to be the perfect literary device. I loved reading about the relationship that unfolded between Macy and her neighbor, Iris, The Rainbow Goddess, as Macy helped her prepare to move into an assisted living facility. I loved this poignant book as Macy faced her challenges, and with Iris’s help, began to understand that “Hearts are waiting, worrying, hurting – in need of a message you can send.”

This is Shari Green’s second middle grade book. Now I can’t wait to read her first one, Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles!

Frazzled: Everyday disasters and impending doom

By Booki Vivat

When I was an elementary school librarian, I often heard the question “what book is like Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Big Nate?” Well I wish Frazzled, Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom was available a few years ago, because it would have been flying off the shelves! Frazzled is not a graphic novel, but is filled with illustrations on every page, which makes it into a very inviting book for even reluctant middle grade readers. Frazzled tells Abbie Wu’s story about starting middle school and how she is “totally freaking out.” She is the middle child in her family and she isn’t brilliant and cool like her older brother or cute and adorable like her little sister. She is just Abbie who is struggling to find “her thing.” Will it be drama club like her best friend Maxine who has wanted to be an actress since third grade, or possibly the coding club like her friend Logan who has always been a whiz with puzzles? Or maybe cooking, or dance or sports? The trouble is is that Abbie is terrible at all of these and couldn’t be less interested. This book will both entertain your middle grader, as well as reassure anyone who is dreading the transition to middle school. In the end, Abbie decides maybe she’s not “100% doomed!” and you find yourself hoping that September 26th comes very quickly so that you can read the next installment about Abbie Wu!

Moon Shadow

By Erin Downing

This fantasy is all about Lucia who was born during a lunar eclipse. As the story opens, it is her thirteenth birthday and the night of the next lunar eclipse. Her mother insists that this will be a very special evening for Lucia, but all Lucia cares about is trying to get her best friend back, trying to be friends with the boy next door again and learning to cope with her parents’ divorce. However, something very mysterious happens to Lucia. As the moon passes through the shadow of the earth and Lucia falls asleep, Lucia’s shadow appears. It turns out Lucia’s shadow only makes itself known while Lucia sleeps, but the shadow’s behavior is very different from Lucia. Lucia’s shadow has a lot more confidence and courage than Lucia, which leads to some interesting situations. This story was intriguing and I didn’t want to stop reading! Although, older kids would fly through this, I recommend it to anyone looking for a magical, mystical book for their next read.

These are just five of my most recent favorites that will help your fourth grader, your fifth grader or your middle schooler find the courage to face the challenges of a new school year. Do you have any more to add to the list? Please let us know in the comments. Finally, I wish you and your family a great start to the new school year!

I’m so excited to share my big news! I have a post on Nerdy Book Club Blog!  It is titled TEN BOOKS TO HELP YOUR CHILD BECOME MORE COMPASSIONATE.  It describes ten books about compassion, kindness, acceptance of differences, empathy and caring. Hopefully, some of these title might lead your children to, as R.J. Palacio describes in her middle grade novel, Wonder, “choose kind”.

I would love for you to pop over and read my post! Then, while you’re there, explore The Nerdy Book Club. You’ll find lots of titles to add to your kids’ TBR lists, interesting information about children’s book authors and some books to use in your classrooms. I have gained so much from reading the articles on this website, and I’m very honored to be posting on it today! And finally, I’d really appreciate it, if you would both, “like” the post and share the post on Facebook or Twitter! Thank you for all of your support!

School’s out! The kids are thrilled and hopefully you are, as well. After all, you have a little more down time, a few less lunches to make and more time to enjoy your children. Personally, I am loving the warmer weather, the sunshine (finally!), the lush green trees, the flowers and the freedom to walk out the door without a jacket. I’m spending a lot more time reading books, both children’s and adult, rather than reading the internet (although I’m not sure why!), trying new recipes and basically enjoying life. I guess there’s just something about the open windows and summer breezes that energizes me. My reading has led me to five middle grade chapter books that I want to share with you. I hope your kids will enjoy them as much as I did! You might even want to add them to your TBR list, too!

middle grade books: harlem charade by Natasha Tarpley 

Are you looking for a good mystery for your middle grade reader that will pull them into the story from the first page? This might be the one! Harlem Charade, set in the diverse streets of Harlem, has  many twists and turns. The main characters, Elvin, Alex and Jin, who are each struggling with problems at home,  work together to solve the mystery behind the attack on Elvin’s grandfather. Could the attack be a part of the councilman’s plan to shut down the local family businesses and force everyone to move out to make room for Harlem World? The story helps the reader understand both the meaning of, and the repercussions of gentrification, as the kids work together to solve the mystery and save their neighborhood. This is an action packed story that keeps the reader guessing until the end. I highly recommend it!

MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS: short  BY holly goldberg sloan

I was looking forward to reading the new book by the author of one of my favorite middle grade reads from the past few years, Counting by 7s, and I wasn’t disappointed. Julia is struggling with several obstacles as she begins summer vacation. She’s the smallest in her class, by far, her best friends are gone for the summer, and she is mourning the loss of her beloved dog, Ramon, her closest friend and buddy, who  suddenly curled up and died unexpectedly of a heart attack. To give Julia something to focus on, her mom registers her and her little brother to appear in the community production of The Wizard of Oz. Of course, much to her horror, Julia is cast as a Munchkin.

I immediately identified with Julia’s grief, which she tries to keep inside, because I have lost so many dogs through the years, and it’s very difficult. And I had the opposite problem about size – I was always the tallest in my class, which is equally horrifying! So I was pulled in from page 1!

I especially loved Julia’s relationships that develop with the adults in the story: her neighbor, Mrs. Chang, the director of the play, her parents and her fellow actors. They showed her so much respect, support and understanding throughout the summer, which helped Julia deal with her grief and improve her self confidence.

MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS: one hundred spaghetti strings BY jen nails

This book certainly pulled at my “mom heart strings”! I wanted to hug Steffy and Nina and protect them from the unfairness of their world. They have been happily living with their aunt Gina since their mom’s traumatic brain injury in an auto accident and their dad’s subsequent abandonment, which is almost as long as they can remember. But now their dad is coming home and their beloved aunt is moving out. This poignant tale tells the story of how each of the girls deal with the situation, Steffy by cooking and Nina by dancing, how they are forced to grow up far too early and how they learn that sometimes you need to rewrite your family’s recipe, even though it may be far different than you hoped.

MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS: a rambler steals home BY carter higgins

Derby, her brother and her dad lead a vagabond life. They travel the country hauling their rambler to ball parks and fairgrounds selling hamburgers and fries. But every summer, they can’t resist returning to Ridge Creek, Virginia, for the Rockskippers season, a minor league baseball team.. They’ve been spending every summer there as long as Derby can remember, and their many friends always look forward to their return. I admired Derby’s strength as she tells the story of missing her mom who walked out years ago, her determination to find a way to help her dearest friend in Ridge Creek and her struggle to understand what home truly means.  As her dear friend, June, tells her, “Your home has wheels, but your heart has roots right here.” This is really a winner!

MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS: the summer i saved the world in 65 days 

BY michele weber hurwitz

I don’t usually post things twice, but I think this book warrants breaking that rule! I’m hoping a lot of people who didn’t see it last summer, or may have forgotten, will see it today. Now that school is out for your kids, or very nearly so, the search for a special book begins. This would be a great one to read first!

Nina is spending her summer between middle school and high school pretty much on her own. Her parents, both lawyers, go to work early and return late, her older brother is always busy, her best friend has discovered boys and only wants to talk about clothes and makeup and Nina’s beloved grandma has died. So Nina spends a lot of her day in her room looking at all of the houses in her cul-de-sac. On the first day of summer she watches her next door neighbor, Mrs. Chung, who lives by herself, struggling to plant her garden full of marigolds as she always does, even though she has a broken leg. After Mrs. Chung gives up and goes inside, Nina remembers something her favorite teacher told the class on the last day of school. He said, “It is very often the ordinary things that go unnoticed that make a difference.” At that moment, Nina comes up with a plan that will change her summer and change her neighbors’ summers, as well. Nina decides to do something unnoticed every day for the 65 days of summer and see if she can really make a difference. This is an inspiring story for a beginning of summer middle grade book for kids going into fourth grade and older. Maybe we could all decide to do something ordinary and unnoticed for someone for one day or for 65 days this summer and see if it makes a difference. I’ll bet it does!

Do your kids have some books to suggest? Please let us all know in the comments.

Happy Summer!

I’ve had a wonderful week, even though the Chicago area weather insists upon being gray and gloomy! I spent time with both of my sisters, two of my nieces and some good friends, and finally finished my week by celebrating our son’s birthday. What could be better than that? As a result, I haven’t spent as much time at the library or reading articles on the internet. However, I have lots to share with you today, especially some kids’ books to remember!

kids’ books to remember: read aloud

A Bear Called Paddington by Micheal Bond

Socks by Beverly Cleary

Marvin Redpost by Louis Sachar

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: picture books

Best Friends for Francis by Russell Hoban

Elmer and the Hippos by David McKee

A book about cooperation and kindness.

Dear Mrs. LaRue by Mark Teague

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: chapter books

Matt Christopher Sports Series by Matt Christopher

Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob buyea

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

links for mom and dad

ALA Children’s Book Awards

The ALA announced the latest Caldecott, Coretta Scott King and Newberry winners, as well as some other awards.

Maya Angelou

One of my favorite bloggers shares a children’s book by Maya Angelou.

favorite fantasy books for tweens and teens

If your older kids are looking for some new fantasy series, this link might help.

spread a little kindness 

This blog shares more titles to help your kids learn kindness, understanding and appreciation of our differences.

posts you may have missed on red canoe reader

friendship books for kids

kindness picture books for kids

Thank you for inviting Red Canoe Reader into your inbox this week. What titles have you found on your library visits that have become family favorites? Please let us know in the comments below and have a great week!