Did you know that some hawks can see ultraviolet light and track their prey by the glow of animal droppings and urine? Or that hawks are mostly awake and hunting during the day? These are just some of the things you will learn from this delightful and informative picture book full of interesting tidbits! These factoids about the over 200 species of hawks are accompanied by humorous illustrations of hawks (and their unfortunate prey). You’ll learn about the features hawks possess that make them excellent hunters and how hawks mate and nest, and so much more! Recommended for grades 1-4
Archives: Book Reviews
Feed Your Mind: A Story of August Wilson by Jennifer Bryant
“If you can read, you can do anything – you can BE anything.” This is what August Wilson’s mother told him as a child in Pittsburgh. Growing up, he spent hours in the library and books, filling his mind with their words and hope. While he faced harassment and discrimination in school, he never lost his love of learning and language. This picture book biography of the renowned playwright is written in captivating verse and includes a timeline and bibliography in the back. It is as much a gift to lovers of literature and libraries as it is a story of the Pulitzer Prize-winner’s coming-of-age. Recommended for ages 6-9 years.
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
Binti is leaving her traditional, rural home against the wishes of her family, to pursue her education at the prestigious Oomza University. Unexpected events lead to an encounter with the Meduse, a seemingly violent and war-like race. But Binti soon learns that misunderstanding and miscommunication run deeply through all aspects of the universe and she may have a unique ability to bring hidden truths to light.
This is the first novella in a three novella series and the winner of both the Hugo and Nebula, prestigious Science Fiction writing awards. The moral and social implications and discussions make this a great title for fans of Star Trek.
READ 2020: Under 200 pages (January) & Science Fiction & Fantasy (August)
Lupin Leaps In by Georgia Dunn
First published online as a webcomic, Lupin Leaps In follows house cats Lupin, Elvis and Puck who report the “news” from their perspective. As they detail their lives at home with “the people” (referred to as Woman, Man, Toddler and Baby), readers are informed of all the breaking news – from the ceiling cats, the birds just out-of-reach outside, weather, holiday parades and the kibble spill in the kitchen. If you love cats and are often perplexed by their behaviors, this book is sure to give you a chuckle!
Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin
I first picked up this debut translated novel because it had been nominated for the 2017 Man Booker prize and was reviewed on one of Booklist’s podcasts. I was expecting a stunning and gripping short novel, but what I received instead was a two hour Fever Dream of my own.
Reality is obliterated more than blurred in this haunting interchange between a woman named Rachel and a boy who is not her child. Reading this book is so immersive and disorienting that, to me, it cannot be matched. It is best read in its entirety, home alone wrapped in a blanket in the near-dark. Upon finishing you may feel transported and, admittedly, a little confused. Samanta Schweblin is an author not to be underestimated.
READ 2020 Categories: Under 200 Pages (January) & Translated (March) & Horror (October)
Out of This World: The Surreal Art of Leonora Carrington
This is a gorgeous picture book detailing the life of the surrealist artist Leonora Carrington. It begins, as many biographies do, with her childhood and how she loved to draw the animals she saw. From there, we learn about what inspired her, how she rejected becoming a “proper lady” in order to become an artist, and how she went from the streets of France to Mexico, where she found kindred spirits and made a home. Accompanying the author’s evocative writing are bright and dreamy illustrations reminiscent of Carrington’s own style, featuring mythical creatures and lots of warm, vibrant hues. It’s a beautiful introduction to the artist’s life and work, and to the surrealist movement. Recommended for children ages 4-8 years.
Strange Planet by Nathan W Pyle
Nathan W. Pyle began “Strange Planet” as an Instagram comic and it soon became an Internet sensation! Now his posts have been collected in this charming little book that celebrates simplicity and absurdity in our everyday life – as observed by adorable alien creatures in familiar scenarios. Everything from throwing surprise parties to ordering takeout to getting tattoos is covered! You’re sure to get a chuckle from this odd and delightful comic.
Top Ten YA Books 2019
Looking something to read over the holidays? Is your to bedside stack of to-read books growing dangerously small? Ready to get a jump start on next year’s reading goal? Try one of these most checked out YA books from 2019. Find your next favorite read.
- On the Come Up by Angie Thomas | YA Fiction Thoma.A
- Bloom by Kevin Panetta | YA Graphic Panet.K
- The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi | YA Fiction Choks.R
- Five Feet Apart by Rachel Lippincott | YA Fiction Lippi.R
- Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen McManus | YA Fiction Mcman.R
- Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki | YA Graphic Tamak.M
- The Wild Lands by Paul Greci | YA Ficiton Greci.P
- Internment by Samira Ahmed | YA Fiction Ahmed.S
- Lovely War by Julie Berry | YA Fiction Berry.J
- Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan | YA Fiction Dugan.J
Guts by Raina Telgemeier
In yet another graphic memoir, young Raina struggles with anxiety about mean girls, feeling left out, food sensitivity, and a fear of getting sick and puking – all of which Telegemeier writes about with compassion and humor. She reminds us that we all experience worry and stress – it’s part of growing up – but that we can learn to control how much we suffer from it.
Guest: A Changeling Tale by Mary Downing Hahn
What would you do if your baby brother was snatched away and replaced with a nasty changeling? And what if it was your fault? That’s the trouble young Mollie Coverall is facing. She may never see her adorable baby brother again, her family is falling apart and the worst part is that her mother is forced to care for the sickly, mean-spirited Kinde Folk child who they call Guest. Summoning her courage, Mollie decides that it’s her job to take Guest back to the changelings and beg for her brother’s return. But there are many dangers on the road to the dark lands – who is a young girl to trust? Mary Downing Hahn weaves another exciting, magical tale with many unexpected twists that will enthrall readers of all ages. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up.