Middle Grade Monday: Shine on Luz Véliz by Rebecca Balcarcel

Image: Chronicle Books

Shine on Luz Véliz! by Rebecca Balcarcel. 276 p. Chronicle Books, March, 2022. 9781797209678. (Review of finished purchased copy.)

Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Middle Grade Monday features Shine on Luz Véliz! by Rebecca Balcarcel. Luz is a sixth grader who is struggling now that she has been sidelined after an injury on the soccer field. She had always been a star and loved having her dad as a coach. Now that she can't play, maybe forever, she senses a coldness from him. She's also stuck in a soccer elective at school which makes missing soccer even worse. One morning, she passes a robotics class and is intrigued by the hum of activity. She learns that she can switch her morning elective, but has to take an intro class first before joining that class. The problem? It's held at the elementary school! Will Luz put her pride aside to pursue a new interest?

This fast-paced story features well-rounded characters and authentic tween dynamics. Luz is sympathetic and relatable as she navigates her post-soccer world and deals with the revelation of a family secret.

Shine On Luz Véliz is a terrific addition to any library. Happy reading and happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Fact Friday: The Next President: the unexpected beginnings and unwritten future of America's presidents by Kate Messner

Image: Chronicle Books LLC

The Next President: the unexpected beginnings and unwritten future of America's presidents by Kate Messner. Illustrated by Adam Rex.  42 p. Chronicle Books LLC, March, 2020. 9781452174884. (Review of finished copy borrowed from public library.)

Fact Friday features The Next President: the unexpected beginnings and unwritten future of America's presidents by Kate Messner. This unique picture book collective biography is illustrated by Adam Rex. It approaches the presidents by alighting on four different years and highlighting who the future presidents were and what they were doing at that time. For example, "1841. When William Henry Harrison became President 9, there were fourteen future presidents alive. Most of them were already active in politics somehow." Mr. Rex's vibrant illustrations form a timeline from George Washington through John F. Kennedy, who was president #35 and in 1961, ten presidents were waiting in the wings, the youngest being newborn, Barack Obama. The approach is engaging and requires a bit more attention. 

The dynamic illustrations are compelling. They too require some attention. Even though the majority of U.S. presidents were rich, white, Protestant men, Adam Rex still incorporated diversity in the illustrations that bookend the presidents. A swirling golden line that connects the eras and ends with an illustration of children "listening, learning and getting ready to read." Back matter includes more presidential trivia and facts along with suggestions for further reading and bibliography. 

I've read through The Next President several times now and each time, I find something that I missed earlier and each time, my appreciation for this book grows. 

Arc Review: Redwood and Ponytail by K.A. Holt

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Redwood and Ponytail by K.A. Holt. 422 p. Chronicle Books, October, 2019. 9781452172880. (Review of arc courtesy of publisher.)

Tam is a tall, popular volley ball player. Kate is a poised, ponytailed cheerleader angling for captain of the squad. The two meet during seventh grade registration and hit it off.

Redwood and Ponytail is a sweet and gentle verse novel about an unlikely friendship that turns into something deeper. It captures all the joy and pain of first crushes and even features a Greek chorus. It's a perfect romance for middle grade readers.

Fact Friday: Seeing Gender by Iris Gottlieb

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Seeing Gender: an illustrated guide to identity and expression by Iris Gottlieb. 208 p. Chronicle Books, October, 2019. 9781452176611. (Review of finished copy borrowed from public library. But definitely buying.)

Even though I consider myself an ally, I must admit that I consistently mess up gender pronouns. This cogent, informative, necessary text helps. A lot. 

Fact Friday features Seeing Gender: an illustrated guide to identity and expression by Iris Gottlieb. It is so easy to make assumptions about gender and to get it all wrong. This colorfully illustrated guide explains simply historical context as well as the science and sociology behind gender and gender identity.

The volume is slightly oversized. There's plenty of white space. A straightforward and simple narrative increases understanding and the exuberantly colorful illustrations are pleasing and fun.

Questioning youth will find a safe and sympathetic space to explore identity and would-be allies will learn to understand, respect and support diverse expressions of gender. Seeing Gender is an important read and belongs in all school and public libraries.

Fact Friday: This Bridge Will Not be Gray by Dave Eggers

Image: Chronicle Books

This Bridge Will Not be Gray by Dave Eggers. Illustrated by Tucker Nichols. 112 p. Chronicle Books, March, 2018. 9781452162805. (Review of finished purchased copy.)

Fact Friday features This Bridge Will Not be Gray by Dave Eggers. This book is really a biography—a biography of a bridge. Eggers takes the reader back to a time when the Golden Gate was passable only by boat. If you wanted to get to the towns beyond, you went the long way around. Then, someone got the idea to build a bridge across the Golden Gate. There were some who argued against it saying it would mar the natural beauty. Eggers delivers this story succinctly and with his distinctive deadpan humor. Nichols' minimalist cut paper collages are crisp and colorful making this an enjoyable informational read.   

Fact Friday: The Star Wars Cookbook: BB-Ate: awaken to the force of breakfast and brunch by Lara Starr

The Star Wars Cookbook: BB-Ate: awaken to the force of breakfast and brunch by Lara Starr. 64 p. Chronicle Books, January, 2018. 9781452162980. (Review from purchased finished copy.)

May the fourth be with you.

There's an adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you want your kids to buy in, show them this fun recipe book, especially if they are Star Wars fans. Each page is filled with the wit and wisdom of the Jedi way. 

There are 29 recipes for delicious breakfasts and brunches organized by type, like, snacks, cereal, eggs, waffles, baked goods, sandwiches and wraps, spreads and drinks. The author is obviously a Star Wars fan as the entire book is infused with connections, from the introduction, where young Jedi cooks are cautioned to respect the mysteries of the force in the kitchen where some dangers might lurk through the full-color photos of many recipes with figurines posed next to the delicious looking food. Most recipes will need some degree of adult assistance.

What a fun addition to the collection! I don't have many cookbooks in my middle school collection. I inherited some themed Cooking in... books from a time when food based projects were not discouraged. I have added a few over the years but since there isn't a real demand for them other than the rare budding gourmand, my cupboard is bare, so to speak. This recipe book was checked out within minutes of displaying it.

Middle Grade Monday: House Arrest by K.A. Holt

House Arrest by K.A. Holt. 304 p. Chronicle Books LLC, October, 2015. 9781452134772. (Own).

House Arrest is twelve-year-old Timothy's court-ordered journal. He has to spend one year under house arrest as the terms of his probation for stealing money to buy his ailing baby brother medicine. The only other places he can go to are his weekly visits to a therapist and his probation officer. That gives him a lot of time to reflect. He's angry at his dad for leaving his family. He's scared for his brother who is often in danger of losing his life. He is supposed to be showing signs of remorse, but if he's honest, he would steal again if his brother needed medicine his mom can't afford. This blank verse novel is unputdownable. 

Fact Friday and Review: Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers

Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers. Illustrated by Shawn Harris. 104 p. Chronicle Books, LLC, September, 2017. 9781452162812. (Review from purchased copy.)

This went on the morning announcements: Our Fact Friday feature is a great example of why one is never too old for picture books. In Her Right Foot, author Dave Eggers breaks the fourth wall to address the reader. He relates plenty of fascinating facts from its conception to its building, unbuilding and rebuilding. He also challenges the reader to contemplate the relevance of her symbolism in these contentious times. You think you know all there is to know about the Statue of Liberty. Read this book to find out.

Review: The very best teachers are great storytellers. This is especially true for social studies teachers. Dave Eggers would be a great social studies teacher because he tells a terrific story - factual, fascinating and fun. I hate to admit this, but my knowledge of the Statue of Liberty is cursory at best. I accompanied the eighth grade on two trips to visit the statue. One trip, the day was blustery and rainy so we basically got off the ferry and walked to the plaza to view the statue before catching the next ferry out. The next time, the weather was gorgeous and we walked the circumference of the island to view the statue from all angles. That was a few years ago. I can't say that I noticed her right foot.

The  social studies teacher takes his students to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty as part of his immigration unit. I'm sure he does a great job of prepping the kids. The LA teachers even get involved by reading Hope and Tears: Ellis Island voices by Gwenyth Swain. Her Right Foot would be a perfect addition to both classes.

As I mentioned in the morning announcement, Eggers breaks the fourth wall to address the reader. Some find this meta-fiction annoying. If used sparingly, I don't. I find it effective and engaging. The use of white space is interesting too, as it focuses the reader whatever the age. Shawn Harris must have been a very busy man as there are tons of illustrations here. The energetic and pleasing cut-paper and ink illustrations feature a variety of perspectives and a diverse cast of characters.

Backmatter includes photographs, of the statue and her right foot as well as the plaque that contains Emma Lazarus' poem, The New Colossus. There's a long list of suggestions for further reading and six sources. 

Her Right Foot belongs in every school and public library collection.

Non-Fiction Monday: Extreme Oceans by Seymour Simon

57 p. Chronicle Books, LLC., April, 2013. (9781452108339) (Borrowed from public library)

This attractive volume is a browser's dream. It's beautifully designed, featuring clear and engaging text accompanied by gorgeous full-color, though un-captioned photographs.Twelve short chapters cover the coldest and warmest oceans, big waves and highest tides, the deepest parts of the ocean, undersea mountains and volcanoes and so much more. 

An index and photo credits conclude the volume but there are no source notes nor are there suggestions for further reading.