Middle Grade Monday and Arc Review: Spelling It Out by Margaret Finnegan

Image: Simon & Schuster

Spelling It Out by Margaret Finnegan. 208 p. Atheneum Books for Young Readers/ Simon & Schuster, May 13, 2025. 9781665969673. Review of arc courtesy of Blue Slip Media.

This story takes place in 1985, but is narrated by an adult Ben Bellini, who reminisces about his summer of freedom spent in San Francisco with his grandmother. After twelve-year-old Ben wins his sixth grade spelling bee, then his school's bee without much preparation or worry, he finds himself disappointed to lose the regional bee. He worries that liking spelling might get him labeled a nerd, but he really likes the adrenaline rush of competing. 

He lives in Southern California with his older sister and younger brother and rather overprotective parents. When his grandmother, a retired maverick architect, calls with the offer of having Ben stay for the summer so that a friend of hers can coach him, his parents are appalled and Ben is intrigued. This friend of Gran's actually won the National Spelling Bee some time ago! 

After his parents secure promises that Ben will be well supervised, Ben is placed on a plane to San Francisco. Only, his Gran isn't at the gate, and doesn't arrive for quite a while. This is just the first of many little slips to come.

And Gran's friend, Roger? He is nasty and abusive and doesn't seem interested in coaching Ben at all. When he finds refuge at the public library, he meets a kindred spirit. Asha spends her days there studying for the spelling bee!

I'm not sure why this coming-of-age novel had to be narrated by adult Ben, but readers who enjoy character-driven, gentle novels will find him very relatable. He's insecure, but smart and perceptive. He wants to do the right thing, but it takes him a while to realize what that is. He needs to learn to stand up to Roger. He needs to learn how to be a good friend. Most of all, he needs to realize that something is truly wrong with his grandmother. 

Contemporary readers' minds may be blown by Ben's freedom in a big city as much as by life before cell phones and gps. They will also appreciate the humor and heart. 

Spelling It Out will be released on May 13. Happy reading!

Book Mail

Receiving book mail is always exciting! Thanks to Blue Slip Media for sending me this.

Image: Simon & Schuster

Spelling It Out by Margaret Finnegan. 208 p. Atheneum Books for Young Readers/ Simon & Schuster, May 13, 2025. 9781665930116.

Publisher synopsis: A rising seventh grader visits his grandmother in San Francisco for a whirlwind summer of spelling bee training, only to begin suspecting she has Alzheimer’s, in this witty and compassionate middle grade novel for fans of Al Capone Does My Shirts.

Ben Bellini didn’t mean to become a champion speller—after all, he’s not a nerd—but he sure does like spelling bee glory now that it’s found him. He might even be good enough for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC! And what better way to prepare than to train with a professional spelling coach in San Francisco, where his nan lives?

Through his adventures, Ben gets to know the city—and competitor Asha Krishnakumar, who’s equally determined to spell her way to victory. But Ben also starts having odd interactions with his nan that leave him feeling like he’s missing something. Where is Nan’s forgetfulness coming from? And will anyone even believe him if he tries to get help?

Between showing up for his loved ones and pursuing his own dreams, Ben will need to spend this summer figuring out what he owes others…and what he owes himself.

I've enjoyed Ms. Finnegan's four titles for young readers and looking forward to reading this one.

Book Mail

 We got the promised snow and extremely frigid weather here in northern NJ earlier this week. Son #3 was out for a visit last weekend and planned on staying through Monday, but the forecast promised a dicey return to NYC, so I took him across the GWB and dropped him at the Port Authority Sunday afternoon just as the snow began to fall. 

Boo is not a fan of the cold weather or the snow. All my other dogs loved the snow and would play outside while I shoveled. Not Mr. Boo. I think he's particularly bothered by either the cold or the salt, because he can't go far without stopping to lick one or more paws. He's also particular about where he does his solid business and has trouble finding a place in the snow. 

The frigid temps broke today and it was a balmy 28 degrees, so we took a longer walk. As we approached home, he spotted the UPS truck at the end of our block and began pulling me. One of the drivers once gave him a treat and is Boo's bff. When he doesn't have a treat, he will stop to say hi and doesn't mind Boo's jumping. The driver waved, but didn't make a move toward us, so I pulled him down the block to my house. He kept looking back as the truck came down to our end. There was a delivery for my cross the street neighbor, but also me, thanks to Blue Slip Media. No pets or treats for Boo though.

Image: Penguin Random House

The Secret of Honeycake by Kimberly Newton Fusco. 362 p. Alfred A. Knopf/ Random House Children's Books, January 21, 2025. 9780593121771.

Publisher synopsis: Hurricane is quiet while her Aunt Claire is a force of nature with very particular ideas–and a host of Latin sayings to back them up. When Hurricane gets stuck living with her, she retreats into herself…until a series of unexpected friends, including a mangy cat, help her find her voice in a whole new way.

A recipe for The World’s Most Comforting, Twelve-Layer Honeycake:

1 quiet girl named Hurricane, who runs like the wind along the Mighty Atlantic with her old dog Brody-Bear.

1 imperious aunt, who steps up when Hurricane’s world turns upside down.

1 kind-hearted boy, who helps wounded animals (and may smell a little of fish)

1 lonely and flea-bitten cat with a ragged ear and a crooked tail.

1 gentle chauffeur, who knows exactly what to say…and when not to say a thing.

Mix them all together in big, fancy house in the city. What you get might surprise you.

I will tell you right now, I love the cover! Happy reading!

Middle Grade Monday: Invisible Isabel by Sally J. Pla

Image: HarperCollins Publishers

Invisible Isabel by Sally J. Pla. Illustrated by Tania de Regil. 208 p. Quill Tree Books/ HarperCollins Publishers, July, 2024. 9780063268852. Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.

Happy Monday! I have a little over two weeks left of summer break, and am pet/ housesitting for my oldest son while he and his family are away. I had to board Helga with the rescue since they didn't think it would be a good idea to bring her and Boo to a strange house with two strange dogs, one of whom can be territorial. Turns out, Helga will probably get adopted today. She had a successful meet and greet with the adopter and two of her dogs yesterday. Today, she will go to the country to meet the other two dogs and, if all goes well, will stay. I'm happy for her, but sad too. She's a smart, sweet dog who has come a long way. I'm happy to be part of her recovery, but she will be happier in the country with her new dog-trainer mom. Here's one of my last pix of her with Boo before the rescue came to pick her up.

Middle Grade Monday features Invisible Isabel by Sally J. Pla. Anxious Isabel feels like she doesn't fit in with her large, loud family. She knows she doesn't fit in at school, where new girl, Monica seems to have alienated her 'sort of' friends against her. Not only that, but her teacher doesn't seem to like her and is constantly reminding the class about the very important state testing that they have to do well on. She describes her feelings as "worry moths" and talks about practicing smiling and being a good friend, only to be crushed to learn that she was the only girl not invited to Monica's birthday part. Her mother thinks her stomach aches are all in her head, but one day, the pain feels different. Isabel feels invisible, but also, a part of her wants to be invisible.

This gentle, illustrated verse novel is told mostly from Isabel's point of view and beautifully conveys the struggles of a tween struggling with anxiety. Isabel is instantly relatable. Readers will laugh at her subtle humor and root for her as she finds her voice. Some poems reflect Monica's point-of-view, where readers learn a bit of her backstory. The illustrations add to the story. 

Once again, Sally J. Pla delivers an insightful glimpse into the inner life of a neurodivergent child. Invisible Isabel is a welcome addition to any library.

Middle Grade Monday: The Fire, the Water and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla

Image: HarperCollins Publishers

The Fire, the Water and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla.  336 p. Quill Tree Books/ HarperCollins Publisher, July 11, 2023. 9780063268814. (Review of arc courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  It's the penultimate Monday of the school year for me and I am ready for the break. Middle Grade Monday features The Fire, the Water and Maudie McGuin by Sally J. Pla. Thirteen-year-old Maudie always looks forward to summers because she spends them with her dad in his cabin in California. She's autistic and he accepts her the way she is and doesn't belittle her the way her mom and now, her new step-father do. Almost immediately, her dad senses something is not right and asks Maudie if she's okay. Maudie is not okay, but has been sworn to secrecy by her mother. Then comes the wildfire. Maudie and her dad have to evacuate the cabin. They head down the coast to her dad's hometown. Her dad's best friend runs a trailer park and puts them up in a trailer while her dad tries to find work. Maudie spends her days at the beach getting up the courage to ask local surf legend, Etta for lessons. She wants to win the beginners surf contest at the end-of-summer bash. There's prize money and it might be enough to help her dad and maybe stay with him instead of returning to Texas.

This first-person novel unfolds quietly as Maudie copes with her traumas. Short chapters with poems interspersed throughout reflect Maudie's thoughtful insights. They also ratchet up tension as she gradually reveals the secret she carries. Readers will root for Maudie as she gains confidence, learns to surf and makes friends. Other characters are equally endearing and wonderfully supportive of Maudie. 

The Fire, the Water and Maudie McGinn releases on July 11. I adored this book. Put it on your radar. It would be a great SEL title and perfect for any school, classroom or public library. 

Middle Grade Monday: The Flying Horse by Sarah Maslin Nir

Image: Linden Tree Books

The Flying Horse by Sarah Maslin Nir. Once Upon a Horse #1. 172 p. Cameron Books/ Linden Tree, March 14, 2023. 9781951836672. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publicist.)

Happy Monday. Middle Grade Monday features The Flying Horse by Sarah Maslin Nir. This series beginner is sure to please your horse-obsessed readers. This is a parallel story where the chapters alternate between the birth of a foal in the Netherlands and the struggles of a horse-loving middle school student who is hiding her dyslexia. 

When the foal is born early, the surprised farmer names him Trendsetter, or Trendy for short. Trendy soon shows promise as a jumper. The farm is struggling, so the farmer has high hopes that Trendy will become a jumper at the National Equestrian Center. Unfortunately, he misses his horse pals, his treats and affectionate pats from the farmer, and so, he literally digs his heels in and refuses to jump. His spirit catches the eye of an imposing lady though, the Calvary Master for Piper Stud Farms, where the world-famous Lipizzaner horse are trained. 

Sarah is a seventh grader at an elite, private school in New York City. She's bright and inquisitive, but hiding a secret-reading and writing don't come easily to her. She can't even confide in her beloved grandmother. Like many students with learning problems, she has been able to hide her weaknesses, but in middle school, the emphasis on reading and writing increases. Her solution-to stop doing homework-gets her suspended. 

This quick and sweet read is attractively designed and certainly gives readers tons of all things horsey-from treats to tack to competing.

Middle Grade Monday: New Kids and Underdogs by Margaret Finnegan

Image: Simon & Schuster

New Kids and Underdogs by Margaret Finnegan. 288 p. Atheneum Books for Young Readers/ Simon & Schuster, October, 2022. 9781534496408. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Middle Grade Monday features New Kids and Underdogs by Margaret Finnegan. Robyn Kellen is preparing to be the "new kid" yet again. Her mom's a biology professor and they have moved around for her job a lot. This move to San Luis Obispo promises to be permanent though. Still, Robyn creates ten rules for being the new kid and decides to follow them. Things at her new school start out okay. She's befriended by two girls, Lulu and Marshan, who warn her away from Alejandra, who wears purple every day. She also seems to catch the attention of a blond haired boy who reminds Robyn of a snake and makes snide comments. 

When she and her mom pass by an agility training class while on a walk in a nearby park, Robyn is intrigued enough to ask about lessons for her two special needs rescues, Sundae and Fudge. The trainer abruptly nixes the idea and Robyn is disappointed. But the trainer's grandson, Nestor, is in her class at school, and he's willing to train her dogs, for a price. Both Robyn and Nestor need help with math and Alejandra, who skipped a grade volunteers to tutor them if she can join the training and Robyn brings the snacks. Can Robyn keep this a secret from Lulu and Marshan? 

There's a lot to like about this book. The dog training angle adds a fresh twist to the moving house theme. The dogs, especially Robyn's rescues, Sundae and Fudge are engaging characters with distinct personalities. I love the fact that they were not only rescues, but also had special needs. The dog training/ care was seamlessly woven into the narrative. I also appreciate that Robyn's parents were friendly and equally committed to raising their daughter.

The dialogue and school situations ring true. Readers will ache for Robyn as she navigates her rules, some of which contradict each other. Tween readers who enjoy gentle stories with realistic relatable issues will embrace New Kids and Underdogs. 

Fact Friday: Raising Don: The True Story of a Spunky Baby Tapir by Georgeanne Irvine

Image: San Diego Zoo Shop

Raising Don: The True Story of a Spunky Baby Tapir by Georgeanne Irvine. 36 p. Southwestern Publishing House, October 11, 2022. 9781943198146. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Happy Friday! What a day we are having hear in northern NJ weather-wise! The temperature plummeted from the mid-eighties to the low sixties last evening, then to the low fifties overnight! I hope you get out and enjoy some of it! 

Fact Friday wishes an early happy book birthday to Raising Don: the True Story of a Spunky Baby Tapir by Georgeanne Irvine. Don's birth was celebrated by the scientists and caregivers at the San Diego Zoo. He was the first Baird's tapir to be born in captivity in more than thirty years. Baird's tapirs, native to Central America, are endangered. The celebration quickly turned to concern because Luna, the tapir mom rejected her newborn and, instead of feeding and nurturing him, pushed him around her enclosure. Luckily, caretakers were there quickly to intervene and his injuries were mild.

But the baby, named Don in honor of a retired zoo veterinarian, needed milk, preferably his mother's milk. Readers will learn how the team solved that problem as well as other challenges they had trying to teach a baby tapir to be a tapir. 

Full-color photos chronicle Don's life at the zoo and will definitely elicit plenty of "Aw!" and "So cute!" commentary. The paper is sturdy enough to hold up to multiple readings. The end pages are bright yellow and feature Don's footprints in front and "Ten Things You and Your Family Can Do to Help Wildlife" on the back end. Back matter includes extra tapir fun facts, a map showing where tapirs live in the world and a list of threats to wild tapirs along with thumbnail photos of the four different kinds. 

This cheerful, accessible book will have wide appeal and is a terrific addition to any library! Look for it on October 11. 

Middle Grade Monday: Fenris and Mott by Greg Van Eekhout

Image: HarperCollins Publishers 

Fenris and Mott by Greg Van Eekhout. 202 p. Harper/ HarperCollins Publishers, August 2, 2022. 9780062970633. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Middle Grade Monday features Fenris and Mott by Greg Van Eekhout. All twelve-year-old Mott (short for Martha) wants to do is successfully film an episode of the "Mott and Amanda Root Beer Show . That's proving difficult thanks to her BFF Amanda being on vacation in Germany and, oh, she and her mom have relocated to Culver City, California. The only quiet place she can find is an alley, but it's just not the same without Amanda. 

When Mott hears scuttling and scratching in a nearby dumpster, she assumes it's a rat, but it's a fluffly, white ball of fur. She makes a promise to help the pup and brings him to a nearby animal shelter where she learns that he isn't a dog. He's a wolf-pup, so she couldn't keep him even if her landlord allowed dogs. No worries, the animal shelter will contact a wolf sanctuary and hold the pup until they arrive. However, he is not having that and bolts once he sees the leash he's about to be tethered to! He crashes through a plate glass window and disappears.

Mott finds him a few blocks later. Unfortunately, the pup is wriggling in the hands of a giant who claims he's Gorm the Viscious and Fenris, the pup, is prophesied to eat the moon, slay Odin and end the world. Say what?

A promise is a promise and Mott promised to keep Fenris safe. How can she do that and also save the world from ending? 

If you love a fast-paced adventure with lots of humor, this is the book for you. Though plot-driven and quite cinematic, the characters hum with life. Mott is achingly endearing and Thrudie, the Valkyrie is the perfect sidekick. Then, of course, there's Fenris, the puff ball of destruction doing what puppies do best. I swallowed this in one big giddy gulp. Happy reading!

What's New?

"Stacking the Shelves" was a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. It seems the blog is gone though, so I will just continue to post a "What's New? post whenever I receive new books. 

For Review:

Image: HarperCollins Publishers

Fenris & Mott by Greg Van Eekhout. 200 p. Harper/ HarperCollins Publishers, August 2, 2022. 9780062970633. 

Publisher synopsis: A girl and her puppy face down the end of the world—which the puppy’s partly responsible for—in this middle grade story from acclaimed author Greg van Eekhout, perfect for fans of Gordon Korman and J.C. Cervantes.

When Mott finds a puppy abandoned in a recycling bin, she’s ready to do everything she can to protect him. What she doesn’t realize, however, is that this is the legendary wolf Fenris, who’s prophesied to bring about the end of the world by eating the moon.

Now Mott has found herself in charge of making sure the hungry pup—who’s busy munching on lampposts, cars, and water towers—doesn’t see all of California as an appetizer, while also hiding him from the Norse gods who are hot on his trail, determined to see the prophecy come true.

Mott vows to protect Fenris, rescue him from his destiny, and prevent the world from ending. But will she be able to keep her promise? Or has she bitten off more than she can chew?

Purchased: Nothing!

What's new on your pile?

Picture Book Review: Pink is Not a Color by Lindsay Ward

Image: Author's Website

Pink is Not a Color by Lindsay Ward. unpgd. Two Lions, July, 2022. 9781542026864. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Adorable little Pink is perfectly pleased with the predominance of her favorite color in her abode. She sports pink boots and a pink unicorn headband. She paints pictures of her pet, Phil, the flamingo in her room. All is well until she finds her friends the primaries decorating for a rainbow party and realizes that she's not included. The secondaries are included, but she's not part of the rainbow and the party is a rainbow extravaganza! Wait! Could this mean Pink is NOT a color? All the other colors rush to make amends, but the damage is done. Pink is in a full-on mid-color crisis. 

The very best picture books entertain while they subtly teach. This book pairs wonderfully with This Book is Gray to introduce color theory to just about any age group. There's energy in the illustrations as well as plenty of visual humor leading to many happy requests for rereading. Additionally, the lessons here are also social emotional. Young readers who are not feeling self-confident can relate and confident young readers have the opportunity to empathize. 

The end pages are decorated and contain great information. Unfortunately, part of each is covered by the flaps, which isn't a problem for home libraries. Minor niggle. I still love decorated end pages. Pink is Not a Color is a joyful addition to any library. 

Middle Grade Monday: Hope Wins: a Collection of Inspiring Stories for Young Readers edited by Rose Brock

Image: Penguin Random House

Hope Wins: a Collection of Inspiring Stories for Young Readers edited by Rose Brock. 196 p. Philomel Books/ Penguin Young Readers Group, May 10, 2022. 9780593463932. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.) 

Happy Monday TMS Readers. I hope you had a wonderful weekend even though the weather was a drag. Middle Grade Monday features Hope Wins: a Collection of Inspiring Stories for Young Readers, edited by Rose Brock. If ever there was a "right book at the right time," (Thank you Professor Nana.) this collection of stories around the theme of hope is it. Twenty-two children's authors were asked by editor, Rose Brock to write a personal story and the results are inspiring in different ways. Some of the stories are rooted in sadness, such as Stuart Gibbs' exploration of grief, which may surprise young readers because his books are very humorous.  Other authors stick with the genre they are mostly notable for, such as R.L. Stine thinking that he wants to see a ghost, until he does, or Matt de la Peńa's story about an opportunity to play high school basket ball at a "better" school. James Bird and Rex Ogle explore their difficult childhood.

Tom Angleberger, of Origami Yoda fame, writes about his autism being viewed a "major malfunction" during his youth and Christina Soontornvat writes about learning to handle rude patrons with grace from her immigrant parents who ran a restaurant. Some, such as Soman Chainani, J. Cervantes and Gordon Korman, write about their path to author-hood. And then there's Adam Gidwitz, who just wants to be cool.

A short story collection is like a tapas restaurant. You have lots of great choices that are served up on a series of bite-sized dishes; enough to satisfy, but not enough to get stuffed. Sure, there may be some stories that you might wish were longer, but then you always have the option of seeking out other works by that author.

Happy Book Birthday tomorrow to Hope Wins! It would be a terrific addition to any school or classroom library. Many of the stories beg to be read aloud and discussed. And who doesn't need a little hope and resilience nowadays?

Picture Book Review: This Is (Not) Enough by Anna Kang

This Is (Not) Enough by Anna Kang. Illustrated by Christopher Weyant. unpaged. Two Lions, March 1, 2022. 9781542018517. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Happy belated book birthday to Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant! The sixth book in the You are (Not) Small series, This is (Not) Enough published on March 1. Our two favorite fuzzy-wuzzies are back. This time, they are shopping for the perfect gift and angsting like crazy. They both want to find the absolute best gift possible! I can relate. My husband was so hard to buy gifts for! He had very definite taste and if he wanted something, he usually bought it for himself. To make matters worse, he was also an amazing gift giver.

What makes this book such a treasure is its relatability and gentle humor. The best lessons are imparted gently and subtly. The bright palette, generous use of white space and minimal text capture and hold the reader's attention, making it a terrific book to share as a lap read or at story time. 

Fact Friday: Breaking Through the Clouds: the Sometimes Turbulent Life of Meteorologist Joanne Simpson

Image: Abrams Books

Breaking Through the Clouds: the Sometimes Turbulent Life of Meteorologist Joanne Simpson by Sandra Nickel and illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia. 48 p. Abrams Books for Young Readers, March 8, 2022. 9781419749568.

Happy Friday! Fact Friday celebrates Women's History Month and #nevertoooldforpicturebooks with Breaking Throught the Clouds: the Sometimes Turbulent Life of Meteorologist Joanne Simpson by Sandra Nickel and illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia. Any TMS sixth grader can tell you that one of my mottos is that one is never too old for picture books, especially if it is an informational one and especially if it is a biography. I cannot tell you how many times I was able to solve a crossword clue thanks to something I read in a book for young readers.

Joanne Simpson's fascination with clouds began at age five, when she took a small boat out behind the family cottage in Cape Cod to watch the clouds. By age ten, she was sailing solo in the ocean to escape her mother's harsh words for her. It seems that Joanne was "too stubborn and too smart" to be loved. So Joanne took solace in sailing and cloud watching. She was flying a plane by age sixteen and was able to get closer to her beloved clouds. She also kept notebooks. During WWII, while at the University of Chicago, she was asked to teach Air Force officers about clouds, but when the war ended and she wanted to continue her studies and earn a PhD, her professors laughed. She was a woman, and no women were meteorologist and she wanted to study clouds and clouds were just "currents of air filled with tiny beads of water..."

But Joanne persisted. She sold her boat to earn enough money to continue studying. She read. She studied. She watched the clouds and made calculations. She earned her PhD, but there were still obstacles ahead of her because she was a woman working in a "man's" field. All of her calculations were done using a slide rule, pencil and graph paper while her professor had a huge computer to work with. Eventually, this professor, who laughed at Joanne years earlier, recognized the importance of her models and offered her the use of his computer.

The palette in the gouache illustrations pop with vibrant color and add energy to this story of resiliency and perseverance. The end pages are decorated with all the different types of clouds. I appreciated the details embedded in the book cover, such as the weather map in the background and her flowing scarf. The pattern made me think of birds and of her love of flying. Back matter includes an author's note, three black and white photos of Dr. Simpson at work, a selected bibliography and a timeline.

This picture book releases next week. Budding meteorologists will want to learn about this important history, but it is history everyone should be aware of. Happy book birthday (in advance) to Breaking Through Clouds! Happy Women's History Month! Happy reading!

Middle Grade Monday and Arc Review: Susie B. Won't Back Down by Margaret Finnegan

Image: Simon & Schuster

Susie B. Won't Back Down by Margaret Finnegan. 272 p. Atheneum/ Simon & Schuster, October, 2021. 9781534496361. (Review of arc courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Middle Grade Monday features Susie B. Won't Back Down by Margaret Finnegan. Susie B. is a fifth grader with definite opinions about her classmates. First off, she's upset to be Susie B. because there are two Susans in her class. Second, "the usual geniuses" are so annoying because they get all the advantages and attention, just because they're perfect. They do things like raising their hand instead of shouting out, studying and handing in assignments in on time. These are some of the things Susie struggles with.

The class has started the Fifth Grade Hero Project and Susie has chosen Susan B. Anthony as her hero. Part of the project involves writing a journal/ letters to the hero, which makes this novel epistolery - told through letters. Fifth grade drama and dynamics are accurately portrayed as Susie navigates best friendship struggles with her campaign to be president of the student council. Additionally, readers learn a bit about Susan B. Anthony, the suffragist who tirelessly campaigned for the right for women to vote, but who also held racist beliefs. The idea of flawed heroes is seamlessly woven in, making this a perfect read aloud/ discussion book. 

Susie is equal parts endearing and annoying, but oh-so-familiar. Readers will groan over her impulsive decisions, laugh at her wry observations and ultimately cheer for this irrepressible fifth grader.

Picture Book Review: Cat & Dog: a Tale of Opposites by Tullio Corda

Image: Red Comet Press

Cat & Dog: a Tale of Opposites by Tullio Corda. unpgd. Red Comet Press, September, 2021. 9781636550022. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

I just started my 13th year as a middle school librarian after spending 10 years as a K-8 librarian. Even though #nevertoooldforpicturebooks is my motto, I admit I haven't been keeping up with concept books. 

I cannot recall a book of opposites that actually tells a story with a beginning, middle and end. Red cat and blue dog romp on plenty of white space and the text color cues young readers who is doing what. And while there are the expected opposites, there are a couple of surprises - "Oops!" and "Phew!" Then, there's a pair on the cover of the book under the jacket, which parents may not think to look under and which will create a dilemma for librarians who tape those jackets down!

Fun, fun, fun! This one's sure to be a favorite.

My apologies for the tardiness of this review. I read this book back in late July, just as my husband's condition was taking a turn for the worse. He died within the week and I have been trying to adjust to my new reality. My ability to concentrate, focus and be organized has really taken a hit. I hope Cat & Dog gets the readers it deserves.

Picture Book Review: Indelible Ann: The Larger-Than-Life Story of Governor Ann Richards by Meghan P. Browne

Image: Penguin Random House

Indelible Ann: The Larger-Than-Life Story of Governor Ann Richards by Meghan P. Browne. Illustrated by Carlynn Whitt. unpgd. Random House Studio/ Random House Children's Books, June, 2021. 9780593173275. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Using a folksy conversational tone and effective repetition of the phrase, "Just wait, you'll see," author Meghan P. Browne paints the life of Dorothy Ann Willis as a tall tale. She was the only child of humble parents who worked hard. Ann had chores to do, but also loved to fish and run. She biked five miles each way to her piano lessons. When the second World War broke out, her father shipped out to California and it wasn't long before Dorothy Ann's mother packed up the car to join him.

In San Diego, she became part of a more diverse community than her small Texas hometown. She was also inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt. She did well in school and when the war was over she moved to Waco, Texas, where she attended high school, dropped Dorothy to become just Ann, and became active in speech and debate. Her talent earned her a trip to Washington D.C.

After college, she married and settled down to raise a family, but became involved in local politics, eventually becoming county commissioner. Her marriage did not survive her political rise. She remained committed to building a more just and equitable Texas government, first at its treasurer, then as its governor. Along the way, she reached national prominence when she delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention in 1988. 

There's a good deal of political history packed into this accessible story. Bold, busy illustrations depict Ann at various ages always ambitious with clear, blue eyes flashing. Both the writing and art work well to bring this dynamo to vivid life. Back matter includes more information about Ann Richards, black and white photos and selected sources.

Indelible Ann will leave an indelible impression on young readers. I'm happy to be adding it to my sixth grade picture book biography unit. 

Middle Grade Monday: Rescue at Lake Wild by Terry Lynn Johnson

Image: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Rescue at Lake Wild by Terry Lynn Johnson. 208 p. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, April, 2021. 9780358334859. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Happy July 4 Monday TMS Readers! What are you reading right now? I'm reading an arc of Kathi Appelt's next book, Once Upon a Camel. Fans of Ms. Appelt know they are in for a treat whenever a new book of hers releases. This one is gorgeously illustrated by Eric Rohmann. 

I am also reading the arc of a debut fantasy called Beasts of Prey by Ayana Grey. And finally, I'm reading a book with my ears called, The Way Back by Gavriel Savit. This was a National Book Award finalist last fall and I really enjoyed Mr. Savit's Anna and the Swallow Man. Both books were narrated by Allan Corduner, who also was totally entrancing as Death narrating The Book Thief. 

Middle Grade Monday features Rescue at Lake Wild by Terry Lynn Johnson. This animal adventure story features twelve-year-old Madi Lewis and her best friends, Aaron and Jack and Jack's dog, Lid. Madi is a citizen scientist and aspiring animal rehabilitator just like her recently deceased grandmother. Her parents issued a cease and desist order - no more animal rescue - or her planned trip to Vermont to meed her hero, Jane Goodall is off. Her plans to make good on that promise are jeopardized when the three friends discover the bodies of two adult beavers who had been killed near their lodge. It was breeding time and Madi believes there maybe kits needing rescue in the lodge! She and her friends have studied beavers and have a reasonable understanding about where to find the kits, only it involved swimming underwater to find the opening of the lodge! And there are leeches in the water! Yikes!

Then, once the kits are in hand, the question remains, what to do with them? More importantly, how to keep her parents from finding out about them. For Jack, he's intent on finding the poacher who shot the beavers. The three friends live on a lake with unfettered access to a clubhouse, canoes and an ATV. Readers will learn a lot about wildlife rehabilitation in general and beavers in particular in engaging story. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, a terrific friendship triad that works well, and an intriguing mystery to solve. There's a wonderful author's note at the end that also includes tips about wild animal rescue.

Rescue at Lake Wild is available to borrow at our amazing public library, Closter Public Library. There is a wait list on eBCCLS for the e-book version. I've included a link below to the publisher's website for the book. There is a two minute video of the author talking about the book. Happy reading!

Web Link:
https://www.hmhbooks.com/shop/books/rescue-at-lake-wild/9780358334859

Rescue at Wild Lake is just the book if you love animals, friendship stories and local adventure. It's a wonderful addition to any library.

Middle Grade Monday Arc Review: Secondhand Dogs by Carolyn Crimi

Image: HarperCollins Publishers

Secondhand Dogs by Carolyn Crimi and illustrated by Melissa Manwill. 250 p. Balzer + Bray/ HarperCollins Publishers, July 6, 2021. 9780062989208. (Review of arc courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Happy first Monday of summer break! How's your summer reading going so far? Middle Grade Monday features Secondhand Dogs by Carolyn Crimi and illustrated by Melissa Manwill. This heartwarming story is told in the third-person from multiple points of view-canine, feline and human. Miss Lottie has opened her home and her heart to shelter animals. Quinn is the neighborhood boy who often helps Miss Lottie and is dealing with grief over the death of his father as well as a pack of bullies that includes his older brother. There's Gus, whom Miss Lottie adopted first, Ghost, a reclusive cat, Tank, Roo and Moon Pie, the youngest of the bunch.  Moon Pie is missing his owner, Gertie. He thinks Gertie is away on vacation. Unfortunately, she died and Miss Lottie and the pack want to protect Moon Pie. 

When Miss Lottie brings Decker home, it is with the understanding that Gus needs to approve the new addition. There's something about Decker that doesn't sit well with Gus, but Miss Lottie seems to have her heart set on adopting Decker, so he acquiesces. It doesn't take Decker long to begin undermining the happiness of the pack and setting in motion a plan to get rid of the rest of the pack.

What a gift of a book for dog lovers young and old. I just loved this. As the POV shifts, the reader gains insight into the personality and past of each character. The illustrations were unfinished in the arc I read, but help convey the personalities of the characters and tension in the story. Decker is one dangerous dude. Don't miss Secondhand Dogs if you love a good dog story. It publishes July 6.

Picture Book Review: Let Liberty Rise: How America's Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty by Chana Stiefel

Image: Scholastic Inc.

Let Liberty Rise: How America's Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty by Chana Stiefel. Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. unpgd. Scholastic Press/ Scholastic Inc., 9781338225884. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Have you ever received a gift that you didn't want or know what to do with? The people of France built an enormous statue, named Liberty as a gift to the people of the United States for the centennial of the country's founding. Weighing as much as 40 elephants, the statue was dismantled and packed in 214 crates for her journey to America. Such a heavy statue would need a strong pedestal as a base, which Americans needed to build. Such a construction was very expensive and the pedestal was only half built when the statue arrived. Worse yet, there was no money left to complete it.

When fundraising efforts among millionaires failed, Joseph Pulitzer, owner of a newspaper, but an immigrant himself, appealed to everyone, including children, to donate what they could. In return, he promised to print the name of every single donor in his newspapers. The very next day, money started pouring in and $2000 was raised by the end of the first week!

The story is both informative and fascinating. The accessible text filled with interesting trivia and necessary context, such as what $100,000 in the 1800s means in today's dollars ($2.6 million). The jaunty illustrations add much to the text, including humor and a nod to Georges Seurat. The palette veers toward muted pastels. 

The back matter is a young researcher's dream. It includes a timeline, more facts about the statue, a bibliography, which includes books for younger readers and websites, followed by a two-page spread of photos from the time. 

This first-purchase will have many uses in the language arts classroom as well as social studies class for a large range of ages. Expect rich discussion on a variety of topics.