Middle Grade Monday: The International Day of the Girl: Celebrating Girls around the World by Jessica Dee Humphreys and the Hon. Rona Ambrose

Image: Kids Can Press

The International Day of the Girl: Celebrating Girls around the World by Jessica Dee Humphreys and the Hon. Rona Ambrose. Illustrated by Simone Shin. CitizenKid series. 32 p. Kids Can Press, Sept., 2020. 9781525300585. (Review of finished copy purchased for my school library.)

Happy Monday! I hope you made the most of your weekend. I spent all of Saturday out of doors since the forecast was for rain on Sunday. Middle Grade Monday features The International Day of the Girl: Celebrating Girls around the World by Jessica Dee Humphreys and the Hon. Rona Ambrose. Illustrated by Simone Shin. Did you know that October 11 is International Day of the Girl day? Ever since 1954, the United Nations has focused on the rights of the child globally, but in 2009, the Canadian, "Because I'm a Girl" campaign launched an online petition to ask the UN to establish a special day to focus on issues particular to girls. These include, gender-based violence, illiteracy and lack of access to education, nutrition, child marriage and others. In 2011, girl delegates were chosen to attend the meeing of the UN Commission on the Status of Women to discuss instituting a Day of the Girl. Canadian Minister Rona Ambrose had the privilege of meeting with the girls and helped to establish the day.

This oversize picture book features the stories of nine girls from Afghanistan to Brazil to Canada. Based on interviews of real girls in nine different countries, each spread describes each girl's accomplishments and briefly explains particular challenges for girls in that country. Back matter includes a timeline and web addresses to learn more about facts and statistics particular to girls internationally. This is a wonderful introduction to a global issue for middle grade readers.

Fact Friday: This is Your Brain on Stereotypes: How Science is Tackling Unconscious Bias by Tanya Lloyd Kay

Happy Friday! It has been a bit of a week. 

Image: Kids Can Press

This is Your Brain on Stereotypes: How Science is Tackling Unconscious Bias by Tanya Lloyd Kya and illustrated by Drew Shannon. 88 p. Kids Can Press, September, 2020. 9781525300165. (Review of finished copy borrowed from public library.)

Fact Friday features This is Your Brain on Stereotypes: How Science is Tackling Unconscious Bias by Tanya Lloyd Kya and illustrated by Drew Shannon. Uncomfortable thought for the day: We all have implicit/ unconscious bias. The author explains how the human brain sorts and labels information. In general, this is a good thing-necessary for survival, but sorting and labeling can cause harm. 

This short, easily digested book breaks down the scientific research that has been done and presents it in a relatable, thought-provoking manner. It covers the history of stereotypes, secret stereotypes in our brain and how we can work to identify them if we are motivated. Brightly colored illustrations, diagrams and charts add interest and further understanding. 

This book is an excellent introduction for young (and older) readers hoping to become better allies and better people. I'm looking forward to adding it to my school library's collection and sharing it with my students. 

November is Picture Book Month! Bringing Back the Wolves: How a predator restored an ecosystem by Jude Isabella

Image: Kids Can Press

Bringing Back the Wolves: How a predator restored an ecosystem by Jude Isabella. Illustrated by Kim Smith. unpgd. Kids Can Press, March 2020. 9781771386258. (Review of finished copy borrowed from public library.)

When wolves were annihilated in Yellowstone in the 1800s, little did folks know the impact that the removal of this apex predator would have on the park's ecosystem. This gorgeously illustrated picture book for older readers succinctly explains the food webs and how the removal of the apex predator adversely affected the Yellowstone ecosystem. Engaging illustrations, text boxes, and terrific back matter will encourage young conservationists to revere the balance of nature.  

Teen Tuesday: Zenn Diagram by Wendy Brant

Zenn Diagram by Wendy Brant. 328 p. Kids Can Press, Limited. April, 2017. 9781771387927. (Own)

Teen Tuesday features Zenn Diagram by Wendy Brant. Will one math tutor plus one cute new boy add up to high school romance? Seventeen-year-old Eva is a math genius and earns money tutoring her peers. She avoids touching anyone though and people think she's a germaphobe. She isn't. She senses the innermost thoughts and feelings of anyone she touches, including their belongings, and it's painful. She's happy to keep her distance until Zenn shows up for tutoring.

For someone who doesn't like romance, I liked this. Belief does need suspending and the end seemed a tad rushed after the leisurely pace of the book. Teen readers looking for romance, a broody crush and a quirky heroine will find much to like here.