Children’s Book Corner Blog
Light Comes to Shadow Mountain
by Toni Buzzeo; Holiday House, 2023.
Set in the mountains of eastern Kentucky in the 1930s, this Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection explores the onset of efforts to spread electrification to rural America. This novel not only sheds light on the importance of electricity, but through story expertly drawn, it exemplifies the importance of having convictions grounded in facts while also respecting others’ beliefs, and the value in seeking to understand both sides of an issue when forming an opinion or landing on a belief.
Garvey’s Choice: The Graphic Novel
by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III; Wordsong, 2023.
This graphic novel illustrated by Theodore Taylor III is an adaptation of Nikki Grimes’ highly acclaimed, award-winning novel in verse about a middle school boy who, with the help of his friends, is figuring out who he is and what makes his heart sing as he struggles to connect with his father.
Eb & Flow
by Kelly J. Baptist; Crown, 2023.
Eb & Flow (Ebony and De’Kari) don’t have much use for one another and the enmity grows when Eb mars Flow’s beloved sneakers. The antagonism escalates to a cafeteria altercation resulting in a ten-day suspension that ultimately leads both characters to a clearer understanding of themselves and each other.
Nila’s Perfect Coat
by Norene Paulson, illustrated by Maria Mola; Beaming Books, 2023.
On a trip to the thrift store, Nila finds the perfect puffy coat. She wants it, and she buys it—even though her coat from last year still fits. What happens next is the crux of Nila’s Perfect Coat, an accessible story that provides entry into a discussion of needs and wants, and helping others through difficult times.
Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait / You Can’t Say That!
by Leonard S. Marcus, Farrar Straus Giroux, 2023; Candlewick Press, 2021 .
This month’s post brings you two books by acclaimed expert on children’s books and author of numerous award-winning biographies, Leonard S. Marcus. You Can’t Say That! delves into the timely topic of censorship of books for young people. Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait, written for middle graders and up, is a fresh biography of Abraham Lincoln that examines his love of the technology of his time–especially photography–and the making of an iconic image of a beloved President and his 10-year-old son Tad.
Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards: The Making of MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS
by Emma Bland Smith, illustrated by Becca Stadtlander; Calkins Creek/Astra Books for Young Readers, 2022.
Focusing on the creation of his beloved Caldecott Award-winning Make Way for Ducklings, this winning picture book biography brings to life Robert McCloskey’s perseverance, creativity, and humor.
How To Read a Rock: A Graphic Novel on Ocean Science
by Kevin Kurtz, illustrated by Nicole Kurtz; NSF, 2022.
Readers journey to the ocean floor to discover fascinating facts while being entertained by jokes and sidebar silliness in this graphic novel e-book for middle schoolers and up published by the National Science Foundation.
Squirrel on Stage
by Vivian Vande Velde, illustrated by Steve Björkman; Holiday House, 2022.
Humorous confusion and a bit of upstaging make for a thoroughly entertaining chapter book when Twitch the Squirrel, along with his friend Sweetie the Library Rat, joins the school production of Cinderella.
Maddie and Mabel Take the Lead
by Kari Allen, illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss; Kind World Publishing, 2022.
Following the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, Maddie And Mabel, the second book in this early reader series continues the everyday adventures highlighting the satisfying bond between two sisters who navigate their relationship with kindness and humor.
We Belong
by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera; Carolrhoda Books, 2022.
It begins with an unoccupied park bench and the text, “Welcome! You’re here.” As the book progresses from page turn to page turn, more and more children of all shapes, sizes, colors, cultures, identities, and abilities interact with one another. Young readers and listeners are treated to joyful examples of inclusion and the power of friendship.