The illustrations sell this book with a narrative that's merely kind of OK.The illustrations sell this book with a narrative that's merely kind of OK....more
Surprising! A slow start and lack of overall action hampered this at first, but I grew to enjoy the history of Maizy’s family. A couple of twists and Surprising! A slow start and lack of overall action hampered this at first, but I grew to enjoy the history of Maizy’s family. A couple of twists and turns and a realistic ending kept things grounded....more
Preachy and unrealistic. From the looks of things, some young kids find permanent housing for a homeless family with no help from adults. I like the cPreachy and unrealistic. From the looks of things, some young kids find permanent housing for a homeless family with no help from adults. I like the can-do spirit of the story, but it just made me roll my eyes....more
A fun and informative look at bats, particularly focusing on the conservation aspect of these endangered species. There are a number of inspiring profA fun and informative look at bats, particularly focusing on the conservation aspect of these endangered species. There are a number of inspiring profiles of "bat citizens" - children and teens who work in their communities to help maintain the existence of bats by advocating for them. This is short enough for casual readers but informative enough to satisfy die-hard fans....more
Inspired by the Riot Grrrl movement but able to transcend its flaws. This felt like a present to the author’s teenage self and also my own teenage yeaInspired by the Riot Grrrl movement but able to transcend its flaws. This felt like a present to the author’s teenage self and also my own teenage years. I felt old and yet pleased that young girls might read this and feel inspired to resist. I actually think today’s young girls are far better feminists than my generation ever was, and that we could learn from them. I loved the optimism of this book and also the fact that the author didn’t sanctify the Riot Grrrl movement, which I flirted with for a short time as a kid and then distanced myself from in the end. But the cool thing about now is that young women don’t have to rely on one thing to feel empowered. I liked the democratization of a movement presented here, and that it was intersectional. Good job, author!...more
Heavily indebted to books like Night and Day and the Rainbow, but I wonder if the author read either in preparation for writing this work. The story wHeavily indebted to books like Night and Day and the Rainbow, but I wonder if the author read either in preparation for writing this work. The story was most successful in its portrayal of how people try to reconcile personal desires with conflicting philosophies. Scenes that didn’t involve this lagged a little but overall the story was brisk. I’d read more by this author!...more
Vibrant, dramatic illustrations that lent urgency to the story. However, it felt rushed and superficial in sections, and the story ended abruptly. It'Vibrant, dramatic illustrations that lent urgency to the story. However, it felt rushed and superficial in sections, and the story ended abruptly. It's still a valuable document of the civil rights movement, however....more
A beautifully illustrated book celebrating ALL Americans and their part in shaping the country's past present and future.A beautifully illustrated book celebrating ALL Americans and their part in shaping the country's past present and future....more
Excellent character voice and a good examination of white privilege and racism. At times this was a little cliched and unfocused though. Would have beExcellent character voice and a good examination of white privilege and racism. At times this was a little cliched and unfocused though. Would have benefited from editing, but also a great setting too....more
The most powerful volume. Some illustrations were confusing, and I found the introductory plot line, plus the conclusion noting the decision to do theThe most powerful volume. Some illustrations were confusing, and I found the introductory plot line, plus the conclusion noting the decision to do the book artificial, but brilliant. Inspiring and brutal....more
The march against fear signaled the death of the civil rights movement, showcasing a fracturing coalition, conflicting messages, and how even the workThe march against fear signaled the death of the civil rights movement, showcasing a fracturing coalition, conflicting messages, and how even the work of one loan eccentric (James Meredith) can send far-reaching aftershocks throughout a mass action.
Absolute brutality from whites permeated this march, and tensions rose during its exhaustive duration. While MLK's assassination was the nail in the coffin of the movement, this march caused it to slowly fall apart. Interesting and of course horrifying....more
A simple but strong story detailing the school year of Ms. Hill's last fifth grade class. The school is being sold to make way for a supermarket, and A simple but strong story detailing the school year of Ms. Hill's last fifth grade class. The school is being sold to make way for a supermarket, and students have conflicted feelings about it. Great variety of poems, and the kids all had great voices. I liked the realistic ending, and I found the students' effort to save their school inspiring as well. Some kids had more time on the page than others, but it worked well. Their poems were also done in a voice and style that felt appropriate for the capability of that age. An ordinary story that had a lot of deeper overtones, which were present in a subtle and respectful way....more
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