Category Archives: Book Reviews

IMWAYR: Finishing 2025

The last few days of school are always chaotic, and today we had another two-hour delay due to below-zero temperatures. It was nice to see students this afternoon visiting the library to trade books before break. I’m still sharing the holiday books I wrote about last week. Today’s featured title was Hanukkah Upside Down, byContinue reading “IMWAYR: Finishing 2025”

IMWAYR: Tons of Fun Books

t’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a weekly blog hop hosted by Kellee and Ricki of Unleashing Readers. The original IMWAYR, with an adult literature focus, was started by Sheila at Book Journeys and is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Head over to Unleashing Readers to join the link-up and share your reading! I Am So Strong byContinue reading “IMWAYR: Tons of Fun Books”

Book PREview: How To Explain Robotics To a Grown-Up

Ruth Spiro is an expert at using kid-friendly language and storytelling techniques to inform young readers (and their parents) about scientific topics. How to Explain Robotics to a Grown-Up uses authentic vocabulary paired with rhythmic and repetitive phrases that make sense. Teresa Martinez pens friendly-looking, diverse characters that appeal to the reader. The glossary andContinue reading “Book PREview: How To Explain Robotics To a Grown-Up”

Book Review: Like Lava In My Veins by Derrick Barnes

“Bobby Beacon’s got fire flowing through his veins.” At school, Bobby wants to be a good student, but he leaves his seat, taps on the desk, and raises his hand after every question posed by Ms. Flores. A week goes by, and the teacher can’t take it anymore. Bobby’s lack of control of his powerContinue reading “Book Review: Like Lava In My Veins by Derrick Barnes”

Book PREview: Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz

Dani made the (formerly all-boys) baseball team at school and she’s ready to pitch! Sharing the celebration is her lifelong best friend, Eric. Now it’s summertime, and Eric’s family is off to the Cape in the RV.  During the night, there’s an accident, leaving Dani unable to do the one thing she has dreamed ofContinue reading “Book PREview: Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz”

Book Review: Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life by Jerry Pinkney

This memoir was written over a decade ago, prior to the passing of the author, but it still needed published. Thank goodness that Jerry’s family shared — Mr. Pinkney’s story is relatable as readers are immersed into the all-Black block in Philadelphia called East Earlham Street. Readers get to know Jerry as a boy, drawingContinue reading “Book Review: Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life by Jerry Pinkney”

IMWAYR: A Few New Titles

IMWAYR is a weekly blog hop with kid lit co-hosts Jennifer from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers. The original IMWAYR, with an adult literature focus, was started by Sheila at Book Journeys and is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. It’s a great way to share what you’re reading and get recommendations fromContinue reading “IMWAYR: A Few New Titles”

Book PREview: Race Against Death by Deborah Hopkinson

Race Against Death is a scary, suspenseful look at POWs’ lives after Pearl Harbor. Deborah Hopkinson brings the story of The “Angels of the Underground” to readers, detailing the horrific conditions the American and Filipino servicemen endured while stuck in the Philippines under Japanese military control. This a story of suffering and death attributed toContinue reading “Book PREview: Race Against Death by Deborah Hopkinson”

Book PREview: Sunshine by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

In this companion to Hey, Kiddo, Jarrett takes us with him to Camp Sunshine, a week-long camp for pediatric cancer patients and their families. Jarrett volunteered when he was a senior in high school, and it changed his life. Reading Sunshine changed my life – I can only read about Jarrett’s experience with Diego, Eric,Continue reading “Book PREview: Sunshine by Jarrett J. Krosoczka”