On The Come Up by Angie Thomas (YA Book Review)

On The Come Up 

by Angie Thomas

Published by Balzer & Bray

on February 5, 2019

Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction

Length: 464 pages
Recommended Ages: 14-17

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Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. Or at least make out of her neighborhood one day. As the daughter of an underground rap legend who died before he hit big, Bri's got big shoes to fill. But now that her mom has unexpectedly lost her job, food banks and shutoff notices are as much a part of Bri's life as beats and rhymes. With bills piling up and homelessness staring her family down, Bri no longer just wants to make it--she has to make it. 

On the Come Up is Angie Thomas's homage to hip-hop, the art that sparked her passion for storytelling and continues to inspire her to this day. It is the story of fighting for your dreams, even as the odds are stacked against you; of the struggle to become who you are and not who everyone expects you to be, and of the desperate realities of poor and working-class black families. 

My Thoughts:

Bri wants nothing more than to become a famous rap artist and she has what it takes. Her father was a rapper named Lawless, who was taken from their lives in a driveby when she was just a little girl so she already has some fame on her side. But times are hard and it's not easy going to school, dealing with problems at home, and trying to win it big. Caught up in all sorts of drama, trouble, and hardships, Bri is determined to make her dreams happen even as her world threatens to crumble around her.

Going by the synopsis alone, this isn't really the book for me, BUT I read The Hate U Give and loved the author's writing enough to read this anyway. I wasn't disappointed. Like THUG, I loved the family dynamics, the character growth, and how real the story is.  

I applaud Angie Thomas for writing about the difficult and very real stuff that teens live and deal with, sometimes daily; from poverty and broken families to addiction and crime. 
It's important to have books that depict different aspects or ways of life, so everyone has a voice, something to relate to, or something to learn from. 

This book didn't have quite the impact that THUG had on me but I still think it's just as important of a read! 

Gator, Gator, Gator! by Daniel Bernstrom (Picture Book Review)

Gator, Gator, Gator! 

by Daniel Bernstrom

Illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon

Published by HarperCollins

on October 9, 2018

Length: 40 pages

Age Group: 4-8

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Synopsis: 

Put on your life jacket, hop in the boat, and raise your binoculars--it's time to go on an adventure!

In Daniel Bernstrom's follow-up to the critically acclaimed One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree, a fearless little girl takes off in search of a giant gator--but she's not going into that swamp alone! No way! She wants YOU, the reader, to come along. 

Off you go, peering through the lush landscapes, looking for that gator! But each time you think you see it? Oops! Just a fox. Or some ducks! Or a snake. Maybe you'll never find the gator, gator, gator... 

With stunning illustrations from Sendak Fellow Frann Preston-Gannon, readers experience the feeling of being on a real adventure deep in the swamp. Rhyming, repeating, and exhilarating, the text is a delightful read-aloud romp that will entertain and make everyone's heart skip a beat! 

My Thoughts:

Gator, Gator, Gator! is one of the most exhilarating picture books we've read so far this year! 

There's a fearless little girl who wants nothing more than to spot a gator, and she wants us to go out on the boat in search of him with her! She knows he is out there but we keep spotting other critters instead, until... 

The full-spread illustrations are gorgeous! I loved how each page is filled with an array of flora and fauna, making you feel like you are right there in the bayou. Likewise, my daughter and I loved the fun and plentiful rhymes!

My daughter loves this book so much that we read it every night for weeks and then she insisted on reading it to me every night for just as long. I have yet to be bothered by it, either! We love that the ending gives us a chance to start the entire story all over again!
We've even been out on our own 'gator sighting adventures' recently and my fearless little girl is always quick to remind us of this book and how fun it is to (safely) go searching for a gator, gator, gator! 

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers (Picture Book Review)

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth

by Oliver Jeffers

published: November 2017

by Penguin Young Readers
Length: 42 pages
Ages: 3-7 

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Synopsis:

Oliver Jeffers offers a personal look inside his own hopes and wishes for his child -- a missive about our world and those who call it home. 

Our Thoughts: 

The author wrote this for his son within two months of his birth so it's written to a newborn, or perhaps just young readers with new eyes for the world who may need a little explaining about how it all works. 

A fantastic introduction to the planet we all call home. This book starts out showing us where we are in the solar system, that we have both land and sea, with different types of weather as well as different types of animals and people. It contrasts between day and night, fast and slow, etc.  It reminds us that we should never stop learning about our surroundings and ultimately, that we are never alone. 

I fell in love with this the first time I read it to my daughter. What a wonderful little way to introduce little readers to planet earth and all that is on it. We have come back to it a year or so later and now it is one of my daughter's favorites. She loves seeing all the weather, the ocean full of sea creatures, and the pages full of unique people. We love the calm colors and peaceful faces. This book is beautifully illustrated and would make an amazing gift to any little one! 

Heal the Earth by Julian Lennon (Picture Book Review)

I received a free physical copy of this book from the publisher through Goodreads Giveaways.  All thoughts and opinions are my own

Heal the Earth

by Julian Lennon
with Bart Davis
Illustrated by Smiljana Coh
(A Julian Lennon White Feather Flier Adventure series #2)

Published by Sky Pony Press

on April 3, 2018

Length: 40 pages
Ages: 3-6

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Synopsis:

Jump aboard the White Feather Flier, a magical plane that can go wherever you want. This time, Lennon's interactive book immerses children in a fun and unique journey where they can: 

Bring Medicine to people in need!

Dive below the ocean to bleached coral reefs!

Visit the city to cultivate green space! 

Help the rain forest return and give its animals a home! 

Explore the planet, meet new people, and help make the world a better place! 

The Flier's mission is to transport readers around the world, to engage them in helping to save the environment, and to teach one and all to love our planet. Just press a button printed on the page and point the plane up in the air to fly, or down to land it! 

An inspiring, lyrical story, rooted in Lennon's life and work, Heal the Earth is filled with beautiful illustrations that bring the faraway world closer to young children. 

A portion of the proceeds from book sales will go to support the environmental and humanitarian efforts of the White Feather Foundation, the global environmental and humanitarian organization that Lennon founded to promote education, health, conservation, and the protection of indigenous culture. 

My Thoughts:
Welcome to our world!

In Heal the Earth, we take off on an adventure on the White Feather Flier using our imaginations and magic buttons within the pages to do many great acts of healing. 

We help build hospitals in places that don't have them. We dive down into the oceans to help heal the coral reefs that suffer from coral bleaching caused by warming temperatures. We help replant trees that were cut down in the rainforests. We help plant gardens in communities to clean air pollution, feed families, and bring them together! 

This wonderful little picture book shows us how we can contribute and help heal the only home we have: Planet Earth.

I Am Sonia Sotomayor by Brad Meltzer (Picture Book Review)

I Am Sonia Sotomayor

by Brad Meltzer

Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

Series: Ordinary People Change the World

Published by Dial Books

on November 13, 2018

Length: 40 pages

Ages: 5-8

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Synopsis:

Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court Justice, is the subject of the sixteenth picture book in the New York Times bestselling series of biographies about heroes. 

This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of one of America's icons in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the hero's childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This volume features Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court Justice. 

My Thoughts: 
Another fantastic biography in the Ordinary People Change the World series, featuring Sonia Sotomayer!

Sonia Sotomayer grew up in the Bronx where she devoured Nancy Drew books which fueled her dream to be a detective. She was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of nine and later found out that she could not become a police officer or detective with diabetes so she decided to go into law instead. She went on to be a judge and the first Latina Supreme Court Justice!

This fun but educational read highlights Sonia Sotomayer's life, starting as a child determined to succeed and into the influential woman that she is today. 

More from this author:

Love by Stacy McAnulty (Picture Book Review)

I received a free physical copy of this picture book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Love 

by Stacy McAnulty

Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Published by Running Press Kids

on December 4, 2018
Length: 32 pages

Ages: 4-8

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Synopsis:

From award-winning author Stacy McAnulty comes a sweet story about love and what it's really all about. 

What is love? Can you only express it in fancy meals, greeting cards, and heart-shaped chocolates? Kids will find love everywhere in this delightful book. It can be found in everyday moments such as baking cookies with grandma, notes from Mom in your lunchbox, or a family singing together on a car trip, and it isn't always what you expect! 

My Thoughts:

What is love to you? Is it hugs, gifts, or maybe spending time with family and friends? 

This sweet little book focuses on love, in all its many forms; from baking with family and friends to gifting or sharing chocolates, gathering flowers for someone to make them smile to drawing greeting cards, and maybe even just leaving someone a special message. There are many ways to express and share love!

I was happy to see that this picture book features sign language in some of the illustrations, from the singular letters spelling 'love' to the hand signal for love. There's even a book clearly labeled 'sign language' in one of the images! I also loved that there is such a diverse array of human beings in this picture book!
Beautifully illustrated with a heart-warming message about celebrating love! 

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch (Picture Book Review)

The Paper Bag Princess

by Robert Munsch

Illustrated by Micahel Martchenko

Published by Annick Press

on May 1, 1980

Length: 36 pages

Ages: 3-5

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Synopsis:

Princess Elizabeth is slated to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon attacks the castle and kidnaps Ronald. In resourceful and humorous fashion, Elizabeth finds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald--who is less than pleased at her un-princess-like appearance. 

My Thoughts: 
Princess Elizabeth's day is entirely ruined when a dragon swoops in and burns up all her clothes and takes off with her betrothed, Prince Ronald. Surprisingly, a paper bag survived the dragon's fire so Princess Elizabeth has something to wear as she journeys to find the dragon and get back her Prince. 

I somehow missed this little treasure growing up. I may have thought more favorably of princesses if I hadn't. I love that it's not your typical boy-saves-girl story and the ending just makes me chuckle every time I read it. We need more clever and resourceful princesses in children's books!

Want more princesses that save themselves?
Check out these great adaptations by Beth Woollvin!

    

Happy reading!

Home After Dark by David Small (Graphic Novel Review)

Home After Dark

Written and illustrated by
David Small

Published by Liveright

on September 11, 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction 

Length: 416 pages

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Literary Awards:

Alex Award (2019)

Synopsis:

Thirteen-year-old Russell Pruitt, abandoned by his mother, follows his father to sun-splashed California in search of a dream. Suddenly forced to fend for himself, Russell struggles to survive in Marshfield, a dilapidated town haunted by a sadistic animal killer and a ring of malicious boys who bully Russell for being "queer". Rescued from his booze-swilling father by Wen and Jian Mah, a Chinese immigrant couple who long for a child, Russell betrays their generosity by running away with their restaurant's proceeds. 

My Thoughts:

Russell Pruitt's life changes forever when his parents get divorced and his mom takes off with his dad's best friend. He and his dad pack up and leave for California but they discover that the 'dream' they were hoping to find there was just that; a dream. They end up in a little dead-end town where they rent a room from a Chinese couple that run a restaurant.

Russell struggles to fit in with the local boys but he gets stuck in a vicious cycle of bullying and being bullied. When his alcoholic father disappears without paying the bills, Russell is forced to fend for himself and learns a few important life lessons in the process.

This graphic novel is a unique coming-of-age realistic fiction that explores and touches on sexuality, homophobia, bullying, divorce, abandonment, addiction, suicide, animal cruelty, and more. 


The black and white illustrations are simple and sketchy but the author/illustrator did an amazing job of creating a 400+ page story from them. I liked that most of the book was wordless with only added bits of dialogue or history here and there but I could still discern the deeper emotions of the character. 

A quick but impactful read that will appeal to young adults and adults alike, but probably more so for young men. 

Hoo Hoo Who? by Mary Maier & Lauren Horton (Picture Book Review)

I received a free physical copy of this picture book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hoo Hoo Who?

by Mary Maier

and Lauren Horton

Published by Building Block Press

on February 7, 2019 
Length: 32 pages

Ages: 2-5 years

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Synopsis:

It's time for Mouse's Surprise Party, but Owl's glasses are broken. It's a good thing you came along! Can you use the clues to help Owl figure out which guest is at the door? Hoo hoo who could it be?

In this catchy and interactive book, children are encouraged to take part in the story and use expressive language to respond to Owl's WHO questions. With engaging opportunities on every page, children will be excited to read this story again and again. Who doesn't love to yell "Surprise!" and sing "Happy Birthday"?

The bold and distinctive illustrations are refreshing for parents and particularly enthralling for children who will be naturally drawn to the curvy and circular shapes. 

My Thoughts:

Owl is hosting Mouse's birthday party, but her glasses are broken and she needs our help to keep track of the other guests. Can you guess hoo hoo who is coming to the party?

This surprise party themed book is perfect for a read-aloud story time with it's easily repeated words and rhyming question prompts.
There are many chances for little listeners to interact and join in on all the repetitive animal sounds and even a chance to sing the birthday song at the end!

My toddler has asked several times to read this and is always ready to shout out which animal has come to the surprise party after Owl has given her clues. 

We loved the bright and festive illustrations with all the excess 'confetti' that made it feel like we were really gearing up for a surprise party! 

This picture book is tall (9"x12") and has big, bold artwork and text that make it easier to see from a distance, which is why I think this would be perfect for group story time!  

Thank you for visiting!
Happy reading!