Poems Aloud Poems are for reading out loud! by Joseph Coelho

This anthology of poems by Joseph Coehlo is designed for elementary school aged children to read aloud.  The poet has included poems that illustrate concepts, for example homophones, diminuendo, speaking quickly or speaking slowly.  There are also action poems, poems that are meant to make one laugh and more.  Throughout, the book has amusing illustrations. Hopefully children will enjoy picking up this one and will have fun reciting as they learn.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

#PoemsAloud #NetGalley

Now out: The Electoral College: A Kid’s Guide by Meister, Cari

This title is geared towards third to fifth graders but I think that many adults will also appreciate its clean, concise description of the role of the electoral college. Included is information on the college’s historical origins and the rationale for its formation. Readers will learn why the number 538 is an important one for elections and will understand where the number comes from. There is also a section discussing some of the feelings for and against the electoral college as compared to a system based on the popular vote.

This title includes a number of photographs. It is very readable and the author does his job well. It is important to engage kids in the political process. Hopefully, this book will help them to do so.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

And please, register to vote so that you and your electors can have their say!

From the publisher:

When fighting makes some sense: Muhammad Ali My First Muhammad Ali by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara; Brosmind

A take away message from this board book is that Muhammad Ali was “the greatest” both inside and outside of the boxing ring.  The youngest listeners will learn about Ali’s decision to learn boxing and also his refusal to fight in a war.  They will see that he also gave back by doing charitable work.

As is usual with this series, young readers and listeners will learn a bit about a well known person and what makes them someone to admire.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher

Soon, Cassius was learning how to box. He was not the strongest fighter,Soon, Cassius was learning how to box. He was not the strongest fighter, but he had a secret weapon.

Fight after fight, Cassius proved himself as an junior boxer.Fight after fight, Cassius proved himself as an junior boxer. His talent took him to the Olympics in Rome, where he won a gold medal. But it was not enough! He dream of going professional.

Ali was admired and loved by people from all around the world.Ali was admired and loved by people from all around the world. And when he retired, he gave all that love back, by working for charities and helping others.

#MuhammadAli #NetGalley

Put this on your TBR pile: Trace Elements A Comissario Guido Brunetti Mystery by Donna Leon

Where I live, the weather is currently cold and the days are short.  When Trace Elements takes place during  a summer in Venice, it is as hot as hot can be.  Clothes are sticking, meals need to be light and our detective, Guido Brunetti is mystified by the tourists who want to be in Venice at this miserable time.  I could feel the heat and the need to drink mineral water.  All of this is to say that Ms. Leon is a master at creating her scenes and characters.  When Brunetti was eating his cheese and salad,   I salivated.  When I followed this essentially good man throughout the story, I wanted to know him and his colleagues as real people.  When Brunetti was with his wife, Paola, I wanted a marriage like theirs.  All of this adds verisimilitude to a novel that, in parts, is deeply tragic.

Tue story begins when Brunetti and a female colleague go to visit Benedetta, a women in hospice care, who is dying a miserable death from cancer.  Readers will feel great sympathy for this character’s suffering.  Before she dies, Benedetta presents Brunetti and Claudia Griffoni with something to investigate.  They learn that Benedetta’s daughters are about to become orphans as Benedetta’s husband recently died in a crash.  Was his death an accident? If it was murder how, if at all, does it relate to his job?

In Trace Elements (an apt title), the crime as it relates to Venice feels all too plausible.  Ms. Leon has done her research and written a believable and sad tale of human corruption and its consequences.  Wrong actions happen but the reasons for them differ.

This title is the latest entry in Donna Leon’s long running series about Guido Brunetti.  It is a most excellent novel and I recommend it highly.

#TraceElements #NetGalley

Now out: The Mitford Scandal A Mitford Murders Mystery by Jessica Fellowes

The Mitford Scandal is the third mystery in a series by Jessica Fellowes. Each features one of the six Mitford sisters. They were quite a group and well worth reading about in books like The Six.
Ms. Fellowes has done her research on the 1920s and 30s and the book is enhanced by what she has learned and shared. This entry is largely about Diana Mitford and her circle of “Bright Young Things.” In that circle were artists, writers and those living the high life. For example there are Lytton Strachey, Waugh and Dora Carrington. Settings include London, the British countryside, Italy and France. All are described well.
Diana, herself, marries young to an heir to the Guinness money. It is hard to realize that she is only 21 or so when she is the mother to two small children. She leads a glittering life. The reader learns that she meets and is intrigued by Oswald Moseley, a British Fascist. This adds further verisimilitude to the story.

Oh, and of course there are murders. SPOILER: A maid, a wealthy man allergic to sesame, his wife and an actress. There is also a missing maid. How are these connected? You will need to read the book to find out.

Readers who are returning to the series will welcome spending time with Louisa and Guy, along with other members of the Mitford clan.

All in all, this was an enjoyable, moderately paced mystery that will be welcomed by fans of historical mysteries.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Enjoy meeting these folks: Queer Heroes Meet 53 LGBTQ Heroes From Past and Present! by Arabelle Sicardi

The book’s introduction is personal and explains the deep importance of what follows to the author.  She recalls looking for people more like her and longing for role models; Ms. Sicardi is making what she wanted easily available to young readers.

This book can be read in order or flipped through.  It is engagingly illustrated and filled with people, some of whom readers will know even as others become new acquaintances.  Just some of those profiled include Sappho, Freddie Mercury, Emma Gonzalez, James Baldwin, Tove Jansson, Martina Navratilova, Tim Cook. Virginia Woolf, Lili Elbe and Nobuko Voshiya.  The book also includes a helpful glossary.

This title provides its readers with a sense that they are not alone in the world.  It may well encourage them to learn more about those in the book whom they find most appealing.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#QueerHeroes #NetGalley

From the publisher:

David Bowie

David Bowie

David Bowie became an icon to many in the LGBTQ+ community. His work opened the door for others to embrace sexual diversity, and he challenged people’s perception of gender stereotypes.

Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo

Frida shared her work with Diego Rivera, who encouraged her to continue her artistic career path. It was not long before the couple fell in love and they married in 1929, but it was a rocky and turbulent marriage. Frida, who was openly bisexual, had affairs with men and women. Diego too had numerous affairs, and the couple eventually divorced, although they married once more in 1940!

Frida Kahlo, the Mexican, bisexual, Communist, feminist has become one of the best-known artists of all time.

We can fix this: Mending Life A Handbook for Repairing Clothes and Hearts

When I was a young teen, I took a sewing class.  For some reason, the skills needed for making a skirt or a jumper did not come easily to me.  So, it was with great interest that I picked up this title on skills that I lack.  What I found was a gorgeous book, beautifully illustrated and filled with quotes.  In it,  the authors teach so much that one needs to be able to mend, beginning with the basic threading a needle.  It becomes clear that mending is also full of metaphor for life.

We are entering a time when popular wisdom is suggesting that we reuse and recycle our clothes rather than always buying new things.  So, this book on sewing and more is quite timely.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this lovely book.  All opinions are my own.

#MendingLife #NetGalley

From the publisher:

illustrationillustration

illustrationillustration

#MendingLife #NetGalley