Play ball! Mamie on the Mound by Leah Henderson

Do you, or a child of your acquaintance,  know the story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson?  Her biography is an inspiring reminder of what can be accomplished when a person has a dream and is willing to do everything possible to make it happen.

Young Mamie had a talent for baseball at a time when she was not welcome in the sport as  a female and an African American.  How did she deal with this? Elementary school readers will learn how Mamie became a pitcher and will witness the influence that she had. eventually being honored by the White House.

Mamie’s story is well told by the author and well illustrated as well.  Together author and illustrator bring Mamie and the world that she lived in to life.  At the end of the book, there is a list of additional resources.  Mamie on the Mound is a perfect book for school libraries.  I highly recommend it.

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

#MamieOnTheMound #NetGalley

Now out: And Then the Seed Grew by Marianne Dubuc

This story has whimsical illustrations that show life both above and below the ground. Above are the troll father and son, while below are the various animal families, all of whose houses are illustrated in detail. The story is simple; a seed falls into the ground and disrupts life both above and below. It is up to Jack to protect the (tomato) plant and restore order.

This book’s strength is the illustrations while the idea of what goes on below ground may also appeal to young listeners.

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

Snack on some peanuts: Charlie Brown-All Tied Up by Charles M Schulz

Charles M. Schulz had a unique gift for finding both the humor and sweetness in every day life.  This book is another great collection featuring the Peanuts gang.  There are strips about school, fitness, wanting acceptance and more, all illustrated with gentle humor.  This is a great book to dip into.  It will make you smile for sure.

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

#CharlieBrownAllTiedUpPeanutsAmpSeriesBook13 #NetGalley

Now out: ABC What CAn He Be? by Jessie FordI really liked this book.

The illustrations are bright and appealing, while also showing diversity. Boys will find that they can be whatever they dream of: just a few examples from the alphabet: Ballet Dancer for B, Horse Trainer for H, Marine Biologist for M, Urban Planner for U and so much more. The fields cover such a wide range, everything from lawyer to fashion designer. This book belongs in a spot where children can see and enjoy it. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Out today: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

This novel is certain to be one of the “big” novels of the fall. Its author Ann Patchett is well known for her thoughtful, literary style and moving story lines The Dutch House will be welcomed by Patchett’s loyal readers and may well attract some new fans.

The book tells the story of siblings, Maeve and Danny, those around them and the home that resonates with them. The story moves back and forth in time as characters and their stories take center stage or temporarily recede.

This is a complex and sophisticated novel that makes readers think about relationships (parent/child, stepparent/child, husband/wife, siblings, step-siblings, those who work for families), finding a way in life, sacrifices and choices. Readers will not forget The Dutch House and those who lived there.

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

Other Reviews

“Patchett’s splendid novel is a thoughtful, compassionate exploration of obsession and forgiveness, what people acquire, keep, lose or give away, and what they leave behind.”— (Publishers Weekly (starred review))

“Like the many-windowed mansion at its center, this richly furnished novel gives brilliantly clear views into the lives it contains.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))

“Expect miracles when you read Ann Patchett’s fiction.” (New York Times Book Review)

“Patchett is a master storyteller.” (O, the Oprah Magazine)

“A lavishly gifted writer.” (Los Angeles Times)

Now Out: The Piano Recital by Akiko Miyakoshi

The illustrations in this book are truly remarkable. There is a mix of black, white and greys with color added to some pages for emphasis. These illustrations are sweet and appealing.

The Piano Recital is about Momo who is nervous about her first recital. In the magical way that occurs in children’s literature, she is visited by a small mouse and invited to the mice’s show. While there, Momo forgets to be nervous and goes on to a good recital.

This is a very sweet book that young children will enjoy. It may also help those who are feeling nervous before their own performances.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for my honest review.

Change is not easy: So Other People Would Be Also Free by Tonya Leslie, Ph.D.

This excellent biography of Rosa Parks is geared toward 8 to 12 year olds. The tone of the book is factual and respectful of children’s ability to understand and think about difficult issues like segregation. So Other People Would Be Also Free acknowledges the country’s history of slavery and discrimination and opens the topic up for discussion via Rose’s story.

Readers learn about Rosa’s early life and family. They read about what she saw as those who were African American were treated differently from those who were white. Her activism is detailed and included early associations with the NAACP. She cared about issues long before she sat on that bus.

Rosa’s marriage to Parks and his work for the Scottsboro Boys also is recognized as are Rosa’s schooling and jobs. Of course there is much focus on the boycott. The book ends with a chapter on Rosa Parks’s life and legacy.

There are photos in the book that reflect Rosa’s time period and also some quotes from Rosa. There are also sections called “Think About It” to help encourage discussion and critical reading. For example one Talk About It states:

“The Reconstruction era mst have been an extraordinary time for newly freed Black Americans. What might have been some of their most pressing issues?”

This book could easily be part of a social studies unit at school. Whether in class or at home, it deserves a wide readership.

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

#SoOtherPeopleWouldBeAlsoFree #NetGalley

Do you like to play video games? Learn about a creator. Shigeru Miyamoto by Rachel Castro

This is the third book that I have read in this series on STEM pioneers. Each entry provides a person’s biography, has fun facts and talks about the subject’s contribution to STEM. Shigeru Miyamoto is known for his work in games, having come up with favorites such as SuperMario.

There is a section at the back of the book that gives several suggestions for “Career Connections.” Some good resources are listed there as well as in the “For More Information” section at the back of the book. The photos also contribute to the reader’s understanding of the person profiled.

This is a great series for interesting children in STEM and for showing the wide range of fields included in this broad designation.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.