Picture Book Review: Sole Man

A last part of the shoe needed to be hand done, Jan couldn't see why a machine wouldn't work. He liked to tinker on machines. But every time he asked a question; the same answers were given. He created an invention. The machine is large and complicated, so complicated that the patent office sent someone to look at the machine.

This biography is great - I love the set up and then the flashback. I didn't know anything about his man, but his story is fascinating.

Top Ten Tuesday: Never Reviewed

 This week's topic are books that I haven't reviewed - which does happen for a variety of different reasons. And it's not because I didn't like the book

Middle Grade Review: Same Page

Bess is super excited to become class President. Plus, her good friend June is Vice-President. Together, they help their librarian pick books for the school's new book vending machine. But the next day, several of the books are missing. 

Bess is ready to fight against censorship and banned books. When she finds out June's mom is behind the missing books, she's not sure what to feel. Does June think the same why? Why isn't she speaking up?  Is Bess wrong about their friendship?

My Thoughts: This was a really good book about a really hard subject. I really loved Bess. I was impressed at how spoke up and how she was determined to do the right thing even though it was hard. I felt badly for her and June with their friendship struggles. It's hard to read about banned books and censorship right now, but this was a book I couldn't put down.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library

* Animal: There is a missing animal, but it works out

Picture Book Biographies: Books for Black History Month (And all year)

Here are a few picture book biographies perfect for Black History Month and the rest of the year.

Ida B. Wells learned from her parents to stand up for what's right. She stood up for many causes, including the right for women to vote. Ida B. Wells didn't care what other people thought; she marched in the parade despite racism comments from the organizers. Sadly, she died before Women of Color were allowed to vote. 

This is a great biography that talks about racism, standing up for what's right, and getting the job done.

If you had an instant to make a tough choice that would change your life forever, what would you choose? Teenage Claudette Colvin chose to fight back against racial injustice. But it didn't change her life the way that she hoped. Her classmates made fun of her. She wasn't looked on as a hero - not like Rosa Parks, who did the same thing months later. But that wasn't the end of her time in the spotlight. 

I'm impressed at the choice Claudette Colvin made as a teenager. It was impressive. This story is put forth in an easy manner with a lot of meat to the story. I loved the line: "...I took two stands for justice. And I would do it again." The last illustration is very powerful; the illustrations are gorgeous in this book. 

The author's note is fascinating

* book sent for review

** this is a must have book for all libraries

One little almost doesn't tell his family about a potluck at school because he doesn't want to be different.

This is a wonderful book. His grandfather teaches him about food from Africa and that learning about food is a way to connect everyone. I love this message. Kofi begins to understand that his culture is something to be proud of and to share. There is a recipe to share. 

Teen Summer Reading (2): Craft Program Ideas

Last week, I shared some craft program ideas and this week I'm back with more.

All from Pinterest.

Van Gogh's Sunflowers

Mosaic Art

Glue Gun Art

Butterfly Art

Sugar art

Paint Night for Teens

Paper Flowers

More Paper Flowers 

Duct Tape Art 

Cute Hippo (this artist has SO many awesome tutorials)

Come back next week for more ideas! 

Teen Librarian Toolbox: Romance Books

I'm over on Teen Librarian Toolbox talking about all the great YA romance books I've read this year.

Come take a look. 

Happy Valentine's Day

I will be spending the day at work. 

I'm going to cuddle my dogs - they have some new toys and treats

I have some dark chocolate marshmallow candy that I'll be savoring. 

And my husband and I will be sharing an ice cream cookie sandwich heart:

This is from our favorite ice cream shop: Mel's Downton Creamery Colchester 

This is my new favorite tradition. I love ice cream and cookies.

Plus, look how cute that looks!

I hope that you're having a fantastic day filled with romance books, chocolate, and lots of laughter. 

Graphic Novel Review: Mixed-Up

Stella and her two best friends are really excited for 5th grade. But before long, Stella's drowning in work. Worse, her favorite fandom just launched a computer game, but you have to read the manual for all the tips and tricks. Reading is hard for Stella. She doesn't need more work.

She stops playing the game. She stops talking to her friends because all these want to do is talk about the game. She's too embarrassed to tell them about her struggles. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I loved how the friends had a fandom they shared. I felt bad for Stella and her reading struggles, but I love that she got help. I think this is a very important message for readers - reading can be hard and it's ok to struggle and its ok to ask for help. I love the illustrations and that one of the characters looks like the author! 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have graphic novel for school and public library collections