Middle Grade Review: Into the Rapids

Addy's excited to attend survival camp, especially to meet new friends for school next year. She doesn't really have any friends in this small town. She and her mother live on the outskirts of town. They're pretty isolated. A storm comes through and wipes out the bridge leaving the village in trouble.  

Addy's worried she won't be able to make it to camp. She keeps running into Caleb. She's not a fan of him after he teased her leaving their classmates to call her nickname. The more they see each other, the more they talk. They begin to understand each other. Could Caleb help Addy get to camp?

My Thoughts: This wasn't the book I thought this was - but I really loved it. I loved the slow friendship build-up between Addy and Caleb. I loved how Addy and her mom slowly became part of the town. I love how the community comes together to help each other after the storm. I did love the survival moments of the book - and the reason that Addy's afraid of water. A really great read.

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Why I read this book: I love survival stories (which I thought this was)

Library Recommendations: Highly Recommended for your middle grade collection

* fictional town in Vermont

Middle Grade Monday: Meet Me on Mercer Street

Kacie comes back to town after spending the summer with her cousins to discover that everything has changed. Her best friend has moved away without saying goodbye. The grocery store her family owned is being turned into a chain store. What is happening to her neighborhood? Kacie has all these questions, but no one is giving her answers. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book and it's exploration of what makes a community. I felt terrible for Kacie discovering that her friend left without saying goodbye. But I love how she found a new friend. I love how she draws everything and then is able to share things that happened. And that ending! It's a delightful story. This is a hybrid novel - half novel and half graphic novel.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Why I read this book: The tagline hooked me (Harriet the Spy meets Front Desk)

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your graphic novel collection.

Picture Book Wednesday: Saturdays at Harlem Grown

* sequel to Harlem Grown

**Book sent for review

Mr. Tony and Nevaeh built a garden in an abandoned lot. Now that Spring has arrived again, it's time to get to work - but they need some help. They put up a sign asking for help. The neighborhood shows up. There's so much to do, but it's nice doing it together.

I really enjoyed this book. It talks about gardening steps but also the importance of being patient (which is hard.) Of course, I love the library part. I love how everyone came together to help and to celebrate. What a wonderful book about the power of community. 

This book also has an afterwards with how to create a community garden and a recipe for soup.

A must have book for school and public libraries! 

 

Picture Book Review: Lolo's Sari-Sari Store

One little girl loves helping her grandfather out in his store in the Philippines during the summers. She loves the community around them. Lolo has something for everyone and has a pulse on the community. He knows how to listen. But this summer is different and she is missing that sense of community. How can she help?

This a charming story with bright colors shares that community is all around us if we just stop to look. People always need help and kindness. What have you done today to spread kindness?

* Book sent for review

Picture Book Review: Cooler Than Lemonade

Eva starts a lemonade stand - and her neighbor has the same idea. They each have come up with new ideas and new creations as they try to beat each other. 

This STEAM book connects the neighborhood with lemonade stands. I love how Eva and her brother and Jake problem solve to one up each other. But the ending is sweeter than a tall cool glass of lemonade on a hot day.

* This book was sent for review.

 

Picture Book Review: Community Books

 

These books are all about community:

Daniel sees his father walking with a box and is curious where he is going. The only answer he gets is "out and about". It takes him a little while to figure out what's happening but once he does, he has an idea on how to help.

A lovely book about community and sharing with others. I liked learning about the Jewish tradition of tzedakah and the eight levels. 

Alice loves her neighborhood but when she hears people grumbling, she has an idea to help brighten their mood.

Everyone has bad days and needs some cheering up. I love how this book showcases slowing down and seeing the smaller moments in life. I love how this book goes through seasons and what's to like. 

A boy and his grandfather have created a Sidewalk Library but the little boy realizes that people need food as much as they need books. 

This is a STEAM book, but also about community. It's about sharing and caring for your neighbors. I love how they want to generate missing partners for their pantry - sauce to go with pasta. The ending is really sweet. 

On Your Radar (54): Jump In!

This week I'm sharing an upcoming picture book

Title: Jump In! 

Author: Shadra Strickland

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books 

Publication Date: January 31, 2023

Why it Should be on Your Radar:

* Rhymes

* Neighborhood Fun

* Everyone Joins in

*Bright Illustrations

* Play

* It's Delightful

** This book is great for the summer reading theme of All Together Now

*** This book does have gatefolds (pages that fold upwards or outwards) - which can make this tricky for libraries and easily ripped pages.

**** This F&G (picture book ARC) was sent for review