Picture Book Review: Juneteenth Alphabet

This is fantastic alphabet book that talks about the Blach history, Black culture, and how people celebrate the holiday today. 

This is a wonderfully informative book with a bright color palette making this a wonderful book for elementary school readers.

* A must have book for your school or public library's collection

Picture Book Review: My Lost Freedom

 

This might be a hard book for younger readers, but it's an important one. 

This is the story of George Takei and his time at the internment camps.

There's a lot to unpack. While this is terrible to read about - it's necessary to understand our past. There's some joy here as people tried to make the best of a terrible situation. It ends with hope.

There are author photos in the back from before the war, at the internment camp, and after the war. 

This book should be in every library. 

Picture Book Review: Raise Your Hand

 

Alice answers a question in class but gets the answer wrong. She's embarrassed and when the teacher asks the next question, she knows the answer. But she doesn't raise her hand. Other girls don't raise their hands and decides to come up with an idea. How can they make girls feel more confident?

This is such an important topic - girls not raising their hands in school and girls losing their confidence. I love the message that no one is right all the time. Everyone is wrong sometimes, but that doesn't mean that you stop trying. It's such an encouraging story. This is a must have book for your school or public library.

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 Wednesday: The Reflection in Me

A person chats with themselves in the mirror - and they are VERY complimentary. They like themselves.

It's never too early to start practicing self-care. There's so much negativity in the world, that it's important to remember to be kind to yourself. Starting off every day with what you like about yourself is a perfect way to start the day. And of course, the illustrations are from the marvelous Peter H. Reynolds. This is a great book to share with everyone! 

* F&G sent for review