My brain wants to put this in the category of magical realism. But my heart and spirit keep asking, “is it?”
Tag: Diversity
Review: The Neighborhood Surprise
Van Dongen’s gorgeous illustrations immediately draw you in to this multicultural neighborhood wherein a much loved neighbor is “moving out.”
Review: Brilliant Bea
Brilliant Bea, although not engaging in a direct discussion of the underpinnings of dyslexia, provides a wonderful opportunity to sensitively discuss the issue and how a classroom can adapt to students who may need adaptations to thrive.
Review: Las Cajas de Berta (In Spanish)
Berta, compartmentalizes all of her feelings in four separate boxes: yellow, red, blue and green. If she gets “too sad” she opens up the blue box and fills it with tears. Too happy? No problem. Opens up the yellow box and fills it up with springing jumps. Once she’s done expressing herself, she closes the boxes tightly.
Review: SuperJoe Does Not Do Cuddles
I really wanted to love this book. Why do I like, but not love this book? It’s a lost opportunity.
Review: Ratonauta
Inspired by the real-life story of a mouse aboard an Endeavor Shuttle flight, Astronaut Mark Kelly tells us the tale of Meteor, a brave little mouse who enjoys weightlessness and ensures that a mission is successfully carried out–using his size, or lack thereof, to save the day!
Review: The Wall and the Wild
Shades of OCD, unresolved trauma, perfectionism and an inability to see beauty in one’s self abound in this simple story.
Review: The Proudest Color
Familius’ The Proudest Color gives us a perfunctory, formulaic take why our protagonist is proud to be brown (as she should be). The problem, however, is not in the incredibly worthwhile endeavor, but rather in its execution.
Review: ¿Qué Haces Con Una Voz Así? (What do you do with a voice like that?)
This picturebook biography of Barbara Jordan, who some argue was the Nation’s first LGBTQ+ Representative in Congress, is a serviceable account of Jordan’s career highlights as thematically encapsulated around her significant, powerful voice. Note, voice stands in proxy here for not only the tone, timber and strength of Jordan’s powerful speech, but also the eloquence, charm, and brilliant intelligence she so easily manifested.