Told simultaneously from her perspective and that of her daughters, this story shows readers what determination is all about and gives a perfect example of how hard work, dedication, and a hunger to make a difference can lead to an exceptional end.
Tag: Age 4-8
REVIEW: Harlem Grown
Nevaeh goes to school at PS-175. Across from her school is a junk filled plot of land. While volunteering at the school, Hillery, “Mr Tony the kids called him,” notices the vacant lot and he has an idea. He cleared the lot, with the help of the students and they plant 400 seedlings, “one for each kid.”
REVIEW: TOGETHER WE MARCH (25 PROTEST MOVEMENTS THAT MARCHED INTO HISTORY)
One of the most powerful things I observed during this past summer of demonstrating for racial justice was just how influential young people, sometimes very young people, were to the movements in my community. Whitney Houston sang, “I believe the children are our future.” I say, “thank Heaven.” Hopefully they’ll do a better job than we have. In the meantime, baby activists will want to add this inspiring book to their reference collection.
Review: Off to see the sea
With a flowing, lyrical rhythm and rich descriptions of all the imaginary events that make bath time something to look forward to, this story captures the reader’s attention and keeps them turning pages for more. This is one story that will be enjoyed for many readings.
REVIEW: Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston
Confession time: I often don’t care for picture book biographies. They’re hard to do well; either their subject matter is too adult for the preschool crowd, or their treatment of their subject is too shallow for the adult reading it. It’s a tricky thing to get right, but author Alicia D. Williams and illustrator Jaqueline Alcántara have struck a near-perfect tone with Jump at the Sun, a compelling and delightful picture book about national treasure Zora Neale Hurston.
REVIEW: Malaika’s Surprise
This book is a well-written, beautifully illustrated, and heartwarming story about a little girl afraid about yet another change in her very young life. How wonderfully banal. To young readers, the diversity in the book will hopefully come across as passe, almost an afterthought, to the central story that every kid who has dealt with the arrival of a new disruptive sibling can relate to.
Review: Me & Mama
With sumptuous, lyrical language that will move melt even the coldest heart, Cabrera gives you a sweet peek into a lovely day shared between a daughter and her mother.
REVIEW: The Boy Who Loved Everyone
Dimitri is the most affectionate boy in preschool. He loves every child, every adult, every ant, and every tree. And he’s not afraid to say so. However when the children, adults, ants and trees don’t answer back the same way, Dimitri feels embarrassed, and ashamed.
Review: Keith Among The Pigeons
Keith really likes pigeons. He doesn’t sit, move, or behave like other cats, especially the super-judgy Nigel and Hilda (who may or may not be his cat siblings). He longs to hang with the pigeons, protests for pigeon rights, yet scares the pigeons with his cat-like appearance. In turns, he tries to be like the birds and tries to be like the cats, and ultimately finds kinship and self-acceptance for being “a Keith.”