Saturday, April 29, 2023

Review: Sister Anne's Hands by Marybeth Lorbiecki #multicultural #childrensbooks




Synopsis:

"An African American nun challenges the beliefs of her second-grade students in this thought-provoking picture book set in the 1960s."--Publishers Weekly 


My review:

Set in the 1960's of racial inequality, a young white girl going into second grade, is confronted with a teacher that does not look like her.

At first, the children, although curious, find her to be funny, and just like other teachers who have taught them. But soon a mean "joke" by a student turns the class into learning about racial differences.

Sister Anne, the teacher, teaches her students about a different perspective and that all are not treated the same. Respect comes over time for the young girl and some of the students.

One of the things I truly liked about this book is it did not water down racism. The teacher used imagery in her classroom that showed people of different color and what they were known for at the time. Names dropped: Martin Luther King Jr, Phillis Wheatley, Mathew Henson, and Sojourner Truth.

The illustrations were all done in black and white with some pink, certainly intentional and not missed by this reviewer. The pictures were bold and mostly full page which, although a picture book mostly, I think was also intentional. 

If you are going to share lessons in racism to younger children, then this book is a nice supplemental one to start with but not a sole book to use.

Recommend. 4 stars.

Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book for my own collections. The review here is 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network



Thursday, April 27, 2023

Review: If You Were Me and Lived In...Renaissance Italy by Carole P. Roman #multicultural #newseries #childrensnonfiction




In an upgrade from her original non-fiction series, "If You Were Me and Lived In...", author, Carole P. Roman now takes children on a historical ride. Children can emerge in cultural periods around the world while learning the experiences of children of the time period.

Some similarities in format are the same as the original series: foods eaten, clothes worn, and games played. However, this series is for the older child who wants to learn even deeper lessons in cultures. The reading is more complex with less illustrations. Although, the illustrations that are included are boldly done and add to the book.

One of my favorite sections of this book is page 16 and 17 where the author outlines how one's house, of richer means, would look in Florence, Italy. Page 17's illustration is a simple hand-drawn outline of the inside of the house. I loved this because again, the illustration perfectly showed what the author herself just wrote. As one who is a somewhat visual learner, this was perfect!

As a pseudo bonus, in the back of the book is an extension of some of the art and people who were important to the Renaissance period. Several additional pages are included and is an excellent source for a child (or adult) who wants to know more and why their importance was necessary for this time period. Also included, i  the ever present glossary which is a staple for the original series and much needed in this new series.

Excellent works all around and I am looking forward to reading more. If you don't believe in my review here, it should be noted that this book series has already won several awards and is considered a good source for homeschool.

5 stars!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the author:


Tuesday, April 25, 2023

#Review: If You Were Me and Lived In Germany by Carole P. Roman #childrensnonfiction #countries #multicultural


I love the "If You Were Me and Lived In..." series of books by Carole P. Roman. I am privileged to have almost the entire collection from around the world. This one is a view of Germany.


As with all of her books from this series, she follows a general format which includes: city capital, name for parents, names for children, money used,foods eaten, places to visit, school name, holidays. 

Terms used throughout the book have a pronunciation key but as always, there is also a glossary in the back of the book.

This is the twentieth book in this series. As the author has gone along in the series, the books have become more sophisticated. As the books were originally written for her grandchildren, she has made them so as they have aged or are interested in a subject.

This particular book is closer to my heart because I have a nephew who was born and raised in Germany and a niece who was also born there. My nephew's mother is a native of Germany and I love hearing her dialect.
Carole P. Roman notes that there are different dialects in Germany and her book is a compilation of them.

One of the interesting things, which I have actually lived through, was the division between East and West Berlin. The author mentions this in the book and how the wall between came down. Awesome information for kids that would have not known about this.

Her illustrator, Kelsea Wierenga, mixed real-life photos with her bold illustrations. This too is awesome as it allows children to see what places are truly like. I love this concept!

Want to learn more? I highly recommend this book and the whole series. If you do not believe me, then it should be noted this series has won multiple awards and is noted to be an excellent homeschool resource.
Another 5 star book to me.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.  ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the author:


Tuesday, April 11, 2023

The Frights of Fiji by Sunayna Prasad #middlegrade #spotlight

 

Middle Grade fantasy
Date Published: 10-20-2018 

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sent to live with her strict, aloof, and uncaring uncle after her parents are killed in a car accident, twelve-year-old orphan Alyssa McCarthy longs for the life she used to have—one filled with fun and love. 
Then one stormy night, a message appears in the raindrops on the window that will change everything. 

"Your life will never be the same again, as magic will interfere."

Before long, Alyssa is kidnapped by Master Beau, a banished sorcerer with a mysterious connection to her who can only regain his power by weakening hers. Suddenly hurled into a world of wizardry filled with fantastical beasts and marvelous technology beyond her wildest imagination, Alyssa must defeat Master Beau if she ever wants to get home again. But Master Beau will stop at nothing, including using Alyssa’s friends, to ensure he is triumphant.

WHERE TO FIND THE AUTHOR



Sunayna Prasad enjoys writing fantasy books for children, as well as cooking, creating artwork, watching online videos, and blogging.  She is passionate about modern-day life in fantasy stories, worldbuilding, and even humor. She is constantly brainstorming new ideas and using her creativity.

Sunayna has been writing stories since the age of six. Many sources that have inspired include various books and movies, all of which are fantasy.

She is lives in New York with her parents.


Contact Links

Websitehttps://www.sunaynaprasadbooks.com/

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5002639.Sunayna_Prasad


Purchase Links

Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Frights-Alyssa-McCarthys-Magical-Missions-ebook/dp/B07HXMJ6GB


Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Spotlight: The Catcher Dream by Kelly Anne Manuel #poetry #childrensbooks



Date Published: 07/29/2022

Publisher: Balboa Press, a division of Hay House, Inc.

 

 

In this story the Child is invited on a journey where self-empowerment is modeled through an interaction between the narrator and a fictionalized character known as the Catcher Dream. 

This is a story where the narrator models strength and courage once an uncomfortable matter is identified through self-assessment. 

 

"The Catcher Dream" offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that they are individuals in charge of safeguarding their physical and emotional space. It is an example of how imperative it is to process the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that uncomfortable matters provoke.

 

 Contact Link

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/161946041-kelly-manuel

                                                                                                         

Purchase Link

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B92V9H33


Giveaway: HERE