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(2)
YA
Illustrated by
Lars Horneman.
Alternating between past and present, this spare, haunting graphic novel, translated from the Danish, follows child Amina from her war-torn Syrian village to the refugee boat she boards without her uncle (they could afford only one ticket). Amina's memories merge with the present as the boat capsizes and she drowns. Silhouettes and shadows add texture and tone to Horneman's clear line work, while large panels and cinematic angles control reading pace.
Reviewer: Elisa Gall
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2018
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Elizabeth Zunon.
Thirteen-year-old Martha Bartlett lives with her Quaker family in an abolitionist community in 1850s Connecticut. When her adopted younger brother, Jake--a light-skinned, possibly autistic orphan of a runaway slave--is kidnapped by slave catchers following the Fugitive Slave Act, Martha embarks on an Underground Railroad–aided rescue mission. Historical tidbits enhance this readable but uneven story of sibling love. Author's note appended.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Sabra Field.
For children grappling with their emotions surrounding death, poetic questions and responses have a quietly reassuring tone as the unnamed narrator speaks of possibilities, not answers: "I catch just a glance / in the hills' quiet stillness, in a storm's dark advance." Elegant woodcuts show a diverse group of children and use serene landscapes, white silhouettes, cloud formations, etc., as palpable but open-ended visual references to the dead.
(3)
YA
Adapted by Rebecca Stefoff.
Adapted from Mann's adult book, this is an extensive explanation of the ecological convulsion known as the Columbian Exchange that occurred among the continents after Columbus's successful voyage; particular focus is on the worldwide historical impact of foods and tobacco, industrial products (e.g., rubber, silver), and human migration and enslavement. Maps, drawings, and photographs enhance this fascinating account of the far-reaching exchanges. Timeline. Glos., ind.
32 pp.
| Seven Stories
| November, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-1-60980-693-4$17.95 New ed. (2013)
(4)
K-3
Originally a board book, this new version's larger spreads showcase the colorful digital art. The passionate social justice angle and fairly sophisticated politics make this not-your-average alphabet book. It's a bit overblown--and the alphabet constraint is overstretched--but with lines like "Y is for You. And Youth. Your planet. Your rights," children are encouraged to effect change.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Ivan Chermayeff.
In his only children's book, secular humanist Vonnegut tells the Nativity story as only he could: "It saw a sun, / which was Its mother's shoulder, / and then the moon of the midwife, / and then a star, / which was Joseph at the doorway / with a lamp," etc. Chermayeff's handsome, starry, cobalt-blue-heavy art conjures Matisse's famous cutouts.
(3)
4-6
Translated by Jeffrey M. Green.
Illustrated by
Philippe Dumas.
During WWII, nine-year-old Adam and his classmate Thomas are led by their parents from their ghetto home into the forest to survive. They build a sort-of nest for shelter and wait, passing time by discussing war, religion, and philosophy. The lyrical, parable-like story takes place nearly outside time and place (there are occasional key markers); a fascinating author's note describes Appelfeld's own WWII experiences.
362 pp.
| Seven Stories
| April, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-1-60980-522-7$22.95
|
EbookISBN 978-1-60980-523-4
(4)
YA
Adapted by Rebecca Stefoff.
Adapted from his adult book, The Third Chimpanzee, Diamond takes a sweeping look at human differentiation from other animals from the perspective of evolutionary biology, biogeography, and creative interpretation. Diamond finds reason for despair in self-destructive communal behavior, and hope in possible corrections to such. His readable, organized (though undocumented) chapters include numerous short inserts and photos. Glos.
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Elliott Gilbert.
Paralyzed from the waist down from a diving accident, eleven-year-old Lizzie is a curious and charismatic kid who's recently moved to Florida with her single mom. Accompanied by a ragtag group of friends, Lizzie embarks on an adventure to free some monkeys from an unfortunate roadside zoo situation. Though slow at times, it's a heartwarming story full of unlikely heroes.
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Ibrahim Quraishi.
Hurry, an affectionate donkey, lives in a "dry and lonely land by the sea"--occupied Gaza, according to an author's note at book's end. To cheer the local children, a zookeeper paints stripes on Hurry so that he resembles a zebra. Based on a true event, the tale is heart-yanking and uplifting; if only the every-media-imaginable illustrations were more inviting.
(3)
YA
A quirky thirteen-year-old with a love of musical theater, Trevor faces escalating bullying in school and eventually attempts suicide. His sexuality, not yet an issue to Trevor himself, is the clear cause of the bullying. The lively voice will connect with teens facing similar problems, while end notes describe the Trevor Project and give numbers and organizations to help gay teens in crisis.
(4)
4-6
Translated by Julian Meldon D'Arcy.
Illustrated by
Áslaug Jónsdóttir.
This Icelandic import tells the story of a planet of contented, fulfilled children who fall prey to a man who arrives in a rocket ship and offers infinite happiness if they give up that which makes them special (their youth). Strange-looking illustrations and a preachy tone may alienate readers astute enough to understand Magnason's underlying commentaries on foreign aid, consumerism, and environmentalism.
(4)
YA
Adapted by Rebecca Stefoff.
This is an abridged version of an adult book on the historical background of different ethnic and racial groups, including African-, Native-, Jewish-, and Mexican Americans. A chapter on World War II features the internment of Japanese Americans. The last few chapters highlight newer immigrant groups. Black-and-white archival photos and images support the choppy text. Student researchers should find the original version preferable. Glos., ind.
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Rex Ray.
Bailey is obsessed with fabulous frocks, but his mother and father, in turn, remind him that "boys don't wear dresses!" The text refers to the character in the feminine ("Bailey went to her room"), which may confound--or call to--the readership at which this well-meaning book is pitched. The cut-paper illustrations are as stylish as Bailey.