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(1)
YA
In this graphic novel, thirteen-year-old Mei Hao shares her homemade pies and homespun tales about the eponymous Auntie Po (a Chinese Paul Bunyan–type figure of Mei's own creation) with her white best friend Beatrice Andersen and many other eager listeners at Mr. Andersen's 1885 Sierra Nevada logging camp. Mei works hard to help her father cook for the camp's lumberjacks, plus separate meals for the Chinese workers, who aren't given board or allowed to eat with the others. But she dreams of a day when she and Bee can open a hybrid bookstore–pie shop together, even as she realizes that dream--and her unrequited love for Bee--may well be impossible. While Khor's pencils are digital, the rawness and unpredictability of their hand-painted watercolors complement Mei's fluctuating emotions and the harsh life at the camp, where incidents of racism and logging accidents can occur, both devastating. Khor frequently uses the whole page for their illustrations and works outside of panels, techniques that aptly enhance the historical and mythic scope of the narrative and that ultimately affirm Mei as the author of her own destiny. A multifaceted addition to the historical graphic novel genre, this unique bildungsroman successfully presents many formidable topics with intentional and comprehensive grace.
Reviewer: Niki Marion
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2021
40 pp.
| Farrar
| February, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-0-374-30306-8$17.99
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Steven Salerno.
Born Velma Bronn Johnston, "Wild Horse Annie" grows up watching her father tame mustangs. In 1971, adult Annie, with help from schoolchildren petitioning legislators, wins federal protection for wild horses. The text makes good use of anecdotes and quotes to capture Annie's personality and convey her personal challenges (including polio). Fluid, cartoonlike illustrations depict Annie's energy and subtly suggest her lifelong disability. Bib.
Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2019
(3)
4-6
Gideon's unhappy that his family moved to Nevada the summer before seventh grade. He is, however, intrigued by next-door neighbor Roona, even though she sometimes wears a blanket cape and talks about magic. But Roona's life is complicated, leaving quiet, sheltered Gideon quickly out of his depth. Themes of parental mental illness and abuse are handled sensitively in this surprisingly weighty friendship story.
(3)
YA
Social-media sensation Mari leaves behind her shallow online identity to fulfill her deceased cousin Bri's dream of hiking the entire John Muir Trail. Despite having Bri's equipment and written plans, eighteen-year-old Mari is ill-prepared for trail life but learns quickly, helped by sympathetic fellow hikers who become friends. While Mari's experiences sometimes stretch credulity, her growth and introspection about living authentically should resonate with teens.
415 pp.
| Sourcebooks/Fire
| January, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4926-4231-2$17.99
(2)
YA
In this thoughtful contemporary fantasy, Eldon gets to make one wish on his eighteenth birthday and watch it come true. In the weeks prior, he learns about his neighbors' wishes and how each went wrong. On his wish day, Eldon changes his Nevada desert town's fate. Sedoti paints a vivid portrait of the town without veering into caricature in an engrossing read that is both fantastical and believable.
Reviewer: Sarah Rettger
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
January, 2018
32 pp.
| Black Rabbit
| August, 2017
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-68072-180-5$31.35
|
PaperISBN 978-1-68072-477-6$9.95
|
EbookISBN 978-1-68072-244-4
(4)
K-3
Bolt: Strange...but True? series.
This hi-lo series explores the history behind paranormal phenomena and why some people believe in them and others believe they're fantasy or hoaxes; ultimately, readers are asked to decide for themselves. Each slight discussion is illustrated with a jarring mix of photos and computer renderings and includes a short "Believe It or Not?" quiz. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Bolt: Strange...but True? titles: Area 51, Crop Circles, Loch Ness Monster, Vampires, and Werewolves.
292 pp.
| Candlewick
| October, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-7811-1$17.99
(1)
YA
In this compelling verse novel, Brown imagines the Donner Party's harrowing survival tale as experienced by nineteen-year-old Mary Ann Graves, a real-life member of the expedition. Effectively varying meter, rhythm, and form, the poems offer a vivid and gritty portrait of life on the trail, and, for Mary Ann, a liberating sense of possibility. A nuanced and haunting portrayal of the indomitable human spirit.
Reviewer: Kitty Flynn
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2016
(4)
4-6
Mysteries of History series.
Theories surrounding Nevada's Area 51 as well as reports of unexplained phenomena and unconfirmed events (mainly UFO sightings) are laid out for readers in clear, concise text with plenty of images. With frequent inserts (and an appendix) of comprehension activities, publisher's links, and writing prompts, the series is more focused on core standards than general research. Reading list. Glos., ind.
(3)
4-6
Cause-and-Effect Disasters series.
Five disastrous events in American history are explored from a cause-and-effect perspective. Each volume includes four succinct chapters, first establishing setting before relating the major events and their aftermath/results (e.g., the Chicago Fire and 1888 Blizzard precipitated future building codes and public warning systems). Numerous photographs/illustrations, diagrams, sidebars, and a clear appended flow chart round out the presentations. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following Cause-and-Effect Disasters titles: The Jamestown Colony Disaster, Death in the Donner Party, Hurricane Katrina and the Flooding of New Orleans, The Great Chicago Fire, and The Children's Blizzard of 1888.
214 pp.
| St. Martin's Griffin
| December, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-250-04786-1$18.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-250-04785-4
(2)
YA
Nicole's survivalist father moves the family to a ramshackle forest homestead. When Mom runs off, Dad goes after her, leaving Nicole and younger sister Izzy behind and putting Nicole's survival skills to an unfair test; at the same time, brooding commune dweller Wolf stirs up Nicole's rebellious yearnings. Nicole's struggle to reconcile her upbringing with the costs of isolation is genuine and compelling.
(3)
4-6
Enduring Mysteries series.
Karst explores mysteries that linger prominently in our culture. Could Bigfoot and Nessie be real? Could aliens have visited Earth? Is there something supernatural about the Bermuda Triangle? These books present balanced views that include modern-day scientific inquiry while still leaving room for kids to use their imaginations. The accessible texts are well punctuated with glossy photos and maps. Websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Enduring Mysteries titles: Area 51, Bermuda Triangle, Bigfoot, and Loch Ness Monster.
289 pp.
| Putnam
| March, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-399-25635-6$16.99
(3)
4-6
Western Mysteries series.
In this third rousing series entry, P.K. is going to Carson City to investigate Poker Face Jace, who Opal Blossom believes is her two-timing fiancé. P.K. must navigate twists and turns in a case involving Nevada Territory's bid for statehood. A big reveal should have readers thinking about P.K.'s art of disguise and looking at our hero in a new light.
312 pp.
| Delacorte
| June, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-385-74334-1$16.99
(3)
YA
Ben is heading to college but is reluctant to leave his crumbling family behind. Lala is a Roma fortuneteller preparing for an arranged marriage. When their worlds collide one summer in the Nevada desert, both Ben and Lala learn about leaving their pasts behind and letting go. Two distinct voices tell this lyrical story of choice, fate, and fortune.
212 pp.
| Holt
| August, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8050-9516-6$16.99
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Olga Ivanov
&
Aleksey Ivanov.
His mother gone to prison, Tony is sent to live with a great-uncle he's never met, a forest ranger who lives in the Sierra Nevadas with his search-and-rescue dog, Gabe. There's a good story here, but the verse-novel format (with narration by Tony and Gabe) isn't quite right, and the illustrations are at tonal odds with the text.
309 pp.
| Putnam
| April, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-399-25634-9$16.99
(2)
4-6
Western Mysteries series.
After The Case of the Deadly Desperados, twelve-year-old P.K. Pinkerton opens a detective agency in the untamed Nevada Territory of 1862. A client quickly appears: the young former slave Martha, who witnessed a murder and fears for her own life; P.K. must find the killer. The story unfolds quickly with numerous twists and turns propelled by cliffhangers at the end of each chapter.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2013
199 pp.
| Candlewick
| February, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-5352-1$15.99
(2)
4-6
Illustrated by
Jim LaMarche.
In the summer of 1949 in western Nevada, thoughtful fifth grader Ivy starts a pet care business. Ivy's three clients and their animals broaden her world and her relationship with others in remarkable ways. The vividly evoked rural setting tends to overshadow the book's historical period, but the moving story, told from a third-person limited perspective, brings the characters to life.
Reviewer: Julie Roach
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2013
(4)
YA
Seventeen-year-old Michal is a bookie with one rule: never place a bet for herself. But when charismatic Josh convinces Michal to do just that, the consequences quickly add up. Michal often comes across like a passive onlooker to her own life, and discussion of various social justice issues is given only surface level consideration. However, the course of events is compelling, making this a readable diversion.
161 pp.
| Random
| January, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-375-96881-5$12.99
|
PaperISBN 978-0-375-86881-8$6.99
(3)
1-3
Horse Diaries series.
Illustrated by
Astrid Sheckels.
Black Cloud, a mustang colt in 1951 Nevada, is rescued by a girl named Annie after most of his herd is slaughtered. He gradually adjusts to life behind fences and learns that humans can be good or bad. The horse is a convincing narrator in this engaging story rich with historical details. An appendix provides background on mustangs.
604 pp.
| McElderry
| September, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4169-8330-9$18.99
(4)
YA
Mikayla, Shane, and Harley alternate narration as they struggle to find balance amidst poor choices, family issues, and personal crises; snippets from secondary characters add perspective. The issues-laden plot and labyrinthine web of characters is the stuff of soap operas, which older teens may relish. Hopkins's free verse, with thoughtful line breaks and word choices, is by turns poised and visceral.
279 pp.
| Putnam
| February, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-399-25633-2$16.99
(2)
4-6
Western Mysteries series.
P.K.'s story opens when a gang of outlaws kills his foster parents and he escapes with his "Destiny," which turns out to be a deed to a mine worth millions. P.K. has trouble showing emotion and reading people, a dual problem that keeps getting him in trouble. The strongly voiced account succeeds as a rousing adventure that promises more action in a future installment. Glos.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2012
35 reviews
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