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February 8, 2016
A French bulldog narrates a simple but charming story about the activities of his day with a parallel look at similar behavior by his human companion, Sis.
The dog and the preschool-aged girl are sleeping in bed together as the day dawns, with ribbons of ZZZZs entwined around them to emphasize their somnolent state. Bold, stylized illustrations in neon-bright colors use simple shapes, varied type treatments, and creative labeling to show the differences and similarities in the actions of canine and child. Some spreads illustrate the dog and girl meeting ne...
February 8, 2016
The story of the struggles and achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen is told in vivid informational poetry.
Pre-World War II efforts aimed at improving the opportunities for African-Americans in the military faced strong opposition, but flight programs such as Tuskegee’s had a strong advocate in Eleanor Roosevelt, and she convinced President Franklin D. Roosevelt to support them. The preparation was vigorous, under the direction of white officers who were also affected by the racism of the time: “For them, choosing Tuskegee / means never making general, / but...
January 26, 2016
There’s nothing pretty about drug addiction, but a new drug called indigo, named for the powder’s lovely hue, would suggest otherwise. Indigo allows users to experience their happiest memory, complete with physical mementos, such as a kitten’s soft fur or a teacup. Phineas “Finn” Walt, a drug dealer with a penchant for bird-watching, and his twin sister, Faith, live in a trailer with their abusive father and alcoholic mother. Determined to fund Faith’s college dreams, Finn sees dollar signs when he discovers indigo, but the fallout may be deadly, and his ow...
December 22, 2015
Gr 2-5–An inquisitive little calico house cat, on the prowl for a special place all her own, slips through a loose window screen and finds herself outside, where falling golden leaves lure her far away from home. At first, one may think that a cat wandering through town does not make for much of a story. But with deliberate pacing, the feline’s adventures escalate, and while her boldness grows, so do readers’ trepidations. Indeed, the ensuing encounter with the meanest dog in town reaches climactic suspense, but readers still don’t know why the little cat n...
December 22, 2015
A teen who deals drugs to pay for his twin sister's college tuition is introduced to a mysterious hallucinogen he's never before encountered. High school senior Finn, with a scar on his face that "distinguishes [him] from every other white dude," is a master at charming his way into and out of most situations. Though he's highly intelligent, with an almost-encyclopedic knowledge of nature, particularly of ornithology, he's developed a rough exterior that allows him to finesse his way in school, with girls, and in the drug world. Though it's for the benefit...