The Princess in Black

The Princess in Black  

Author: Shannon Hale & Dean Hale

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z.

 

Summary: Who says princesses don't wear black? When trouble raises its blue monster head, Princess Magnolia ditches her flouncy dresses and becomes the Princess in Black!

Review: I decided to pick up this book because I’ve heard good reviews on it, saying it was an empowering read for young girls. It’s a very short chapter book with illustrations that will keep your princess reading. I enjoyed the cuteness of it all and how it breaks down girl stereotypes. Princess Magnolia is a strong, brave character that is worth reading about.

Tienes un pajaro en la Cabeza

Tienes un pajaro en la Carbeza
Author: Mo Willems
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Gloria

Summary: The book was about the Elephant having a bird on his head, which he does not like at all. He ends up having not only one bird on his head but then two birds, a nest and then baby birds. His best friend Piggy giggles and mocks him throughout the story, towards the end Elephant is able to remove the birds by simply asking them politely to leave his head. Which they do and they then decide to move to Piggy’s head instead.

Review: I really enjoyed reading this book, the story was creative and very amusing. I liked how the story had repetition. It also showed different emotions coming from both Elephant as well as Piggy. Over all I think many Spanish/bilingual readers would enjoy this book.

Rescue Bunnies

Rescue Bunnies
Author: Doreen Cronin
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Christi

Summary: Newbie struggles to pass her field test to become a full fledged rescue bunny.

Review: Rescue Bunnies will be appealing to both the child and the adult reader. The humor (my favorite part about her books) is dry and sophisticated. I especially like Cronin's use of funny and famous movie lines. “You had me at hello” and “You can't handle the truth”. The illustrations are big and bold and should catch the child’s eye. She has dedicated this book to First Responders everywhere, and it could be great for a unit on community helpers.

Friends with Boys

Friends with Boys  

Author: Faith Erin Hicks

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z.

 

Summary: A coming-of-age tale with a spooky twist! Maggie McKay hardly knows what to do with herself. After an idyllic childhood of homeschooling with her mother and rough-housing with her older brothers, it's time for Maggie to face the outside world, all on her own. But that means facing high school first. And it also means solving the mystery of the melancholy ghost who has silently followed Maggie throughout her entire life. Maybe it even means making a new friend―one who isn't one of her brothers. 

Review: This is my first graphic novel that I ever read and I’m surprisingly pleased. Not only did I enjoy the format of dialogue and artwork, I liked the story and the messages that came along with it. I could see any school-aged child that feels out of place in school, homeschooled, or has unruly siblings really enjoying this book and relating to Maggie. Throw in the paranormal and this is a hit! I was excited to find out when the next book in this graphic novel series will be out, but it looks like we as readers are supposed to make our own conclusion on the ghost’s reason for haunting Maggie. I’m disappointed there won’t be a book two because I could see so many different directions the author could have taken with the ghost and how Maggie’s relationships with her new school friends evolve.