One Half from the East

One Half from the East
Author: Nadia Hashimi
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Sue

Summary: This Caudill 2019 book is about a 10 year old girl living in Kabul.  After Obayda’s father loses his leg in a bomb explosion they are forced to move back to his small village.  With 3 older sister who must abide by the Afgan customs for women, it is decided that Obayda will become Obayd, a bacha posh.  Life is very different as a young boy!  He dresses in shirts and pants, has no chores, can stay out until after dark, plays sports, gets more food to eat and has many more freedoms that girls and women are now allowed.  But he cannot stay a bacha posh forever. 

Review: While dealing with some tough topics, this is a very captivating book.  I found it hard to put down.  I would definitely recommend this book!

Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans

Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans
Author: Don Brown
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Sue

Summary: This very powerful graphic novel is about many aspects of Hurricane Katrina.  From the lack of communication, to heroism of various organization and ordinary people, Drowned City deals with government, flooded homes, not rescuing pets, and the conditions at the Superdome.  It is full of facts and actual quotes from survivors and rescue people. 

Review: Drowned City is not a fast read, even though it is a graphic novel.  There is a lot to think about, and the images show the utter devastation and ugliness that surrounded this natural disaster.  While I would recommend this book, it really isn’t for the younger set.  It is quite intense. 

Motor Goose

Motor Goose
Author: Rebecca Colby
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Sue

 

Summary: This book is a fun twist on the traditional Mother Goose nursery rhymes.  All the rhymes have a “motor” theme.  There is everything from cars to submarines, airplanes to trains, and garbage trucks to cranes.  The wonderful illustrations really give the vehicles personality. 

Review: Right under the title of the motor nursery rhyme or song is the title of the rhyme that the rhyme is based upon.  This book is fun to read/sing!  There is plenty to talk about with the cute colorful illustrations. 

Little Excavator

Little Excavator
Author: Anna Dewdney
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Sue

Summary: Little Excavator is too small to do many things that the larger trucks can do on the construction site.  But he is determined!  Anna Dewdney is the author-illustrator to the Llama Llama books.  Her rhyming text and the illustrations are wonderful.

Review: I love this book!  The rhyming text, “sound effects” of construction trucks, and the illustrations are beautiful.  It is a fun book to read, and the little ones are sure to love it. 

We're All Wonders

We're All Wonders
Author: R.J. Polacio
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Sue

Summary: This picture book features Auggie from the bestselling book Wonder.  Auggie feels like an ordinary kid.  He just doesn’t look like an ordinary kid.  As the book says “My mom says I’m unique.  She says I’m a wonder.”  And the message of the book is that everyone is unique….and a wonder.  A very good message in these trying times!

Review: This is a very powerful book.  The text is minimal and the illustrations simple, but it has a message that even the younger ones can understand.  I would highly recommend this book to parents to share with their children.