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. 

Todo esto es solo mio

Todo esto es solo mio
Author: Rocio Anton and Lola Nunez
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Celeste

Summary: Rupert the giant lives alone and has more than everything he needs.  He is selfish and does not allow the native animals to eat and live in his property.  The effects of neglect are very evident.  Rupert will have to ask the animals to come back in order to save his home.  

Review: This book teaches readers about the importance of animals in a healthy ecosystem.  It also teaches sharing and coexisting.   This book is enjoyable to read and I would definitely recommend it to any child.

The Perfect Siesta

The Perfect Siesta
Author: Pato Mena
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Juan

Summary: It’s a hot afternoon in the South American jungle and a pleasant breeze refreshingly blew throughout the land. A sequence of animals are then presented and each want to partake on a refreshing, cool siesta. In order to do so, they ask the next animal in line to wake them up after a few minutes. This sequence leads to a fun and exciting build up with silly results.

Review: This book presents an enjoyable way for children to learn sequences. Each page is filled with vibrant colors and presents a variety of animals who inhabit the tropical rainforests of South America. Overall this book would make a fun and rather silly bedtime story.

Seb and Hamish

  

Seb and Hamish  

Author: Jude & Niki Daly

Rating: 5/5 Stars        

Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Seb and Mama go to visit Mrs Kenny, but there's a dog called Hamish at the house too. Woof woof, says Hamish. "Home," says Seb in a little voice. While Mama and Mrs Kenny have tea, Hamish is shut in another room and Seb plays with his train set . He gets so absorbed he forgets all about Hamish - until a piece of his cookie slips under the door. Seb puts his finger through the gap, peeps under the door, and two gentle eyes look back at him. "Hello, Hamish," says Seb. When it's time to go home, Mama looks everywhere for Seb. Where could he be? Seb and Hamish are found at last, curled up together, fast asleep!

Review: This is a wonderful book for young children who might be afraid of pets, specifically dogs. This story is about a boy who pays a visit with his mom to a friend’s house only to be a bit frightened of an animated, loud dachshund. Seb learns how to not be afraid of the dog and by the end they are inseparable. Cute, adorable, sweet picture book that can teach any young reader to not be afraid of animals.

Feminism: Reinventing the F-word

Feminism: Reinventing the F-word  

Author: Nadia Abushanab Higgins

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z. 

Summary: While most people believe in equal rights, the word feminism--America's new F-word--makes people uncomfortable. Explore the history of US feminism and learn from modern leaders what it means to be a feminist--and why some criticize it.

Review: This book is a great introduction to the history of feminism. Key examples are used and the different types of feminism are discussed. The author offers a better understanding of feminism and all views on how it has been interpreted throughout history. For grades 6 and up or anyone that wants a refresher in Women’s Movement.