Born to Fly

 Born to Fly

Author: Michael Ferrari

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Born to Fly is about Bird, a young girl with a vivid imagination who loves planes and wants to be a pilot. When Bird suspects there is a Nazi spy in her town, her and her new friend Kenji go on an adventure to try and catch the spy and keep America safe.

Review: This is an excellent book for 8 to 12 year olds who enjoy history and adventure. The friendship between Bird and Kenji is endearing and pushes racial boundaries during a time when America was at war. Bird is a very likeable character as a girl who wants to do what she loves, flying planes, without listening to those who say she can’t because she’s a girl. She proves them wrong and shows how having an active imagination can give you courage to pursue your dreams and possibly save a country while you do it. Female readers will find it refreshing to have a young female heroine who takes charge and reminds them of themselves. Ferrari tackles important subjects like war, death, friendship, and bullying; intertwining them in ways that make an entertaining, worth-while read.

Cinderella: Stories Around the World

Cinderella: Stories Around the World

Author: Cari Meister

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Retells the classic French version of Cinderella, along with three similar tales: Rhodopis from Egypt, Yeh-Shen from China, and Little Burnt Face from the Micmac Indians of the Canadian Maritimes.

Review:  This is such a pleasant read for those of us who enjoy our Cinderella stories. I enjoyed reading different Cinderella stories from across the world, noticing both the similarities and differences. It is very interesting to compare and contrast each culture’s interpretation of this classic fairy tale. This would also be a great learning tool for young writers, inspiring them to come up with their own Cinderella tales. The illustrations are colorful, intriguing, and modern.

I Have a Balloon

I Have a Balloon
Author: Ariel Bernstein
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Yolanda

Summary: Owl has a nice big red balloon. Monkey really wants Owl’s balloon. Monkey tries to find items it can trade for the balloon. Monkey finally found a sock with a star. Monkey shows Owl all the possible fun things that can be done with the sock. Owl really wants the sock, but Monkey realizes how much fun his sock really is. Eventually they both realize what they have makes them happy, but then Lemur shows up with an ice cream cone.

Review: This cute story book really shows how jealousy plays a role in both the Monkey and Owl characters. The Monkey is the first to want what another, Owl, has. Eventually once Monkey has something Owl wants things begin to change. Eventually the story ends with both Monkey and Owl wanting what Lemur has. This book really shows how being jealous will not get you far, but if you’re willing to share things will be a lot more fun. The way this story shows the importance of sharing by involving some humor really helps young reader engage with the story and learn a life lesson.

How to Find an Elephant

How to Find an Elephant
Author: Kate Banks
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Juan

Summary: Is it a rainy Day? Have nothing to do? Then dive right into this adventure filled book and see if you got what it takes to find an elephant. Make sure to bring a pair of binoculars, appropriate attire, snacks, and a head full of imagination.

Review: With delightful illustrations and a cleverly hidden elephant on each page, this book is perfect for any child who enjoys a fun filled story and has an appreciation for art.

The Discovery of Ramen: The Asian Hall of Fame

The Discovery of Ramen: The Asian Hall of Fame
Author: Phil Amara & Oliver Chin
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Reviewer: Aleece

Summary: Dao, a red panda, takes Ethan and Emma on an adventure to the history of ramen.

Review: A cute story that has a lot of history of how ramen came to be in Japan and how it changed over the years.  There is a lot of information that sometimes doesn’t seem like a story and just looks like history.  Overall, the cute illustrations are going to be a hit with kids.

A Letter to My Teacher

A Letter to My Teacher 
Author: Deborah Hopkinson
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Christi

Summary: A letter from someone who was once an exasperating second-grader reveals her experiences with a teacher who brought out the best in her.

Review: A beautifully written thank you to a teacher told from a former troublesome child. A story of gratitude and self-realization. As this child goes through second grade her teacher guides her in ways that she will continue to use throughout her life. In the end the book comes full circle with the child becoming a teacher.