The Parker Inheritance

 Johnson, Varian. (2018). The Parker Inheritance. Arthur A. Levine Books. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978- 

   0545946179

Synopsis:

When Candice finds a letter in an old attic in Lambert, South Carolina, she isn't sure she should read it. It's addressed to her grandmother, who left the town in shame. But the letter describes a young woman. An injustice that happened decades ago. A mystery enfolding its writer. And the fortune that awaits the person who solves the puzzle. So with the help of Brandon, the quiet boy across the street, she begins to decipher the clues. The challenge will lead them deep into Lambert's history, full of ugly deeds, forgotten heroes, and one great love; and deeper into their own families, with their own unspoken secrets. Can they find the fortune and fulfill the letter's promise before the answers slip into the past yet again?

My Review:

   I was very excited about this book because I love mysteries, and this one sounded very intriguing. What intrigued me more was the tie-in of family history and digging into the past. I love learning about my family history and find that as Candice and her friend Brandon try to solve the puzzles, they dig into family history and town history. Throughout the story, you can make connections with the real-world realities of racism. As I read the story, I thought of so many ways that the students could dig into the storyline as well as ask their grandparents or great-grandparents what life was like with segregation, and during the 1950’s. The story includes so many elements that we may not think about because of our own race or simply the fact that we didn’t grow up in the ’50. The issue of using the word “colored” instead of African American, or when they are harassed, they don’t say anything even when asked if they are okay. There is so much that can be discussed throughout this story, and I think it is a great book for all.   

Awards/Reviews:

A Coretta Scott King Author Honor winner

A Boston Globe / Horn Book Honor winner

Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year

Bookpage Best Books of the Year

Horn Book Fanfare Best Books of the Year

NPR Best Books of the Year

New York Public Library Top Ten Books of the Year

Chicago Public Library Best Books of the Year

School Library Journal Best Books of the Year

Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year

Boston Globe Best Books of the Year

Parents Magazine Best Books of the Year"

Connections:

-          Scholastic offers lesson plan ideas for all subjects and has a lot of information that can be used.

-          This book could lead to conversations about racism.

-          You could use this book to lead students into researching their family history and interviewing older members of their family.

-          Read the story behind the book on Varian Johnsons site.

-          Read Varian Johnson’s other books. 

Piecing Me Together

 

Watson, Renee. (2017). Piecing Me Together. Bloomsbury USA Children ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-

   1681191058

Synopsis:

Acclaimed author Renee Watson offers a powerful story about a girl striving for success in a world that too often seems like it's trying to break her.

Jade believes she must get out of her poor neighborhood if she's ever going to succeed. Her mother tells her to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. And Jade has: every day she rides the bus away from her friends and to the private school where she feels like an outsider, but where she has plenty of opportunities. But some opportunities she doesn't really welcome, like an invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship program for "at-risk" girls. Just because her mentor is black and graduated from the same high school doesn't mean she understands where Jade is coming from. She's tired of being singled out as someone who needs help, someone people want to fix. Jade wants to speak, to create, to express her joys and sorrows, her pain and her hope. Maybe there are some things she could show other women about understanding the world and finding ways to be real, to make a difference.

My Review:

 This is a great book to open discussion about fears, pushing ourselves, race and so much more. I think this book is well written and a great example of what it would be like to be African American at a largely white private school. Jade is considered right away as “at risk”, why just because of her race, or because she is from a rough side of town? I think that Jade is relatable in multiple ways and not just for other African Americans. I think the big question of “Will she ever feel whole?”, is something that we are all looking for in life. I enjoyed this book as it is one you learn what it is like for an African American girl in our time but also makes you think about relatable aspects of your life.

Awards/Reviews:

Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner
New York Times bestseller
"Timely and timeless." --Jacqueline Woodson
"Important and deeply moving." --John Green

NPR’s Best Books of 2017
A 2017 New York Public Library Best Teen Book of the Year
Chicago Public Library’s Best Books of 2017
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2017
Kirkus Reviews’ Best Teen Books of 2017

"A nuanced story about girls navigating the landmines of others’ good intentions, Piecing Me Together will make readers wrestle with every assumption they have about race, economic class, and so-called at-risk kids. An honest look at how girls stitch together their talents to find their voice and power. Renee Watson is a top-rate storyteller about what impacts young women today." - Meg Medina, award-winning author of BURN BABY BURN

"Jade’s narrative voice offers compelling reflections on the complexities of race and gender, class and privilege, and fear and courage, while conveying the conflicted emotions of an ambitious, loyal girl. Teeming with compassion and insight, Watson’s story trumpets the power of artistic expression to re-envision and change the world." - starred review, Publishers Weekly

"Through Jade's insightful and fresh narration, Watson presents a powerful story that challenges stereotypes about girls with 'coal skin and hula-hoop hips' who must contend with the realities of racial profiling and police brutality. . . . A timely, nuanced, and unforgettable story about the power of art, community, and friendship." - Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

Connections:

-          Other books to read

o   The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

o   Watch Us Rise by Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan

o   Calling My Name by Lara Tamani

-          Bloomsbury discussion guide which offers podcasts, TED talks, and much more to reflect on.

-          Check out Renee Watson’s other books and website.

Hair Love

 

Cherry, Matthew. (2019). Hair Love. Illustrator Vashti Harrison.  Kokila ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎978- 

    0525553366

Synopsis:

It's up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hairstyle in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters, from Academy-Award-winning director and former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestselling illustrator Vashti Harrison.

Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her -- and her hair -- happy.

My Review:

 I truly love this story because of the opportunity for children to see themselves not just with someone who has the same skin tone but one that has similarities to now. I find this book to be a wonderful book to read with my students. I have had many students become excited while reading this book because they see a little girl who looks like them. As one student stated, “She has hair like me”. I found this to be moving, and I was able to see this book through her eyes. This story Hair Love is a must-have book for all. I feel this is a great book for all races as it could be used to discuss differences but also similarities between us all. To me, the best part of all is the illustrations with vibrant colors and braided hair with beads. This book gives a positive look at fathers and daughters, especially through an African American child's view.

Awards/Reviews:

A New York Times Bestseller 
As seen on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
2020 Rise: A Feminist Book Project - Top Ten List
Georgia Children's Book Award Winner 2021
NAACP Image Award 
Irma Black Award Nominee
The Amelia Bloomer Book List
Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film
Summer 2019 Kids’ Indie Next List 
California Reads 2020-2021 Recommendation (California)
Bridge to Reading 2021 Nominee (Iowa)
MISelf in Books 2020 Book List (Michigan)

"Hair Love celebrates the kinks, curls, and fathers who never give up on hairstyles…even when the going gets tough.” —Shondaland.com

“[A]n important moment for representation and encouraging positive paternal moments.” – Refinery29
 
Hair Love is a dedication to black and brown boys and girls everywhere to learn to love their natural hair.” – Blavity
 
“We’re always here for a father and daughter beauty adventure…” – Essence.com
 
“Seeing such a positive representation of black men and their daughters is such a breath of fresh air…The world definitely needs more of this.” – TeenVogue.com

"A wonderful slice-of-life tale about family support, black hair, and embracing individuality." --School Library Journal, starred review 

“This delightful debut encourages self-affirmation and celebrates a loving, respectful relationship between a nurturing father and his cool, confident daughter.” – Shelf Awareness, starred review

"This authentic depiction of a loving and whole black family broadens the scope of representation." --Kirkus Reviews

"Unforgettable." --Booklist

"A bighearted ode to individuality and father-daughter collaboration." --Publishers Weekly

Connections:

-          Use it to open discussion of how we are different yet similar

-          Talk about our own things that bother us about ourselves.

Lesson on self-talk.

 

Nya's Long Walk

 Park, Linda Sue. (2019). Nya’s Long Walk: A Step at a Time. Illustrator: Brian Pinkney.

  Clarion Books. ISBN: 978-1328781338

Synopsis:

Young Nya takes little sister Akeer along on the two-hour walk to fetch water for the family. But Akeer becomes too ill to walk, and Nya faces the impossible: her sister and the full water vessel together are too heavy to carry.

As she struggles, she discovers that if she manages to take one step, then another, she can reach home and Mama’s care.

Bold, impressionistic paintings by Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Brian Pinkney evoke the dry, barren landscape and the tenderness between the two sisters.

My Review:

 I truly enjoyed this book, because it is a great example of what life in Africa is like for children. It helps children worldwide see how Nya and Akeer must endure so much to simply get water and how you can push yourself to achieve many things. I found the storyline and illustrations to be amazing. I liked that the illustrations showed how the homes, landscapes, and clothing are accurate to the Sudan culture and daily life. I like that this book is a companion book to the chapter book- A Long Walk to Water. It’s a great book to help those needed a more visual connection for understanding or bringing younger children into the discuss.

Awards/Reviews:

"Newbery medalist Park returns to the theme of her acclaimed novel A Long Walk to Water (2010), bringing a tender sensibility to this blend of fiction and reality that brings home the visceral fragility of living without access to fresh, clean water." — Booklist

"With compassion, the creators present younger readers with a portrait of a life in which determination is needed just to get enough clean water to drink, a reality for many villagers in South Sudan." — Publishers Weekly

 "Pinkney’s swirling watercolors aptly portray the open topography of South Sudan and depict both the hardships and closeness of this family....[This book] helps young readers understand the reali­ties of this water crisis and the solutions that have improved the quality of life for many." — Horn Book Magazine

"The illustrations beautifully capture life in a small South Sudanese village and earth-toned swirls create a lovely impression of dust and heat...A thought-provoking story to inspire ­empathy and social consciousness." — School Library Journal

Connections:

Discusses the process of providing clean water in South Sudan to reduce waterborne illness.

In this picture book companion to the beloved bestseller A Long Walk to Water, a young South Sudanese girl goes on a journey that requires determination, persistence, and compassion

The Night Raven

 

Rundberg, Johan. (2023) The Night Raven (The Moonwind Mysteries). A.A. Prime, Translator) Amazon Crossing Kids. ISBN-13 ‏: ‎ 978-1662509582

Synopsis:

Mika is not your average twelve-year-old―and she’s about to prove it.

It’s 1880, and in the frigid city of Stockholm, death lurks around every corner. Twelve-year-old Mika knows that everyone in her orphanage will struggle to survive this winter. But at least the notorious serial killer the Night Raven is finally off the streets…or is he?

Mika is shocked when a newborn baby is left at the orphanage in the middle of the night, by a boy with a cryptic message. Who is he? And who is this “Dark Angel” he speaks of? When a detective shows up, Mika senses something even more sinister is going on.

Drawn in by Mika’s unique ability to notice small details―a skill Mika has always used to survive―the gruff Detective Hoff unwittingly recruits her to help him with his investigation into a gruesome murder. Mika knows she should stay far, far away, and yet…with such little hope for her future, could this be an opportunity? Maybe, just maybe, this is Mika’s chance to be someone who matters.

My Review:

 I love a good mystery and find this book to be very interesting and it had characters that were engaging and believable. Writing allows you to see, hear, smell, and feel like you are there. It’s a great book for middle schoolers. It is a scary book but one that is okay for children and there is no violence or sexual writing. I like that it reminds me a lot of British murder mysteries. It’s a great story that you are trying to piece together as you go without all the unnecessary gore.

What makes this book different is that it touches on a lot of other pieces of life such as abuse, poverty, disability, children having to work, and much more. You see how the monsters are always lurking even now but the book shows a girl who preservers it all. You read of a girl who has been through so much but uses her intelligence and strength to impress others by protecting the children and much more. A true story of life and overcoming it all.

Awards/Reviews:

observations…A thrilling and thoughtful period murder mystery.” ―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Mika is a brave, resourceful heroine, and her warm relationships with Valdemar and her peers at the orphanage counterbalance the bleak backdrop.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Originally published in Sweden, the novel ends with justice done and, for Mika, a newfound sense of purpose. While not every mystery introduced is solved, this is only the first volume in the Moonwind Mysteries series.” ―Booklist

“Thoroughly 'kid friendly' in tone, style, and presentation, The Night Raven is a Moonwind Mystery written by Swedish author Johan Rundberg and ably translated into English for young American readers ages 10-14 by Annie Prime. This 'whodunnit' mystery is fully entertaining and highly recommended.” ―Midwest Book Review

“This English translation of Rundberg’s lively historical mystery…is something to celebrate…Joyous, funny, suspenseful, and serious―an unusual and winning combination for middle-grade readers. Let’s hope its three sequels appear in [A. A.] Prime’s English translation, too.” ―The Horn Book (starred review)

“Middle-school-age historical mystery fans will appreciate the fast-moving story and intriguing setting, as well as the splashes of humor throughout.” ―Historical Novels Review

Connections:

-          Read the other books in the series.

-          Try a similar series by Tamora Pierce

-          Learn about 1800’s in Europe

-          Relate yourself to Mika

The Lily Pond

 

Thor, Annika. (2012). The Lily Pond (Faraway Island Series). Linda Schenck, Translator. Yearling publishing. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0385740401

Synopsis:

A year after Stephie Steiner and her younger sister, Nellie, left Nazi-occupied Vienna, Stephie has finally adapted to life on the rugged Swedish island where she now lives. But more change awaits Stephie: her foster parents have allowed her to enroll in school on the mainland, in Goteberg. Stephie is eager to go. Not only will she be pursuing her studies, she'll be living in a cultured city again—under the same roof as Sven, the son of the lodgers who rented her foster parents' cottage for the summer.
Five years her senior, Sven dazzles Stephie with his charm, his talk of equality, and his anti-Hitler sentiments. Stephie can't help herself—she's falling in love. As she navigates a sea of new emotions, she also grapples with what it means to be beholden to others, with her constant worry about what her parents are enduring back in Vienna, and with the menacing spread of Nazi ideology, even in Sweden. In these troubled times, her true friends, Stephie discovers, are the ones she least expected.

My Review

 The Lily Pond is a well-written historical novel that explores adolescent strife, alienation, antisemitism, and more. You become drawn into Stephie, who portrays any typical teenager yet one who has been through so many major life experiences that most teens wouldn’t go through. You find the regular teen life easily throughout this book from peer pressure, following rules by parents (foster), and falling in love. Even with the themes in this story being at times serious it is very relatable and appropriate for teens to read. During this book, you also get to dive deeper into what it was like for children during WW2 and those who were sent away for safety. The book does a great job showcasing people of this era, and ones who are experiencing a new world, new expectations and more.  It is part two of a 4-part series and I can’t wait to read the entire series.

Awards/Reviews:

A Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book and an ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book

Booklist, December 1, 2011:
"A compelling look at World War II–era Sweden, this distinguished Holocaust story will resonate."

Horn Book, January/February 2012:
"Stephie’s story of adjustment to a new school and of a first crush is both specific and universal"

Connections:

-          Read the entire series.

-          Research and learn more about children who were displaced during WW2.

Koala Lou

Fox, Mem. (1994) Koala Lou. Ill. Pamela Lofts. Clarion Books. ISBN-13‏: ‎ 978-0152000769

Synopsis:

In this beautifully illustrated and fun-filled picture book, a young koala competes for her mother's heart when a new sibling is on the way--only to discover that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that there is no second place when it comes to love. Perfect for growing families or as a baby shower gift.

When Koala Lou’s mother becomes so busy that she forgets to tell her firstborn how much she loves her, Koala Lou enters the Bush Olympics, intending to win an event and her mother’s love all at one time.

My Reviews:

 It’s a brilliantly written book that brings the Australian Wilderness to you with a story we have all experienced in some way or another. I find the concept to be well-written and relatable in many ways. The animal characters are very relatable to children. The animal and Australia's depictions are very detailed and accurate. It allows children through the illustrations to also connect and learn about Australian culture.  Koalas are the main characters which is a fun way to tell this story but also ties in Australian animals.

Awards and Reviews:

Mem Fox has won numerous prestigious awards in Australia including the Dromkeen Medal, The Centenary Medal, and the Order of Australia.

Reviews for Koala Lou

“A perfect example of why the Australian writer has become one of today’s top authors of children’s books.” Publisher’s Weekly

“Koala Lou is appealing and truly believable…Fox brings out the best in her characters, and also conveys an important message about competition.” School Library Journal

Connections:

Learn more about Koalas. Compare animal features and behavior from books to real koalas.

Compare a book to your own life experiences.

Read other books about new siblings such as:

On Mother’s Lap written by Ann Herbert Scott and illustrated by Glo Coalson

 

The Walking School Bus

 

Friedland, Aaron, and Ndileka Mandela. (2023) The Walking School Bus. Andrew Obol, Illustrator.    

   Greystone Kids. ISBN-13‏: ‎ 978-1771644693

Synopsis:

Shaka and his little sister walk with their father to school every morning. Though the journey is long and hot, they arrive at school happy to see their friends and ready to learn. Then one day, their father gives them terrible news: he must go to work in a mine far away, and they won’t be able to go to school anymore. The route is too dangerous for them to walk alone, so they’ll have to stay home. 

But when they discover a yellow toy bus in the dirt, Shaka and Nandi let their imaginations run wild. Could they buy their school bus? Or build one themselves? Their plans prove much harder than they thought—but just when they’re about to give up, Shaka and Nandi come up with an ingenious solution to get to school, one that will take the whole community to help.

My Review:

 This book is an inspiring story of community and one that is based on true events. It was co-written with Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter and a nonprofit was started to help children like Shaka and Nandi. The socio-economic status portrayed in this story is accurate to what children in poverty and rural areas of the world experience daily in the pursuit of education. This book is an amazing way to have children understand what it is like for those in Africa, how they desire education, and how intelligent these children are. I loved the illustrations and think it helps children to see the similarities between them and other children around the world. The Walking School Bus is a great read-aloud for children to see how it is for other children around the world when it comes to the right to education and being grateful for what you have.

Awards/Reviews:

USBBY 2024 Outstanding International Books

"Moving"
—The New York Times

"An inspiring and disquieting testament to the value of education.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“An uplifting tale about the determination of global children to get an education. Obol deftly brings this story to life through colorful and expressive cartoon-Ish illustrations that speak to themes of perseverance and pride.”
—Pauletta Brown Bracy, Horn Book

“A lively, engaging story with colorful illustrations that help readers become aware of the challenges other children face around the world to get an education."
—Books to Borrow, Books to Buy

Connections:

·         Reading articles of the author really journey and noticing the difference even been himself and the children.

·         Learn more about the Simbi foundations- maybe even do a fundraiser for the foundation.

·         Read other books related to how children get to school. Such as: On the Way to School by Marzella Brown, On the Way to School by Vikki Conley and more.