75 International Journal of the Whole Child 2019, VOL. 4, NO. 1 Page Turners: Books for Children Patricia A. Crawforda, Maria T. Genestb, Katrina Bartow Jacobsc, Carla K. Meyerd, Michelle J. Sobolake aUniversity of Pittsburgh, bLa Roche College, cUniversity of Pittsburgh, dDuquesne University, eUniversity of Pittsburgh Picturebooks Outside My Window Written by Linda Ashman Illustrated by Jamey Christoph Eerdmans, 2018. Unpaginated. ISBN 978-0802854650. A young girl gazes out her window and says, “Just outside my window/ stands an old magnolia tree/and hidden in its branches/ is the tree house built for me./ What’s outside your window?” In turn, children around the globe look outside and tell what they see: crowded buildings, skinny palm trees, narrow alleys, tumbling ocean waves, the family garden, and so much more. While windows allow us to look into our own world, this book gives readers a glimpse into the worlds of others. The rhyming text and captivating illustrations celebrate the dual elements of diversity and unity that are shared by people everywhere. This book is a potentially rich match for exploring geography, culture, and perspective taking. Ages 4-8. (PAC) The Stuff of Stars Written by Marion Dane Bauer Illustrated by Ekua Holmes Candlewick, 2018. ISBN 978-0-7636-7883-8 76 Ekua Holmes, winner of the 2019 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, innovatively pairs vibrant images with Marian Dane Bauer’s poetic narrative to describe the origins of the universe. Together, author and illustrator, take readers on a scientific journey from the Big Bang, through the formation of stars and planets, to the emergence of life on Earth. The narrator speaks directly to the reader, enveloping the child into this narrative, highlighting that we are all “the stuff of stars.” This unique book is a gorgeous and engaging combination of science and art, placing the reader within the fascinating history of the universe. Ages 4 and up. (MTG) A Bike Like Sergio’s Written by Maribeth Boelts Illustrated by Noah Z. Jones Candlewick, 2016. Unpaginated. ISBN 978-1-5362-0295-3. Ruben runs alongside as his friend Sergio rides his bike around the neighborhood. Out of breath, Ruben feels that he is the only kid without a bike to ride, and with a child’s intuition, knows that this is unlikely to change anytime soon. Surprisingly, circumstances do change, and Ruben has to make an important decision. This gentle story is a window into that universal feeling of longing and belonging, as Ruben wrestles with ideas of right and wrong. With engaging dialogue and simple drawings that immerse readers in Ruben’s neighborhood, friends, school, and family life, this text offers a powerful invitation for adults and children to discuss issues of family, honesty, and belonging. Ages 4-8. (MTG) I Do Not Like Books Anymore! Written and illustrated by Daisy Hirst Candlewick, 2018. Unpaginated. ISBN 9781536203349. Having books read to you is fun. But, as Natalie discovers, learning to read is not so easy. This charming book highlights the love that Natalie and her brother Alphonse share in having others read to them, and chronicles Natalie’s path to becoming a reader. Beginning readers will see themselves in Natalie as she realizes that learning to read is challenging and that the books she can read are not the adventure-filled tales her adult family members read aloud to her. Bold and engaging cartoon illustrations fill the pages, as Natalie realizes she can be a reader and use her imagination to write and illustrate adventure-filled tales of her own. Ages 3-7. (MJS) 77 Night Job Written by Karen Hesse Illustrated by G. Brian Karas Candlewick, 2018. Unpaginated. ISBN 9780763662387. Zooming through the city on the back of dad’s motorcycle, a father and son ride off in the evening, heading toward dad’s night job as a school custodian. The text highlights the close relationship between father and son as they help each other with custodial tasks, while listening to a baseball game on the radio or shooting hoops in the school gym. Karas’ illustrations surround the characters with variations of grays, complemented by pops of color in the purple lilacs and red mop bucket Dad wheels throughout each panel. Night Job is a wonderful book that positively highlights the very common experience for many children of having a parent who works on a night shift. Ages 4-8. (MTG) Loving Hands Written by Tony Johnston Illustrated by Amy June Bates Candlewick, 2018. Unpaginated. ISBN 9780763679934. Hands do so many things. They touch, comfort, create, and hold...and sometimes, they connect generations. This tender picturebook chronicles the relationship between mother and son over the course of a lifetime, showing a host of daily interactions peppered with examples of loving touch. Each turn of the page moves the storyline forward, allowing readers to see a child grow into manhood and a young, expectant mother mature into old age. The poetic language and gentle watercolor images lure readers both young and old. While this book offers children, rhythm, rhyme, and an engaging storyline, it also provides adults a poignant opportunity to reflect on touchstone moments in the relationship between parent and child. Ages 4 and up. (PAC) Storm Written and illustrated by Sam Usher. Penguin, 2018. Unpaginated. ISBN 9781536202823. Storm is one of four books about Sam, who experiences adventures with his Granddad in various types of weather. A wind storm is brewing and Sam and his Granddad realize it is perfect weather to fly a kite. However, first they must find their kite, which leads them to reminisce 78 about many other adventures they have enjoyed together. Usher’s watercolor and ink illustrations recount the pair’s many adventures and capture them flying their kite in the park as well as their whimsical flight all the way home. Readers are reminded that it is not the specific adventure that matters, but rather that the adventure is shared with a loved one. Ages 3-7. (MJS) I’m in Charge! Written by Jeanne Willis Illustrated by Jarvis Candlewick, 2017. Unpaginated. ISBN 978-1-5362-0259-5 Like many young children, Little Rhino believes he should make all the rules. From the moment he was born, he felt he was in charge, much to the chagrin of his parents and the other animals of the savannah. He bullies animals big and small until he meets his match in a hungry pygmy mouse. Finally, someone stands up to Little Rhino. While the mouse is making a point about the value of sharing, a stampede of wildebeests helps Little Rhino see the error in his ways. This delightful text is told in rhyme and captures important life lessons: one person or animal is not the boss of others and sharing is the ultimate gift. Ages 2-5. (MJS) What is Given from the Heart Written by Patricia C. McKissack Illustrated by April Harrison Random House, 2019. Unpaginated. ISBN 978-0-375-83615-2 “What is given from the heart reaches the heart,” Reverend Dennis tells his congregation, including young James Otis. This beautiful book tells the story of James Otis and his mother, after the death of his father. Although times are hard and the family has little, they keep a roof over their heads and support one another. For Valentine’s Day, their church is putting together love boxes for families who are struggling - including Mrs. Temple and her daughter Sarah, who have lost everything in a fire. James Otis despairs of finding something that Sarah will want, but ultimately follows his heart and creates a beautiful book for her. This moving tale demonstrates the power of community and acts of love, especially during trying times. Harrison’s illustrations capture the spirit and camaraderie of this African American community, and particularly of the love and faith James Otis and his Mama share. This book is also particularly poignant, as it is the last work of Patricia McKissack before her passing. Ages 5-10. (KBJ) 79 Chapter Books Louisiana’s Way Home Written by Kate DiCamillo Candlewick, 2018. 227 pages. ISBN 978076369463. Louisiana Elefante is in crisis. Orphaned as a baby, she relies solely on her eccentric Granny for family support. Now, in the dark of night, Granny is driving her away from the comfort of her Florida home, beloved pets, and dearest friends--all in an effort to break a generational curse. This unwanted road trip leads Louisiana to a series of events that are at once both tragic and humorous, and which cause her to ask deep questions: What is the truth about her past? What can she expect from the future? Where is home? In the end, she must overcome her deepest fears and make life-changing choices. Set in the 1970’s, this book is a powerful sequel to DiCamillo’s Raymie Nightingale. Ages 9-12. (PAC) You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P! Written by Alex Gino Scholastic, 2018. 234 pages. ISBN 978054595624. Jilly P. is an observant, intelligent middle schooler from a diverse and loving family. Jilly’s favorite pastime is reading and discussing fantasy novels with an online peer group. Jilly’s world is turned upside down when her baby sister is born Deaf. Eager to understand and explore options for her baby sister, Jilly reaches out to her online friend, Derek, who in addition to being a Deaf, ASL user is also Black. Jilly learns that life does not always present easy solutions, especially when the world treats different communities disparately. Jilly learns the world will treat Emma and Derek differently; she learns how to advocate for others with whom she does not share a lived experience. Ages 8-12. (CKM) Resistance Written by Jennifer A. Nielsen Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781338148473. Based on actual events, author Jennifer Nielsen integrates a young protagonist Cheya Linder to tell the story of Jewish Resistance in Poland. Cheya, a Jewish, teenage girl, uses her fair features 80 to become a courier for the Jewish Resistance. She smuggles food, documents, and even people in and out of the Jewish Ghettos. As conditions worsen, Cheya finds herself volunteering for more perilous work until she finds herself involved in the uprising at the Warsaw Ghetto. This harrowing story provides a different perspective of the Holocaust and creates a world that intertwines history with fictional characters to the heroic story of the Jewish Resistance fighters. Ages 8-12. (CKM) Poetry Books I’ll Root for You Written by Edward van de Vendel Illustrated by Wolf Erlbruch Translated into English by David Colmer. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2019. ISBN 9780802855015 While we often cheer on children’s athletic talents, we sometimes fail to recognize the patience, practice, and failure that lead to the successes. This book of lyrical, playful poetry - accompanied by whimsical illustrations of (more or less) athletic animals - reminds us to value the process as much as the goal. The book is a series of sports-oriented poems that celebrate learning from mistakes, trying one’s best, playing fair, and working as a team. While some of the poems rhyme and others do not, they all have a lively tone and pace that is sure to engage even very young readers. Originally published in the Netherlands, this charming book of poetry is now available for English speaking audiences. Ages 5-10. (KBJ) Martin Rising: Requiem for a King Written by Andrea Davis Pinkney Illustrated by Brian Pinkney Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9780545702539 The Pinkneys have again combined their lyrical and artistic talents to create a book that is simultaneously heartbreaking, uplifting, and memorable. In this collection of short poems, the author and illustrator chronicle the work and times of Martin Luther King, Jr. Beginning with an introductory poem about Martin’s childhood, the book traces the fateful events of 1968, from the death of two Memphis sanitation workers in February to the days following Dr. King’s assassination in April. The author provides a unique perspective on this historical period, 81 describing both Dr. King’s mission of non-violent protest as well as identifying some of the terrible injustices and tragedies experienced by many people at this time. Combining history, non-fiction texts, and poetry, this book is an extraordinary way to engage students in understanding the incredible work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ages 8-12. (KBJ)