Geo Librarian

APPLE AND MAGNOLIA by Laura Gehl and Patricia Metola Flyaway Books, 2022  ISBN: 978-1-947-88835-7 Source: Blue Slip Media provided the book and other materials Ages 4-8 All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK The bond between two trees, Apple and Magnolia, takes center stage in this picture book that explores the power of unlikely friendships. Includes an author's note that further explores how trees communicate. Britta visits her two favorite trees, Apple and Magnolia, every day. Though she can't explain it, she's sure they are best friends! Then one day, Magnolia's branches start to droop. Is there anything Britta-or Apple-can do to help? After all, unusual friendships can be the most powerful of all. With a lyrical story and vibrant art, Apple and Magnolia unveils the extraordinary connections between trees and the wondrous bonds between all living things. The book includes an author's note offering facts about how trees communicate with one anot...

SPY SCHOOL The Graphic Novel by Stuart Gibbs , illustrated by Anna Sakar Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2022 ISBN: 978-1-5344-5543-6 Source: publisher for review Ages 9-12 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover and summary from Goodreads.com ABOUT THE BOOK Can an undercover nerd become a superstar secret agent? Now a graphic novel! Ben Ripley may only be in middle school, but he’s already pegged his dream job: CIA or bust. Unfortunately for him, his personality doesn’t exactly scream “secret agent.” In fact, Ben is so awkward, he can barely get to school and back without a mishap. Because of his innate nerdiness, Ben is not surprised when he is recruited for a magnet school with a focus on science—but he’s entirely shocked to discover that the school is actually a front for a junior CIA academy. Could the CIA really want him? Actually, no. There’s been a case of mistaken identity—but that doesn’t stop Ben from trying to morph into a supercool undercover ag...

SEEKING FREEDOM The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in America by Selene Castrovilla, illustrated by E.B. Lewis Calkins Creek, 2022 ISBN: 978-1-63592-582-1 Source: purchased Ages 10 and up All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover and book summary obtained through Goodreads.com and the publisher. ABOUT THE BOOK In this dramatic Civil War story, a courageous enslaved fugitive teams with a cunning Union general to save a Union fort from the Confederates–and triggers the end of slavery in the United States. This is the first children’s nonfiction book about a Black unsung hero who remains relevant today and to the Black Lives Matter movement. On the night Virginia secedes from the Union, three enslaved men approach Fortress Monroe. Knowing that Virginia’s secession meant they would be separated from their families and sent farther south to work for the Confederacy, the men decided to plead for sanctuary. And they were in luck. The fort’s commander, Ben...

THIS IS (NOT) ENOUGH by Anna Kang, illustrated by Christopher Weyant two lions, 2022 ISBN: 978-1542018517 Source: Blue Slip Media (book and illustrations) Ages 4-8 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book blurb from Goodreads.com ABOUT THE BOOK Finding a gift for your best pal isn’t always easy in this fun tale from an award-winning author and illustrator. Two friends are excited about getting presents for each other. But when they try to find just the right gift, nothing seems good enough. From skywriting to painting to gardens, each thing they try ends up feeling just a little off. How will they ever find that special gift? With humor and heart, the purple and orange characters from Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner You Are (Not) Small discover that what makes a gift special isn’t necessarily what’s inside the box. ABOUT THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant are the creators of Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner You Are (Not) Small as well as series title...

FLY by Brittany J. Thurman, illustrated by Anna Cunha Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2022 ISBN: 978-1-5344-5487-3 Source: publisher for review (Thanks!) Ages 4-8 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover and book blurb obtained through Goodreads.com ABOUT THE BOOK Pure joy and the power of community radiate from this sweet picture book about a young Black girl’s perseverance and confidence in following her double Dutch dreams. Africa’s grandmother was a double Dutch legend, and Africa knows she can become the same. Her brother scoffs when she signs up for a double Dutch competition, though—how can she hope to compete when she’s never done it before? But Africa has all the tools she needs: memories of her grandmother, her bestie Bianca’s dance moves, her friend Omar’s rhythm, and her classmates’ Mary Mack timing and cartwheels. If Africa can pull everything together to jump some winning moves, she might just fly, but it’s the birthmark in the shape of her name that tells h...

THE LAST CUENTISTA by Donna Barba Higuera Levine Querido, 2021 ISBN: 978-1-64614-089-3 Source: purchased Ages 10 and up All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover and book blurb obtained from Goodreads.com and publisher. ABOUT THE BOOK There lived a girl named Petra Peña, who wanted nothing more than to be a storyteller, like her abuelita. But Petra's world is ending. Earth has been destroyed by a comet, and only a few hundred scientists and their children – among them Petra and her family – have been chosen to journey to a new planet. They are the ones who must carry on the human race. Hundreds of years later, Petra wakes to this new planet – and the discovery that she is the only person who remembers Earth. A sinister Collective has taken over the ship during its journey, bent on erasing the sins of humanity's past. They have systematically purged the memories of all aboard – or purged them altogether. Petra alone now carries the stories of our past, and with them, ...

MY LITTLE PRAYER by David Archuleta, illustrated by Sara Ugolotti Bushel & Peck Books, 2021 ISBN: 978-1-952239-54-0 Source: publisher for review Ages 4-8 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover and description from Goodreads.com & publisher. ABOUT THE BOOK Based on the lyrics of David's popular and moving song, My Little Prayer tells the story of a young boy who discovers that what God wants for him is even better than what he wanted for himself. Learn to trust, learn faith, and most of all, learn to pray in this beautifully woven tale of art, music, and faith. REVIEW While I am not usually a fan of books based on the lyrics of songs, I love the message in this one so much that I've made an exception.  The text of David Archuleta's song, My Little Prayer , is the text of this book.  Having heard him sing it in person, I appreciate the beauty and hope offered by the words.  Ugolotti's illustrations add to the text by showing a child praying and worki...

AVEN GREEN SLEUTHING MACHINE by Dusti Bowling, illustrated by Gina Perry Sterling Children's Books, 2021 ISBN: 978-1-4549-4221-4 Source: purchased Ages 6-10 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Cover image and book blurb obtained from Goodreads.com. ABOUT THE BOOK Third-grader Aven Green has been solving mysteries for a whole month—cracking such cases as The Mystery of the Cranky Mom. But can this perceptive detective solve two cases at the same time? First her teacher’s lunch bag disappears. Then Aven’s great-grandma’s dog goes missing. Fortunately, since Aven was born without arms, all the “arm” cells went to her super-powered brain instead. (That’s her theory.) This hilarious chapter book showcases a new side to Dusti Bowling’s unforgettable protagonist. REVIEW Dusti Bowling's heroine, Aven Green, won me over from the first moment I met her in Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus .  So it was with delight that I picked up Aven Green Sleuthing Machine .  In this...

THE BEATRYCE PROPHECY by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall Candlewick Press, 2021 ISBN: 978-1-5362-1361-4 Source: ARC from publisher for review Ages 9-12 Middle grade speculative fiction (fantasy) All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book blurb and book cover obtained from Goodreads.com. ABOUT THE BOOK From two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo and two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall comes a fantastical meditation on fate, love, and the power of words to spell the world. We shall all, in the end, be led to where we belong. We shall all, in the end, find our way home. In a time of war, a mysterious child appears at the monastery of the Order of the Chronicles of Sorrowing. Gentle Brother Edik finds the girl, Beatryce, curled in a stall, wracked with fever, coated in dirt and blood, and holding fast to the ear of Answelica the goat. As the monk nurses Beatryce to health, he uncovers her dangerous secret, one that imperils them all--for the king of the land se...

I AM YOU A Book About Ubuntu by Refiloe Moahloli, illustrated by Zinelda McDonald Amazon Crossing Kids, 2022 ISBN: 978-1542035668 Source: Blue Slip Media Ages 6-10 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover and illustrations provided by Blue Slip Media. ABOUT THE BOOK We may be different, but our hearts beat the same. In southern Africa, there is a belief called ubuntu—the idea that we are all connected. No matter where we’re from or who we are, a person is a person through their connections to other people. With simple, lyrical text and charming artwork, this lively picture book first published in South Africa is the perfect introduction to the concept of ubuntu for young kids. A celebration of friendship and kindness, the book shows children the many ways that we are all one. ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR Refiloe Moahloli is a bestselling South African picture book author. She is passionate about writing stories that bring out the best in the human spirit. She spent the earl...

PARKER SHINES ON An Extraordinary Moment by Parker Curry & Jessica Curry illustrated by Brittany Jackson Aladdin, 2021 ISBN: 978-1-5344-5474-3 Source: publisher for review Ages 4-8 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Cover images from Goodreads.com ABOUT THE BOOK The New York Times bestselling team behind Parker Looks Up returns with an uplifting story about Parker making a new friend and learning about self-expression, opening your heart, and helping others. Parker Curry loves being a big sister. She gets to play dress-up with her little sister, Ava, and piano with her baby brother, Cash. And Parker loves to dance, twirling and leaping and spinning in joy. But when a dancer joins her class and needs her help, Parker wonders if she has what it takes to be not only a real dancer, but a real friend. This inspirational picture book has an afterword by prima ballerina and New York Times bestselling author Misty Copeland. REVIEW In this follow-up to the Currys' Parker Looks Up...