Geo Librarian

THE UNSTOPPABLE JAMIE written by Joy Givens, illustrated by Courtney Dawson Two Lions, 2023 ISBN: 978-1662505768 Source: Blue Slip Media/publisher Ages 4-8 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover, bios, & illustrations provided by Blue Slip Media. ABOUT THE BOOK Inspired by the author’s son, the story of a boy with Down syndrome who goes on a superhero’s journey to New York City and learns what truly makes him unstoppable. Jamie likes to pretend he’s a superhero. With his cape and gadgets, he feels like he can face anything. When his picture is chosen to be shown in Times Square for the NDSS Buddy Walk®, his family travels to New York City to see it. As he makes his way through the loud, busy, unfamiliar city, Jamie discovers that he doesn’t have all his special tools. But he soon realizes that it isn’t what he wears or the gadgets he uses that make him brave―it’s who he is inside. This uplifting story includes an author’s note with information about Down syndrome. ABO...

TOO SMALL TOLA AND THE THREE FINE GIRLS by Atinute, illustrated by Onyinye Iwo Candlewick Press, 2022 ISBN: 978-1-5362-2517-4 Source: publisher for review Ages 6-9 Realistic fiction (global fiction) All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover provided by publisher through Goodreads.com. REVIEW Too Small Tola lives with her Grandmommy, her sister, Moji, and her brother, Dapo, in a rundown apartment in Lagos, Nigeria. She loves to go to school and has an affinity for math. The book is divided into three chapters.  In each chapter, Tola deals with a different challenge.  In Tola Saves the Day , Grandmommy's precious earrings get lost when Moji and Dapo mess around instead of helping Tola clean the rice. Tola's small size proves to be a boon when one of the earrings proves to be especially illusive. In the second story, Tola Takes Control , Grandmommy gets malaria and Tola and Dapo must sell ground nuts in her place, but Dapo isn't much help as he prefers to hang out w...