Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It was released August 1st, 2019, by Capstone Books.
This is the second in Fran Manushkin's new Katie Woo series, Katie Woo's Neighborhood. Right off the start, I've got to tell you, I'm excited by Helping Mayor Patty.
Katie Woo is fashioned after the author's niece who according to Fran Manushkin, doesn’t get into nearly as much trouble as Katie does. When I was working, I purchased many titles in the series so that my beginning Chinese readers would to see them selves in the characters on the shelves in their school library. They circulated well enough that I never felt the need to read and push them. I confess that I only read one Katie Woo chapter book prior to this one.
In this book Katie attends the first council meeting with her Aunt Patty as mayor. At the meeting they are deciding how to spend their tax money. Different people have different suggestions based on what they think their community needs: a fire station, better streetlights, better garbage service. I loved the humorous asides between Katie and her friend Pedro including suggesting that their neighborhood needed more ice cream. Together the two of them realize that their community is full of children playing in the streets and they need a park. Eventually the council votes to support many of the ideas, including a park.
I love the community these beginning chapter books represent. Laura Zarrin's art represents the multicultural world children here in Vancouver, BC, grow up in. I appreciate that readers discover a bit about how municipal governments work. It shows them that they too can become activists who have a say in how to make their communities better places. I will have to check out the rest of the series to see if they make sense in the context of Canadian communities, but for now, I recommend this one.
I am a Renée Watson fan, so I was ecstatic when NetGalley approved my request to review this book. It will be released September 3, 2019. Preorder a copy or two for your library.
Amara is the only child in her middle class urban family. Her mother is expecting a new baby, but since there have been numerous miscarriages, Amara reists getting excited about it. She has solid friendships and is mostly happy to be where she is. Her mother is happy to live in Colorado, and could care less about returning to New York where she met Amara’s father.
Amara has never met her father’s family although she talks to her grandfather on the phone regularly. When her father, who works for Nike, is set to go to New York on a business trip, she announces that she wants to go and meet his family as a 12th birthday present. At first, her mother adamantly refuses. When the visit is combined with a family history school project, her mother relents with the proviso that Amara leave her father and grandfather alone so they can mend their fences.
Once in New York, Amara is immersed in a city rich with black culture, art, history and people. As much as her grandfather wants his grandchildren to connect, there is tension between the cousins because they don’t want to have to ‘babysit’ Amara while she is visiting. This culminates in Amara taking off on her own to explore New York.
The schism between her father and grandfather stems from different understandings about what it means to be a man. Her grandfather was a coach who thought boys should be into sports while her father was a writer of poetry. They haven’t spoken since her grandmother’s funeral.
Renée Watson writes powerful characters, puts them into realistic situations, and delivers authentic responses. All readers will end up attached to these individuals and wanting the best for them. I appreciate that she shows us successful families inside and outside Harlem, all the while connecting them through similar experiences and history.
I especially appreciated this book because as a white reader of primarily children's fiction, I am mostly exposed to black families in inner cities or the American South living under difficult situations. I am thankful for this opportunity to extend my understanding of what it means to be black in American today.
#IMWAYR time again, when readers share what they have been reading and find out what others have been up to in the past week. Kathryn hosts the adult version of this meme at Book Date. Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers host the kidlit rendition. Whatever you are looking forward to in your next great read, these are fabulous places to start your search.
I've been off camping and gadding about for the last couple of weeks. Reading time was limited and internet access was not guaranteed, so I took a break from blogging. I did manage to get some writing accomplished, but I'm not ready to share it.
We are back in our Oliver home, unfettered by grandchildren and other distractions, so I plan to get caught up writing some overdue NetGalley reviews this week!
PICTURE BOOKS
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| 5 stars |
Otto and Pio by Marianne Dubuc
I love the whimsical quirkiness of Marianne Dubuc's work and this one especially. Otto the squirrel discovers that doing a good deed and looking after a lost creature, Pio, has all kinds of ramifications. Mostly they are good.
Marianne Dubuc is Canadian.🍁
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| 3 stars |
Bus! Stop! by James Yang
James Yang's art is quirky and captivating. Our protagonist missed his bus, but neither the travellers nor the next buses that come along look like his bus. He waits and waits and waits. I'm going to test this one out on the grandkids before saying I'm done with it, but so far I like it. I think there will be lots of fun deciding with kids whether or not he should take the bus or not!
NONFICTION PICTURE BOOKS
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| 4 stars |
Just a Lucky So and So: The Story of Louis Armstrong by Lesa Cline-Ransome & James E. Ransome (Illustrator)
James Ransome's art steals the show in this book. It isn't that the text isn't important, but rather his images are so vibrant and action filled, you almost forget to read them.
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| 4 stars |
The Trouble With Women by Jacky Fleming
This book had me nearly 'hysterical' with laughter, rage and tears. Give a copy to the feminists in your life. Many thanks to Myra Garces-Bacsal @ Gathering Books for the heads up about this one.
GRAPHIC NOVELS
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| 5 stars |
Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke
This series is so popular in school libraries, I never felt the need to read it so I could encourage readers to check it out. I'm not sure I would have ever gotten to it if it were not for the fact that I am waiting for Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl (Mighty Jack, #3; Zita the Spacegirl, #4) I figured I better get to know Zita before then. (Besides, spending time inside Ben Hatke's world is always rewarding) I'm sure glad I did. Now I am nearly desperate to find out what is going to happen when these two meet!
 |
| 4 stars |
Tiger vs. Nightmare by Emily Tetri
This charming graphic novel for younger readers tells the story of two friends, Tiger and Monster. Usually Monster frightens away Tiger's nightmares, but when a nightmare arrives that is too big for Monster to deal with, the two of them have to work together to defeat it.
I brought this camping with me to get feedback from my great niece and nephew. I gave it to them and they read it, but didn't get around to asking them what they thought
NOVELS
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| 4 stars |
Sweeping Up the Heart by Kevin Henkes & Lisa Flanagan (Narrator)
I enjoyed this charming book that deals with a lot of issues. Amelia Albright doesn't realize how lucky she is. Sure she doesn't have a mother, but she does have Mrs. O’Brien, who is there first thing in the morning before Amelia wakes up, and is there until her father comes home. She is her mother in everything but name. Her father might not be demonstrative, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care for her deeply.
It's when she meets a boy at her art studio that she begins to see the world differently. The two of them end up engaging in some serious magical thinking with Casey trying to figure out a way to keep his parents from getting divorced and Amelia wondering if a woman she is seeing around could possibly be her dead mother.
Girl of the Southern Sea by Michelle Kadarusman (Netgalley)
Nia is a compelling character from the Jakarta slums. Her story provides a window for better off readers helping them understand what it means to live in abject poverty. All Nia really wants to do is go back to school, but students in Jakarta have to pay to go to high school. Unfortunately, her irresponsible father drinks their money away, often even the rent funds. Nia has to work in the family's fried banana stand to support her younger brother. She never stops writing and telling stories of the Javanese mythical princess, Dewi Kadita.
Michelle Kadarusman is Canadian.🍁
A World Below by Wesley King
A class of gifted students are on a field trip into Carlsbad Caverns when there is an Earthquake. They end up in an underground world full of warring communities, monster fish, and killer spiders.
I'm one of those people who is happy just to have great characters in a book, and Wesley King pulls this off brilliantly. It isn't just the two main characters, Silvia and Eric who have depth. I appreciated that the 'jocks' are also multidimensional. King provides ample action and adventure in this fantasy survival tale that is sure to satisfy readers who want an exciting plot.
Wesley King is Canadian.🍁
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| 5 stars |
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles & Nicholas Guy Smith (Narrator)
I adored these characters.
I loved that history is experienced through the limited lens of life at the hotel.
The audiobook was over 14 hours long. It’s so brilliantly written and narrated I didn’t want it to end. Much thanks to Elisabeth Ellington @ the dirigible plum, who first recommended this book to me.
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| 5 stars |
The Red Power Murders by Thomas King
Thomas King, writing under any name, is brilliant. I love the depth of his characters, the wry humour, and the convoluted plot in this mystery. I appreciate his use personification in so many ways, but especially with regards to Thumps DreadfulWater's Volvo. King's depiction of winter made me long to put on a winter coat.
The integration of history is an important part of this book, even if the names have been changed. I couldn't help but make the connection to Anna Mae Aquash. I don't think we will ever know exactly what happened there, but this story is as plausible as any.
Thomas King is Canadian.🍁
POETRY
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| 5+ stars |
Haunted Hills and Hanging Valleys: Selected Poems 1969-2004 by Peter Trower & Don Makay (Foreword)
I've been browsing through collections of Peter Trower's poetry and decided finally, to just dig in and finish one of them start to finish.
It took me a month because these poems demand to be savoured. Don't read them on a crowded bus. People will look at you funny. His words insist on being read aloud. Lines and whole poems beg to be repeated over and over and even copied.
This is glorious mentor text: both inspirational and intimidating. His work feels like a cross between Robert Service and Lawrence Ferlinghetti. My brother (who I just had to share some of these with) claims Deepcity Blues is like poetry from a Sam Spade novel. A Testament of Hills reveals what it means to be a west coast logger.
Peter Trower was a Vancouver poet who's fame is mostly restricted to the west coast. He deserves to be read more widely!
Peter Trower was Canadian.🍁
CURRENTLY
I'm almost done Wool by Hugh Howey, another of my summer big book challenges. I'm presently listening to How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny. I'm reading Finding Baba Yaga by Jane Yolen. On my device I'm rereading Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga. These last two are mentor text for me. I've just started Now You're Logging! by Bus Griffiths, a graphic novel first published in 1978. It's research for the memoir I'm working on.
UP NEXT
I am hoping to get to Carnival Catastrophe by Natalie Lloyd, The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James by Ashley Herring Blake, Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay, and A Place to Belong by Kadohata, Cynthia. I need to read and review Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell, a Netgalley title, We shall see how much I accomplish.
PROGRESS ON MY READING GOALS
#MustReadIn2018 16/25
#MustReadNFIn2018 10/12
25 Books by Canadian Indigenous Authors 18/25
25 books by Canadian Authors 40/25
Big Book Reading Challenge 5/4 1 in progress
Goodreads Reading Challenge 256/333
#IMWAYR time again, when readers share what they have been reading and find out what others have been up to in the past week. Kathryn hosts the adult version of this meme at Book Date. Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers host the kidlit rendition. Whatever you are looking forward to in your next great read, these are fabulous places to start your search.
I managed to accomplish a lot of reading this week, but not much else. I have been doing some writing, knitting, a bit of house work and playing with my granddaughter. This week I must get out into the garden since I have started having nightmares that the raspberry vines are out to get me.
RECENT BLOG POSTS
Poetry Friday July 26, 2019 EXPLORER
PICTURE BOOKS
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| 4 stars |
Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968 by Alice Faye Duncan & R. Gregory Christie (Illustrator)
As someone who only knows the broad strokes of the history of the civil rights movement, I needed this book. It is one of many picture books now available that fill in the missing pieces for many of us. I especially appreciate the personalizing of this story. Students from all over will empathize with Lorraine and her family as they learn about the Memphis Sanitation Strike of 1968. Hopefully they will also make connections to the plight of workers today.
NONFICTION PICTURE BOOKS
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| 4 stars |
Elvis Is King! by Jonah Winter & Red Nose Studio (Illustrator)
This is a delightful introduction to the life of Elvis. Although I knew much of this history, I appreciated learning about the background behind some songs and how his stage presence came about. I adore the three dimensional artwork. I think it's claymation. It reminds me of characters created by Ronnie Burkett, a Canadian puppeteer.
I was born around the time Elvis was just breaking into the world of stardom. His music was everywhere. Old time country music, Elvis, and early rock and roll was the soundtrack for my early years until I entered my teens when Motown and folk took over. Nonetheless, few ever argued that Elvis remained (the white) King of Rock and Roll.
I am thankful for the additional notes at the back of the book that explain how Elvis' popularity was the result of his singing black music for white audiences.
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| 5 stars |
Nine Months: Before a Baby Is Born by Miranda Paul & Jason Chin (Illustrator)
This book is spectacular, but then, what else would you expect from Miranda Paul and Jason Chin? If I were still managing my own library, I would be tempted to purchase a couple of copies. It's perfect for children who are anticipating a younger sibling. Jason Chin's art shows two sides of a story. On one side of the page he shows a family getting ready for a new baby. On the other he depicts the development of the baby from embryo, to foetus to birth. Miranda Paul's brilliant, rhyming poetry connects it all.
The back matter contains four additional pages about baby development. I learned things I didn't know before reading this. Did you know that babies gulp amniotic fluid and that it is flavoured by things the mother eats?
CHAPTER BOOKS
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| 4 stars |
Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi & Hatem Aly (Illustrator)
This beginning chapter book has four stories featuring a grade two Muslim girl and her extended family. Yasmine is charming. I liked the stories and appreciated the many diverse secondary characters. I'm glad this book is out there.
My quibble is with the illustrations. Mostly they were delightful, but Yasmin's outsized eyes creeped me out. Maybe it wouldn't have been too bad if all the children has such large heads and eyes, but they don't. I prefer Hatam Aly's work in The Inquisitor's Tale.
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| 4 stars |
Katie Woo's Neighborhood by Fran Manushkin & Laura Zarrin (Illustrator) (Netgalley)
I enjoyed it. This one publishes August 1st. I will have a full review available next week.
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| 4 stars |
The Missing Donut (Big Words Small Stories #1) by Judith Henderson & T.L. McBeth (Illustrator)
Unfortunately, this book showed up only in black-and-white on my borrowed Kobo. I guess that's OK because it was only an experiment to figure out how to download books from my library.
Then I got intrigued and decided to read it. It's loaded with humour. I was charmed (I'm sure I would have been more so if the illustrations had been in colour.) This chapter book features five stories starring Cris, who likes things in a row, Crat, his cat, who likes to mix things up, and the Sprinkle Fairy, who creates big words in a factory in Sicily (where the best words are from.) Sprinklers are the Sprinkle Fairy's helpers. In each tale the Sprinklers sprinkle a new big word. This word is explained at the end of the story. At the end of the book is A Small Play On Big Words that uses all this vocabulary. It's hilarious.
Judith Henderson is Canadian.🍁
NOVELS
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| 5 stars |
The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny & Ralph Cosham (Narrator)
Wow! That was some ending. This novel takes place at a hidden monastery in Northern Quebec. Gamache and Beauvoir are the only lay people to ever enter. Their purpose is to find out who murdered the prior.
Then a superintendent of the Sûreté du Québec arrives on the scene bringing a different kind of trouble with him.
If the next book in the series had been available, I would have started it immediately.
Louise Penny is Canadian.🍁
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| 5 stars |
Love From A to Z by S. K. Ali
This is the kind of YA novel I adore. It addresses big issues, but isn't overwhelmed with angst. S. K. Ali has created some brilliant characters that readers are sure to connect to. Adam and Zayneb each have a lot on their plates. Adam is dealing with a diagnosis of MS. Zayneb is in the middle of confronting an islamophobic teacher. Falling in love ends up allows them to help each other.
I especially appreciated how Ali articulates the small acts of racism Muslims have to deal with on an ongoing basis. In this way, the novel is both a mirror and a window.
Like her protagonist, Zayneb, S. K. Ali is helping to bring justice into the world. I thank her for it.
S.K. Ali is Canadian.🍁
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| 4 stars |
Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai
Jingwen and Yanghao are two brothers who move from China to Australia with their mother. Moving to a new country and learning a new language is hard enough. Imagine doing it nearly choked with guilt and grief.
Jingwen thinks that his life will get better if he and his younger brother, Yanghao, can re-create the cakes he made with his father before he died.
This book, a combination of graphic and text, is full of humour and heart. It’s about grieving, making cakes, learning to let go of heavy memories and starting over again. It’s about friendship and family and coming to terms with what and who you are.
I might have gained 5 pounds just reading it.
NONFICTION
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| 5+ stars |
Mamaskatch: A Cree Coming of Age by Darrel J. McLeod
This book is intense. I could only read it in bits before needing to take a break. Darrel McLeod's childhood was brutal. My heart ached for the child he was. In his award winning memoir he writes of his abuse, his love for music, his desire to help his family, his struggles with his sexuality, and his conflict with fundamental Christianity. Education, hard work, and supportive friends helped him heal. This memoir leaves us at his mother's funeral. I hope he writes more. I'm looking forward to reading how he managed to accomplish so much in his life.
What I've taken away from this book is hope. I hope you do too.
Darrel J. McLeod is Indigenous Canadian.🍁
CURRENTLY
I've just started Girl of the Southern Sea by Michelle Kadarusman. I'm presently listening to A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. I'm still savouring my way through poetry by Peter Trower.
UP NEXT
I am hoping to get to The Red Power Murders by Thomas King, The Write Thing by Kwame Alexander and Being a Girl by Hayley Long.
PROGRESS ON MY READING GOALS
#MustReadIn2018 16/25
#MustReadNFIn2018 10/12
25 Books by Canadian Indigenous Authors 17/25
25 books by Canadian Authors 35/25
Big Book Reading Challenge 4/4 1 in progress
Goodreads Reading Challenge 242/333
This week's Poetry Friday roundup is hosted by Margaret Simon at Reflections on the Teche. Go there to learn how to "Steal Like An Artist." Then admire her poem, A Teaspoon and a Bit of String. Make sure to check out the links to other participants sharing poetry today.
The end is in sight for this draft of my memoir project from 1958. I think I have three or four more poems to go. Whew!
I was five when my family joined other relatives on an adventure into the Pine River region of Northern British Columbia. This means my memories are somewhat sketchy and usually loaded with emotion. I've been able to fill in many blanks based on conversations with those who are still with us.
I'm committed to sharing a bit every week to get some kind of drafts out there. I appreciate feedback on the construction of the poetry and ideas and questions about what information might be missing.
explorer
brave and bold
heady and ready
to stretch my horizons
I ventured
off into the forest
alone
it let me in
a sly smile
revealing a deer path
illuminated by
streaks of sunlight
that pierced through crevices
in the towering pines
dark shadows
from the understory
scrutinized me
while I crept on
a silent mouse
heart pounding with
frissons of
excitement
and fear
did bears lurk there?
in the distance,
the crack
of industry
beckoned
drawing closer
I crept to the edge
of a clearing
came upon Les,
one of Walter’s boys
an older cousin,
might have been 12,
chopping fire wood
mesmerized
I watched
the elegance
of his body
as his arms
stretching over head
swung the ax
forcefully down,
rending open the
block of wood
perched on a stump
a crack as it split,
fragments flying into the air
he bent over,
grabbed up the larger chunk
placed it carefully
swung again,
splintering the wood
into smaller
and smaller
bits
of kindling
pausing to collect them,
he looked up
noticed me
startled
he hollered,
Hey! You!
What are you doing here?
Git on home!
It’s not safe wandering
around by yourself!
for a second
I hesitated
wanted to ask if
he would
take me back
then turning
I raced back
the way I came
tumbling home
safe and sound
into my mother's arms
Here are links to previous Pine Valley poems.
Leaving
Characters
Journey
Arrival
Preparedness
Ready and Willing
Larder
Laundry
Diaper Duty
Skunk Trouble
Working
Pawns
Crossing
Bath Time
invincible
