#WorldKidLit Weekend: A Place for Pauline

A Place for Pauline Pauline is the eldest sibling in a family of five (almost six) people. Pauline’s friends are envious of her being the oldest sibling, because she doesn’t get hand-me-downs, and her parents were free to take lots of pictures of her when she was younger. But Pauline doesn’t agree with her friends, … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Weekend: A Place for Pauline

#IntlYALitMonth: Catherine’s War

Catherine's War There’s certainly no shortage of WWII stories available for younger readers, especially stories focusing on the devastating impact and consequences of the Holocaust. And at first blush, Catherine’s War seems like just another entry to the cannon of middle grade Holocaust fiction.  But the graphic novel, adapted by Claire Fauvel from Julia Billet’s … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth: Catherine’s War

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Perfect Presents!

In Perfect Presents!, a wry, graphic picture book from Down Under for ages 3-7 (but frankly, for all ages), we meet a rotund owl and his friend, a salamandery lizard.  The lizard arrives bearing gifts: a cake, a bouquet of flowers, and a large wrapped box. The owl devours them with great satisfaction. When he licks his … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Perfect Presents!

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: A Case with a Bang:

Frog and Toad meet Encylopedia Brown with a dash of The Wind in the Willows in the award-winning Detective Gordon series, a charming, whimsical set of five chapter books for ages 6-10.  The final book in the series, A Case with a Bang starts off with young mouse Detective Buffy investigating a case of “night … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: A Case with a Bang:

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Pearl of the Sea

Set in South Africa, Pearl of the Sea* is a beautifully illustrated coming-of-age graphic novel for upper middle grade and YA readers. Pearl, whose mother abandoned the family long before the start of the story, lives with her father, Vernon—a restaurant owner and chef who is sinking deeper and deeper into financial trouble—and her beloved … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Pearl of the Sea

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Donkey and the Garden

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Once upon a time, Akiva was all grown up. He had a wife named Rachel. He had a job as a shepherd. And he had a house—well, maybe not quite a house, but a barn full of straw that kept the two of them warm in winter and gave them shade in summer. So begins … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Donkey and the Garden

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Different: A Story About the Spanish Civil War

Life can change suddenly and without warning. I know because it happened to me. So begins Different: A Story of the Spanish Civil War, a book for upper middle grade and young adult readers based on author Mónica Montañés’ family history. Montañés’ father had resisted Francisco Franco’s forces in Spain when Franco attempted a military coup against … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Different: A Story About the Spanish Civil War

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Telling Stories Wrong*

“Once upon a time, there was a girl who was called Little Yellow Riding Hood.” “No, red!” “Oh, right!” Little Red Riding Hood. Her mother called her one day and said, “Listen, Little Green Riding Hood…” “No, Red!” “Oh, right! Red. Her mother said: Now go to Aunt Hildegard’s house and take her this potato … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Telling Stories Wrong*

Asian Titles celebrating UN Sustainable Development Goals & Social Emotional Learning

Thanks to the AFCC (Asian Festival of Children's Content) and the Singapore Book Council Singapore Book Council / AFCC (Asian Festival of Children's Content) Book recommendations for children and young adults which support the understanding of the  UN 2030 Agenda -- i.e., the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (the SDGs)-- set in 2015, with specific targets and … Continue reading Asian Titles celebrating UN Sustainable Development Goals & Social Emotional Learning

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Colorful

As my dead soul leisurely drifted off to some dark place, this angel I’d never seen before suddenly appeared right in my way. "Congratulations! You’ve won the lottery!" The angel smiled. So begins Colorful, a surprisingly humorous YA novel about mental illness, bullying, and teen suicide. The protagonist—nameless throughout most of the book—isn’t thrilled to … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Colorful