When Ken first hears the news that his parents are sending him to Canada, he thinks this is his stepmother’s way of finally getting rid of him. But once the bombs start to fall on his London home, and his family has to the spend their nights in the stinky, crowded bomb shelter, Canada doesn’t seem so bad. He is one of 90 children aboard the luxury ship. For the first time since the war started, he can eat as much as he wants, and there is a whole room full of brand-new toys to play with. At first, the children must wear their life vests at all times even when they sleep, but on the fifth day, the captain announces that they are out of danger. That same night, Ken is woken up by an explosion. The ship has been torpedoed!
What happens next is a miraculous story of survival spent aboard a crowded lifeboat with only 8 days of water, no shelter, and no compass for direction. Based on true events and real people, this novel in verse is a must read. Once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop.
Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head
Every morning, Saraí sees “you’re awesome” above her bed. Her life is pretty awesome: she has a business selling cupcakes, she knows how to dance, and her family and best friend live close enough to visit all the time. One day, her grandparents announce that they have to move. Saraí doesn’t know what to do…if they move really far away, it will be hard to see them. Their house is important to her, so she decides to save it. Can she do it, with help from her sisters and cousin/best friend? If you like realistic stories and beginning chapter books, try this one. It was written by Monica Brown, and Saraí, a girl who became famous through a music video of the Columbian group, Bomba Estéreo. Now she’s an activist that encourages kids to be true to themselves.
Cada mañana, Saraí ve “eres genial” arriba de su cama. Su vida es bastante genial: tiene su negocio de magdalenas, sabe bailar, y su familia y mejor amiga viven cerca para muchas visitas. Un día, sus abuelos anuncian que tienen que mudar. Saraí no sabe qué hacer… si mudan muy lejos, sería difícil de verles. Su casa es importante para ella, así que Saraí decide salvarla. ¿Puede lograrlo, con la ayuda de sus hermanas y prima/mejor amiga? Si te gustan cuentos realísticos y libros de capítulos cortos, intenta este. Fue escrito por Monica Brown, y Saraí, una niña que se hizo famoso en un video musical del grupo colombiano, Bomba Estéreo. Ahora es activista que motiva a los niños y niñas a ser fiel a uno mismo.
This book is a beautiful and inspiring photo collection that takes you on a tour of how the Obama’s lived in the White House and Michelle Obama’s role as the First Lady. Even though the first Lady is not an elected position, the First Lady often serves as a host and spokesperson for the administration and can become an advocate to causes.
Michele Obama’s dignity, grace, and warmth made her the perfect role model to represent our country. Whether you choose to read this book or just enjoy the photos it is a feel good experience.
Book reviewed by Marsha D., Youth Services Assistant
Poetree, written by Shauna LaVoy Reynolds and illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani is a picture book about a little girl who, at the end of winter, writes a poem about spring and leaves it tied to a birch tree. Much to the girl’s surprise, the tree writes back! The watercolor illustrations and the sweet text create a lovely celebration of both nature and poetry.
Book reviewed by Amy S., Youth Outreach and Programming Assistant
The Bad Guys, by Aaron Blabey, is a story about an unexpected bond between some of the baddest animal guys on the face of the planet, a shark, a snake, a piranha, and their gang leader, a big bad wolf. Mr. Wolf wants this group to stop being known as the bad guys, and to turn their awful reputation around to be good unto others. For instance, like by rescuing animals instead of eating them. It’s a fun book to read, filled with silly jokes and and quirky dialog between these guys. It’s definitely a laugh out loud both bad guys and good.
Book reviewed by Darice C., Youth Services Assistant
When Ken first hears the news that his parents are sending him to Canada, he thinks this is his stepmother’s way of finally getting rid of him. But once the bombs start to fall on his London home, and his family has to the spend their nights in the stinky, crowded bomb shelter, Canada doesn’t seem so bad. He is one of 90 children aboard the luxury ship. For the first time since the war started, he can eat as much as he wants, and there is a whole room full of brand-new toys to play with. At first, the children must wear their life vests at all times even when they sleep, but on the fifth day, the captain announces that they are out of danger. That same night, Ken is woken up by an explosion. The ship has been torpedoed!
