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Books for Adults
August 30, 2018
Mrs. G

Celebrate National Read a Book Day with PBS the Great American Read

National Read A Book Day is observed annually on September 6th.  It’s a day that invites us ALL to grab a book we might enjoy and spend the day reading (as many hours of reading you can spare).  National Read a Book Day is the perfect time to revisit your favorite novel or maybe finish that book you started, but put down months ago.  So mark your calendars now you don’t miss out on all the bookish fun!

Today I partnered with PBS to remind you about National Read a Book Day (September 6th) and the return of the hit show The Great American Read (September 11th).

Throughout the summer, the multi-platform PBS initiative THE GREAT AMERICAN READ has been encouraging people across America to read as many books as possible from its list of America’s 100 Favorite Novels and to vote for their favorites. While many readers find great joy in becoming immersed in a beloved book, busy schedules can prove a challenge for making time for pleasure reading. To assist those who need help making the most of their reading time, PBS’ THE GREAT AMERICAN READ has partnered with the Library of Congress to offer tips on how to make reading an essential and beloved part of a daily routine.

“THE GREAT AMERICAN READ aims to provide a place for all Americans to discuss the books that they love; books that have inspired, moved and shaped them in one way or another,” said Bill Gardner, Vice President of Programming & Development for PBS. “Through this eight-part series and associated events and activities taking place in communities throughout the country, we hope to help readers fall in love with the act of reading all over again whether that’s through discovering new titles or revisiting favorites from the past.”

“We all have busy lives, and while many people want to read more for pleasure, they feel like they just don’t have time for it,” said Becky Brasington Clark, Director of Publishing at the Library of Congress. “The fact that we have such hectic schedules is even more reason why we need to make time for reading; it’s one of the most effective ways to detach your mind from the stresses of daily life.”

Summer is a perfect time to develop better reading habits, since people often have vacations planned that result in more leisure time. It’s important, however, that these habits carry over into daily routines when vacation is over and fall rolls around. Here are some reading tips from Clark and the Young Readers Center at the Library of Congress to build reading into your daily life throughout the year:

  • Make the most of spare minutes sprinkled through your day. Keep a book with you so you can read it whenever you have an extra minute or two. They really add up.
  • If you have trouble putting down your phone, put a book on it. Read a few pages instead of checking social media.
  • If the weather is amenable, read outdoors! In the yard, at the bus station, under a tree, or at a museum, reading outdoors engages all of your senses and helps improve your mood.
  • Try downloading free apps from your public library so you can borrow e-books and audio books.

Reading on the move:

  • Whether you’re going on an end of summer vacation or staying in town, make sure a visit to a bookstore or library is on your itinerary. Pick up a book. Read the jacket copy. Flip through the pages. If it grabs your interest – grab it!
  • If your phone is in “airplane” mode, that’s a sure sign that you should be reading a book. Put a book in your carry on – your time in the air and in the airport will be much more rewarding.
  • Family time in the car, whether that’s commuting to school or going to an activity, is also a great time to listen to an audio book.

Choosing what to read:

  • Can’t find something new you want to read? Re-read a favorite. You’ll be surprised by the new discoveries found in an old favorite.
  • Embrace your not-so-guilty pleasures. It doesn’t have to be Tolstoy or Joyce – reading for enjoyment should be, well, enjoyable! Grab what you like and dig in. Sci-Fi? Check. Comic books? Yep. Graphic novels? Roger that.
  • Join reading challenges, such as Reading Without Walls by Gene Luen Yang, the former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Also, peruse lists of award-winning books on topics and perspectives that interest you.

Reading with the kids:

  • Pick a book to read out loud together as a family activity. Take turns reading. Act out the parts. Use funny voices. Have some fun playing, reading, writing, talking and singing with the young members of your family.
  • Read your favorite childhood novel to your kids! Your child is never too young or too old to enjoy listening to a book being read out loud.
  • It’s all about choice. The more formats and books your child can choose from, the more likely they are to develop a lifelong love of reading. Show that reading is a part of life by your example, and always give them opportunities to self-select. Respect their choices and, together, enjoy what they enjoy.

THE GREAT AMERICAN READ launched on April 20 with the release of America’s list of 100 favorite novels as chosen by a demographically and statistically representative survey (the full list is available at pbs.org/greatamericanread). A two-hour launch special hosted by Meredith Vieira premiered on PBS stations on May 22. The series will return this fall on Tuesday, September 11 at 8:00 p.m. (check local listings) to continue its search for “America’s Best-Loved Novel.”

The initiative is supported by an extensive multi-platform digital and social media campaign designed to inspire Americans to read, vote and share their personal connections to titles on the top 100 list and beyond over the course of the summer. Since voting began during the two-hour launch episode, avid readers across the country have cast more than two million votes for their favorite books. For more information on how to vote, visit https://www.pbs.org/the-great-american-read/vote/.

As part of the campaign, more than two dozen local public television stations across the country have planned over 125 community engagement activities, including book clubs, author appearances and readings, screening events, book-themed family activities and more. The Library of Congress will host the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 1, and attendees will be able to engage with THE GREAT AMERICAN READ.

About PBS

PBS, with nearly 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 90 million people through television and 30 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS’ premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV – including a 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.

Your turn: Do you plan to celebrate National Read a Book Day?  Will you be tuning in for the return of The Great American Read?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Reviews
August 27, 2018
Mrs. G

Coding for Parents: Everything You Need to Know to Confidently Help With Coding Homework

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Coding for Parents: Everything You Need to Know to Confidently Help With Homework by Frazer Wilson

Publisher: Sterling Publishing
Pages: 208
Format: Paperback

Synopsis
Facing the daunting prospect of helping your children with their coding homework?  Coding for Parents teaches you what you need to know . . . so you can teach your kids!

Unlock the mysteries of coding with this easy-to-follow and well-illustrated guide—and help your kids ace their coding homework! Organized by age and grade, It takes you by the hand and leads you through the basics, building your knowledge of key concepts, terminology, and techniques, and giving you the language you’ll need to explain it all to your child. Instructional diagrams and compelling illustrations appear throughout to enhance your understanding, and the book covers the most popular software, including Scratch, Python, and Java.

Reflection
The introduction of the computer has changed the world forever, for better or for worse.  The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that by 2020, there will be 1.4 million jobs in computer science.  President Barack Obama said it best when he said, “In the new economy, computer science isn’t an optional skill – it’s a basic skill.”

In the new economy, computer science isn’t an optional skill – it’s a basic skill.” – Barack Obama

And yet, computer science is not part of the required curriculum in many US public schools.  That means it’s up to adults to help their children get more familiar with computers, technology and coding when it’s not offered to them in their school.  With the help of great books like Coding for Parents: Everything You Need to Know to Confidently Help With Homework adults can cultivate a child’s interest in computing, even if they’ve never written a line of code on their own a day in their life.

I like that this book is organized by age and grade level for different software like: Java, Scratch and Python.  It’s a compact and comprehensive introduction to all things coding broken down into digestible bites that are easy to comprehend.  There are also helpful diagrams with some added humor to help take a bit of the edge off if you’re new to the world of coding.  The book also contains a helpful glossary and index making it easy to find and reference information throughout.

Coding is all about learning by doing.  And the more kids feel like they can “do” computers, the more likely they are to pursue technical careers.  An added bonus is having a parent or adult who understands coding and can help a child easily understand it too.  That’s where  Coding for Parents: Everything You Need to Know to Confidently Help With Homework comes into play.  Check it out if you want to be able to confidently help the special kiddo in your life with their coding homework.  Makes a great back to school gift idea for parents!

Your turn: Is Computer Science a part of the curriculum at your child’s school?  What other books would you recommend for adults to help children with coding homework?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Books for Adults
March 13, 2018
Mrs. G

How to Coach Girls: Q&A + Swag Pack Giveaway!

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book as part of the How to Coach Girls social media book tour sponsored by Audrey Press.


How to Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison Foley

Did you know that 70% of all kids quit organized sports by the age of 13, with girls quitting at 6x the rate of boys?

Alison Foley, Boston College’s Women’s Head Soccer Coach, and Mia Wenjen, parenting blogger at PragmaticMom to help coaches, both parent volunteer and professional coaches crack the code of how to keep girls in sports. HOW TO COACH GIRLS focuses on the key elements to keep girls coming back next season covering topics like Coaching Your Own Daughter to Pitfalls of Choosing Captains to Developing Team Chemistry. This is a hands-on manual to help coaches keep girls in sports!

Purchase a copy of HOW TO COACH GIRLS on Barnes & Noble or Amazon

About the Authors

Mia Wenjen

Mia is also a blogger at PragmaticMom.com, a mash-up covering education, parenting, and multicultural children’s books. Her blog receives over one million views a year. She is a co-founder of Multicultural Children’s Book Day, January 27th, a non-profit which celebrates diversity in children’s literature. In just three days, the event generated over 3.6 billion social media share impressions!

A mother of two daughters and a son who play sports year round, she experienced first-hand how girls react differently than boys as athletes. It is from this, and her husband’s experience coaching their kids as a volunteer parent soccer and golf coach, that this book was conceived. 

Alison Foley

Alison Foley is the Boston College Women’s Soccer Head Coach. Her team’s success has led them to the NCAA Final Four and Final Eight during 13 consecutive play-off appearances. In her 20+ year career, she has coached many national team level players.

Alison started playing soccer at a young age, receiving ODP regional and national invitations. She played for Keene State College where she was an All-American, and earned a degree in psychology, focusing on sports psychology of female athletes. She still enjoys playing the game and can be found on the pitch both as a coach and a player.

HOW TO COACH GIRLS by Mia Wenjen and Alison Foley Q&A

1) Why did you decide to write this book?

Mia: My oldest daughter had an amazing volleyball coach who was so positive that even when they lost every game in a tournament, he emphasized their improvements. The players left feeling like champions. I was walking next to him for a team dinner and he told me that early in his coaching career, he was that coach that yelled more at the most promising player — a completely different coach than he is today. It took him a long time of trial and error to learn how to effectively coach girls.

Alison, my neighbor and friend, was always my go to for any sports related drama for my girls. I wanted to write this book with her because I think that coaching girls is a learned skill, not an innate one. We are hoping that by sharing this knowledge, ultimately it will help keep girls in sports.

Alison: I have had the opportunity to coach girls for the last 20 plus years and have seen things that consistently work really well with girls and have fumbled through my own mistakes of things that don’t work. I think there are a lot of capable coaches out there but they “miss” simple cues or don’t implement a small change that will have their players happier, developing faster as athletes and people and be a better teammate. I’ve learned a lot of this by trial and plenty of error. If I can help coaches with a couple of “secrets” to short cuts to team success I will feel this book is a success.

2) The stat you quote is alarming: 70% of kids quit organized sports by age 13, with girls quitting six times the rate of boys. Why are girls quitting at such high rates?

Alison: I think there are a lot of options out there for kids these days and you have to create environments that they are excited to go to. You have to blend pride, sense of community, and success all in this formula to retain your players. Understanding how our young athletes think and what makes them click is shared in our book and hopefully keeps girls excited and engaged in sport.

Mia: I’ve noticed with my girls, especially when they are trying out a new sport, that it can be one seemingly small thing that will either get them excited to keep going OR make them want to stop.

3) What can be done to retain girls in sports?

Mia: What we learned is that research shows that the number one reason why kids play sports is to have fun. But for girls, “fun” means being valued and respected. Interestingly, kids do not care about winning! That’s not a factor as to why kids stay in sports.

4) What are some of the ideas in your book to keep girls in sports?

Alison: a coach needs to create a safe and nurturing environment for the team. This starts with building a relationship with each player that extends beyond just an athlete, but as a whole person. It’s taking the time to learn about their family, their extra-curricular interests, and other aspects of their life.

Mia: Something as simple as picking Team Captains can be a way to build team chemistry or destroy it. A rotation schedule that gives each player a chance to lead also teaches the value of being a good follower.

5) Let them eat cake at games or practices?! Doesn’t that go against healthy eating as food as fuel for sports performance?

Alison: One of my assistants at Boston College, Mike LaVigne asks the day before our player’s birthday what type of cake they want for their birthday and then he brings it to the locker room the next day. To me, it’s not about the cake. It’s about the fuel of happiness. Our players feel so special that he remembers their birthday and they love to be celebrated by their teammates at the start or end of practice. Celebrating individual milestones (a great test grade, first communion, bat mitzvahs, first goal) all are great reasons to bring in a little sugar!!! It does volumes for your team spirit!

Mia: My girls were in it for the cake! If they knew someone was bringing cake to celebrate a birthday at a game or practice, they’d be there even if they were deathly ill!

6) Growth Mindset is the Big Idea in education these days. How do sports teach Growth Mindset?

Alison: From a coaching perspective, Growth Mindset emphasizes development over winning. The focus is not about outcomes but on effort during practice.

Mia: As a parent, you can teach your child self-advocacy through sports by letting her resolve issues directly with the coach such as playing time, starting lineup, or moving up a team.

7) It sounds like building team chemistry is essential for a good experience. What are some ideas that every coach, volunteer or professional, can do?

Mia: Something simple is counting off to form small groups versus letting girls choose their own groups. Usually girls cluster in friend groups on a team that are based on what school they go to. Counting off mixes them up, creating opportunities to make new bonds.

Alison: It’s the coaches’ job to teach equal value of all players. Giving positive feedback to every player each practice signals that every player is “good.” Also recognizing behavior that is not skill based shows what coach values. For example, recognize the player that helped an injured player or lead the effort to clean up the field after practice. And recognize all the players that assisted in the build-up for the goal that was scored, not just the person who got the goal.

8) I was struck by how much influence a coach has. You book talks about how coaches should focus on developing good people not just good players. Should we really be expecting this from coaches, especially parent volunteer coaches?

Alison: As a coach, you are in a leadership role and how you act sends a message and influences your players. If you are a coach that gets sent off the field for arguing with a ref, that’s what your players will emulate. On the other hand, you have the organization in the form of a team, to help others. Helping kids develop qualities such as strong work ethic, confidence, leadership, compassion, and working through issues to reach goals are skills that players will have for life.

Mia: We have a list of sports related non-profits on our HowToCoachGirls.com website for teams looking for ways to give back. We will keep adding to that list if anyone has suggestions for organizations to add to the list. We’d also love to post on the community service work that teams are doing.

9) Coaching your own daughter seems tricky but most parents who volunteering to coach are doing exactly that. What is one piece of advice to them?

Alison: You are really wearing a “different hat” for a couple hours. Include them in your decision to coach BEFORE you decide and ask them what they may feel would make them feel uncomfortable and then if reasonable stay away from these requests. Don’t put more pressure on them. Use the same tone of voice you are with them as you do the other players. Don’t worry about complimenting your daughter if it’s something you would have recognized in another player on the team.

Don’t evaluate their play on the way home or at all at home. Keep the environments separate.  Also refrain from them hearing any coaching “chat” with your assistants or other parents. It can be a beautiful bonding experience for you and your daughter!

10) Any parent who has attended their child’s game has probably witnessed the “crazy sports parent” who screams at the ref, their own child, or the opposing team. What is your advice on how to deal with that?

Mia: Don’t be that parent.

Alison: Have a Parent Code of Conduct contract that parents sign before the season starts. Go over this in a parent meeting at the start of the season. If there are any infractions by parents, call a mandatory parent meeting after practice.

Book Details

ISBN/SKU: 9781936426034

ISBN Complete: 978-1-936426-03-4

Publication Date: 2/26/2018

On Sale Date: 3/1/2018

Purchase a copy of HOW TO COACH GIRLS on Barnes & Noble or Amazon

Giveaway!

Enter to win a How to Coach Girls swag pack including: One (1) copy of the book, branded hair ties and water bottle.  Good luck!

How to Coach Girls Swag Pack Giveaway

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Book Reviews
August 9, 2017
Mrs. G

Has Your Flower Bloomed Yet: Bloom by Brittany Travestè (A Book Review)

Bloom by Brittany Travestè

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from the author to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.


Has your flower bloomed yet or are you a seed still waiting to sprout and grow?

Synopsis
Manifested from the seed of reflection, Bloom is one woman’s restorative quest toward love-of the internal sort. Through bare as bones poems, narrative essays, and brief meditations, it proves to be healing for you, too, if you’ve ever looked upon yourself and cringed at the not so beautiful. Bloom seeks release and acceptance. It is an act of utter vulnerability with the hope of giving you freedom to sprout gracefully into your most magical self, understanding that every experience, lapse in judgment, and fall from grace has led you right back to you.

Reflection
As author Brittany Travestè states in this book, “We have so much in common with flowers. We, however, attempt to hide the process. We try to pretend that we woke up in love with ourselves. As if our mothers pushed us out into a world that is perfect.”

This short collection of poetry, prose, narrative essays, meditations and honest reflection is SO beautiful! It’s broken out into four different sections: seed, sprout, grow and bloom. Women (and teens) will be taken on a beautiful journey of self-reflection, self-love and self-care. I can relate to so many of the poems and reflections from my humble beginnings when I was a “seed” to my naive years as I was still “sprouting” and “growing” to my current life living in full “bloom”.  I like the poem Insecurities, but Thank God for Mama, I Ain’t Sorry and Blues in His Left Thigh to name a few.

I’d recommend this book for teens and women on a quest to restore their internal love for self.  This book may help you find things hidden deep within your soul like fears, doubts or negative traits.  As you go on your own personal self love journey be sure to accept whatever you find and continue to move forward in your quest for self discovery.

You can grow even stronger by honestly facing the characteristics revealed by your personal inventory. Don’t be afraid to admit who you are and accept your limitations. Only then can you start working on the weaknesses to become a better person and enjoy your strengths to savor each day.  “In Bloom, you’ll recall that yours is the love you’ve been searching for all along.  You were planted for this.”

About the Author
Brittany Travestè is a self-published writer, poet and cultivator of black girl magic.  She credits her mother for nurturing her love for literature.  Brittany earned her BA in Journalism from Howard University where she began to flourish as a published writer.  To learn more about Brittany’s journey to BLOOM visit her website.

Your turn: Have you read this book yet?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Books for Adults
July 26, 2017
Mrs. G

A Sizzling, Suspenseful Summer Beach Read: The Marriage Pact

Looking for an irresistible, page turning and suspenseful summer beach read?  Look no further than The Marriage Pact by Michelle Richmond.

So far my summer has been filled with a series of mini weekend family adventures, endless kids’ birthday parties, lots of good books and beach trips.  We have at least two more summer beach trips soon and I’m excited to sink my teeth into this new psychological thrilled called The Marriage Pact.  Have you heard of it yet?

Here’s a brief synopsis:
Newlyweds Alice and Jake are a picture-perfect couple. Alice, once a singer in a well-known rock band, is now a successful lawyer. Jake is a partner in an up-and-coming psychology practice. Their life together holds endless possibilities. After receiving an enticing wedding gift from one of Alice’s prominent clients, they decide to join an exclusive and mysterious group known only as The Pact.

The goal of The Pact seems simple: to keep marriages happy and intact. And most of its rules make sense. Always answer the phone when your spouse calls. Exchange thoughtful gifts monthly. Plan a trip together once per quarter. . . . 

Never mention The Pact to anyone.

Alice and Jake are initially seduced by the glamorous parties, the sense of community, their widening social circle of like-minded couples.  And then one of them breaks the rules.  The young lovers are about to discover that for adherents to The Pact, membership, like marriage, is for life. And The Pact will go to any lengths to enforce that rule.

Doesn’t that sound juicy?  If you liked the books “Gone Girl” or “Girl on a Train” as much as I did, I have a feeling you are sure to love this book!  It explores the ultimate question: How far is too far when it comes to protecting your marriage?  There are themes of marriage, domestic suspense, unfaithfulness and more!

Our beach trip can’t come soon enough so I can find out what happens with Jake & Alice.  I need to know, who broke the rules and why?  Will their marriage last?  Why is it forbidden to mention The Pact to others?  So many questions! I finished the first two chapters so far and can’t wait to finish the rest.  By the way, the chapters seem fairly short so far which makes it perfect to read a good amount of the book while relaxing on the beach.  Anyone else planning to throw this book in their bag on your next beach trip?

Click here to find out more or purchase “The Marriage Pact”.

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Book Reviews
June 22, 2017
Mrs. G

A Guide for New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed: Whoa, Baby! by Kelly Rowland

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Whoa, Baby! by Kelly Rowland and Tristan Bickman M.D.

Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 192

Synopsis
When global pop star Kelly Rowland became a mom for the first time, giving birth to her son Titan, she felt the most incredible love she had ever experienced. But after spending nine months so focused on the baby growing inside her, she was caught completely off guard by how much she had changed. Like many first-time moms, she was not ready for what had happened to her body and for so many overwhelming new thoughts and emotions. She wondered: Will I Ever Walk Again? Will I Ever Sleep Again? Are My Boobs Always Going to Be Like This? Rowland had questions about everything from postpartum bleeding, skin and hair changes, and dealing with aches and pains to getting back in shape and sex after baby. She also weighed the larger notions about what she wanted out of motherhood and the rest of her life.

In Whoa, Baby! Rowland and Dr. Bickman team up to share this reassuring information with new moms everywhere. Often hilarious and always down-to-earth, Rowland and Dr. Bickman cover every surprising challenge that new moms face.

Reflection
The subtitle of this book pretty much tells it all.  “A guide for new moms who feel overwhelmed and freaked out (and wonder what the #*$& just happened.  Whoa Baby is the book I wish I had by my side before giving birth to my first child. Yeah, I read other pregnancy books, but they only provided answers to the standard questions you find in most books. I love Kelly’s “tell it like it is”, hilarious and blunt advice she provides as she reminisces about her first pregnancy.

First off, some of the descriptions used for each chapter are great and straight to the point: What are these bumps on my butt? (hemorrhoids), So now we’re both wearing diapers? (urinary incontinence), Why didn’t anyone tell me to bring Depends? (postpartum bleeding), Will I ever get my groove back? (Sex after baby). I had these exact same thoughts after becoming a mom the first time around. I was thinking, why didn’t anyone tell me these things?

Next,  my attention was captured with the opening sentence in the introduction. It’s great to know someone else also enjoyed everything about being pregnant! I thoroughly enjoyed both of my pregnancies, but anytime I tell others they look at me like I’m crazy. I was fortunate enough to never experience any sickness or heath scares with either pregnancy just like Kelly.

This read like a chatty narrative and focused mainly on Kelly’s experience, while adding in several useful tidbits of information like recommended natural herbs to increase lactation while breastfeeding.  Kelly’s OB GYN Dr. Tristan Bickman also adds her input and advice throughout the book.

I found this book to be a really fun and honest depiction of what to expect with a new baby. No sensors, just truth. At times, it may feel like Kelly is sitting across from you telling you the good things and the bad things you can expect. Some parts may make you laugh out loud.  Whoa, Baby opens you up to the normalization of what to expect as a first time parent that other people may not warn you about like how loose and floppy your vagina is after childbirth (if you give birth naturally) and how much you’ll bleed.

There were several chapters in this book I wish I would have read prior to having my first child.  For example, I think chapter 14 (Why Can’t I Sit Down without Wincing?) and chapter 18 (What Do I Want Out of Motherhood?) were particularly useful.  I think even if expecting or first-time moms don’t really learn anything new from this book, they will get the encouragement that they aren’t alone and can laugh about their own experience.

The chapters and the overall book are fairly short, allowing you a quick snippet each evening before bed or whenever you take a 10 minute break during your day.  I think the real talk is a perfect balance to the other academic pregnancy books out there that freak you out about all the preparation required for childbirth and parenthood.

Overall I think Whoa, Baby provides much needed guidance for the new mom.  It may even help to put your mind at ease and also let you know that your experiences are normal.

Seen on MovingBabies

Your turn: Are you or someone you know going to be a new mom?  Do you think this book may help them?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Books for Adults
June 16, 2017
Mrs. G

The 2017 Ultimate Diverse Summer Reading List for Kids, Teens & Adults!

Looking for a diverse summer reading list for kids to help diversify your home library?

By now I’m sure you know the importance of reading with your kids especially when school is out to help avoid the dreaded summer slide.  As a parent, I know how full life can be during the summer months (and all year round), but I’m a firm believer in prioritizing.  If reading is one of your top priorities then you’ll make the time for it – period.  No excuses.  Even if you’re only able to read for just five minutes per day.

Before we get into the list, I wanted to highlight a few ways to make summer reading fun for kids (and you too!) These tips are probably ones you’ve heard many times before, but may help to serve as a reminder or spark some new ideas for you and your family.

  • Plan regular trips to the library throughout the summer to refresh your book stack.
  • Organize a book swap with friends or neighbors.
  • Check out the Scholastic Reading Road Trip to see when/if they will be in an area near you!
  • Curl up with your own book, magazine, or e-reader next to your kids so they can see you reading.
  • Visit bookstores to attend author events and story times.
  • Listen to audio books as a way to build listening skills.  We love using audio books on long road trips!
  • Read comic books, graphic novels or magazines – they all count!
  • Create a challenge to read as many books in a series that your child enjoys.
  • Change your story time environment – read outside at the park or in your backyard for a change of scenery.
  • Start a kids book club.
  • Organize your own outdoor story time hour with the kids in your neighborhood.  Bring a blanket, provide snacks and the books you’re going to read.  (We did this last year in our neighborhood.)

Ok, now on to the list!  As always, I hope you and your kids find some books on this list that resonate with you. Happy Summer Reading!

Click here for the downloadable PDF version.

Board Books (Suitable for babies – Age 3)

Littles: And How They Grow by Kelly DiPucchio and AG Ford

How adorable is this cover?  This book has adorable scenes from the busy life of a baby—including peekaboo, feedings, tantrums, giggles—and a final scene that reminds us how they become big kids all too soon.

Making Faces: A First Book of Emotions by Abrams Appleseed

This board book introduces five essential expressions: happy, sad, angry, surprised, and silly. Each is introduced with a large image of a baby’s face.

Up! How Families Around the World Carry Their Little Ones by Susan Hughes

Up! depicts ten places around the world, from Afghanistan to northern Canada, Peru to West Africa. In each place, a mom, dad, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or sibling lovingly carries a baby.

I Love My Haircut! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley and E. B. Lewis

In this companion to the top-selling I Love My Hair! (originally titled and adapted from Bippity Bop, Barbershop), a young boy named Miles makes his first trip to the barbershop with his father–but he’s afraid that the haircut will hurt! With the support of his dad, the barber, and the other men in the barbershop, Miles bravely sits through his first haircut.

Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke and Angela Brooksbank (September 2017)

Join Baby and his doting mama at a bustling southwest Nigerian marketplace for a bright, bouncy read-aloud offering a gentle introduction to numbers.

Picture Books

Where’s Rodney? by Carmen Bogan (August 2017) Read my review here.

Little Rodney is a bit fidgety because all he wants to do is go outside.  He doesn’t want to sit in Miss Garcia’s classroom and learn about the word of the week when there are so many other interesting things to see outside.  But Rodney’s exposure to the great outdoors is limited because of the low-income neighborhood he lives in.

Sparkle Boy by Leslea Newman Read my review here.

LGBT Book for Kids: Casey loves to play with his blocks, puzzles, and dump truck, but he also loves things that sparkle, shimmer, and glitter. When his older sister, Jessie, shows off her new shimmery skirt, Casey wants to wear a shimmery skirt too. When Jessie comes home from a party with glittery nails, Casey wants glittery nails too. And when Abuelita visits wearing an armful of sparkly bracelets, Casey gets one to wear, just like Jessie. The adults in Casey’s life embrace his interests, but Jessie isn’t so sure.

The One Day House by Julia Durango (August 2017)

Wilson dreams of all the ways he can help improve his friend Gigi’s house so that she’ll be warm, comfortable, and happy.  One day, friends and neighbors from all over come to help make Wilson’s plans come true. Everyone volunteers to pitch in to make Gigi’s house safe, clean, and pretty.

Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari (July 2017)

For Zara’s dog, Moose, nothing is more important than being with his favorite girl. So when Zara has to go to school, WHOOSH, Moose escapes and rushes to her side. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed at school and Moose has to go back home.

Sing, Don’t Cry by Angela Dominguez (August 2017)

In this story inspired by the life of Apolinar Navarrete Diaz―author Angela Dominguez’s grandfather and a successful mariachi musician―Abuelo and his grandchildren sing through the bad times and the good. Lifting their voices and their spirits, they realize that true happiness comes from singing together.

When Rosa Parks Went Fishing by Rachel Ruiz and Chiara Fedele (August 2017)

No discussion of the Civil Rights Movement is complete without the story of Rosa Parks. But what was this activist like as a child? Following young Rosa from a fishing creek to a one-room schoolhouse, from her wearing homemade clothes to wondering what “white” water tastes like, readers will be inspired by the experiences that shaped one of the most famous African-Americans in history.

Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown and John Parra (September 2017)

The fascinating Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is remembered for her self-portraits, her dramatic works featuring bold and vibrant colors. Her work brought attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and she is also renowned for her works celebrating the female form.

My Daddy Rules the World: Poems About Dads by Hope Anita Smith

Told through the voice of a child, Anita Hope Smith’s My Daddy Rules the World collection of poems celebrates everyday displays of fatherly love, from guitar lessons and wrestling matches to bedtime stories, haircuts in the kitchen, and cuddling in bed.

Early Sunday Morning by Denene Millner and Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Read my review here)

It’s almost little June’s big day to sing her first solo in the youth church choir and she couldn’t be more excited! But when it’s time to practice at choir rehearsal, June gets a little stage fright. As a result, her voice starts to tremble when she sings.

Princess Cupcake Jones and the Dance Recital (Princess Cupcake Jones Series) by Ylleya Fields (Read my review here)

Taking dance classes with her friends is the highlight of her week. But when Cupcake struggles to do everything ‘just right’ before the recital, she isn’t sure if she’ll be able to master it all in time.  Perfect for little girls who love dancing, princesses, tutus and tiaras!

Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus and Kadir Nelson

An inspiring and patriotic tribute to the beauty of the American flag, a symbol of America’s history, landscape, and people.

Yo Soy Muslim: A Father’s Letter to His Daughter by Mark Gonzales (August 2017)

Written as a letter from a father to his daughter, Yo Soy Muslim is a celebration of social harmony and multicultural identities.

She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World by Chelsea Clinton

Chelsea Clinton introduces tiny feminists, mini activists and little kids who are ready to take on the world to thirteen inspirational women who never took no for an answer, and who always, inevitably and without fail, persisted.

All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle (August 2017)

Together, a boy and his parents drive to the city of Havana, Cuba, in their old family car. Along the way, they experience the sights and sounds of the streets―neighbors talking, musicians performing, and beautiful, colorful cars putt-putting and bumpety-bumping along. In the end, though, it’s their old car, Cara Cara, that the boy loves best. A joyful celebration of the Cuban people and their resourceful innovation.

I Got A New Friend by Karl Newsom Edwards

When a little girl gets a new puppy, they have a lot to learn about each other. The new friends can be shy, messy, and sometimes get into trouble. They get lost, but they always get found. Their friendship may be a lot of work—but at the end of the day, they love each other!

We Are Shining by Gwendolyn Brooks and Jan Spivey Gilchrist

Marking the 100th birthday of Gwendolyn Brooks, this powerful picture book is a celebration of the diversity of our world. This life-affirming poem is now illustrated for the very first time, with stunning, vibrant images.

Lola Gets a Cat by Anna McQuinn (Read my review here)

Lola wants a cat, but Mommy says taking care of a pet is a lot of work. So Lola does her homework. At the library she finds books about cats and pet care and she and Mommy learn as much as they can.

If Your Monster Won’t Go to Bed by Denise Vega

If you have a monster that won’t go to bed, don’t bother asking your parents to help. They know a lot about putting kids to bed, but nothing about putting monsters to bed. It’s not their fault; they’re just not good at it. Read this book instead.

Green Pants by Kenneth Kraegel

Jameson only ever wears green pants. When he wears green pants, he can do anything. But if he wants to be in his cousin’s wedding, he’s going to have to wear a tuxedo, and that means black pants.

Danza!: Amalia Hernández and El Ballet Folklórico de México by Duncan Tonatiuh (August 2017)

Award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh tells the story of Amalia Hernández, dancer and founder of El Ballet Folklórico de México.

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall (Read my review here)

Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash.

I Just Want to Say Goodnight by Rachel Isadora

The sun has set and the moon is rising, and that means it’s bedtime. But not if Lala has a say—because she’s not ready to go to sleep! First she needs to say good night to the cat. And the goat. And the chickens.

Harry and Clare’s Amazing Staycation by Ted Staunton

Harry and Clare are stuck at home for their spring break. No exotic locations, no plane trips, no exciting plans. So they make their own fun: the living room becomes Mars, the diving board at the pool becomes a pirate’s plank and the local playground where the man-eating octopus lives.

Green Green: A Community Gardening Story by Marie Lamba and Baldev Lamba

Green grass is wide and fresh and clean for a family to play in, and brown dirt is perfect for digging a garden. But when gray buildings start to rise up and a whole city builds, can there be any room for green space?

We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio

We’re All Wonders may be Auggie’s story, but it taps into every child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for families and educators to talk about empathy and kindness with young children.

Bravo: Poems About Amazing Hispanics by Margarita Engle

Musician, botanist, baseball player, pilot―the Latinos featured in this collection, Bravo!, come from many different countries and from many different backgrounds. Celebrate their accomplishments and their contributions to a collective history and a community that continues to evolve and thrive today!

Lucia the Luchadora by Cynthia Leonor Garza

Lucía zips through the playground in her cape just like the boys, but when they tell her “girls can’t be superheroes,” suddenly she doesn’t feel so mighty. That’s when her beloved abuela reveals a dazzling secret: Lucía comes from a family of luchadoras, the bold and valiant women of the Mexican lucha libre tradition.

Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines by Jeanne Walker Harvey

The bold story of Maya Lin, the visionary artist-architect who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

A Different Pond by Bao Phi (August 2017)

A Different Pond is an unforgettable story about a simple event―a long-ago fishing trip.

When’s My Birthday? by Julie Fogliano (September 2017)

In this enthusiastic celebration of all things BIRTHDAY, acclaimed author Julie Fogliano and award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson bring you the perfect birthday book!  An adorable narrator lists all the things that will make her birthday the BEST birthday.

Lotus & Feather by Ji-li Jiang

A winter illness left Lotus, a little girl, without a voice and without friends. A hunter’s bullet left Feather, a crane, injured and unable to fly. As Lotus nurses Feather back to health, their bond grows. Soon Feather is following Lotus everywhere, even to school!

Malala: Activist for Girls’ Education by Raphaële Frier and Aurélia Fronty

Malala Yousafzai stood up to the Taliban and fought for the right for all girls to receive an education. When she was just fifteen-years old, the Taliban attempted to kill Malala, but even this did not stop her activism.

Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis by Jabari Asim

John wants to be a preacher when he grows up—a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm’s flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice.

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks by Cynthia Levinson (Read my review here)

Meet the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963, in this moving picture book that proves you’re never too little to make a difference.

Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe by Deborah Blumenthal

A beautiful picture book about Ann Cole Lowe, a little-known African-American fashion designer who battled personal and social adversity in order to pursue her passion of making beautiful gowns and went on to become one of society’s top designers.

The Legendary Miss Lena Horne by Carole Boston Weatherford

Celebrate the life of Lena Horne, the pioneering African American actress and civil rights activist, with this inspiring, beautiful and powerful picture book.

Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born by Gene Barretta (Read my review here)

Perfect for boxing lovers, for reading during Black History Month or anytime of the year. The back matter includes some additional facts about Ali’s life, a bibliography, photos and other resources for further reading.

Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets by Kwame Alexander

This book contains original poems that pay homage to twenty famed poets who have made the authors’ hearts sing and their minds wonder.

A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina’s Dream by Kristy Dempsey and Floyd Cooper

Little ballerinas have big dreams. Dreams of pirouettes and grande jetes, dreams of attending the best ballet schools and of dancing starring roles on stage. But in Harlem in the 1950s, dreams don’t always come true—they take a lot of work and a lot of hope. And sometimes hope is hard to come by.

Town is By the Sea by Joanne Schwartz

A young boy wakes up to the sound of the sea, visits his grandfather’s grave after lunch and comes home to a simple family dinner, but all the while his mind strays to his father digging for coal deep down under the sea

Little People, Big Dreams: Rosa Parks by Lisbeth Kaiser (September 2017)

Rosa Parks grew up during segregation in Alabama, but she was taught to respect herself and stand up for her rights. In 1955, Rosa refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner

From flip-flops and hide-and-seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, from lemonade stands and late bedtimes to swimming in the lake and toasting marshmallows, there’s something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the sunny season.

The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: the Story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Julia Finley Mosca & Daniel Rieley (Sept. 2017)

The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath is the second book in a brand new educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists! In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Dr. Bath herself!

Breaking The Sickle: A Snippet of the Life of Dr. Yvette Fay Francis-McBarnette by Louie T. McClain II and Francis W. Minikon Jr. (Read my review here)

In this third book in the Melanin Origins series, little readers learn about Dr. Yvette Fay Francis-McBarnette, a Jamaican-born medical pioneer in treating children with sickle cell anemia.

The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do by Ashley Spires

Lou has always been brave enough for anything, but this latest adventure makes her feel nervous and scared since it involves climbing a tree. Will Lou overcome her fear and join her friends at the top of the tree?

Rulers of the Playground by Joseph Kuefler

A cute and fun picture book about sharing, friendship, kindness and playground politics.

My Kicks: A Sneaker Story by Susan Verde (Read my review here)

My Kicks is a charming story about a little boy who has outgrown his favorite pair of red sneakers during his summer vacation. When the boys’ mom tells him it’s time to to get a new pair, he starts reminiscing about all the fun he’s had with his favorite pair of kicks.

The Ring Bearer by Floyd Cooper (Read my review here)

Told from the perspective of the ring bearer, this book shows little readers that getting married symbolizes the start of something new. It also shows children how families grow and change and teaches them about responsibility and commitment. I think it’s the perfect book to gift to a little ring bearer or flower girl for an upcoming wedding as it may help them cope with feeling nervous about the wedding or adding new people to their family.

The Banana-Leaf Ball: How Play Can Change the World by Katie Smith Milway and Shane Evans (Read my review here)

Little Deo and his family must flee their home in Burundi after a war breaks out. Leaving with just the essentials (pots, blankets and food), Deo is saddened there is no room for his beloved his soccer ball made from banana leaves. His father promises him he can make one when he gets to the Lukole refugee camp in Tanzania.

Ahni And Her Dancing Secret by Shereen Rahming

Ahni dreams of being a prima ballerina so she joins Madam Sabina’s dance school. But her spirit is soon broken when she discovers that the other students are far more advanced than she is and not as friendly as she expected.

Brown Girl, Brown Girl, What Do You See? by Kisha Mitchell

This book takes young girls on a beautiful journey of self-discovery to unlock the beauty and opportunity that lies within each of them.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World by Kate Pankhurst

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is the perfect introduction to just a few of the most incredible women who helped shaped the world we live in. List of women featured: Jane Austen, Gertrude Ederle, Coco Chanel, Frida Kahlo, Marie Curie, Mary Anning, Mary Seacole, Amelia Earhart, Agent Fifi, Sacagawa, Emmeline Pankhurst, Rosa Parks, Anne Frank.

Feel the Beat: Dance Poems that Zing from Salsa to Swing by Marilyn Singer

A vibrant collection of poems celebrating all forms of social dance from samba and salsa to tango and hip-hop.

La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya (September 2017)

The Princess and the Pea gets a fresh twist in this charming bilingual retelling.

When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner (Read my review here)

Told in rhyming and playful text with beautiful illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.

Princess and the Peas by Rachel Himes (Read my review here)

Set in the mid-1950’s in Charleston County, South Carolina this book features a vibrant African-American community with themes of love, family and of course – food and cooking. John’s mother, Ma Sally, cooks the best black-eyed peas in town. When her son John tells her he wants to get married, three women vie for his hand in marriage. The caveat? The lucky woman chosen must be able to cook black-eyed peas as well as John’s mother.  A woman named Princess ends up winning the cooking contest hands down.  Princess and John are two peas in a pod.

That’s Not a Hippopotamus! by Juliette Maclver and Sarah Davis

A funny and diverse rhyming book about a group of kids who take a trip to the zoo.  Great for reading aloud during story time!

Why Am I Me? by Paige Britt (September 2017)

Presented as a thoughtful, poetic exchange between two characters — who don’t realize they are thinking and asking the very same questions — this beautiful celebration of our humanity and diversity invites readers of all ages to imagine a world where there is no you or me, only we.

Grandma’s Tiny House by JaNay Brown-Wood (August 2017)

This sweet, rhyming counting book introduces young readers to numbers one through fifteen as Grandma’s family and friends fill her tiny house on Brown Street. Neighbors, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and grandkids crowd into the house and pile it high with treats for a family feast.

Ivy and the Lonely Raincloud by Katie Harnett

Everyone loves the warm sunshine—except the lonely raincloud. No one wants to be his friend! But one day, he stumbles across a grumpy little florist . . . could she be looking for a friend too?

How to Find a Fox by Nilah Magruder (Read my review here)

Equipped with a camera and determination, a little girl sets out to track down an elusive red fox. But foxes are sneaky, and it proves more difficult than she thought.

This Is How We Do It by Matt Lamothe (Read my review here)

Follow the real lives of seven kids from Italy, Japan, Iran, India, Peru, Uganda, and Russia for a single day!

Love Is by Diane Adams (Read my review here)

In this tenderly funny book, girl and duckling grow in their understanding of what it is to care for each other, discovering that love is as much about letting go as it is about holding tight. Children and parents together will adore this fond exploration of growing up while learning about the joys of love offered and love returned.

Hats Off to You! by Karen Beaumont

The girls invite you to dress up, too! Put on your favorite hat and join in the rhyming fun as they unveil a very special mother-daughter surprise. A perferct read-a-loud picture book for Mother’s Day or any day.

Chapter Books/Easy Readers

Sasha Savvy Loves to Code by Sasha Ariel Alston

Sasha Savvy, is a super smart 10-year old African-American girl, who lives in Washington, DC. Sasha must choose which class to take for summer camp. Her mom discovers that the camp is offering a new class for girls on how to code. Sasha thinks this will be boring and doesn’t believe that she is good at computer stuff.

Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen by Elizabet Vukovic and Debbi Michiko Florence (July 2017)

The first book in a new chapter book series featuring a spunky Japanese-American heroine!  Eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi is a flamingo fan, tree climber, and top-notch mess-maker!  She’s also tired of her big sister, Sophie, always getting to do things first. For once, Jasmine wishes SHE could do something before Sophie―something special, something different.

Katie Fry, Private Eye #1: The Lost Kitten by Katherine Cox

Katie Fry may be little, but she’s got a big brain, and she uses it to solve mysteries. So when she finds a very cute, VERY lost kitten named Sherlock, she decides to take his case. Can Katie track down the clues to find Sherlock’s home?

Super Fluffy to the Rescue (Ellie Ultra Series) by Gina Bellisario and Jessika von Innerebner

As a superhero, Ellie can stop almost any foe—except for boredom. When all her friends are busy, Ellie has a brilliant idea: she’ll use her parents’ lastest invention—the Ultra Animator— to bring Super Fluffy, her favorite stuffed animal, to life.

Lily’s New Home by Paula Yoo and Shirley Ng-Benitez

In this early chapter book for beginning readers, Lily and her parents move from their suburban neighborhood to New York City. Lily is used to living in a house on a quiet street. When they arrive at their new apartment, Lily notices the amount of activity all around.

Rock Star #1 (Jada Jones) by Kelly Starling Lyons and Vanessa Brantley-Newton (September 2017)

When Jada Jones’s best friend moves away, school feels like the last place she wants to be. She’d much rather wander outside looking for cool rocks to add to her collection, since finding rocks is much easier than finding friends. So when Jada’s teacher announces a class project on rocks and minerals, Jada finally feels like she’s in her element. The only problem: one of her teammates doesn’t seem to like any of Jada’s ideas. She doesn’t seem to like Jada all that much, either. Can Jada figure out a way to make a winning science project and a new friend?

Jada Jones Class Act by Kelly Starling Lyons and Vanessa Brantley-Newton (September 2017)

As a candidate for class representative, Jada is ready to give the campaign her all. But when rumors start to fly about her secret fear of public speaking, she isn’t sure who she can trust. And the pressure to make promises she can’t keep only adds to her growing list of problems. Is winning even worth it when friendships are on the line?

Who Was Bob Marley? by Katie Ellison and Gregory Copeland

Who Was Bob Marley? tells the story of how a man with humble roots became an international icon

The Laura Line by Crystal Allen

Laura Dyson wants two things in life: to be accepted by her classmates and to be noticed by ultracute baseball star Troy Bailey. But everyone at school teases her for being overweight, and Troy won’t give her a second glance. Until one day, their history teacher announces a field trip to the run-down slave shack on her grandmother’s property.

President of the Whole Sixth Grade by Sherri Winston

In this follow-up to President of the Whole Fifth Grade, Brianna navigates her toughest challenge yet: middle school! Brianna Justice is determined to raise enough money for the big class trip to Washington, D.C., but she’s up against a lot: classmates who all pretend to be something they’re not, a new nemesis determined to run her out of office, and the sinking feeling she’s about to lose her two best friends for good.

Lola Levine and the Ballet Scheme by Monica Brown

When new classmate Bella, a ballet dancer, walks into Lola’s class at Northland Elementary, all Lola can see is pink everywhere–pink ribbons, a pink sweatshirt, and pink tennis shoes. Yuck! Pink is Lola’s least favorite color. Plus, Ballet isn’t nearly as hard as soccer, is it?

The Middle School Rules of Jamaal Charles by Sean Jensen

The Middle School Rules of Jamaal Charles features the stories and lessons of Jamaal’s childhood, defined by people overlooking him. Young readers will see how Jamaal deals with bullying and endures teasing because of a long undiagnosed learning disability that enabled him to participate in the Special Olympics as a 10-year-old.

The Case of the Missing Museum Archives (Museum Mysteries Series) by Steve Brezenoff

When the plans for the prototype of a failed flying machine go missing from the Air and Space Museum’s archives, Amal’s father, the assistant archivist, is blamed. No one suspects a crime has been committed ― except Amal and her friends.

King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats (King and Kayla Series) by Dori Hillestad Butler and Nancy Meyers

A lovable dog helps his human girl solve a mystery. Kayla made peanut butter treats for Jillian’s new puppy Thor. But now the treats are missing. What does Kayla know? There are three treats missing. King was in the kitchen. King s breath doesn t smell like peanut butter. What does King know? There s an intruder in the house. How will they solve the mystery?

Dragons and Marshmallows (Zoey and Sassafras) by Asia Citro

In the first book of this series, Zoey discovers a glowing photo and learns an amazing secret. Injured magical animals come to their backyard barn for help! When a sick baby dragon appears, it’s up to Zoey and Sassafras to figure out what’s wrong. Will they be able to help little Marshmallow before it’s too late?

Who Are Venus and Serena Williams? by Andrew Thomson and James Buckley Jr. (August 2017)

Who Are Venus and Serena Williams? follows the pair from their early days of training up through the ranks and to the Summer Olympic Games, where they have each won four gold medals—more than any other tennis players.

The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: Spirit by Crystal Allen and Eda Kaban

Nine-year-old cowgirl Mya Tibbs is boot-scootin’ excited for the best week of the whole school year—SPIRIT WEEK! She and her megapopular best friend Naomi Jackson even made a pinky promise to be Spirit Week partners so they can win the big prize: special VIP tickets to the Fall Festival.

You Should Meet: Katherine Johnson by Thea Feldman (July 2017)

Meet Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician who worked at NASA in the early 1950s until retiring in 1986. Katherine’s unparalleled calculations (done by hand) helped plan the trajectories for NASA’s Mercury and Apollo missions (including the Apollo 11 moon landing). She is said to be one of the greatest American minds of all time.

You Should Meet: Jesse Owens by Laurie Calkhoven

Meet Jesse Owens, an African-American runner who won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin!

Graphic Novels

Real Friends by Shannon Hale


March: Book Three by John Lewis

This book is the conclusion of the award-winning and best-selling MARCH trilogy. Congressman John Lewis, an American icon and one ofthe key figures of the civil rights movement, joins co-writer Andrew Aydin and artist Nate Powell to bring the lessons of history to vivid life for a new generation, urgently relevant for today’s world.

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Presented as a screenplay of Steve’s own imagination, and peppered with journal entries, the book shows how one single decision can change our whole lives.

I Am Alfonso Jones by Tony Medina (October 2017)

Alfonso Jones can’t wait to play the role of Hamlet in his school’s hip-hop rendition of the classic Shakespearean play. He also wants to let his best friend, Danetta, know how he really feels about her. But as he is buying his first suit, an off-duty police officer mistakes a clothes hanger for a gun, and he shoots Alfonso.

Books for Tweens/Teens

Royal Crush: From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess by Meg Cabot (August 2017)

Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison is turning thirteen. Even better, she’s finally starting to get the hang of this princess thing. Just in time, too, since her half-sister, Princess Mia Thermopolis, is expected to give birth to twins any day now!

It’s pretty much the worst time possible for a school field trip, but everyone is insisting that Olivia must attend the Royal School Winter Games. Between Grandmère chaperoning, Olivia’s snobby cousin Luisa complaining about her relationship woes, and everyone insisting that Olivia has a crush on Prince Khalil (even though she isn’t sure that he even wants to be friends anymore!), things are quickly turning into a royal mess!

Kinda Like Brothers by Coe Booth

Everyone thinks Jarrett and Kevon should be friends — but that’s not gonna happen. Not when Kevon’s acting like he’s better than Jarrett — and not when Jarrett finds out Kevon’s keeping some major secrets.

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures follows the interwoven accounts of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Christine Darden, four African American women who participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes.

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

A hilarious and heartfelt novel about two Indian-American teens whose parents conspire to arrange their marriage.

Rise of the Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste (September 2017)

Corinne LaMer defeated the wicked jumbie Severine months ago, but things haven’t exactly gone back to normal in her Caribbean island home. Everyone knows Corinne is half-jumbie, and many of her neighbors treat her with mistrust. When local children begin to go missing, snatched from the beach and vanishing into wells, suspicious eyes turn to Corinne.

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Corinne La Mer claims she isn’t afraid of anything. Not scorpions, not the boys who tease her, and certainly not jumbies. They’re just tricksters made up by parents to frighten their children. Then one night Corinne chases an agouti all the way into the forbidden forest, and shining yellow eyes follow her to the edge of the trees. They couldn’t belong to a jumbie. Or could they?

52 Positive Affirmations for Mocha Kids by Christin Armstrong

One year of positive affirmations that your Mocha Kid can memorize and apply on a weekly basis. Each week features an activity to help the child apply the affirmation including coloring pages, drawing exercises and thought provoking questions.

A Good Thing by Stacey Evans Morgan

From California to Canada, D.C. to Paris, Pilar is on a search for her soul mate. Of course, the journey won’t be all rosy, but it won’t take long for Pilar to discover anything worth having, is going to take a little work and a whole lot of patience. Just when Pilar settles on being single….she discovers the good thing she’s been missing!

Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson

For August and her girls, sharing confidences as they ambled through neighborhood streets, Brooklyn was a place where they believed that they were beautiful, talented, brilliant—a part of a future that belonged to them.

She’s So Boss by Stacy Kravetz

Whether you already have an idea for a business or you’re mulling how to turn the things you enjoy into a self-sustaining enterprise, this book will connect the dots. From inspiration to execution, there are concrete steps every young entrepreneur, creator, or leader needs to take, and this book shows you how.

The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

The Perfect Find by Tia Williams

Jenna Jones, former It-girl fashion editor, is broke and desperate for a second chance. When she’s dumped by her longtime fiancé and fired from Darling magazine, she begs for a job from her old arch nemesis, Darcy Vale.

This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare by Gabourey Sidibe

Gabourey Sidibe—“Gabby” to her legion of fans—skyrocketed to international fame in 2009 when she played the leading role in Lee Daniels’s acclaimed movie Precious. In This Is Just My Face, she shares a one-of-a-kind life story in a voice as fresh and challenging as many of the unique characters she’s played onscreen.

Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It by Charlamagne Tha God

In his new book, Charlamagne Tha God presents his comic, often controversial, and always brutally honest insights on how living an authentic life is the quickest path to success.

Step Up to the Plate Maria Singh by Uma Krishnaswami

Nine-year-old Maria Singh longs to play softball in the first-ever girls’ team forming in Yuba City, California. It’s the spring of 1945, and World War II is dragging on. Miss Newman, Maria’s teacher, is inspired by Babe Ruth and the All-American Girls’ League to start a girls’ softball team at their school.

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia

Clayton feels most alive when he’s with his grandfather, Cool Papa Byrd, and the band of Bluesmen—he can’t wait to join them, just as soon as he has a blues song of his own. But then the unthinkable happens. Cool Papa Byrd dies, and Clayton’s mother forbids Clayton from playing the blues. And Clayton knows that’s no way to live.

Mango Delight by Fracaswell Hyman

When seventh-grader Mango Delight Fuller accidentally breaks her BFF Brooklyn’s new cell phone, her life falls apart. She loses her friends and her spot on the track team, and even costs her father his job as a chef.

As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds

Genie’s summer is full of surprises. The first is that he and his big brother, Ernie, are leaving Brooklyn for the very first time to spend the summer with their grandparents all the way in Virginia—in the COUNTRY! The second surprise comes when Genie figures out that their grandfather is blind.

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Ghost. Lu. Patina. Sunny. Four kids from wildly different backgrounds with personalities that are explosive when they clash. But they are also four kids chosen for an elite middle school track team—a team that could qualify them for the Junior Olympics if they can get their acts together. They all have a lot to lose, but they also have a lot to prove, not only to each other, but to themselves.

Patina by Jason Reynolds (August 2017)

A newbie to the track team, Patina must learn to rely on her teammates as she tries to outrun her personal demons in this follow-up to the National Book Award finalist Ghost.

A Whole New Ballgame: A Rip and Red Book by Phil Bildner

Rip and Red are best friends whose fifth-grade year is nothing like what they expected. They have a crazy new tattooed teacher named Mr. Acevedo, who doesn’t believe in tests or homework and who likes off-the-wall projects, the more “off” the better. And guess who’s also their new basketball coach? Mr. Acevedo!

Midnight Without a Moon by Linda Williams Jackson

It’s Mississippi in the summer of 1955, and Rose Lee Carter can’t wait to move north. But for now, she’s living with her sharecropper grandparents on a white man’s cotton plantation.

Booked by Kwame Alexander

In this follow-up to the Newbery-winning novel THE CROSSOVER,  soccer, family, love, and friendship, take center stage as twelve-year-old Nick learns the power of words as he wrestles with problems at home, stands up to a bully, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope this sacrifice will keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch in the Forest, Xan, is kind. She shares her home with a wise Swamp Monster and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon. Xan rescues the children and delivers them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest, nourishing the babies with starlight on the journey.

Kiki and Jacques by Susan Ross

Eleven-year-old Jacques’s mother has passed away, his father is jobless and drinking again and his grandmother’s bridal store is on the verge of going out of business. Plus he’s under pressure from an older boy to join in some illegal activities. At least Jacques can look forward to the soccer season.

One Last Word: Wisdom From the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes

In this collection of poetry, Nikki Grimes looks afresh at the poets of the Harlem Renaissance — including voices like Langston Hughes, Georgia Douglas Johnson, and many more writers of importance and resonance from this era — by combining their work with her own original poetry.

Gabby Garcia’s Ultimate Playbook by Iva-Marie Palmer

Meet your new favorite kid-next-door hero! Gabby Garcia an overly confident baseball-obsessed sport nut who’s going to win your heart.  If life were a baseball game, all-star pitcher Gabby Garcia would be having her Best. Season. EVER! Until she’s suddenly sent to another school and her winning streak is about to disappear—both on and off the field.

Two Naomis by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Other than their first names, Naomi Marie and Naomi Edith are sure they have nothing in common, and they wouldn’t mind keeping it that way.  Naomi Marie starts clubs at the library and adores being a big sister. Naomi Edith loves quiet Saturdays and hanging with her best friend in her backyard. And while Naomi Marie’s father lives a few blocks away, Naomi Edith wonders how she’s supposed to get through each day a whole country apart from her mother.

Twintuition: Double Vision by Tia Mowry

When their mother’s new job forces them to move from bustling San Antonio to middle-of-nowhere Aura, Texas, Caitlyn tries to stay positive, focusing on meeting new people and having new adventures. Cassie, on the other hand, is convinced that it’s only a matter of time until they’ll be sick of Aura and ready to move back to the big city.

BONUS BOOKS!
Please support these additional self-published authors and look for their books in your local libraries:

The Missing President – located in public libraries in Durham, NC; Hampton, VA; Houston, TX; Benton Harbor, MI

The Birthright Trilogy by Necole Ryse – Available in all Maryland public libraries

The Adventures of Taylor The Chef – Available in all of The Miami-Dade Public Libraries in Miami, Florida

Janjay by Chantal Victoria – Available at Philadelphia public library, Philadelphia, PA

Little Tree by Chrystyna Edwards – Available at Alamance County NC Libraries, and Rowan County Library Salisbury NC

Happy Hair by Mechal Renee Roe Available at Smyrna, GA public library and Ferguson, MO public library

The Hula Hoopin’ Queen by Thelma Lynne Godin and Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Jasmin’s Summer Wish – Readers can access it for FREE at jasminssummerwish.com

Stink Moves In by Tammi Landry-Gilder – Available at Commerce Township Public Library. Commerce Township, MI.

Poems for the Smart, Spunky, and Sensational Black Girl by Rachel Garlinghouse (Read my review here)

Want even more of my diverse book lists?

Black Boy Joy: 29 Picture Books Featuring Black Male Protagonists
Colorful Poetry: 22 Diverse Poetry Books for Kids
The Ultimate Diverse Summer Reading List for Kids (2016 version)

 

Your turn: What other books would you add to this list for summer reading?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Reviews
March 17, 2017
Mrs. G

My Brown Baby: On the Joys and Challenges of Raising African-American Children

My Brown Baby: On the Joys and Challenges of Raising African-American Children by Denene Millner

Publisher: Agate Bolden
Pages: 272
Format: Paperback

Synopsis
For almost a decade, national parenting expert and bestselling author Denene Millner has published thought-provoking, insightful, sometimes wickedly funny commentary about motherhood on her critically acclaimed website MyBrownBaby.com. The site, hailed as a “must-read” by the New York Times, speaks to the experiences, joys, fears, sorrows, and triumphs of African American motherhood, from pregnancy and child-rearing to relationships and the politics of parenting black children.

After publishing almost 2,000 posts aimed at lifting the voices of moms and dads of color, Millner has now curated My Brown Baby, a collection of the website’s most important and insightful essays. This one-of-a-kind parenting book offers perspectives on the issues moms of color and mothers of children of color face as they raise their kids—from birthing while black to negotiating discipline to preparing children for racism.

Through her website, Millner has created a space for African American moms and parents of black children, many of whom long to lend their critical but all-too-often ignored voices to the national parenting discussion. Full of essays that readers of all backgrounds will find provocative, My Brown Baby acknowledges that there absolutely are issues that African American parents must deal with that white parents never have to confront if they’re not raising brown children. This book chronicles these differences with open arms, a lot of love, and the deep belief that though we may come from separate places and have different backgrounds, all parents want the same things for our families, and especially for our children.

Reflection
Are you an African-American mom or mom-to-be? Buy this book! A parent raising adopted children of color? Buy this book! Thinking about having your own children or adopting children of color in the future? Buy this book! Curious about what it’s like as a parent raising Black or mixed race children? Buy this book!

It’s a collection of personal essays taken from Denene Millner’s popular website mybrownbaby.com over the past decade. The essays are organized by the different stages of parenting with topics like: the nuts and bolts of parenting Black children, the joys, pains, and politics of natural hair, Black children and racism, and tending to the self-esteem of Black children.

My personal favorite topics include: new motherhood,  raising them up, hair stories, the souls of black folk and mother love.  I found myself laughing out loud, nodding my head, smiling, and even tearing up a bit as I read this book. Being a Black parent raising two Black children, I found this book to be very relatable to me and our family.  I love that Millner has created this book to be the “voice” for us parents raising Black and brown children. While raising children is virtually the same for all parents across the board (regardless of race), there are in fact certain issues that parents raising White children will never have to confront.  Millner outlines these differences and embraces them with open arms throughout the book.

There are so many good nuggets of information and great essays found in the pages of My Brown Baby. You may find yourself highlighting and underlining several different passages or earmarking pages that you want to refer back to another time.  That is what happened to me.  This book really gets into the nitty gritty details of parenting Black children and “tells it like it is” through the eyes of the author who also happens to be a mother of two beautiful daughters. You’ll learn how to tend to the self-esteem for Black children, tackling naturally kinky hair, how to guard your children from the “N” word, and why Millner lets her children watch reality TV shows.

I also like the fact that readers get to know a little more about the author through some personal narrative.  She openly shares an early miscarriage story and also lets readers know that she is adopted.  I find Millner’s personal journey as a mother to be fascinating.  It’s so interesting to see how her experiences helped shape her into the wife and parent she is today.

While this book is geared towards African-Americans raising Black and Brown children, it can be read and enjoyed by people of all races.  Check it out for a dose of laughter and inspiration while learning modern-day parenting tips and techniques.

Your turn: Have you read this book yet?  Feel free to share your thoughts on the book in the comments.

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Books for Adults
March 6, 2017
Mrs. G

Book of the Month Club + An Instagram Giveaway!

Disclosure: I was chosen to be part of a campaign to promote literacy and the joy of reading by Acceleration Partners. Any opinions expressed are my own.  I received the products mentioned in this post for free from Book of the Month. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

I’m so excited to finally try out the Book of the Month Club!  Book of the Month is a subscription box-style book club dedicated to helping avid readers find great new fiction and non-fiction titles. I love that it exposes me to a variety of new titles that weren’t previously on my radar.  They work hard to bring their members books that are truly worth reading—well-written, immersive stories that will transport you, give you thrills, and tug at your heartstrings—and they have been championing literacy for over 90 years!

Each month, their panel of Judges selects 5 great new books. Selections are announced on the first of the month, and members can choose which book they would like to receive. All plans include: 1 hardcover book of your choice each month, and free shipping.  Members can also add up to 2 books to their monthly box for an additional cost.  They also have affordable gift memberships available for easy gift giving to your fellow bookworms.

If you want to try it out for yourself, you can sign up now (using my referral link) and choose from the 5 best books of the month!  You can also enter my Instagram giveaway and enter to win one of five FREE 3-month subscription boxes I’m giving away (US residents only).  But hurry, the giveaway ends on Tuesday, March 7th at 11:59pm.  Good Luck!

Your turn: Are you a member of Book of the Month Club?  What’s the thing you like best about the club?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Reviews
March 2, 2017
Mrs. G

Work Pause Thrive: How to Pause for Parenthood Without Killing Your Career + A Giveaway!


Work Pause Thrive: How to Pause for Parenthood Without Killing Your Career by Lisen Stromberg

The first time I found out I was pregnant with my daughter I wondered how becoming a parent would alter my everyday life. Even though I was elated to be pregnant, a part of me was afraid of all the unknowns. More specifically, I was worried about how I would manage having work/life balance especially when my son came around just 15 months after having my daughter. Perhaps you can relate.

This book dispels the outdated thinking of putting our family first means we’ll be forced to abandon our careers. No longer should women be afraid to live the lives they want to lead just because they have children. Read this book to find out how you can build a career and have a family without killing or abandoning your career.

With Stromberg’s guidance, you’ll learn:

  • Who pauses and how and why
  • How pausing can enrich both your career and your life
  • How to innovate your own path by strategically incorporating a pause into your career
  • What we can—and need—to do as a society to make it pausing possible for more people to achieve their personal and professional goals

The workplace is changing, slowly.  Many workplaces now offer more flexibility for working moms, parental leave is on the rise and so are return-to-work internships.  This book covers those topics and so much more.  It helps you get clear on what it is you truly want and provides tips on choosing the right career and company to fit your needs.  The backmatter includes a an interesting and useful appendix that summarizes the results from a recent “women on the rise” study.  The goal of the study conducted was to ascertain how highly qualified women are integrating kids with careers and assess whether pausing for parenthood does actually kill a career.

The Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway details:

  • Prizes: One of 15 copies of Work PAUSE Thrive by Lisen Stromberg ($25 ARV)
  • Dates: February 21, 2017 – March 11, 2017
  • Entry Options: Readers may enter the giveaway via the widget with the following options:
    • Tweet a message
  • Notification: Winners will be randomly selected and notified by CLEVER by March 14, 2017
  • Terms & Conditions: The official Terms & Conditions are included in the widget; here is the high-level eligibility criteria:
    • Age 18+
    • US resident only
    • Only one winner per household

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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Book Reviews
December 7, 2016
Mrs. G

The Thunder Beneath Us by Nicole Blades (A Book Review)

The Thunder Beneath Us by Nicole Blades
thethunderbeneathus

Publisher: Dafina (Kensington Publishing Corp.)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320

Synopsis
To the world, Best Lightburn is a talented writer rising up the masthead at international style magazine James, girlfriend of a gorgeous up-and-coming actor, and friend to New York City’s fabulous. Then there’s the other Best, the one who has chosen to recast herself as an only child rather than confront the truth.

Ten years ago, on Christmas Eve, Best and her two older brothers took a shortcut over a frozen lake. When the ice cracked, all three went in. Only Best came out. People said she was lucky, but that kind of luck is nothing but a burden. Because Best knows what she had to do to survive. And after years of covering up the past, her guilt is detonating through every facet of her seemingly charmed life. It’s all unraveling so fast: her new boss is undermining and deceitful, her boyfriend is recovering from a breakdown, and a recent investigative story has led to a secret affair with the magazine’s wealthy publisher.

Best is quick-witted and headstrong, but how do you find a way to happiness when you’re sure you haven’t earned it—or embrace a future you feel you don’t deserve? Evocative and emotional, The Thunder Beneath Us is a gripping novel about learning to carry loss without breaking, and to heal and forgive—not least of all, ourselves.

Reflection
Survivor’s guilt.  It’s something many people deal with at some point in their lives.  People living with survivor’s guilt for extended periods of time often experience depression, self-loathing and self-punishment.  In each situation in their lives – whether it’s a relative living as an addict, a parent being a full blown alcoholic, or being the lone survivor in an accident – they feel like they had somehow, unfairly, escaped the doom and gloom that seemed to prey upon the people they love the most.  Sometimes they even believe they caused it.  As a result, people suffering from survivor’s guilt end up wasting a lot of time and emotional energy trying to answer questions like, “Why them and not me?”  If you’ve ever experienced the pain of survivor’s guilt in some capacity then The Thunder Beneath Us is the book for you.

The opening line of this book made me laugh out loud – literally!  It immediately intrigued me and drew me into the story.  Best (short for Bathsheba) is a beautiful, accomplished magazine journalist dating a hot actor.  What more could a woman ask for, right?  Although it sounds like she has it all together on the surface, her life is a hot mess! She’s been living with so many secrets that eventually begin to come bubbling to the surface and rock her world upside down.

Although I think the first half of this book was a bit slow to develop, the second half definitely made up for it and had me turning the pages so fast wanting to know what was going to happen next!  After having a breakdown, Best visits her childhood home in Canada.  That’s when we learn what really happened ten years ago when she was the sole survivor of a terrible ice accident that tragically took the lives of her two brothers. What she had to do in order to survive turns out to be the mystery.  For years Best lived with survivor’s guilt, without ever expressing her feelings.  Can you imagine what that must feel like?

While Best isn’t the most likeable character, I did find myself relating to her in some chapters.  Her personality can be described as sassy, witty and funny.  Some may even call her a hater.  No matter how you feel about Best Lightburn I think you’ll find yourself cheering for her, laughing at her, crying with her, cursing her out and wanting to reach out and give her a big hug at times.  She’s not perfect – she’s human.

I love the author’s attention to detail and the way she describes each character, their actions and the scenery around them.  The Thunder Beneath Us is a very thought-provoking, gripping, compelling and emotional book with themes of: love, family, relationships, personal discovery, self-acceptance, healing, loss, forgiveness, coping with the past and moving forward.  There are some valuable personal growth and self-discovery lessons to be learned for people who have struggled with things that haunt them from their past.  Best is forced to finally confront her tainted past so she can finally move on, forgive herself and experience happiness in her life once again.

Add this book to your holiday gift list for yourself or a friend.  This book has it all: fresh, detailed and concise writing, scandal, secrets and workplace affairs it’s great for reading while traveling or over the weekend.

About Nicole Blades
nicoleblades
Nicole Blades is a novelist and journalist who has been putting her stories on paper since the third grade. Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, by Caribbean parents, Nicole moved to New York City and launched her journalism career working at Essence magazine. She later co-founded the online magazine SheNetworks, and worked as an editor at ESPN and Women’s Health. Now a freelance writer, her features and essays have appeared in MORE magazine, Cosmopolitan, NYTimes.com, WashingtonPost.com, MarieClaire.com, BuzzFeed, SELF, and BlogHer. Nicole has been a speaker and panelist at BlogHer, Mom 2.0 and the MA Conference for Women. She also created Ms. Mary Mack, a blog that aims to bring compassion and common sense back to parenthood.  Nicole currently lives in Connecticut with her husband and their son.

Connect with Nicole Blades!

Website| Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

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Book Reviews
November 22, 2016
Mrs. G

Holiday Gift Guide Series: The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda

The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda
thechristmasstory

Publisher: Candlewick
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 12
Age Range: 5 – 8 years old (and up)

Synopsis
Hope and joy radiate from the pages of Robert Sabuda’s new pop-up book celebrating the Nativity.

Long ago in the town of Bethlehem, on a bright and starry night, a baby was born, a child who was called the son of God. Announced by an angel, born in a humble manger, laid in a bed of straw, visited by shepherds and wise men—the age-old, awe-inspiring story of the birth of Jesus is lovingly brought to life by master pop-up artist Robert Sabuda in six gorgeously imagined scenes, culminating in a 3-D manger sheltering humans and beasts, guarded by an angel above. Glinting with touches of gold and pearlescent foil, The Christmas Story is a visual feast, a holiday treasure to be shared with the whole family.

thechristmasstory1

Reflection
Before there were 3D movies, there were pop-up books.  As a child, I used to love pop-up books because the action literally jumped right out at me as I turned the pages.  Opening each page was like unwrapping a gift.  There was always a surprise awaiting on the next page to reward me.  So fun!

Pop-up book artist Robert Sabuda is the master at transforming a blank piece of paper that lacks dimension, texture and movement and turning it into a beautiful piece of art.  That’s exactly what he has done with the book The Christmas Story.  It’s truly a marvel in paper engineering that your kids, and even some adults, will be pretty impressed by.

My kids love looking at all of the intricate art on each page.  As I read the story, they like counting the number of items they see on each page like: doves, sheep, palm trees and camels.  They also love pointing at the gold foil accents that make certain things in the book stand out like the stable where Jesus was lying in.

Reading this book really gets me in the holiday spirit.  It features six imagined scenes from the inspiring story of the birth of Jesus.  Little readers will see scenes of the angel who came to tell Mary she would soon have a baby named Jesus, a scene of the three wise men traveling, and more.  The book ends with a beautiful nativity scene with the three wise men giving Mary precious gifts befitting for a king.

This book makes a really special holiday gift for children or adults.  While I wouldn’t recommend it to be held by the smallest readers due to the fragile pop-up art, I think children ages 5 and older would handle it just fine.  The pages are sturdy and so is the cover, but the pop-up artwork is fragile.  A true delight to read and marvel at all the beautiful scenes featured.  A holiday book that can be enjoyed as a family again and again each year during the holiday season. Perfect for religious families!

Your turn: Have you read any of Robert Sabuda’s pop-up books?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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