Review: Areli is a Dreamer
Samantha Cronin's Kid Lit Library
by Samantha Cronin
2y ago
Areli is a Dreamer Author: Areli Morales Illustrator: Luisa Uribe Published in 2021 by Random House Studio Areli is a Dreamer is a true personal narrative by Areli Morales, a DACA recipient, that tells her immigration story from Mexico to New York. The story begins at her Abuela’s house in Mexico where she enjoys playing with her cousins, creating memories, laughing, and sharing delicious food. Soon, she will join her parents and baby brother in the United States. Areli anxiously anticipates her big move, feeling sad to leave behind her life in Mexico. When she arrives in New York, everyth ..read more
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Review: Other Words for Home
Samantha Cronin's Kid Lit Library
by Samantha Cronin
2y ago
Other Words for Home Author: Jasmine Warga Published in 2019 by Balzer + Bray Other Words for Home is a poignant and hopeful novel in verse from the perspective of twelve-year-old Jude who lives in Syria with her cherished mother, father, and older brother. As oppression consumes their beloved country and unrest makes its way closer to their home, the family is forced to make difficult decisions. Her brother Issa leaves to join the revolution in Aleppo, her father stays in their hometown to care for his shop, and Jude and her mother move to America to live with their relatives in the pursuit ..read more
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Review: Poetry for Young People
Samantha Cronin's Kid Lit Library
by Samantha Cronin
2y ago
Poetry for Young People: Maya Angelou Editor: Dr. Edwin Graves Wilson Illustrator: Jerome Lagarrigue Published in 2013 by Sterling Children’s Books Poetry for Young People: Maya Angelou captures the magnificence, beauty, and art of the acclaimed poet, writer, performer, historian, educator, and activist. This collection presents twenty-five of her most iconic poems that honor a range of emotions and experiences. Her legacy lives on through the themes of “courage and endurance, sadness and beauty, heartbreak and hope” that shine through her poetry. Artist Jerome Lagarrigue provides breathta ..read more
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Review: The Whole World Inside Nan’s Soup
Samantha Cronin's Kid Lit Library
by Samantha Cronin
2y ago
The Whole World Inside Nan’s Soup Author: Hunter Liguore Illustrator: Vikki Zhang Published in 2021 by Yeehoo Press The Whole World Inside Nan’s Soup is a heartwarming intergenerational story that celebrates community, family, tradition, and love. The story begins with a curious young girl who asks her Nanni what is inside the big metal pot on her stove. Her response takes them on a marvelous adventure that gracefully exemplifies our interconnectedness with all people and nature by illustrating the whole world being part of putting a meal on the table. There are the seeds that grew up to b ..read more
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Review: We Are Still Here!
Samantha Cronin's Kid Lit Library
by Samantha Cronin
2y ago
We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know Author: Traci Sorell Illustrator: Frané Lessac Published in 2021 by Charlesbridge We Are Still Here!  is a companion book to the award-winning We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by the same author and illustrator duo. We Are Still Here! is an informational narrative set at Native Nations Community School just in time for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. While this particular school and these students are fictional, they are inspired by real communities and the information presented by the students is factual and true. It begins with a ..read more
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Review: I Am Smoke
Samantha Cronin's Kid Lit Library
by Samantha Cronin
2y ago
I Am Smoke Author: Henry Herz Illustrator: Mercè López Published in 2021 by Tilbury House Publishers I Am Smoke is a magnificently crafted book with lyrical language that illuminates the fascinating life cycle, impacts, uses, and benefits of smoke as readers journey around the world and through the millenia. Smoke is personified as the first person narrator for this creative exploration of poetry, science, art, history, culture, and tradition. Smoke speaks in dazzling riddles that present both playful and challenging tones, “I lack a mouth, but I can speak. I’m gentler than a feather, but ..read more
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Review: When I See Red
Samantha Cronin's Kid Lit Library
by Samantha Cronin
2y ago
When I See Red Author + Illustrator: Britta Teckentrup Published in 2021 by Prestel Junior When I See Red is a powerful and poignant reflection on the force of anger. The admirable champion of this book is a bold and brave young protagonist who invites readers on a fierce poetic exploration of intense emotion. They are swept away in a ferocious storm: “I am howling, roaring, whistling, whirling… I am hurricane, whirlwind, twister, typhoon… I let it all out. I roar at the sea. I’m flooding the shores. Don’t mess with me!” Dynamic text and captivating illustrations affirm a whirlwind of emot ..read more
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Review: Magnificent Homespun Brown
Samantha Cronin's Kid Lit Library
by Samantha Cronin
2y ago
Magnificent Homespun Brown Author: Samara Cole Doyon Illustrator: Kaylani Juanita Published in 2020 by Tilbury House Publishers Magnificent Homespun Brown is a gorgeously crafted, exquisite celebration of identity, self love, acceptance, belonging, and community. Joyful young narrators honor their beautiful brown skin with expressions of the different representations of brown they see in the world around them. Their poetry is rich with sensational vocabulary, figurative language, and unforgettable sensory details: “Amber brown like honey harvested from the hive in Auntie’s yard… Amber brow ..read more
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Review: Survivor Tree
Samantha Cronin's Kid Lit Library
by Samantha Cronin
2y ago
Survivor Tree Author: Marcie Colleen Illustrator: Aaron Becker Published in 2021 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Survivor Tree is a hopeful, gentle book that shares a true story to introduce conversations about the events of September 11, 2001 and its lasting impacts. For many years, a tree grew in the shadows of the Twin Towers. This tree lived through many seasons of “bare bones” in the wintertime, white flowers and piles of petals in the spring, “glossy green leaves” in the summer, and “blazed red with a million hearts” in the fall, until one September day when the sky exploded ..read more
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Review: 30,000 Stitches
Samantha Cronin's Kid Lit Library
by Samantha Cronin
2y ago
30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag Author: Amanda Davis Illustrator: Sally Wern Comport Published in 2021 by WorthyKids 30,000 Stitches is an extraordinary true story that poignantly illustrates resilience, unity, and hope. In the days following September 11, 2001, an American flag flew over the wreckage of the buildings. The flag was “torn, tattered, and tired.” It was taken down and tucked away for nearly seven years. In 2008, the New York Says Thank You Foundation brought the flag with them to a Kansas town destroyed by a tornado to help them rebuild. This in ..read more
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