Brainstorm 337: Books for Kindness & Inclusion Day

Last week was International Down Syndrome Day and our school had a Kindness & Inclusion Day. In honor of that day, I have books that celebrate kindness and inclusion of people who were born with conditions that meant life would throw extra challenges their way. Click on the titles to see the full review of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings. See these other Brainstorms for more Kindness & Inclusion reads: Brainstorm 105: Dyslexia & Stuttering in Kids Lit, Brainstorm 141: Characters Who Rise Above Physical Challenges, Brainstorm 200: Synesthesia in Literature, Brainstorm 238: Meet Some Deaf People/Characters 

The Absent Alpacas (Ron Roy’s A to Z Animal Mysteries) by Kayla Whaley, ill. by Chloe Burgett

In a nutshell: When alpacas go missing from the fair, Abbi, Lydia, and Daniel track them down.

Inclusive character: Abbi has spinal muscular atrophy and is in a wheelchair. 

More info: Abbi and her best friends, twins Lydia and Daniel, are headed to the Maine State Fair to see the alpaca costume competition. But when they get there, all but one of the alpacas are missing. Did the alpacas sneak out? Did someone steal them? And why? 

Extra thoughts: This is a new series inspired by Ron Roy’s A to Z mysteries featuring 3 new little sleuths. Each book in the series has a mystery related to an animal for the trio to solve. I like that it features full color illustrations throughout.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Mystery Fans, Animal Lovers, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Character Fans, Twin Story Fans, Wheelchair-Using Character Fans, Multicultural Character Fans, Lower Grade Readers

Bo and the Merbaby (Unicorn Diaries, #5) by Rebecca Elliott 

In a nutshell: The unicorns look for ways to help a merbaby born with only one tail fin so she can’t swim.

Inclusive character: The merbaby born with 1 instead of 2 tail fins, hindering her mobility.

More info: When the unicorns hear that a new merbaby has been born, they can't wait to meet her. They are sad to find out the merbaby was born with only one tail fin so she can't swim. Her mom says she is perfect and doesn't need fixing. But the unicorns still wonder if anyone can help the merbaby, so they set off in search of the legendary Golden Fish.

Extra thoughts: There's a nice message in this about people born with disabilities still being of worth and not necessarily needing "fixing." There's a good resolution about what is helpful for parents of kids with disabilities that could definitely be applicable in real life. I did wonder why they didn't introduce how prosthetics are helpful for people with mobility issues. I think that would have been appropriate and not hurt the message, but that wasn’t what the author chose to do.

Target readers: Fantasy Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Fans of Characters with Mobility Issues, Lower Grade Readers

House of Robots (House of Robots, #1) by James Patterson & Chris Grabenstein, ill. by Juliana Neufeld

In a nutshell: Sammy gets stuck taking one of his mom’s robots to school with him (training it for his sister with SCID), but when it goes missing he has a mystery to solve.

Inclusive character: Sammy’s sister who has SCID (severe combined immune-deficiency)

More info: Sammy's household is a little unusual. Yes, he has a mom, dad, and a sister like many other people. But he also lives with several robots who do all the household chores from cooking to cleaning and even being the house pet. His mom is a professor of robotics, thus the numerous robots. His dad is an artist who writes a graphic novel series. And his little sister and best friend, Maddie, has SCID, so she has to pretty much live in her room so she won't get sick. Sammy isn't exactly the most popular kid at school but he has his 2nd best friend Tripp, and does ok. But when his mom and dad decide to send one of mom's new robots to school with Sammy, Sammy knows his life is over. E is an excessively annoying robot. And his first day at school is even more disastrous than Sammy predicted. But after mom makes some modifications, E seems to do better and even starts to help Sammy deal with the school bully and gain some popularity. So when E goes missing, Sammy actually finds himself sad and determined to find the missing bot.

Extra thoughts: The robot is going to school with Sammy so that Maddie can eventually use it to interact with others. The three books in this series are the only ones I’ve read featuring a character with SCID, and Maddie is such a fabulous character with a great attitude. It’s easy to cheer for her. The series is entertaining, has extra-large font, and lots of illustrators. It’s great for reluctant readers. I also love that she and Sammy are best friends. When’s the last time you read a book in which elementary brother/sister siblings were best friends? 

Target readers: Robot Fans, Reluctant Readers, Scifi Fans, Mystery Fans, Brother/Sister Friendship Story Fans, SCID Character Fans, Middle Grade Readers

How to Make Friends with the Sea by Tanya Guerrero

In a nutshell: Pablo is secretly struggling with compulsive behaviors related to abandonment by his dad and multiple international moves, but his mom is so concerned with helping a little girl with a cleft lip, he doesn’t feel like he can talk to her about it.

Inclusive character: Chiqui, a girl born with a cleft lip.

More info: Pablo's mom works with animal rescue centers, and ever since his dad left them they've been hopping from country to country so fast he's got whiplash. Currently, they are in the Philippines and Pablo has come to realize he has issues he needs to tell his mom about. He counts things to calm himself down, he's constantly freaked out by germs and dirt, and just the sight of the ocean is enough to make him throw up. He knows this is related to their constant moving and his last interaction with his dad at an aquarium, but he just can't bring himself to talk to his mom. And now he certainly doesn't have a moment to because she's rescued a human child rather than an animal this time. Chiqui has a cleft lip, has never been to school, and they don't even know if she can talk. Can both Chiqui and Pablo find wholeness?

Extra thoughts: It is easy to forget in developed countries and cities, that cleft palates and cleft lips are still very real issues for many people around the world who don’t have easy access to medical care. Even though Pablo’s mom is busy, Pablo is seen by his mom’s boss and the neighbor girl Happy. They both find ways to help him, and encourage him to finally talk to his mom. The book ends on a hopeful note for both Chiqui and Pablo.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Cleft Lip Character Fans, Mental Health Story Fans, TCK Character Fans, Philippines Setting Fans, Middle Grade Readers 

Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd 

In a nutshell: Olive, a girl with brittle bone disease, longs to make friends, be on stage, and find the mythical Hummingbird so she can make a wish.

Inclusive character: Olive, the main character, who has brittle bone disease

More info: Olive has osteogenesis imperfecta (aka brittle bone disease) but she doesn't want to be defined by her condition or the wheel chair she often uses to get around. She also doesn't want it to slow her down. And it is most definitely hampering her social life and aspirations of being on the stage. Her loving parents are concerned that school is too dangerous. She just wants to go to school, find her BFF who is just waiting out there for her, and get a role in the theater production about Emily Dickinson. Oh, and with the strange feathers falling like snow signaling an imminent reappearance of the local legend, she also wants to find the Hummingbird and make a wish.

Extra thoughts: Natalie Lloyd has done it again. She's crafted an incredibly moving story in words that flow in beautiful rhythms, added just a touch of magic, and builds empathy. 

Target readers: Magical Realism Fans, School Story Fans, Theater Story Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Self-Acceptance/Actualization Story Fans, Wheelchair-Using Character Fans, Brittle Bone Disease Character Fans, Middle Grade Readers

Once upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan

In a nutshell: In search of answers for her dying younger brother, an Oxford university student seeks out C.S. Lewis to find out where Narnia came from and if it is real.

Inclusive character:  8 year old George who has a congenital heart condition

More info: Megs is not the normal Oxford university student in the 1950s. For one, she is studying math and physics, still not a typical choice for women. For another, she doesn't spend her weekends hanging out at the pub with her classmates, but rather ventures home by train each and every weekend to spend precious moments with her little brother. George is 8 and not likely to make it to 9. He was born with a heart condition with no cure, and the whole family knows his time is limited. So when George falls in love with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and asks Megs to hunt down Mr. Lewis at Oxford and ask him where Narnia came from, Megs takes the request very seriously. But Jack Lewis doesn't give her a straight answer. Instead, over a series of weeks he shares stories from his life with Megs, from boyhood to the present, that she then relates to George. And on the journey both she and George will learn a thing or two about the power of stories, where they come from, and just what Narnia can mean to them.

Extra thoughts: This is mostly biographical fiction relating a lot of true facts about Lewis' life, but also interweaving a tenderhearted tale of a brother and a sister wrestling with deep questions. There's also a little love story for Megs worked in naturally along the way with a fellow Oxford student who she can talk to about the deeper things these stories from Mr. Lewis are bringing up. 

Target readers: Historical Fiction Fans, Biographical Fiction Fans, Sibling Story Fans, Oxford Setting Fans, Congenital Heart Defect Character Fans, C.S. Lewis Fans, Bittersweet Story Fans, Light Romance Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)

Out of My Mind (Out of My Mind, #1) by Sharon M. Draper 

In a nutshell: A nonverbal girl with cerebral palsy’s world is changed when she gets access to technology that can give her a voice.

Inclusive character: Melody, a genius nonverbal, wheelchair-bound girl with cerebral palsy

More info: Melody was born with cerebral palsy. She has a fully functioning mind, and even a photographic memory, but because she can't talk she has no way to let others know. Her mobility and autonomy are severely limited as well, which is frustrating to a girl with a very smart brain. Her parents and Mrs. V (a neighbor who helps look after her when she's not at school and her parents are still at work) and a couple of her good teachers have some inclination. They've caught on to some of her reactions and the way she laughs at jokes, but to the rest of the world, Melody feels invisible. Until the day she catches on to news of technology that just might give her a voice.

Extra thoughts: This story is such a good reminder that kids with little to no vocalization can still have a LOT going on in their heads. This is a great book to grow your empathy and remember to really see people, and not just their surface appearance.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Cerebral Palsy Character Fans, Spunky Character Fans, Middle Grade Readers

The Unstoppable Jamie by Jane Givens, ill. by Courtney Dawson

In a nutshell: Jamie and his parents are headed to New York City for the Buddy Walk and his picture is going to be on the big screen.

Inclusive character: Jamie has Down syndrome  

More info: Jamie likes to pretend he is a superhero with superhero tools like a cape to make him unstoppable. These tools help him when the world feels a little overwhelming. He'll need them as he and his family head to the Buddy Walk in New York City where his photo will be in the slideshow.

Extra thoughts: Check out the back of the book for more information on Down syndrome and the Buddy Walk.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Down Syndrome Character Fans, Picture Book Readers

Brainstorm 336: Even More Thai Books

Today is Thai day at our international school in Bangkok. A day for our school community to celebrate the culture of the country we reside in. In honor of Thai day, I have 4 newer books that feature Thai characters, are created by Thai authors/illustrators, and/or are set in Thailand. To see some other recommended Thai-related books, check out Brainstorm 263 and Brainstorm 294 as well. Click on the titles to see my full review of each book including any. Content notes/trigger warnings.

Building a Dream: How the Boys of Koh Panyee Became Champions by Darshana Khiani, ill. by Dow Phumiruk

In a nutshell: A group of soccer-loving boys on a Thai island get creative to find a place to play.

More info: A slightly fictionalized retelling of how the boys of Koh Panyee's love for soccer and absence of playable land drove them to create their own floating field and eventually become regional champs.

Extra thoughts: This is an interesting mostly-true story (with I’m guessing imagined dialogue and some events condensed that move it into fiction) with some fascinating notes from the author and illustrator. I love that the illustrator for this is Thai and how that shows in the illustrations.

Target readers: Highly Factual Fiction Fans, Soccer Lovers, Problem Solving Story Fans, Thailand Setting Fans, Picture Book Readers

Continental Drifter by Kathy Macleod

In a nutshell: A graphic novel memoir of a Thai American girl who felt split between her Thai and American worlds.

More info: Kathy shares about growing up not sure where she belonged. Her mom was Thai, her dad was American. They lived in Bangkok, Thailand, and she went to an international school. She didn't feel totally at home in Bangkok, so she was counting down the days to their summer trip to Maine and her first summer camp experience. She was sure that camp was where she would fit in. But reality was a bit different.

Extra thoughts: This is a totally typical, highly-relatable, third culture kid/biracial kid experience summed up in words and pictures excellently.

Target readers: Graphic Novel Fans, Memoir Fans, TCK Story Fans, Biracial Kid Story Fans, Search for Belonging Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers (of interest to YA too)

Gabby Gets It Together (PAWS, #1) written, colored, and lettered by Nathan Fairbairn, ill. by Michele Assarasakorn

In a nutshell: A group of pet-less animal lovers start a dog walking business, which tests their friendship.

More info: Gabby, Priya, and Mindy all love animals but none of them can have pets for one reason or another. They decide to start a dog walking business to satisfy their pet cravings and also earn some money. But will their friendship last trying to run a business together?

Extra thoughts: Like any group project, the PAWS pet-sitting business requires a lot of communication and the girls learn that the hard way. I like that they do end up in a much healthier place and each one learns something about herself as well as her friends. I also liked the Vancouver setting which realistically lends itself to a multicultural group of friends: Gabby appears to be Black/Thai Canadian (the illustrator is also of Thai heritage), Priya is Indian Canadian, and Mindy is Korean Canadian.

Target readers: Animal Lovers, Friendship Story Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Character Growth Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers

Noodles, Rice, and Everything Spice: a Thai Comic Cookbook by Christina De Witte and Mallika Kauppinen

In a nutshell: A graphic novel cookbook introducing Thai foods and cooking methods from a Thai author and illustrator.

More info: The nutshell says it all.

Extra thoughts: This is an easy to follow graphic novel cookbook that covers a good range of Thai dishes. I’ve lived in Thailand almost 20 years and I still learned some things from this about the dishes I see regularly. I like that the authors introduce themselves and share brief bios of themselves too.

Target readers: Foodies, Graphic Novel Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Cookbook Fans, Thai Food Lovers, YA & Adult Readers (though approachable to Middle Grade too)

Brainstorm 335: Octopus Books

Last week while chaperoning Seniors snorkeling I had the amazing experience of seeing my first wild octopus (thanks to a fellow teacher’s eagle eyes). I thought I’d share a little of that experience with some books about octopuses or that feature these fascinating and super smart creatures. Click on the titles to see my full reviews of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.

How to Get Your Octopus to School by Becky Scharnhorst, ill. by Jaclyn Sinquett

In a nutshell: A little girl has her hands full trying to get her octopus ready for its first day of school.

More info: The nutshell says it all.

Extra thoughts: This is a humorous back to school adventure that teaches readers some of the nifty things that octopuses can do.

Target readers: Humor Fans, Animal Lovers, Curious Readers, Back to School Story Fans, First Day of School Story Fans, Picture Book Readers

Inky's Amazing Escape: How a Very Smart Octopus Found His Way Home by Sy Montgomery, ill. by Amy Schimler-Safford

In a nutshell: The true story of an octopus who escaped from an aquarium in New Zealand.

More info: A picture book retelling of the story of Inky, a real octopus found injured in a lobster trap that was taken to the aquarium in Wellington, New Zealand. He lived there many years until he got really curious and snuck out a drain back into the ocean.

Extra thoughts: Not only does this tell a true, crazy octopus story, it's a great introduction for kids of attributes of octopuses.

Target readers: Crazy True Story Fans, Animal Lovers, Octopus Studiers, Science Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Curious Readers, Picture Book Readers

The Octopus Scientists: Exploring the Mind of a Mollusk by Sy Montgomery, photos by Keith Ellenbogen

In a nutshell: Go looking for wild octopuses with scientists studying them in Moorea.

More info: Sy Montgomery takes us to Moorea to look for octopuses with a group of scientists trying to learn more about these creatures.

Extra thoughts: Montgomery helps make it clearer how hit or miss field science can be, and how you may end up with more questions than answers. The facts about octopuses are fascinating, and the photographs are incredible.

Target readers: Octopus Studiers, Wannabe Scientists, Curious Readers, Nonfiction Fans, Middle Grade/Young Adult Readers

The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery

In a nutshell: This is the adult book that shares Montgomery’s research into octopuses and the humans and animals she met along the way. 

More info: Sy Montgomery relates her experience of getting to know octopuses at her nearest aquarium personally, what she learned about the creatures, the people she met through getting to know the octopuses, and what her experiences with them taught her.

Extra thoughts: I learned a ton about octopuses and other invertebrates through this. Montgomery also takes you behind the scenes of a working aquarium and what the lives of keepers and volunteers are like. And you also get to learn a fair bit about learning to scuba and some firsthand experiences of what looking for wild octopuses is like.

Target readers: Random Fact Sponges, Curious Readers, Octopus Fans, Wildlife Writer Memoir Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)

Spineless by Samantha San Miguel

In a nutshell: A boy with asthma is going to Florida for the winter with his mom and older brother in the early 1900s in hopes it will help him be healthier, and at the struggling resort they find mysteries galore, adventure, and octopus-related scientific discoveries.

More info: Algie, his mother, and his older brother Everett have just arrived in Florida with hopes the climate will help his lungs as he has asthma and the winter weather in the Chicago area is pretty harsh for him. After losing his father to tuberculosis, the family is being extra cautious about Algie. Algie hopes he can get out and explore and make some wonderful scientific discovery while here. But from the moment they arrive their stay is off to a rocky start. The tram line is out, and whispers of the curse on the hotel seem to gain traction. Algie soon meets the daughters of the hotel's owner, Frankie and Lulu, who are there on winter break and decide to take him under their wings as a fellow explorer and scientist. They set out to discover what creature has been sparking rumors about a monster in the area. But when they do make a discovery, can they decide the best path forward for everyone? Algie wants to make a name for himself before asthma kills him. The girls want their father's hotel to be a success so they still have somewhere to return to on breaks from boarding school, but they also want the area to be conserved so the wildlife they've come to love can thrive. The guests want their fancies tickled. A big game hunter/explorer in the area wants to make a quick buck on some trophy finds. Everett wants the star acrobat of the visiting circus troop to fall in love with him. Several guests are in search of thrills investigating the curse. Some guests have secret desires. And all will come to a head as a tropical storm descends on the hotel.

Extra thoughts: I love the personal growth Algie goes through in this and how he wrestles with ethical issues along the way. He grows to model sacrificial love, kindness in response to anger/hurt, and doing things with others’ interests in mind over his own.

Target readers: Adventure Fans, Mystery Fans, Historical Fiction Fans, Fans of Thought-provoking Stories, Middle Grade Readers

Squid and Octopus: Friends for Always by Tao Nyeu

In a nutshell: Best friends Squid and Octopus have 4 little humorous adventures together.

More info: Squid and Octopus have four adventures in this picture book. In the first story Squid and Octopus argue over whether they are supposed to wear socks or mittens on their tentacles, and eventually work out a compromise. In the second story Squid is depressed because he just woke up from a dream in which he had incredible powers and he wishes he had them in real life. Octopus finds a way to cheer up his friend and point out some pretty super qualities Squid has even in real life. In the third story a strange object floats down from above. Octopus thinks it is a hat, but others he meets throughout the day tell him it has different uses. In the end, only Squid agrees on what it's really supposed to be used for. And in the last story, Squid is quite worried about the possible fortune that will be found in his fortune cookie.

Extra thoughts: Octopus and Squid are a fun new underwater friend pair to follow around on their adventures. They have some sweet moments and some funny moments and work out differences. My favorite parts were actually the background characters' comments. Make sure you read those.

Target readers: Animal Lovers, Underwater Adventure Story Fans, Humor Fans, Cute Art Lovers, Short Story Fans, Picture Book Readers

Brainstorm 334: International Day Reads

It is International Day at our school, a day to celebrate all the cultures and countries featured among our school body, and I thought it would be the perfect time to share some books that compare and contrast various things from everyday life in different countries and cultures around the world. Since I have a few more books than normal, I’m just going to share the nutshell and target readers for each book. To read my full review with a longer summary plus review and any content notes/trigger warnings, click on the titles.

Homes & Living Habits

This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World by Matt LaMothe

In a nutshell: Readers get to compare and contrast what school, meals, and free time are like for these kids from Japan, Peru, Iran, Russia, India, Italy, and Uganda.

Target Readers: Culture Studiers, Curious Readers, Nonfiction Fans, Picture Book Readers

If You Lived Here: Houses of the World by Giles Laroche

In a nutshell: A survey of 15 different homes from all over the world that feature a wide variety of styles and building materials. 

Target Readers: Culture Studiers, Curious Readers, Architecture Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Random Fact Sponges, Form & Function Contemplators, Middle Grade Readers (though approachable to Lower Grade) 

Transportation

Adventures to School: Real-Life Journeys of Students from around the World by Baptiste Paul & Miranda Paul, ill. by Isabel Muñoz

In a nutshell: Shares real transportation methods children around the world use to get to school.

Target Readers: Transportation Story Fans, Curious Readers, Nonfiction Fans, Lower Grade Readers

Underground: Subway Systems around the World by Uijung Kim

In a nutshell: A survey of ten cities' subway systems with a page of infographics followed by a seek-and-find page that includes items unique to that location's people and culture.

Target Readers: Seek-and-Find Fans, Curious Readers, Random Fact Sponges, Math/Stats Fans/Studiers, Transportation Story Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Lower Grade Readers

Languages

Hello World!: Greetings in 42 Languages around the Globe by Manya Stojic

In a nutshell: A simple read featuring kids saying hello in 42 languages.

Target Readers: Curious Readers, World Travelers, Random Fact Sponges, Language Studiers, Nonfiction Fans, Picture Book Readers

What a Wonderful Word: A Collection of Untranslatable Words from Around the World by Nicola Edwards, ill. by Luisa Uribe

In a nutshell: An illustrated survey of words from around the world that convey thoughts that often just don't translate into one single word in any other language.

Target Readers: Word Collectors, Language Studiers, Random Fact Sponges, Art Lovers, Curious Readers, Middle Grade/Young Adult/Adult Readers

Food

Ultimate Food Atlas by Nancy Castaldo & Christy Mihaly

In a nutshell: Travel around the world continent by continent (and Oceania) and learn 5 dishes from the region in each of the following categories: farming food, veggies/roots/shoots, fruits/nuts/peas, foodie festivals and feasts, great grains, livestock and more, dairy delights, and food from the water. Between each continent section is a page featuring 5 dishes of a food that is popular all over the world in different forms.

Target Readers: Culture Studiers, Food Production Studiers, Food Habit Studiers, Curious Readers, Foodies, Nonfiction Fans, Middle Grade/Young Adult Readers

Pancakes to Parathas: Breakfast around the World by Alice B. McGinty, ill. by Tomoko Suzuki

In a nutshell: A survey of what kids would typically eat for breakfast from 12 different cultures, in an order that follows the sunrise around the Earth.

Target Readers: Foodies, Curious Readers, Nonfiction Fans, Picture Book Readers

This is the Way We Eat Our Lunch by Edith Baer, ill. by Steve Bjorkman

In a nutshell: Take a tour around the world and see what kids are having for lunch.

Target Readers: Foodies, Curious Readers, Nonfiction Fans, Picture Book Readers

Delicious!: Poems Celebrating Street Food around the World by Julie Larios, ill. by Julie Paschkis

In a nutshell: A poetic tour around the world to sample street food from many nations and cultures.

Target Readers: Poetry Fans, Foodies, Curious Readers, Nonfiction Fans, Picture Book Readers

Noodles, Please! (A to Z Foods of the World) by Cheryl Yau Chepusova, ill. by Rebecca Hollingsworth

In a nutshell: Learn about different noodle dishes from all around the world A to Z.

Target Readers: Noodle Lovers, Foodies, Curious Readers, Nonfiction Fans, Board Book Fans, Picture Book Readers

Games/Sports

Game on! (Kids around the World) by Maria Le, ill. by Clarice Elliott

In a nutshell: A tour of ball sports, board games, and playground/backyard games kids play all over the world and where they originated.

Target Readers: Game Fans, Sports Fans, Curious Readers, Leveled Reader Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Picture Book Readers

Celebrations/Holidays

Birthdays around the World by Margriet Ruurs, ill. by Ashley Barron

In a nutshell: A survey of 15 different cultures around the world and how a child there would celebrate their birthday including any special traditions and foods.

Target Readers: Culture Studiers, Multicultural Classrooms, Curious Readers, Nonfiction Fans, Picture Book Readers

What Do You Celebrate?: Holidays and Festivals around the World by Whitney Stewart, ill. by Christiane Engel

In a nutshell: A look at cultural, religious, national, and seasonal celebrations from around the world with accompanying activity ideas.

Target Readers: Culture Studiers, Curious Readers, Random Fact Collectors, Nonfiction Fans, Lower Grade Readers

Every Month Is a New Year: Celebrations around the World by Marilyn Singer, ill. by Susan L. Roth

In a nutshell: A collection of poems that look at different New Year's celebrations around the world, arranged by the month of the year in which they most frequently occur.

Target Readers: Poetry Fans, Culture Studiers, Curious Readers, Random Fact Collectors, Nonfiction Fans, Middle Grade Readers (though approachable to Lower Grade)

Brainstorm 333: Cute & Humorous Snake Books

As the Lunar New Year a few weeks ago ushered in the Year of the Snake, I thought it would be the perfect time to introduce some cute and funny snake characters to you. It is easy to find the scary snake character, but as one of my nieces would love to tell you, snakes can be cool and cute too. (I may not always share her opinion, but I know others do. So this post is for her and her fellow snake enthusiasts.)  To see my full review of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings, click on the title. 

Cat’s Café (Cat’s Café, #1) by Matt Tarpley

In a nutshell: Cute comics about mental health and supportive friendship.

More info: A collection of comics about Cat who runs a café, provides for the caffeine needs of others, but more importantly provides a safe place where everyone can be real, get emotional support, and connect with others. 

Extra thoughts: As you can see in the middle of the cover, one of the regulars at the café is a cute snake.

Target readers: Animal Lovers, Comic Fans, Feel Good Story Fans, Cute Art Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Mental Health Story Fans, Middle Grade/Young Adult/Adult Readers 

Crictor by Tomi Ungerer

In a nutshell: An unusual gift of a pet proves to be just what an elderly woman needs.

More info: When Madame Bodot receives a rather unusual gift from her explorer son...a rather large snake to be her pet. She is wary at first, but when thieves break in, Crictor proves his worth and devotion.

Extra thoughts: I may not love snakes, but it is hard not to love and cheer for Crictor. He may be approaching 70 now, but he’s still enchanting readers and has aged very well.

Target readers: Pet Story Fans, Surprising Hero Story Fans, Boa Constrictor Fans, Animal Story Fans, Humorous & Exciting Story Fans, Modern Classic Fans, Historical Fiction Fans, Picture Book Readers

Don’t Take Your Snake for a Stroll by Karin Ireland, ill. by David Catrow

In a nutshell: A humorous picture book about why you shouldn't take your various pets on outings with you.

More info: There are certain pets you shouldn’t take on outings. For example, your skunk might stink up the airplane or the waiter at the restaurant may think your frogs escaped from the chef. And you snake, well, you’ll just have to read to find out.

Extra thoughts: The imaginative situations plus the way the illustrator depicted them makes this a cute and funny read.

Target readers: Humor Fans, Animal Lovers, Imaginative Story Fans, Picture Book Readers

How to Promenade with a Python (And Not Get Eaten) (Polite Predators, #1) by Rachel Poliquin, ill. by Kathryn Durst

In a nutshell: An advisor suggests ways to avoid being eaten by an overly friendly python and dispenses a wealth of python facts in the process.

More info: Celeste the cockroach is here to help a young man who has been invited to go on a moonlight promenade with a python. Celeste knows all about pythons, and has loads of ideas about how to avoid getting eaten by them. But will her ideas work?

Extra thoughts: A goofy book with a hilarious premise (and hilarious illustrations) that ends up being sneakily super educational too. You learn so much about pythons without even realizing it.

Target readers: Humor Fans, Silly Story Fans, Random Fact Sponges, Python Studiers, Animal Lovers, Educational Fiction Fans, Science Nerds, Lower Grade Readers

Brainstorm 332: Never Forget, Auschwitz Liberation 80th Anniversary

This past Monday, Jan 27, commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of prisoners from the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. I thought this would be an appropriate time to share some stories of incredible courage set in Auschwitz. Two of them are biographies/autobiographies of actual survivors, and two are fictional stories based on extensive research. Click on the titles to see my full review of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.

Broken Strings by Eric Walters & Kathy Kacer

In a nutshell: A school production of Fiddler on the Roof leads middle school students and their families into unexpected growth and connections, learning to become better people, addressing incidents of racism, and processing the recent 9/11 attacks nearby.

More info: Shirli is hunting in her grandfather's attic for costumes and props for her middle school's production of Fiddler on the Roof. Shirli has mixed feelings about landing the role of Golde. On the one hand, it is the most important female role and her stage husband is the super popular Ben Morgan. But she really had her heart set on singing Hodel's solo. As she wrestles with her feelings, she sorts through her Zayde's attic and hits gold. Which isn't too surprising. Her family is Jewish, and her Zayde's mother actually lived the time period Fiddler is about. But at the bottom of one of the trunks Shirli finds something startling. An old violin and a poster in a foreign language showing a group of musicians and she thinks her Zayde is one of the kids holding a violin. Shirli knows her father never got to develop his musical skills like he could have because Zayde banned music from the house. When she brings down the poster and violin, Zayde reacts in surprising ways. She knew he lived through the Holocaust, but what could cause a person to react like that? Will Zayde open up, and when the production hits rocky times, who can save the show?

Extra thoughts: This is a beautiful story that will leave you with feel good tingles. It's about an old man learning to let go of past anger by sharing with his family what he experienced. It's a story of a girl connecting with her grandfather in even deeper ways. And it's a story of how an old man who lived through Auschwitz can teach some very important lessons to some middle school kids shook by 9/11 just months prior. There are also lots of great details about the musical production, and how an unlikely hero swoops in to save it when it seems destined for failure. 

Target readers: Musical Fans, Historical Fiction Fans, Grandfather/Granddaughter Story Fans, Theater Story Fans, Intergenerational Friendship Story Fans, Middle School Story Fans, Feel Good Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers

The Butterfly and the Violin (Hidden Masterpiece, #1) by Kristy Cambron

In a nutshell: The hunt for an original copy of a painting of a bald woman playing a violin uncovers the story of a professional violinist sent to Auschwitz and has people contemplating life choices.

More info: In the present, Sera is somewhat consumed with finding the original painting of an Auschwitz prisoner playing the violin. Her search has led her to the Hanover estate, but she has no idea what her inquiry will set off there. It seems finding the painting is at the core of a messy inheritance settlement. She also finds herself attracted to the head of the Hanover estate, William. But she doesn't know if she can risk trusting someone with her heart again. 

In early WWII Europe, Adele is Austria's sweetheart. Her amazing musical talent on the violin has landed her many appearances with the Vienna Philharmonic, and she's become somewhat of a celebrity, something her parents are thrilled with. Her father is high up in the Third Reich and he's using her to entertain at state functions, while her mother is set on her catching the eye of a nice Nazi officer. Adele, however, finds her heart leading her in other directions. A path that may have dire consequences.

As Sera and William search for the current location of the painting, they also start uncovering the history of Adele, how she ended up in Auschwitz, and what happened to her there. And the search for the painting may well teach them a thing or two about the trajectory of their lives.

Extra thoughts: The chapters in this alternate between the present, Adele's time in Auschwitz, and Adele's years leading up to that. It's a beautiful tale, and both Adele in the past and Sera and William in the present go through a lot of important personal and spiritual growth through the story. This is the first WWII story I’ve read about a musician who ended up in Auschwitz and was forced to play in the orchestra there. It was definitely a different perspective of life in the death camp.

Target readers: Dual Time Setting Fans, WWII Story Fans, Character Growth Fans, Christian Fiction Fans, Musician Story Fans, Love Story Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)

Impossible Escape: a True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe by Steve Sheinkin

In a nutshell: A biography of the first man to successfully escape from Auschwitz and make it to the Allies to report what was really going on there.

More info: A biography of Rudolf "Rudi" Vrba and Gerta Sidonová who were Jewish teens in Slovakia. Rudi was caught trying to sneak his way to Britain and is eventually sent to Auschwitz. Once he learns what is really going on there, he makes it his duty to try and escape to let the world know what is really going on. The Nazis are telling Jews they are just relocating them, they aren't telling anyone they are murdering Jews by the thousands in gas chambers. But escape from Auschwitz is well nigh impossible. Rudi himself has witnessed numerous escapees get hauled back to camp and murdered in front of the prisoners as warnings.

Gerta and her family have snuck over the border into Hungary which so far isn't under Hitler's rule. But as the days of WWII go on, the situation becomes more dangerous and Gerta may also be headed for deportation to Auschwitz.

Extra thoughts: This is a crazy true story, and it is shocking to think that without Rudi’s escape, the Nazis would have likely continued to fool the wider world even longer about what they were doing to the Jews.

Target readers: WWII Story Fans, Prison Break Story Fans, Biography Fans, Well-Written Nonfiction Fans, Crazy True Story Fans, YA Readers (though definitely of interest to adult readers too).

The Twins of Auschwitz: the Inspiring True Story of a Young Girl Surviving Mengele's Hell by Eva Mozes Kor with Lisa Rojany Buccieri

In a nutshell: An autobiography of a girl who with her twin survived Dr. Mengele’s horrible experiments in Auschwitz.

More info: Eva Mozes Kor had a charmed childhood until the Nazis came. Her father ran a big farm that produced many fruits and vegetables. Their mother doted on her girls, especially her youngest twins, Eva and Miriam. The arrival of Nazi propaganda started making their life in Romania progressively more unbearable until the day they were forced into a train car and taken to Auschwitz. Upon their arrival, Dr. Mengele noticed the twins and saved them from the gas chambers that the rest of their family were sent to. But their lives were spared only for Dr. Mengele's twisted medical experiments. Eva shares how she survived that experience.

Extra thoughts: This is a moving story of sisterly love and tenacity of spirit in the face of horrible circumstances. It is told from a child-like voice, so it isn’t as awful as it could have been. It is moving and sobering without being overly grotesque. The larger font size also means it is a fairly quick read. I imagine it would have been difficult for Eva to tell her story, but it sounds like she wanted her story out, even early on so it wouldn't be repeated. (I recommend reading the notes at the back.)

Target readers: Autobiography Fans, WWII Story Fans, Quick Read Fans, Sisterly Love Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers/YA Readers

Brainstorm 331: More Lunar New Year Reads

Welcome back to the Brainstorm! With the final day of Lunar New Year coming up this next Wednesday, I thought I would share some more Lunar New Year stories. You can find more reading ideas for this holiday in Brainstorm 310 and Brainstorm 100. As always, click the title of the book to see my full review including any content notes/trigger warnings.

Amy Wu and the Lantern Festival (Amy Wu, #5) by Kat Zhang, ill. by Charlene Chua

In a nutshell: When a family heirloom is damaged, Amy is worried their Lantern Festival celebration is ruined.

More info: Amy Wu, her family and her friends are getting ready to celebrate the Lantern Festival on the last night of Lunar New Year. Amy is excited to pull out her family's special lantern that her dad got from his mom, but when an accident happens, Amy is afraid the Lantern Festival will be ruined.

Extra thoughts: Amy’s Dad model’s an honest but overall positive response to the accident, and I love how they work together to find a positive solution to the minor crisis. The book also includes some nice details on Lunar New Year traditions for those learning about the holiday.

Target Readers: Lunar New Year celebrators/studiers, Family Story Fans, Chinese American Character Fans, Picture Book Readers

Friends Are Friends, Forever by Dane Liu, ill. by Lynn Scurfield

In a nutshell: A holiday story about holding friends far away close, while also making new friends.

More info: On Lunar New Year's Eve, two friends in China share a final night together before one of them moves to America. In her new home, Dandan struggles to learn the language and make a friend. But on her birthday, a girl at school says something nice and Dandan finds a new friend who she eventually shares her Lunar New Year's Eve tradition with as her Chinese friend requested her to do.

Extra thoughts: This is the first LNY story I’ve read that highlighted the tradition of making paper cut outs and freezing them in ice to make snowflake decorations. I also liked the way this showed the struggle of adjusting to a new place and culture and finding a good friend who is willing to learn about your roots.

Target readers: Friendship Story Fans, Lunar New Year’s Celebrators/Studiers, Readers Who Have Moved, Readers with New Friends Who Moved, Picture Book Readers

Hybrid series by Candace Kade

In a nutshell: An adopted girl with no genetic enhancement struggles to find her place in a futuristic Beijing where she has to hide her genetics, up her social point score, while also balancing university life and searching for answers about her past.

More info: Enhanced (book 1 summary): In future Beijing, pretty much everyone whose anyone has genetic enhancements from birth. Some people can breathe underwater, some can fly, some are really smart, and pretty much all are good looking and free from disease. Lee Urban may be part of one of the wealthy families of Beijing, but she doesn't have any of those enhancements, and she has to hide the truth or her family's social ranking and chances at future success will take a huge hit. It isn't a secret she was adopted along with her sister, but while her sister was enhanced, Urban wasn't. She's about to face the challenge of her life as she enters university and lives off campus. Urban wants to go for the artisan track but her family doesn't believe it is a good choice. They will only allow her to go that route if she can achieve a ridiculously high social standing, something pretty much impossible for anyone without enhancements. She's also trying to balance school life, boosting her social standing, and a boyfriend in the outskirts. Oh, and someone has been hacking her personal files, even altering her memory files. Who could it be and why are they after her? Hybrid (book 2) picks off where this one leaves off and sees Lee Urban joining her family for a big Lunar New Year party where the action picks up and takes off sprinting.

Extra thoughts: I really like the world building of these books and the ethical questions of genetic enhancements, social rankings, and more that arise throughout. The author spent many years in China and it shows in how she weaves Chinese culture into the book. There’s also a team that Lee Urban joins that competes in some crazy games, so dystopia fans who like the competitions in Hunger Games should pick this up. 

Target readers: Dystopia Fans, Science Fiction Fans, Thought-Provoking Read Fans, Action/Thriller Fans, Asian Setting & Character Fans, Christian Fiction Fans, Young Adult/Adult Readers

Pedro and the Dragon (Pedro) by Fran Manushkin, ill. by Tammie Lyon

In a nutshell: Pedro’s friend Katie teaches him about Chinese New Year and takes him to a dragon parade.

More info: It's Chinese New Year, and Pedro's friend Katie teaches him about some of her family's traditions and invites him and JoJo to join her family at the Chinese New Year dragon parade. But when Katie gets lost, can Pedro help find her?

Extra thoughts: A quick little CNY read with a multicultural cast that provides Chinese New Year facts and a good opportunity to talk to little readers about what to do if they get lost in a big public event.

Target readers: Leveled Reader Fans, Multicultural Friendship Story Fans, Chinese New Year Celebrators/Studiers, Lost & Found Kid Story Fans, Picture Book Readers

Two New Years by Richard Ho, ill. by Lynn Scurfield

In a nutshell: A family that celebrates both Rosh-Hashanah and Lunar New Year shares how the two new years celebrations are similar.

More info: A family with a Chinese American dad and Jewish American mom shares about the two cultural new years they celebrate, Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year, and some of the similarities between the two. In the back of the book Richard Ho shares about how this book is autobiographical fiction, and elaborates on each of the new year customs, foods, and more cultural elements he included in the book and the commonalities he's found between the two celebrations.

Extra thoughts: Do not miss the back matter in this book. It is very informative about both Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year traditions.

Target readers: Global New Year Celebration Studiers, Multiethnic Family Story Fans, Jewish Culture Story Fans, Chinese Culture Story Fans, Autobiographical Fiction Fans, Award Winner Fans, Picture Book Readers/Lower Grade Readers/Middle Grade Readers