A humorous, warmhearted peek at a childhood defined not by material possessions but by joyful experiences.
Beth holds her own in her large, tightknit family.
York offers a spare and simple episodic portrait of her childhood self, a lively girl growing up with five brothers. Of her hardworking mother, Beth observes, “She is tough. She don’t play.” Beth’s stepfather, Bob, who amusingly signals his agitation by hiking his trousers up high, is also stern but handy. Though money may be hard to come by, this family is resourceful—their bikes were built by Bob, using materials from the dump. And when Mama buys Beth a puffy white jacket, she’s ecstatic to finally have an item of clothing that isn’t a hand-me-down from an older brother. But as Mama reminds her, it cost as much as a month’s groceries, and when big sibling Sam damages it while playing with his bow and arrow, the pair conspire to fix it to avoid Mama’s wrath. Seemingly ordinary adventures are imbued with wonder and enthusiasm, whether Beth’s helping Sam with his paper route or suffering a painful sting after poking a wasp’s nest. References to boom boxes and banana-seat bikes suggest a ’70s or ’80s setting, and though neither Beth’s race nor ethnicity is explicitly mentioned (she and her family appear light-skinned in Newsome’s expressive grayscale art), hers is a diverse community, filled with no-nonsense but deeply loving parents and kids who get up to a healthy dose of mischief.
A humorous, warmhearted peek at a childhood defined not by material possessions but by joyful experiences. (Chapter book. 7-11)Pub Date: Oct. 21, 2025
ISBN: 9781623544720
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Charlesbridge Moves
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: tomorrow
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape.
The fourth installment in Delacre’s early-reader series centers on the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico, once again featuring sibling tree frogs Rafi and Rosi Coquí.
Readers learn along with Rafi and Rosi as they explore bomba, plena, and salsa in three chapters. A glossary at the beginning sets readers up well to understand the Spanish vocabulary, including accurate phoneticization for non-Spanish speakers. The stories focus on Rafi and Rosi’s relationship within a musical context. For example, in one chapter Rafi finds out that he attracts a larger audience playing his homemade güiro with Rosi’s help even though he initially excluded her: “Big brothers only.” Even when he makes mistakes, as the older brother, Rafi consoles Rosi when she is embarrassed or angry at him. In each instance, their shared joy for music and dance ultimately shines through any upsets—a valuable reflection of unity. Informational backmatter and author’s sources are extensive. Undoubtedly these will help teachers, librarians, and parents to develop Puerto Rican cultural programs, curriculum, or home activities to extend young readers’ learning. The inclusion of instructions to make one’s own homemade güiro is a thoughtful addition. The Spanish translation, also by Delacre and published simultaneously, will require a more advanced reader than the English one to recognize and comprehend contractions (“pa’bajo-pa-pa’rriba”) and relatively sophisticated vocabulary.
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape. (Early reader. 7-9)Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-89239-429-6
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Children's Book Press
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
A charming contemporary story with a classic feel.
A 10 ¾-year-old girl weathers changes in her social circle—and her sense of self.
Dubbed “Queen of the Neighborhood” by beloved neighbor Mr. Chapman, who has sadly left Maryland for balmy Florida, Zara is apprehensive when a family with two kids moves into his house, potentially upsetting the delicate social balance. Readers familiar with Khan’s Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream books, set a few years after this series opener, will recognize the bustling Pakistani American Muslim household. Assertive, organized Zara and rambunctious 7-year-old Zayd live with their Mama and Baba; the siblings’ grandparents and uncle are integral parts of their daily lives. Zara and Zayd enjoy playing outside with their friends—Black sisters Jade and Gloria, White Alan, and Chinese American Melvin. Mr. Chapman always said that Zara knew how to “rule with grace and fairness,” but new arrivals Naomi and Michael, Jewish kids who are eager to engage socially, put this to the test. When Jamal Mamoo, Mama’s brother, brings over his Guinness World Records book, Zara decides that becoming a world-record holder is the boost her social status needs. Her humorous (and futile) attempts to make her mark ultimately lead her to being a more patient and understanding big sister and more flexible and supportive companion to friends old and new. Strong pacing, fluid prose, engaging hijinks, and heartwarming scenes of family life and outdoor play are complemented by expressive illustrations.
A charming contemporary story with a classic feel. (Fiction. 7-10)Pub Date: April 19, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5344-9759-7
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: July 12, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2022
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