by Emily Dickinson ; edited by Susan Snively ; illustrated by Christine Davenier ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 20, 2016
This arresting edition makes for a wonderful introduction to Dickinson’s poetry that’s sure to captivate all ages.
An illustrated Dickinson primer for young and old.
This first title in the Poetry for Kids series incorporates the editorial savvy of poet/scholar Snively and artistry of acclaimed illustrator Davenier in presenting this supple edition of Dickinson’s verse. Loosely grouped by seasons of the year, Snively’s 35 selections showcase Dickinson’s pithy contemplations of nature, animals, insects, and stages of life, presenting some of the poet’s greatest hits (“Because I could not stop for Death,” “I’m nobody! Who are you?” “A narrow fellow in the grass,” “There’s a certain slant of light”) alongside many delightful, lesser-known works sure to pique the interest of young readers and listeners. Throughout, Davenier’s sumptuous illustrations, utilizing pen and ink with vivid watercolors, depict scenes as wispy and suggestive as Dickinson’s poetry. Snively also adds small glosses of tricky vocabulary on each page, which help open up the intricate layers of meaning. Dickinson aficionados will be intrigued by the editorial note at the volume’s end, entitled “What Emily Was Thinking,” which includes one-line thematic summations of each poem, providing helpful entrees into these potent stanzas.
This arresting edition makes for a wonderful introduction to Dickinson’s poetry that’s sure to captivate all ages. (introduction, glossary, notes, bibliography) (Poetry. 8-12)Pub Date: Dec. 20, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-63322-117-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Moondance/Quarto
Review Posted Online: Oct. 10, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2016
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More In The Series
by William Shakespeare ; edited by Marguerite Tassi ; illustrated by Mercè López
by Robert Frost ; edited by Jay Parini ; illustrated by Michael Paraskevas
by Walt Whitman ; edited by Karen Karbiener ; illustrated by Kate Evans
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by Kwame Alexander ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 18, 2014
Poet Alexander deftly reveals the power of the format to pack an emotional punch.
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Best Books Of 2014
New York Times Bestseller
Newbery Medal Winner
Basketball-playing twins find challenges to their relationship on and off the court as they cope with changes in their lives.
Josh Bell and his twin, Jordan, aka JB, are stars of their school basketball team. They are also successful students, since their educator mother will stand for nothing else. As the two middle schoolers move to a successful season, readers can see their differences despite the sibling connection. After all, Josh has dreadlocks and is quiet on court, and JB is bald and a trash talker. Their love of the sport comes from their father, who had also excelled in the game, though his championship was achieved overseas. Now, however, he does not have a job and seems to have health problems the parents do not fully divulge to the boys. The twins experience their first major rift when JB is attracted to a new girl in their school, and Josh finds himself without his brother. This novel in verse is rich in character and relationships. Most interesting is the family dynamic that informs so much of the narrative, which always reveals, never tells. While Josh relates the story, readers get a full picture of major and minor players. The basketball action provides energy and rhythm for a moving story.
Poet Alexander deftly reveals the power of the format to pack an emotional punch. (Verse fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: March 18, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-544-10771-7
Page Count: 240
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: Dec. 17, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2014
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SEEN & HEARD
BOOK TO SCREEN
BOOK TO SCREEN
by Katherine Applegate ; illustrated by Charles Santoso ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 20, 2022
Rich, naturalistic details will delight lovers of marine life.
A Monterey Bay sea otter comes of age.
Odder’s mom told her to stay away from sharks, humans, and anything else she didn’t understand, but after saving her friend Kairi from a shark attack, she encounters all three. Injured herself during the rescue, Odder ends up recuperating at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or Highwater as the otters call it, where she once lived as a young orphaned pup. Last time, the humans helped her reintegrate into the wild, but because of her injuries this time the outcome might be different. Soon Kairi is there too, stricken with “the shaking sickness” and having lost her newborn pup. Now Kairi is fostering a new pup, and soon one is introduced to an initially reluctant Odder in hopes that she will help raise it so it can return to the wild. The free verse effortlessly weaves in scientific information, giving Odder a voice without overly anthropomorphizing any of the animals. The natural appeal of sea otters will draw readers in, but the book doesn’t shy away from real-world threats such as predators, disease, and pollution. Loosely based on the stories of real sea otters rehabilitated at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this novel will give readers lots to talk about, but uneven pacing and a rushed ending may leave some unsatisfied. Charming black-and-white spot art captures the world and life of the sea.
Rich, naturalistic details will delight lovers of marine life. (glossary, author’s note, bibliography, resources) (Verse novel. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 20, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-250-14742-4
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: Aug. 30, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2022
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