A refreshing antidote to political cynicism.
In this illustrated political memoir for kids, debut author and fifth-grader Hooker learns about politics and experiences history firsthand.
When Hooker’s mom is selected as a delegate for the Democratic National Convention, her son is less than thrilled. After all, being around for the start of fifth grade seems much more important than traveling to a boring old convention, and Hooker is doubtful that voting for America’s first black president matters since “things are better now” that Dr. King has changed the face of civil rights. He changes his mind about attending the convention after a serious talk with his parents and the promise of bringing along his friend Cameron, and before he knows it, Hooker is off to Denver for a life-changing brush with history. The city is full of new sights and sounds for Hooker, from a scary brush with protesters to crowds as big as 80,000. He and Cameron are awestruck. In spite of all the excitement, the boys must wait until the last day for the most exciting moment of all—the chance to see Barack Obama speak. As the boys await the big moment, there’s plenty to learn, including the most powerful lessons of all. Warm and educational, this book is an ideal tool for elementary lessons in current events and politics. The author’s enthusiasm for his candidate is tempered by an evenhanded, diplomatic explanation of protesters and their ability to exercise their constitutional rights. Young readers will be excited to discover that the book documents its young author’s actual experiences, and Hooker’s political engagement makes him a strong role model for a generation of future voters. Digitally minded youngsters will enjoy the accompanying DVD, which visually documents Hooker and Cameron’s trip to Denver in low-key detail. From dips in the hotel pool to footage of the convention speeches, the digital bonus brings modern history to life even beyond the book’s final pages.
A refreshing antidote to political cynicism.Pub Date: N/A
ISBN: 978-0-615-57176-5
Page Count: -
Publisher: SEE Entertainment
Review Posted Online: Dec. 31, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2015
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A book that will make young dog-owners smile in recognition and confirm dogless readers' worst suspicions about the mayhem caused by pets, even winsome ones. Sam, who bears passing resemblance to an affable golden retriever, is praised for fetching the family newspaper, and goes on to fetch every other newspaper on the block. In the next story, only the children love Sam's swimming; he is yelled at by lifeguards and fishermen alike when he splashes through every watering hole he can find. Finally, there is woe to the entire family when Sam is bored and lonely for one long night. Boland has an essential message, captured in both both story and illustrations of this Easy-to-Read: Kids and dogs belong together, especially when it's a fun-loving canine like Sam. An appealing tale. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: April 1, 1996
ISBN: 0-8037-1530-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1996
A nice but not requisite purchase.
A retelling of the classic fairy tale in board-book format and with a Mexican setting.
Though simplified for a younger audience, the text still relates the well-known tale: mean-spirited stepmother, spoiled stepsisters, overworked Cinderella, fairy godmother, glass slipper, charming prince, and, of course, happily-ever-after. What gives this book its flavor is the artwork. Within its Mexican setting, the characters are olive-skinned and dark-haired. Cultural references abound, as when a messenger comes carrying a banner announcing a “FIESTA” in beautiful papel picado. Cinderella is the picture of beauty, with her hair up in ribbons and flowers and her typically Mexican many-layered white dress. The companion volume, Snow White, set in Japan and illustrated by Misa Saburi, follows the same format. The simplified text tells the story of the beautiful princess sent to the forest by her wicked stepmother to be “done away with,” the dwarves that take her in, and, eventually, the happily-ever-after ending. Here too, what gives the book its flavor is the artwork. The characters wear traditional clothing, and the dwarves’ house has the requisite shoji screens, tatami mats and cherry blossoms in the garden. The puzzling question is, why the board-book presentation? Though the text is simplified, it’s still beyond the board-book audience, and the illustrations deserve full-size books.
A nice but not requisite purchase. (Board book/fairy tale. 3-5)Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4814-7915-8
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Little Simon/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2017
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