A fun read and an uplifting story.
The true story of an African-American woman who broke barriers by reaching her potential as an engineer.
When Raye Montague saw a submarine at age 7 and learned that an engineer had built it, she found her calling. Her mother told her to stay strong and not let those who looked down on her because of her race and her gender hold her back. She attended segregated schools, and in college she was told that engineering was not taught to black students, so she majored in business. She became a typist in a place where they built submarines, and although her boss underestimated her, Raye paid attention at work and took classes at night. When the flu had most of the staff out sick, Raye did the engineers’ work “from MEMORY.” She got promoted and went on to design the first ship by computer. It was not all smooth sailing, though; only white men were invited to the unveiling of the ship she had designed, and she was still treated with disrespect. The use of perspective and artful composition in the simple illustrations conveys Montague’s isolation and her determination. The text, in light rhyming verse, condemns the unfair treatment she received (“No invite?! / ABHORRIBLE!”)—a great model for building awareness of racism and solid inspiration for achieving against the odds. The author interviewed Montague for her research, and further information culled from the conversation appears in the backmatter.
A fun read and an uplifting story. (timeline, biographical note, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 4, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-943147-42-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: The Innovation Press
Review Posted Online: July 15, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
An appealing invitation to look more closely at the world of lizards and a welcome addition to a nature shelf.
Can you behave like a lizard?
Using a series of rhythmic triplets followed by two-syllable lines, Sayre invites young readers and listeners to imagine being a lizard. “Would you lunge like a lizard? / Sponge like a lizard? / Chew bugs like a lizard? / Mouth mash?” (A final page reminds readers to “Be you!”) Once the reader-aloud masters the form, this text would be a delight for storytime, encouraging imitation. Laberis used digital media to create reasonably accurate paintings of the one (occasionally two) lizard that performs the behaviors described, often with a bit of natural background. Each animal shown is clearly labeled with its common name. These 28 lizards are described more fully in short paragraphs keyed to the behavior depicted and headed with the common name, Latin name, usual home, and length in the backmatter. Various expert herpetologists are credited with scientific review of this appealing work by nature-lover Sayre. Some pages include other animals: The opening spread shows an American badger chasing a six-lined racerunner, and the last shows a greater short-horned lizard defending itself from a coyote. These lizards come from around the world; they vary amazingly in shape, size, and habitat. Suggested further resources include both books and websites.
An appealing invitation to look more closely at the world of lizards and a welcome addition to a nature shelf. (Informational picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: March 12, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-62979-211-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Boyds Mills
Review Posted Online: Dec. 21, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2019
Overall, a fun read and a smart selection for any elementary nature shelf.
Young naturalists will love McCloskey’s look at snails.
In a manner most unsnaillike, McClokey zooms from fact to fact as he informs and entertains readers with information about these surprisingly interesting gastropods. The pacing never feels rushed, however, as the facts transition as smoothly as if on a “road of slimy mucus.” Readers will learn how slowly snails move as compared to other creatures, the advantages of moving slowly, and how they influence the journeys of other snails (spoiler alert: Mucus just may be involved). Fans of The Real Poop on Pigeons (2016) and We Dig Worms (2015) will get a kick out of this latest installment in the fact-based early graphic novel series. The information is paired with colorful cartoon illustrations that toe the line between caricature and surrealism. While the snails are the book’s stars, they are observed by a group of racially diverse children. Savvy educators will appreciate the book’s versatility: It would be the star of an intimate gross-book–themed storytime (due to its relatively small size) or may be used as the inspiration for a pre-K lesson plan on anything from wildlife and nature to gardening to body fluids.
Overall, a fun read and a smart selection for any elementary nature shelf. (Graphic informational early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: May 1, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-943145-27-0
Page Count: 40
Publisher: TOON Books & Graphics
Review Posted Online: Feb. 18, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2018
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