A heartfelt reminder that even in the most difficult times, dreaming of a better tomorrow strengthens family and community.
The sounds of returning coquí frogs bring hope after a devastating hurricane in Puerto Rico.
Elena, a child, lives with their abuela, papí, and younger brother in an idyllic tropical home. The mango tree in the yard provides sweet fruit and shade, and the coquíes sing their song in the garden every night. Disaster comes in the form of Hurricane María, which makes landfall on Elena’s island. Howling winds and rain pummel the family’s home and devastate the landscape. The storm is harrowing, but the family makes it through. Elena’s beloved mango tree has been severely damaged, and “the coquíes’ song is silent.” Elena and their neighbors work to rebuild their homes and community. Elena processes the numerous losses they have experienced and waits patiently for the coquíes to return. When the mango tree begins to sprout new buds, Abuela reminds Elena how strong they are. When the coquí song again rings out, Elena knows that even though their home is forever changed, some things will always remain the same. This is a poignant family story that details a real-life tragic event and the courage of its survivors. González’s melodic text sings, like Elena’s beloved coquíes, while Quiles’ gouache and acrylic artwork pops with vibrant hues and textures. Elena has brown skin and wavy brown hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A heartfelt reminder that even in the most difficult times, dreaming of a better tomorrow strengthens family and community. (glossary, information on Hurricane María, author’s and illustrator’s notes, list of organizations devoted to conservation and biodiversity efforts) (Picture book. 6-10)Pub Date: Aug. 23, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-250-78718-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: July 12, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2022
This outing lacks the sophistication of such category standards as Clementine; here’s hoping English amps things up for...
A gentle voice and familiar pitfalls characterize this tale of a boy navigating the risky road to responsibility.
Gavin is new to his neighborhood and Carver Elementary. He likes his new friend, Richard, and has a typically contentious relationship with his older sister, Danielle. When Gavin’s desire to impress Richard sets off a disastrous chain of events, the boy struggles to evade responsibility for his actions. “After all, it isn’t his fault that Danielle’s snow globe got broken. Sure, he shouldn’t have been in her room—but then, she shouldn’t be keeping candy in her room to tempt him. Anybody would be tempted. Anybody!” opines Gavin once he learns the punishment for his crime. While Gavin has a charming Everyboy quality, and his aversion to Aunt Myrtle’s yapping little dog rings true, little about Gavin distinguishes him from other trouble-prone protagonists. He is, regrettably, forgettable. Coretta Scott King Honor winner English (Francie, 1999) is a teacher whose storytelling usually benefits from her day job. Unfortunately, the pizzazz of classroom chaos is largely absent from this series opener.
This outing lacks the sophistication of such category standards as Clementine; here’s hoping English amps things up for subsequent volumes. (Fiction. 6-9)Pub Date: Dec. 17, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-547-97044-8
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: Oct. 1, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
It’s hard to argue with success, but guides that actually do the math will be more useful to budding capitalists.
How to raise money for a coveted poster: put your friends to work!
John, founder of the FUBU fashion line and a Shark Tank venture capitalist, offers a self-referential blueprint for financial success. Having only half of the $10 he needs for a Minka J poster, Daymond forks over $1 to buy a plain T-shirt, paints a picture of the pop star on it, sells it for $5, and uses all of his cash to buy nine more shirts. Then he recruits three friends to decorate them with his design and help sell them for an unspecified amount (from a conveniently free and empty street-fair booth) until they’re gone. The enterprising entrepreneur reimburses himself for the shirts and splits the remaining proceeds, which leaves him with enough for that poster as well as a “brand-new business book,” while his friends express other fiscal strategies: saving their share, spending it all on new art supplies, or donating part and buying a (math) book with the rest. (In a closing summation, the author also suggests investing in stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrency.) Though Miles cranks up the visual energy in her sparsely detailed illustrations by incorporating bright colors and lots of greenbacks, the actual advice feels a bit vague. Daymond is Black; most of the cast are people of color. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
It’s hard to argue with success, but guides that actually do the math will be more useful to budding capitalists. (Picture book. 7-9)Pub Date: March 21, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-56727-2
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Dec. 13, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2023
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