An inspiring tale of an artist who came into her own later in life than traditional narratives lead readers to believe is...
A biography of folk-music icon Elizabeth Cotten.
Cotten grew up hearing music in everything—everyday things. She would sneak her brother’s guitar and play the sounds she heard, unconventionally playing the guitar upside down and backward—a way that made sense to her left-handedness. Though she eventually earned enough for her own guitar, as the years passed, Cotten didn’t have time for music. One cleverly rendered illustration depicts various stages in Cotten’s life in the cars of a passing freight train, explaining how her musical passion was (temporarily) derailed. When Cotten, now a grandmother working in a department store, encounters Ruth Crawford Seeger, Cotten becomes the musical family’s housekeeper. One day, when Cotten picks up a guitar again—still playing upside down and backward—it’s clear her talent and passion have not abandoned her…they’ve only lain dormant all those years. The Seegers use their privilege to help, and Cotten’s talent is appreciated worldwide. Both endpapers and the book cover put guitar imagery to good use, and lovely graphite illustrations lend the story an old-time–y, country feel—a perfect pairing with Cotton’s folk music.
An inspiring tale of an artist who came into her own later in life than traditional narratives lead readers to believe is normal. (author’s note, works cited) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)Pub Date: Jan. 16, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-4521-4857-1
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review Posted Online: Oct. 15, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2017
Boelts’ quiet tale celebrates the perseverance of a young girl as she attempts to achieve her goals
Soccer is a bittersweet mix of sorrow and joy for Sierra.
Sierra struggles with conflicting emotions about her new soccer team. Traveling out of the city, Sierra now plays on soccer fields unlike the one near the apartment where she lives with her aunt, which is exciting. However, being on this new team has some drawbacks. With most games on Saturdays—which is her aunt’s busiest day at the restaurant—Sierra is sad to be the only player without family members to cheer for her during games. Yet, with a little ingenuity, Sierra discovers a solution to her dilemma. Boelts focuses on the relationship between Sierra and her aunt, deftly portraying Sierra’s maturity and fortitude as she attempts to resolve the situation. Sierra, while dedicated to her sport, recognizes the importance and inspiring effect of her aunt’s support and encouragement. Castillo’s watercolor-and-ink illustrations of the city’s landscapes feature towering buildings in an austere setting. In contrast, drawings of Sierra’s home and her aunt’s workplace depict warm, cozy scenes. Scenes with the dark-skinned, crinkly-haired auntie and niece emphasize the close, nurturing relationship. Action-filled paintings of the soccer games capture the fast-paced excitement of the game.
Boelts’ quiet tale celebrates the perseverance of a young girl as she attempts to achieve her goals . (Picture book. 5-9)Pub Date: May 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4616-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: March 6, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2012
Combining the amazement offered by the natural world with an unconventional and poignant dose of social commentary, this...
Can-never-sit-still Rodney really wants to be outside, but it seems the world conspires against his urges—but now, Rodney finally makes it outside, “more outside than [he’s] ever been before.”
This book neatly nestles itself among recent trends of growing engagement with African-American populations within our national parks, as well as offering a measured response to the ways black boys may struggle with school cultures that enforce seated obedience over genuine curiosity. We all know Rodney. He’s a smart kid who follows his innate impulses, well enough to further his interest in the wonders of the world. The text allows readers to decide the thorny question of whether Rodney is worthy of an ADHD diagnosis. Because what happens when Rodney finally makes it outside on a class field trip to a park that puts him directly in contact with nature? He’s high, he’s low, and he’s everywhere in between as his natural impulses to explore and discover lead to a calm, “majestic” conclusion. Cooper’s signature style captures Rodney’s fidgetiness indoors and his growing excitement as the school bus rumbles out of town. In the park, a sequence of spectacular double-page sequences places Rodney within the park’s many wonders, and readers can see clearly how this immersion in nature allows the boy to be exactly himself.
Combining the amazement offered by the natural world with an unconventional and poignant dose of social commentary, this story gives more to its readers than what meets the eye. (Picture book. 5-9)Pub Date: Aug. 7, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-930238-73-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Yosemite Conservancy
Review Posted Online: April 30, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2017
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