Short & Skinny

Short & Skinny
Mark Tatulli
Little Brown, Oct. 2018 249 pages
Grades 3-7
Graphic Novel

In this semi-autobiographical graphic novel for kids Tatulli traces the pivotal summer of 1977 where he finds his place in the world. Mark feels as if he is the shortest and skinniest boy in his middle school. He has no confidence, cannot talk to his crush, is a flop on the swim team, and does not know how to combat the school bullies who pick on him mercilessly. Finally, in the back of one of his comics he finds his answer: wonder products that will build up his muscles and stimulate growth. Mark sends away for all of them and waits for the magic to happen. The products don't produce the goods, but something magical does happen: Mark sees the movie Star Wars and it changes his life. He takes his cartooning skills and designs a storyboard, creating a spoof on this super-popular film. Mark casts all of his family members and friends and creatively hustles ways to produce sets, costumes, and special effects. Now he only needs an editing machine to make his dream a reality, but they are expensive. How we he raise the cash? Meanwhile, Mark gains in confidence, if not girth, and earns a win over of the bullies, although at the price of a tragic loss.

Naturally I loved Short & Skinny, because I was a child in 1977 and related to many of the cultural references. Although it is firmly set in the 1970's, current readers will still relate to Mark's dilemmas and enjoy the first person view of the release of Star Wars, which is still wildly popular. The success of the Sunny graphic novels by Jennifer Holm proves that kids will not be deterred by stories set in this decade. Mark's troubles are universal and are shared by many young kids today, who also may find an escape in drawing and film making. It is refreshing to see this popular genre of autobiographical graphic novels start to offer more choices featuring male characters. Much of the story is humorous, yet when Mark's most prized possession turns up stolen I let out an audible gasp, even though I saw it coming a mile away. The reader will come to care about the goofy characters in the book and feel like they are friends. I love that Tatulli includes a "where are they now" section at the end of the book where we can see what happened to everyone. As heartwarming as watching an episode of the Wonder Years, this book will be enjoyed by kids and parents alike.

Finding Baba Yaga

Finding Baba Yaga
Jane Yolen
Tor, October, 2018 131 pages
Grades 7-Up
Narrative Poetry/Fairytale

Narrative poems relate the story of Natasha, who flees an abusive father and runs away, living rough with no food or shelter. Eventually she finds her way to the woods, where she encounters the famous house on chicken legs. Natasha is immediately taken in by the old crone, Baba Yaga, who shows her around and puts her to work. Not long after, Vasilisa joins the household and the two become friends. Vasilisa falls in love with a prince, runs away, and leaves Natasha (and Baba Yaga) behind. Natasha draws even closer to the old hag, who begins to train her in witchcraft, pestle riding, and spell casting, eventually fully saying goodbye to her own life and preparing to take over as the new Baba Yaga.

I am a sucker for a good Baba Yaga tale. She is my favorite fairytale character and I read every new version released about her. Most recently I read Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter, also put out by Tor, which although set in modern Brooklyn, really is remarkably close to the original tale. Renowned folklorist, Yolen, offers a brief, yet poetic version, which diverts a bit from the original, adding a whole new character: Natasha. Natasha is clearly a victim of abuse and sees life with the famous witch an escape and a haven instead of a prison. We feel her loss of Vasilisa as keenly as the old witch and pity the loneliness of being left behind. This book reads quickly and is very short, which will appeal to students. Yolen writes conservatively, making each word count, and her poems are lyrical and haunting. The dark mood of the tale is fully realized and readers will truly feel transported to the woods and into a house with chicken legs. A brief forward offers a bit of the tale's background. The published book will contain illustrations not included in the advanced reader’s copy I got my hands on, as well as a reading group guide. An old tale revisited, still providing delicious spine tingling entertainment to a new audience.

Harbor Me

Harbor Me
Jacqueline Woodson
Penguin, August, 2018 176 page
Grades 4-8
Realistic Fiction

Six kids with different learning or emotional needs are put together in a small class where their teacher Ms. Laverne gives them an empty room at the end of the day on Friday to talk privately. Through these Friday sessions friendships are formed and we learn their stories as they share them with each other and record them into Haley's portable machine. These Brooklyn kids are dealing with a lot from the threat of deportation to police brutality, bullying and incarcerated parents. As the year progresses they learn to become a team, accept each other's differences and support each other. Haley, the narrator, slowly reveals her own past as she tapes her classmates and prepares for another upheaval in her life.

Award winning author for young people, Jacqueline Woodson, does it again, creating a timely and well-crafted book reflecting some of the current issues facing today's young people. As always, every word she uses counts and the writing is beautiful and lyrical. There is not much plot in this short tale; it is more of a slice-of-life in the year of these six young people within the context of their Friday afternoon session. All of the characters exhibit growth throughout the book, especially Haley who learns that she will never forget what her incarcerated father did to her family, but she does learn to forgive him. Many books depict bullying, but offer little by way of coping strategies. Woodson suggests banning together to show a united front against bullies and they will leave you alone, that we are stronger together. As the crew of new friends silently walks by the bullies it is a powerful scene showing the strength in groups. Haley and her friends discover new "superpowers rising out of tragedies" and the importance of folks harboring each other. Perfect for school use, readers will be encouraged to serve as safe harbors for their classmates and potentially learn to be more thoughtful and kinder citizens of the world.

Like Vanessa

Like Vanessa
Tami Charles
Charlesbridge, 2018 288 pages
Grades 5-8
Realistic Fiction/Historical Fiction

Thirteen-year-old Vanessa has always been obsessed with the Miss America pageant. She watches it every year with her Pop Pop and cousin TJ and they all cheer as Vanessa Williams is crowned in 1983. When a new music teacher, Mrs. Walton, enters the inner-city Newark middle school and organizes the first every middle school teen pageant Vanessa wants to enter. Even though Vanessa Williams has set a precedent, Nessie feels that her skin is too dark and her body too big. Vanessa's secret weapon is her stellar singing voice and Mrs. Walton begins to train her both in singing and in poise and pageant skills. As Vanessa prepares for the pageant she drifts away from her best friend and falls into a new social group, whose leader is not as she seems. Daddy refuses to grant permission for participation, so Vanessa, Pop Pop, and TJ prepare behind his back. Why is Daddy so secretive, distant, and against pageants? What is the truth behind Vanessa's missing mother that no one will talk about? Where does Pop Pop disappear to once every year? Even TJ has his secrets and Vanessa feels as if she's drowning in them. Pageant day arrives as the true behind the secrets are revealed and Vanessa discovers the real story behind her family, who her true friends are, and her own inner and outer beauty.

I remember the shake-up in 1983 when Vanessa Williams was crowned as the first African-American Miss America. I can only imagine how powerful that must have been for a thirteen-year-old girl living in the Newark projects. In this semi-autobiographical novel debut author, Charles, relates what pageant life was like in the 1980's and how it could lead to a way out for girls living poverty. A bit of a Cinderella story, Mrs. Walton is clearly the fairy godmother that every girl wishes she had and will serve as a great role-model to teachers, demonstrating what a game-changer they can be in the lives of their students. Hidden within the plot are themes of the true meaning of beauty, the destructive nature of secrets, bullying, the power of friendship, homophobia, and being true to yourself. A lot is going on with Vanessa, but the problems and the messages never seem to bring the story down. Readers will root for this character every step of the way and tears will be shed. Because of some of the stark realities depicted in Vanessa's life and one particularly violent scene I would not recommend this book to younger elementary students. The ending gets tied up a bit too neatly, yet not everything ends perfectly. Young readers will leave this story satisfied, yet with the knowledge that sometimes life is messy and we may continue to travel along with unfinished business. Although the story is set in the 1980's it feels only "lightly" historical and still is relevant to today's youth. Like Vanessa has a lot to say all within the framework of an entertaining piece of problem fiction.

Check, Please!

Check, Please!
Ngozi Ukazu
First Second, Sept. 2108 288 pages
Grades 9-Up
Graphic Novel
Check Please Book 1: # Hockey

Eric Bittle feels out of his element as he begins his freshman year of college on a hockey scholarship. A former figure skater, he was recruited for his speed and mastery of skating, but is undersized and fears being checked. Bitty, as he becomes known to the team, finds acceptance as he makes friends with the other members and undertakes private practice sessions with intense team captain, Jack. Bitty becomes the team baker, making good use of the team's house stove for making pies, and worms his way into their social group with his good cheer and supportive nature. Readers see the first two years of Bitty's college experience flash by as he relates his life through an on-line baking blog and tweets. Eventually, Bitty comes out to the team to refreshing acceptance and he is allowed to be his true self, as he improves on the ice. As time marches on, so does Bitty's feelings for Jack. By the end of sophomore year Jack is about to graduate and move onto the pros. How will Bitty say goodbye? Bitty's junior year will be depicted in the next series entry, set for an as yet unknown release date.

I never thought I would enjoy a hockey book, but debut graphic novelist, Ukazu, has almost made me a fan of the sport. I'm certainly a fan of this lovable group of guys and the sweet and charming narrator, Bitty. Check, Please began as a web-comic and already has a fan base--and for good reason. The non-stop action, gentle humor, and friendly cast of characters make for an entertaining and comforting read. This team knows how to support each other. They work hard, play hard, and accept each other’s foibles and differences. The book appears to be for a younger audience, but because of the language and drinking (it IS set on a college campus) I would recommend it for older teens. The language is strong, but right on point for the way young people talk and the slang is both authentic and amusing. The confusion of navigating matters of the heart and finding your place is sensitively portrayed with enough hockey action to entertain fans of the sport. The hockey subject matter and cover will attract hockey enthusiasts and possibly guide them to be more sensitive to the differences of others. I loved hanging out with this team of guys and can't wait for the next installment, especially since readers are left with a bit of a romantic cliff-hanger.

Lives of the Musicians

Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought)
Kathleen Krull
Kathryn Hewitt, Illustrator
Harcourt, 1993 96 pages
Grades 3-7
Non-Fiction

Krull offers short narrative chapters describing the lives and major works of nineteen composers/musicians arranged chronologically from Vivaldi to Woody Guthrie. With the exception of Guthrie and Scott Joplin, they are all in the classical vein and range from the "old school" (Mozart) to modern (Charles Ives). All are from the western world, two are women and only one is a person of color. That said, these are the talents that have shaped music as we now know it and set the course for our cultural cannon of classical music. Highly readable, the chapters are brief and written conversationally with fun facts that kids would be interested in (what did Beethoven eat for breakfast?). A glossary of musical terms, index, and bibliography for further reading and listening (at this point very dated) are included at the back of the volume. Interested readers can move onto Krull and Hewitt's other such titles such as The Lives of the Artists and The Lives of the Presidents for more biographical fun.

I can't believe it’s been twenty-five years since this book came out. I remember its release and loved both the subject matter and conversational writing style. This summer our reading club theme is "music" (so fun!), which led me back to this title and was pleasantly surprised to find it as fresh as when it was released in '93. The writing is high interest, lively, and fun. The full-color cartoon-style illustrations are reminiscent of the "Who Was" books, yet came out before they did. The Krull/Hewitt titles will certainly appeal to the same audience. Educational, while entertaining, readers may be inspired to listen to some of the featured composers, enriching their musical tastes and may even be inspired to try their own hands at composing. Krull manages to make figures from the past relate-able to the present and show readers that talented and famous people can be just like us--or completely batty. Humorous, yet inspiring, this book delivers the goods without ever being boring.

Inkling

Inkling
Kenneth Oppel
Knopf, Nov. 2018 240 pages
Grades 3-6
Fantasy

Out of Ethan's dad's sketchbook escapes the Inkling: a little creature made out of ink who can transform into other sizes and shapes. He (she?) arrives just in time: Dad hasn't been able to create comics since Mom died and his publisher is getting annoyed, Ethan promised to illustrate a school project and can't draw, and his special-needs sister needs a friend. Inkling helps Dad create again, helps Ethan to learn to draw, and becomes the puppy Sarah always wanted, but is taking credit for Inkling's work the ethical thing to do? Ethan's school rival, who is also the publisher's daughter, starts to suspect something is amiss and discovers the existence of Inkling. What will she do with the information? And will the family be able to function without their new little friend?

Kenneth Oppel is one of my favorite authors. The Nest was my favorite book of 2015. Inkling is quite a departure for him. Way less intense and way more whimsical, Oppel takes on grief with the introduction of a humorous and never before seen character in children's literature: an inkblot. Somehow this little inkblot, though never orally communicating, is able to display a variety of emotions and connect with both the characters and the reader. The book moves quickly, has an interesting plot and is more child-friendly than Oppel's usual fair. Moral dilemmas and family problems give the story some deceptive weight, making this book an excellent choice for book discussion or classroom use. Reluctant readers and budding artists will be a natural audience, but, really, all kids would enjoy this unusual story. I read an advanced copy, which only contained a couple of illustrations. The actual book promises to be fully illustrated, which will further broaden the audience and be in partnership with the text. Just when you think there is nothing new under the sun, a surprise is presented. Thank you, Kenneth Oppel, for pleasantly surprising this wizened old librarian.

Lily and Dunkin

Lily and Dunkin
Donna Gephart
Delacorte, 2016 352 pages
Grades 6-8
Realistic Fiction

Lily, born as a boy named Tim, wishes she could be herself, as she prepares for eighth grade. Much to her father's annoyance, she greets him outside wearing one of her mom's dresses. It is then that she meets a new boy with the unfortunate name of Norbert. Norbert, because of his Dunkin' Donuts addiction, gets re-branded by Lily as "Dunkin" and a tentative friendship is formed. Dunkin has a secret of his own. He is battling bipolar disorder and is leaving behind secrets concerning his father as he and his mom have moved from New Jersey into his grandmother's house in Florida. Because of his height, Dunkin is recruited to join the basketball team, a sport in which he has no interest or talent, and he struggles to fit in with this group of jocks and begins to play with his medication in order to tap into a competitive edge. Although his mother, sister, and best friend are supportive, Lily is dealing with convincing her dad of her true self and getting permission for hormone blockers, avoiding harassment by the school bullies, and the threat of demolition of her favorite tree. Dunkin's troubles come to a head and he finally plugs into some much needed mental health and faces the truth about his past. Will both young people find the courage to show the eighth grade world who they really are and to publicly be friends?

Told in two perspectives, Gephart tackles many important issues in one book: bullying, transgender youth, mental illness, peaceful protest, and protecting the environment. Her main message is to stand up for what is right, present yourself as who you really are and to accept others for their true selves. Definitely issue driven, this book will appeal to the graduates of Wonder and Counting by Sevens. The two narrators are written distinctly and it is never a problem to distinguish who is speaking. Parents and adults are important characters in the story and, though they are not perfect, they are pivotal in the lives of the main characters and try to pay attention to their problems and help. Sometimes the issues seem to overwhelm the story and the angst feels a bit repetitive, although these issues are not generally represented in children’s literature and their discussion is welcome. The ending gets sewed up a bit too neatly and cleanly, but the target age group will appreciate the happy ending. Lily and Dunkin feel a bit unrealistically brave and mature for thirteen, yet as characters they will give hope to other young people struggling in similar situations. An author's note at the end includes more information and resources for transgender youth and bipolar disorder. A lot of punch packed in one book, Lily and Dunkin is a reflection of what is facing some of our young people today, giving validation and understanding to young readers.

Babe the Gallant Pig

Babe the Gallant Pig
Dick King Smith
Crown, 1983 118 pages
Grades 3-6
Animal Fantasy

Farmer Hogget is reluctant to enter the pig guessing contest. After all, on his rural English farm he doesn't "keep pigs", but something about the small piglet catches his eye. After he wins he brings the little guy home, where he names him Pig and puts him in the barn. Here Pig meets a mama sheepdog, who takes him under her wing and rebrands him "Babe". Fly, the sheepdog, teaches Babe the ways of the farm. The new recruit befriends a sheep and develops a different way of herding: by being polite to them instead of nipping and treating them as if they are stupid. The sheep respond favorably to Babe and, much to Farmer Hogget's amazement, he becomes a real sheep-pig. Babe takes his position very seriously, protecting the flock on multiple occasions, finally spurring the farmer to enter him in the sheep herding competition, traditionally only open to dogs. Does the earnest sheepherder have what it takes to win the big competition or will Farmer Hogget be the laughing stock of the neighborhood?

First released in 1983, this animal-fantasy in the tradition of Charlotte's Web is still enjoyed by today's kids. The 2003 film offered a resurgence of this title and may be used to lure readers still today. Babe is a wonderful character. He tries hard, doesn't let adversity slow him down, and faces prejudice head-on, proving that pigs can do the same work as dogs--even better. Babe uses cutesy and respect to get his way, as opposed to bullying and brute force, which is a great example for today's kids. He does not accept the common misconceptions about the intelligence of sheep and gets to know them before judging, which leads to his success. Readers will enjoy the behind the scenes peek at the secret life of animals and route for Babe as he masters his craft and overcomes the odds. The reading level of this book is perfect for third graders. It is short in length and contains illustrations, which will appeal to reluctant readers. Parent warning: King-Smith, a former farmer and man of the land, uses the term "bitch" to apply to a female dog on several occasions. Today's kids may not know that term and may find its use confusing and giggle-inducing. A simple and peaceful story sure to appeal to animal lovers and a great read-aloud.