The Lion of Mars

The Lion of Mars

Jennifer Holm

Penguin, 2021

251 pages

Grades 4-6

Science Fiction

Bell has lived nearly his entire life on Mars. As the youngest member of the American settlement, he often feels left out of whatever the four teenagers are up to or the busy adults, who work hard to keep the space colony up to snuff. Bell loves his old cat and relies on the friendship of the elderly botanist who grows the algae on which they sustain themselves, but often feels lonely. There are other colonies belonging to other nations in the neighborhood but, ever since a tragic accident years ago, Commander Sai has forbidden contact. When a deadly virus threatens to overtake all of the adults in the colony, the young people must work hard to keep it going. When all begins to look hopeless, Bell and his former best friend, now turned crabby teen, escape to try to find help. They have never met anyone outside their own colony. Will the folks from the other countries be nice and helpful or dangerous and antagonistic, as the commander has always led them to fear?

Jennifer Holm is certainly an eclectic writer. With three Newbery Honors under her belt for historical fiction, she broke out and started to write popular graphic novels (Baby Mouse/Sunny series). And now she is writing science fiction, this being her second in this genre. I love that the entire book takes place on Mars. With the landing of the Perseverance, everyone has Mars fever and this book will prove timely. Also making it current is the onset of a crazy and deadly virus that attacks the adults and not the children. Holm explains in an author's note that she had no idea that this pandemic was going to happen when writing the book, but what a crazy coincidence! Kids will identify with Bell and experience life on a Martian colony without ever leaving their chairs. There is plenty of action and suspense to keep the readers turning pages. Memos from the commander to earth between chapters add interest. I feel like readers (including myself) are tired of contemporary problems novels and are looking for an escape. This title is just the ticket!

Skunk and Badger

Skunk and Badger
Amy Timberlake
Algonquin, 2020
136 pages
Grades 2-5
Animal Fantasy

Badger lives comfortably and predictably in a brownstone, belonging to his Aunt Lula, contentedly studying rocks. One day a knock on the door reveals Skunk, sent by Aunt Lula to also find shelter in the home. Skunk's outgoing and exuberant personality rock Badger's world. First Skunk takes over the "moon room" and then makes extravagant breakfasts, leaving rogue potatoes and expecting Badger to clean up. Well, maybe the breakfasts aren't so bad. The final straw arrives as Skunk invites all of his chicken friends over for a slumber party and the tranquility and order of the house is shattered. Badger loses his temper and kicks everyone out-skunks and chickens alike. Finally Badger has his peaceful home back again, but is he ready to return to cold cereal every morning?

Timberlake introduces the new odd couple of children's literature in the tradition of George and Martha, Frog and Toad, and Toot and Puddle. Skunk and Badger seem to have nothing in common, yet are made stronger and better by their new relationship and seem to balance each other out in the best possible way. This sweet story is reminiscent of nostalgic tales of yesteryear, such as Winnie the Pooh and has a decidedly British sensibility, though the author is from the Midwest. Illustrations, contributed by award winning Jon Klassen, are spot-on and add to the ambiance of the narrative. Readers new to chapter books will enjoy spending time with these reluctant friends and will find humor in their predicaments, especially once the chickens arrive. Chapters are short, yet the vocabulary is not controlled, making it best for readers who are a bit more on the accomplished side. Personally, I will recommend this to families looking for a cozy bedtime read-aloud, where this title will be best served. Parents will enjoy and relate to it as much as their children. It looks as if this is the first in a projected series, so hopefully more installments are on the way.

Ways to Make Sunshine

Ways to Make Sunshine
Renee Watson
Bloomsbury, 2020
177 pages
Grades 3-5
Realistic Fiction

Whenever Ryan's family has ice cream before dinner, it means something is up. Sure enough, this time it is to soften the blow for the news that Dad has been laid-off from his postal job and the family will be moving to a smaller house with Dad working nights and bringing home less money. As the younger sister in the family Ryan tries to stay positive and "make sunshine" for her family and friends during difficult times. This proves to be difficult when the new house is revealed to be shabby and much smaller. Luckily, it still has a kitchen and Ryan and her mom whip up new dishes, which is a hobby she loves. Hanging out with her friends is also a favorite pastime and at least the new house is closer to one of them. Ryan's relations with her brother go realistically up and down, friendships are at times strained, and challenges arise, specifically in the public speaking arena, yet Ryan rises above it all, keeps her relationships in tact, and continues to bring on the positivity and spunk. Finally the school years ends with a whole summer to look forward to, when Mom & Dad announce ice cream before dinner. Uh oh, what could it mean this time?

Watson, an award winning author for teens and picture books, turns her talents to the chapter book set. Ryan is a likable protagonist living in Portland, Oregon, much like Ramona, the original spunky heroine. Unlike Ramona, Ryan's family is of color and although this is not the main focus of the novel, Ryan's experience of growing up as a young black girl is demonstrated. At a birthday party Ryan is afraid of getting in the pool because of what it will do to her hair and illustrations show her going to bed in a bonnet. Ryan's family has fallen on some hard times, yet they stay loving and supportive. Her relationship with her brother is particularly realistically drawn. They fight and drive each other crazy, yet at the core they love and are there for each other. Not too much happens within the story. Short titled chapters offer little adventures in Ryan's life, often sprinkled with sweet black and white illustrations by Nita Mata. Readers will identify with Ryan and appreciate her willingness to make sunshine whenever life brings rain (at one point literally). A sensitive creature, Ryan drops the mic at church when forced to recite a passage, yet she keeps trying and forces herself out of her comfort zone, sensing insecurities in others as well and lending a supportive hand. A sequel is in the works, so readers will have somewhere to go after this first installment.

Everything sad is Untrue

Everything Sad is Untrue (a True Story)

Daniel Nayeri

Levine Querido/Chronicle, 2020

354 pages

Grades 6-Up

Fictionalized Memoir

Much as Scheherazade in Arabian Nights, Author Nayeri recounts his memories from early childhood in Iran to life in an Italian refugee camp to middle school in Oklahoma. The format of the book is a report to Mrs. Miller, Daniel's teacher, and he admits from the first that memories are not to be trusted, yet these are his truths as he remembers them. We see through Daniel's first person account how difficult it is to be of middle-eastern descent in Oklahoma and the bullying he endures, as well as the abuse suffered by his mother, who is not allowed to practice medicine in her new country. The narrative is infused with Persian stories, both from Daniels family and that of legends, and readers learn about his life and essence in overlapping layers and time periods. The climax of the book is when Daniel's estranged father visits from Iran, merging all aspects of his life and leaving behind a catalyst for change. 

This is a beautiful story that took me a while to get through. The first person narrative is both poetic and haunting, jumping from the stark realities of the immigrant experience to that of Persian legend. I read the book slowly and carefully and savored every word. This fictionalized memoir is meant for children-and I bought it for my juvenile fiction section. That said, the book just won the 2021 Printz award for best teen book and this is where it belongs. Although the narrator is recounting his childhood, the sophistication of the writing and the harshness of some of the subject matter make it more appropriate for teens. Daniel's mother is repeatedly beaten by her new husband and many horrible things happen to other characters, both of legend and real life. All of this is seen through the lens of a child, making it reminiscent of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, featuring a child trying to make sense of a harsh world. I learned a lot about contemporary Iran and saw first hand the sacrifices made by immigrants, only to come to America to suffer, though to stay in Iran would mean death. An author's note at the end reassures the reader that Daniel not only survives the abuse and poverty, but becomes a great success in life, serving as an inspiration to readers everywhere.

Shark and Bot

Shark and Bot

Brian Yanish

Random House, 2020

80 Pages

Grades 2-5

Graphic Novel

Shark and Bot become acquainted on the playground as Bot questions the species of animal in Shark's arms (It's a wombat). At first the relationship gets off on the wrong foot, or fin, but eventually the two misfits bond over a struggle to make friends and a love of the comic Glo-Nuts. Excerpts from this superhero comic featuring genetically mutated donuts are included within the main adventure. The two new friends are just getting to know each other when they start getting harassed by a group of local bullies. What are they to do? Shark and Bot decide to win the bullies over by relying on their strength: super superior dance moves. A very elaborate dance ensues. Is it enough to win over the bullies?

Newcomer Yanish, who has an extensive background in children's media, has created two very likable, yet unlikely protagonists. Readers will immediate bond with Shark and Bot and Shark's little buddy, Batty, is icing on the cake. The story is simple, sweet, silly, and easy to follow. The full color illustrations are clear, easily scanned, and add to the mood and plot of the story. The Glo-Nut excerpts are in different colors, fonts, and design, making it clear to readers that these bits are something different. The vocabulary is spot-on for beginning readers, making it a tricky call whether this book should be shelved with comics or easy readers. Either will work. It is a great choice to give to kids struggling with reading that might need a little incentive to crack into a book. The second installment in this series will be released in June as Shark and Bot head off to sleepaway camp for more zany adventures.

The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden
Frances Hodgson Burnett
Frederick A. Stokes, 1911
375 Pages
Grades 4-7
Classic

Raised in India as a spoiled princess, Mary Lennox finds herself orphaned and transported to the Yorkshire countryside. Her only living relative, an uncle, is still grieving his late wife and distractedly meets Mary, only to leave England to travel the continent. To occupy herself, Mary begins to wander outside even though the weather is dreary. She makes a reluctant friend out of an old gardener and begins to play and explore. Mary's world further expands as she meets Dicken, the brother of a house maid who has a magical way with all living creatures. One lucky day Mary discovers a secret garden belonging to the former mistress and now all locked up and hidden. This is not the only secret contained within the grounds of the old manor house. Mary discovers something even bigger that will change her life forever. Meanwhile, winter turns to spring and the world comes back to life. Mary discovers the wonders and restorative powers of nature as she starts to tame her little garden and discover the delights of watching living things grow.

When times get tough books can serve as a healing balm and transport us to simpler and happier days. I have found myself rereading childhood favorites during this year of pandemic and, in the middle of what is proving to be one of the worst winters in New Jersey in years, have found the need to return to The Secret Garden. This is a book that was read to me by my mother and that I then read on my own throughout my childhood whenever I needed a lift. Something about the story is both comforting and healing. The characters are all broken and find wellness and productivity in the budding garden. It is a simple and quiet story, yet I never find it boring. Mary is not initially a likable character, yet readers will (I know I did!) identify with her and find reassurance as she becomes softer and content. Has this book stood the test of time? There is a little problem with some racist bits, primarily at the expense of the Indian folks. That wording would need to be put into a cultural context or, if read aloud, eliminated. I think that young people may be put off by the old fashioned language, yet the story is still magical. It would serve best as a family read aloud, which could ignite the love of reading and nature in its listeners, much as its did to me.

When You Trap a Tiger

When You Trap a Tiger

Tae Keller

Random House, 2020

304 pages

Grades 4-7

Realistic Fiction

On the road to move in with her elderly halmoni (grandmother) Lily sees a tiger. She is unable to speak up in the car containing her noisy older sister and widowed mother, but confesses the sighting to Halmoni, who is unsurprised. Halmoni has often told Lily and her sister Korean tales of tigers and their powers and now offers a confession. Her health is slipping because many years ago she stole stars containing stories and the tigers want them back. Lily is determined to release the stars in trade for Halmoni's health. but how can a QAG (quiet Asian girl) accomplish such a big task? Enter new friend, Ricky. Lily meets outgoing Ricky at the library (Yay!) and the two become instant friends. He agrees to join her in trying to trap the tiger. Will they be able to accomplish this overwhelming task? Will Lily be able to save Halmoni? And most of all, will Lily find her voice?

Tae infuses Korean folklore with contemporary fiction to create this atmospheric story that has just won the 2021 Newbery medal. The Pacific Northwest setting is fully realized and readers will know exactly what it must be like to move into Halmoni's house on the top of the hill with a million stairs leading up to it. Reads will also understand what it is like to feel invisible and to struggle with changing relationships with teen siblings and aging grandparents. Lily is powerless, yet finds her inner strength as she attempts to save her grandmother. She also learns about friendship and discovering her place within her family. The writing is beautiful, especially the folklore excerpts, and I understand why it won the Newbery. The main reason I did not read it, even though it had excellent reviews across the board and I purchased it for my library, is that the cover did not excite me. Young readers may have the same problem and the quiet and serious nature of the story may only hold the attention of the right reader. The book is technically labeled as "Fantasy" or "Magical Realism". Keller is vague about whether the tiger actually exists or is part of Lily's imagination, leaving this up to the reader. Keller ties up loose ends, although not always as expected, resulting in a satisfying read with much to ponder over when after the cover closes.

Serena Says

Serena Says
Tanita Davis
HarperCollins/2020 272 pages
Grades 4-7
Realistic Fiction

Serena skipped a couple of grades, which can make the confusion of middle school that much more confusing. Her best friend, JC, is recovering from a kidney transplant and has also transplanted a new girl as her best friend. Serena is surprised and hurt. What can she do to displace the new girl and reclaim her rightful spot as JC's BF? Meanwhile, Serena has begun to Vlog, under her big sister's guidance, and is finding this format a great way to process her feelings. Being made team leader for a group project and making a new friend help Serena to gain some much needed confidence and begin to learn to stand on her own two feet, instead of in JC's shadow. Can Serena pull off an independent project for the Winter Festival, as well as lead her group to a perfect score? Can she navigate the world of friendship, making amends for past indiscretions and letting other relationships go? Find out, as Serena records it all on her vlog "Serena Says".

Friendships are so important and volatile in middle school and can be that much worse if you are the youngest sixth grader in your class. Serena certainly makes up for her immaturity with pizzazz and chutzpah. Clearly not perfect, readers will identify with Serena as she makes some fatal flaws, such as telling JC her new friend's secret, thus publicizing it to the whole sixth grade. Eventually she finds a healthier place for JC's friendship and pursues other healthier relationships, as well as becoming more comfortable being alone. Serena's single parent family is functional and supportive and her sister, though not perfect, is mostly helpful. Serena is a realistically flawed character who exhibits growth and maturity as the novel progresses. Readers will both identify with her and root for her. Other themes, beside friendship, include mental illness and how it affects the whole family, the courage to stand up for yourself, and how to successfully navigate teamwork. Vlogging chapters are in a different font and add a catchy dimension to the text that will attract future YouTubers. A book that will appeal to many readers and goes down like candy, though may not stick to your bones.