Out of My Heart

Out of My Heart

Sharon Draper

Atheneum, 2021

334 pages

Grades 5-7

Realistic Fiction

Melody finishes her school year and wants to experience a right of passage common to many middle school youth: summer camp. The problem is, Melody is not like other kids. She has Cerebral Palsy and is confined to a wheel chair. She has no control over her body movement, yet her brain is super-sharp and she can communicate through a computer device that she calls "Elvira". After much research, and convincing of her parents that this is a safe plan, Melony finds herself at Camp Green Glades as part of the Fiery Falcons cabin with four other girls, each with a personal councilor. At first Melody and the other girls are nervous, but they slowly warm up as the fun begins. Melody finds herself painting, hiking, ziplining, boating, swimming, and even horseback riding. Most of all, she finally makes some friends her own age who can understand what she is going through. And then the unthinkable happens: does that cute boy Noah have a crush on her?

Draper finally tells fans what happens next to Melony in this sequel to the widely popular Out of My Mind. Since the author makes many references to key points of the first book, it would be really helpful to have read that before diving into this sequel. That being said, this new installment is stand alone and can be enjoyed and understood without the benefit of previously reading the first. Melody has adventures and matures during her camp experience, which, though idealistic, demonstrates how important it is for all kids to experience the independence and adventure of summer camp. Readers will learn how the experience is both the same and different for kids with different abilities and learn to face their own challenges by taking inspiration from our hero. The story seems at times a bit forced and agenda-driven and I did not find it as well-written as its predecessor. That said, fans of the first will not care and will be thrilled to see Melody's adventures continue. Though not quite as heart wrenching, Draper got me again as I started crying towards the end of the story. A warm book that shows readers that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

A Visit to Moscow

A Visit to Moscow

Anna Olswanger

Yevgenia Nayberg, Illustrator

West Margin Press, 2022

71 pages

Grades 5-Up

Historic Graphic Novel

Olswanger recounts the true story of Rabbi Rafael Grossman, an American Rabbi sent on a humanitarian mission behind the iron curtain. In 1965 a group of American Rabbi's are sent to the Soviet Union to investigate the accuracy of rumors: are Jews being persecuted, and even arrested, for simply practicing their religion? The tour is hosted by a propaganda spokesperson and is carefully choreographed. Rabbi Grossman manages to slip away from the crowd and hires a taxi to take him to a mysterious address at a nearby location. The rundown apartment houses an acquaintance's brother from whom she has not heard in years and worries over. Is Meyer Gurwitz even still alive? To the Rabbi's surprise and relief Meyer opens the door, yet is acting hedgy. What is he hiding? The answer is both heartbreaking and hopeful and challenges the Rabbi to do what he can to help, if not all of the Russian Jews, maybe this one family.

Life in Soviet Russia was not easy, as seen in other books for children, such as The Genius Under the Table, but was particularly bad for the Jewish people, who were not allowed to practice their religion and who's children were "reprogramed" to be good Soviet citizens. This historic graphic novel, though serious in nature, will bring the story to generation of children (and adults) who may not otherwise be exposed to this difficult chapter in world history. Though appropriate to be shared with mature children, there is crossover potential for older audiences. The storytelling is clear and crisp, written in the first person, enabling the reader to walk in Rabbi Grossman's shoes. The illustrations, contributed by a Jewish Ukrainian-American artist, reflect the grim realities of Soviet life, especially in shape and color. Form and pallet shift as hope is restored and we see a future in the promised land. Serving in a town with a large Russian/Jewish population I know that this book will be an important tool for parents and grandparents to explain their past and why their heritage is important. Extensive backmatter includes an afterword from a family member of Rabbi Grossman, a historic overview of the plight of Jews in Soviet Russia, preliminary sketches from the illustrator, and an interesting author's note. Historic, inspirational, surprising, and entertaining, this is a slim volume that leaves a lasting impressing on the reader.

Map of Flames

Map of Flames
Lisa McMann
Putnum, 2022
373 pages
Grades 4-7
Science Fiction/Adventure

The Forgotten Five series #1

Birdie's father, Lewis, passes away, leaving five children with extraordinary powers without adult protection or supervision. The young people have lived their entire lives in a secluded and inaccessible tropical hideout. Their parents all possessed supernatural abilities in a society where this is a crime. They resorted to performing elaborate heists in order to survive and then fled to the hideout, where they peeled off under mysterious circumstances. Lewis left Birdie a map of flames, (utilizing his fire wielding ability) directing her to his former home city of Estero, where he thinks Birdie's mom might be held a prisoner and directing her to a treasure lay hidden from the other parents. At first Birdie keeps this information to herself and then, eventually, shares it with the other kids who possess varied abilities. Birdie, who can speak with animals, takes Tenner, who possesses super-heightened senses, and they ride a whale to the city. Eventually, the others follow. The children must make their way around a confusing society without giving away their supernatural status. Who can they trust? And how will they survive when even their money will no longer work and nothing is like their rural jungle home? Most of all, can they locate Birdie's mom?

Popular middle-grade fantasy series author, McMann offers a series opener that is creating a lot of buzz and already gaining a following. Since it feels a bit dystopian and is more supernatural than magical, I put the series in the science fiction category, but it teeters on the edge of fantasy. Readers will enjoy seeing contemporaries with supernatural abilities and dream about which power they would go for if given the chance. Of course, these young people were not given the chance, their powers simply evolved, sometimes in unwelcome ways. These young people must learn to accept themselves, despite the abilities that they can often not control. In most cases they also have less-than-stellar parents, demonstrating to young readers that you do not need to be defined by your lineage; you can rise above it to be a better person. Percy Jackson fans will be a natural audience, but the approachable plot and never-ending action is sure to draw in even reluctant readers. The supernatural abilities will serve as a hook, attracting DC and Marvel fans. I can definitely see this series opener being made into a feature film. Though most plot lines are sewn up, a plot twist at the end, as well as a few lose threads, will have readers clamoring for the next series installment, set for a November release.

Howl's Moving Castle

 

Howl's Moving Castle
Diana Wynne Jones
Greenwillow, 1986
336 pages
Grades 5-Up
Fantasy/Fairy Tale

As an eldest sister Sophie is quite convinced that nothing interesting will ever happen to her, so when her father passes away and she and her sisters are sent out on apprenticeships, she is content to work long hours at the family hat shop. The hats Sophie assemble start to create a buzz and suddenly the small shop has more work than they can handle. A mysterious and demanding woman enters the shop one day, is annoyed by Sophie's attitude and casts a spell on the poor eighteen-year-old, transforming her into an old woman. With nothing to lose, Sophie sets out on her own and hobbles into the countryside, where she sets loose a bewitched scarecrow and encounters the large moving castle belonging to the infamous Wizard Howl. Howl has a reputation for taking advantage of young ladies, but that is not a problem now that Sophie is elderly. She enters the castle and makes reluctant friends of Michael, the young apprentice and Calcifer, the resident fire-demon, who is responsible for bewitching the castle. Sophie immediately declares herself the cleaning lady and sets to work. When Howl returns from wooing yet another innocent lady, he seems to raise no objections. As time moves forward they all become friends and their lives become entangled. Can Sophie help Howl out of a dangerous assignment from the king, as well as free Calcifer from his binds to the castle? And can she break her own spell and be reunited with her family?

This is one of my all-time favorite books, as well as the only movie that I like as much as the book. I periodically give it another "go" to see if it still stands up. Honestly, I enjoyed this re-reading of the original fairy tale as much as the first. The author manages to create something truly original, while utilizing the tropes and tones of classic tales. A cool twist pulls readers briefly into the present world-and then out again. The story, narrated by clever Sophie, is funny and the characters are developed and sympathetic, even the narcissistic Wizard Howl. Sophie manages to find her confidence and courage and save the day, despite being an eldest sister, inspiring readers to "reach for the stars" despite what they are predestined to become. Calcifer is one of my favorite characters in children's literature and is alone worth the time spent reading. The plot moves along briskly, offering many twists and turns, as bewitched characters are revealed and spells are reversed. Jones infuses the tale with characteristically British humor that lightens the mood and makes reading pure joy. Studio Ghibli turned the story into an animated film in 2004, keeping the major plot points, yet giving the story an anime/steampunk vibe with great success. A gem of a book sure to delight the current young readers of The Land of Stories and The School for Good and Evil.

The Many Meanings of Meilan

The Many Meanings of Meilan

Andrea Wang

Penguin/Kokila, 2021

353 pages

Grades 5-8

Realistic Fiction

Meilan's extended family owns and operates a bakery in Boston's Chinatown. When the grandmother dies, the family starts squabbling and distrusting each other. It is decided to sell the bakery and Meilan, her parents, and her grandfather hit the road, visiting friends, eventually landing in a small town in the Midwest. Meilan's father gets a job baking in a small cafe and she must start school as the only Asian student where she knows no one. Meilan misses her cousins and the smell of the bakery. She hates starting over with the unfamiliar and sometime hostile attitudes of classmates and even school administration. The vice principal refuses to use her real name, instead calling her the Americanized "Melanie". When the school hosts an assembly for veterans, Meilan would like to invite her grandfather. The problem is that he was a soldier in Hong Kong. Would he still be welcome to participate? Meanwhile, her grandfather is also struggling to find his place in the new town and misses his late-wife. Eventually, Meilan makes a friend-but can she fully trust him?

Wang turns from the celebrity of her award winning picture book, Watercress, to try her hand at middle grade with great results. Children of all cultures will relate to trying to fit into a world where you don't think you are welcome. Meilan feels as if she has lost her whole family and the security of her certain life and now is a "fish out of water" and has even lost her name. The name "Meilan" has many meanings and she tries them all out, finally realizing that they are all part of the whole and, because her grandparents were the ones to pick the name, always connected to family. Some disturbing anti-Asian events happen within the book, making the title timely, yet may upset sensitive readers. Meilan find friends and adult support and eventually the courage to reclaim her identity and heritage. Though mostly a quiet story, there are moments of great action, ending with a climatic tornado. Young readers will hopefully become more intune to the needs of new classmates, kids who are in transition will see that they aren't alone, and teachers will see the importance of correctly learning their students' names, even if it is awkward or hard. Wang shows us that our stories and our names represent who we are and make a difference.

How to Speak Dolphin

How to Speak Dolphin
Ginny Rorby
Scholastic, 2015
264 Pages
Grades 4-7
Realistic Fiction/Animal

Lily's life hasn't been the same since her mother tragically died in a car accident two years ago, leaving her with a stepfather and a severely autistic half-brother, Adam. Stepfather, Don, is a very important oncologist and has a hard time connecting emotionally or realistically accepting the best course of action for Adam. The only thing that seems to connect with Adam is dolphins and when they meet an injured dolphin, Nori, he finally makes a friend. Meanwhile, Lily makes her own friend, a blind girl named Zoe, who is trying to navigate her world using elocution, just like the dolphins. Lily has very little time of her own, having to bear the responsibility of caring for Adam. Help arrives in the form of a new unflappable babysitter, who not only gives Lily a much needed break, but helps to convince Don that putting Adam in a program geared towards autistic kids would help him learn to cope with his environment a bit better. Don seems to think that bringing Adam to a program at the aquarium where he can swim with the dolphins is the answer, but does the aquarium treat their animals humanely? Is this really the best course of action for both Adam and Nori?

How to Speak Dolphin manages to squeeze in a lot of issues in one book. Kids looking for a light and breezy animal story or very sensitive readers should look elsewhere. Young people who love to dive into a book where kids are battling obstacles will find lots to occupy them. The issues raised in the book include: the loss of a parent and the accompanying guilt and sadness, an emotionally abusive stepparent, living with a severely autistic sibling, animal cruelty, and blindness. The stepfather is over-the-top horrible to Lily and makes her responsible for caring for her brother, who throws food, is not toilet trained at four years old, and is non-verbal and violent. She has very little time away from her duties. Kids who love animals will applaud as Lily and Zoe work to free Dori from her prison of a tank and may empower readers to make a difference in their own world. Rorby certainly had an agenda when writing this book and it is the main focus of the book over character development or nuance, yet young readers, who can be very black-and-white, may appreciate the linear plot and clear messages. This story is not for everybody, but will appeal to certain animal-loving readers, who may be inspired to rescue their own animal friends.

Mim's Island

Mim's Island

Wendy Orr

Knopf, 1999

125 pages

Grades 3-6

Adventure

Ever since Nim's Marine Biologist's mother died at the hands of a thoughtless cruise ship full of tourists, she and her father have lived on an uninhabited island. Though it's only the two of them, Nim's life is full of fun, adventure and friends-though of the animal variety. They do have internet and connection to the outside world, allowing for supplies to be delivered and Dad to maintain his job as a naturalist. One fateful day, Dad sets off on a fact-finding mission, leaving Nim to her own devices, when peril strikes. He has an unfortunate accident and is stranded out to sea, exchanging messages with his daughter through a crabby seabird. Luckily, Nim is self-sufficient and able to cope on her own. While checking Dad's email she sees a message from the famous adventure author, Alex Rover. Nim and Alex start a correspondence--and eventually a friendship--that affects both of their lives. As Dad still isn't able to make it home and danger is lurking, Nim seeks help from her only other human connection: Alex. Can Alex muster the courage exhibited in the pages of his, I mean her, books in order to help her new friend?

I have been seeking the perfect ocean-faring book for my final choice in the Battle of the Books and have at last found it! Nim's Island is a perfect level for all elementary students, suitable for a wide range of readers and interests and has an exciting plot with a lot of great potential for questions. This book was made into a movie a few years back and after that flutter of interest, I forgot about it. Rediscovering this little jewel of a title was a pleasure. Readers will savor Nim's independence, self-sufficiency, and daily adventure. They will envy her animal pals and fantasize about their own island adventures. Gentle humor offsets the danger and plentiful  black and white drawings, contributed by Kerry Millard add to another layer of lightness and entertainment. At over twenty years old I feared that the book would be dated, especially in terms of technology, but exactly how they get their internet to the island is vague and the story felt current and believable. The ending is happy and hopeful with all characters finding themselves improved and better than they were at the start of the book. A great choice for a family or class read aloud, as well as a book to be enjoyed independently.

Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey

Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey

Erin Entrada Kelly

Greenwillow/HarperCollins, 2021

145 pages

Grades 2-5

Realistic Fiction

Marisol Rainey series #1

Meet Marisol Rainey. She lives with her parents and brother in a house in Louisiana with a wonderful tree-climbing tree named Peppina (Marisol is a girl who names things). It is Marisol's dream to climb Peppina to see the neighborhood from the vantage of a birds, only she is too fearful. She is afraid of many things and does not appreciate that aspect of her personality, wishing she were braver. Marisol's best friend, Jada, is more adventurous and encourages her to climb the tree, but it is no use. Meanwhile, Marisol spends her time watching old silent movies on her brother Oz's computer, playing with Jada and her cat Jelly Beans and having adventures with Mom while Dad is away on his job on an oil rig. After much soul searching and support from Mom and Jada, Marisol finally makes it to the booster branch. Does she have the courage to keep going?

Newbery medal winner, Kelly, turns her talents from writing heartfelt middle grade fiction to penning an equally heartfelt chapter book series. Readers will identify with Marisol's fears as she slowly makes sense of her world and tries new things. Children will cheer as she learns to conquer one of her fears and be comforted by the support she receives from her family and Jada. It is nice to see a kind, if often busy, older brother and with a name like Oz I am an instant fan. Marisol is half Filipino, which is refreshing for a chapter book heroine, and Jada is cued as African American, lending further diversity to the characters. The reading level and linear plot are appropriate for the chapter book crowd and the chapters are short, the font is large, and the margins wide. The black and white illustrations contributed by the author herself, which was a fun surprise, are fun, plentiful and help to advance the plot. The next installment in the series, Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is set for an August 2022 release.