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Busy Builders, Busy Week!
by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Leo Timmers
In this second book created by the team of Reidy and Timmers, an animal crew of construction workers are busy creating…something. Each day of the week is a different part of the job and with a well-scanned rhyme scheme, this is easy to read aloud. “Thursday! Fill it day! / Build it, nail it, drill it day. / Rake, spread, till a bed. / Scoop it up and spill it day.” Timmers’ acrylic illustrations are familiar to those who know his work and the details will be eagerly pored over by all construction-obsessed children who will want to go visit the new playground at the local park. I only wish construction occurred this quickly and efficiently in my neighborhood! Also available in a board book edition, not seen. Recommended for ages 3 to 6.
—Tracy Gallagher, MLIS, Collection Development
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Diana’s White House Garden
by Elisa Carbone
It was during the time of WWII and ten-year old Diana Hopkins whose father was Harry Hopkins, chief advisor to President Franklin Roosevelt, wanted to do her part to help the war effort. A spy sounded like a great idea, but getting caught riding down the White House dumbwaiter landed her a scolding. Protecting everyone in the White House was of upmost importance, although sticking sharp pins in the satin chairs in the Red Room didn’t fare well with Mrs. Roosevelt and her guests at tea! Not until President Roosevelt introduced his Victory Gardens idea for American citizens to grow their own food in backyard gardens did Diana finally get to play a major role. Diana and Mrs. Roosevelt planted their own garden with the Roosevelt’s dog, Fala, acting as guard dog chasing away the rabbits. Soon dinners at the White House included tasty vegetables grown right in the side lawn garden. Black and white illustrations with a touch of color keep to the 1940’s fashion era making this title authentic to the true story it is based on. Along with being a great WWII social studies title, this also ties in nicely with gardening programs being implemented in many elementary schools. Recommended for ages 5 to 8.
—Jeanne Martin, M.Ed., Collection Development
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Snow White: A Graphic Novel
by Matt Phelan
Phelan (The Storm in the Barn) sets the classic fairytale in Depression-era New York City with a decidedly dark, film noir feel. The wicked stepmother is “Queen of the Follies,” obsessed with the stock ticker that ticks out “another…more beautiful” and “kill.” The father is cast as the King of Wall Street, who meets an untimely death. Samantha “Snow” White’s protectors are street urchins known as “The Seven.” And the prince is the investigating police detective. Such a clever idea, brilliantly executed with Phelan’s characteristically stunning art, it is highly recommended for ages 10 to 13.
—Jenny McCluskey, MSIS, Collection Development
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The Gallery
by Laura Marx Fitzgerald
In Fitzgerald’s (Under the Egg) sophomore effort, she transports the reader back to the Roaring Twenties with an engrossing, artful mystery and a down-to-earth, completely relatable protagonist. Curious, courageous Martha O’Doyle starts as a parlor maid in one of the richest mansions on New York’s 5th avenue, and it isn’t long before she feels she must uncover the mysterious reasons why the lady of the house, Rose, is locked on the 3rd floor like Jane Eyre’s mad Bertha. Add to that Rose’s breathtaking art collection which Martha suspects contain clues and messages to Martha herself from Rose, and we have a natural and welcome suggestion to hand to Balliett lovers. Earthy, funny dialogue such as “but was he hiding away Rose because of her madness? Or was he driving her mad by hiding her away? It was a chicken-egg scenario which made a crazy omelette, however you scrambled it” will draw young readers in from the first page. Be prepared to also field questions about Ovid, Roman myths, and various famous works of art that pepper the narrative like jewels winking between words. Highly recommended for middle grade mystery-seekers.
—Jill M. Barton, MLIS, Collection Development
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Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen Hardcover and Library Binding
by Jazz Jennings
Jazz Jennings first became known to many when she, at the age of seven, was interviewed by Barbara Walters. Jazz is one of the youngest people to be identified as gender dysphoric. At the age of five, she was allowed by her parents to present publically as a girl. For several years, Jazz, with the support of her parents and, at times, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, fought for her rights to play soccer on the girls' team and use the girls’ restroom at school. Jazz fully acknowledges that her childhood has been easier because of her family’s unconditional support and socioeconomic position and that she knows there are other transyouth who aren’t so lucky. For instance, when she first started puberty, her parents were able to order the hormone blockers to stop her development of facial hair, Adam’s apple, and other male characteristics. While readers are treated with the recounting of the glamorous aspects of her life – the awards she has received, speeches she’s given, and celebrities she’s met – they also hear about her struggle with depression, her encounters with cruel and taunting classmates, clumsy first attempts at dating and kissing, and her desire for a boyfriend. Jazz sets a good example for young citizens of how to advocate for oneself and others and how to tirelessly work for causes in which one believes. Back matter includes fourteen pages of recommended resources. Being Jazz is recommended for ages 12 and up. For your younger readers, consider Jazz’s first book, I Am Jazz, recommended for ages 5 to 8.
—Becky Walton, MLIS, Collection Development
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