Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten

Libba Cotton’s story is filled with fated moments in time.  Had she not been working in a department store when Ruth Crawford Seeger’s daughter was missing, and had she not been the one to find her, she might not have ended up the housekeeper in the Seeger home.  I only wonder what made her pick the guitar up and what took so long?  Her story of support by the Seeger family and a musical career starting in her 60’s is nothing short of amazing.  Laura Veirs includes a beautiful author’s note and an extensive works cited list.  I’m excited to check out some of the videos from the works cited list (maybe I’ll include one here).  And I love seeing primary source work, like the photo of Libba surrounded by her grandchildren.

Freight Train by Libba Cotten

@lauraveirs

@fazlalizadeh

Title: Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten

Author: Laura Veirs

Illustrator: Tatyana Fazlalizadeh

ISBN: 978-1-4521-4587-1

Published 2018 by Chronicle Books

This book was received from the publisher for purposes of review.

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13

Katherine Johnson made significant contributions to NASA’s space program and yet, it has taken close to 50 years for that story to be shared with our youngest readers.  The final line of this book “She was now a star herself.” rings somewhat untrue to me.  She was still living in a time with extreme bias against her, doubly because she was a woman of color.  In the author’s note, it is indicated that she never liked to take credit because everyone worked as a team, but I think she has been deserving of credit for years and yet she was instead a “hidden figure.”  I’m glad that Helaine Becker and Dow Phumirik are bringing Johnson’s story to our youngest readers in such beautiful fashion.  I find her story inspiring as an adult and I hope that our young readers can appreciate the incredible ways in which Katherine Johnson worked to break down barriers in her field.

@helainebecker

@dowphumirik

Title: Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13

Author: Helaine Becker

Illustrator: Dow Phumirik

ISBN: 978-1-250-13752-4

Published 2018 by Christy Ottaviano Books

This book was borrowed from the public library for purposes of review.

Mama Dug a Little Den

While I enjoyed reading about all of the animals that den and how and why they do so, I found myself a little bothered while reading the Author’s Note at the end of the story.  Jennifer Ward indicates she used the term “mama” loosely.  Which is important to note, but in that event, why stick with the term mama?  Maybe alternate papa?  Or only represent dens that are crafted by mother animals.  I’m not actually sure why this is bothering me, but the assumption our young readers will come away with is that the mothers create these dens in all cases and Ward is explaining that is not true.  Of the illustrations by Steve Jenkins, my favorite is that of the beaver.  My son kidsplained to me while reading that he thinks the den would really have sticks all around and you wouldn’t really be able to see into it like this.  The picture is showing it with a wall cut off so that you can see inside.  While I already knew that too, it was a nice moment where he could articulate that for me.  On the about the author/illustrator flap from the book cover, it shows the cover art of “Mama Built a Little Nest” which I recall reading for the purpose of review for CYBILS.  I’m interested to go back and see if the same information that fathers help with the crafting of nests as well (as they very well may).  As an unabashed feminist, I see a lot of work being done by the women of the animal world, but I don’t want to take away from the contributions of the gentlemen either.

Title: Mama Dug a Little Den

Author: Jennifer Ward

Illustrator: Steve Jenkins

ISBN: 978-1-4814-8037-6

Published 2018 by Beach Lane Books

This book was borrowed from the public library for purposes of review.

The Truth About Hippos

Maxwell Eaton has several books in the “The Truth About…” series nominated for a CYBILS award this year and so far, after reading “The Truth About Hippos,” I’m a fan.  The comparisons between common hippos and pygmy hippos is helpful to understanding solitary and group behaviors as well as habitat differences.  The hippofile at the end sums up some of the points throughout the book and includes suggested books for further reading and a map highlighting hippo territory.  One suggestion would be to differentiate between common hippo territory and pygmy hippo territory unless there isn’t much differentiating to do?  I giggled at the comedic gems included throughout the book and look forward to reading more from Maxwell Eaton.

@maxwelleatoniii 

Title: The Truth About Hippos

Author: Maxwell Eaton III

ISBN: 978-1-62672-667-3

Published 2018 by Roaring Brook Press

This book was borrowed from the public library for purposes of review.

Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover

Curiously, I found this book in my TBR pile last night.  And the day before, my daughter happened upon the movie, The Martian.  Which, full disclosure, is not technically appropriate for 9 year olds and I’m not advocating their watching it.  But, language aside, the science is super interesting and after the fact, I realized that the Mars rover would be extra interesting to my daughter so I read Curiosity to her and we talked about how this rover was featured in the movie and how the camera was able to send still images back to NASA.  And we talked about the Jet Propulsion Lab and which parts of the movie featured that location. 

But…back to the book.  I was fascinated by the total number of missions involving exploration of Mars, including fly bys and landings.  The book focuses on the Curiosity mission, but the timeline outlines each.  I also found it interesting how each of the rovers lasted much longer than expected, what a windfall!  The book was lacking a bibliography or other sources.  For an added bonus, check this book out following the recent landing of Insight.    

Learn more about the NASA Curiosity Rover.

@MarkusMotum

Title: Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover

Author: Markus Motum

ISBN: 978-0-7636-9504-0

Published 2017 by Capstone Press

This book was received from the publisher for purposes of review.

Bloom: A Story of Fashion Designer Elsa Schiaparelli

I vividly recall the first time I heard the name Elsa Schiaparelli.  I was at the Art Museum in Philadelphia, but I don’t think (or recall) seeing any artwork of Schiaparelli.  Instead, I was in the shop (my mother’s favorite part of any museum) and found an item that spoke to me.  I don’t often make purchases in the shop but I felt compelled.  The object of my admiration was a purse shaped like a watering can in the color I now know to be shocking pink.  I believe it was inspired by Schiaparelli, though after reading about her shoe hat, who knows?  Kyo Maclear includes a number of sources she used in researching Bloom and perhaps I could check there to see if Schiaparelli did indeed craft a purse shaped like a watering can.  Regardless, it was quite the conversation piece throughout my young adulthood. 

You guys...I found a picture!  Can you see how I just could not resist this one.

All that to say Julie Morstad gorgeously brings Kyo Maclear’s story of Schiparelli’s evolution as a fashion designer to life.  The cover art reflects Elsa’s thought that “ to have a face covered with flowers like a heavenly garden would indeed be a wonderful thing!”.  Elsa’s seven moles on her left cheek seemed to dominate her valuation of herself and her beauty through much of her young life but in her attempt to cover those moles or deflect attention from them, she found beauty in creativity.  Her story is also that of a single, working mother who did not give up on her dream.  Elsa Schiaparelli collaborated through her art with other artists and scientists alike to bring her shocking designs and her signature shocking pink to the world.  Schiparelli’s story is one to be celebrated at any time but in the midst of the maker movement, it feels even more relevant to today’s readers and thinkers.

Title: Bloom: A Story of Fashion Designer Elsa Schiaparelli

Author: Kyo Maclear

Illustrator: Julie Morstad

ISBN: 978-0-06-244761-6

Published 2018 by Harper Collins Childrens Books

This book was borrowed from the public library for purposes of review.

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

Steven Salerno’s artwork brings Harvey Milk’s face to light.  In looking at photographs (and being somewhat familiar with his story from the movie Milk with Sean Penn) Harvey’s face simply glowed with joy and hope for the future.  He brought that energy to the stages where he spoke to crowds and inspired others to action.  Salerno’s renderings are so lifelike they bring Harvey’s story to a new generation and by Rob Sanders’ focusing on the flag that became a symbol for Harvey’s movement, Pride shows that the movement lives on and has been embraced by so many the world over.

 

@RobSandersWrite

Title: Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

Author: Rob Sanders

Illustrator: Steven Salerno

ISBN: 978-0-399-55531-2

Published 2018 by Random House Children’s Books

This book was received from the publisher for purposes of review.

Spy on History: Victor Dowd and the World War II Ghost Army

Much like last year’s Dazzle Ships, while reading Spy on History: Victor Dowd and the World War II Ghost Army my mind was blown multiple times.  The ways in which our military creatively supported our troop’s safety and that these secrets were shielded from the public (as classified information often is) demonstrates the ingenuity of our leadership during World War II.  Long story short (and spoiler alert) artists, graphic designers, sound engineers, and weathermen (they were all men…) were recruited to be part of camouflage units and sonic companies.  They were essentially putting on a distracting show to trick the German troops and commanders into believing they were a full combat battalion armed with tanks, weapons, and communication tools.  And they were.  But all of those items (except for the communication tools) were inflatable!  Our first bounce houses were on the front lines of World War II.  Who knew?!  When I incredulously asked my husband if he knew about this, he referenced a Ken Burns special he had watched.  But I had never heard about the Ghost Army and I think readers will be VERY interested to learn more too.  There are also clues throughout the book for readers to decode messages at the back of the book, though I didn’t need those to engage with this text.  The creativity of the concept of the Ghost Army is engaging all on its own.  Paired with Dazzle Ships, Spy on History demonstrates the value our military has placed on artist’s talents to protect our country.

@Scott_Wegna

Title: Spy on History: Victor Dowd and the World War II Ghost Army

Author: Enigma Alberti

Illustrator: Scott Wegener

ISBN: 978-0-7611-9326-5

Published 2017 by Workman Publishing

This book was borrowed from the public library for purposes of review.

Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word

Every time I see this book title, my mind breaks into song, singing Angelica’s section from The Schuyler Sisters from Hamilton: I’ve been reading Common Sense by Thomas Paine, so men say that I’m intense or I’m insane, you want a revolution? I want a revelation, so listen to my declaration: We hold these truths to be self-evident That all men are created equal. And when I meet Thomas Jefferson, I’ma compel him to include women in the sequel.

Anywho, the Dangerous Word is…independence.  And Thomas Paine found he had a gift for moving people to action through his writing.  He could see the results when he wrote about better pay and working conditions for tax collectors; the injustice of slavery (shortly after his writing, the Pennsylvania Abolitionist Society was formed); and most famously the publication of the pamphlet titled Common Sense which was written in common language so that everyone could access the big ideas within its pages.  As a result, the colonists in America felt empowered to demand what was right.  Sarah Jane Marsh includes an author’s note elaborating on what happened to Thomas Paine.  His life was filled with ups and downs.  Marsh also includes a timeline and bibliography.  Edwin Fotheringham’s illustrative style emphasizes many of Paine’s dangerous words and the words that moved him to action as well.

@MsSarahJMarsh

@efotheringham

Title: Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word

Author: Sarah Jane Marsh

Illustrator: Edwin Fotheringham

ISBN: 978-148478144-9

Published 2018 by Disney Hyperion

This book was received from the publisher for purposes of review.

Frenemies in the Family: Famous Brothers and Sisters Who Butted Heads and Had Each Other’s Backs

I could NOT put this book down.  It kind of reads like a supermarket magazine, actually, but in the best possible way.  All the behind the scenes family drama I didn’t know I really wanted to know.  Kathleen Krull includes sources curated by each set of siblings which is very helpful for finding more information.  Ironically, I visited the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia just this past August with my mother and learned quite a bit about Chang and Eng Bunker there both in the section with the plaster mold of their coinjoined-ness and in the featured exhibit about the Civil War.  And (also over the summer) I read Deborah Heiligman’s Printz Award Winning (AND CYBILS Senior High Nonfiction Award Winner) Vincent and Theo. So, I’m familiar with some of the subjects of Frenemies in the Family, but within each story, I found nuggets of neatness.  I related to Steven Colbert’s mother  whose “rules” included: no fight between siblings could end without hugs and kisses; singing and dancing were always appropriate; and to never refuse a legitimate adventure.  Maple Lam’s comic illustration style brought humor to the pages, even those about sisters who REALLY didn’t like each other engaged in a pillow fight on the cover.  Kids and adults alike will love diving into the family dynamics in Frenemies in the Family.

@MapleLam

Title: Frenemies in the Family: Famous Brothers and Sisters Who Butted Heads and Had Each Other’s Backs

Author: Kathleen Krull

Illustrator: Maple Lam

ISBN: 978-0-399-55124-6

Published 2018 by Crown Books for Young Readers

This book was received from the publisher for purposes of review.

Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs

Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers is a stellar exemplar of narrative nonfiction.  The story progresses naturally beginning with the Etruscan pygmy shrew and the Amau frog.  Both are shown with fabulous perspective with the shrew happening to fall upon the page of a book with what looks like a gigantic pencil by comparison and the Amau frog rests on the tip of a finger, smaller than the size of a fingernail.  Stephanie Laberis is a master of captivating the audience with illustrations that both entertain and educate.  My son (part of that captivated audience) was tickled by the stinky hoatzin and the smellier than a skunk (though with similar striping) zorilla.  Any readers who love animals are going to find some new underdogs to love in Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers.

@mstewartscience

Title: Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs

Author: Melissa Stewart

Illustrator: Stephanie Laberis

ISBN: 978-1-56145-936-0

Published 2018 by Peachtree Publishers

This book received from the publisher for purposes of review.

Meet My Family: Animal Babies and their Families

I am accustomed to reading poetry by Laura Purdie Salas (I’m a big fan) and even poetic nonfiction but as she delves into a more traditional nonfiction style, I’m happy to tag along for the ride.  Much like the rhesus macaque infant might take a ride on a dog.  I love that Meet My Family, a book about animal babies, mirrors our world of families taking on many shapes and sizes in the human world in 2018.  From small families to large, those with two moms, two dads, or adoptive parents, single parents, and parents who “work” away from the home, children will find a family that reflects their own reflected in the natural world.  Stephanie Fizer Coleman injects joy into each of the illustrations of unique family interactions.

@LauraPSalas

@stephaniefizer 

Title: Meet My Family: Animal Babies and their Families

Author: Laura Purdie Salas

Illustrator: Stephanie Fizer Coleman

ISBN: 978-1-5124-2532-1

Published 2018 by Millbrook Press

This book was borrowed from the public library for purposes of review.

What Do They Do With All That Poo?

I LOVE this book.  But I don’t love that I’m left wanting more.  More resources to learn more.  The book seems to reference poo practices at specific zoos like Woodland Park Zooin Seattle, but there is no back matter with more information about WormDoo.  I also want to learn more about ZooManoo, Zoo Doo, and Pachy Poo.  I realize this might sound funny, but I’m a fan of composting and this seems like a real problem that is piling up.  And I’ve never given it a second thought before but when you give kids a book about a problem, like 5,000 pounds of poo a day from one zoo, they’re going to want to think about how they can help.  Give them the information.  Kids will figure it out!  I’m interested to check out the author’s website to see if there is more information or links listed there.  Conceptually, great book.  Illustrations were executed well.  But I want more. Not more poo. 5,000 pounds is plenty.

In the meantime, I found some more info on each product - if you'd like to learn more too, check out these sites:

Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle

Zoo Doo and Worm Doo

Pachy Poo

Zoo Manoo

@janekurtz

Title: What Do They Do With All That Poo?

Author: Jane Kurtz

Illustrator: Allison Black

ISBN: 978-1-4814-7986-8

Published 2018 by Beach Lane Books

This book was borrowed from the public library for purposes of review.

The True Tale of a Giantess: The Story of Anna Swan

On the heels of the blockbuster film, The Greatest Showman, The True Tale of a Giantess: The Story of Anna Swan (one of P.T. Barnum’s Wonders) is sure to entrance readers.  As a CYBILS reviewer, I’ve often said that truth is stranger than fiction and Anna’s story is a prime example.  Her family learned to capitalize on her height early on, showcasing her celebrity at County Fairs.  They also advocated for her continued education as she embarked on her adventure to New York to join P.T. Barnum’s Gallery of Wonders with her mother as a chaperone until age 18 and 3 years of private tutoring.  The only thing I find lacking in this book is a timeline, I think it would be helpful to follow Anna’s story in a different fashion but otherwise, I love the story and Author’s Note which elaborates on some details and provides photographs for readers as a point of reference.  The Author’s Sources are listed, including books, magazine articles, and newspapers (which also demonstrates Anna’s celebrity in her lifetime). 

A somewhat side note, I also really really like the dedications:

“To those of us who sometimes feel we do not fit.” – A.R.

“For all my friends, who think they don’t fit, the story of a brave young lady who finally did.” – M.L.

Title: The True Tale of a Giantess: The Story of Anna Swan

Author:Anne Renaud

Illustrator: Maria LaFrance

ISBN: 978-1-77138-376-9

Published 2018 by Kids Can Press

This book was borrowed from the public library for purposes of review.

While Anna Swan doesn't seem to be a part of the film's iconic song and dance number, several of her fellow Wonders are featured here.

Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire

In looking back at Disney films, you may notice a dramatic shift in use of color that seems jarring and it was (jarring) to the “Nine Old Men” who were approving work at that time and did not approve of the use of these bright and beautiful hues.  But that didn’t stop Mary Blair and once she got started, she didn’t stop.  Well, she did stop at Disney Studios when she felt she was not able to get her ideas from the page to the screen, but she came back and was commissioned to create a ride.  You may have heard of it (and never been able to get the song out of your head too…): It’s a Small World!  Mary traveled the world and collected images that she painted in bright colors and geometric patterns that she brought back to put together to create this ride that was a quick tour around the world showing all we have in common and our unique cultural differences.  Brigette Barrager does a beautiful job of bringing Mary’s colors and shapes to life on the pages of Pocket Full of Colors and Amy Guglielmo and Jacquline Tourville work together to tell the story of this remarkable woman in a world full of men, both at Disney and in advertising.  Mary Blair’s genius and modern art brought Disney into the next phase of imagineering.

Amy Guglielmo

@amyguglielmo

Jacqueline Tourville

@jatourville

http://brigetteb.com/

Title: Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire

Author: Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville

Illustrator: Brigette Barrager

Published 2017 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 978-1-4814-6131-3

Long May She Wave: The True Story of Caroline Pickersgill and Her Star Spangled Creation

I sure do love me some block printing and Holly Berry is clearly a master.  The spread that references the “dawn’s early light” with the changing colors of sunrise on the black buildings is gorgeous and reminiscent of an etching process of putting black over another color and scratching through with a toothpick but to accomplish this effect with block printing is just beyond gorgeous.  Sources are included as is an Author’s Note and the full text (with four verses!?) of The Star-Spangled Banner.  Kristen Fulton does an excellent job of giving context to the lyrics of the poem, “Defense of Fort M’Henry,” penned by Alexander Scott Key through the eyes of seamstress, Caroline Pickersgill.

kristenfulton.com 

@kristenfulton

hollyberrydesign.com 

@hollyberrybooks

Title: Long May She Wave: The True Story of Caroline Pickersgill and Her Star Spangled Creation

Author: Kristen Fulton

Illustrator: Holly Berry

Published 2017 by Margaret K. McElderry Books

ISBN: 9781481460965

This book was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Margaret and the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saved the First Lunar Landing

The day after reading “Margaret and the Moon”, I saw Lego is releasing a set of Women of NASA including Margaret Hamilton with her code.  Since I had read the book the night before, I made the connection between the female scientist and her huge pile of papers of code.  

That pile of code physically symbolizes (well it’s not a symbol, it’s the real deal) a human thinking about every possible eventuality related to a moon landing, and as it turned out Margaret had anticipated exactly what happened and programmed an override to take care of the problem.  Lucy Knisley’s illustrations match Dean Robbins’ storytelling of Margaret’s life perfectly and make her story accessible for all readers.  The author’s note gives further background and the bibliography and additional reading offer readers more options to learn more about Margaret and many of the people involved with the landing of Apollo 11.  Margaret’s story illustrates a message of perseverance and problem solving that inspires us all to reach for the stars and the moon.

deanrobbins.net

@DeanRobbins

lucyknisley.com 

@LucyKnisley

Title: Margaret and the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saved the First Lunar Landing

Author: Dean Robbins

Illustrator: Lucy Knisley

Published 2017 by Alfred A. Knopf

ISBN: 978-0-399-55185-7

This book was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs/ Inequality

Similar to what Jacqueline Davies (author of Lemonade Wars) shared at a keynote address two years ago.  Her mother didn’t encourage her to read by reading to her.  In fact, she never read to her.  Instead, she read herself.  Making it appear (as it was) to be the most delicious escape activity there ever was.  By default, her children wanted to read too.  And there were books galore.  Ruth Bader Ginsburg grew up in a similar environment, one where her mother devoured books and they could have been about just about anything, if only she had grown up in a different time.  Thankfully, Ruth did grow up in a different time, but not different enough that her path would be without challenges, but they were surmountable and Ruth did whatever she had to do, including studying in the bathroom, lest she look “too smart.”  Later, she stood up for what she knew was right, including equal pay for equal work.  In the verdict of the book, Jonah Winter writes “…she did not give up…she refused to let other people define her limitations as a person.”

jonahwinter.com 

stacyinnerst.com 

@StacyInnerst

Title: Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs/ Inequality

Author: Jonah Winter

Illustrator: Stacy Innerst

Published 2017 by Abrams Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 978-1-4197-2559-3

This book was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Radiant Child

Javaka Steptoe’s use of reclaimed wood from Brooklyn to create his art for “Radiant Child” demonstrates a commitment to authenticity in crafting illustrations that pay tribute to the subject, Jean-Michel Basquiat.  Steptoe distills the story to become one that children can relate to, especially Basquiat’s wanting to learn everything about art and artists while visiting museums in order to join their ranks and become a famous artist one day too.  I think students will also find his study of Gray’s Anatomy interesting while he studied the book and learned to draw body parts accurately and well in order to heal himself inside and out.  Photo credit is noted but a bibliography is not and I think this could be helpful for young readers to learn more who are interested in doing so.  I like that the motifs and symbolism of Basquiat’s work is included with an explanation of each.  Children could go back through the pages looking more closely for each throughout.

javaka.com 

Title: Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michele Basquiat

Author: Javaka Steptoe

Published 2016 by Little, Brown and Company

ISBN: 978-0-316-21388-2

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

The Legendary Miss Lena Horne

Anyone who has read my reviews of CYBILS nonfiction books in the past knows I am a particular fan of Elizabeth Zunon.  Her work on The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind makes it one of my all time favorites.  She does not disappoint with her work in The Legendary Miss Lena Horne.  As I’ve been getting started reading nonfiction books for this year’s CYBILS panel, I’ve been focusing on reading books with my children whenever I can to get their perspective.  My son gravitates to animal books and demands I read all of them to him, preferably books that feature multiple animals.  With my daughter, I’ve been reading any and all of the books about strong female figures and Girls Who Code.  She has been loving learning about these women through history and modern time along with me.  So, The Legendary Miss Lena Horne was one that we read together.

The book opens with a quote from Lena Horne that can apply to anyone: “You have to be taught to be second class; you’re not born that way.”  Lena Horne refused, with the support and backing of the NAACP to play roles that she viewed as being beneath her or portraying black women as second class citizens.

Included are an author’s note, bibliography, and sources for further reading, listening, and viewing.

Count Basie gave Lena advice that she seized later in her career, “They don’t give us a chance very often, and when they do, we have to take it.”

Take all the chances and risks life throws at you.

CBWeatherford.com 

LizZunon.com 

@ElizabethZunon

Title: The Legendary Miss Lena Horne

Author: Carole Boston Weatherford

Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon

Published 2017 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 978-1-4814-6824-4

This book was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.