barberchicago_books's reviews
1054 reviews

Echo by Adam Rex

emotional reflective medium-paced

4.0

Echo packs a lot into its beautifully illustrated 48 pages: from learning how to disagree, to understanding how boring life would be if we were all the same. This is one of those books that you might go back to for many, many different lessons. Teachers can use it as a mentor text for character feelings and character change, and social-emotional lesson abound! 

Thank You, Teacher! by Supriya Kelkar

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.5

There are a lot of books out there focused on educators and librarians. Kelkar's focus on empathy, gratitude, and inclusiveness make Thank You, Teacher! stand out from the rest. From the lyrical text to her signature collage, Kelkar's book uplifts a diverse, welcoming classroom where all students are seen and feel a sense of belonging, all because of their teachers.

Prince Among Slaves by N. H. Senzai

challenging dark informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.5

An extraordinary story that needs to be lifted into the light.
I had tears in my eyes reading Prince Among Slaves, a story of courage, resilience, and determination made only better because it is true. Delving into Abdulrahman's life - and gaining a deeper understanding of the Muslim faith in area other than South Asia and the Middle East - was eye-opening learning for me, and will be for students as well. The art and texts melds together to create a luminous text that will inspire young readers.

The Gift of Eid by Shifa Saltagi Safadi

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

4.5

Much love for this twist on The Gift of the Magi, this time set in Syria prior to Eid.
The illustrations - from the endpapers to the page spreads - contain gorgeously muted colors with meaningful exceptions. More importantly, the lessons of love and family being more vital than material things are something from which all people - age 5 to 105- can learn.
The Gift of Eid would make a great compare/contrast text to the story of The Gift of the Magi, as well as a wonderful window into a cultural celebration and a mirror to those Syrians who need stories of joy now more than ever.

Odder by Katherine Applegate

adventurous hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

4.5

Beautiful full-color illustrations and a wondrous, lyrical story bring Odder to a younger audience, who will learn that "teaching and loving are different words for the same thing."
Applegate adapts her bestselling novel-in-verse for our littlest readers and keeps the magic of Odder and the science of the Monterey Bay Aquarium alive. Countless readers will be thrilled to welcome Odder back into their hearts!
Don't miss the back matter, which features the true stories of the sea otters from whom Odder was born.

To See an Owl by Matthew Cordell

adventurous hopeful informative inspiring mysterious slow-paced

4.5

A stunning blend of art and science makes this picture book a great one for classrooms and libraries. Cordell, a birder himself, takes us on a journey with Janie, a young girl and birder on a quest to see an owl. Throughout her journey, Janie learns how to spot - and listen for - clues that owls might be near. Cordell's drawings are, as always, gorgeous, showing what Janie learns about owls. It was wonderful to see Janie's patience and persistence pay off, a lesson for kids whom instant gratification is the norm.

Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri

dark emotional hopeful slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

One of my favorites of the year. I am obsessed with this book, which tackles the topic of grief in a magical, ethereal way, while also playing with words in a way that's so meaningful. Absolutely loved.

Girls on the Rise by Amanda Gorman

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75

Tears are bubbling in my eyes as I write this. I'm a girl, a sister, a mom, a daughter, a friend, and every single line spoke to me. These words need to be whispered - no, shouted - throughout the world so every soul feels the power of girls.

Don't Trust Fish! by Neil Sharpson

funny informative fast-paced

4.25

Still giggling! Part science classification and vocabulary lessons, part hilariously STERN warning, Don't Trust Fish will have kids giggling as they learn! Santat's illustrations bring Sharpson's side-splitting story to life, but nothing can prepare you for the plot twist at the end!

Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave by Drew Beckmeyer

adventurous funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Drew Beckmeyer is the creator of one of my favorite books, I Am a Tornado. His ability to fuse art and words into a story that teaches you so much while also warming your heart is extraordinary. Stalactite & Stalagmite are no exception. The breadth of scientific history covered in this picture book could be overwhelming, yet Beckmeyer grounds it in these two characters who grow closer over millions of years as they make funny observations on the immenseness of events occurring around them.  
Learning + humor is always a win.