libscote's reviews
6324 reviews

Everywhere Beauty Is Harlem: The Vision of Photographer Roy DeCarava by Gary Golio

hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

3.5

Beautiful illustrations tell the story of Roy Decarava's life, a photographer who worked a lot in the Harlem area. I appreciated learning about his life. This one could practically be used in story time with preschoolers.

Abuelo, the Sea, and Me by Ismée Williams, Tatiana Gardel

emotional medium-paced

4.0

This is a really sweet story of a grandfather and a granddaughter spending time together. I really appreciated the way the relationship was a little happy and a little sad, for the grandfather misses his homeland. 

Vacation: Three-and-a-Half Stories by Ame Dyckman

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

Bat, Cat, and Rat want to go on a vacation but can't agree on where. They bicker but eventually come to an agreement. The pictures by Teague are quite fun, and the text has more of a storyline than many beginner books. 

Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills by Donna Janell Bowman, Billy Mills

hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

A look at the life of Billy Mills, an American gold medalist in the 10,000 meter track event. This book shows the hardships he overcame to do that and what he is doing now. Nelson's illustrations fit the story well, and I loved his note in the back about what inspired him to do it. 

Amazing Abe: How Abraham Cahan's Newspaper Gave a Voice to Jewish Immigrants by Norman H. Finkelstein

informative medium-paced

3.0

Abraham Cahan was born and raised in what is now Lithuania in 1860. He grew up speaking Yiddish, a language many Jewish people spoke that was a combination of Hebrew and words from other languages where Jewish people lived. He fought for immigrant and worker rights and wrote a newspaper that connected Jewish people all over the United States called Forverts. His life may be inspiring for many.

Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A

3.0

I think this story will be a hit--vehicles, easy to read, and cute frogs.

Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear

informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A book that informs people of a time when noodles were delivered by BICYCLE in Tokyo. Amazing!

Jimmy's Rhythm and Blues: The Extraordinary Life of James Baldwin by Michelle Meadows

informative medium-paced

3.0

I honestly didn't know a lot about Baldwin before this book. I think it's a good introduction to this man, appropriate for children but still giving the ups and downs of his life. 

Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

A beautifully illustrated overview of Hawaiian culture. 

John the Skeleton by Triinu Laan

funny lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

I don't know who thought of telling a story about a retired school model skeleton, but I love this story about John, who is adopted in retirement by an elderly couple who include him in their lives. Beautiful and a little weird, like the best books. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death