A children’s book that gives readers a thorough, enriching new look at the moon.
The moon certainly has its share of folklore involving werewolves or green cheese. But what about the facts? How big is it, and what’s it really made of? And how do we teach kids these facts in an interesting way? This gorgeously written children’s book answers all those questions, and many others. It begins with an overview of the solar system, and then focuses on the moon’s formation. It eventually covers everything from lunar dust and the moon’s effect on tides to the dark regions called maria, thought by Galileo to be vast seas on the moon’s surface. It also covers, in great detail, the 1969 Apollo 11 landing, complete with facts and figures regarding the astronauts’ journey. It even takes a peek at NASA’s most recent moon exploration tool called LADEE (Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer). The New York Times once dubbed Simon (Coral Reefs, 2014, etc.) “the dean of [children’s science] writers” so it’s not surprising that his latest tome is a wonderfully thorough, engaging science book. It’s often easy for kids to pass off science as boring (all those facts!), but Simon truly understands how to speak to his audience. His language is spot-on: never too dry, but also never too conversational. His prose urges young and old readers to press on and learn more about each topic, and the glossy photographic images add to the wonder of the words on the page. Another brilliant addition is the glossary at the back: It details, by page, the history and importance of each image, from shots of craters on the moon’s surface to historic events. This attention to detail will definitely inspire children to do further research; as such, this work would be an asset in schools.
An educational, engaging science text.
Pub Date: May 1, 2014
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 33
Publisher: StarWalk Kids Media
Review Posted Online: July 9, 2014
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Essential.
A guidebook for taking action against racism.
The clear title and bold, colorful illustrations will immediately draw attention to this book, designed to guide each reader on a personal journey to work to dismantle racism. In the author’s note, Jewell begins with explanations about word choice, including the use of the terms “folx,” because it is gender neutral, and “global majority,” noting that marginalized communities of color are actually the majority in the world. She also chooses to capitalize Black, Brown, and Indigenous as a way of centering these communities’ voices; "white" is not capitalized. Organized in four sections—identity, history, taking action, and working in solidarity—each chapter builds on the lessons of the previous section. Underlined words are defined in the glossary, but Jewell unpacks concepts around race in an accessible way, bringing attention to common misunderstandings. Activities are included at the end of each chapter; they are effective, prompting both self-reflection and action steps from readers. The activities are designed to not be written inside the actual book; instead Jewell invites readers to find a special notebook and favorite pen and use that throughout. Combining the disruption of common fallacies, spotlights on change makers, the author’s personal reflections, and a call to action, this powerful book has something for all young people no matter what stage they are at in terms of awareness or activism.
Essential. (author’s note, further reading, glossary, select bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10-18)Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-7112-4521-1
Page Count: 160
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
PROFILES
An authentic and moving time capsule of middle school angst, trauma, and joy.
Through the author’s own childhood diary entries, a seventh grader details her inner life before and after 9/11.
Alyssa’s diary entries start in September 2000, in the first week of her seventh grade year. She’s 11 and dealing with typical preteen concerns—popularity and anxiety about grades—along with other things more particular to her own life. She’s shuffling between Queens and Manhattan to share time between her divorced parents and struggling with thick facial hair and classmates who make her feel like she’s “not a whole person” due to her mixed White and Puerto Rican heritage. Alyssa is endlessly earnest and awkward as she works up the courage to talk to her crush, Alejandro; gushes about her dreams of becoming a shoe designer; and tries to solve her burgeoning unibrow problem. The diaries also have a darker side, as a sense of impending doom builds as the entries approach 9/11, especially because Alyssa’s father works in finance in the World Trade Center. As a number of the diary entries are taken directly from the author’s originals, they effortlessly capture the loud, confusing feelings middle school brings out. The artwork, in its muted but effective periwinkle tones, lends a satisfying layer to the diary’s accessible and delightful format.
An authentic and moving time capsule of middle school angst, trauma, and joy. (author's note) (Graphic memoir. 8-13)Pub Date: Aug. 17, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-77427-9
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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