Book Review: The Branch

THE BRANCH by Mireille Messier is a heartwarming picture book about a young girl and her neighbor who repurpose a broken branch.

A young girl is devastated when an ice storm snaps a favorite branch off a tree in her yard. After describing her many experiences playing on the branch, her neighbor helps the girl transform the piece of wood into something new.

Librarians will find this multigenerational story of renewal to be filled with learning opportunities. From STEAM projects to library makerspaces, this picture book is a wonderful tool for jumpstarting imagination and creativity.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.mireille.ca/.

Published by Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Not-So-Faraway Adventure

THE NOT-SO-FARAWAY ADVENTURE by Andrew Larson is a heartwarming picture book telling the story of a child and her grandfather who plan a trip to the beach together.

Theo enjoys exploring her grandfather’s trunk full of photographs, maps, postcards, and other items from his many adventures. For her grandfather’s birthday, she plans a trip to the beach where they have an adventure together.

The simple, colorful illustrations effectively capture the day-to-day activities of Theo and her Poppa drawing readers into the story.

From the memory trunk and map making activity to the family beach adventure, librarians will find this multi-generational book appeals to young readers. The engaging story provides endless opportunities for classroom discussions and activities.

To learn more about the author, go to http://andrewlarsen.ca/.
To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://ireneluxbacher.com/.

Published by Kids Can Press on April 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Unbecoming

UNBECOMING by Jenny Downham is a compelling work of realistic fiction focusing on family secrets and

three generations of women.

When Katie’s estranged grandmother suddenly moves into her home, the whole family must adjust to not only grandma’s dementia but also to long hidden family secrets. Multiple crises converge as Katie adjusts to a realization about her own sexuality, tries to understand her mother’s bizarre behavior, and wrestles with her younger brother’s special needs.

Downham’s beautifully written prose provides fascinating insights into the lives of a grandmother, mother, and teenaged daughter. This poignant, moving story will resonate with many teens.

Librarians will want to add this book to their growing collection of young adult novels focusing on multi-generational issues. Young adults are likely to enjoy the authentic look at aging, relationships, and family secrets.

Published by David Fickling Books, an imprint of Scholastic on February 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.