Book Review: City Shapes

CITY SHAPES by Diana Murray is a beautifully illustrated picture book examining shapes found in everyday life.

Written for young children, the story follows a young girl as she discovers shapes all around her. Young children will find hidden shapes found throughout the book.

This engaging concept book encourages readers to re-read the story looking for shapes they may have missed the first time through.

Librarians will find that this colorful picture book provides an excellent exploration of shapes “all around us”. After reading the story, provide art tools or digital cameras and ask children to go out and find shapes in their world.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.dianamurray.com/.

To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://www.bryancollier.com/.

Published by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette Book Group on June 21, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Scarlett Undercover

SCARLETT UNDERCOVER by Jennifer Latham is a riveting detective novel for today’s teens. Move over Nancy Drew, Scarlett is on the case.

Having graduated from high school early, Scarlett has established herself as an urban, private detective. Her matter of fact approach is reminiscent of Joe Friday of Dragnet fame. Even the cadence of Latham’s writing fits with the methodical approach of Scarlett’s investigation.

What begins as an investigation of a questionable suicide, turn into a heart-pounding quest involving ancient artifacts, perceived magical powers, and possibly the truth about the death of Scarlett’s father.

Designed for ages 12 and up, this mystery provides an alternative to traditional detective novel for young adults. This sharp, black Muslim heroine provides a fresh perspective for the mystery genre and introduces readers to a diverse cast of fascinating characters. This book is an important purchase for those seeing to expand their inclusion of diverse works in their library collection.

To learn more about the author, go to her website at http://www.jenniferlatham.com/.

Published by Little, Brown and Company on May 19, 2015.

Book Review: Lost in NYC: Subway Adventure

LOST IN NYC: A SUBWAY ADVENTURE written by Nagja Spiegelman and illustrated by Sergio García Sánchez combines an exciting urban adventure with a fascinating informational reading experience for young learners.

A TOON Graphics book, the story features a school field trip that goes awry for a member of the class when he gets lost in the subway on his way to the Empire State Building in New York City.

This beautifully illustrated book features subway maps, collages with historical photos, subway symbols, and visually stunning graphic story elements.

Spiegelman’s carefully researched children’s book contains both a realistic fiction element along with carefully researched information about the history and geography of New York City and it’s unique subway system.

Available in both English and Spanish versions, this is a must-have book for elementary libraries. Both urban dwellers and those longing to visit the city will find the authentic story and background information appealing.

This outstanding graphic work is excellent for both visual and verbal literacy activities. It’s likely to be on lots of “best of 2015” lists this year.

Download an outstanding teacher’s guide to go with the book at http://goo.gl/AKedTQ.

Published by Toon Books on April 7, 2015. ARC courtesy of Edelweiss.