Book Review: Secret Tree Fort

SECRET TREE FORT by Brianne Farley is a charming picture book about two sisters with different ideas about how to spend an afternoon outdoors.

When siblings are told to “go outside and play,” the young girl tried to convince her sister that they should play together. When she’s ignored, the girl uses her imagination to weave an amazing story of a secret fort. Colorful illustrations bring the imaginary fort to life.

Librarians know that forts are always a popular topic. Use this sweet picture book as a read-aloud and encourage children to draw pictures of their own imaginary tree fort.

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

Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Nettie and Nellie Crook: Orphan Train Twins

NETTIE AND NELLIE CROOK: ORPHAN TRAIN SISTERS by E. F. Abbott is based on the true experiences of twin girls in the early 20th century.

When their parents can no longer take care of them, Nettie and Nellie are taken by the Children’s Aid Society to live in an orphanage. Eventually, they travel to Kansas then South Dakota to be adopted.

Orphan train stories are popular with children. Readers will enjoy the biographical information and the historical photographs will bring the time period to life for readers.

Librarians will find that this new series is a good way to introduce middle grade youth to the heartbreaking reality of children’s lives in key time periods in American history. Although written as historical fiction, the books are based on real events. The titles are short and easy-to-read making them useful for classroom activities.

Other books in the new “Based on a True Story” series include Sybil Ludington: Revolutionary War Rider, John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy, and Mary Jamison: Native American Captive.

Published by Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan on February 16, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez

THE MIDNIGHT WAR OF MATEO MARTINEZ by Robin Yardi tells the captivating story of a boy who encounters anthropomorphic skunks in his neighborhood.

When two talking skunks steal his old trike, Mateo, his little sister Mila, and his friend Ashwin must work together to figure out what’s happening in their neighborhood late at night.

This story about friendship and family will appeal to middle grade readers who enjoy a bit of magical realism in their stories.

Librarians will find this quick-read to be popular wth a wide range of readers. The animal and medieval themes along with the fast-paced approach will particularly appeal to boys and reluctant readers.

Although not a focal point of the story, Mateo’s concerns about language and his Mexican-American heritage make this book a useful entry into the library’s diversity collection. It’s also refreshing to find an Indian-American character.

A discussion guide, bookmark, and activity ideas are available at the author’s website.

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

Published by Carolrhoda Books, an imprint of Lerner. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Sisters

Raina Telgemeier is known for her popular graphic novels and memoir for youth. Like its companion SMILE, SISTERS by Raina Telgemeier weaves together a humorous, relatable story. In this case, the plot unfolds during a family road trip from California to Colorado. Having grown up in a family who took car vacations in a Volkswagon Beetle, I could relate to the experience of traveling with siblings.

Telgemeier’s use of present-day narrative combined with flashbacks keeps the reader constantly engaged in this quick read. The illustrations are clean and easy to follow, while the dialog is realistic and light.

SISTERS is perfect for the target audience and is likely to encourage even reluctant readers to look for Telgemeier” earlier works.

I had the opportunity to see Raina Telgemeier do a Reader’s Theater excerpt from this book at ALA in Las Vegas. It was hilarious! I highly recommend both the book and the author!

To learn more about Raina Telgemeier, go to http://goraina.com/

Publisher ARC used for review