To Change a Planet by Christina Soontornvat

To Change a Planet

Christina Soontornvat, Author

Rahele Jomepour Bell, Illustrator

Scholastic Press, Nonfiction, Aug. 2, 2022

Suitable for Ages: 4-8

Themes: Earth science, Climate change, Activism, Making a difference

Opening: “Our planet. Big, tough, dependable. Our planet has spun through eons of time. Mere moments ago, we arrived.”

Publisher’s Synopsis:

A clarion call to protect our planet, our only home.

One person. Small, quiet,

insignificant.

But when one person,

and one person,

and one person

become many,

they can change

a planet.

Spare, poetic text and breathtaking pictures invite readers on a stirring journey that gently illuminates the causes of climate change as well as how our individual and collective actions can make the world better.

Meticulously researched and brimming with hope and hands-on solutions that will edify and empower even the youngest readers. To Change a Planet is a loving ode to our only home and vital for every child, classroom, and family.

Why I love To Change a Planet:

To Change a Planet is an extraordinary introductory picture book about climate change and caring for our planet. Christina Soontorvat’s text is short and lyrical, but its powerful message will speak to the hearts of children in a hopeful and meaningful manner. There is so much beauty in this book. Rahele Jomepour Bell’s eye-popping gouache illustrations are rich in detail and draw readers into the story. Beautiful collaborative work between the author and illustrator.

I’m impressed with Soontorvat’s research for her informative book. As a result, children of all ages will enjoy this gem. She includes a little bit of earth history and science in her text, as well as a call to action. My favorite books to share are those that encourage children to make a difference in their world. Older children will want to read “More About Climate Change” in the double-spread at the end of the book. This is book is a beautiful addition to your home or school library, as it can be used in so many ways.

Resources: The best place to start talking about climate change is at home. Use the information in the book to look at how you and your family can conserve energy and become more environmentally-friendly. At school there are many suggestions about getting involved from writing letters to your city council or legislators to talking with with neighbors and participating in marches..

Christina Soontornvat began this book during a time when she was searching for hope. “As I wrote, I realized that the mechanism behind climate change — many small things coming together to make a big impact — also gives us a framework, for how we can work together to help our planet. Hope is the first step in problem-solving, and I am hopeful we can change our future for the better.” Christina is a two-time Newbery Award honoree of A Wish in the Dark and All Thirteen, which also won the Kirkus Prize and Sibert Award. A former science educator, she holds a BS in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in science and education. Christina lives in Austin, Texas, with her family. Learn more at her website: http://www.soontornvat.com.

Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.

*Reviewed from a library copy.

True or False?: The Science of Perception, Misinformation, and Disinformation by Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD – MMGM

True of False? – The Science of Perception, Misinformation, and Disinformation

Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD

Magination Press, Nonfiction, Aug. 6, 2024

Pages: 192

Suitable for ages 10 -18

Themes: Information behavior, Psychological aspects, Errors, Truthfulness, Falsehood, Critical thinking

Publisher’s Synopsis:

Written for pre-teens and young teens in lively text accompanied by fun facts, True or False? The Science of Perception, Misinformation, and Disinformation explores what psychology tells us about development and persistence of false perceptions and beliefs and the difficulty of correcting them, plus ways to debunk misinformation and think critically and factually about the world around us.

This book explores how we think and perceive and why false beliefs, superstitions, opinions, misinformation, or wild guesses can just stick around and mess things up. You’ll see how misunderstandings and misuse of scientific findings can lead people to the wrong conclusions. Readers learn how to outsmart their brain to gain critical thinking skills and find ways to identify and correct false beliefs and disinformation.

Our big brains are super-efficient but glitchy. Scientists estimate that 90% of what we see, hear, smell, or sense never really sinks in. Instead, we pick up on the big things, general impressions, or important stuff and end up leaving our brains to fill in the missing info. And on top of that, people sometimes twist information on purpose. False beliefs can be shared from person to person or go viral in a flash, often by people who think the info is true.

So how in the world do we know what’s real, what’s true, or who to believe? Dig in and get the facts!

What I like about True or False?

With social media, AI, and the noisy bombardment of chatter around us, True or False? is a very timely book and one that is especially valuable for preteens, teens, and parents. It will be available to the public on August 6,, so I hope school libraries add this gem to their list of purchases because it opens the door for so many important discussions in the classroom. And it will give them valuable tools for the future.

One of the author’s goals in writing this book is to foster critical thinking skills in youth at an earlier age because there is such a problem with misinformation and disinformation. Make sure you read her Note to Parents. This book is long overdue!

This beautifully designed book is divided into two parts: “Imperfect Minds: The Science of Perception and Misunderstanding and Evidence” and “Errors: The Science of Misinformation and Disinformation.” Every page is filled with colorful and lively artwork, and side bars like “Did You Know? and Try This” and “Check it Out.” The author introduces readers to a lot of information knowing that she will start them on a journey to question what they hear and see with the hopes that they will think more critically and learn to protect themselves.

Personal Note: This book appealed to me because I have been working on my own critical thinking skills for many years. I see it as a necessary as we move forward in the next few hundred years and create a new world. Teaching children these skills will benefit everyone.

Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD, is a retired clinical psychologist with over 30 years in private practice working with children and parents. She earned her PhD from University of Virginia and seved as Chief Facilitator for a medical resources project with Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and Carnegie Mellon University. Dr. Toner has co-authored several books with Claire A. B. Freeland, PhD, including three books in the What-To-Do Guides for Kids series as well as Psychology for Kids: The Science of the Mind and Behavior, Depression: A Teen’s Guide to Survive and Thrive and Yes I Can: A Girl and Her Wheelchair. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Visit her at http://www.jacquelinetoner.net.

Greg Pattridge hosts Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.

*Review copy provided by the Magination Press in exchange for a review.

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen – Perfect Picture Book Friday

Earth Day, April 22, 2024

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

Mia Wenjen, Author

Robert Sae-Heng, Illustrator

Barefoot Books, Nonfiction, 2023

Suitable for ages: 5-8

Themes: Agriculture, Sustainable farms, Food justice, Feeding the world, Future

Opening: “Can we feed the world without pollution? Sustainable farms are one solution. We can go back to old ways or try something new. Let’s take care of our Earth — for me and for you.”

With the growing concerns about food insecurity and climate change, Mia Wenjen’s rhyming picture book will inspire lively discussions among children about farming methods that will feed our world. Targeting this age group, is a brilliant idea, because it may nudge kids to get involved in their future. Robert Sae-Heng’s colorful illustrations compliment the text and feature a diverse characters and terrains.

Food for the Future explores salt farms in the United States that preserve ancient customs; a food forest in Kenya; honey farms in Yemen; mushrooms farms in Mexico; rooftop gardens in the United States; fish farms in Brazil; vertical tree gardens in Singapore; a terrace farm in Chile; biosphere ocean gardens in Italy; oyster nurseries in Australia; circular gardens designed for the heat in Senegal; and doba pits to collect rainfall in India.

Wenjen provides more detailed information about sustainable farming for older readers in the last eight pages of the book, She also highlights each of the farms. In an Author’s Note, she shares how she became interested in researching sustainable farms worldwide. And I love that she has dedicated the book to her daughter, Zoe, who is creating wind-farm-based aquaculture systems. This book belongs in school libraries and classrooms.

This is a perfect book to read with the worldwide celebration of Earth Day, April 22, 2024 . This year’s focus is on the 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040.

Resources: The book itself is a resource. I would encourage parents and teachers to research their own communities to find out what sustainable food practices are being used. Look what I found in my state, Ohio — the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association — and discovered a lot of sustainable food projects. I am sure you will find sustainable food programs in your communities.

Mia Wenjen enjoys boxing, gardening and yoga. Because Japanese cucumbers are not available where she lives, she sprouted them from seed and convinced her boxing gym friends to grow them as well. She lives in Boston with her husband, three children and a Golden Retriever. She blogs on parenting, education and children’s books at PragmaticMom.com and runs the nonprofit Multicultural Children’s Book Day every January.

*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for a review.

Hoops by Matt Tavares – Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Hoops

Matt Tavares, Author/Illustrator

Candlewick Press, Graphic novel, 2023

Pages: 224

Lupine Award Winner

Suitable for ages: 8-12

Themes: Girls, Basketball, Equality Perseverance, Community

Book Jacket Synopsis:

It’s 1976 and on Friday nights in Wilkins, Indiana, it seems like everyone in town shows up to cheer on the boys’ baskettball team. Cars fill the parking lot and fans pack the gymnasium for every home game.

Most people don’t know it, but Wilkins actually has more than one basketball team. An what the newly formed girls’ team lacks in resources they more than make up with grit and ball skill.

But teammates, Judi, Cindy and Lisa aren’t satisfied with being treate as an afterthought to the boys. They want equal access to the gym for practices and games, as well as uniforms, transportation to away games and everything else the boys get.

What will it take for the girls’ team to be recognized by their community — winning games, packing arenas, bringing home a state championship?

Why I love Hoops:

Based on the real-life story about an Indiana girl’s basketball team in the 1970s, Matt Tavares creatively captures the hearts and souls of these very tenacious girls who refuse to give up as they deal with the inequality in girls’ sports. Instead, they strengthen their resolve and shoot for the stars. This is an action-packed story about girl power! Thank you Matt Tavares!

The three main characters, Judi, Lisa and Cindy, have major obstacles to overcome when they join the team. They can’t practice at the gym, because the boys teams use the gym. They don’t have uniforms, so they take white T-shirts and use black electrical tape to create their numbers. They don’t have transportation to away-games. They even face skepticism from the cheerleaders who don’t understand why they want to play ball. They are creative and clever. And, did I mention — talented. They train hard, study the sport. watch the boys’ practices and develop clever strategies that fit their own skills.

I think Tavares’ debut graphic novel is the perfect medium to tell this story and will be loved by many girls. The lively and colorful illustrations vary from a full page to smaller frames, which will keep readers turning pages. I love how Tavares sneaks in illustrations of families listening to the games on the radio while their daughters are pretending they are shooting baskets. This fast-paced novel will keep girls engaged. I guanantee that when they finish, they will read the novel again.

Personal note: This book is intriguing to me because I graduated from high school in 1969. I think of my mother and her friends and the few options they had to pursue their dreams. But it was an exciting time, because change was in the air and Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman” was OUR marching song. And Barbara Walters and Gloria Steinem were my role models. I graduated from college in 1973 and had many doors open for me in my early years as a newspaper journalist. But, this book is definitely a great discussion book for grandmothers, daughters and grandchildren. It will help young girls understand how far we’ve come and how much there is still to do.

Make sure you read the Author’s Note about why he chose to tell this story in a graphic novel instead of a nonfiction book.

Matt Tavares is the author-illustrator of the New York Times best-selling picture book, Dasher, as well as Red and Lulu and several sports biographies, including Becoming Babe Ruth and Growing up Pedro. He is also the illustrator of Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeid, The Gibergergread Pirates by Kristin Kladstrup, ‘Twas. The Night Before Christmas, and Over the River and Through the Wood, among many other picture books. Matt Tavares lives in Maine.

Greg Pattridge hosts Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.

*Review copy provided by the Candlewick in exchange for a review.

Cloud Babies by Eoin Colfer – Perfect Picture Book Friday

Cloud Babies: Sometimes All We Need to Do Is Look Up

Eoin Colfer, Author

Chris Judge, Illustrator

Candlewick, Fiction, Apr. 11, 2023

Suitable for ages: 5-9

Themes: Childhood Illness, Clouds, Imagination, Family

Opening: ” Erin’s very first word was cat. “Did you say ‘cat’ honey?” said Dad. “I don’t see a cat.” But then Dad looked up and he saw it, too — a cat! “Your very own cloud baby,” said Dad.

Publisher’s Synopsis:

Six-year-old Erin’s favorite game is spotting animals in the clouds with her mom and dad—everything from fluffy foxes and polar bears to little rabbits. Even when Erin falls very ill and has to spend a long time in the hospital, she still manages to find joy in spying “cloud babies” through the window with her new hospital friends. When the doctor tells Erin she can go home, she is so excited! But being back at school is not at all what she expected—so much has changed, and Erin must reconcile the safe realm she’s just left with a world outside that has become unfamiliar. With Mom and Dad’s love and wisdom, however, and with the help of her teacher and friends, Erin comes to see that by sharing her experience she can find happiness again in just being herself. Sensitively told and vibrantly brought to life, Cloud Babies brings recognition and comfort to children facing illness or hardship, as well as guidance to those who wish to offer support but may not know where to start.

What I think:

Eoin Coffer has written a compassionate and imaginative picture book for children who are ill or are differently abled. Who doesn’t like to gaze at the sky and search for cloud pictures.. Coffer cleverly brings Erin’s hospital and school friends together which is a bridge in Erin’s recovery. This book is a gem. It is gorgeously illustrated by Chris Judge. It is a heartwarming story based on Judge’s family experience with childhood illness. And the children’s pictures are playfully painted by Judge’s children. Make sure you check out the front and back endpapers for more cloud babies.

This would also be an entertaining read for any child. iMost of us remember a time when we layed in the grass and looked to the skies and spotted clouds that took a familiar form. I find myself searching the skies when for pictures when the clouds are perfect.

Resources: The book is a wonderful resource. Perfectfor spring outdoor activities. Ask children to paint clouds on paper and draw faces of what they see. Or use cottonballs and shape into picture forms and glue to a sheet of paper. Have fun!

Eoin Colfer, New York Times best-selling author of the children’s fantasy series Artemis Fowl. His other notable books include Half Moon Investigations, Airman, and The Supernaturalist. The recipient of many awards, he lives in Ireland.

Chris Judge is the author-illustrator of The Lonely Beast, The Brave Beast, and the Snow Beast and the illustrator of the Danger Is Everywhere series by David O’Doherty. He lives in Dublin. You can find more of Chris Judge’s cloud babies on Instagram @adailycloud.

*Review copy provided by Candlewick in exchange for a review.

Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story by Jayme Sandberg – PPBF

Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story

Jayme Sandberg, Author

Kathleen Gadeken, Illustrator

It’s All Stories LLC, Nonfiction, Jul. 14, 2023

Suitable for ages: 5-8

Themes: Solar eclipse, Astronomy, Friendship, Emotions

Synopsis:

Sun is seriously out of sorts about the upcoming total solar eclipse. Will Earthlings go blind watching it? What will they think when Sun’s dependable light suddenly vanishes in the middle of the day? How could Moon betray their stellar friendship?

When totality finally arrives and Moon completely hides our brightest star from millions of Earthlings in its shadow, no one is more surprised than Sun to find Moon helped it shine in a totally different way.

What I think:

Jayme Sandberg introduces children to the once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse on Monday, April, in a fun and creative way. The first part of the story focuses on the importance of safety and the necessity of wearing special protective eyeware. She also talks about the science of the eclipse in an age-appropriate manner. It is also a story about the complex relationship and friendship between sun and moon. The sun is out of sorts with the moon being in the spotlight. So this is a heartfelt story about working together. Kathleen Gadeken’s illustrations are vibrant and will draw kids into the story.

Resources: Make sure you check out the Sun’s letter to Earthlings on the back of the book and the Memory Keeper page at the end where readers can’t document their own experiences about the event and day!

I live in Ohio and am very lucky to be in the direct path of the eclipse, There is a lot of excitement here. So this book is going to the grandchildren!. It also belongs in classroom and school libraries.

Jayme Sandberg, APR, is a born storyteller and trained communications expert. Her work has appeared in places ranging from national television PSAs and Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater, to top-tier national television, print and digital media. Her company, It’s All Stories LLC, helps people and businesses share their best stories with the audiences who need them most. This is Jayme’s first children’s picture book, Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story.

*Reviewed from a puchased copy.

Let’s Go Puddling! by Emma Perry – Perfect Picture Book Friday

Let’s Go Puddling!

Emma Perry, Author

Claire Alexander, Illustrator

Candlewick Press, Fictions, Apr. 25, 2023

Suitable for ages: 2 – 5

Themes: Rain, Puddles, Play, Nature

Opening: “Clouds gather, / skies darken, / rain falls, / puddles appear. / ” Let’s go!”

Publisher’s Synopsis:

Yippee! Here comes the rain! Three families meet up in front of their high-rise apartment building, all with the same idea. The children can’t wait to stimp-stamp-stomp through the muddy puddles until their boots overflow—then snuggle with the grown-ups on the couch as their soggy socks dry. Emma Perry’s buoyant text summons the thrill of being outdoors regardless of the weather, while Claire Alexander’s lively watercolors capture the children’s exuberant play amid the splashing drops.

Why I like this book:

Emma Perry’s joyful book about stomping around in the puddles on a rainy day will appeal to young readers. Just look at the delightful cover that will quickly grab their attention.

It will stir up memories for parents of puddling in the spring and summer. I loved the smell of the fresh summer rain on the pavement and doning a bathing suit to stomp around in the rain puddles and make mud pies.

Rhymic text reminds readers of the patter of raindrops and the use oonomatopoeic words will have children shouting them — Stimp, stamp, stomp, and splish, splash, splosh! Perfect book for children learning to recognize and read words.

The Claire Alexander’s pastel watercolors are lively and compliment the story. Very entertaining read. Kids will want to play and stomp around in the next rain day.

Resources: Depending upon the temperature, doan your rain coat and wellies or put on your bathing suit and splash in the puddles outside.

Emma Perry is the author of I Don’t Like Books, Never, Ever. The End, illsutrated by Sharion Davey, and This Book Has Alpacas and Bears, illustrated by Rikin Parekh. She works as a primary school teacher, is the founder of the children’s book review site My Book Corner, and runs International Book Giving Day. Emma Perry lives in Bath, England, with her husband, two children, and two cats.

*Review copy provided by Candlewick in exchange for a review.

What Does Hate Look Like? – Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays

What Does Hate Look Like?

Sameea Jimenez and Corinne Promislow, Authors

Larry Swartz, Illustrator

Second Story Press, Nonfiction, Mar. 7, 2023

Suitable for ages: 9 – 12

Themes: Hate speech, Social aspects, Prejudice, Violence, Discrimination, Students, Taking action

Publisher’s Synopsis:

We use the word hate all the time―“I hate vegetables” or “I hated that movie!”―but what about the hate that actually hurts someone? There are words, symbols, ideas, beliefs, and actions that cause pain―to us, our friends, family, neighbours, and school mates.

What if you’ve caused that kind of pain yourself? Or what if you, or someone you know, has been the victim of hate so scary it made you want to cry?

Real kids from real classrooms share their stories here to help us to see the bias, prejudice, violence, discrimination, and exclusion around us―what hate looks like to them. Why? So we can stand against hate and never be the cause of it. And to show us how to cope and get support if we have been hurt.

By sharing ous stories, we all become stronger. Our schools, neighbourhoods, and communities become safer and more kind, and hate doesn’t win.

What do I think?

Middle grade students will really relate to this eye-opening and interactive book! It features true stories from students about their experiences and thoughts about hate. Just what does hate look like to a tween? How do they deal with hate? Are they bystanders or upstanders? How have their experiences with hate shaped their lives? How will they move forward?

I love how Sameea Jimenez and Corinne Promislow explore hatred from a kid’s perspective. This short book will lead to many important discussions about the origins of hate, This is particularly tender age when teens see and hear “mean” all around them — at home, school, in the community, on television, and through cyberbullying. Students share stories of being followed in stores because of color and ethnicity; skin-shaming by friends; receiving homophobic notes on their lockers; being followed on the street and told to go back “to China” during the COVID pandemic; being subjected to body-shaming because of weight, facial differences, and wearing a hajib or hearing aids; and being excluded from athletics because of a disability.

The book has seven short chapters, coupled with poignant illustrations, photographs and special “Did You Know” facts about all forms of hate. The authors begin with symbols, graffitti and signs of hate, My favorite chapters are the last few chapters about what does the book mean to each reader and how they can take action in their own lives to stand up to hate.

Resources: This book belongs in every school library and is a tremendous resource for students and teachers. The last two chapters include “What Would You Do If…” And they include an interesting “Statistics” page on hate with Racism, Xenophobic and Antisemitic topping the list. I can’t praise this book enough.

Sameea Jimenez currently works as a teacher in the Toronto Distric School Board. Her teaching in Inner City schools for the past eight years, is rooted in anti-oppression and anti-racism. She specializes in social justice education and is an advocate for systemic change with educational institutions.

Corinne Promislo is currently a principal in the Toronto District School Board. With over 25 years of teaching and adminstrative experience, Corinne has been dedicated to confronting issues of hate and inequity in her work with students and educators.

Greg Pattridge hosts Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.

*Review copy provided by Second Story Press in exchange for a review.

Dazzle Makes a Wish by Cynthia Lord – Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Book Buddies: Dazzle Makes a Wish

Cynythia Lord, Author

Stephanie Graegin, Illustrator

Candlewick, Fiction, Mar. 21, 2023

Suitable for ages: 6-9

Themes: Library, Borrowing books, Repurposing toys, Friendship, Wish

Book Jacket Synopsis:

Dazzle is a toy unicorn whose tag says unicorns have the power to grant wishes. Dazzle wishes he had a child and a home of his own, but instead he gets sold at a yard sale and becomes one of the Book Buddies.

Maya has just moved and hopes Dazzle can grant her wish for a new friend. When a playdate doesn’t go as she hoped, Maya worries she hasn’t made a friend after all. Cann Dazzle and Maya help each other make their wishes come true?

From Newbery Honor winner Cynthia Lord and celebrated artist Stephanie Graegin, here is the thir title in a heartwarming series about a group of friendly toys at the library and the children who borrow them.

Why I like Dazzle Makes a Wish:

Children will find Cynthia Lord’s Book Buddies chapter book series charming and heartwarming. Fazzle Make a Wish is the third book, preceded by Ivy Lost and Found and Marco Polo Brave Explorer. It is the first series I’ve seen that pairs friendly toys with children who may need them to work through a difficult time. And what a terrific idea to repurpose the toys and give them a chance to be loved again by many more children. Such a great idea to check out a toy along with a book from a library.

Anne the librarian spots a beautiful white unicorn at a garage sale and promptly purchases it for the library Book Buddy program. Dazzle wishes for a home and child of his own. When he meets the other library toys, he’s disappointed, until Maya picks him for her buddy during story time. She is new and longs for a friend. She borrows Dazzle and their journey begins. Each toy has a journal, so when kids takes a buddy home, they have to write a story about what they do together — and boy does Maya have a lot to write about.

The short chapters will engage children, as will Graegin’s lovely pen and ink illustrations on nearly every page. I look forward to more Book Buddy adventures with new borrowers.

Cynthia Lord is the author of award-winning middle grade fiction titles such as the Newbery Honor Book Rules, and most recently Because of the Rabbit. She is also the author of Shelter Pet Squad chapter book series and the Book Buddies series. She lives in Maine.

Greg Pattridge hosts Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.

*Review copy provided by Candlewick in exchange for a review.

Mamie Phipps Clark: Champion for Children – Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Mamie Phipps Clark: Champion for Children

Lynnette Mawhinney, Author

Neil Evans, Illustrator

Magination Press, Biography, Feb. 6, 2024

Pages: 144

Suitable for ages: 10-13

Themes: Mamie Phipps Clark, African American psychologist, Women, Segregation, Education

Publisher’s Synopsis:

This inspiring graphic novel tells the story of groundbreaking psychologist and civil rights activist Mamie Phipps Clark, PhD and her research in the racial identity and development of self in Black children, the work that ultimately played a vital role in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case.

Part of American Psychological Association’s Extraordinary Women in Psychology series.

Mamie was born and raised in Hot Springs, Arkansas, during a time when United States laws intentionally disadvantaged Black people and permitted racial segregation. This profoundly impacted her life and work and instilled in her an unstoppable force to champion for Black children. Mamie made a difference with science – she studied math and psychology at Howard University. She was first the Black woman to graduate from Columbia University with a doctorate degree in psychology. Mamie expanded her earlier master’s research into the famous black-doll/white-doll experiments that exposed the negative effects of racial segregation in children. Along with her research partner and husband, Kenneth Clark, Mamie became expert witnesses in several school desegregation cases, including Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954, which effectively ended racial segregation in school. Mamie dedicated her life to advocate for children who deserved more than what society offered them and she built the Northside Center in Harlem, NY to support children with special needs, academic programs, and mental health services.

Filled with interesting news stories and thought-provoking activities, this book encourages readers to carry on Mamie’s legacy and become champions for themselves and others in their community.

My thoughts about Mamie Phipps Clark:

I always enjoy learning about women who have the courage to tackle big issues and make a difference that literally create change big change. Thank you Lynnette Mawhinney for undertaking the massive amount of research required to bring the important life of Mamie Phipps Clark (1917 – 1983) to life for young readers. This is the perfect classroom book for Black History Month.

Readers will enjoy that most Mamie’s everyday life story is reimagined as a graphic novel vividly illustrated by Neil Evans. She is an ordinary girl who sees injustices as a child, teen, and college student. She attended a segregated K-12 school for Black children, heard about lynchings, and experienced the fear of KKK mobs terrorizing her town. She began to ask herself at an early what she could do to help. A full scholarship to Howard University led her to study the impact of segregation on the racial identity of Black children. Her research changes the lives of black children for years to come.

Make sure you read the author’s note at the beginning of the novel. There are six chapters which highlight Mamie’s life and legacy. The author challenges her readers with additional information called “Did You Know” followed by a “Try This,” which encourages students to get involved in their communities. And she shares some of Mamie’s racial identity research, so that readers can use it in the classroom, Teachers will appreciate all of the thoughtful and important activities and suggestions.

Another another interesting fact is that Mamie married Dr. Kenneth Clark and they had two children — making her a working mom in the 1940s. Her husband was her ally and helped her publish her research, but he was also became the first Black tenured professor at City College in New York and the first Black president of the American Psychological Association.

Lynnette Mawhinney, Ph.D, is an award-winning scholar, educator and author of several books, including Lulu the One and Only. She lives in New Jersey. Visit lynettemawhinney.com and @lkmawhinney on X and instagram.

Greg Pattridge hosts Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.

*Review copy provided by Magination Press in exchange for a review.

Garvey in the Dark by Nikki Grimes – Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays

Garvey in the Dark

Nikki Grimes, Author

Wordsong, Novel in Verse, Oct. 25, 2022

Suitable for ages: 8-12

Themes: Pandemic, Uncertainty, Fear, Isolation, Poetry, Family, Friends

Publisher’s Synopsis:

Capturing the shock and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through the eyes of Garvey, a beloved character, Nikki Grimes’s newest novel in verse shows readers how to find hope in difficult times.

Garvey’s finally happy—he’s feeling close to his father through their shared love of music, bullies are no longer tormenting him, and his best friends Manny and Joe are by his side. But when the schools, stores, and restaurants close because people are getting sick, Garvey’s improved life goes into lockdown as well. And when Garvey’s father gets sick, Garvey must find a way to use his newfound musical skills to bring hope to both his father and himself. Moving, powerful, and beautifully told, this remarkable novel shows readers how even small acts have large reverberations, how every person can make a difference in this world, and how—even in the most difficult times—there are ways to reach for hope and healing.

Why I like this book:

Masterful storytelling. Nikki Grimes writes with great simplicity about a boy, Garvey, living through the COVID-19 pandemic experience. One of the things I love about her novel in verse is that it takes readers deeply into the hearts and minds of the characters. They really experience Garvey’s thoughts and emotions, which are very dark at times.

The story is character-driven with Garvey’s strong voice. At first COVID didn’t really effect Garvey’s life and he enjoyed having the time off. Other than his bossy sister, he still plays catch outside with his friend, Joe, and listens to music with his friend, Manny. Then his life comes to a halt with the lockdown. Online learning begins. While he’s on the computer, his mother is distance teaching with her students. Isolation, fear and uncertainty set in. The pandemic dominates the TV news. Garvey’s father is considered an essential worker and he eventually contracts COVID. Garveys days are dark and gloomy, but he uses his musical talents to bring hope to himself and his family.

Comfort

A few times a day

I turn up in the kitchen

hungry for something

to chew on besides worry,

thirsty for back-to-normal.

There is so much meaning in each word Grimes’s carefully chooses to tell the story. But because the novel is short, it isn’t a heavy read. She uses a form of poetry called Tanka. Make sure you read about this ancient poetry form at the end of the book. It is a powerful book for current and future generations. As a nation I don’t believe we’ve fully grieved the loss of so many loved ones, making this book an even more important read. Perfect classroom discussion book. I highly recommend Garvey in the Dark because where there is hope there is healing.

Nikki Grimes is a New York Times bestselling author whose awards for the body of her work include the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement, the ALAN Award for outstanding contributions to young adult literature, the Children’s Literature Legacy Award, the Virginia Hamilton Literary Award, and the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. She has also received several ALSC Notables, a Coretta Scott King Author Award, five Coretta Scott King Author Honors, Boston Globe-Horn Book Honors, a Printz Honor and a Sibert Honor. She lives in Coronoa, California. Visit her website.

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*Reviewed from a library copy.