As we all know, adolescence is a minefield of social awkwardness, unpredictable body changes, and a growing understanding of the complexities of adulthood. However, these years can also present opportunities for amazing friendships, brilliant memories, and self-realizations that can last a lifetime. I was able to read the marvelous Breakout by Christina Wyman earlier this … Continue reading BREAKOUT, SLOUCH, and JAWBREAKER (Christina Wyman)
Hello, friends! Our book today is The Together Tree, written by Aisha Saeed and illustrated by LeUyen Pham, a heartfelt story on bullying, understanding, and forgiveness. When Rumi starts at his new school, he feels nervous and isolated; he misses his friends and former home of San Francisco, and is having trouble finding his place … Continue reading The Together Tree (Aisha Saeed)
Hello, friends! Our book today is The Proudest Blue, written by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S. K. Ali, and illustrated by Hatem Aly, a beautiful tale of sisterhood and hijabi pride. Sisters Asiyah and Faizah (inspired by Muhammad’s own sisters) are at the shop to pick out Asiyah’s “first day” hijab. Immediately, the older sister is … Continue reading The Proudest Blue (Ibtihaj Muhammad, with S. K. Ali)
Hello, friends! Our book today is The Itty-Bitty Witch, written by Trisha Speed Shaskan and illustrated by Xindi Yan, a witchy lesson in believing in oneself. Betty is thrilled to start her first day of school as a “first-grade” witch. However, she’s scarcely in the door before she’s the subject of teasing from two of … Continue reading The Itty-Bitty Witch (Trisha Speed Shaskan)
Hello, friends! Our book today is What If Everybody Thought That?, written by Ellen Javernick and illustrated by Colleen Madden, a look at the perils of making assumptions based on appearances. Third in the pair’s series about bullying and discrimination, the reader is introduced to various scenarios in which a child who is different (a … Continue reading What If Everybody Thought That? (Ellen Javernick)
The Baby Bookworm 