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Month: September 2020

Picturebook

Currently Reading: “The Runaway Pumpkin”

September 28, 2020December 9, 2020 Sarah Bihn

We are excited to begin our Currently Reading series with The Runaway Pumpkin written by Kevin Lewis and illustrated by S. D. Schindler. This book follows a pumpkin let loose Read more

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Recent Posts

Reinberger Review: “American Street”
Helping Your Child: Coping with Seriously Ill Family Members
Reinberger Review: “When Dimple Met Rishi”
Helping Your Child: Coping With Bullying
Reinberger Review: “The Grace Year”

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rclckentstate

The Reinberger Children's Library Center at Kent State supports scholarly research and provides professional training to students and practitioners.

Today we remember the birthday of American author,

Today we remember the birthday of American author, Robert Cormier. He is best known for writing books for young adults. Check out the books on his website: https://www.robertcormier.com/books/bk_books.html.

Today we remember the birthday of English-born Ame

Today we remember the birthday of English-born American Hugh Lofting, author of classic children’s literature series Dr. Dolittle.

Happy birthday to Sharon Robinson, author of many

Happy birthday to Sharon Robinson, author of many fiction and non-fiction books and daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson. Check out the complete list of Robinson’s books on her website: http://www.sharonrobinsonink.com/books-new

Today we celebrate the birthday of American author

Today we celebrate the birthday of American author and journalist, Jack London. He is best known for his novels The Call of the Wild and White Fang.

American Street by Ibi Zoboi, published by Balzer

American Street by Ibi Zoboi, published by Balzer + Bray in 2017.

Review by:
Kayla Hlad (she/her)
MLIS Student, Kent State University iSchool

Type/Genre/tags: Contemporary Fiction, Own Voice, Diverse Authors
Audience - Grades 10+

Fabiola was born in America but has lived most of her life in Haiti with her mother. At the start of American Street, they attempt to return to the US and reestablish themselves with Fabiola’s family on the corner of Joy Road and American Street, only for her mother to be detained at the airport. Understandably, when a detective offers to help Fabiola see her mother again in exchange for information about a drug dealer, the offer is appealing. But as she bonds with her cousins, her aunt, and her new boyfriend, things become more complicated. Guided by her prayers and her traditional vudu practices, Fabiola creates her path, but it’s not a painless journey.

Ibi Zoboi’s American Street is a powerful Own Voice novel that will draw in teens who are interested in social issues of immigration, racism, police violence, and economic inequality. Fabiola is an extremely likable and relatable character, and readers will love to root for her. Fabiola offers a much-needed representation that’s rare in young adult literature and empowering to so many teens. The cover is stunning and appealing to teens, embracing Fabiola’s ethnicity while also creating an aesthetically pleasing and artistic impression to match the tone of the novel. This story is full of twists and turns, yet depict realistically tragic events that are intertwined with intriguing magic realism. The author’s imagery, metaphors, and symbolism are beyond beautiful and skillfully add in social commentary that is important to teens today. This is a spectacular novel for those who love The Hate U Give and teens who are yearning for realistic and diverse portrayals of American teen life.

While it might be difficult to talk with your chil

While it might be difficult to talk with your child about a seriously ill family member for fear of scaring them, it is best to speak with children early on and to be honest about the situation. Even when parents or caregivers have the best intentions for keeping the information from their children, children can pick up on tensions, and will often become worried or fearful no matter what the parent says or does not say.

Bright Horizons (https://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/talking-with-children-about-the-serious-illness-of-a-family-member)
Bright Horizons explains the need to include your child in discussions about the illness of a family member starting with preparation for the conversation, starting the conversation, and how to support your healthy child.

Liana Lowenstein, MSW and Brianne Thompson, MSW, RSW (http://www.lianalowenstein.com/articlesTerminalIllnes.pdf)
This article is by two social workers and covers: Talking with your children about illness, what to tell children based upon their ages, how to talk with children about dying, special considerations when a child’s sibling is ill, activities that the family can do together, activities for a parent to do for a child, and selected additional reading for children, and for parents.

Parents (https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/what-to-do-when-a-parent-is-sick/)
A parent's illness is scary for children. These tips can help put your kids at ease.

For a full list of resources, please go to https://reinbergerchildrensbookreviews.org/resources/parent-resources/helping-kids-to-cope-with-a-seriously-ill-family-member/

Today we remember the birthday of American writer,

Today we remember the birthday of American writer, Walter R. Brooks. Brooks is best remembered for his children’s books and short stories, which includes Freddy the Pig.

Happy birthday to American children’s author and

Happy birthday to American children’s author and illustrator, Lynne Cherry. Cherry is well known for her best selling book The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest. Check out her blog, books and movies on her website: http://www.lynnecherry.com/index.htm

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon, published

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon, published by Simon Pulse in 2017.

Review by:
Kayla Hlad (she/her)
MLIS Student, Kent State University iSchool

Type/Genre/tags: Contemporary Fiction, Teen Romance, Own Voice, Diverse Authors
Audience: Grades 9+

Sandhya Menon offers a refreshing and well-written Own Voice perspective in the world of teen romance in When Dimple Met Rishi. Dimple just graduated high school and is ecstatic that her parents are letting her take a summer program in app development. Little does she know, her parents are using this opportunity to give Dimple time to get to know Rishi, a potential candidate for an arranged marriage. Rishi and Dimple’s contrasting opinions about the prospect creates conflict from the start. But as they get to know each other, they prove to be destined for a natural friendship and a supportive, romantic relationship that helps them both to grow.

Menon is highly effective at creating whole, realistic personas which encourages the readers to root for each character as an individual and as a couple. Their story reads true and authentic, and the two tackle real issues as Menon explores relatable themes of otherness, friendships, relationships, and adulthood. Most significantly, the author presents the stories of characters who are seldom seen in the genre, while giving them the space both to consider the unique issues they face as children of immigrants and those universal to the teen experience. Notably, the main characters’ ethnicity isn’t hidden behind a pretty, symbolic cover, but is highlighted and celebrated by putting a real image of a teen that looks like Dimple on the cover. The plot of this novel is predictable, but often that’s exactly what teens are looking for when they pick up a novel in this genre. It’s a fun read for anyone who loves teen romance.

According to Stopbullying.gov, the effects of bull

According to Stopbullying.gov, the effects of bullying impact mental health, substance use, and even suicidal actions in children. It is important to speak to your children about what to do if they are being bullied or know someone who is. Conversations about the impact that bullying has on others are a necessity in every household. Below are a few resources that provide more information on how to identify the effects of bullying and how to approach the situation.

Cyberbullying Research Center (http://www.cyberbullying.us/)
Includes sections on resources, laws, research, presentations, blog, and books.

Isafe.org (http://www.isafe.org/)
i-SAFE is a nonprofit foundation “dedicated to protecting the online experiences of youth”. The resource provides free preview of webcasts, as well as a teen hangout, are available.

StopBullying.gov (https://www.stopbullying.gov/)
This website provides information from various government agencies on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying.

For a full list of resources, go to https://reinbergerchildrensbookreviews.org/resources/parent-resources/helping-kids-to-cope-with-bullying/

Happy birthday to Alma Flor Ada, well known Cuban-

Happy birthday to Alma Flor Ada, well known Cuban-American author of children’s books, poetry and novels. Check out her publications for children and adults on her website: http://almaflorada.com/

Today we remember English author of children’s b

Today we remember English author of children’s books, Mary Norton. Norton is best known for The Borrowers series.

Happy birthday to American children’s author and

Happy birthday to American children’s author and illustrator, Mercer Mayer. Mayer has published over 300 books and is best known for his Little Critter series.

Happy birthday to American illustrator Molly Bang.

Happy birthday to American illustrator Molly Bang. Check out her complete list of books: https://www.mollybang.com/

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett, published by St. Ma

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett, published by St. Martin's Publishing Group in 2019.

Review by:
Kayla Hlad (she/her)
MLIS Student, Kent State University iSchool

Type/Genre/tags: Dystopia
Audience - Grades 9+

Kim Liggett’s novel begins in Garner county as Tierny prepares for her Grace Year. In this dystopia, when girls turn sixteen-years-old they are forced to spend a year fenced off in the wilderness as they work off their “magic” which otherwise can be used against men. One step outside of the fence and poachers will pounce, carving their bodies for elixirs. But as the readers discover, there’s more than one danger in The Grace Year.

Kim Liggett absolutely nailed the genres of survival and dystopia and, understandably, The Grace Year has already become a hit among teens. Although many summarize it as a teen-friendly Handmaid's Tale, it’s truly a unique experience. Kim Liggett is a highly-skilled writer who uses detailed characterization through action, changing tones of mystery, fear, and empowerment, and beautifully crafted imagery to create a thrilling page-turner. Her social commentary tackles issues that are important to teens while leaving them with a sense of empowerment and hope. The frequent plot twists keep the reader constantly on their toes, while the detailed world-building stabilizes the narrative. Its unpredictable plot, strong female lead, well-balanced world-building, and timely themes of oppression, the power of belief, feminism, and social change landed it on YALSA’s Teens’ Top Ten list (2020) and make it a truly unforgettable read.

Help your children to better grasp the world aroun

Help your children to better grasp the world around them by understanding the impact that poverty has on others.

14 Ways to Effectively Explain Homelessness and Poverty To Your Child (https://wellspringfs.org/blog/14-ways-effectively-explain-homelessness-and-poverty-your-child)
Wellspring Family Services provides fourteen ways to explain homelessness and poverty to children. They have different categories and advice depending on the age of your child provided by Nancy Owen, a Wellspring Counseling Therapist.

Talking With Children About Poverty and Homelessness (http://brightspaces.org/wp-content/uploads/Talking-with-Children-About-Homelessness-Final.pdf)
This article provides advice on how to begin conversations about poverty and homelessness with young children.

Verywell Family (https://www.verywellfamily.com/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-poverty-4142890)
This article discusses why you should talk with children about poverty, giving age-appropriate answers to children’s questions about poverty, and how to get your children involved in helping people. Includes a link to projects children can do to help others in need.

For a full list of resources, go to https://reinbergerchildrensbookreviews.org/helping-kids-to-understand-poverty/

Happy birthday to American author of young adult a

Happy birthday to American author of young adult and children’s literature, Edward Irving Wortis also known as Avi.

Happy birthday to American writer and illustrator

Happy birthday to American writer and illustrator of children’s books, Jerry Pinkney. Pinkney is well known for his work The Lion and the Mouse. Check out his video interview on Reading Rockets: https://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/pinkneyj

Honesty is always the best choice when speaking wi

Honesty is always the best choice when speaking with young children, and it is only natural for children to become curious about absent parents. When speaking with your child, it can be difficult to articulate the facts when feelings of hurt, rejection, anger, or grief still remain. Below are a few resources that can assist in this conversation.

Child Development Institute (https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-psychology/anxiety_disorders_in_children/children-coping-loss-of-parent/#gs.7j9mbn)
How to cope with the loss of a parent, whether it be by divorce, death or abandonment, the remaining spouse can use this guide to help themselves and the child through the transition.

University of Minnesota Extension (https://extension.umn.edu/divorce-and-other-family-transitions/coping-abandonment)
This article explains the different types of abandonment (complete/sudden, sporadic, and gradual), what to say to your child about the abandonment, and how to proceed.

Verywell Family (https://www.verywellfamily.com/how-to-help-a-child-cope-with-abandonment-2997768)
Growing up with an absent parent can leave kids with a deep sense of shame and loss. And when the absence appears voluntary, the impact can be even more intense. As the remaining parent, there's a lot you can do to support your child and build his or her self-esteem.

For a full list of resources, please visit Helping Kids to Cope with an Absent Parent (https://reinbergerchildrensbookreviews.org/resources/parent-resources/helping-kids-to-cope-with-an-absent-parent/)

History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera, publis

History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera, published by Soho Press in 2018.

Review by:
Kayla Hlad (she/her)
MLIS Student, Kent State University iSchool

Type/Genre/tags - Contemporary Fiction, LGBTQ+, Own Voice
Audience - Grades 9+

In History is All You Left Me, Griffin, a high schooler, must face the grief and complications that surround loss when his first love, Theo, passes away. He finds the courage to attend Theo’s funeral, but to fully grasp and move past his grief, he must relive and reexamine the losses that preceded this parting.

This work is heavy with grief and sorrow, and is perfect for the teen reader that is looking for a good cry. Silvera artfully portrays the complications of relationships and the significance of first loves through the use of flashbacks, realistic dialogue, and a tone that oozes convincing pain and heartache. Griffin’s overall character development is superbly complex and well-written, and the dialogue, thoughts, and actions in the book feel real. The portrayal of the LGBTQ+ characters are refreshingly dynamic and serve as powerful mirrors for so many teens. Moreover, the novel’s themes of grief, loss, and forgiveness are universally appealing. It’s a great read to expand teens’ own philosophies of life and to help them reflect on their own relationships. I would recommend this not only to teens looking for LGBTQ+ literature, but any teen who loves to read about the sorrows of love.

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