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“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Dr. Seuss

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Recent Posts

Reinberger Review: “Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me”
Helping Your Child: Coping with Nightmares and Night Terrors
Reinberger Review: “American Street”
Helping Your Child: Coping with Seriously Ill Family Members
Reinberger Review: “When Dimple Met Rishi”

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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.

Happy birthday to children’s book writer and ill

Happy birthday to children’s book writer and illustrator, Tedd Arnold. Arnold is well known for his Fly Guy books.

Today we remember the birthday of famous American

Today we remember the birthday of famous American poet, Edgar Allan Poe. Poe is best known for his short stories and poetry. Fans enjoy visiting his museum that you can explore here: https://www.poemuseum.org/who-was-edgar-allan-poe

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tam

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki, published by First Second in 2019.

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

Type/Genre/Tags: Graphic Novel, Contemporary Fiction, LGBTQ+
Audience: Grades 9+, High School

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me (2020 Michael L. Printz Honor Book) is an engaging, beautifully illustrated graphic novel that tells the story of a teenage girl named Freddy and her experience in a tumultuous relationship with Laura Dean. As we learn from Freddy’s emails to an advice columnist, no matter how many times Laura Dean breaks Freddy’s heart, Freddy can’t help but take her back. But when Freddy realizes that her attachment and Laura Dean’s inconsiderate behavior is starting to affect Freddy’s friendships and her sense of self, she realizes that she needs to consider making some difficult choices.

Teens can easily identify with Freddy and her conflicted feelings, as well as the well-developed supporting characters. The clothing styles and word choices depicted feel so authentically in the moment that the graphic novel reads like a film captured in a real high school. Mariko Tamaki’s illustrations are dynamic, stunning, and thrust this narrative forward with their uncanny ability to portray complex sentiments. The format of the pages are varied, keeping the reader engaged and exposing them to new layers of meaning and experience. The author’s artistic decision to bring selected moments and details alive with pink ink is fun, but also serves as a powerful tool to highlight elements that create strong affective reactions. The quality of the illustrations, character development, and dialogue is exceptionally high. What’s more, the relatable characters, much-needed representation of LGBTQ+ relationships, and theme of first love is sure to be popular with teens.

It is perfectly normal for children to experience

It is perfectly normal for children to experience both nightmares and night terrors. Below are resources to help you explain what is happening to your child. The difference between nightmares and night terrors, according to Stanford Children’s Health, is that nightmares include frightening dreams that make children afraid to return to sleep while night terrors are a partial waking from sleep accompanied by movement or sound.

Kids Health (https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nightmare.html)
This article discusses dreams and nightmares, when they occur in the sleep cycle, and what to do to prepare for the inevitable occurrence of a nightmare.

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Patients-Families/Health-Library/HealthDocNew/Night-Terrors)
Explains what night terrors are in more depth and also discusses the causes of and coping with night terrors.

Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parenting-your-preschooler/201505/the-best-way-handle-children-s-nightmares)
Get to the reality of what is behind the bad dream by getting into the reality of the child’s everyday emotions. Five tips are given to aid in lessening the number of nightmares your child has.

For a complete list of resources, go to https://reinbergerchildrensbookreviews.org/helping-kids-to-cope-with-nightmares-and-night-terrors/

Today we remember the birthday of English author A

Today we remember the birthday of English author A. A. Mline, best known for his Winnie-the-Pooh books.

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.

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