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Currently Reading: “The House of Boo”

October 12, 2020December 9, 2020 Sarah Bihn

Follow three children on an adventure to the house of Boo Scoggins. But what happens when the abandoned house seems to be not so empty? Written by J. Patrick Lewis Read more

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Currently Reading: “Miss Rumphius”
Currently Reading: “Bird Watch”
Reinberger Review Of “Monday’s Not Coming”
Reinberger Review of “Under the Royal Palms”
Currently Reading: “The Gardener”

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

Happy birthday to American children’s author Chr

Happy birthday to American children’s author Christopher Paul Curtis. He is well known for his books “Bud, Not Buddy,” “The Journey of Little Charlie,” “Elijah of Buxton,” and many more. Curtis has received the Coretta Scott King Author Award, the Newbery Medal winner, and the Scott O’Dell Award. In 2000, Curtis became the first African-American man to win the Newbery Medal for his book “Bud, Not Buddy.”

Check out his website to learn more: https://nobodybutcurtis.com/

Today we remember the birthday of well-known Ameri

Today we remember the birthday of well-known American children’s author and illustrator, Richard Scarry. Scarry wrote over 300 books throughout his career that have been translated into thirty languages and sold more than 150 million copies. His son Huck carries on his legacy and has written and illustrated numerous books with his father’s characters. To celebrate his father’s 100th birthday, Huck Scarry traveled around the world and met with readers of all ages while he gave presentations on his father and read from his beloved works.

Learn more about Scarry and check out all of his books on his website: https://www.richardscarry.com/

Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson Theme

Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson

Themes: (TW) abuse, alternating timelines, and friendship

Review by Kristen Higgason (she/her)
MLIS Student, Kent State University iSchool
M.Ed Student, Kent State University EHHS

Claudia’s best (and only) friend, Monday, is missing, and no one else notices (or seems to care). Claudia digs into Monday’s disappearance to discover how a teenage girl can vanish without anyone noticing.

This book’s ability to confuse you is what makes it such a gripping story. Tiffany D. Jackson has mastered throwing you into a mystery without giving you many hints about what parts are reality and what is made up. You will think you are reading a book strictly about Claudia looking for Monday until suddenly you are near the end of the novel and you discover what you have been reading is different than you thought. This book handles some tough subjects. TW: sexual assault and abuse

One of the Good Ones by Maika Moulite & Maritza Mo

One of the Good Ones by Maika Moulite & Maritza Moulite

Themes: sisterhood, activism, grief, friendship, regrets, coming out, and Black History

Review by Kristen Higgason (she/her)
MLIS Student, Kent State University iSchool
M.Ed Student, Kent State University EHHS

When Happi and Genny’s sister, Kezi (a YouTuber and prominent social activist), dies after attending a social justice rally, they head out on a road trip to connect with the sister they lost thanks to the Negro Motorist Green Book guiding them. However, Kezi’s story has more twists than meets the eye, and they change everything.

I picked this book up on a whim one day, and I am so glad I did! This book is one of my favorite books so far this year. The relationship between the three sisters is interesting to read and see how they connect and are different from each other, but their trip is full of historical moments. Then there’s the twist. I wish I could say more than that, but you must read this book and figure out Kezi’s story – it will blow you away.

Celebrate Earth Day with these seven books that in

Celebrate Earth Day with these seven books that inspire a love for the environment and warn readers against the dangers of pollution.

All That Trash: The Story of the 1987 Garbage Barge and Our Problem with Stuff
Written and illustrated by Meghan McCarthy
Learn about the 1987 garbage barge and a failed plan that inspired a nation to start recycling. When Lowell Harrelson decided to turn trash into methane gas, he rented a barge to collect waste from New York, and bring it to North Carolina. Except, no state would let him dock the barge!

Hoot
Written by Carl Hiaasen
This Newbery Honor winner follows the story of friends trying to save a colony of endangered owls that live in a site marked for construction.

One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia
Written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
Isatou Ceesay found a way to recycle plastic bags that were killing her community into a product that could help it grow.

Over and Under the Pond
Written by Kate Messner and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
Readers will discover a secret underwater world in this entertaining and educational book about the beauty of ecosystems.

A Symphony of Whales
Written by Steve Schuch and illustrated by Peter Sylvada
Told through the eyes of a young girl, this beautifully illustrated picture-book is based on the true story of the rescue of beluga whales by the people of the Chuchki peninsular.

We Are Water Protectors
Written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade
Winner of the 2021 Caldecott Medal, this beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of a black snake that threatens to destroy the Earth and the young water protector who stands beside her people to stop it.

World Without Fish
Written by Mark Kurlansky and illustrated by Frank Stockton
Readers will learn about what is happening in the world’s oceans and how they can help stop fish from disappearing.

For information on how to take care of your backyard visitors, please check out the humane society at https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/feeding-your-backyard-birds

Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher Themes: g

Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher

Themes: grief, loss of a loved one, coming-of-age, and romance

Review by Kristen Higgason (she/her)
MLIS Student, Kent State University iSchool
M.Ed Student, Kent State University EHHS

The Orman Chronicles by reclusive author N. E. Endsley brings best friends Amelia and Jenna together when all Amelia knew was people leaving her. However, a one-off chance meeting with the author and Jenna causes a rift between the two without a chance to reconcile because Jenna dies soon after. When an edition of the book shows up, Amelia knows it came from Jenna, and she’s determined to figure out how.

Such a tragic book turned out to be so heart-warming and lovely. How you wonder? The adventure Amelia finds how this special edition of the Orman Chronicles was sent to her will leave you smiling and crying. Amelia experiences love, loss, and healing in a matter of a summer. The characters are well-developed, there is a fairytale vibe, and room for second chances. This book has it all if you’re looking for something to grab your heart and pull you in.

The Half-Orphan’s Handbook by Joan F. Smith The

The Half-Orphan’s Handbook by Joan F. Smith

Themes: (TW) suicide, grief, loss of a parent, coming-of-age, first love, and heartbreak

Review by Kristen Higgason (she/her)
MLIS Student, Kent State University iSchool
M.Ed Student, Kent State University EHHS

Lila lost her father to suicide three months ago, and now her mother is sending her to grief camp – somewhere Lila doesn’t want to be and doesn’t think she needs to go. Can new friends and a potential love interest help her get back to “normal” after losing her dad?

This book BROKE me in so many good ways. This was incredibly emotional, well-written, and created a space for a group of people who tend to feel very isolated (survivors of suicide). The bright spots of this book are Joan F. Smith knows when to use humor and hope to lighten such a heavy topic. This book will truly mesmerize you if you let the emotions of the characters shine.

Watch Over Me by Nina LaCour Themes: Grief, menta

Watch Over Me by Nina LaCour

Themes: Grief, mental health, guilt, and new beginnings

Review by Kristen Higgason (she/her)
MLIS Student, Kent State University iSchool
M.Ed Student, Kent State University EHHS

Mila, a recent high school graduate and no longer in foster care, decides to take a job teaching other foster children on a remote Northern California farm. But the farm holds hauntings of all the trauma from the farm’s residents, and Mila must confront her own.

If you have ever wanted to read a book about ghosts but wanted things to feel a little more realistic – this is the book for you. Award-winning author Nina LaCour knows how to draw readers in and help them get in touch with their emotions. This book is no different. You will feel the trauma of Mila and the other residents on the farm, but you will wonder about the ghosts the way they do, too. Haunting, beautiful, and an empathetic take on guilt and recovery.

Today we remember the birthday of Danish author Ha

Today we remember the birthday of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, best known for his fairy tales. His collection includes The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, and The Ugly Duckling. His books remain popular with fans young and old worldwide. Andersen’s works laid the foundation for other children’s classics, like The Wind in the Willows and Winnie-the-Pooh. Awards are given annually in the author’s name by the International Board of Young People.

Bad Girls with Perfect Faces by Lynn Weingarten T

Bad Girls with Perfect Faces by Lynn Weingarten

Themes: social media, secrets, friendship, thriller & suspense

Review by Kristen Higgason (she/her)
MLIS Student, Kent State University iSchool
M.Ed Student, Kent State University EHHS

All Sasha wants is to protect her best friend Xavier from his cheating ex, Ivy. To protect Xavier, she becomes Jake online and lures Ivy away. But what happens when Sasha becomes Jake is more than she imagined could happen.

I love a good mystery crime thriller! This book was a perfect thriller with lots of unexpected twists to keep you turning the page! The dangers of people pretending to be someone else are everywhere, but what happens when you become that person? What’s the worst that could happen? You would be shocked to find out. This is a must-read for anyone looking for a plot twist that will leave you thinking about it for days.

Celebrate Women’s History Month with these five

Celebrate Women’s History Month with these five anthologies about incredible women often overlooked by history.

Read more about these books at https://reinbergerchildrensbookreviews.org/celebrate-womens-history-month-with-these-books-4/

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro Themes:

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro
Themes: whodunit, romance, and retellings

Review by Kristen Higgason (she/her)
MLIS Student, Kent State University iSchool
M.Ed Student, Kent State University EHHS

A new twist on the well-loved Watson and Holmes duo, but this time it’s Jamie Watson and Charlotte Holmes – two teenagers caught up in a murder they’re being framed for.

This novel was such a clever retelling of Holmes and Watson. Taking well-known characters and spinning them into teenagers who have just as much grit, tenacity, and a knack for solving crimes was a blast. I think what made this novel refreshing is that both Jamie and Charlotte feel so real. They have their vices, hang-ups, they are not polished, or perfect. They show you it is ok to not be perfect, but that you can still be part of something greater. The mystery aspect of this novel is wild! The mystery is cleverly well done, twisty, and incredibly entertaining. If you can guess the ending before you’re told – you should look into being a detective.

Celebrate Women's History Month with these five pi

Celebrate Women's History Month with these five picture books about women who refused to be silenced.

Read more about these books at https://reinbergerchildrensbookreviews.org/?p=5537&preview=true

Today we remember the birthday of outstanding chil

Today we remember the birthday of outstanding children’s author, Bill Martin Jr. In addition to his masterful books that are used for preschool and elementary students, Martin also discovered Eric Carle when he convinced Carle to illustrate a few of his books. Check out all of Martin’s work on his website: https://billmartinjr.com/bill_martin.

Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman Themes: first lov

Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman
Themes: first love

Review by Kristen Higgason (she/her)
MLIS Student, Kent State University iSchool
M.Ed Student, Kent State University EHHS

Set two years after the Heartstopper graphic novels comes a short and sweet update on Nick and Charlie. Nick is about to graduate and his moving off to university creates uncertainty if they will stay together and be able to survive a long-distance relationship.

Nick and Charlie are such a sweet couple that you can first meet in the Heartstopper graphic novel series! This short novella is about what happens after the series. It’s always a favorite guilty pleasure of mine to see characters I love after the novel or series I meet them is finished. Being back with Nick and Charlie is like a warm mug of cocoa on a cold day. Seeing the two of them work through real-life relationship issues was refreshing, even if sad at times. If you’re looking for a short and sweet read about two LGBT+ characters, this is the one.

Celebrate Women's History month with these five yo

Celebrate Women's History month with these five young adult books about women involved in civil rights and equality movements.

Read more about these books at https://reinbergerchildrensbookreviews.org/?p=5547&preview=true

Happy birthday to Virginia Hamilton! Virginia pa

Happy birthday to Virginia Hamilton!

Virginia paved the way for the “Liberation Literature” movement, inspiring other multicultural children’s authors and illustrators to share their stories. Virginia has written in a variety of different genres—from slavery-era stories to young adult novels, from biographies to collections of African-American folktales. She was the first African-American to win the Newbery Medal for "M. C. Higgins, the Great" in 1975.

We are proud to house the Virginia Hamilton Collection at the Reinberger, and to help host the Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youth. For more information on next year's 35th Virginia Hamilton Conference, please visit kent.edu/virginiahamiltonconference.

Today we celebrate the birthday of American writer

Today we celebrate the birthday of American writer and illustrator of children’s books, Ezra Jack Keats. Keats is well known for breaking the color barrier with his book "Snowy Day," published in 1962.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson T

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Themes: redemption, courage and perseverance, and whodunit

Review by Kristen Higgason (she/her)
MLIS Student, Kent State University iSchool
M.Ed Student, Kent State University EHHS

Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh five years ago – according to the police and everyone in town anyway. Not Pippa Fitz-Amobi though. When Pippa chooses this case for her senior thesis, she puts a target on herself when secrets start to unravel.

This book will not disappoint! You will want to keep reading this book until you are finished and then you will sit there and realize how sneaky this novel is! This mystery thriller novel is packed with twists and turns. The way the book is written and being able to read Pippa’s notes, her interviews, and capstone project logs makes it feel like you are part of the story every step of the way. If you’re looking for a good whodunit novel, this is the one to pick up!

Celebrate Women’s History Month with these five

Celebrate Women’s History Month with these five middle school books about daring and courageous women often overlooked by history.

Read more about these books at https://reinbergerchildrensbookreviews.org/celebrate-womens-history-month-with-these-books/

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