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This is a book about pigeons, NOT flying rats. Pigeons do not like being called “flying rats.” But when a jetpack-wearing, graffiti-painting rat starts zooming around claiming pigeons and flying rats are the same thing, he’ll have to take a series of tests to prove he’s got the feathers to be in the book. From the creators of This Is a Taco and This Is a Whoopsie, Andrew Cangelose and Josh Shipley are back with another humorous picture book about a “flying” rat and pigeon finding friendship despite their differences.
Hi Kid Lit Friends,
I have been reading a lot lately, and there are some middle grade books released or releasing this year that I’ve really, really loved. And because I must share every book that I love with you, here they are!
You all know that I adore Jacqueline Woodson, and her newest middle grade book is gorgeous. Before the Ever After is about ZJ, a boy who loves his dad, a professional football player. But when his dad begins to behave erratically, experiencing mood swings and moments of memory loss, ZJ tries to hold on to hope that doctors can find a cure for all the football-induced injuries that are affecting his brain. In characteristic Woodson fashion, the story is beautifully told in verse.
An upcoming nonfiction book I’m SO excited about it All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat (Candlewick, 10/13). This book tells the true story of the boys’ soccer team that went exploring in one of Thailand’s famous caves only to be trapped by rising floodwaters. Complete with maps, photos, and diagrams, Soontornvat captures the complex rescue operation that captivated the world.
On the Horizon by Lois Lowry and illustrated by Kenard Pak, is a beautiful book that tells the story of people whose lives were lost or forever altered by the twin tragedies of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. Lowry was born in Hawaii and lived part of her childhood in Japan, and her numerous connections to both of these tragedies come across in this collection of poems. The book begins with the story of Lowry playing on a Hawaii beach as a young child, the moment captured on a photograph. Decades later, Lowry found the photo and a friend pointed out that a ship in the background was the USS Arizona, the ship that was later destroyed in Pearl Harbor, killing over a thousand service people. I got chills reading this book.
For graphic novel enthusiasts, check out Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang. This unique graphic novel tells the true story of the men’s high school varsity basketball team, the Dragons. Yang himself is a teacher at the high school, and he takes it upon himself to document the team as they fight to win the California State Championships. A fascinating story with many layers, Dragon Hoops is a fantastic book about sports, teamwork, and friendship.
I have one last book for you. Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park is a beautiful middle grade book set in 1880 about Hanna, a half Asian, half white girl growing up in America’s heartland. Faced with the town’s prejudice against Asians, Hanna nevertheless seeks to help her father in his store and pursue her dream of being a dressmaker. This is a great historical fiction novel for those looking for more books set during the late 1800s.
What are you reading these days? Let me know! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at KarinaBookRiot@gmail.com.
Until next time!
Karina
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