The second book in a series Out of My Heart picks up Melody's story as she is determined to seek out new adventures, become more independent and conquThe second book in a series Out of My Heart picks up Melody's story as she is determined to seek out new adventures, become more independent and conquer her fears. Melody has cerebral palsy. She is a voracious reader, with a great sense of humor and a quick wit. Her mind is always on "ready set, go" even if her body can't quite keep up. Melody takes it upon herself to seek out a summer camp that can accommodate her and to her surprise her protective parents allow her to go. And while she is afraid, Melody is ready to try new things and to finally make a friend. This is a heartwarming narrative told from Melody's perspective about the challenges she faces as a young girl with special needs who wants more than anything to be just like everyone else. It's a hopeful, funny and inspiring coming of age story. ...more
A poignant portrayal of coming of age in a world that is unsafe and uncertain but is still beautiful somehow...because FRIENDS. Harbor Me is a middle A poignant portrayal of coming of age in a world that is unsafe and uncertain but is still beautiful somehow...because FRIENDS. Harbor Me is a middle grade story about 6 friends who are reluctantly brought together every Friday in a room at school to "just talk". In their talking they reveal their hearts, record their stories and promise to return to one another in the years to come. Each child's story is a reflection of issues impacting today's youth (racism, poverty, bullying, deportation). Every story heartbreaking in it's own right but woven together they reveal the need for young people to have safe places and spaces to be with one another, speak their truths and heal authentically....more
The Red Rose Box is a coming of age story initially set in the Jim Crow South. Leah and her sister Ruth live a simple but happy life in Sulphur with tThe Red Rose Box is a coming of age story initially set in the Jim Crow South. Leah and her sister Ruth live a simple but happy life in Sulphur with their parents and grandmother. The world begins to open up for Leah when she and the women in her family take a trip to Los Angeles to visit her Aunt Olivia. Leah soon begins to yearn for "freedom" and allows herself to dream of a life outside of the segregated South. A life altering event occurs causing Leah and Ruth to start anew with Aunt Olivia and her husband Bill in California. Throughout the story Leah and her sister grow up and grow closer, begin adjusting to a life they'd never imagined for themselves and learn to cope with heartache and loss along the way. ...more
I grew up hearing stories of Doctor Buzzard. My mother's people were from South Carolina and although I am a New Yorker to my heart I have always apprI grew up hearing stories of Doctor Buzzard. My mother's people were from South Carolina and although I am a New Yorker to my heart I have always appreciated, respected and believed in the magic of the Gullah/Geechee. All 300+ pages of this middle grade chapter book presented the rich culture and traditions of the Ancestors in a way that helps the reader to understand root work as something to be revered and honored rather than be feared (as it is often portrayed in media). I loved the strong themes around family, identity and believing in one's own power.
The book is set during an extremely difficult time for Black Americans and is the perfect backdrop for showcasing how holding tight to one another is more often than not the only way for a family to survive. ...more
Filing this one under "Who Knew?" I enjoyed this book on a Black historical figure I had never heard of. Even after reading, so much of Sarah's life wFiling this one under "Who Knew?" I enjoyed this book on a Black historical figure I had never heard of. Even after reading, so much of Sarah's life was still a mystery but the book did it's job in sparking my curiosity about a group of people I intend to research further.
The book is filled with primary source documents that enrich Sarah's tale. I would definitely recommend this book to budding history buffs and readers interested in the some of the little known nuances of the relationship between African American history and wealth in this country. ...more
My kiddos and I loved this books. Each story was just long enough for our weekly book chats. The stories were fun and relatable. The very last story sMy kiddos and I loved this books. Each story was just long enough for our weekly book chats. The stories were fun and relatable. The very last story struck just right chord. We closed out with a great discussion on serving others but most importantly being the most authentic version of yourself. My students are asking for my like this...so I am on the hunt for our next good read. ...more
I wanted every good thing for Isaiah Dunn. His story was compelling and you couldn't help but cheer for him as he began to discover his own voice. I eI wanted every good thing for Isaiah Dunn. His story was compelling and you couldn't help but cheer for him as he began to discover his own voice. I especially enjoyed the author's exploration of friendship throughout the book. Isaiah had a cast of supporting characters (kids and thoughtful adults) throughout to help him on his journey to discovering his own superpowers. This was a well written book about grief, resilience and eventually healing and moving forward. ...more
I was so appreciative of the way in which this book is written. A heavy topic composed in poetry, told from the perspective of a child enduring the unI was so appreciative of the way in which this book is written. A heavy topic composed in poetry, told from the perspective of a child enduring the unspeakable. I immediately thought of the children I serve at work and somehow felt I'd gained a perspective that had never been afforded to me before. I know this book came out some time ago but it's still very relevant today as children from war torn countries continue to endure the trauma of the choices and acts of the adults around them. This is a poetic book that asks us to look at what is happening around us and actually ask ourselves and one another "What else is possible"?...more
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