“This book gently yet powerfully explores the relationship between humans and nature, addressing the urgent issues of destruction and restoration while highlighting the essential qualities of ecosystems—diversity and coexistence.”

Read the full review here: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-4/10/

“This text is based on Nelson Molina‘s career of finding worth in everything, and the story of his museum acts as a counternarrative to our overuse of disposable goods.”

Read the full review here:
https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-4/7/

“The illustrations are simple but full of humor as the animals take on characteristics of humans and contemporary society (e.g. eating in an upscale restaurant, sitting in a classroom, visiting a museum complete with paintings of mice in the medieval wedding portrait by Jan van Eyck, and gazelles portraying The Kiss by Gustav Klimt).”

Read the full review here:
https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-4/6/

“This text is an example of how a seemingly simple picturebook can be packed with information that provides knowledge and appreciation for an insect that is vital to our lives. As Fleming writes in the back matter,
“Most people sitting down to dinner don‘t realize the important role honeybees played in preparing that meal.”

Read the full review here:
https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-4/8/

“Planting Peace acts as both a mirror for readers who identify with environmental activism and African heritage and as a window for those unfamiliar with Wangari Maathai‘s legacy. “

Read the full review here:
https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-4/11/

“The Walking School Bus powerfully illustrates the themes of community and imagination, showing young readers that even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome through collective effort and creative thinking.“ Read the full review of this picturebook here: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-1/11/

“Shoshana Nambi‘s narrative includes universal themes of community and belonging with the unique cultural traditions of Ugandan Judaism. Set against Uganda‘s picturesque geographical backdrop, this story authentically portrays the Abayudaya community, challenging conventional perceptions of Jewish identity and emphasizing the diversity within global Judaism.“ Read the full review here: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-1/10/

“The Undefeated is the perfect framework for unveiling known and unknown events and people in African American history. The stark white backdrop for the realistic portraits that permeate this beautiful picturebook create a vast, expansive feeling that reveals the profound magnitude of the emotions laid bare by the poetry.“ See the full review of this Caldecott Award winner here: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-1/9/

“These Olive Trees is far more than a picturebook about a refugee experience. It provides a distinct look into the resilience and culture of the Palestinian people.“ See the full review of this picturebook here: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-1/8/

“With vibrant colors, attention to detail, and a variety of lines, The Spice Box immerses readers in Rishi‘s world. The illustrations maintain engagement throughout the book, with vivid hues and diverse lines evoking the fragrant spices of India.“ Check out the full review of this family and food focused picturebook here: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-1/7/

“Joanna Ho has written a stunning book about the importance of speaking one‘s name and the power of identity, language, and culture behind each name. Told in lyrical prose, the book lists names from specific cultures and shares the meaning and the history behind each one.“ Read the full review here: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-1/4/

“Gripping and emotionally devastating, the healing power of animal/human relationships shines through in this book, leaving readers with hope for Joseph‘s future.“ Read more about this historical fiction novel here: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-2/9/

“Set in the night market in Taipei, Taiwan, this picturebook beautifully captures the bond that forms between a stray dog named GoGo and a lost little girl – culminating in their journey to find a home and become a family.“ Read the full review here: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-2/8/

“Originally written in Dutch and told through Roya‘s eyes, this award-winning book is funny, sweet and touching. Readers will enjoy the playful moments between Roya, her brothers, and Mishka, particularly as Roya discovers Mishka‘s unique way of expressing deep comfort and security.“ Read more about this USBBY Outstanding International Book here: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-2/7/

“Richard Turere tells the story of how he invented a system of lights to protect livestock from predators, now used in many places around the world.“ Check out the full review for this biographical picturebook of a Maassai inventor: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-2/6/

“Vermette challenges the familiar narrative of the scary wolf who is the antagonist in most fairy tales. The girl is lost with only the wolf to help her, but across the narrative she learns to trust the wolf.“ Read the full review of this Indigenous remix of Little Red Riding Hood here: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-2/5/

“While life of the populações ribeirinhas (riverside populations) comprises many differences from those who do not live there, children across the globe who own a pet will easily make a connection with Cauã and Inaê‘s love for their pet tortoise. “ Read the full review here: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-2/4/

“The ability to adapt to loss, cope with death, and express grief is critical for healthy childhood development. All the Dear Little Animals can be used to introduce the topic of death and dying to children due to the structure of the text, engaging illustrations, and appropriate wording.“ Read the full review here: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvii-2/3/

Saedi masterfully depicts the delicate balance between being an American teenager and an undocumented immigrant. Visit https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xii-1/3/ for our full review, including books it will pair with!

All the children's & teen sessions at the Tucson Festival of Books (like the one in this image) are eligible for free Professional Development Certificates--even if you catch them on replay.

Sessions: http://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/?id=466&genre=Children+%2F+Teens
PD: https://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/?id=1502

Calling all K-12 educators! WOW announces “We The People”: Migrant Waves in the Making of America -- a 2-week National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute. The institute will be held virtually June 21-July 2, 2021. Participants receive a $2,200 stipend, 10 books & other curricular materials, & interact with scholars & authors. Applications due March 1, 2021. For more info, visit http://wethepeople.coe.arizona.edu.

ICYMI: Check out this author profile of Cynthia Leitich Smith by @RebL at https://wowlit.org/blog/2020/03/01/authors-corner-cynthia-leitich-smith/. Which author, illustrator, or translator of global books for young people would you like for us to feature? #YALit

“Unlike many books of this genre, the cruelty and humanity are supplanted, not by innocence, but by the business of living.” https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xi-4/9/ #YA

“Ernie Barnes‘s story in Between the Lines exemplifies the dreams in all of us.” https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xi-4/5/ #Picturebook

“This book discusses diverse topics, provides insights about the hardships that other countries have experienced, and highlights the achievements of a woman who dared to challenge the status quo in her country.” #Picturebook https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xi-4/11/

“[‘The Circuit‘] proves that one‘s struggles and adversities do not define how far someone can go.” https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xi-4/7/

“The message highlights that others might have differing abilities that limit what they do or that they may simply do some things differently.” #Picturebook https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xi-4/10/

“[Jaqueline] gives readers an opportunity to see themselves reflected in her work or to look through the window she has opened to note social and cultural aspects that differ from their lives.” #MiddleGrade https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xi-4/6/

“‘And Tango Makes Three‘ is a lighthearted and happy story surrounded by Cole‘s beautiful illustrations, showing readers that Roy, Silo, and Tango are as happy and loved in their family as other penguins.” https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xi-4/4/ #Picturebook

“One of the most engaging elements of Dreamers is the artwork created by Morales. Using Mexican fabric, metal sheets, childhood drawings, as well as leaves and plants, Morales creates multi-media artwork that blends her Mexican and American lives together. Equally vibrant and surreal, the details in the art provide readers with links between the U.S. and Mexico.” https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xi-4/8/ #Picturebook

“The lyrical prose written by author Diane Stanley, and the winsome, cartoon-like illustrations that utilize gouache by illustrator Jessie Hartland, work together to draw readers into the true story of how Ada Lovelace‘s ingenuity led her to experiment with her hobbies and surroundings in England, culminating in her work and eventual distinction as the world‘s first computer programmer.” https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xi-4/3/

An origin story told with flashforwards, The Casket of Time has a complexity that will reward young readers.
~
https://wowlit.org/blog/2019/05/01/wow-recommends-the-casket-of-time/

Alex and Nikole speculate what might happen this weekend when the WOW Teen Ambassadors chat with Matt Mendez. Join us Saturday, April 27 from 10am - noon for a discussion and signing. https://wowlit.org/event/wow-teen-reading-ambassadors-present-matt-mendez/ #WorldsofWords #YALit

Carolina slows down with Francesca Sanna's Me and My Fear to celebrate International Children's Book Day. Join WOW as we unwind with stories. Learn more abour our special exhibit here: https://wowlit.org/blog/2019/03/25/international-childrens-book-day/
~
#ICBD #ReadTheWorld

"The story highlights realities faced by individuals from all over the world who seek a better life out of poverty or refuge from harm in another country." https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/volume-xi-issue-2/6/ #Picturebook

It was wonderful to see J.C. Cervantes at the Tucson Festival of Books last weekend. The Storm Runner is a fun, thrilling romp through a world of untapped magic and endless possibility. We recently interviewed J.C. Cervantes about her writing process and her interactions with readers.
https://wowlit.org/blog/2018/12/01/j-c-cervantes-authors-corner/

"By centering the narrative of the book on 'Dorothea's Eyes,' Rosenstock conveys the power of Lange's photographs in which she saw and recorded the circumstantial poverty but also the human spirit of her subjects." https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/volume-xi-issue-2/8/ #Picturebook

"[Alan] Gratz portrays the trauma of war and its effects on people, particularly innocent civilians in real and honest ways." https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/volume-xi-issue-2/9/ #YALit

"This story is about hope and resiliency that describes the daily responsibilities and sacrifices a girl takes on in order to support her family's survival." https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/volume-xi-issue-2/12/ #Picturebook

"Hosting someone else's story requires us to stand with and allows us to build a more just world. Of all the books [Nicola Davies] has read this year, none has caused [her] to consider the significance of hosting." https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/volume-xi-issue-2/7/ #PB

"The richness of language is magical and profound, and would make a powerful model for adolescents as they learn to communicate through their own writings and with their own unique voices." Read full review: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/volume-xi-issue-2/11/ #YALit

"Not only is this a chronicle that tells a compelling story with authentic details and characterization, it is a testimony to the resilience of those who lived through the harrowing and traumatic experiences while under the control of the Boko Haram." Read the full review: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/volume-xi-issue-2/5/ #ya

"Anya‘s Ghost has all of the elements of a young adult novel with its brutally honest portrayal of the trauma of life for a teen immigrant and of a fairy tale that reminds us that good conquers evil only when we accept who we are and hold our family dear." Read the full review: https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/volume-xi-issue-2/4/

"[Saeed's novel] provides a window into hierarchical structures that exist in societies globally, and serves to tell a story of a girl who questions and acts against the status quo." https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/volume-xi-issue-2/3/ #MiddleGrade

Crackers go well with Noodlephant's favorite food, pasta.
~
#PictureBooks #TFOB

Full of imagination, Chad Sells works with 10 other authors in his #GraphicNovel The Cardboard Kingsom https://wowlit.org/blog/2019/01/01/wow-recommends-the-cardboard-kingdom/ . 16 kids come together in a make-believe world where they gain confidence resolving conflicts and challenging gender norms. Our #WOWRecommends book of the month is sure to inspire creativity.

WOW interns compare #OneOfUsIsLying and #TwoCanKeepASecret by Karen M. McManus. We're excited to see her at the Tucson Festival of Books this March. #YAlit #TFOB

Congratulations to Susan Kuklin's for her new book #WeAreHereToStay and sharing voices that should be heard. We are still celebrating! Learn more about Susan Kuklin's take on student interaction and global perspectives in this month's Author's Corner. https://wowlit.org/blog/2019/01/01/authors-corner-susan-kuklin/
#WorldsofWords #BookBirthday #AuthorsCorner

This month we have been reading books by Marie Marquardt, an author coming to this years Tucson Festival of Books. Her heartfelt stories explore immigration, love, and loss. Check them out for yourself! #worldsofwords #YAlist #tfob

This weekend our first Teen Reading Ambassadors will pick up their copy of this book and start a pre-college experience that mirrors our upper level children's lit class work. We will take applications to the program through Fall. Details at wowlit.org/blog.