Month: July 2020

BUZZING WITH QUESTIONS: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner by author Janice N. Harrington and illustrator Theodore Taylor III

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Age Range: 7 years – 10 years

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Publication Date: November 5, 2019

In this nonfiction picture book biography, readers and listeners learn about Charles Henry Turner, a person who based his career on studying insects called an entomologist. Dr. Turner was born in 1867 in Ohio, two years after the end of slavery in the United States. He was gifted with the desire to learn about bugs and did extensive research with spiders, ants, and bees to name a few. He obtained a PhD at the University of Chicago and published work substantially. Additionally, he had interests in civil rights and education. His career appears to have been limited due to racism. He became a high school teacher after a short career in higher education. Along with the insightful text, the illustrations ignite interests in insect behavior and scientific experiments. Included are: an author’s note, timeline, bibliography, source note and archival images.

NO PARTY POOPERS! by author Gretchen McLellan and illustrator Lucy Semple

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Age Range: 4 – 8 years

Publisher: little bee books

Publication Date: June 9, 2020

A picky panda and a bracing brown bear attempt to collaborate on an invitation list for a party. Panda presumes that all animals except bears will cause catastrophes at this shindig negating potential invitees in his conversations with Brown Bear. On the other hand, Brown Bear believes that his neighbors will be fine guests at this bash. Can the two create a list that both will agree on? Can Panda change his views? Will any of the animals be party poopers? A good book to stimulate open minded thinking and collaboration. Illustrations of cute critters bring to life Panda’s concerns and move the story along nicely.

Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by author Meg Medina and illustrator Sonia Sanchez

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Age Range: 5 years – 7 years

Publisher: Candlewick

Publication Date: September 8, 2020

Change is in the air. Leaves don autumn colors. People wrap in more clothing. Daniela’s neighbor and close friend named Evelyn is leaving their neighborhood where the two have shared many good times. This stirring story about changing life events can provoke discussions about what to do and how to adjust when things don’t stay on a predictable path. Illustrations are lively and beautiful capturing this sentimental journey in Evelyn and Daniela’s lives.

Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away was selected by Jumpstart Read for the Record 2020 to be read nationally on October 29, 2020. https://www.jstart.org/read-for-the-record/