All American Boys

All American Boys

By Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

Recommended Grades 7 – 9 and older

 

“Rashad is absent from school again today.” At the local high school this heavy sentence is written on the ground where everyone walks, where everyone will see it and be reminded. Rashad should have been there, attending classes, basketball practice, junior ROTC, and having fun with his friends. Instead he's in the hospital, suffering.

Paul is a local police officer who's younger brother goes to that high school. Paul decided that Rashad was shoplifting. Then he thought Rashad was resisting, so he violently arrested him. In fact, Paul used his fists so violently that he put Rashad in the hospital with serious injuries. It was all a tragic mistake that sets in motion so many life-altering consequences throughout the community.

Rashad is an active and happy sixteen year old and yet he knows he's sometimes been treated differently, with prejudice because he's black. And so has his older brother. When he regains consciousness at the hospital, he's surrounded by his parents and brother. He slowly reacts to the growing accusations in the community that the officer's act was racist. Friends, teachers, the basketball team, acquaintances, strangers, everyone takes sides as the news spreads the story. Then the video from the corner store goes viral on social media. And then, there's the eye witness.

Quinn is also on the basketball team. He happened to be at the store when Rashad was attacked and witnessed it all. The violence shocked him, even more terrifying when he recognized that the officer was Paul. Quinn knew Paul so well, at least he thought he did. They live on the same street. When Quinn's father had been killed in Afghanistan, Paul had taken Quinn to heart almost like a father figure. Quinn had never seen Paul like this, or had there been hints of this before? Quinn is white, like Paul but suddenly he's questioning his loyalties in the midst of erupting racial tensions. “I could stay here or I could move all the way to California and I would still be white. Cops and everyone would see me as an All American Boy.” Quinn has discovered that all American boys are not treated the same.

What is so incredible about this book is the realistic descriptions of the variety of different characters' thoughts, actions, and reactions. There are incredible insights and glimpses into their personalities and why they react the ways they do to the painful arrest and the resulting events. Even Rashad's parents each have surprising responses. It's not just the characters and the story that are so page turning. It's the art of the writing, where you are hanging on every word, the alluring rhythm of the sentences, and the compelling turns of phrase.

All American Boys is a 2016 Coretta Scott King Author Honor book, and recipient of the Walter Dean Myers Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature. The authors have great respect for their readers, and give them a realistic, tense story that is thought provoking and conversation starting. The characters are memorable, and many feel like people that you want to be friends with.

Jason Reynolds is a New York Times bestselling author and the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. He is a Newbery Award Honoree, a Printz Award Honoree, National Book Award Honoree, a Kirkus Award winner, a two time Walter Dean Myers Award winner, an NAACP Image Award Winner, and the recipient of multiple Coretta Scott King honors. He's author of many books, as well as poetry. Find out more about this engaging author at JasonWritesBooks.com. He will be the keynote speaker at the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Virtual Conference's Young Author's Day on Saturday September 26^th.

Brendan Kiely is The New York Times bestselling author. He received a Coretta Scott King Author Honor Award, the Walter Dean Myers Award, the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award, and was selected as one of the American Library Association's Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults. Find out more at Brendankiely.com

Sherlocktopus Is On The Case

Sherlocktopus Holmes

Eight Arms of the Law

By Ellen Byerrum

Illustrations by Jacqueline Berkman-Glatigny

Recommended especially for Young Readers

Ages 6 - 10

The game is a-fin! And the underwater mystery is devilfishly clever. Here's an invitation to dive right in and solve a high seas mystery with a brilliant detective guiding your way. Sherlocktopus Holmes is a fun friend, and happy to share an adventure with you. Along the way this investigating octopus will introduce you to the many creatures you'll meet and then you'll learn something about them too. One that you'll meet is even a star, Doctor Flotsam. She is the loyal and brave friend of Sherlocktopus. There are so many surprises to see, and you can help Sherlocktopus Holmes solve the case.

The poetry of motion will help you solve the mystery hidden beneath the rolling waves. The rhymes are so happy, some will make you laugh out loud. If you read it out loud to others you can all enjoy the word play. And each verse will help you discover clues to your case, to find where Sally's missing doll may be hiding.

The bright-colored, full page pictures help tell the story, as you reason along with the rhymes. You'll be pointing to the different animals as you read along. As you turn the pages some of the sea creatures help you learn about their home in the ocean too, and you can see what they mean as they tell you their story.

Ellen Byerrum is a mystery novelist, author of the best selling Crime of Fashion Mysteries. Her research for her books benefits from the private investigator's registration she holds. She's also a journalist, and playwright. She also enjoys writing books with children in mind. It's said that this book was inspired by a dream. You can find more about the author at http://www.ellenbyerrum.com/

The illustrator, Jacqueline Berkman-Glatigny creates beautiful art in many media. She has always worked with children in her professional life. She teaches, organizes, and directs Montessori programs.  

Join New Friends, Kids of Lake Meadow Series

Kids of Lake Meadow Series

By Brandon McAlister

Illustrated by Sydney McAlister

Recommended especially for Young Readers ages 6 - 10

I've been to the cheeriest of places, and had the sunniest of fun, playing with the Kids of Lake Meadow. These lyrical books invite their readers to come along with them on every day adventures around their hometown. These children are such good company, and as they explore they learn and observe and they end up creating their own song in each book - a delight to learn and sing along.

This author is such a wonderful poet, and the rhyming words and melodic rhythm propels the young reader hopping and skipping with delight along the text. In my first book I joined Alice on her quest of Alice and the Apple Tree. She wants to experience how an apple on an apple tree in the town orchard can become a delicious apple pie that she can share with family and friends. And with dessert they can all sing along a sweet song about this deep baked adventure. After that, in another book I went for a sight seeing ride with Billy and the Bicycle. Billy discovered how a bicycle works, and how to ride it safely to see all kinds of places, and while singing a wonderful biking song.

The illustrations are vivid and colorful and when partnered with the poetic stories, young imaginations are launched. There is even a beautiful illustration of a map of Lake Meadow, which makes the town even more real. Readers can see on this map where each book's adventures are, and they can imagine what other adventures and interesting children they'll meet in other parts of the town that they haven't read about yet.

You can see for yourself, with a sample of these irresistible stories and songs on YouTube. Who doesn't want to bike and sing with Billy . . .

Billy and the Bicycle Animated Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqoelyfWezU

Billy and the Bicycle sing-a-long song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikWC30-nroU

The author, Brandon McAlister is a delightful poet, and very creative talent. After having enough of corporate life, and under the encouragement of his wife and two daughters, he decided to focus full time on a series that was a brainchild of years of thought. The illustrations are by his talented daughter. This series of books is such a breath of fresh air for young readers, encouraging their own appreciation for life in their own hometowns. And what a great gift idea for parents, grandparents, and other adults in children's lives because there are so many great books and characters in the series. The children in your life will read the stories and look at the pictures over and over again, and then be so excited as you gift them more books in the series. They'll be filled with wonder and song as their adventures with the Kids of Lake Meadow grow.

Bravo for Nick Baker's Books

I've Got The Bad Behavior Blues

and

Turtle

Both Books By Nick Baker

as told to his Number One Fan . . . His Mom, Kathy Passage

Recommended for all ages

Nick Baker has two fun and heartwarming stories to tell. Think about your friends. Aren't they fun to be with? Everyone is so different, they have different talents and ideas, and that's part of why you like them and have fun doing things together. Your talents and ideas are why they like you too. Some of the ways friends are different are harder to understand, but once you understand then that's part of what makes friendships so special and amazing.

One of Nick Baker's special talents is that he can tell a wonderful story that everyone will enjoy reading and hearing, and have fun learning new things too. Another special talent he has is for music. When Nick Baker was young, he had some trouble fitting in at school and making friends. These are books about what that was like, and what he learned from it. Just wait until you find out the meaning of Turtle in his book. Then you'll never guess what Turtle changes into.

The stories read as if the author is sitting next to you and telling you what happened. What comes next is always a surprise too. Nick Baker has had many challenges in his life. He was born totally blind and later, in early adulthood was diagnosed with Autism. In his books he describes what being blind is like, and what autism is. He started writing original music about twenty years ago, and many of his songs have a story behind them too.

The illustrations on every page of the books really help to tell the tales as well. The colors are bright and vivid. These pictures show what is happening with the characters and are another way to feel the story. These books will make you feel good all over, tickle your funny bone, and show you how precious real friendship is.

Today Nick Baker, works in his home studio writing, recording, engineering, and producing music.. He has many musical interests, including creating jingles for radio and advertising. He is a gifted singer and keyboard player. He performs live music too at assisted living facilities, local restaurants, wineries and club venues. You can find out more about him, and even listen to him perform his music, on his website at https://nickbakermusic.com/ .

Where Y'At !! Trombone Shorty

Trombone Shorty

By Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews
Illustrated by Caldecott Honor Winner Bryan Collier
Recommended especially for Young Readers ages 6 - 8

Where y’at? This fun, true story will transport you magically into the midst of a New Orleans neighborhood. This wonderful book describes the city in such exceptional language it stimulates your imagination and your senses – the smells of the cooking, the sights of the people, the feel of the objects around the city including the instruments played by the bands, and especially the sounds of the lively music, “we always had a lot of music”.

Beyond the setting, the adventure is also very exciting. It’s a true story of the young boy Troy Andrews, known as “Trombone Shorty”. It tells of the dream he had about becoming a musician, how he got his unlikely start, and his nickname, and the things he did to get started on the road to achieving his dream. Practice. Practice. Practice. He enjoyed practicing because he could hear his music start to sound better. He even inspired his friends to play music too, and they formed a band to play together.

The text and the character are both very exciting, and there’s a splendid surprise at the end of the story that will delight readers. The amazing illustrations appear so life like and enhance what the imagination has conjured up. Especially for young readers who may know little about New Orleans, or about music, this is a delightful introduction. The story’s message about the importance of following your dreams is very inspiring.

Be sure to also enjoy the included cd. Not only is it an audio book version, including ruffling page sounds to indicate when to turn the book page, but it delights with New Orleans music. What better way to show the success of following your dreams than to tell the story of Troy Andrews as a little boy and include on the cd the incredible music of Trombone Shorty as an adult.

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is a Grammy nominated multi-instrumentalist. If you’ve ever heard him in concert, and with his Orleans Avenue band, you know his genius. He’s released multiple studio albums and has received awards in recognition of his community service work with the Trombone Shorty Foundation and Music Academy. He is committed to preserving the musical heritage of New Orleans while providing music education and mentorship to underserved young musicians. He lives in New Orleans, and you can find out more about him on his website at www.tromboneshorty.com  And if you like this book, you’ll also enjoy his other children’s books.

New In The Tall Tales Series - Dachshunds in Costumes

A Tall Tale About Dachshunds in Costumes

How More Dogs Came To Be

By Kizzie Jones

Illustrated by Scott Ward
Recommended for ages 3 – 8 and up

Come. Join this joyful dachshund pack as they turn a doggone day at the beach into an adventure to spread love one friend at a time. Dance with them through delightful verse and playful pictures because a dachshund by any other name is still so sweet.

What is the silver lining in the clouds of a rain storm that creeps upon the beach one autumn day? These joyful dogs bound back into the sand to discover all kinds of surprises from downed leaves and vegetation. That’s all it takes to get their tails wagging and spur their imaginations into playful visions of glorious costumes. And that’s when a dash of magic turns a beach walk into a miracle of friendships.

The lyrical text sounds like a song when read aloud to young listeners, and what a wonderful, independent exploration of words and rhyming words for first time readers. The wonderful illustrations are a clever match to the story and show the fun on every page. At the end of the book, young readers are treated to an illustrated children’s glossary where they can eagerly learn more about all the different types of dachshunds. It’s surprising how much there is to know. There’s also a dog glossary highlighting other breeds and their history, with beautiful illustrations. And finally, a vegetation glossary is included to help young readers learn about the environment and intrigue them to look closer at the outdoors around them.

Her love of dachshunds inspired author Kizzie Jones’ popular award winning children’s books, and this is a great addition to her Tall Tales series. She’s also a contributing author to Writing in Place: Prose & Poetry from the Pacific Northwest.

Artist Scott Ward’s whimsical paintings are regularly shown in galleries and venues across the United States. He also creates advertising, clothing, graphics, interiors, theater, landscapes, and murals.

Look for this Tale to be available November 3^rd

Girl CEO, Priceless Advice for Girls and Boys

Girl CEO

Priceless advice from trailblazing women

By Ronnie Cohen and Katherine Elllison
Recommended for ages 9 and up

What do you want to be when you grow up? Here’s a fun and inspiring book to read while you dream about your future. Forty women who are leaders in all kinds of different careers and industries are included. Their struggles and accomplishments are highlighted, and their advice is showcased. Learn practical tips, and stretch your imagination about a world of opportunities to consider. The information is great for girls and for boys.

So many of the people featured began their success before they became adults, acting on their personal interests and strengths. They found that there was a need for what they had to offer, and they were able to find a way to supply their products or their services in the marketplace. This book shows how others have turned their interests into a career. It offers suggestions on how to build a strong network. It’s encouraging how these successful women showcase ways that they learned from setbacks. And it’s exciting to read examples where charity has been incorporated into a business model.

Just take a look at a sample of some of the leaders who are included: Bridget Hilton - Founder of LSATN Sound Co., Judy Faulkner – Founder and CEO of Epic Systems, Tavi Gevinson – Founder and editor-in-chief of Rookie Find Your Voice, J. K. Rowling – Author, Rachel Zietz – Founder and CEO of Gladiator Lacrosse, Taylor Swift – Singer Songwriter, Joy Mangano – Inventor, founder and President of Ingenious Designs, and so many more. Who are these women? What do they do and what secrets to success are they happy to share? You’ll have fun meeting them on the pages of Girl CEO and deciding what ideas you’d like to try. Then, take action and see what you can do. Share what you’ve learned with your friends and parents. At the end of the book there’s a list of books, blogs, and websites that may also be useful when learning about entrepreneurial women.

The authors and illustrator are also fascinating women in interesting careers. Ronnie Cohen is a prize-winning freelance journalist in Northern California. Katherine Ellison is also a Journalist, winning several awards including a Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting. She is also a Speaker, and Communications Consultant. Georgia Rucker is a Graphic Designer and Illustrator. Girl CEO is one of the Generation Girl books that celebrate game-changing women.