4 stars Embark on a tour of Grimstone Hall and learn of the ghosts who reside there in this wonderfully creepy collection of ghost stories. The finalists of a ghost story writing competition visit the most haunted house in England where all the ghosts are children. But Jake can’t shake the feeling that there is…
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5 stars A fantastic story featuring a clever and mischievous princess, a kind and understanding prince, and beautiful artwork. Four princesses tell their father how they love him. But when Princess Amal compares her love to humble and common salt, the king banishes her from the kingdom. She finds a new home and comes up…
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Illustrated by Fabiana Faiallo 5 stars A sweet picture book for helping children cope with the death of a friend or classmate. Violet is Mia’s best friend. She brings sunshine to every day. But after Violet dies, everything changes. With the help of others, Mia is able to learn ways to remember, grieve, and say…
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Illustrated by Cindy Derby 4 stars A gentle story of grief and loss that presents ways to keep a person with you after they are gone. After the death of his mother, a young boy must cope with the ways his life has changed and the grief he feels at her absence. A wise gorilla…
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Illustrated by Markia Jenai 5 stars Fantastically recounts the history behind Juneteenth, from the Middle Passage and enslavement to the Civil War and emancipation. The book shows ways Juneteenth has been celebrated, how Jim Crow laws affected its spread, and how Opal Lee and others worked to make it a national holiday. Nice illustrations. A…
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5 stars A sweet picture book that highlights the importance of a good bedtime routine. While the human child is ready for bedtime, the monster under her bed isn’t sleepy. Together, they go through the bedtime routine in this adorable story of friendship and imagination. Delightful, humorous illustrations. A very cute story, simply told with…
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by Meeg Pincus Illustrated by Meridth McKean Gimbel 5 stars A fantastic picture book biography with beautiful themes of being true to yourself and working for a better world for all. This powerful story shows how Sarah McBride was able to follow her dreams, overcome fear, and live authentically. Wonderfully told. Great emphasis on McBride…
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4 stars Another fantastic math-based story. Mei walks through her yard, looking for where her chickens have laid their eggs. She points out the location of each egg, using prepositions and spatial relationships such as under, on, and next to. The straightforward narration and simple story are perfect for the intended audience. Adorable illustrations. The…
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5 stars A fantastic introduction to the topic of immigration. Wonderfully written. Includes information about why people may immigrate, some of the challenges they face, and a bit about the immigration application process. Also points out the harmfulness of using dehumanizing language to describe people. Promotes kindness, understanding, and listening to others when they tell…
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4 stars A nice introduction to what it means to be in foster care. The book is mostly directed to those who are not in foster care, encouraging them to not make assumptions, listen, and be mindful about the questions they ask. The book goes through what foster care is, the emotions someone may feel…
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