by Shari Swanson Illustrated by Renée Graef 5 stars An absolutely delightful book that recounts the story of Gertie and her ducklings. Whether you’ve never stepped foot in Milwaukee, are familiar with the story, or have just walked past the bronze duck statues on the Wisconsin Avenue bridge, this book offers interesting details and a…
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by Carole Boston Weatherford Illustrated by Frank Morrison 4 stars A remarkable exploration of history as told through the modernized lyrics of the popular spiritual, “Standing in the Need of Prayer”. The book works in various events throughout history from the American slave trade to Emancipation to the Civil Rights Movement to the Black Lives…
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3 stars A tale of secret societies, spies, fantastic inventions, and flight. Adventure, humor, and history combine as the story interworks historical events with fantastical elements. A fun blend of text and illustrations to advance the story. A historical flight taken by a sheep, a rooster, and a duck; a plot to steal the plans…
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Art by Dare Coulter 5 stars Masterful. This book is hard-hitting, beautiful, powerful, hopeful, unabashed, and well-told. It acknowledges that the histories and realities of the past can be hard to face and difficult to discuss. But encourages us all to keep fighting for a better future. A story of hope and hardship, of remembering…
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by Chris Barton Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat 5 stars A shiny new read to add some sparkle to your day. While I don’t personally care much for glitter, I found learning about it in this book fascinating. Great blend of information, engagement, and humor. The illustrations are gorgeous. They deliver on all the sparkliness sans…
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by Ella Schwartz Illustrated by Lily Williams 4 stars An interesting read that tackles some of the questions we’ve all thought about at one time or another. Each chapter deals with a different question related to pee, bodies of water, and what does and does not harm them. From whether it’s okay to pee in…
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by Clive Gifford Illustrated by Steve Gavan 3 stars A fun and interesting introduction to politics. The book focuses on different types of governments, ways of voting, and how to get involved in decision making. It touches on a lot of the major moments throughout political history. While it does make an effort to cover…
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by Dianna E. Anderson 3 stars Overall, an interesting read. Anderson tackles quite a few topics in this book, mostly centering around the language of trans identity and gender-nonconformity, and the issues of a world that seeks binaries. The book is a bit tricky to pin down because it’s a little bit of everything. Part…
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by Laurie Wallmark Illustrated by Katy Wu 4 stars A wonderful picture book biography. This one is a bit lengthy, so best suited for older children (8+). Generally features a few paragraphs per page, with colorful and engaging illustrations to break up the text. The story goes through some of Hopper’s experimentation as a child,…
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by Mara Rockliff Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley 4 stars A fantastic and inspiring biography picture book about the career of Billie Jean King. The book focuses mainly on King’s tennis career with a little more about her personal life included in the backmatter. Throughout the story, King is faced with sexist remarks, questions, and treatment….
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