Nonfiction Monday

March 7, 2022March 6, 2022

Pura’s Cuentos

Pura’s Cuentos: How Pura Belpré Reshaped Libraries with Her Stories
by Annette Bay Pimentel (Author) and Magaly Morales (Illustrator)
@ Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound

Booktalk: Pura’s abuela always has a cuento to share. She crows ¡Qui-qui-ri-quí! for Señor Gallo, booms Borom, Borom for Señor Zapo, and tells of a beautiful cockroach who loves a mouse. Pura clings to these stories like coquíes cling to green leaves.

When Pura grows up and moves from Puerto Rico to Harlem, she gets a job at the library, where she is surrounded by stories–but they’re only in English. Where is Señor Gallo? Where is Pérez the mouse? Where is Puerto Rico on these shelves? She decides to tell children the tales of her homeland in English and in Spanish.

Snippet:

Nonfiction Monday

It’s Nonfiction Monday!

The author, Annette Bay Pimentel, is one of my former students.
Copyright © 2022 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.

March 7, 2022March 6, 2022

Breaking Through the Clouds: The Sometimes Turbulent Life of Meteorologist Joanne Simpson

Right in time for Women’s History Month, we have a wonderful new picture book biography, Breaking Through the Clouds: The Sometimes Turbulent Life of Meteorologist Joanne Simpson by Sandra Nickel and illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia.

Joanne Simpson’s story is one of perseverance. When she was a girl, Joanne discovered the joy of watching clouds. As she sailed in her boat– or flew in her plane in later years– she learned the importance of paying attention to the weather.

Joanne went to the University of Chicago about the same time World War II broke out. They needed someone to teach Air Force officers about winds, and Joanne an aptitude for weather and knew how to fly, so they asked her to take over. Once the war ended, however, and Joanne decided to continue her studies, her professors didn’t agree. They told her:

“No woman ever got a doctorate in meteorology. And no woman ever will.”

Joanne wasn’t willing to give up. She worked hard.

She discovered so many important things that she achieved her dream.

Breaking Through the Clouds is a perfect choice for Women’s History Month, as well as for budding historians and budding scientists. Get inspired by a copy today!

Be sure to visit Growing with Science blog for the full review and activity suggestions.

February 28, 2022February 27, 2022

The Life of Clara Barton

The Life of Clara Barton
by Gillia M. Olson (Author)
@ Amazon | IndieBound

Booktalk: This timeline biography explores Clara Barton’s incredible life as a humanitarian. Chapter book readers will learn about Barton’s careers as a teacher and nurse, and how caring for wounded Civil War soldiers inspired her to create the American Red Cross.

Snippet: When the U.S. Civil War (1861-1865) began, Clara wanted to help. She brought soldiers food, water, and other supplies.

Nonfiction Monday

It’s Nonfiction Monday!

February 21, 2022February 20, 2022

National Geographic Readers: Kamala Harris (Level 2)

National Geographic Readers: Kamala Harris (Level 2)
by Tonya Grant (Author)
@ Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound

Booktalk: Explore one of the most powerful and highest-ranking female figures in American history with this biography of Vice President Kamala Harris in this Level 2 beginning reader.

Snippet:
Who Is Kamala Harris?
On January 20, 2021, Kamala
(KAH-muh-luh) Harris became
vice president of the United States.
It is the second highest job in the
United States after president.

Nonfiction Monday

It’s Nonfiction Monday!

February 21, 2022February 20, 2022

Good Eating: The Short Life of Krill

Today at Growing With Science blog we are featuring the new nonfiction picture book, Good Eating: The Short Life of Krill by Matt Lilley and illustrated by Dan Tavis.

Krill are shrimp-like crustaceans that live in the ocean. They are incredibly important as an integral link in ocean food webs.

As the punchline of this humorous picture book says,

…krill are really good at eating and krill are really good eatin’.

Matt Lilley spells out the complex metamorphosis of one species, the Antarctic krill, Euphasia superba. We learn about all the unusual developmental stages — some discovered not that long ago — and also about how krill can glow, shrink if there isn’t enough food, and live for a relatively long time for their size (if they aren’t eaten).

The delightful illustrations by Dan Tavis match the flavor of the text perfectly. The pink-orange color of the krill and the blue of the ocean water are a lively example of complementary colors. Plus, Tavis obviously did his homework regarding krill anatomy and metamorphosis.

Good Eating: The Short Life of Krill is likely to inspire budding oceanographers and marine biologists. It is a perfect read to accompany a trip to an aquarium or to the ocean. Delve into a copy today!

And stop by Growing with Science for the full review and activity suggestions.

February 14, 2022February 13, 2022

Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter

Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter
by Shani Mahiri King (Author) and Bobby C. Martin Jr (Illustrator)
@ Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound

Booktalk: Celebrating Black accomplishments in music, art, literature, journalism, politics, law, science, medicine, entertainment, and sports. Black lives have always mattered.

Snippet:

Nonfiction Monday

It’s Nonfiction Monday!

February 14, 2022February 13, 2022

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day
by Mari Schuh (Author)
@ Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound

Booktalk: In this beginning reader, simple text and photographs describe the history of Valentine’s Day and how it is celebrated.

Snippet:

Nonfiction Monday

It’s Nonfiction Monday!

February 7, 2022February 6, 2022

Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America

Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America (Young Reader’s Edition)
by Candacy Taylor (Author)
@ Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound

Booktalk: This young reader’s edition chronicles the history of the Green Book, which was published from 1936 to 1966 and was the “Black travel guide to America.” For years, it was dangerous for African Americans to travel in the United States. Because of segregation, Black travelers couldn’t eat, sleep, or even get gas at most white-owned businesses.

The Green Book listed hotels, restaurants, department stores, gas stations, recreational destinations, and other businesses that were safe for Black travelers. It was a resourceful and innovative solution to a horrific problem. It took courage to be listed in the Green Book, and the stories from those who took a stand against racial segregation are recorded and celebrated.

Snippet:

Nonfiction Monday

It’s Nonfiction Monday!

February 7, 2022February 6, 2022

Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History

Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History
by Schele Williams (Author) and Tonay Engel (Illustrator)
@ Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound

Booktalk: An introduction to African American history for children.

Snippet: Your story begins in Africa. Did you know Africans were the first people on the earth? Africa is a continent that is home to many countries and many thriving nations.

Nonfiction Monday

It’s Nonfiction Monday!

January 31, 2022January 30, 2022

Holidays & Celebrations: A Shine-A-Light Book

Holidays & Celebrations: A Shine-A-Light Book
by Carron Brown (Author) and Ipek Konak (Illustrator)

Booktalk: Hold a light behind the see-through pages to take a glimpse behind the scenes of some of the world’s most wonderful festivals, holidays, and celebrations.

Snippet:

The Year of the Tiger begins on February 1, 2022. The Lunar New Year celebration lasts for 15 days.

Nonfiction Monday

It’s Nonfiction Monday!