OceanX Adventures by Kate Jerome

Over the past few days, I read the first three books of the OceanX Adventures series. This adventure series is about Marena Montoya, an eleven-year-old girl who agrees to be the new junior science reporter for the local aquarium's newsletter at the encouragement of her fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Foster. In the first book, Mystery at the Aquarium, Marena writes her first article for Mrs. Diaz while trying to solve the mystery of the power outages at the aquarium. Mentored by Dr. Anna Knowles, Marena, her best friend Aisha, and her older brother Lucas search for real scientific evidence and use critical thinking skills to find the culprit of the power outages. In the next book, Danger in the Deep Sea, Marena and Aisha discover an important clue in finding the shipwreck of the San Luis Pedro and its treasure. When Marena becomes an accidental stowaway on the OceanXplorer, she and Lucas embark on a journey to help hunt for the San Luis Pedro. In the third book, Daring Dolphin Rescue, Marena wins a grant from the National Aquarium Association and goes on a research trip to Monterey, California. Although she doesn't get along with her study partner, Samuel, at first, they eventually work together to learn about how whales and dolphins communicate from Anna. When Marena and Samuel investigate an underwater noise issue after helping rescue a baby otter and a dolphin, they get trapped on a boat and have to find a way to escape.

I've long been interested in the oceans and marine science, so I really enjoyed this series. I loved following Marena's adventures and learning more about the oceans and marine animals. I thought it was really cool that these books use real science and they helped me understand more about how scientists explore the oceans. I also liked that Marena had so much support around her from Aisha and Lucas to Anna and Mrs. Diaz. This series is great for kids because the science is explained in a way that's easy to understand. Additionally, the situations Marena finds herself in add a dash of suspense, making an engaging read. Any kid who's interested in the oceans and sea creatures should check OceanX Adventures out.

K Is in Trouble by Gary Clement

 

On Friday, I read an advanced reader copy of K Is in Trouble by Gary Clement. This graphic novel is about K, a boy who is kind and polite, but always gets in trouble despite doing what he is told. In five interconnected short stories, adults are always ready to blame K for doing something wrong. From going to school and getting sick to helping out and being thirsty, he is always getting on someone's bad side whether they are his parents or strangers on the street.

This graphic novel was such a fun and quick read and I really enjoyed it. Across the five stories about K, I laughed at times because of the ridiculousness, but also felt sorry for K because he never actually did anything wrong. It really did seem like the world was out to get him and most of the adults were just plain old mean and impolite. I loved all five of the stories, but my favorite was the first one, "K Is Late", when K meets a talking beetle after being late to school. I thought it was quite insightful and got the book off to a wonderful start. I also liked the quirkiness of the illustrations because it really added a unique style to the tales being told. I think the author did a fantastic job at representing how outrageous and unfair childhood can be sometimes. As a series opener, K Is in Trouble is a terrific choice for young people.

Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Boston Weatherford

 

Yesterday, I finished reading Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Boston Weatherford. This historical fiction novel in verse is a journey through the author's family history. Her ancestors were among the founders of Maryland, but she could only trace them back five generations before the path went dark. From the small pieces of information she was able to gather, she tells the painful, yet hopeful, story of her kin. Through her poems, she brings to life and light the perspectives of her own ancestors (including an Isaac Cooper whose name was in a list of property in a ledger from 1781), Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and even Wye House itself, the plantation where her ancestors were enslaved.

This book tells a story that will stick with me for a very long time. Even if it's brutal and poignant at times, it was an amazing read, and I enjoyed how Carole Boston Weatherford included so many different voices. Although she certainly could have just included her ancestors, she also wrote poems from the perspectives of the Lloyds and Francis Scott Key, which showed how slavery was perpetuated by those born in slaveholding families. I definitely think it was necessary that she shed a light on that part of history because this country's founding fathers had problematic opinions, were cruel to those different from them, and didn't always do the right thing. Most importantly, the story shows how America was built from the labor of enslaved peoples. America couldn't have become the nation it is today without Black families, like Carole Boston Weatherford's. Even the poems from inanimate objects were fascinating, how they could only watch as atrocities against humanity were committed. Last, but not least, the scratchboard illustrations by the author's son, Jeffery Boston Weatherford, were absolutely beautiful. I loved the detail in all of them, the play of light and shadow and the emotions on the faces. I can't imagine how much time, effort, and love went into each picture. Kin: Rooted in Hope is phenomenal and I can't recommend it enough to anyone who wants to read a personal story of slavery.

An American Story by Kwame Alexander and There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds

 

On Sunday, I read two picture books: There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds and An American Story by Kwame Alexander. There Was a Party for Langston tells the story of Langston Hughes and a party that was held in his honor at the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in February 1991. Many African American authors attended this event, including Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka who were caught dancing together.

This picture book was both fun and informational. I enjoy learning more about Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and Amiri Baraka through the writing of the story, and it was really neat how the illustrators, Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey, used handmade stamps to create the pictures. I especially loved how they incorporated words into the illustrations. I think it shows how Langston Hughes was "the king of letters" and a "word maker" as the story describes him. The scenes from the party were playful and joyful and made me want to join the guests. I liked seeing that the library can be a place for celebration. At the end, there is a note from the author, Jason Reynolds, explaining his inspiration for writing the book. There Was a Party for Langston is a book for all ages and anyone should read it.

Nonfiction in nature, An American Story explains the history of slavery as told by a teacher, Ms. Simmons, to her class. People were stolen from their villages in Africa and taken on crowded ships in chains across the Atlantic to America where they were sold and had to work in fields and homes owned by white people for free. They weren't allowed to learn how to read and write and sometimes families were even split up. Despite the hardships, they were resilient and never lost hope that they would be free someday.

Covering a topic that is difficult to discuss, this picture book is powerful. The author, Kwame Alexander, did a commendable job of explaining slavery for children. As I was reading, I got a sense of how painful it was for Ms. Simmons to tell her students the story of slavery. It made me so sad and angry that something like slavery could happen because people are people no matter what they look like. I especially liked the message that it's important to tell the truth even when it's hard as Ms. Simmons's students remind her. I also thought the mixed-media illustrations by Dare Coulter were absolutely beautiful. When I read that some of the illustrations were sculptures, I was stunned because she used them so seamlessly with paintings and drawings. I had to take a second or third look at some of the illustrations to see how she created them. She is really an amazing artist, and I'll definitely keep a look out for books illustrated by her in the future. Finally, because slavery is a horrific part of American history, I appreciated the moments of hope and strength in An American Story. At the end of the book, there are notes from both the author and the illustrator. Although this book is written for children, I recommend it to everyone.

Ain't Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds and How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee by Carole Boston Weatherford

 

On Saturday, I read Ain't Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds and How Do You Spell Unfair?: Macnolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee by Carole Boston Weatherford. Ain't Burned All the Bright is an illustrated poetry book that shows what it was like to be Black in America during the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic. Through three breaths, it tells the story of a boy whose mother won't turn the news off while his dad is sick with COVID-19 in the bedroom. As he watches constant violence and systemic racism on the news and worries about his dad, he feels like he can't breathe.

I thought this book was incredibly impactful. Most of all, I loved how the illustrations were created by Jason Griffin using mixed media because they captured the mood of the story, but I also felt a great deal of empathy for the boy through the words of the story. Each breath, or chapter, starts in a similar way and I think it really captured the repetition of the news and how watching the same horror over and over made the boy feel. A few lines that stood out to me were when the boy was describing his dad's cough in the second breath: "and why his cough sounds like something is living inside him and dying inside him at the same time and why it sounds like something in him is breaking up and breaking down at the same time". I could just imagine how concerning that would be for the boy. Overall, this book shines a light on the experience of Black people during the pandemic and I recommend it to anyone.

The second book I read, How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee, is a nonfiction picture book that tells the story of MacNolia Cox from when she won her school and city spelling bees in 1936 to her experience in the National Spelling Bee. Even though she was treated like a celebrity in her hometown of Akron, Ohio, she faced racism on the train to Washington, D.C., by the hotel where the rest of the spellers were staying, and during the spelling bee itself. Despite the challenges, MacNolia's achievement as one of the first African Africans to be invited to the National Spelling Bee was groundbreaking.

I always loved participating in spelling bees when I was a kid, so I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about MacNolia Cox. It was awesome that she became the first African American to win the Akron Spelling Bee in Ohio and then a finalist in the National Spelling Bee. As I read the book, I definitely thought it was unfair that MacNolia faced discrimination during the National Spelling Bee. It must have been frustrating for her as a talented speller who studied so hard to prepare. I liked that the book spelled out important words like "famous", "dedication", "discrimination", "racism", and more. It felt very fitting in a picture book about a spelling bee contestant. The oil and spray paint illustrations by Frank Morrison were gorgeous, and I was interested by the information the author included in a foreword at the beginning of the book and an epilogue at the end. Additionally, there is a list of resources in a select bibliography. An inspiring story, How Do You Spell Unfair? is a wonderful choice for anyone who wants to learn about African American participation in academic competitions.

Michael Vey: The Traitor by Richard Paul Evans and Speculation by Nisi Shawl

 

Last Friday, I finished reading Michael Vey: The Traitor by Richard Paul Evans and Speculation by Nisi Shawl. As the ninth book in the Michael Vey series, The Traior continues right where the eight book, The Parasite, left off. Michael has just learned that his friend, Jack, has betrayed them and Tara is still captured by the Elite Elgen Guard Unit, the Chasqui, and their leader, Sovereign Amash. When Michael's girlfriend, Taylor, surrenders herself during a battle against the Chasqui, the Electroclan has to find a way to rescue her and Tara, even if it means fighting Jack. On top of that, they have to stop the Chasqui's plans to destroy the city of Arequipa by working with the Alpha Team. With two missions, the Electroclan decide to split up to save their friends and Arequipa.

I thought this book was an awesome addition to the Michael Vey series. It was action-packed and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, wondering if Michael and the Electroclan would succeed. A big reveal towards the beginning of the book left me quite relieved, but there were some twists later on. As the Electroclan and the Alpha Team were carrying out their missions, another friend disappeared and I had no idea if he was a traitor or a hostage. The consequences ended up being devastating, though, and the heroes experienced loss. Additionally, the end of The Traitor left a loose thread for the tenth book and I can't wait to read it. This book is an excellent choice for anyone who has enjoyed the Michael Vey series from the beginning.

The second book I read, Speculation, is a historical fantasy taking place in 1962 about Winna Williams, a ten-year-old girl whose mother has fallen ill and gone to the hospital. Winna and her five-year-old sister, Tupelo, are staying with their grandparents, Grampa Carl and Gramma, when Tupelo accidentally sits on Winna's glasses and breaks them. Because it's the weekend and her eye doctor won't be open again until Tuesday, Grampa Carl gives her a pair of spectacles that once belonged to her Great-Aunt Estelle. Soon, Winna discovers that the spectacles are magical and allow her to see the ghosts of her great-great-grandmother, Winona Cole, and Great-Aunt Estelle. After Grampa Carl tells the story of how Winona's first son, Key, was stolen, Great-Aunt Estelle gives Winna a mission to find Key, who is still alive. With the help of her cousin Benny, her guidance counselor Miss Ross, and Grampa Carl, Winna has to solve the mystery and bring Key home before the Burden, a powerful curse that Winona placed on the family, takes her mother's life.

I enjoyed this book so much because it combined elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. I also thought it was so cool that Great-Aunt Estelle's spectacles could grant Winna wishes as long as she worded the wishes carefully and repeated them twice. It made me wish I had a wish-granting pair of spectacles, too. As I was reading, I was drawn in by the mystery of what really happened to Key and felt a sense of urgency because Winna had to somehow bring him back to Winona before her mom died in the hospital. It seemed like an impossible task once it was revealed where Key ended up living, but the ending was satisfying. I liked how the author included family trees at the end of the book because it helped me understand how members of Winna's family were connected. I can't forget to mention how beautiful I think the cover is either. If you like mysteries mixed with fantasy, you should read Speculation.

The Eyes & the Impossible by Dave Eggers

 

Last Friday, I finished reading The Eyes & the Impossible by Dave Eggers. This animal fiction novel is about Johannes, a free dog that keeps watch over an urban park by the sea and gives updates to the park's elders, three ancient Bison. His friends, a seagull, a raccoon, a squirrel, and a pelican, help him make sure that the Equilibrium is maintained as the Assistant Eyes. One day, when he is fascinated by the rectangles outside of a huge new building, Johannes is captured by a group of Trouble Travelers, humans who cause issues in the park, and his friends have to help free him. The next day after waking up, Johannes has a revelation that the Bison need to be free and begins coming up with a scheme to do so with the other animals. Then, a boatload of goats arrives to eat the weeds in the windmill area of the park and Johannes learns a shocking truth from one of the goats, Helene, that changes his view of the world.

This novel was absolutely beautiful. Even though Johannes could come across as arrogant sometimes, I really enjoyed his adventures and how much he cared about his friends. He was incredibly noble in his determination to free the Bison from their enclosure and I had no idea if he and his friends would be able to succeed or not, adding an element of suspense to the book. I was also nervous that Johannes would be once again captured by the humans especially after he saved a young child and the people around got a good look at him. I especially loved Johannes's friendship with Bertrand, a seagull. Bertrand liked to take risks around the archery field and it really made sense why Johannes was so afraid that something bad would eventually happen to him. The Eyes & the Impossible recently won the Newbery Medal and I can't imagine a better choice. While this novel did make me teary-eyed towards the end, I thought the conclusion was wonderful. Additionally, the illustrations are as beautiful as the story. As a story of friendship and freedom, I recommend this book to anyone, young and old.

Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson

 

Yesterday evening, I finished reading Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson. This historical fiction book taking place in the 1970s is about Sage, an African American girl whose Bushwick neighborhood in Brooklyn is being destroyed by fire. The summer before she starts seventh grade, she befriends Freddy, a boy who has just moved to her neighborhood. Although she's figuring out her place as a girl, she enjoys playing basketball with Freddy and the other boys. As they try to move forward into an uncertain future, they contemplate memories and missing things from the past.

Although the writing of this novel is sparse, I really enjoyed reading it because the story is profound. I thought it was really interesting how Sage and Freddy had deep thoughts and questions about life even though they were young. It seemed scary to live in Bushwick during the 1970s, hearing the sirens of fire engines often, smelling smoke, and not knowing if your house or apartment would be the next to be taken by fire. Bushwick was even known as "The Matchbox" at the time, which I found quite ominous. I felt bad that Sage, Freddy, and the other kids had to live with so much uncertainty because everything they knew could be taken away in an instant. Not to mention, they had to cope with the possibility of losing or leaving friends. Even Sage's mom had plans for them to move away once she saved up enough money. I also related to Sage's struggle as a girl. I know what it's like to feel like you're not girl enough because you're interested in things that are typically thought of as masculine. Additionally, I liked how Woodson included a blurb at the end of the book about the history of Bushwick in the 1970s and 1980s because it gave more context to the story. With its themes of time, memory, and friendship, anyone should read Remember Us.

Elf Dog & Owl Head by M. T. Anderson

 

Yesterday, I finished reading Elf Dog & Owl Head by M. T. Anderson. This fantasy novel is about Clay, a boy who is quarantined with his family during a global plague. While outside playing frisbee, he meets an unusual little dog, Elphinore, who got trapped out of her home in the mountain. Having the ability to travel between worlds, Elphinore takes Clay through the woods to a village of owl-headed people where he steals a shaker of magical powder to help his mom grow her vegetable garden. After the shaker gets passed around the members of his family and causes a bizarre chain of events, an owl-head child, Amos, shows up two nights later to return the shaker to his village. Lonely, Clay decides to befriend Amos and, along with Elphinore, they go on magical adventures to visit the wonders within the forest. Curious about what Clay is up to, his sisters, DiRossi and Juniper, follow him. There are dangers in the woods, though, and they all must be careful to not get lost or caught by those who would seek to harm them.

I thought this novel was wonderful until the bittersweet ending. I truly did enjoy the adventures of Clay, Amos, Elphinore, DiRossi, and Juniper, though. I was so fascinated by the idea of a fantasy novel taking place during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that I couldn't resist checking this book out. I adored Clay's friendships with Elphinore and Amos and really hoped that their adventures wouldn't come to an end because of the People Under the Mountain or the owl-head elders. Dangerous people and creatures definitely added suspense to the story, despite the fact that there was humor at times. Additionally, Clay's relationship with his sisters was definitely very realistic, how they would fight over the computer and argue because they were sick and tired of being stuck with each other, unable to hang out with their friends due to the pandemic. I could imagine why they would all be so thrilled after discovering that the forest is magical even if it was risky to explore. Mixing the fantastical with the familiar, Elf Hound & Owl Head is a great choice for anyone who has ever wondered what could be hiding in the woods.

Muhammad Najem, War Reporter: How One Boy Put the Spotlight on Syria by Muhammad Najem and Nora Neus

 

Yesterday, I finished reading Muhammad Najem, War Reporter: How One Boy Put the Spotlight on Syria by Muhammad Najem and Nora Neus. In this graphic memoir, Muhammad Najem shares the story of his family's struggle to survive the Syrian civil war. When Muhammad was only eight years old, the war began. Then, his father was killed in a bombing while praying when Muhammad was thirteen. Two years later, at the age of fifteen, Muhammad began reporting on the war in his home of Eastern Ghouta using social media, despite the significant risks. Wanting to share the stories of Syrian kids, he interviewed them to show their hopes and dreams. Although he was frustrated when things didn't change right away, eventually people around the world noticed his videos and tweets.

This graphic memoir was fantastic and absolutely riveting. Although I've been aware of the Syrian civil war from the news, I actually knew very little about the specifics of it. I enjoyed reading this graphic novel and learned a great deal because it showed the war from the perspective of a Syrian teenager. I thought Muhammad was incredibly brave to use social media to report on the war because it could have gotten himself or his family killed. I especially liked seeing his relationship with his siblings and friends because it demonstrated how he was just like any other kid. I also admired how he never lost hope for the future even though he experienced devastating loss over the years. I recommend Muhammad Najem, War Reporter to anyone who wants to learn more about the costs of war, especially from a perspective that is less often covered by traditional media.