Review: What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism

What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism by Dan Rather
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dan Rather reflects on patriotism and how the various events in his life grew his understanding of what it means to be an American.

In WHAT UNITES US: REFLECTIONS ON PATRIOTISM, Rather shares his insights via topics such as freedom, community, exploration, responsibility and character. There are subtopics within each along with stories and anecdotes from throughout his life and as a journalist.

He is honest about his misconceptions and revealing in his understanding and how he has evolved in his thinking about racism and homosexuality. His insights are reassuring and inspire hope. Given the current political climate, I can see why many are turning to this book. 

View all my reviews

Review: The Couch Potato

The Couch Potato by Jory John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE COUCH POTATO is another funny picture book by Jory John. Couch Potato has a pretty laid back, comfortable life. One day the power goes out and Couch Potato quickly becomes board and sets off on a walk outside. Being outdoors quickly reminds Couch Potato of the beautiful world all around and the realization of what's being missed when inside eyes fixed on a screen.

Readers will connect with Couch Potato in so many ways. This would be a great read aloud in a classroom to remind kids about screen time. Parents who are wanting to nudge their kids away from the screen will definitely appreciate this book.

This book would make for a great holiday gift!



View all my reviews

Review: Evelyn del Rey Is Moving Away

Evelyn del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who doesn't love a story about best friends? EVELYN DEL RAY IS MOVING AWAY by Meg Medina is a special book that shows readers the enduring power of friendship. Readers see Evelyn and Daniela's special bond via the many times they are together. From playing hide & seek to spinning in circles, their enduring bond is evident on every page of this book.

While saying goodbye can be so hard, readers are left feeling optimistic about the special friendship between these two girls.

View all my reviews

Review: This Is Your Time

This Is Your Time by Ruby Bridges
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THIS IS YOUR TIME is a perfect book for young readers to learn about the inspiring, courageous story of Ruby Bridges and her historic entry into an all-white school in New Orleans. She shares her memories of this time and shares connections with the present challenges still faced by black people today.

The author shares photographs as she recounts her memories of the time, both past and present.

Ruby challenges readers to remember that they, as children can make a difference in the world.

View all my reviews

Me, Frida and the Secret of the Peacock Ring by Angela Cervantes


I really enjoyed this middle grade mystery! Paloma Marquez' isn't excited about having to be in Mexico to be with her mom who's received a 4 week fellowship but the trip quickly turns into a search mission to recover the missing peacock ring belonging to Frida Kahlo and helping her friends free their dad who was framed.

I quickly became enamored with Paloma and her quest to learn about her dad who died when she was 3; all the nuggets of information she gleans from mom are quickly jotted down on note-cards as a way to remember the father she lost.

Angela Cervantes does a wonderful job with this mystery, weaving in the Mexican culture, historical information about Frida Kahlo and including Spanish words and cultural customs in this great story.

View all my reviews

Bonus info!
I follow Angela Cervantes on Twitter @AngelaCervantes and she shared this fun tweet:

Alexa, who wrote Me, Frida and the Secret of the Peacock Ring? pic.twitter.com/EMZc2PhfOz

— Angela Cervantes (@AngelaCervantes) April 27, 2018

AASL Social Media Superstar Honor

Hello everyone-

It's been a crazy, busy, fun-filled week!  I just got back from the amazing TLA Conference in Dallas, TX-it was a wonderful week of learning (more about that later!) but it was also the same week that AASL announced their AASL Social Media Superstars.  I was nominated as a Leadership Luminary along with my amazing colleagues and friends Carolyn Foote and Shannon Miller-what an honor!!!

These amazing ladies and I go way back; they along with other librarians in the other categories are wonderful examples of the greater librarian PLN (Personal Learning Network) that shares, supports and advocates on behalf of students, libraries and programs everywhere!

So what's next?  AASL is asking everyone to provide testimonials on behalf of honorees through Saturday, April 14.  I hope you'll share how these individuals have impacted your practice by their support, advocacy, or leadership.  I know I will! 

Picture Book review: Alma and How She Got Her Name

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVE this book! Alma and How She Got Her Name written and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal shares the story of sweet, little Alma. The story begins with her spelling out Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela and complaining to her father about the many parts of her name. Her dad sits her down and shares the story of each part of her name and offers her the opportunity to understand the history of her name.

Juana Martinez-Neal uses pinks, grays, blacks and blues to delicately illustrate this book about little Alma. Along with the vivid descriptions of each family member, each page is sprinkled with Spanish words and artifacts inspired by her Peruvian upbringing.

Long naming conventions in the Spanish culture still play a role in many students lives and this book will definitely fill a gap in libraries. This book will be published both in English and Spanish on April 10, 2018 by Candlewick Press.

Juana Martinez-Neal was the 2018 recipient of the Pura Belpré Award for her illustrations in the the book, La Princesa and the Pea.  You can learn more about her via her website, Juana: Children's Illustrator

View all my reviews