Children - Social Studies

Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life by Jerry Pinkney - Book Review

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Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life By Jerry Pinkney Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9780316383851
Availability: Click Title for IN STORE Location
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - January 17th, 2023

A lovely memoir that highlights the important and beautiful parts of the author/illustrator life, and how it shaped the artist we know. Honest and hopeful, the difficulties of his life (undiagnosed dyslexia, an interesting relationship with his large family, racism), unfold in an endearing tale of one's determination getting them their dream. ~ Reviewed by Jeanette


Dotson: My Journey Growing Up Transgender by Grayson Lee White - Book Review

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Dotson: My Journey Growing Up Transgender By Grayson Lee White, Stephanie Roth Sisson (Illustrator) Cover Image
$12.99
ISBN: 9781513139333
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Published: West Margin Press - April 4th, 2023

White starts their story at the end of it (at around age 12), but uses flashbacks to show us the journey they took. This is an interesting memoir of Grayson's transition that is told in his own voice. His journey is relatable and understandable, because what he was going through is something we all can feel: such as he felt he didn't fit in, things were wrong with his body, and most importantly he just wanted to be free to be himself. And when he finally realized that he was a Dotson (which was what he called himself (a daughter and son) before he had the language to really express their feelings) that's when things opened up. And in sweet, straight forward text, we all go along for the ride. ~ Reviewed by Jeanette


On the Tip of a Wave: How Ai Weiwei's Art Is Changing the Tide by Joanna Ho - Book Review

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On the Tip of a Wave: How Ai Weiwei's Art Is Changing the Tide By Joanna Ho, Catia Chien (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Joanna Ho, Catia Chien (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9781338715941
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Published: Orchard Books - October 31st, 2023

In a highlighted biography of Ai Weiwei and their work, we follow the activist artist and the powerful messages he has given the world about the injustices he has seen and knows are out there. You may or may not say his art is actually what you might consider art, but it does make a statement. Chien’s illustrations also make a statement with their familiar and odd interpretation of the man and his work. Included is an afterword that is a compilation of all we saw, plus extras in a straightforward manner, in contrast to the more lyrical story, which heavily portrays waves in many metaphors, similes, and symbols. ~ Reviewed by Jeanette


Desert Queen by Jyoti Rajan Gopal - Book Review

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Desert Queen By Jyoti Rajan Gopal, Svabhu Kohli (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jyoti Rajan Gopal, Svabhu Kohli (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9781646142620
Availability: Click Title for IN STORE Location
Published: Levine Querido - October 24th, 2023

Queen Harish was the alter ego of a boy from a small community, became an orphan young, and was left with two sisters to raise. His love of dance and his talents would make him dare to dream of dressing in traditional women’s garments and make dance come alive. The busy illustrations are rich, lush, colorful, dark, filled with light and much is hidden within. ~ Reviewed by Jeanette


Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe by Steve Sheinkin - Book Review

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Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe By Steve Sheinkin Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9781250265722
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Published: Roaring Brook Press - August 29th, 2023

This riveting account of Rudi Vrba's survival of and daring escape from Auschwitz, and of his quest to warn the world of the evils there, is a devastating and remarkable read, featuring brilliant pacing and meticulous research. This is an important read for middle school and above. ~ Reviewed by Rachel Person


Tapping Feet by Moira Rose Donohue - Book Review

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Tapping Feet By Moira Rose Donohue Cover Image
$9.95
ISBN: 9781478875925
Availability: Backordered
Published: Reycraft Books - July 11th, 2023

With signs of “Irish need not apply” and for fugitive slaves, African-Americans and Irish-Americans found that dance could bring them together amidst the tensions of racism and other hardships. Donahue brings to life the people who would make tap what it is today in this amazing introduction of dance history and American history. Their illustrations are lively, colorful and the perfect support for the text. ~ Reviewed by Jeanette


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