Michelle's Reviews

Here’s the school trip to Europe that I dreamt about, complete with a visit to the Louvre, a home stay in Germany, and a free day in London. That’s the backdrop anyway, but this story is really about all the firsts for young Dan in the summer before high school, when he ventures away from home and tries on the best version of himself. The postcard-perfect illustrations simultaneously capture the sights and the full-range of emotions from all the kids.

—Michelle

This magical picture book opens with a crow so deep in despair in the corner—the gutter between left and right pages—that the bird is hardly visible. But the tiniest idea sparks a full-fledged coziness makeover, with passing time marked by a lovingly watered houseplant. Something’s still missing. What does it take to open yourself up to possibilities? This is the first book by award-winning author and illustrator Zo-O (whose name incorporates the Chinese character for crow) to be translated from Korean into English. Lucky for us!
—Michelle

Written over a dozen years ago yet somehow even more relevant today, Cory Doctorow’s tale of clever teens engaged in a technological rebellion serves as both a wake-up call and a lesson in resistance. If George Orwell’s 1984 is on your mind these days, then jump into the 21st century with this book. Now available bound with the sequel Homeland, first published in 2014. -Michelle

The mysterious delivery of a suitcase triggered to open at midnight launches our hero Amari into Junior Agent try-outs at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, and us readers into an intricate all-new magical system. The racism and classism faced by Amari in middle school have parallels in this fantastical world created by #ownvoices debut author B. B. Alston, but Amari has been training for these challenges her whole life. Quick, read this first book in a new trilogy! A major motion picture is already in the works! -Michelle

Badger’s Important Rock Work must take a backseat when Skunk knocks on the door of his brownstone. Yet Skunk is much more than an unwelcome distraction, and by morning has served up the first of many antidotes to Badger’s solitary grumpiness. Odd-couple stories! It’s so easy to identify with the traits of one while yearning to be more like the other. Klassen’s earthy illustrations supply the details in this frolicking tale to read aloud or together, with more adventures to come. -Michelle

Just like many things that are really worthwhile, seeing a whale takes an ocean view, lots of patience, and “a not-too-comfy chair… because sleeping eyes can’t watch for whales and whales won’t wait for watching.” In a world full of distractions, these pages lay out a few simple rules for staying focused on the important things. Erin Stead’s intricate pencil and color drawings are cozy and detailed all the way through, but the finale is really something.

Are we there yet? Is this as good as it gets? How long should we keep looking? To explore these age-old questions, Sam and Dave (along with their surprisingly insightful dog) resolve to keep digging until they find “something spectacular.” Join them in this hilarious cross-sectional view as they tunnel through the earth. You’ll never guess what happens!-Michelle

The colors in this book just knock my socks off! Every page exudes such joy, from the smiling veggies to the wonderfully wacky wordplay. What a sweet way to wind down with a little one at the end of the day, “for nothing’s more exhausting than growing day and night.” -Michelle

Yes, I’m sure you noticed the title’s past tense. And honestly, you and I know that some friends come into our lives for a short—but nonetheless important—time and then they leave. But if you’re a kid, you might think you’re the first one ever in the whole world to lose a friend. That’s why I love this quiet book. It whispers that it’ll be okay. One morning soon, a beautiful day will bring the whiff of adventure. Heartfelt and hopeful, for kids and their parents.

—MICHELLE

C. C. Harrington’s debut novel tells the story of Maggie, a girl with great empathy and a stutter, and a snow leopard named Rumpus, who each find themselves out of place in 1960s England. Told in alternating chapters, Maggie and Rumpus individually grapple with an uncertain future. When their worlds collide, they beautifully manage to find their way through together. An insightful tale of unconditional love, for fans (like me) of Sara Pennypacker’s Pax and Lauren Wolk’s Echo Mountain.

—MICHELLE