Review by Islamic School Librarian Review Source: Islamic School Librarian Book Author: N.H. Senzai’s newest book (published in January 2018), gives a face and a voice to the grave situation in Syria. Like Senzai’s other books, she uses the rich culture and history of a country to inform the reader, and a compelling front story […]
Teddy Roosevelt: The People’s President
Reviewed by: Kathleen Nganga Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Like many children’s biographies, Teddy Roosevelt: The People’s President by Sharon Gayle celebrates Roosevelt’s perseverance and rise to power, but misses his failings, shortcomings, and the nuances of his life. Thus, while imparting valuable lessons about determination, the book glorifies militarism and erases people […]
Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule
Reviewed by: Adam Sanchez Review Source: Zinn Education Project Book Author: This chapter book of historical fiction by Harriette Gillem Robinet is one of the best resources available for elementary school classrooms on the Reconstruction era. 40 Acres and Maybe a Mule tells the story of Pascal, who is still enslaved at the end of the Civil War. When […]
The Secret Project
Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Some conversations about my review of Jonah and Jeanette Winter’s The Secret Project suggest that I didn’t say enough, back in March. I’m back, therefore, to say more. Some of what I wrote in March is being interpreted as innuendo and destructive. In saying more, this review […]
I Lived on Butterfly Hill
Reviewed by: Deborah Menkart Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: While I Lived on Butterfly Hill by Marjorie Agosín is beautifully written and exposes the horrors of the overthrow of Salvador Allende in Chile through the eyes of a young girl, I was shocked to find a casual, uncritical inclusion of Gone with the […]
Juan Pablo and the Butterflies
Reviewed by Beverly Slapin Review Source: De Colores Book Author: Unfortunately, Juan Pablo & the Butterflies is littered with, among other things, highly unlikely events; each signaled by the arrival of a butterfly, who guides JP, showing him where to go and what to do. (The butterflies, of course, embody the spirit of JP’s abuela, now residing with […]