A new picture book and four new middle-grade books are among Tracy Kampa’s latest recommendations. Tracy is the children’s librarian at the Grand Rapids Area Library and reviews books for What We’re Reading.
Harold Hates to Hibernate, by Vern Kousky.
We first meet Harold the Bear in Vern Kousky’s delightful Harold Loves His Woolly Hat. Harold has returned, but this time he has a big problem. Harold loves everything about fall, but soon it will be time to hibernate. Harold’s crow friends help Harold get ready to hibernate, but to also assure him that they will never, ever forget him.
Tracy’s take: A wonderful seasonal picture book. Do yourself a favor and check out Harold Hates to Hibernate.
Black Girl, You Are Atlas, by Renée Watson.
Tracy’s take: Have you ever found just the right words at just the right time? Renée Watson’s stunning poetry provided just such a balm for my soul when I very much needed it… This absolutely necessary book is full of outstanding thought-provoking poems and I already have it on my Christmas list.
Magnolia Wu Unfolds it All, by Chanel Miller.
Tracy’s take: Magnolia Woo works in her parent’s New York City laundromat where she and her new friend Iris hatch a plan to return each sock to its rightful owner. Each sock leads Magnolia and Iris to people who have surprising stories, which in turn helps Magnolia understand that she, too, is part of this community and her story is one worth telling. I loved the time I spent with Magnolia the Sock Detective in Magnolia Woo Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller.
Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry.
Tracy’s take: Another year, another new Lowry book. At age 87, I think she just keeps getting better.
Sophie Winslow delights that her best friend’s name is also Sophie. Sophie Gershowitz is a neighbor and the two Sophies spend a lot of time with each other. It doesn’t matter at all that while Sophie Winslow is 11, the other Sophie is 88. And is struggling a bit with her daily needs.
Lois Lowry always writes memorable characters and it will be a long time before Sophie, Sophia, Ralphie and Oliver leave my heart. This book is lovely. I hope you find time to check out Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry.
Not Quite a Ghost, by Anne Ursu. (Minnesota author)
Shortly after Violet and her family move into the strange old house on Katydid Street, she falls mysteriously ill and finds herself spending more and more time in her new room with the creepy fading wallpaper.
Tracy’s take: Is Violet alone? Are you ready to find out? If you or anyone on your list enjoys a really great ghost story, don’t miss Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu.
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