By Sheila Welch
Are you looking for some good Holiday reading? Our book reviewer, Sheila Welch, is reviewing five books published in 2017 that could be prize-winners!
Her Right Foot
Her Right Foot, written by Dave Eggers with art by Shawn Harris, gives preschoolers through second graders an unusual introduction to the history and significance of the Statue of Liberty. The facts are presented in small bites and as though the author is addressing a child or children, using second person (you). The scale of this statue is made clear in the bold illustrations that give the impression of linoleum prints. The book’s main emphasis is reflected in the title; the statue’s right foot and leg are at an angle – as though she’s moving, greeting, and welcoming immigrants as they arrive in the USA.
I’m Just No Good at Rhyming and Other Nonsense
Fans of Shel Silverstein’s books of poetry will be excited to find this collection, I’m Just No Good at Rhyming and Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Adults by Chris Harris, illustrated by Lane Smith. The tone of the poems ranges from silly to sublime. Adults will be able to pick and choose which poems to read aloud, based on the age of their audience. Don’t be surprised if kids in second through fifth grade want to read these poems themselves or out loud to adults.
Clayton Byrd Goes Underground
Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Williams-Garcia, is a novel for readers in third grade and up. Clayton and his mother live with her father despite her ongoing issues leftover from her childhood. But Clayton adores his blues musician grandfather, Cool Papa, who takes him to play his harmonica in Washington Square along with a group of other Bluesmen. When his grandfather unexpectedly dies, no one understands the depth of Clayton’s sorrow -- his hardworking mother least of all. The only way he can deal with his loss is to run away from home and find his grandfather’s Bluesmen friends. His journey through the subway system of New York City is as complex and confusing as his feelings. This is a powerful story with an ending filled with hope and the love of a strong family that includes two caring parents.
Loving vs. Virginia
Loving vs. Virginia by Patricia Hruby Powell, art work by Shadra Strickland, takes an unusual approach to history, calling the book a “documentary novel” of the landmark civil rights case that made interracial marriage legal in all 50 states. The true events are clearly presented and will impress mature fifth graders with the couple’s long, long struggle to live a normal life. But it’s the well researched fictional sections of the book, labeled with the Lovings’ first names, Mildred and Richard, that will pull readers into the segregated south during the 1960s. This is above all a true love story of the 20th century that’s sure to touch many hearts.
Orphan Island
Laurel Snyder is a prolific author of books that contain an element of fantasy. Her latest, Orphan Island, appropriate for mature fifth graders up through adults, is a thought provoking tale that takes place during one year on a tiny island inhabited by nine children (no adults) in a range of ages who work, play, and – most importantly -- follow the rules. But what will happen if they don’t obey the old rhyme, “Nine on an island, orphans all . . . Any more, the sky might fall.” What if just one of them, twelve-year-old Jinny, decides to disobey and refuses to climb into the magical green boat when it’s her time to leave? Certain to entertain, possibly to frustrate, and guaranteed to make readers think.
About Sheila
Sheila Kelly Welch is a mother, grandmother and retired teacher. She counts among her children’s fiction books LITTLE PRINCE KNOW-IT-ALL and A HORSE FOR ALL SEASONS. Sheila's novel, WAITING TO FORGET, has been selected by Bank Street College and Pennsylvania School Library Association for their lists of best-books-of-the-year. Her most recent stories, MESS-UP MOLLY and BIG CAT AND KITTEN, are published on-line by MeeGenius.
