The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books最新文献

{"title":"The Nighthouse Keeper by Lora Senf (review)","authors":"April Spisak","doi":"10.1353/bcc.2023.a907101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1353/bcc.2023.a907101","url":null,"abstract":"Reviewed by: The Nighthouse Keeper by Lora Senf April Spisak Senf, Lora The Nighthouse Keeper; illus. by Alfredo Cáceres. Atheneum, 2023 [320p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781665934633 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781665934596 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R* Gr. 6-8 It hasn't even been a month since Evie returned from saving her aunt in The Clackity (BCCB 6/22), but once again the twelve-year-old girl must be bolder and cleverer than she thinks possible, mustering up the courage to go through a portal door and back into a terrifying world of monsters and innocent spirits that need saving. This time it isn't her aunt who is missing but rather all the ghosts that peacefully coexist with the people of Blight Harbor; Evie is certain they wouldn't all go away without saying goodbye, so she knows something's not right with their vanishings. The villain behind their disappearance calls herself Portia, and although she used to be human, she has long since twisted into a monster who has let her quest for power consume her. Evie meets the spirit of Lark (an eleven-year-old who died a hundred years ago) and her loyal ghost spider, and they become allies against the formidable Portia and the dangers that naturally exist in this other realm. Senf offers just enough history and a thin trace of vulnerability for Portia that make her a slightly sympathetic villain, and this nuanced character development is a strength across both first two books of the trilogy. Readers will undoubtedly eagerly await the final volume, even if it will mean saying goodbye to a fascinating and memorable world, and a brilliant protagonist in the heroic Evie, who is so much more than she initially dreams she can be. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois","PeriodicalId":472942,"journal":{"name":"The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books","volume":"2012 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135274141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gone Wolf by Amber McBride (review)","authors":"","doi":"10.1353/bcc.2023.a907090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1353/bcc.2023.a907090","url":null,"abstract":"Reviewed by: Gone Wolf by Amber McBride Kate Quealy-Gainer, Editor McBride, Amber Gone Wolf. Feiwel, 2023 [352p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781250850492 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781250850485 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys Ad Gr. 4-6 In 2111, southern states have seceded from the United States to form the Bible Boot, presided over by President Tuba. The pale-skinned Clones there dominate and enslave Blue people, keeping them isolated and imprisoned until they are deemed fit to serve the Clones or work in the quarry, mining the material that extends Clones' lives. Inmate Eleven, who has dubbed herself Imogen in a small act of rebellion, is selected to serve Larkin, President Tuba's chosen son and successor. She's horrified by the world outside her cell, where Blues work in backbreaking conditions and are killed for any resistance, so when a fellow inmate informs her of an escape route, she dares to take it. The book then shifts to 2022, where Imogen is sharing with her therapist the story of Inmate Eleven and struggling with the trauma of the COVID-19 quarantine, the onslaught of news about violence against Black Americans, and her own loss of her brothers, Lark and Kin. While the premise that twelve-year-old Imogen authored the first half of the book can forgive its lack of subtlety, the expository, forced dialogue and secondary character explanations make both sections feel more browbeating than compelling, leaving little agency or interpretation to the reader. It's Imogen who offers the true, authentic point of connection, much like Callender's Moon in Moonflower (BCCB 07/22), and her vulnerability, horror, and grief will feel entirely relatable to kids who have just endured enough hardship to perhaps feel like they are in their own dystopia. [End Page 64] Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois","PeriodicalId":472942,"journal":{"name":"The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books","volume":"10861 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135274146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Broke Hearts by Matt Mendez (review)","authors":"Wesley Jacques","doi":"10.1353/bcc.2023.a907091","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1353/bcc.2023.a907091","url":null,"abstract":"Reviewed by: The Broke Hearts by Matt Mendez Wesley Jacques Mendez, Matt The Broke Hearts. Dlouhy/Atheneum, 2023 [240p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781534404489 $19.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781534404502 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 8-12 In this follow-up to Mendez's Barely Missing Everything (BCCB 04/19), Juan's best friends Danny and JD deal with their grief in the wake of Juan's highly publicized police-involved killing. Danny puts in minimal effort in his University of El Paso art classes despite his recognizable talents and first-generation status, having followed Juan's dream of attending community college. JD, meanwhile, enlists in the military as a result of the fear and grief associated with seeing his friend's death firsthand. As deployment approaches, he tries to balance family and the military life that his family never wanted for him. Mendez's strong narrative and distinct, picturesque writing are both reflected in the artistic aspirations of his protagonists: JD aspires to make movies when he returns from the air force, and his affinity for screenplays is as potent as Daniel's artistic interest in traditional Mexican and Southwestern aesthetics influences. The two young men aren't as close as they once were, but they are effectively presented in parallel as Mendez explores masculinity, mourning, and Mexican-American identity with emotional depth that readers will find moving and heartbreaking. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois","PeriodicalId":472942,"journal":{"name":"The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books","volume":"46 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135274147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis (review)","authors":"Wesley Jacques","doi":"10.1353/bcc.2023.a907087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1353/bcc.2023.a907087","url":null,"abstract":"Reviewed by: Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis Wesley Jacques Lewis, Kayvion Thieves' Gambit. Paulsen/Penguin, 2023 [384p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780593625361 $19.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593625378 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys Ad Gr. 8-11 The Bahamas-based Quest family are world-renowned thieves, but Rosalyn \"Ross\" Quest might just be ready to give it all up for some teenage normalcy, if only she can muster up the courage to tell her staunchly untrusting mother about the discreetly sent college applications and the acceptances she's received. Instead, Ross decides to take the easy route and plans an elaborate disappearing act for their next motherdaughter gig, but things quickly go awry when mom is seemingly kidnapped and a billion-dollar ransom forces Ross into a secret high-end thieving competition for the who's who of teen cat burglars. The contrivances that lead to this \"Gambit\" should give readers some pause, even as Ross is preoccupied with reconciling her immediate crush on a fellow crook with the familial commitment to distrusting all non-Quests. In fact, it's unclear how ransom requests from would-be killers are promptly taken at face value but mean girls and cute teenage boys might be the death of you. Nonetheless, the challenges of the competition transport the troupe of markedly savvy teens from France to Egypt to the Caribbean, from museum heists to sarcophagus scams to kidnapping attempts of their own, all while revealing tidbits of their respective family dramas and burdensome legacies of crime. The novel could sorely use more depth, but Ross' complicated relationships with her mother and others she trusted give momentary glimpses of emotional connection. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois","PeriodicalId":472942,"journal":{"name":"The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books","volume":"58 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135274332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Three Tasks for a Dragon by Eoin Colfer (review)","authors":"April Spisak","doi":"10.1353/bcc.2023.a907066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1353/bcc.2023.a907066","url":null,"abstract":"Reviewed by: Three Tasks for a Dragon by Eoin Colfer April Spisak Colfer, Eoin Three Tasks for a Dragon; illus. by P.J. Lynch. Candlewick, 2023 [112p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781536229998 $19.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 4-7 Prince Lir is perfectly fine with his stepbrother assuming the crown instead of him, but he is less content with the idea that exile or death are his only options instead of ruling. When Lir is offered a chance at survival by completing a mission to save a maiden from a dragon, he accepts despite the odds being wildly against him (and that's even before it's clear that Lir's stepbrother is actively working to sabotage him). Neither the dragon nor the maiden is what Lir expects, and both become dear friends to Lir, even after a dark secret that the dragon holds threatens their bond. Individually, none of them are a match for the murderous stepbrother, who will use whatever means are necessary to secure the crown, but together they are a formidable trio with complementary strengths. Vibrant, glowing artwork is a highlight, with spot drawings throughout and intricate linework that invites the reader to pause and explore the details of each scene. The trim page count and stunning illustrations make this an appealing offer to reluctant readers, while fantasy and fairy tale buffs will gravitate to this book on their own, based on little more than the promising title that hints at (and ably delivers) a memorable quest. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois","PeriodicalId":472942,"journal":{"name":"The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books","volume":"12 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135274333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X: The Fatal Friendship (A Young Readers Adaptation of Blood Brothers) by Margeaux Weston (review)","authors":"April Spisak","doi":"10.1353/bcc.2023.a907113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1353/bcc.2023.a907113","url":null,"abstract":"Reviewed by: Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X: The Fatal Friendship (A Young Readers Adaptation of Blood Brothers) by Margeaux Weston April Spisak Weston, Margeaux, ad. Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X: The Fatal Friendship (A Young Readers Adaptation of Blood Brothers); written by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith. Ottaviano/Little, 2023 [240p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780316478854 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780316479080 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 8-12 In this effective adaptation of the adult title Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X, the authors describe the powerful but ultimately short-lived friendship between the two charismatic titular icons. Much of the text is devoted to describing the two parallel paths of young men who were garnering significant public and political attention, both defiantly confident in a racist society that defaulted to devaluing Black people. The connecting point, and the same thing that ultimately led to the dissolution of their friendship, was the Nation of Islam under the leadership of Elijah Muhammad. After Malcolm X is forced out by Elijah, his life is in danger both from the religion that shunned him and from political organizations and racist groups that could not accept a Black man with swagger, sharp intelligence, and a willingness to speak his mind. Shortly after Malcolm's expulsion, Muhammad Ali, already bruised from how quickly the American public turned on him after he openly admitted his connection with the Nation of Islam, decides that their friendship is too dangerous and distances himself. The authors capture both the remarkable public presence of each man and their vulnerability in a country where the framework of segregation was a barrier to their safety and success. Although the book briefly describes the life of Muhammad Ali after the assassination of Malcolm X, the primary focus is an admiring, respectful presentation of their time as young stars who briefly found each other and shared a deep bond built on trust and mutual respect, before external forces drove them apart. An extensive bibliography offers readers a wide net of research formats. Index not seen. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois","PeriodicalId":472942,"journal":{"name":"The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books","volume":"12 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135275156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Subject and Use Index","authors":"","doi":"10.1353/bcc.2023.a904487","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1353/bcc.2023.a904487","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":472942,"journal":{"name":"The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books","volume":"173 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136236532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Subject and Use Index","authors":"","doi":"10.1353/bcc.2023.a900390","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1353/bcc.2023.a900390","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":472942,"journal":{"name":"The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books","volume":"47 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135209924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Annual Author and Title Index","authors":"","doi":"10.1353/bcc.2023.a900391","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1353/bcc.2023.a900391","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":472942,"journal":{"name":"The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books","volume":"37 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135209930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Subject and Use Index","authors":"","doi":"10.1353/bcc.2023.0318","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1353/bcc.2023.0318","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":472942,"journal":{"name":"The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books","volume":"33 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135626588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}