Amina's Voice showed a strong girl, and now Hena Khan has given us a new girl, Jameela, with one older sister and two younger ones, yes, four girls, in an ordinary life that soon becomes not so ordinary any more. Khan grew up loving Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, reading her sister's copy over and over again, at last deciding to write her own "parallel". It is the life of a family who happens to be Muslim, this one not following all the religious rules, but still facing some areas of discrimination. Jameela tells the story, a seventh grader whose biggest dream is to become an accomplished journalist. She writes for the school newspaper which brings some conflicts, one with the editor and advisor. She's a little jealous of her older, beautiful sister, Maryam, annoyed with one of the younger ones, Aleeza, and closest to the other younger one, Bisma. When the father must take a job that will take him far away for six months, the family's comfortable life is shaken, but it is the illness of one of the girls that brings a different look at growing up and learning for Jameela and the others. Showing those thoughts and observations through Jameela's words and her telling of other's actions and words felt like an honest showing of how life works. It isn't always smooth and "ordinary", but changing actions can make it extraordinary. I enjoyed the story very much.
Thanks to Candlewick Press for the following four books!
There is this little girl who wants to be an astronaut. Her name is Astrid and she moves happily through the day with her dad talking about her biggest wish. She's loved stars ever since she can remember, the story says. Her dad swings her round and round as he asks if she can survive going round and round the earth in a spaceship. He continues to tease with eating from a box or living with zero gravity, to which she answers, "I can do that all day long." The colorful black-lined illustrations show a loving home with Dad and a dog. And the turning: "At last it was time to go get Mama." There is a lovely surprise for readers as they arrive at the space center and three people are shown in silhouette, one of which is Mama! She is an astronaut!
Ken Wilson-Max has added some extra information at the back about space exploration, most exciting is the timeline of women in space! What a delightful book for young readers, just beginning to know about astronauts and space and beginning to wonder what they'd like to be when they grow up.
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The questions are what you might imagine, "Why is the ocean blue?" and "Why do the leaves change color?", but the answers, oh, those answers are beautiful, loving, and connect perfectly to the ending. You will understand when you read. Nighttime 'mostly' black and white illustrations show the father at the doorway ready to say goodnight, but moving into the room, closer, then onto the bed as the little girl asks more, and more. The fun surprises at the end show the room widening, and with sharp eyes, readers will see where at least some answers originate. Gorgeous story just right for bedtime.
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Thanks to Charlesbridge for these next two books!
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Now reading: On Snowden Mountain by Jeri Watts and Last Train to London by Meg Waite Clayton. Somehow, too, I'd love to start Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson. I had the wonderful pleasure of seeing her present at my local Indie on Saturday night and have the book signed!
Loved More to the Story and Astro Girl as well. I have to get my hands on Vole and Troll - looks so engaging. Thanks for the recommendations!
ReplyDeleteVole and Trole will make many kids happy, and it's such fun to read aloud! Thanks, Clare!
DeleteI hope to read More to the Story this week, and I think Astro Girl will be perfect for my preschooler. Have a great reading week.
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Hope you enjoy More to the Story & Astro Girl, too. They're good reads! Thanks, Wendi!
DeleteI just ordered Astro Girl, Mother Goose of Pudding Lane, and Mr. Scruff from my library. They all look awesome. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteWonderful that you found them, Jana. Enjoy! Wishing you a great week, too!
DeleteJust Because was so good. Mac Barnett is proving himself to be one of the best picture book authors of this era.
ReplyDeleteYes, I loved looking at it as I do with all his others. Happy to hear from you, too, Beth.
DeleteI love Hena Khan's books!
ReplyDeleteYes, me, too!
DeleteLove the look of Astro Girl! Thanks for sharing all of the details Linda!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Carrie. Hope you enjoy it when you find it!
DeleteI have several books you mentioned in my soon to be read pile including Red at the Bone. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts about On Snowden Mountain. I've been wondering about that one!
ReplyDeleteDon't know if you've read it yet, but I enjoyed it, though I wish it was longer. For middle readers, it will be great. Hope to read Red at The Bone soon!
DeleteI'm looking forward to More to the Story, and I've added a few of those picture books to my "grab on sight" library list.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth, will look for your thoughts about More to the Story.
DeleteI need to add Astro Girl to my list. Lately, I've been grateful to see some great new books about space that feature female and/or non-white characters. So very needed! Thanks for sharing, Linda, and I hope it's been another great reading week for you.
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