Title: March: Book One
Authors: John Lewis and Andrew Aydin (Illustrated by Nate Powell*)
Pages: 128
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions
ISBN: 9781603093002
Publication Date: August 13, 2013
AR Levels: Book Level - 4.6, Interest Level - 4th-8th grades, Points: 1.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17346698-march
In a nutshell: This 2014 Coretta Scott King Honor Book is the first of a trilogy chronicling the life of Congressman John Lewis, the Civil Rights Movement hero, in graphic novel format. Book one highlights his childhood and the beginning of his involvement with the Civil Rights Movement, including his participation in the non-violent movement and the sit-in demonstrations.
I'd recommend it to grades: 8 and up (for intense situations and use of the "n" word in context)
I'd recommend it to: American history teachers, students who love graphic novels and history, and fans of Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis
What I liked most about this book: I'll be honest; I'm not a huge fan of non-fiction, which is mostly why we don't review a lot of it here, but I am always up for reading graphic non-fiction, especially biographies, and this one impressed me greatly. There's something about seeing a person's life illustrated on the page that brings it alive, and this one is an excellent example of how artwork can make someone's life story so much more engaging and impactful. By seeing images of these sit-ins and not just reading about them, you can truly feel the tension and the courage it took for Lewis and his fellow protestors to stay true to their non-violent commitment. I was moved in more ways than one, and I even learned a few new things I had never known about the Civil Rights Movement. I can't wait for the other two books.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Lewis notes that his librarian played a large role in his life and encouraged him to read whatever he could get his hands on. :) Yay, libraries!
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars
*It also noted in the back of this book that Nate Powell is currently working on the graphic novel adaptation of Rick Riordan's The Lost Hero! Get excited!
Title: Mary Poppins
Author: P.L. Travers
Pages: 224
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780152058104
Publication Date: this edition published June 1, 2006 (originally published in 1934)
AR Levels: Book Level - 6.1, Interest Level - 4th-8th grades, Points: 6.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/152380.Mary_Poppins
In a nutshell: When the Banks family loses a nanny, another one drops out of the sky, onto their doorstep, and into their lives. But Mary Poppins is no ordinary nanny, and life will never be the same at 17 Cherry Tree Lane...at least not until the West Wind comes.
I'd recommend it for grades: 3 to 5
I'd recommend it to: fans of the movie (obviously), Narnia fans, those who like books set in our world but with a dash of magic, and anyone who likes sassy nannies :)
What I liked most about this book: I'm always hesitant when people ask me what my favorite movie is, but I can say with confidence that Mary Poppins is one of my absolute favorite children's movies. Mary Poppins was my role model as a child. If I'm honest, I think she still is, and so that's why it's odd that I had never read this series. I think I may have been afraid it would ruin the movie for me, but it didn't! *sigh of relief* While this book isn't "practically perfect in every way," I did enjoy it. The prose is delightful and would make for a great read-aloud. Travers' Mary Poppins is a bit sassier (and a teeny bit colder) than Julie Andrews' portrayal, but she's just as charming, and I still love her. I can't wait to read the rest of the books before Saving Mr. Banks comes out in December (I CANNOT WAIT!!!)
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): I don't want to give away too much, but let's just say the relationship between Mary Poppins and Bert is absolutely adorable even more so than in the movie, and my favorite part happens when they go into his chalk painting. (I also had a crush on Dick Van Dyke as a girl.) ;)
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars
Title: The One and Only Ivan
Author: Katherine Applegate
Pages: 300
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 9780061992254
Publication Date: January 17, 2012
AR Levels: Interest Level: 4th to 8th grades; Book Level: 3.6; Points: 4.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11594337-the-one-and-only-ivan
In a nutshell: Ivan the gorilla is the star attraction at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, but he's not the draw that he used to be even though his artwork sells for a pretty penny in the gift shop. Still, Ivan is content with his situation until one day he meets his newest neighbor, a baby elephant named Ruby, and he realizes that things have to change. This is a book for anyone who's ever longed for a better life and had the courage to do something about it even in the face of adversity.
I'd recommend it for grades: 3rd to 6th
I'd recommend it to: fans of animal books, circus fans, or anyone who enjoys a a nice heartwarming story (It's also a quick read that would be great for reluctant readers.)
What I liked most about this book: The animal characters in the book are so well-written. You immediately connect with them even though they're not human. I cried a few times during this book because I was so emotionally connected to these animals, and I'm not ashamed to admit it! :)
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): My favorite moment is any one with Bob, the spunky homeless dog who sleeps on Ivan's belly. He's so funny. I love Stella, the older elephant, as well. She reminds me of Charlotte from Charlotte's Web because of how wise and caring she is.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): There
are Newbery winners that are good. There are Newbery winners that are
great. And there are Newbery winners that are so beautiful that they are destined to be classics. This is one of those. 5 stars for sure.
