Kindle Deals for May 2, 2021
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
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Cardboard Box Engineering: Cool, Inventive Projects for Tinkerers, Makers, and Future Scientists, by Jonathan Adolph, $2.99. Have you been accumulating more cardboard boxes than usual in the last year? My recycling bin is constantly full of boxes from deliveries. This book, pitched at upper elementary and middle school kids, is full of projects that can be made with leftover cardboard. From simple projects like gliders, to the more complicated geared tractor, there’s something for all ability levels.
Make Great Art on Your Ipad: Draw, Paint, and Share, by Alison Jardine, $0.99. My tween loves drawing on the iPad, and I’m constantly impressed by what she can do digitally. I bought her this book to help her take the skills to the next level. It’s full of general tips and step-by-step instructions for working with layers, digital textures, and other elements. My daughter mostly uses Procreate, but there is information on several other popular creativity apps.
Almost Lost Arts: Traditional Crafts and the Artisans Keeping Them Alive, by Emily Freidenrich, $2.99. There are so many skills that were common in the past but are beginning to fade into obscurity in the modern world. Emily Freidenrich tracks down globemakers, neon sign makers, weavers, and hatmakers (among many others) around the world to learn about their crafts. The profiles are accompanied by striking photos of each artisan’s process.
Creative Block: Get Unstuck, Discover New Ideas, by Danielle Krysa, $2.99. What do artists do when they feel stuck? Danielle Krysa asked 50 creative people this very question and compiled the answers into this inspiring book. Get to know the artists and their work, and at the same time, use some of their suggestions to kickstart art lessons or other creative projects.
STILL ON SALE
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets, by Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, and Marjorie Wentworth, $2.99. You probably didn’t know you were missing this ode to poets of the past and present. There are poems in honor of Mary Oliver, William Carlos Williams, Rumi, and many others. A helpful section at the end provides more information about each of the authors referenced.
Kind Regards: The Lost Art of Letter Writing, by Liz Williams, $2.99. There is something really special about getting a personal letter in the mail. Liz Williams taps into this feeling in her short book that is part history, part how-to for establishing your own correspondence habit.
The Secret Life of Books: Why They Mean More Than Words, by Tom Mole, $1.99. My house has bookshelves instead of wallpaper, so I’m eager to see what Tom Mole has to say about the value of books as physical objects. Here’s the publisher’s description: “We love books. We take them to bed with us. We display them on our bookshelves. We write our names in them. They weigh down our suitcases when we go on holiday. We take them for granted. But there's much more to them than meets the eye. From how books feel and smell, to burned books, banned books and books that create nations, The Secret Life of Books is about everything beyond the words on a page. It's about how books - and readers - have evolved over time. And about how books still have the power to change our lives.”
The Sweet Story of Hot Chocolate, by Stephen Krensky, $4.99. Get kids excited about nonfiction reading with this beginning reader book about hot chocolate! Suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs with simple language. Learn about the ancient origins of hot chocolate, how cacao is processed, and fun facts about chocolate at various times in history.
Eight Flavors: The Untold Story of American Cuisine, by Sarah Lohman, $1.99. American food culture is an amalgamation of many ethnic traditions. Food historian Sarah Lohman chooses eight flavors that have shaped American cuisine and traces each of them back through history. Learn more about soy sauce, curry powder, black pepper, and other tastes that you’ll find in quintessentially American food.
The Elements of a Home: Curious Histories Behind Everyday Household Objects from Pillows to Forks by Amy Azzarito, $2.99. Our homes are filled with countless objects that we use every day but rarely think about. Azzarito has selected 60 such objects to explore in great detail. Sketch illustrations accompany each description. You’ll learn about the origins of flatware, bathtubs, cocktail shakers, and many many more items.
They All Saw a Cat, by Brendan Wenzel, $1.99. This picture book tells a simple story that illustrates a complicated concept. As a cat travels through it’s day, it encounters many other creatures. Each see the cat in a different way: something to play with, something to chase, something to fear. Some see in color, some see in a blur. The repetitive language provides a framework for discussing the impact of perspective on the imaginative pictures.
Eduardo Guadardo, Elite Sheep, by Anthony Pearson, $0.99. Eduardo is a newly minted FBI (that’s Fairytale Bureau of Investigation) agent with a tough mission: he has to protect Mary from the Wolf, not to mention the Troll and the Witch! This is a high-action, comic-like picture book.
How to Teach a Slug to Read, by Susan Pearson, $0.99. A boy explains the process of learning to read in this funny and charming picture book. Little Slug wants to learn how to read, so the boy tells Mama slug to prop books up where Little Slug can see them, be patient, and sound out new words, among other helpful tips. The illustrations are delightful, with punny book titles that are sure to amuse adults.
Mariam Sharma Hits the Road, by Sheba Karim, $1.99. It’s a summer road trip novel with an interesting twist! Mariam is home for the summer after her freshman year of college. When her friend needs to get out of the house for a while, they decide to hit the road on an adventure to New Orleans. Their funny antics are balanced with insightful musings on South Asian identity.
Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit, by Jaye Robin Brown, $1.99. Jo has been happily living a full life in Atlanta, but when her family moves to a conservative small town for her senior year, her radio preacher father asks her to hide the fact that she is queer. She reluctantly agrees, but when she meets an intriguing new girl, Jo struggles with balancing her father’s wishes with her own truth. Note: Religion is an inextricable part of this book, but it’s not a “religious book.”
Explore My World: Weather, by Lisa Gerry, $4.99. National Geographic Kids has put together this fun, photo-illustrated guide to weather on earth. Preschoolers will get to know rain, sun, snow, and more in a fun and engaging way.
Storm Song, by Nancy Viau, $3.99. I absolutely love the illustrations in this book. From the publisher: “As thunder and lightning approach, a family gathers inside to play, sing, eat, and snuggle together until the weather clears. This sweet story captures both the excitement of a thunderstorm and the reassurance children need during a storm. The lively, rhythmic text mimics the storm sounds while the bold, playful art conveys this special family time.”
Tale of a Tadpole, by Karen Wallace, $2.99. Follow the life cycle of a frog as it journeys from egg to tadpole to adult in this easy reader from DK. It’s illustrated with the DK’s classic photo style and balances simple language with actually interesting facts about frogs from around the world.
Pond Walk, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $3.99. I really enjoy Wallace’s cut paper illustrations, as well as her blending of narrative storytelling and science information. In this charming picture book, Buddy Bear and his mom go for a walk to the pond, encountering interesting plants and animals and learning about how the ecosystem functions.
Over and Under the Pond, by Kate Messner, $1.99. This simple story of a parent and child exploring a pond from a boat is paired with gorgeous illustrations. Kids will enjoy looking up from the bottom of the pond! A section at the end offers more details about each of the animals mentioned in the story. Read this one, then go find a local pond to explore (while keeping your distance from others, of course).
Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Disappearing Caterpillar, $0.99. Pipsie loves spending time in nature and figuring things out. When she notices that the neighborhood caterpillar has gone missing, she is determined to find out what happened. This is the first in a cute series that celebrates the scientific process and offers interesting facts about the natural world.
Botanical Shakespeare: An Illustrated Compendium of all the Flowers, Fruits, Herbs, Trees, Seeds, and Grasses Cited by the World’s Greatest Playwright, by Gerit Quealy, $1.99. I had no idea there were so many references to plants in Shakespeare’s works. Seeing all of them laid out in alphabetical order is absolutely fascinating. Each plant receives a beautiful illustration and collection of relevant quotations. Front matter provides historical context on literary allusions, political affiliations, and scientific and medical knowledge.
Seeds of Hope: Wisdom and Wonder from the World of Plants, by Jane Goodall, $2.99. Goodall is well known for her work with primates. In her many decades of field work, she has spent lots of time among plants. This book highlights her travels around the world, learning from botanists and the environment itself, to develop an awareness of the importance of sustaining the plants around us.
Weeds: In Defense of Nature’s Most Unloved Plants, by Richard Mabey, $1.99. By definition, a weed is a plant that is unwanted in a given area. But this doesn’t mean that these plants are not valuable. Nature writer Richard Mabey brings fresh life to the plants that we frequently ignore or actively try to kill.
H is for Hawk, by Helen Macdonald, $4.96. This book is hard to classify. It’s part grief memoir, part nature writing, part literary musing on T.H. White. It’s a bit polarizing; readers either love it or hate it. Here’s what the publisher has to say: “The instant New York Times bestseller and award-winning sensation, Helen Macdonald's story of adopting and raising one of nature's most vicious predators has soared into the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. Fierce and feral, her goshawk Mabel's temperament mirrors Helen's own state of grief after her father's death, and together raptor and human ‘discover the pain and beauty of being alive’ (People).”
Birds: A Golden Guide, by Herbert S. Zim, $4.67. This book is a classic for bird watchers in North America. It’s been updated to include current range information and interesting facts about each bird. There are sections on 50 different species, as well as general sections about bird behaviors, adaptations, and habitats.
Skin Like Mine, by LaTashia M. Perry, $4.99. The illustrations in this book are fantastic. Each beautiful face seems to glow from within. The simple text celebrates the many shades of brown in human skin.
Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice, by Mahogany Brown, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Olivia Gatwood, $2.99. Middle-grade readers, get ready for some inspiring poetry from women of color! Poems cover a variety of topics, including social justice, activism, empathy, and standing up for oneself. I really like the visual styling of the pages. Lots of bright colors, unusual layouts, and inclusive illustrations.
Let’s Talk About Race, by Julius Lester, $1.99. Julius Lester is a wonderful children’s author who has a unique style of talking directly to the child. In this book, he describes his own story, his likes and dislikes, his identities, and encourage kids to their about their own identities. His matter-of-fact approach is clear and appealing, and Karen Barbour’s bold painted illustrations are striking. If you are looking for a good starting point for a discussion about race, this is your book.
Sometimes People March, by Tessa Allen, $1.99. This beautiful picture book explains activism to young readers. The words are simple, the illustrations are diverse, and the message is important — what more could you want?
Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! A Sonic Adventure, by Wynton Marsalis, $0.99. This is such a fun book, with onomatopoeias galore! Musician Wynton Marsalis takes a look at the world around him to uncover all the interesting sounds you can here. Kids will enjoy the cacophony of sounds that fill our everyday lives.
Juba! by Walter Dean Myers, $3.99. This middle-grade fictionalized account of a real 19th century character brings an interesting and challenging period of history to life. William Henry Lane, also known as Master Juba, was a free black man who became famous as a dancing master in America and Britain. His moves helped to shape many more modern dance styles. The story is hard in places, and ripe for discussion about racial inequities and minstrel shows.
Beyonce: Shine Your Light, by Sarah Warren and Geneva Bowers, $1.99. Get to know Beyonce’s childhood in this charming picture book biography. Readers will appreciate both the details of Beyonce’s life and the motivational message to children.
God Save the Queens: The Essential History of Women in Hip-Hop, by Kathy Iandoli, $1.99. From the publisher: “For far too long, women in hip-hop have been relegated to the shadows, viewed as the designated “First Lady” thrown a contract, a pawn in some beef, or even worse. But as Kathy Iandoli makes clear, the reality is very different. Today, hip-hop is dominated by successful women such as Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, yet there are scores of female artists whose influence continues to resonate. God Save the Queens pays tribute to the women of hip-hop—from the early work of Roxanne Shante, to hitmakers like Queen Latifah and Missy Elliot, to the superstars of today. Exploring issues of gender, money, sexuality, violence, body image, feuds, objectification and more, God Save the Queens is an important and monumental work of music journalism that at last gives these influential female artists the respect they have long deserved.”
Shakespeare Retold, by E. Nesbit, $3.99. This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of Shakespeare’s plays adapted into short stories for young readers. This is a visually appealing way to introduce kids to the plots of Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and several others.
The Year of Lear: Shakespeare in 1606, by James Shapiro, $3.99. A lot happened in England during the year 1606, and Shakespeare was there taking it all in — the Gunpowder Plot, a plague, religious tensions. It was in this turmoil that he sat down to write some of his greatest works. Columbia literature professor James Shapiro makes connections between these momentous events and three of Shakespeare’s works: King Lear, Anthony and Cleopatra, and Macbeth.
Shakespeare’s Secret, by Elise Broach, $2.99. If your middle grade reader enjoyed Chasing Vermeer, you’ll want to check out this fun mystery. From the publisher: “When Hero starts sixth grade at a new school, she's less concerned about the literary origins of her Shakespearean name than about the teasing she's sure to suffer because of it. So she has the same name as a girl in a book by a dusty old author. Hero is simply not interested in the connections. But that's just the thing; suddenly connections are cropping up all over, and odd characters and uncertain pasts are exactly what do fascinate Hero. There's a mysterious diamond hidden in her new house, a curious woman next door who seems to know an awful lot about it, and then, well, then there's Shakespeare. Not to mention Danny Cordova, only the most popular boy in school. Is it all in keeping with her namesake's origin-just much ado about nothing? Hero, being Hero, is determined to figure it out.”
Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior, by Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson, $1.99. This book is a classic in both the animal science and autism studies. From the publisher: “Temple Grandin’s professional training as an animal scientist and her history as a person with autism have given her a perspective like that of no other expert in the field of animal science. Grandin and coauthor Catherine Johnson present their powerful theory that autistic people can often think the way animals think—putting autistic people in the perfect position to translate “animal talk.” Exploring animal pain, fear, aggression, love, friendship, communication, learning, and even animal genius, Grandin is a faithful guide into their world. Animals in Translation reveals that animals are much smarter than anyone ever imagined, and Grandin, standing at the intersection of autism and animals, offers unparalleled observations and extraordinary ideas about both.”
Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out, by Ralph Fletcher, $3.99. From the publisher: “Poetry matters. At the most important moments, when everyone else is silent, poetry rises to speak. This book is full of practical wisdom to help young writers craft beautiful poetry that shines, sings, and soars. It features writing tips and tricks, interviews with published poets for children, and plenty of examples of poetry by published writers—and even young people themselves. Perfect for classrooms, this lighthearted, appealing manual is a celebration of poetry that is a joy to read. Young poets and aspiring poets of all ages will enjoy these tips on how to simplify the process of writing poetry and find their own unique voice.”
Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices, by Paul Fleischman, $1.99. In honor of the 2021 cicada mega-brood, I’m bringing you this collection of poems about insects designed to be read aloud by two people. The poems are written out uniquely, with each reader taking a column, sometimes alternating, sometimes in unison. Get the whole family involved in a buggy performance!
Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry: How to Write a Poem, by Jack Prelutsky, $3.99. Jack Prelutsky has written hundreds of poems for children, and he is now sharing his secret tips and tricks for creating your own poetry! This book is a combination of poetry collection, behind-the-scenes look at how he puts together a poem, and exercises to encourage aspiring poets.
Be Glad Your Nose is On Your Face, by Jack Prelutsky, $1.99. Jack Prelutsky is America’s first Children’s Poet Laureate, and he deserves the accolade. His poetry is clever, wacky, and vivid. This book collects favorites from his previous books along with some new poems. Bright illustrations make this book stand out.
The Sawbones Book: The Hilarious, Horrifying Road to Modern Medicine, by Justin McElroy and Sydnee McElroy, $4.99. I’ve really enjoyed listening to the Sawbones podcast (not for those with a weak stomach), and this book is very true to the content and feel of the McElroy’s medical show. I also love this description from the publisher: “Every week, Dr. Sydnee McElroy and her husband Justin amaze, amuse, and gross out (depending on the week) hundreds of thousands of avid listeners to their podcast, Sawbones. Consistently rated a top podcast on iTunes, with over 15 million total downloads, this rollicking journey through thousands of years of medical mishaps and miracles is not only hilarious but downright educational. While you may never even consider applying boiled weasel to your forehead (once the height of sophistication when it came to headache cures), you will almost certainly face some questionable medical advice in your everyday life (we’re looking at you, raw water!) and be better able to figure out if this is a miracle cure (it’s not) or a scam.”
Out on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio, by Jessica Abel, $1.99. I stumbled upon this graphic nonfiction book a few years ago, and I thought it was really interesting! Abel spends time watching the development of major radio programs/podcasts like Radiolab and This American Life to understand what it takes to put together a compelling narrative broadcast. This book will be appealing to fans of graphic novels, radio/podcasts, and compelling storytelling.
Who Would Win? Walrus Vs. Elephant Seal, by Jerry Pallotta, $2.99. There is a subset of kids who cannot get enough of this series, which pits two animals against each other in virtual battle to determine who would win in a fight. In order to make a proper determination, you have to learn a lot about each animal: size, strength, defensive skills, speed, and more. This book focuses on two large sea mammals, but there are more than a dozen other pairings to check out if your kid gets hooked.
What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page, $4.99. I’ve read this book with my daughter more times than I can count. Each page looks at one body part and how different creatures have adaptations that allow them to best suit their environments. Steve Jenkins can work magic with cut-paper illustrations, and this book could inspire a spectacular art unit as well.
Flying Dinosaurs: How Fearsome Reptiles Became Birds, by John Pickrell, $1.99. From the publisher: “Mixing colorful portraits with news on the latest fossil findings and interviews with leading paleontologists in the United States, China, Europe, and Australia, John Pickrell explains and details dinosaurs’ development of flight. This special capacity introduced a whole new range of abilities for the animals and helped them survive a mass extinction, when thousands of other dinosaur species that once populated Earth did not. Pickrell also turns his journalistic eye toward the stories behind the latest discoveries, investigating the role of the Chinese black market in trading fossils, the controversies among various dinosaur hunters, the interference of national governments intent on protecting scientific information, and the race to publish findings first that make this research such a dynamic area of science.”
What If You Had Animal Teeth? by Sandra Markle, $1.99. Learn all about teeth, both human and other animal, in this clever book. With a combination of photo illustrations and wacky, detailed drawings, Markle envisions life with teeth like a snake, beaver, shark, and many other creatures. There’s lots of great information, and the premise is compelling enough to make learning very fun.
The Unexpected Spy: From the CIA to the FBI, My Secret Life Taking Down Some of the World’s Most Notorious Terrorists, by Tracy Walder and Jessica Anya Blau, $2.99. Tracy Walder was recruiting into government service right out of college. She spent the next part of her life working in the intelligence community as a counter-terrorism and counterintelligence officer. If you’ve ever wondered what that world looks like from a female perspective, you won’t want to miss her story.
Princesses Behaving Badly: Real Stories from History — Without the Fairy-Tale Endings, by Linda Rodriguez McRobbie, $2.99. This collective biography presents a new view of some women you have heard of and also introduces quite a few underappreciated women from throughout history. The tone is wry and light, but this does not mean the historical details are lacking. Bear in mind, some of these princesses behave VERY badly (murder, torture, cannibalism), so prescreen for sensitive readers.
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men, by Caroline Criado Perez, $2.99. Without a doubt, this is the most important book I read in 2019. Even in the 21st Century, most researchers do not collect data on women, or they average the data of women and men. This means that car safety features, medications, and even urban planning fail to adequately meet women’s needs. This book is fascinating and, frankly, infuriating. This is a must read.
The Last Musketeer, by Stuart Gibbs, $3.99. I have enjoyed several of Gibbs’s series (he’s prolific!), and while I haven’t read this one yet, it was recommended to me by one of the kids in my middle school book club class. She told me it was excellent for “readers who like fast-paced and funny swashbucking adventures and time travel.” When Greg’s family disappears during a vacation, he has to travel in time — back to the 17th century — to rescue them.
Gods of Jade and Shadow, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, $4.99. Not YA, but nonetheless a coming-of-age story, Gods of Jade and Shadow pairs a 1920s setting with Mexican mythology. Casiopea is working as her grandfather’s maid and dreaming of a bigger life when she accidentally releases the Mayan god of death. When the god enlists her help in restoring him to his glory, Casiopea begins a sometimes perilous journey across Mexico.
Manufactured Witches, by Michelle Rene, $0.99. Historical fantasy, set in an uncommon time period? Sign me right up! From the publisher: “The Dust Bowl uprooted a lot of families and orphaned even more children. No one knows this better than Nat, a teenager who rides the rails from town to town looking for work. After helping a girl accused of witchcraft, Nat stumbles upon a home for wayward children run by a vibrant woman named Camille. She takes in children who have been thrown away and teaches them how to use their untapped potential to do extraordinary things...like magic. In this crazy new place, there are wonders he's never imagined possible. People who can paint portraits of ghosts, walk through walls, and hide windmills in thin air. But in a time of starvation and fear, Camille's magical home comes under attack from people who fear and discriminate against her. It is up to Nat and the other children to rally behind Camille to save their oasis in the dust from utter ruin.”
Cemetery Boys, by Aiden Thomas, $2.99. Yadriel is a trans boy, eager to prove that he has the abilities of a brujo (to guide spirits to the afterlife). When his cousin is murdered, he is determined to find his ghost and set his spirit free. Things don’t go as planned; another ghost is summoned, and this one is determined to settle some scores with Yadriel’s help.
Monster, She Wrote, The Women Who Pioneered Horror and Speculative Fiction, by Lisa Kroger and Melanie R. Anderson, $2.99. You’ve heard of Mary Shelley and Daphne du Maurier, but there are loads of other female authors who have created strange, dark worlds. This book introduces more than 30 such authors, describing a little bit about their lives and diving into their literary work. This book is an excellent resource for anyone trying to expand their horizons. The tone is breezy, but the research is detailed and careful.
Sounds All Around (Let’s Read and Find Out), by Wendy Pfeffer, $2.99. The Let’s Read and Find Out series is excellent for introducing science topics to young readers. In this adorably illustrated book, kids will learn about how sound waves travel, how the ear perceives sound, and how creatures use sound to communicate and learn about their environment.
Urawaza: Secret Everyday Tips and Tricks from Japan, by Lisa Katayama, $1.99. This book is so clever! It’s full of surprising, but everyday tips for solving small problems in life, like getting stickers off of glass or how to walk in rain without slipping. Even better, Katayama explains why each tip works, making every page a mini science lesson!
Lady Killers: Deadly Women Throughout History, by Tori Telfer, $1.99. March is Women’s History Month, and history includes the famous as well as the infamous. Get to know the scandalous details of fourteen murderous women in this lighthearted book about a dark topic.
Seeds! Seeds! Seeds! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $3.99. Buddy Bear gets an interesting package in the mail. It’s a collection of seeds along with information about what to do with them. Buddy’s story frames lots of useful information about planting, how seeds grow into plants, and how to care for a garden. Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations include real seeds. Read this one with your young kids at the start of a spring plant unit!
The Incredible Journey of Plants, by Stefano Mancuso, $4.99. From the publisher: “When we talk about migrations, we should study plants to understand that these phenomena are unstoppable. In the many different ways plants move, we can see the incessant action and drive to spread life that has led plants to colonize every possible environment on earth. The history of this relentless expansion is unknown to most people, but we can begin our exploration with these surprising tales, engagingly told by Stefano Mancuso.”
Introducing Genetics: A Graphic Guide, by Steve Jones, $4.79. These graphic guides are approximately equal parts pictures and words, but they pack in an amazing amount of detail. Pitched at adult, the format is compelling enough to engage middle and high school readers. This short guide covers the discovery of DNA, basics of inheritance, the human genome, and elements of genetic disease.
Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills, by Renee Watson, $3.99. This biography of 1920s singer Florence Mills really stands out for its unique multimedia artwork! Here’s a bit more about Florence from the publisher: “Born to parents who were both former slaves, Florence Mills knew at an early age that she loved to sing, and that her sweet, bird-like voice, resonated with those who heard her. Performing catapulted her all the way to the stages of 1920s Broadway where she inspired everyone from songwriters to playwrights. Yet with all her success, she knew firsthand how prejudice shaped her world and the world of those around her. As a result, Florence chose to support and promote works by her fellow black performers while heralding a call for their civil rights.”
She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story, by Audrey Vernick, $2.99. Meet the first woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in this lovely picture book! From the publisher: “Effa always loved baseball. As a young woman, she would go to Yankee Stadium just to see Babe Ruth’s mighty swing. But she never dreamed she would someday own a baseball team. Or be the first—and only—woman ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. From her childhood in Philadelphia to her groundbreaking role as business manager and owner of the Newark Eagles, Effa Manley always fought for what was right. And she always swung for the fences.”
Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13, by Helaine Becker, $2.99. Katherine Johnson’s story was made broadly known by the book and movie Hidden Figures. This beautiful picture book introduces younger readers to the mathematician’s remarkable career as a “computer” for the Apollo space program.
America’s Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines, by Gail Collins, $1.99. Collins has written an extensive primer on the history of women in America, from the first settlers to the end of the 20th century. All the famous faces in women’s history are here, but she also makes an effort to address the diverse experiences of non-white and immigrant women throughout America’s history. Keep this book alongside your traditional history curricula to provide a much needed counterpoint.
Stories from Suffragette City, edited by M.J. Rose and Fiona Davis, $2.99. It’s always so exciting to share a new-ish book that I’ve recently read when goes on sale. I just returned this one to the library last week! This collection has an interesting premise — all the stories take place on a single day in 1915. Each story is related to a massive women’s rights parade in New York City, but focuses on a different woman. There’s lots of diversity in sexual orientation, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
Never Look a Polar Bear in the Eye: A Family Field Trip to the Arctic’s Edge in Search of Adventure, Truth, and Mini-Marshmallows, by Zac Unger, $1.99. The cover image pulled me right in! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Churchill is “The Polar Bear Capital of the World.” And for one unforgettable “bear season,” Zac Unger, his wife, and his three children moved from Oakland, California, to make it their temporary home. But they soon discovered that it’s really the polar bears who are at home in Churchill, roaming past the coffee shop on the main drag, peering into garbage cans, scratching their backs against fence posts and front doorways. Where kids in other towns receive admonitions about talking to strangers, Churchill schoolchildren get ‘Let’s All Be Bear Aware’ booklets to bring home. (Lesson number 8: Never explore bad-smelling areas.) Zac Unger takes readers on a spirited and often wildly funny journey to a place as unique as it is remote, a place where natives, tourists, scientists, conservationists, and the most ferocious predators on the planet converge”
Who Lives Here? Polar Animals, by Deborah Hodge, $3.99. Learn all about polar bears and other cold-loving creatures in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Side bars offer many details about the adaptations that allow creatures to safely live near the poles.
Little Penguin: The Emperor of Antarctica, by Jonathan London, $0.99. Get to know Little Penguin from egg to fully grown adult in this realistic picture book. An excellent look at the circle of life in the Antarctic.
Restart, by Gordon Korman, $3.99. What would you make of your life if you couldn’t remember anything? When Chase hits his head, he loses his memory. After waking up in the hospital, he returns to a school where he doesn’t know anyone… but they all seem to know him and have some strong opinions about who he is. Was he the bully? Is that who he wants to be?
Merci Suarez Changes Gears, by Meg Medina, $0.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this 2019 Newberry Medal winner yet, but I’ve heard great things. Merci is dealing with being one of the few scholarship students at her fancy private school; the economic disparity makes middle school bullies extra challenging. At the same time, Merci is facing unexpected challenges at home as her beloved grandfather begins to be affected by dementia. The subject matter can be hard in places, but many reviewers describe the story as warm and moving. A second book about Merci and her family was just released!
The Tail of Emily Windsnap, by Liz Kessler, $0.99. Amy’s loved this book about an ordinary 12-year-old who discovers she’s actually a mermaid when she was about 10. Booklist said this book is “light, imagination-tickling fare ideal for middle-grade girls, with charming ink-wash illustrations scattered throughout,” and that seems about right.
Secret Lives of Great Artists, by Elizabeth Lunday, $1.99. Many famous artists were… eccentric, to say the least. This book collects some of the weirdest stories about big name artists into one strange volume. You’ll learn about Michelangelo’s horrible stench, Munch’s paranoia, and more. Along the way, Lunday walks readers through some of the artists’ famous works, providing context and criticism. This is a fun supplement to art history study. Because some of these artists had unusual sexual proclivities, this book is probably best for older teens or for adults who can segments to younger children.
Picture This: How Pictures Work, by Molly Bang, $2.99. Understand the language of picture books in a new way with this classic book about visual literacy. Molly Bang explains how curves, colors, and lines come together to evoke emotions and tell a story. Using bold colors and shapes, Bang walks the reader through all of the choices she makes in illustrating a version of Little Red Riding Hood. The result is absolutely fascinating.
Words For Pictures: The Art and Business of Writing Comics and Graphic Novels, by Brian Michael Bendis, $4.99. Learn all about the process for creating a comic in this detailed book. The many comic panels used as illustrations will delight superhero fans. From the publisher: “Arguably the most popular writer in modern comics, Brian Michael Bendis shares the tools and techniques he uses to create some of the most popular comic book and graphic novel stories of all time. Words for Pictures provides a fantastic opportunity for readers to learn from a creator at the very top of his field. Bendis's step-by-step lessons teach comics writing hopefuls everything they'll need to take their ideas from script to dynamic sequential art. The book's complete coverage exposes the most effective methods for crafting comic scripts, showcases insights from Bendis's fellow creators, reveals business secrets all would-be comics writers must know, and challenges readers with exercises to jumpstart their own graphic novel writing success.”
Character Design From the Ground Up: Make Your Sketches Come to Life, by Kevin Crossley, $3.99. Are you or your child fascinated by the characters in comic books, movies, or video games? Would you like to know how they are developed, and how you can create fully fledged characters of your own? Illustrator Kevin Crossley has created a comprehensive guide to the production process, from first sketch to 3D rendering to final product. This is not a “how to draw” book; it assumes you already have ideas and a style of your own. Rather, it walks you through how to refine your work, add detail, and create something that looks professional. The many illustrations in varied drawing styles will provide creative inspiration.
Radioactive: How Irene Curie and Lise Meitner Revolutionized Science and Changed the World, by Winifred Conkling, $1.99. Get to know two outstanding female scientists in this middle grade biography. Photos and drawn illustrations help to explain the scientific principles at the heart of Curie’s and Meitner’s work. Both women were early studiers of radiation, particularly the creation of artificial radiation and the development of fission.