Kindle Deals for May 5, 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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The Poem That Will Not End, by Joan Bransfield Grantham, $0.99. This book is so clever! It’s a story in verse about a boy who can’t stop writing poetry. Hijinks ensue, and along the way, kids will learn about many forms of poetry. There are examples of 15 poetic forms, with a handy reference section in the back.
Who Swallowed Harold? And Other Poems About Pets, by Susan Pearson, $0.99. There are 18 poems in the collection, featuring both common and unusual pets. The illustrations are vivid and hilarious.
I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems By Cats, by Francesco Marciuliano, $1.99. There are poems about pets, and then there are poems written from the perspective of the pets! This collection of very funny poems is all about what goes on inside a cat’s head. Cat lovers will be delighted by verses that feel equally absurd and true.
Merriam-Webster’s Rhyming Dictionary, $4.74. If you’ve ever felt stumped in finding the right rhyme for a poem or song, you’ll appreciate this handy reference book. Entries are listed by vowel sound (e.g., “ack” with tack, wrack, humpback, etc.). The search function in your e-reader or app will help to find exactly what you are looking for.
STILL ON SALE
Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View, by various authors, $4.99. What happens when you ask 40 big-time authors to write a Star Wars short story? You get this fun and fascinating collection that retells major events in Star Wars from the perspective of supporting characters. You’ll find out what was going on in Aunt Beru’s mind as Luke headed off, all you ever wanted to know about the creature in the trash compactor, and more. This is a must for any big Star Wars fan, but it’s also an interesting read for anyone who is intrigued by more than one way to tell a story.
The Myth Awakens: Canon, Conservatism, and Fan Reception of Star Wars, edited by Ken Derry and John C. Lyden, $2.99. I’ve seen several books about the science and psychology of Star Wars, but this is the first I’ve found that discusses religion, both within the Star Wars universe and in contemporary world of the viewers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The trailers for Star Wars: The Force Awakens made a strong impression on fans. Many were excited by what they saw as a return to the spirit of George Lucas's 1977 creation. Others--including several white supremacy groups--were upset and offended by key differences, most notably the shift away from a blond, blue-eyed, male protagonist. When the film was finally released, reactions similarly seemed to hinge on whether or not The Force Awakens renewed the "mythic" aspects of the original trilogy in ways that fans approved of. The Myth Awakens examines the religious implications of this phenomenon, considering the ways in which myth can function to reinforce ‘traditional’ social and political values. In their analyses the authors of this book reflect on fan responses in relation to various elements of (and changes to) the Star Wars canon--including toys, video games, and novels, as well as several of the films. They do so using a variety of critical tools, drawing from studies of gender, race, psychology, politics, authority, music, ritual, and memory.”
The Star Wars Book: Expand Your Knowledge of a Galaxy Far, Far Away, by Cole Horton, $2.99. Get ready to learn everything you might want to know about Star Wars! This book is full of details about every element of the Star Wars universe, even The Mandalorian! In typical DK style, the book is full of infographics, movie stills, and other diagrams.
Star Wars Omnibus: At War with the Empire, Volume 1, by Scott Allie and others, $0.99. This massive collection of Star Wars comics takes place during the events of the original trilogy. This is not a recapitulation of the movies; readers will discover more about Princess Leia’s background, the lives of Stormtrooper clones, and many other stories with that galaxy far away.
The Best At It, by Maulik Pancholy, $1.99. There are not a lot of middle grade books about queer characters, and it’s especially rare to find one that features an Asian protagonist. Rahul lives in small town Indiana, where there are not many kids who look anything like him. He’s bullied for being Indian and for being gay. Rahul’s grandfather tells him to find something his is good at and be the best at it, but Rahul worries that he may not be the best at anything. This is a warm, funny book that is a must-read for anyone who feels different from those around them.
A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat, $0.99. This Newberry Honor Book is a lot of things— a story of hope, a lyrical tale set in fantasy Thailand, and (believe it or not) a retelling of Les Miserables. Soontornvat’s vivid descriptions of Thailand paint a captivating picture.
Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir, by Robin Ha, $1.99. I really enjoyed this graphic novel. Robin Ha was a young Korean teen when she and her single mom took a vacation to Alabama. Robin was shocked when her mother decided to stay in the U.S. and marry a man who lived in Huntsville, Alabama. Thrown into a new world overnight, Robin feels like an outsider. It is only when her mother enrolls her in a comics drawing class that she starts to find a community of her own.
Spirit Hunters, by Ellen Oh, $1.99. You may recognize Ellen Oh’s name from the We Need Diverse Books initiative; she is doing her part to increase diversity in publishing with this middle grade horror novel featuring Korean and Jamaican characters. If you have a kid who enjoys a good, creepy scare, this book is for you. From the publisher: “A riveting ghost story and captivating adventure, this tale will have you guessing at every turn! Harper doesn’t trust her new home from the moment she steps inside, and the rumors are that the Raine family’s new house is haunted. Harper isn’t sure she believes those rumors, until her younger brother, Michael, starts acting strangely. The whole atmosphere gives Harper a sense of déjà vu, but she can’t remember why. She knows that the memories she’s blocking will help make sense of her brother’s behavior and the strange and threatening sensations she feels in this house, but will she be able to put the pieces together in time?”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.