A simple yet heartfelt tale of self-acceptance and identity.
Eight-year-old Jacob copes with gender roles and expectations.
Youngest Nguyen sibling Jacob knows what he likes and is used to getting his way. So he doesn’t understand why people are suddenly questioning his choices—like when a friend’s father tells him Vietnamese boys don’t wear pink. When his sister tells him she’s never seen a boy wear nail polish, Jacob retreats to his room, where his Grandma Nội’s fan hits him in the head. Grandma Nội passed away two years ago, but his Vietnamese Canadian family believes that their ancestors stay with them even after death. Unlike his family, Jacob doesn’t really remember Grandma Nội. But as he traces the Vietnamese zodiac animals adorning the fan, they turn a glittery gold color. Is Grandma Nội offering advice? As he draws strength from the different characteristics of the zodiac animals and Grandma Nội, Jacob gains the confidence to remain true to himself. In this latest series installment, Trinh explores the intersection of cultural identity and gender expression and identity. Readers will easily follow the straightforward first-person narrative as Jacob tries to make sense of it all. Though Jacob receives mixed reactions from kids and adults alike as he explores who he wants to be, his family is generally supportive, and their affirmation, especially from elders like Grandpa Nội, is comforting. Dynamic black-and-white illustrations capture Jacob’s ups and downs.
A simple yet heartfelt tale of self-acceptance and identity. (character biographies, author’s note) (Fiction. 6-9)Pub Date: April 25, 2023
ISBN: 9781773217710
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Annick Press
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
A strong second outing for Dillard and J.D.
Breakout kid barber J.D. embraces a summer of opportunity.
Readers met J.D. Jones just as he took his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi, by storm, winning himself community acclaim and a chair at the revered Hart and Sons barbershop in series opener J.D. and the Great Barber Battle(2021). What’s next for the haircut prodigy? School’s just getting out, and there’s so much life happening outside—if only one can escape home learning with the grandparents. J.D.’s sister, Vanessa, brings along multitalented mutual friend Jessyka to share an ambitious challenge: “Let’s start a YouTube channel!” Can they get millions of views and wow the whole world? They are already amazing at haircuts and hairstyles—all they need is to learn how to make a great YouTube video. The story models strategies for scripting short videos reflecting the templates of viral YouTube hair tutorials, inviting readers to not only see the journey of the characters, but maybe also practice these skills at home. This book is bound to educate all about some of the most storied and cherished traditions within the Black community. Bringing in Vanessa is a great touch to extend the series across gender, and hopefully she’ll get a chance to lead her own adventures. This book blends skill-building, entrepreneurship, and strong family values to give young Black children visions of what’s possible when they follow their passions and embrace their community.
A strong second outing for Dillard and J.D. (Fiction. 6-9)Pub Date: Aug. 3, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-593-11155-0
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Kokila
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape.
The fourth installment in Delacre’s early-reader series centers on the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico, once again featuring sibling tree frogs Rafi and Rosi Coquí.
Readers learn along with Rafi and Rosi as they explore bomba, plena, and salsa in three chapters. A glossary at the beginning sets readers up well to understand the Spanish vocabulary, including accurate phoneticization for non-Spanish speakers. The stories focus on Rafi and Rosi’s relationship within a musical context. For example, in one chapter Rafi finds out that he attracts a larger audience playing his homemade güiro with Rosi’s help even though he initially excluded her: “Big brothers only.” Even when he makes mistakes, as the older brother, Rafi consoles Rosi when she is embarrassed or angry at him. In each instance, their shared joy for music and dance ultimately shines through any upsets—a valuable reflection of unity. Informational backmatter and author’s sources are extensive. Undoubtedly these will help teachers, librarians, and parents to develop Puerto Rican cultural programs, curriculum, or home activities to extend young readers’ learning. The inclusion of instructions to make one’s own homemade güiro is a thoughtful addition. The Spanish translation, also by Delacre and published simultaneously, will require a more advanced reader than the English one to recognize and comprehend contractions (“pa’bajo-pa-pa’rriba”) and relatively sophisticated vocabulary.
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape. (Early reader. 7-9)Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-89239-429-6
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Children's Book Press
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
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