A splendid opening act for the profession.
Readers are guided through an exploration of the conjuring world by a white rabbit named Seymour, who introduces famous magicians, illusionists, and magic acts. The book includes bits of trivia, the history and mechanics of magical illusions (if known), and brief biographies of conjurers throughout history, including Richard Potter, an African American man, Long Tack Sam, a Chinese man, and Adelaide Herrmann, a White woman, nicely diversifying the usual bill. Along the way, bold illustrations with a vaudeville feel beguile readers. The true star of the story (sorry, Seymour!) is the book’s designer, who uses occasional gatefolds and 90-degree rotations to make the reading experience as surprising, engaging, and occasionally disorienting as a magic act. Some readers may be frustrated that not every trick is explained, and the biographies are pithy rather than comprehensive, but those looking to learn more about the history of this unusual profession—especially those who value succinct nuggets of information—will delight in the charm of this book. Caregivers and educators should keep in mind that the book will not teach magic tricks, but it will provide a base vocabulary for young readers interested in exploring the art form. (This book was reviewed digitally with 12.2-by-19-inch double-page spreads viewed at 80% of actual size; gatefolds were viewed at 45% of actual size.)
A splendid opening act for the profession. (Nonfiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-500-65221-3
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Review Posted Online: Aug. 31, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Essential.
A guidebook for taking action against racism.
The clear title and bold, colorful illustrations will immediately draw attention to this book, designed to guide each reader on a personal journey to work to dismantle racism. In the author’s note, Jewell begins with explanations about word choice, including the use of the terms “folx,” because it is gender neutral, and “global majority,” noting that marginalized communities of color are actually the majority in the world. She also chooses to capitalize Black, Brown, and Indigenous as a way of centering these communities’ voices; "white" is not capitalized. Organized in four sections—identity, history, taking action, and working in solidarity—each chapter builds on the lessons of the previous section. Underlined words are defined in the glossary, but Jewell unpacks concepts around race in an accessible way, bringing attention to common misunderstandings. Activities are included at the end of each chapter; they are effective, prompting both self-reflection and action steps from readers. The activities are designed to not be written inside the actual book; instead Jewell invites readers to find a special notebook and favorite pen and use that throughout. Combining the disruption of common fallacies, spotlights on change makers, the author’s personal reflections, and a call to action, this powerful book has something for all young people no matter what stage they are at in terms of awareness or activism.
Essential. (author’s note, further reading, glossary, select bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10-18)Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-7112-4521-1
Page Count: 160
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
PROFILES
An authentic and moving time capsule of middle school angst, trauma, and joy.
Through the author’s own childhood diary entries, a seventh grader details her inner life before and after 9/11.
Alyssa’s diary entries start in September 2000, in the first week of her seventh grade year. She’s 11 and dealing with typical preteen concerns—popularity and anxiety about grades—along with other things more particular to her own life. She’s shuffling between Queens and Manhattan to share time between her divorced parents and struggling with thick facial hair and classmates who make her feel like she’s “not a whole person” due to her mixed White and Puerto Rican heritage. Alyssa is endlessly earnest and awkward as she works up the courage to talk to her crush, Alejandro; gushes about her dreams of becoming a shoe designer; and tries to solve her burgeoning unibrow problem. The diaries also have a darker side, as a sense of impending doom builds as the entries approach 9/11, especially because Alyssa’s father works in finance in the World Trade Center. As a number of the diary entries are taken directly from the author’s originals, they effortlessly capture the loud, confusing feelings middle school brings out. The artwork, in its muted but effective periwinkle tones, lends a satisfying layer to the diary’s accessible and delightful format.
An authentic and moving time capsule of middle school angst, trauma, and joy. (author's note) (Graphic memoir. 8-13)Pub Date: Aug. 17, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-77427-9
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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