Though the text makes few compromises to readers outside of its culture, the illustrations shine brightly for all.
This pourquoi tale from British Columbia’s Tahltan nation is greatly enhanced by vibrant, imaginative woodblock prints, one for every page of text.
Co-author and illustrator Vickers notes that this was a “short little story” when he first encountered it, but over the years, he learned more. Perhaps this is why some of the many interesting bits of Cloudwalker’s story do not quite coalesce. For example, early in the tale, there is a full paragraph about the “one thing Cloudwalker could not do.” The detailed description of his yearning for a life partner appears to be a plot point but is never again mentioned. The strength of the text lies in its ability to weave into this legend about the creation of three rivers facts about the natural resources of the region and the traditions of its native people. It is unfortunate that there is no appendix or glossary; some elements are explained, but readers outside the culture will likely not figure out the meaning of “potlatch” from this story’s context. And how should those readers pronounce “Ksien” and “Gitxsan” and “guloonich”? The artwork, in contrast, elegantly combines spiritual and physical worlds, partly by the use of pale, skeletal imagery over solid blocks of landscape and living figures.
Though the text makes few compromises to readers outside of its culture, the illustrations shine brightly for all. (Picture book/folk tale. 6-12)Pub Date: July 3, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-55107-619-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Harbour Publishing
Review Posted Online: May 27, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2014
After Castro’s takeover, nine-year-old Julian and his older brothers are sent away by their fearful parents via “Operation Pedro Pan” to a camp in Miami for Cuban-exile children. Here he discovers that a ruthless bully has essentially been put in charge. Julian is quicker-witted than his brothers or anyone else ever imagined, though, and with his inherent smarts, developing maturity and the help of child and adult friends, he learns to navigate the dynamics of the camp and surroundings and grows from the former baby of the family to independence and self-confidence. A daring rescue mission at the end of the novel will have readers rooting for Julian even as it opens his family’s eyes to his courage and resourcefulness. This autobiographical novel is a well-meaning, fast-paced and often exciting read, though at times the writing feels choppy. It will introduce readers to a not-so-distant period whose echoes are still felt today and inspire admiration for young people who had to be brave despite frightening and lonely odds. (Historical fiction. 9-12)
Pub Date: Aug. 3, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59643-168-3
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: June 14, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2010
BOOK REVIEW
A fast and funny alternative to the Wimpy Kid.
Black sixth-grader Jake Liston can only play one song on the piano. He can’t read music very well, and he can’t improvise. So how did Jake get accepted to the Music and Art Academy? He faked it.
Alongside an eclectic group of academy classmates, and with advice from his best friend, Jake tries to fit in at a school where things like garbage sculpting and writing art reviews of bird poop splatter are the norm. All is well until Jake discovers that the end-of-the-semester talent show is only two weeks away, and Jake is short one very important thing…talent. Or is he? It’s up to Jake to either find the talent that lies within or embarrass himself in front of the entire school. Light and humorous, with Knight’s illustrations adding to the fun, Jake’s story will likely appeal to many middle-grade readers, especially those who might otherwise be reluctant to pick up a book. While the artsy antics may be over-the-top at times, this is a story about something that most preteens can relate to: the struggle to find your authentic self. And in a world filled with books about wanting to fit in with the athletically gifted supercliques, this novel unabashedly celebrates the artsy crowd in all of its quirky, creative glory.
A fast and funny alternative to the Wimpy Kid. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: March 28, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-553-52351-5
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Crown
Review Posted Online: Dec. 5, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2016
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