An engaging interpersonal drama for early elementary readers.
First grader Gertie has issues with an annoying student, her school’s rules, and her old-fashioned name in this illustrated children’s book.
Clark Whittle sits down next to Gertie and calls her Gertrude, even after she tells him her preferred name, which gives her a rotten feeling about him right away. He goes on to kick her table leg and trip her in the cafeteria, goading her into throwing an apple at him, whereupon she’s taken to the principal’s office. But Gertie notes that Clark isn’t the only one causing her problems: Her teacher also calls her Gertrude, and so do her parents, who gave her the name that she hates. Gertie decides that her name will now be Diana, like Wonder Woman’s alter ego, because “nobody is mean to Wonder Woman.” Dad points out that this isn’t quite true: “people are mean to Wonder Woman all the time.” She goes on to understand that adults are sometimes unpleasant to each other, as when she hears Mom and Grandma Trudy talking loudly through her bedroom wall, arguing about the new name and perhaps something else, too. When her short-lived new name solves none of her problems, Gertie decides that she must settle the score with a duel. Can Gertie and Clark reconcile and make peace without adult intervention? Saia, the author of Little Ant and the Spider (2019), realistically depicts a literal-minded, rule-loving, conflict-prone child who’s unsettled by adult nonchalance toward her world’s frequent injustices—such as being told to read a book she doesn’t want to read and being forced to reckon with an enemy by herself. Although the specifics of this school strife (spitball-shooting bullies; disinterested, unaccommodating teachers) seem a tad dated, children facing adult indifference will find empathy here regarding their plight. Perko’s lively, loose grayscale pen-and-ink illustrations will add interest for young readers. Gertie, Clark, and Gertie’s family present as White; Gertie’s friend Janie has curly hair and darker skin.
An engaging interpersonal drama for early elementary readers.Pub Date: June 1, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-94-571320-0
Page Count: 89
Publisher: Shelf Space Books
Review Posted Online: June 19, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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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