Read Your Way Homewood

Mini Myths: Don't Get Lost, Odysseus! (Mini Myths)  by Joan Holub , Leslie Patricelli (Illustrations)   Accurate re-tellings of Mythology these stories are NOT. Super-cute and wonderful Board Books anyway? Why, yes! Yes they are!  Using the names and the core element of a classic Greco-Roman mythological tale, these Mini Myths talk to pre-schoolers. Odysseus gets lost, Pandora touches something she shouldn't, Icarus isn't careful. These tales are couched in terms the little ones understand. Then, at the back, a more accurate summary of the actual tale is given, again at kid level. HIGHLY recommend this super stinking cute series.  ALSO: diverse cast and characters through the series  #BoardBooks #FamilyTies #StoriesReimagined #WeNeedDiverseBooks

Blackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly Apple doesn't like herself much. The way she looks, the way her mom talks and cooks, her name... all of it is a reminder that she is *different* and she hates it. Until a list and a series of events bring her to some new people who help her see the great things about standing out in a crowd instead of fading into it. This is a really nice middle grade book for self esteem, issues of ethnic minorities feeling bullied, and kids who are searching for their way. Favorite line was towards the end, and was about a former friend who was obsessed with being popular and cool: "I realized that's how she would always be: going where the crowd goes and then getting lost." - Miss Kelly #ComingOfAge #FamilyTies #FriendshipBonds #MiddleGrade #Realism #SchoolStories #WeNeedDiverseBooks

Endangered by Lamar Giles Fast paced, thrilling, diverse cast, well utilized (and not dead) parental units, not too easy to figure out, satisfyingly UNsatisfying ending. No sunshine and roses in this one, but it all WORKS. I really enjoyed this and will be looking for more from this author. Side note, at the beginning, I really liked and identified with Panda (as the reader is supposed to do) Then, in the middle, I started having second thoughts about her and her motivations and methods, right when she started having second thoughts about herself. And THAT is a great thing. To be able to make us like someone and then STILL question whether they are a good person doing good things, is very nice to read. Review by Kelly