educational – Page 3

Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race by Megan Madison

1 star Children’s Picture Book

Wow, that went straight to racism. What started off as a positive children’s book about accepting individuals of all colors went straight into racism. Yes, we all have different colored skin. Yes, no matter what color your skin is, you are “beautiful, strong, and important just the way it is.” But the last half of the book was packing a punch which to me was just hateful. Do I want to read a book to a child that promotes hate? No. Do I want to read a book promoting hate? No.

I understand addressing racism in this book, but the author went off again in her negativity and this positive-feel-good book went downhill. When we live in a world where we’re working to equalize the playing field, this book fails in my world.

According to this book, white people made up the concept of race, a long time ago.

The author then gives us pages (yes, pages) of examples of racism: “someone says only friends with white skin can play,” “thinking princesses only have blond hair,” “like how there aren’t as many books written about people of color,” “calling a person of color a mean name because of their skin color,”

Another examples shows a picture of the white, blond girl wearing a superhero cape tying a green mask on a black boy who looks sad and defeated. Do those examples look diverse?

If you were a child, what would you think? I think not. Again, you make your own decision but I’m trying to teach acceptance, not create more hostility and division. I think that the first half of the book was worth reading as it was informative, it dealt with a variety of issues, and it gave off a positive energy, but the second half was just the opposite. It felt preachy and negative and not a good way to end a book. I’m not a fan. 1 star

History Smashers: The Titanic by Kate Messner

5 stars Children’s Chapter/ Middle School – any one really!!

This is the second History Smasher book that I have had the pleasure to read and yep, this 50+ year old Nana enjoyed every minute of it! I wasn’t one who enjoyed history in school, yet I liked learning about important events. When I learned about the Titanic in school, I didn’t recall learning much except the basic facts and over the years, I have picked up a great deal of information about how this event came about (thank you, social media). I’m one who likes to learn quirky and interesting details and I want to know the truth about something. I don’t want to know what “someone thinks,” as we all have an opinion and whether it’s right or wrong depends on the individual. When I read about this series of children’s books, I knew that they might be something that I would like as they’re straight to the point, fun and entertaining reading, lots of illustrations and pictures, and I loved the way the author presents the information.

The book begins with the building of the Titanic, and it ends with current events of the Titanic. There’s a wonderful section of Rumors in which they address different rumors associated with the ship, there’s a Titanic Timeline, and a fantastic index. The author’s notes at the end of the book lists additional books and websites about the Titanic. The bibliography is massive, and the author includes a couple pages from History Smashers: The Mayflower and History Smashers: Pearl Harbor in the final pages. Yes, I highly recommend this book for any age if you’re interested in the Titanic. Grab yourself a copy! 5 stars

Some interesting facts I learned:

There were 254 official accidents recorded while building the Titanic which included at least 8 deaths.
The Titanic received multiple warnings about “icebergs and field ice” in the path but yet, they never slowed down. Why? Were they trying to meet their deadlines?
The Californian Ship was closer to the disabled Titanic, yet the Carpathia Ship was the one that helped the victims of the Titanic. It was interesting to learn why.
The Titanic was only required to carry 16 lifeboats onboard. That was not enough for all the passengers. Reading why they were only “legally required” to carry 16 and how this law has now changed.
The water temperature was 28 degrees F. How long do you think you could survive in that type of water with a cork life vest?
Thomas Andrews, a ship builder, remained on board while the ship sank, throwing chairs and anything that he thought would float to the individuals in the water.
The tours to the wreckage were interesting to read about and now there are hopes of another private company starting up operations to resumes these tours. I just heard that they want to halt these tours as they want the Titanic’s resting stop to be recorded as a burial site. The wreckage is deteriorating, what is the future of this famous event.
Items have been taken from the wreckage of the Titanic, but they have now been released into the hands of a group of investors.

83 Days in Mariupol by Dan Brown

5 stars Graphic Novel Children’s/ Middle School

Don Brown…Don Brown…your books just keep on getting better. I’ve been reading his books for a while now and I love how he drives deep into the subject matter and tells it, like it is. Nothing is sugar coated but the subject matter is softened for his target audience. It’s important to know something about the people of Mariupol and where this city is located.

A war broke out battling to gain control of it. If I said Ukraine, I’m sure the picture of Mariupol becomes clearer and now, you’re wondering how this city played a part in this war.

Mariupol was like other cities in Ukraine during the war. They would be under attack.

This city was special though. Comprised of 400,000 citizens, they were the first ones to come under attack from Russia because of their uniqueness. Mariupol was a port city, the gateway to the Sea of Azov which was important to the agriculture and financial sector of Ukraine but would also be a great benefit to Russia.

Brown takes us there, to where the action is. In the Prologue, he explains the history of the area yet we’re not ready for what is coming. February 24,2022 is the date that Vladimir Putin decides to invade Ukraine and that’s the date this story begins. Reflected in black and white graphic novel boxes, the story is told in dateline format which is perfect.

The story is not a happy one as the citizens and the Ukrainian Soldiers try to take cover and they’re fighting back against an army who are relentless. The war tears up the book.

The citizens who are trying to stay safe as running out of options. Too many battles and destruction is everywhere.

The number of casualties is rising, and the fighting continues. My adrenaline was rising, and I caught myself sitting on the edge of my seat as the action intensified. Yes Brown, you did it again, you brought this event right into my home. 5 stars

History Smashers: The Mayflower by Kate Messner

5 stars Nonfiction Middle School/Children’s Chapter

What a fun way to learn history! I’ll be honest and tell you that I didn’t make it all the way through this book, it was due back to the library before I got to finish it. I did make it through most of the book and what I read was amazing! I’m not into history but I really wish I was. In school, I hated history but that was many, many years ago. Now, with all the amazing books that they have available, I think I would love to learn about history. History is now presented in a fun, entertaining way yet when I was learning about it, it seemed like it was all dates and facts. I had heard about these History Smashers books, and I found the Mayflower edition at my local library, so I checked it out. It’s crazy the information I learned in these pages!

I loved the language of this book and how this book felt as if, it was talking to me.

The author was explaining the information to me in a fun and informative way. Engaging the reader, the author addresses the many notions and beliefs that surround the Mayflower and lead me on a path of discovery.

I liked this way of learning vs. being told the facts of this important event, for I felt more engaged and receptive of what they were trying to communicate. With the accompanying black and white pictures, this book kept my attention and it moved along quickly. Using cartoon drawings, actual photographs and diagrams, the book’s illustrations are a great addition to this book.

I was also impressed with how many different topics they cover. There is so much to love about this book. Be ready to submerge yourself in the Mayflower when you pick up this book, as you’ll be amazed at what you’ll discover about this famous voyage. Definitely a 5-star read.

“Paintings like this one make it easy for people to assume that Pilgrims walked around in black clothes all the time. But historical documents tell a different story.”

“So, what would you have eaten during the trip if you’d been on board the Mayflower? Biscuits – But these weren’t the nice, soft, fluffy biscuits we eat with gravy today. They were hard and dry, so they wouldn’t get moldy. And after a while, they became infested with little bugs called weevils. (But look on the bright side! At least that added some protein….)” (There were other food/drink items listed too).

The Children’s Book of Birdwatching: Nature-Friendly Tips for Spotting Birds by Dan Rouse

5 stars Nonfiction Children’s

This is marked a children’s book but I think it could be used for all ages. This nonfiction book is a great beginner’s book to learn about birds. There’s quite a bit of information included inside this book and the pictures are cute and informative. Don’t pass up this book just because it’s earmarked for children as it’s suitable for anyone who is interested in birds and someone who doesn’t want to get bogged down with too much detail.

I liked how the chapters were set up and all the different information that was included inside the chapters. You have the typical where to find birds, what do birds eat, birdfeeders, birdbaths, etc. but this book goes beyond all that. There are chapters on nest boxes, ponds, bird bills, what seeds attract which birds, and why birds need plants.

You want to get creative? There are chapters on making bird food, a bird feeder, a dust bath, seed bombs, and growing your own plants for the birds. The book doesn’t stop there as you’ll find information on caring for the outside birds, what they need to make nests, watching the birds, and how to find some unexpected nests.

Loads of fun and informative information inside this book and it’s presented in an entertaining way with pages that have a lot of illustrations with short text boxes. The book is fun to read and it’s a book that you can pick up and read a few pages and put down and return to again and again. So whatcha’ waiting for? Go pick up this book, get bird educated. Help these little winged creatures and listen to them sing in a yard near you. 5 stars

The Sky is Not the Limit by Jeremie Decalf

5 stars Nonfiction Childrens

Our universe is vast. What is out there is anyone’s guess. Can Earth actually be the only planet now with life on it? What secrets do the other planet hold and what can they tell us? I find myself glued to whatever social media platform presents me with information about life out beyond my trees. Meteorites? Another star? A Black Hole? Another Moon mission? Sometimes, I admit, I don’t understand everything that’s happening amongst the stars but I do find it fascinating. In The Sky Is Not the Limit, the book addresses NASA’s Voyager Mission. These twin spacecrafts captured some amazing photographs starting in 1977 when they were launched and they’re still taking photographs today.

I think it’s pretty amazing that these two spacecrafts are still taking pictures today, some 46 years later. When they were first launched, these twin spacecrafts were the first probes to photograph pictures of both Jupiter’s and Saturn’s moons. Splitting up, one of the spacecrafts headed towards interstellar space while the other one headed towards the rest of the planets. Flying past Uranus, this spacecraft set another record as it discovered new moons and new rings around this planet. Years later, this same spacecraft made the same discovery while flying past Neptune, where it also discovered a “Great Dark Spot.” These were just the beginning years for this mission, the first photographs, which began to open up our minds to the endless possibilities and wonders that were out there.

This picture book explores the early years. The photographs which are printed on glossy paper gave me the feeling of wonder as there are endless stars which float across most of the pages. You won’t see bright colorful pages inside this book as space is mainly black and white with a few hues of grays. There are a few pages of life on Earth which contain some color otherwise you’ll see what the Voyager Mission saw: the blue of Uranus & Neptune, the colors of Saturn’s rings, the hues of Jupiter, and I can’t forget about Earth with its shades of blue, green and white. The stars, oh the massive number of stars printed inside this book, as Voyager makes its journey, fills each page. The text is not difficult, nor is the number of words on each page. I believe that is another reason I enjoyed this book. It’s the silence you feel when you read it, the calmness, the “what’s-next” feeling as you move along with Voyager on the pages. You really don’t need a lot of words in this book to enjoy it, you need guidance but not hand-holding. Make sure you read the information pages at the end of the book.

“Learn more about the Voyager mission, view photo captured by Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, and find news update on the probes’ journey at oyager.jpl.nasa.gov.”

That Flag by Tameka Fryer Brown

5 stars Children’s Picture Book

A very powerful book. It’s all about thinking you know something but you really don’t. The power of conforming to something but you’re unaware of what message you’re actually sending out. How a person’s actions speak louder than their words.

They’re inseparable at school, Keira and Bianca are like each other’s shadow. From wearing their hair, the same way, to reading the same book, Keira and Bianca are like twins. The girls even live on the same street. Yet, these girls have never been to each other’s houses. Keira and Bianca haven’t attended any party, any sleepover, they haven’t been able to run around their street together screaming and chasing each other because of something Bianca has. A flag.

Bianca’s parents fly the confederate flag on a flagpole near their house. “It’s a celebration of courage and pride,” they tell her but Keira’s parents feel the flag is a symbol of violence and oppression. The girls listen to their parent’s advice.

One a school class field trip to the Southern Legacy Museum, the girls plan to be partners but the teacher breaks them up into two different groups. Since Keira’s father came along, the father-daughter team discovers an exhibit about the historical South. Keira is excited seeing the displays featuring historical technology and fashion but as they drift to other displays in that area, their demeanor changes. These exhibitions feature power, segregation, and slavery. They also hanging from the ceiling, the flag. The same flag design that Bianca has flying in her front yard.

I was hoping that dad and Keira read some information that was included in the displays as they walked through the museum instead of just looking at the items. The next page in the story, is a total mood changer. Bianca runs up to Keira and tries to hug her, claiming that she has been trying to find her. Keira, deflated because of the exhibit, just points to something that has upset her and walks off. Total relationship changer as the girls have witnessed the flag being used in history.

So, what is the real story now? This story has a great ending and I really enjoyed the About the Confederate Flag, Author’s Note and Illustrator’s Notes at the back of the book. 5 stars!!

A Beginner’s Guide to Knitting: A Complete Step-by-Step Course by Tracey Lord

5 stars Nonfiction

I want this book! I have been wanting to learn how to knit and crochet so when I saw this book at the library, I grabbed it. I’ve heard that you can teach yourself this at home and since I’m a beginner, here’s my sign. Between books and online videos, I figured that I could be successful. I’ve had a difficult time attending class while I learn something new, in the past. I get anxious, confused, and stressed about the process and I feel myself tuning out. If I can get some knowledge about knitting from this book and online, perhaps I could take a class in the future and strength my skills.

I like that this book is oversized so I can spread the book open and see clearly what each page is all about. The book clearly understands me as it seems to have everything covered from what to look for in yarns, needles, reading patterns, what other accessories I might need, how to even go about starting a project and how to make my project presentable. I like that the book presents projects for you to complete too.

The book starts with simple easy projects and progresses to more complex ones. So, from making a basic knit stitch, to making a slouch beanie hat, to knitting some baby shoes, this book will help me along the way. I know absolutely nothing about knitting except that I’ll need some knitting needles and yarn. I like that this book explains everything in simple terms and includes lots of detail. I had no idea that there were 6 different weights of yarn and the book even tells me what to look for in yarn and what yarn to use for what project. I’ve heard of the terms “casting on” and “casting off” but what they are I had no idea. The book explains it and shows me how to do it with step-by-step illustrations.

There’s even information on how to read a pattern. I do think that there are some workshops (projects) in this book that I don’t really want to complete so we shall see if I attempt them but I like that they are there for me. These “workshops” (projects) build upon one another, getting more difficult as you progress through the book. I’ll learn at least one new skill as I create something new in each workshop with their detailed directions and illustrations. Yep, this book is just what I need to get me knitting. It’s a 5-star book for me.

Here We Are: Book of Animals by Oliver Jeffers

This is great, fun alphabet book that includes some different animals that you don’t typically see. Sure, there are familiar animals but D for Dodo, H for Hedgehog, V for Vampire Bat, X for Xerus, what is a Xerus? He looks like a squirrel to me. Actually, a Xerus is an African ground squirrel, that has spiky fur, short ears and long tails that live in Africa. That’s what I like about Oliver Jeffers, he makes me think, he opens up my eyes to see the world in another light.

You have to love the way this book feels in your hands, the thick and glossy pages will hold up to a lot of readings and the size of this book is perfect for lying down flat or for reading with someone. I like the simplicity of each page as each letter gets its own page in this book. The letter is highlighted in a hold color, the animal is drawn on the page, and then, the animal’s name is written at the bottom of the page. Sometimes a comment from the animal is included on the page otherwise, nothing extra is included on the page. There is no busy colors or no busy activity, the child can focus on the letter, the spelling of the animal’s name and the illustration. Let’s keep it simple: repetition, and recognition. The best way to help a child learn. I think this is a great ABC book for infants to any age who need to be exposed to their ABC’s. 5 stars

Here We Are: Book of Numbers by Oliver Jeffers

This is a cute, square board book which I feel is appropriate for toddlers. Why? I really like this book but I feel that the language used in the book is too deep for little infants to appreciate. Sure, you can read it to them but to fully enjoy the book, I think a toddler is about the youngest person who could understand what the book is all about. I love that this book is constructed with heavy cardboard which means it will last and the pages are glossy for little fingers to thumb through the pages and really get into the beautiful illustrations.

Each two-page spread in this book features a number from 1-11. This book is about Earth and aspects of it. For #1, we have “1 Earth” and the illustration is of Earth in space. For #6, the page is yellow, “6 things to do (on a nice sunny day)” and there are 6 illustrations of adults and children doing 6 activities outside on a sunny day (painting, kite flying, hopscotch, bike riding, playing with a truck, taking a baby for a walk). For #10, the page is simply beautiful with the text, “10 ways to travel (quickly, but sometimes slowly) and you’ll need to find those 10 ways in the illustration. For #7, the page is an underwater scene with “7 creatures of the sea (and lots of little fish). For little toddlers, they can quickly pick out the 7 creatures of the sea but for those who know their sea life, they might be able to name exactly that there is a dolphin, a whale, a turtle, an octopus, a shark, a narwhal, and a sea lion. I really like that this book is interactive and that it can be simple and also challenging, if you choose. The illustrations are fantastic and so colorful! I love that about Oliver Jeffers books, he draws you in with his incredible illustrations and when you add in his text, you feel like you have been transported inside his books.

I adore the last few pages of this book. The discussion goes to larger numbers. “A lot of stars (too many to count)” and the page shows lots of stars in-front of a dark blue background with the North Star, The Little Dipper and The Big Dipper outlined and shows the connection of these two stars. The last page addresses Infinity. He connects this word with love and shows a mobile constructed of planets and stars with an adult holding a baby. What a sweet ending to this book.