Welcome to Litsy!

I adored this graphic novel—both the print version and the audiobook. How is it possible to make an audiobook from a graphic novel? Listen to it and you‘ll find out! Mexikid was a big winner this year: Newbery Honor, Pura Belpré Award for both author and illustrator, and an Odyssey Honor for the audio version. All well deserved. Hurra for Pedro Martín! (These great photos of his family are from the book‘s backmatter.)

This was quite fun! I never connected as much as I hoped I would, but I still appreciate the adventure, camaraderie, and silliness.

This week I‘ve chosen a couple of books in which softball plays a major part. Both of these are books I‘ve read, but I still need to get hold of copies to add to my class library.

#MiddleGradeMonday #MiddleGrade #GirlsInSports

When @BarbaraJean reviewed this one last year I knew I had to read it because LOOK AT THAT COVER 😂 Overall, I loved this book - with the exception of the ending which felt strangely, almost disorientingly, abrupt. I felt that I had become very attached to these characters and their journey, and was left with a lot of unanswered questions about their future. I mean, it wasn't a cliffhanger. It just didn't tidy up. But the rest was delightfully ⬇

“After the year of fire
vines rise up
through the rest of our lives
of smoke
of flame
of memory.
As if to say
We're still here.
As if to say
Remember us.”

#FaveBkOfMarch
#SpringSkies
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Had to go with this great one from Jason Reynolds because we are currently in the peak of track season with my son. Ghost is about a boy who wants to play ball, but when a track coach takes him under his wing and sees his potential for running his life takes a turn for the better. 🏃🏽‍♂️

#middlegrademonday

#2BksWithSimilarTitle

#SpringSkies

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

This is a cute little novel about a robot, Roz, washing ashore an island and learns to be wild. She learns from watching the animals, slowly learning their language. Heartbreaking at points, as the story takes no prisoners with reality. Animals die; frozen in winter and shot by hunters. It‘s a reality of life, and it is crafted sensitively. Liked how she raises a gosling as her own son. Wonderful connection. The ending surprised me.

It was no surprise to me that young Shannon‘s favorite game was making up and acting out stories with her friends. Her middle grade graphic memoir, the first in a series, was both a joyful and painful exploration of real friendships and family relationships. I loved it. 💖

Has Kelly Barnhill written anything that‘s lousy? Because if so, I haven‘t found it yet. I loved this. It has all the wonderful trappings of a fairy tale—a misunderstood witch, a tiny dragon, a young girl bursting with magic, selfish city leaders—and it combines those ingredients to explore themes of found family, truths revealed, sorrow, and love. 💜💜💜 This was my March #DoubleSpin.