pick#Falling Day 4: #LibraryFun in this ode to libraries by Nikki Giovanni. The Afterword adds another layer of complexity to the narrative as Nikki Giovanni paid tribute to Mrs. Long, the very first librarian who made sure to nourish her young poet‘s soul with delicious words – during the time of segregation. My review: https://wp.me/pDlzr-r4g
pickThis is a lovely children‘s novel. Eleven year old Sophia‘s best friend is her 87 year old neighbor Sophie. When Sophie‘s son has concerns about his mother‘s wellbeing, young Sophia devises a plan to keep her best friend close. A sweet reminder that friendship is not limited to age, experience or distance. Four ⭐️ recommendation for friends of all ages.
so-so3.1⭐️ seriously… OK it was cute, and it made me sad to where I teared up a little bit. But, first of all… I don‘t know why it was called witch hazel because there wasn‘t really anything witchy going on except for a hat. Second of all… There was room for so much more, even a brief introduction to the stories that she‘s telling. The imagery though was beautiful. One more book to help me catch up on my way to goal.
so-soThis would be a great read aloud for kids studying WWII. It attaches the emotional resonance to the time period without being too dark and disturbing. It is a pretty slow moving book so I have doubts as to whether they would stick with it on their own or have the context to understand it.
pickWow; this one packs a punch! It's a pleasure to watch young Sophie grow and learn to accept what's best for others isn't always what's best for you. I adored her and elder Sophie's friendship and watching them struggle through the early stages of dementia was heartbreaking. Older Sophie's stories associated to each word were devastating and eye-opening to her listeners (young Sophie and me).
pickA boy takes his Bubbe Rosa around Brooklyn and Manhattan as they shop for ingredients for dinner. She struggles with seeing new things in the place of old and her memories flood their conversation. It‘s a short read about a Jewish woman in the city, and I love the glimpses of her when she is young and her interactions with an old baker she‘s known for years.
