But Gertie Garza, You’re a Girl! 

Written by Melanie Mathis

Illustrated by Karissa Miller Laffey

Gertie is a young lady who refuses to be told that being a girl limits her choices.

This book is written in catchy rhymes. The vocabulary is fun and challenging. The author includes alliteration and analogies.

When peers warn Gertie that her choices are limited because of her sex, she pushes back. Why can’t she be a lion tamer if she works hard to succeed? That message is reinforced by her grandmother, who lives in the home with Gertie. Grandma has lived an exciting life full of adventures, such as hiking and hot air balloon rides. She encourages Gertie to aspire to her dreams.

This book inspires young girls to place no boundaries on possibilities. Parents and teachers should put this one on home and school bookshelves.

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Focus Is My Superpower: An Inspiring Story to Help Kids Pay Attention, Avoid Distractions, and Improve Concentration for Ages 4–8 (My Superpower Books Book 15)

Written and illustrated by Alicia Ortego

This book is a wonderful resource for elementary-age children who have difficulty focusing.

The protagonist is a young boy who has difficulty staying focused and completing tasks. His grandfather brings the boy to the garage and shows him a magnifying glass. Grandpa explains how the glass focuses the rays of the sun to one point on the glass. His grandson should practice this method.

Grandpa also teaches him the five-finger step method for remaining on task. In the book, the author lays out this pathway and provides examples of how the boy achieved successful completion. In addition, Ortega provides a letter of encouragement and an interactive task for readers to follow the example.

A sequence of clever rhymes and charming illustrations draws readers, making this book an excellent choice for children and adults.

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Written by Leticia Ordaz and Bronx Baeza

Illustrated by Juan Calle

A delightful picture book based on a true story. It teaches children to confront bullies and stand up for their beliefs. In addition, the protagonist reveals the weakness within most bullies.

Max, the protagonist, is a second-grader who is small in stature but tall in courage. He is tired of Grulo bullying everyone in his class. One day, Bronx’s brother, Maxton, reminds him to believe in himself. It takes Bronx a while to get up his courage. Can he use the power of kindness to change Grulo’s behavior?

This multicultural book has a comic book feel in its illustrations. The bilingual text displays English and Spanish text side by side. That makes this book an excellent choice for bilingual or ESL classrooms. There are suggestions for readers to apply its lessons as well as powerful affirmations.

I highly recommend the book for elementary and middle-grade classrooms.

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The Legend of Saint Galgano: And the True Sword in the Stone (The Amazing World of Swords) 

Written by Luke Ralliston

Galgano was born to privilege and grew up to become a knight in twelfth-century Italy. He lived a rather selfish life, catering to his own needs rather than thinking of others. That all changed one day when the Archangel Michael appeared before him.

Galgano was urged to change his ways, but he appeared reluctant. He thrust his sword, which became embedded in stone. Did Galgano relent?

The book might have included more historical context. Illustrations are large and colorful. The rhyme sometimes misses the mark. However, the book relates an interesting adventure that will intrigue elementary-age readers.

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24 + 1 Christmas Tales – Butterfly Adventures in Santa’s Secret City

Written by Alexander Ruth

Translated by Maxine White

The book contains very short magical tales that take place in Santa’s village. Butterflies and a Phoenix are introduced as Santa’s helpers.

At some points, the stories may be confusing. The vocabulary can be difficult for beginning readers. This may be the result of translation from German. I would suggest using the book as a countdown to Christmas, perhaps a parent reading one story before bedtime each evening.

They are definitely unique. Recommended especially for children ages six through ten.

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115 World Biographies: Famous Figures Who Shaped Human History

Written by Lic. Patricia Montana Duran

Illustrated by Renee Rojas Navarro

An enormous amount of research went into the writing of this series. There is a remarkable amount of detail in each biography. While each selection is short, the reader learns a lot of information that may become the basis of a detailed research project.

In Volume One, the author begins in ancient Egypt and then proceeds to research historical figures in medieval times. Examples include Nefertiti, Charlemagne, Genghis Khan, and Niccolo Machiavelli. The writing style is pleasant, combining facts in a easy to digest reading format. This facilitates appeal to a wide range of ages, from middle-grade students to curious adults.

As a fellow historian and retired educator, I would not hesitate recommending this book to any reader seeking a peek into dynamic figures of history.

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Al’s Journey: The Night Everything Changed: A Magical Story of Growing Up Fast and Learning Who You Are

Written and illustrated by Marin Darmonkow

This intriguing book contains 32 illustrated pages, but is far more than a picture book story.

The author has combined an earthly tale with mystical elements. At the outset, readers encounter a young boy being raised by his grandfather, who is the shaman of the village. When the shaman turns one hundred years old, he informs his grandson that he must climb the mountain to talk with God about his mission and purpose in life. The boy is guided by fireflies as he continues on his journey.

A book that begins as an adventure story becomes one of philosophical questions as the boy must grow up virtually overnight. Older readers will come face-to-face with finding answers on their own journey.

The illustrations are compelling. They draw the reader into the story and rapidly change its mood as the story evolves. This is a book that can grow with the reader who will return to it time and time again.

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The Boy Who Wanted to Fly

Written by Farial English

Illustrated by Max Rambaldi

We need more books like this one. Max is a curious and intelligent young boy who is disabled and confined to a wheelchair. His sister Maya encourages and supports him.

When the siblings find out that they will be spending spring vacation at the beach. Max decides that he will act on his dream to fly. Max writes out a list of the things he needs to construct a kite. At first he is frustrated, but his sister encourages him not to give up. Will the kite soar? Can Max achieve his dream with the help of his imagination?

The illustrations enhance the mood and reinforce the theme. Every child deserves a chance to achieve a dream.

This is a book that children of all ages (including adults) will enjoy reading.

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Al’s Journey: The Night Everything Changed: A Magical Story of Growing Up Fast and Learning Who You Are

Written and Illustrated by Marin Darmonkow

This intriguing book contains 32 illustrated pages, but is far more than a picture book story.

The author has combined an earthly tale with mystical elements. At the outset, readers encounter a young boy being raised by his grandfather, who is the shaman of the village. When the shaman turns one hundred years old, he informs his grandson that he must climb the mountain to talk with God about his mission and purpose in life. The boy is guided by fireflies as he continues on his journey.

A book that begins as an adventure story becomes one of philosophical questions as the boy must grow up virtually overnight. Older readers will come face-to-face with finding answers on their own journey.

The illustrations are compelling. They draw the reader into the story and rapidly change its mood as the story evolves. This is a book that can grow with the reader who will return to it time and time again.

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Pennygirl’s Rescue

Written and Illustrated by Judy McGee

Pennygirl is an adorable Lab mix who lived on a farm in Texas with Grandma Adeline. One day Pennygirl is called upon to help Grandma in a time of need. She does not realize it would be the last time she would see her home.

Grandma never returned to the farm, and Pennygirl finds herself in an animal rescue shelter. One day turns into the next, but Pennygirl never loses hope. After a time, Pennygirl learns she will be going to a new shelter, far away in Canada. Does this mean she will find her forever home?

This book is well-written with just enough challenging vocabulary. Though a picture book, it would be suitable as a beginning reader or middle-grade choice for a reluctant reader.

I would suggest it for children ages five through ten.

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