I Am Maria: My Reflections and Poems on Heartbreak, Healing, and Finding Your Way Home by Maria Shriver

I Am Maria: My Reflections and Poems on Heartbreak, Healing, and Finding Your Way Home by Maria Shriver What a gift Maria Shriver has shared with readers. She has shared aspects of her personal life that has formed her to become the woman that she is. She also wrote poems as she worked through experiences that she has gone through. A good read and can be relateable.

Girls on the Rise by Amanda Gorman , Loveis Wise (illustrator)

Girls on the Rise by Amanda Gorman , Loveis Wise (illustrator) This book is perfect for all school libraries. Add this to your shelves. Powerful lines to motivate and empower all girls. Listen to Amanda Gorman recite her work.

Odder by Katherine Applegate , Charles Santoso (Illustrator)

Otters almost became extinct because of over hunting for their furs off the California coast. I appreciate that these otters were telling their story of tehir experiences as rescue otters. A good book to add to elementary and middles school libraries.

For Every One by Jason Reynolds

For Everyone is a book that should be added to every high school library. The audibook is also worth listening too. Inspirational.

Hope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana

This is a very powerful story bringing viewpoints into a young Muslim teen girl. It opened my world a little bit more. I would add Hope Ablaze to my high school library. I think it is very important and a strong story. It feels like a very authentic book.

This Promise of Change by Boyce and Levy

I wish libraries carried books like this when I was a young person.  We need books like this so that we see history for what it is and not glossed over.  I am going to get this book for my high school library.  A good and important book to add and share with students.  

Legacy by Nikki Grimes

 I am getting this book for my library.  I love that Nikki Grimes takes a line from the various poems and makes them into a new poem.  A very smart book that would be great for African American Literacy.  I'm going to recommend this book to our teacher.  

An American Sunrise Poems by Joy Harjo

 With poetry like this that tells the authentic story, events, emotions and more, it helps us understand better what it is like to be of a certain nation of people.  The Native Americans have much to tell and this is a good starting point.  The audio book is well worth listening to.  

Jack Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech

 

The story told in verse by the perspective and feelings of Jack.  He grieves the death of his pet dog but then a cat enters his life.  He is not ready for a cat but then after time, he has a new friend.  Add this one to your library.

A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas

 

It is more for adults.  It's good.  Enjoy.

The Word Collector by Peter. H. Reynolds

 Peter Reynolds is an amazing author and illustrated.  His books are poignant and inspirational.  Add this one to your library.  Enjoy.

I Believe I Can by Grace Byers

 A lovely poem to enjoy.  A good read.  Add this one to your library.

Trumpty Dumpty Wanted a Crown by John Lithgow

 I enjoyed the book, what can I say.  A quick read. 

Miguel’s Brave Knights by Engle and Colon

 Add this picture book to your collection.  Beautifully written and illustrated about the life of this author.  Enjoy.

Dumpty by John Lithgow

 A smart parody about people in the news connected with Donald Trump and politics.  So much has happened in the last four years, this actually reminded me of various events that took place.  Honestly, the year 2020 has made me asked, "What next?"  and then there you go....

Dreams from Many Rivers by Margarita Engle

 Margarita Engle does it again!  Add this one to your library.  Told in poetry, the story of so many peoples over hundreds of years.  Latino people who were treated unfairly, taken advantage of and discriminated.  How actions can affect so many.  It's a good read.

Gaither Sisters One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

A very good book, told in the perspective of the oldest sister.  At 11 years old, she takes responsibility of making sure her sisters are fed and entertained.  Working on trying to make a connection with her mother who abandoned them so many years ago.  Brooklyn is home with her grandmother and father but there is hope that maybe her mother can forge a bond.  It's a very good read and a good audio book.  I already have in my high school library and glad I have.  Enjoy, it's a good read.

On The Horizon by Lois Lowry

Wow.  In the eyes of a child, history comes to life.  The audio book is very very good.  This is a must read.  It's short but powerful.  I'm adding this to my high school library.  Told in perspectives of both sides of the ocean during a very tragic time.

Bloom Boom! By April Pulley Sayre

The photography in this book is exquisite.  Simple phrases in rhyme coupled with the images of nature makes this a great book for anyone.  I would also say great for plant lessons for teachers and parents to use.  A welcome addition to any young person's library.  Enjoy.

Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes

I've had this book in my high school library for years.  Been wanting to read it.  Found the audio book.  It's a good read with teens and their problems.  Back stories coupled with free verse, poetry and rap.  It's a good read and fine for any high school library.  If Nikki Grimes ever came to Fresno, I would love to take her out to dinner and hear her story.