Middle Grade Pick: Extraordinary Birds

Extraordinary Birds
by Sandy Stark-McGinnis
Bloomsbury Children's Books
2019
214 pages
ISBN: 9781547601004

Eleven-year old December has seen her share of foster homes. They never seem to work out for her. She dreams of flying away like a bird. So much so, that she convinces herself that the scar on her back is where her wings are now forming. Once her wings are complete, she will fly away from all the human sadness.

December studies birds all the time; her constant companion and security blanket is a book her mother left behind: Complete Guide to Birds: Volume One. She knows the book by heart and if given a page number, she can tell what bird is featured on that particular page.

December knows more about birds that anything else, and when she's placed with a foster parent who rescues birds, it's a match made in heaven, but December fights it as the reader would expect. In school, December makes friends with another bullied student, Cheryllynne who adds to the story in all the right ways.

December knows that most bullies don't want to be mean; they do it because they've been hurt--which is a very mature thought for an eleven-year old to have. She is wise beyond her years, and young readers will have such empathy for her. They will root for December to find her place on the ground with foster mom Eleanor.

With her friendship growing between Cheryllynne and her heart open for family and a home, December is finally able to face her past abandonment. She helps a Henrietta the hawk rehabilitate and learn to fly again, and when she soars skyward, December knows everything will finally be alright. All animals need a home and maybe, just maybe, she's found hers.

What an extraordinary book! The is the gem of 2019 and a MUST READ which is likely to become One Book for many schools and will win many awards this season. Did someone say Texas Bluebonnets? This someone just did! And I'm always right about award books!

Highly, highly recommended and FIVE STARS! BOOK OF THE YEAR, in my opinion.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

Young Reader Pick: Naked!

Naked!
by Michael Ian Black
Illustrations by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
2014
40 pages
ISBN: 9781442467392

Adorable zaniness and wicked cool comedy literally jump off the pages of Michael Ian Black's new children's book Naked!


Any parent can tell you that every child goes through that stage where clothes are a real hassle and buzz kill--it's much more fun to be Naked! The super nova boy who displays unflagging energy and heart goes about his day Naked! He shouts, "Look at me everybody! I'm naked! Whoooooo! Naked, naked, naked!"

Any child (and any adult who loves humor) can tell you the word "Naked!" is in itself, a funny word. Nude...not so funny. Bare....boring. Unclothed....uptight and uber proper. But Naked! deserves to be capitalized and always said and written with an exclamation point! It's freeing somehow! Look at me using the exclamation point! Whoooooooo!

The boy runs around his house, eating  cookies and imagines going to school and playing on the playground all the while Naked! Life is great until....he imagines how much better it could be with a cape. Oh, yes. A cape. It makes all things better. Including Naked!

The boy discovers Naked! really works for him until he gets too cold. Clothes do have a use he has to concede.

Illustrations by Debbie Ridpath Ohi capture the energy and captivating spirit of the young boy. Readers can feel his energy and fun as he runs around his house. The boy's mother appears throughout the book trying to get him clothed as he outruns and outmaneuvers her, and it makes the story even more humorous and loveable.

Kids are sure to giggle and adults will love this captivating book. Kids always scream and laugh out loud when the boy in David Shannon's No David! is Naked! Imagine reading Naked! to a group of kindergartners. Funny, right? And great fun.

Picture books just don't get any better than Naked! It is sure to tickle your funny bone and leave a smile on your face and warm fuzzys in your heart.

So highly recommended that I'm shouting it from the rooftops: Go out and experience Naked! ( I just love writing and saying that).

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)