Shelf Awareness--I Talk Like a River

PB Review: I Talk Like a River

I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott, illus. by Sydney Smith (Neal Porter Books, 40p., ages 4-8, 9780823445592)

In this moving, deeply personal account, I Talk Like a River explains how one boy navigates "a bad speech day" with the help of his understanding father and a visit to his "favorite place in the world."

The boy wakes each morning with "the sounds of words all around," but some are too difficult to say. One especially unbearable day, his teacher insists that he answer a question. The child's classmates watch his "lips twist and twirl," their mouths "giggling and laughing" while he tries to speak. Fortunately, after school, his dad suggests a trip to the river, a river that moves the way the boy speaks--"bubbling, churning, whirling, and crashing" before it finds its "smooth and glistening" calm after the rapids. The boy finds comfort here because, just like him, "even the river stutters."

By tying the experience of stuttering to nature, award-winning poet Jordan Scott (who is a stutterer) skillfully allows the protagonist to feel part of a grander design, and the hurt caused by a mouth that "isn't working" can be put into perspective. Scott's end notes explain how the river taught him "to think differently about fluency," and his beautiful text attests to his success. Sydney Smith's (Small in the City) astonishing watercolor, ink and gouache art illuminates what is written, and what lies beneath. The impressionistic paintings bring readers close to the boy's pain and allow them to experience, seemingly firsthand, his solace, too. There is plenty for all readers to glean from this boy's "proud river." --Lynn Becker, blogger and host of Book Talk, a monthly online discussion of children's books for SCBWI.

Discover: A trip to the river gives a boy who stutters a new way to look at his relationship with words.

September Recommendations

Novels:

SKUNK AND BADGER, by Amy Timberlake, with pictures by Jon Klassen, is a fun story of mismatched friends. Badger is staying in Aunt Lula’s brownstone while she’s away, doing “IMPORTANT ROCK WORK" and enjoying his privacy. When Skunk turns up on the doorstep with permission to stay, too, chaos--and way too many chickens--ensue. How these two learn to get along is an energetic odd couple story readers seven to ten should appreciate. (Chapter Book)

In MONSTER AND BOY, by Hannah Barnaby, illustrated by Anoosha Syed, there’s "a monster who loved a boy,” even though they’ve never met. The monster lives under the boy’s bed and, one night, the monster decides it’s time to introduce himself. Unfortunately, the boy looks like he’s about to scream, so the monster, well, he swallows the boy. The rest of this first-book-in-a-new-series is concerned with getting the boy out of the monster’s stomach. It’s pretty darn cute. (Chapter Book)

THE BLACK KIDS, by Christina Hammonds Reed, is historical fiction that couldn’t feel more timely. It takes place during the violent protests in Los Angeles which follow the acquittal of the police officers who beat Rodney King. Ashley is black, but her three longtime best friends are white, her neighborhood is white, and she goes to an exclusive, mostly white private high school. But, as the city burns, long-hidden issues of race bubble to the surface, and Ashley has to figure out who she is and what she stands for. Timely, yes, but the novel is beautifully written and constructed, and it’s a terrific read. (YA)

Picture Books:

A BOWL FULL OF PEACE: A True Story, by Caren Stelson, illustrations by Akira Kusaka, is the story of Sachiko and her family, who live in Nagasaki, Japan. WWII makes life extremely difficult, and Grandmother’s precious bowl, which has “passed from mother to daughter” too many times to count, is not nearly as full of good food as it was before the war. After a devastating bomb falls on the community, Sachiko’s family will never be the same. This book is for older picture book readers, and the focus is on Sachiko’s survival, the comfort of Grandmother’s green bowl, and hope for the future. The accomplished art—digitally painted--adds quite a bit to the mood and depth of this story.

YOU MATTER, by Christian Robinson, is a sweetly reassuring affirmation that everyone, "the first to go and the last,” “those who swim with the tide and those who don’t,” “even if you are really gassy," indeed each and every one of us, matters. Illustrated in Robinson’s signature acrylic paint and collage art, which adds an element of natural history, this is a love letter to our planet and all who inhabit it.

UNSTOPPABLE, written by Adam Rex and illustrated by Laura Park, is the kind of book that should have kids rolling with laughter. It’s the over-the-top story of how a bird and a crab decide to join forces, so together they can both fly AND pinch with claws. They become Crabbird! or (Birdrab! depending on who you ask) and they are UNSTOPPABLE! Then a turtle who swims joins in (Craburtlebird! Birdraburtle! or Crabturd! depending on who you ask) and so on until, finally, they are Congresibirdraburtlebear and they have saved their lakefront and they are UNSTOPPABLE!!!

--Lynn

2020 SCBWI Central/Coastal California Books

Here are some fabulous 2020 books by authors in the SCBWI Central/Coastal community!

Honey, the Dog Who Saved Abe Lincoln

by Shari Swanson, Illustrated by Chuck Groenink
Katherine Tegen Books, January 14, 2020
Ages 4 and up. ISBN 0062699008

Deeply researched and charmingly told, this is the true story of one extra-special childhood rescue—a dog named Honey.

Long before Abraham Lincoln led the nation or signed the Emancipation Proclamation, he was just a barefoot kid running around Knob Creek, Kentucky, setting animals free from traps and snatching frogs out of the jaws of snakes.

One day, young Abe found a stray dog with a broken leg and named him Honey. He had no idea that the scruffy pup would find his way into Abe’s heart, become his best friend, and—one fateful day—save his life.

Sweet Tamales for Purim

by Barbara Bietz, illustrated by John Kanzler
August House, February 11, 2020
Grades K-2. 32 pages. ISBN 9781947301610

Many Jewish families helped settle, diverse communities in the desolate, desert terrain of the Old West. Although Sweet Tamales for Purim is a work of fiction, it is inspired by a true event. In 1886, the Hebrew Ladies Benevolent Society of Tucson planned a Purim Ball for the entire community. Barbara tells the story from the perspective of a young girl, who along with her friend, Luis plan to create a Purim festival for their town.

Jacob Riis’s Camera: Bringing Light to Tenement Children

by Alexis O’Neill, illustrated by Gary Kelley
Calkins Creek/Boyds Mills & Kane, March 18, 2020
Grades 3-6. 48 pages. ISBN 978629798660

This revealing picture book biography of pioneering photojournalist and social reformer Jacob Riis showcases how this once homeless Danish immigrant brought to light one of the worst social justice issues plaguing New York City in the late 1800s – the tenement housing crisis – using newly invented flash photography. Back matter includes author’s notes, timeline, sources, suggestions for further exploration, and a selection of Riis’s photographs.

Giant

by Greg Trine
Malamute Press, April 2020
7-10 years. 168 pages. ISBN 9781733958936

The fairytale got it all wrong…
The big scary giant didn’t die…
Because falling and dying are two different things…
Yes, the Giant fell, but did he die? Not at all, not even close.
This book, GIANT, tells his story—the giant’s story.
About how he fell from the sky and lived to tell the tale. This tale.

Evie's Field Day: More Than One Way To Win

by Claire Annette Noland, illustrated by Alicia Teba
Cardinal Rule Press, May 1, 2020
Grades K-2. 32 pages. ISBN 9781733035903

Evie loves to run, jump hop, and win. She even has ribbons and trophies to prove it. So, when field day comes around, she is sure she will add to her winning collection. When Evie finds herself ahead of the pack, she is faced with an important decision.

Does she choose the chance at a trophy or the chance to be a good friend? Join Evie as she navigates the playground and learns the ins and outs of sportsmanship.

Unbeatable Betty: Betty Robinson, the First Female Olympic Track & Field Gold Medalist

by Allison Crotzer Kimmel
HarperCollins, June 9, 2020
Preschool-3. 40 pages. 9780062896070

An inspiring picture book biography of the first woman to win a gold medal in track and field. Young readers intrigued by the Summer 2021 Olympics in Tokyo will be inspired by this story. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.

"This powerful volume provides a specific but inspiring tale of athletics, feminism, resilience, and teamwork. This vivid portrait is sure to encourage young readers and listeners to pursue their dreams." —Kirkus

Trick-Or-Treat with Tow Truck Joe

By June Sobel, illustrated by Patrick Corrigan
HMH Books for Young Readers, July 14, 2020
Grades Preschool-2. 12 pages. 9780358063674

The cars and trucks of Motor City are dressed up to trick-or-treat in this holiday adventure from the world of Tow Truck Joe. Joe and his pup, Patch, find surprises around every curve—and readers find surprises under every giant lift-the-flap—in this rhyming board book that’s more beep than boo!

How to Live on the Edge

by Sarah Sheerger
Carolrhoda Lab, Aug 4, 2020
Grades 8-12. 312 pages. ISBN 9781541578890

"How to Live on the Edge" is the story of two sisters whose shared history impacts them in dramatically different ways. Cayenne and Saffron lost their mother to breast cancer when they were very young. The women in their family have a history of dying young. Cayenne figures she'll meet the same fate, so she might as well enjoy life now, engaging in death-defying risks like dodging trains and jumping off cliffs with her boyfriend.

When Cayenne receives a series of video messages her mother made for her before dying, she isn’t sure she wants them. Her aunt Tee has been her true mother figure. But then Aunt Tee tests positive for a BRCA gene mutation—the one that doomed Cayenne’s mom—and decides to get a mastectomy to reduce her chances of developing cancer. As Cayenne helps her aunt prepare for the surgery, she finds herself drawn to her mother’s messages, with their musings on life, love, and perseverance. For the first time, Cayenne starts to question what it truly means to live life to the fullest, and consider what she's willing to sacrifice to stay alive.

Booklist calls "How to Live on the Edge" "an important addition to young adult literature”.

The Pirate Princess

By Alva Sachs, illustrated by Patricia Krebs
Three Wishes Publishing Company, July 22, 2020
32 pages. ISBN 9780979638053

Madison and her friends, Jonah, Sofia, Hannah, and Jackson were going to play outside, but it was raining. Somehow, this rainy day turned into an exciting adventure. Join us, matey, for an amazing journey on the high seas. Land ho! Become a part of the pirate crew and follow the map in search of buried treasure!

Lulu and the Hunger Monster

by Erik Talkin, illustrated by Sheryl Murray
Free Spirit Publishing, August 24, 2020
K-4. 40 pages. ISBN 9781631985461

In his new children’s picture book for 5-10 year olds, Erik Talkin explores the world of Lulu, a brave girl who is trying to help herself and her mom face a monster called hunger. Through colorful language and vivid illustrations, it empowers both those kids who might need help and also their friends to build empathy, and create real world solutions together. Find out more at hunger-monster.com or eriktalkin.com.

Dinomighty

by Greg Trine/Doug Paleo, illustrated by Aaron Blecha
Etch/HMH Books for Young Readers, September 1, 2020
Grades 3-7. 224 pages. ISBN 9780358331568

A wildly funny full-color graphic novel about dinosaur heroes on a quest to fight for good over evil.

On their own, they are four mild-mannered dinos, but together they are . . . DINOMIGHTY!

Everything is pleasant and good in Dinotown . . . until Teri-Dactyl discovers a cryptic email that says the precious Golden Egglettes are in danger! Dinomighties unite! But can they spring into action fast enough to save these valuable jewels from evil baddies?

Readers of Dog Man, Hilo, and The Bad Guys will love the outrageous and zany humor paired with the action-packed adventure in this exciting graphic novel series.

Quiet No More

by Nikki Barthelmess, sequel to The Quiet You Carry
North Star Editions, October 13, 2020
Grades 10-12. 352 pages. ISBN 9781635830637

College freshman Victoria Parker is moving on with her life after surviving her father’s sexual abuse and six months of foster care. She’s navigating the adult sphere for the first time and balancing old friendships with new adventures. But when Victoria’s long-lost aunt shows up, asking Victoria to lie about her father’s assault so he’ll get a lighter sentence, Victoria’s fractured past collides with campus politics as she figures out whether and how to share her truth as a survivor.

"A sensitive and satisfying story of surviving sexual abuse."—Kirkus Reviews

Woodland Dreams

by Karen Jameson, illustrated by Marc Boutavant
Chronicle Books, October 27, 2020
Preschool-K. 32 pages. ISBN 9781452170633

Say goodnight to all your favorite woodland animals as they prepare to sleep, each with their own special nighttime routine. Watch as every animal returns to their warm and cozy woodland home, from the fox curling up in her den to the turtle dozing off in his shell. And once every creature is tucked in tight, shhh... It's time to say goodnight.

“A sonorous, soporific invitation to join woodland creatures in bedding down for the night. . . . Jameson displays a rare gift for harmonious language and rhyme. . . . Sweet fare for bed- or naptimes, with a light frosting of natural history.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Love Can Come in Many Ways

by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Suzy Ultman
Chronicle Books, October, 20, 2020
Baby-3. 18 pages. ISBN 9781452172606

Love Can Come in Many Ways celebrates the many diverse ways animals, and humans, show their love. Beneath each of the felt flaps is a wealth of snuggles, hugs, and loving engagement. “A smile, a kiss, a word of praise, love can come in many ways.”

Santa and the Goodnight Train

by June Sobel, Illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith
HMH Books for Young Readers, October 6, 2020
Preschool-3. 32 pages. ISBN 9780358362661

Next stop, the North Pole! It’s Christmas Eve, and the Goodnight Train is on a roll, racing mischievous Santa through a winter wonderland. Hear the jingle bells, taste some candy canes, and spy a flying hoof or two on a merry ride to Dreamland—with one magical detour—in this Christmas companion to The Goodnight Train and The Goodnight Train Rolls On! Ho-ho-hold on tight for this unforgettable holiday ride!

That Monster on the Block

by Sue Ganz-Schmitt, illustrated by Luke Flowers
Amazon/Two Lions, October 1, 2020
Preschool-3. 32 pages. ISBN 9781542005333

Monster is excited to see what kind of creature will move into Vampire’s old house on the block. He even starts practicing his welcome growl for the new neighbor. But when the moving truck pulls up, it’s not a greedy goblin, an ogre, or a dastardly dragon that steps out. Instead, it’s something even more terrifying than Monster could have imagined! Monster quickly rallies the other neighbors to unite against the new guy on the block. But what if the new neighbor isn’t exactly as bad as Monster thinks? Join Monster as he confronts his fears in this charming and lighthearted look at what it means to accept others who are different from us.

Now I'm a Bird

by Sue Ganz-Schmitt, illustrated by Renia Metallinou
Albert Whitman & Company, October 1, 2020
Preschool-3. 32 pages. ISBN 9780807523292

Julianna didn’t mean to be a bird. It just happened, feather by feather. “It’s a rare and beautiful condition,” explains the note her mom sends to school, though it doesn’t help with the teasing. But Julianna’s wings take her to places she hadn’t imagined, with a birds-eye view that gives her a new perspective and the courage to find a flock of her own. Told with kid-friendly humor and heart, this is a unique story about embracing the wild and wonderful parts of ourselves and others.

The Efficient, Inventive (Often Annoying) Melvil Dewey

by Alexis O’Neill, illus. by Edwin Fotheringham
Calkins Creek/Boyds Mills & Kane, November 10, 2020
Gr 2-5. 40 pages. ISBN 978-1684371983

The man behind the Dewey Decimal Classification system, used in libraries world-wide, was quirky and controversial. Obsessed with efficiency, enamored with decimals, and determined to start a school for librarians at Columbia in spike of opposition, Melvil Dewey was both loved and hated by his peers for many reasons. But his impact on libraries was significant and lasting. This fast-paced picture book biography includes helpful back matter: an author’s note, timeline, fun facts about simplified spelling, how the Dewey Decimal system works, and sources.

Purple Daze: A Far Out Trip, 1965

by Sherry Shahan
Authors Guild, December 2020
YA novel in verse. ISBN 9781735842011

Purple Daze: A Far Out Trip, 1965 is a story about love, friendship, and rock and roll. It's a story that plays out on a stage shared by riots, assassinations, and war in the City of Angeles, 1965. Six unforgettable characters' experiences and feelings are expressed in highly personal journal entries, notes, letters, and interconnected poems. This innovative novel in verse captures the all-too-real perspective of teens during a time when they are all breaking away from authority and social convention, and forging an unknown future.

September's Book of the Month--Dig

September’s Book of the Month is DIG, the 2020 Printz Award winner by A. S. King.

Told from multiple points of view, DIG boasts quite a cast of characters. There are: The Shoveler, who always carries around the eponymous (reverse-eponymous?) item, even to high school, The Freak, who “flickers” from one place/continent/climate to the next, to keep a step ahead of danger, Malcom, whose beach bum stoner dad has terminal cancer, CanIhelpYou? who sells fast food and drugs through the Arby’s Drive-Thru window, Loretta who aims to escape a dysfunctional home by training her own flea circus, and the very frightening, very sad, Bill and Jake, who give no fucks.

They—and their supporting players—populate this complex story of the toxic culture they inherited, and how they might possibly fight their way out. Because, way back, at the start of everything, there was: Marla and Gottfried, whose carefully hoarded wealth comes from Gottfried screwing his family out of their successful potato farm.

A. S. King is a master of surrealism. Her I CRAWL THROUGH IT is completely bizarre, even as it makes total sense. DIG is a similarly wild ride, both challenging and memorable, and chock full of King's trademark creativity. It’s got plenty to say about a whole range of issues, including racism and misogyny. I read it, and then I sat back down and read it again.

--Lynn