April Recommendations

Novels:

BEFORE THE EVER AFTER, by Jacqueline Woodson is a compelling novel in verse about a boy whose dad, a neighborhood hero and NFL star “before the ever after,” now has hands that shake and headaches all the time. ZJ (Zachariah Johnson Jr.) is worried about his dad, but he’s also worried his friends will stay away now that his dad is "going through some things” after too many concussions. Another fabulous work by a literary icon. (MG)

BURN, by Patrick Ness, takes place in the Pacific Northwest, during the Cold War. In this action-packed alternate history, when Sarah Dewhurt’s father hires a dragon to help on their farm, it brings unwanted attention from a brutal and bigoted sheriff’s deputy. But the dragon, Kazimir, believes Sarah is part of a prophecy which could determine the fate of mankind. Indeed, events are unfolding beyond the pair’s control or comprehension. It’s suspenseful fantasy, and a (bloody) pleasure to read. (YA)

HOW THE KING OF ELFHAME LEARNED TO HATE STORIES, by Holly Black, is a companion book to her Folk of the Air trilogy, with a somewhat experimental format. Written as a series of interconnected anecdotes, this volume describes a thread of events from the point of view of the Cardan, first a cruel—and bratty—prince, and then the High King of Elfhame. It’s a lovely addition to the series, lyrical and full of magic. (YA)

Picture Books:

In I AM A BIRD, written by Hope Lim and illustrated by Hyewon Yum, every morning on the way to school, a little girl “fl[ies] like a bird on Daddy’s bike.” People—and birds—are charmed. Until, one day, they ride by a woman who doesn’t smile or wave, and the girl decides she doesn’t like this woman. Is she simply a lady out taking a walk, as Daddy suggests, or is she something else? Colored pencil and gouache illustrations are in turns jubilant and touched with foreboding as the streamlined text demands. It’s a wonderful picture book collaboration.

MILO IMAGINES THE WORLD, with words by Matt de la Peña and pictures by Christian Robinson, describes one long subway ride Milo takes with his older sister. Along the way he draws pictures of different people he sees, and imagines what their lives are like after they leave the train. But when he reaches his destination, he begins to understand that “maybe you can’t really know anyone by just looking at their face.” Poetic text meets “acrylic paint, collage, and a bit of digital manipulation” to produce this heartfelt book.

HONEYBEE, THE BUSY LIFE OF APIS MELLIFERA, written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann, is an astounding work by two children’s book masters (along with one pretty insightful editor). In flowing, musical language, Fleming describes the life cycle of a honeybee, managing to infuse plenty of wonder and suspense into her tale. Rohmann’s oil paintings feature lush close-ups and a perfectly timed gatefold. There’s back matter which provides even more information.

--Lynn