On the latest installment of What We're Reading, Grand Rapids Area Library children's librarian Tracy Kampa reviewed two new picture books, a graphic novel and a middle-grade novel.
The Horseback Librarian, by Jane Yolen is a book about the “pack horse library project” which supplied books in the remote areas of Kentucky in the 1930s and ‘40s. The book describes how librarians walked, but mostly rode horses through the woods and mountains to supply books in areas where there were no libraries.
“This book brings home the joy of receiving a new book and the wonders that await when you open the cover,” Kampa said. “If you were looking to share a bit of history with the bibliophiles in your life, check out The Horseback Librarians by Jane Yolen, beautifully illustrated by Alexandra Badiu.”
"A perfect book for anybody who is homesick or just looking for those comforts."Tracy Kampa, children's librarian on the book "When the Stars Came Home" by Bethany Luby
Next up on Kampa’s list is When the Stars Came Home.
For Ojiig, moving to the city feels impossible. He misses his family, and he misses nature surrounding him. Most of all, though, he misses the stars. One day, Ojiig's mother asks for his help making a quilt. As he hands her different colored triangles, his mother tells him the history of his people.
Kampa described When the Stars Came Home as “a perfect book for anybody who is homesick or just looking for those comforts.” It is written by Bethany Luby (Anishinaabe) and illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Métis).
Pedro Martin’s new book is Mexikid, a graphic memoir recounting his family's trip to Mexico to pick up their grandfather and bring him home to live with them.
Kampa first reminded us that “a graphic novel is a full-length book written and drawn in a comic style.” She went on to note how readers benefit from the format as they require a reader to both read the words and interpret the pictures, which happen in different parts of the brain.
“Graphic novels require more brain involvement than reading a traditional novel,” Kampa said.
In Mexikid, Pedro learns more about his grandfather and hears his stories. Kampa explained, “While this memoir is hilarious in many spots, it also doesn't shirk from the realities of the journey. This is a story of family, of culture and of one epic road trip. I think almost any kid or adult would love to share this journey with Pedro.”
"I was rocked to the core ... This is a book worth your time and your thought."Tracy Kampa, children's librarian, on the book "The Probability of Everything" by Sarah Everett
Lastly, Kampa turned to a pick for middle grade readers. What would you do if you knew the world was going to end in four days? This question is at the heart of Sarah Everett’s novel The Probability of Everything. An asteroid is barreling toward Earth and the expected impact will end life on the planet.
Some families continue as if nothing is happening. The kids go to school, parents go to work. While 11-year-old Kemi wants to go to school, her family tells her no — they will gather as a family and stay together.
They hunker down at Aunt Miriam and Uncle Steve's house, and everybody starts preparing for the end of the world. Kemi decides to leave a time capsule for the people who come next — something to show them her family existed and they lived a full life on Earth.
And then it ends.
Kampa refused to spoil the ending, explaining, “Maybe it didn't end with an asteroid. Maybe it didn't end in total destruction. Maybe it ended in a more real way. While I refuse to spoil this for you, please know that I was rocked to the core when I discovered how life ended for Kenny and her family. This is a book worth your time and your thought.”
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What We're Reading is made possible in part by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
