Two picture books based on true stories and three middle-grade books featuring boys overcoming struggles are among Tracy Kampa’s new recommendations. Tracy is the children’s librarian at the Grand Rapids Area Library and recently on What We’re Reading, she talked about these new books.
Picture Books
Gifts from the Garbage Truck: A True Story About the Things We (Don't) Throw Away, by Andrew Larsen, illustrated by Oriol Vidal.
New York City sanitation worker Nelson Molina became proficient at hearing different sounds from trash bags--sounds that indicated there was something inside other than trash. He started bringing his found treasures back to the sanitation garage where he put them up for display in the locker room and eventually the display found a home in a museum. The book includes a foreword by Nelson Molina.
Tracy’s take: “If you're looking for a great introduction to the importance of reducing our footprint or just looking for an inspirational story, don't miss Gifts from the Garbage Truck.”
Wild at Heart: The Story of Olaus and Mardy Murie, Defenders of Nature, by Evan Griffith, illustrated by Anna Braun.
This book tells the story of conservationists Olas and Mardy Murie and their work to protect the Arctic wildlife. Through their tireless advocacy, they were instrumental in the U.S. government passing the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Tracy’s take: “I found their story inspiring, and I very much appreciated the back matter in the book, including notes on the native people of Canada and Alaska, a note on land conservation, and an especially intriguing note on the study of historical figures. I highly recommend.”
Middle-grade Books
Tracy also reviewed three middle-grade books that shared remarkable similarities: all three had boys as the main characters who faced life-changing circumstances. She noted, “All three boys were let down by people who should have been their champions. All three boys had strong, loving grandmothers. These are all survival stories, but in unexpected ways.”
Louder Than Hunger, by John Schu.
Mostly autobiographical and written in free verse, Louder Than Hunger follows Jake through his years-long battle with anorexia nervosa. Controlled by the voice telling him not to eat and to exercise more and to remember that he will always be a loser and that the voice is his only friend, Jake becomes alarmingly thin and is admitted into a treatment facility. The story follows Jake as he learns how to eat, to quiet the negative voice in his head, to make friends, and to live.
Tracy’s take: This is a story for everybody who has ever struggled with their mental health. This is a story for all of us. Please don't miss the stunningly wonderful, Louder Than Hunger, by John Schu.
And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps.
Joe's mom takes off whenever she gets the itch, leaving Joe and his grandma to fend for themselves, which they do, but not always with full bellies. After being unhoused and spending nights in their car, Joe and his grandma find a place at a local trailer park where they start to feel at home. But a series of events leaves Joe on his own until his secrets are finally discovered. And then, boom!: Joe has a new home.
Tracy’s take: This book-in-verse wonderfully tells the story of a boy you will be cheering for. I loved And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps.
The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman, by Gennifer Choldenko.
Eleven year-old Hank is left in charge of his three-year old sister Boo when his mother walks out. While this is not unusual, this time she doesn't come back. They are taken in by a friend of the family, Luann. But when they’re finally feeling settled in, Hank's mom returns, fresh from a stint in jail and completing a handful of days of a 90-day treatment sentence. Things fall completely apart before they are finally put to rights.
Tracy’s take: Hank is one resilient kid and I was hooked on The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman, by Gennifer Choldenko.
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