A new picture book and two middle-grade books are included in Tracy Kampa’s newest 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.
The Man Who Didn't Like Animals, by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by LeuUyen Pham. Published by
Who was Old MacDonald before he had a farm? New York Times bestselling children’s book writer Deborah Underwood brings us this fun origin story about the farmer we all grew up singing about and his animal friends. Wonderfully illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist LeUyen Pham.
Tracy’s Take: E-I-E-I-O… I was utterly, and udder-ly delighted with The Man Who Didn't Like Animals.
Uprooted: A Memoir About What Happens When Your Family Moves Back, by Ruth Chan. Published by
A middle-grade graphic memoir debut about 13-year old Ruth, whose family returns to Hong Kong after living in Canada for most her life. In Hong Kong, her family fits in but, for her, it's nothing like home.
Tracy’s Take: If you know anybody who might be nervous about changes in their life, this is the book for them. For me, it was a delightful reminder about how difficult life can be when you're 13 and how the key to overcoming those obstacles might be in just doing it. I highly recommend the lovely graphic novel Uprooted by Ruth Chan.
Faker, by Gordan Korman. Published by
Trey’s father is a con man who only steals from the rich. His schemes always involve getting Trey into a school full of kids with rich parents. After Trey makes friends, his dad makes connections and runs his schemes. Once Trey’s father has the money, they take off and set up somewhere else and start again. But Trey is finding it harder to keep this up. How can he stop it?
Tracy’s Take: Do yourself a favor and check out Faker by Gordon Korman. Gordon Korman is one of my favorite authors to hand to the kids who are just looking for a really good book, and this one doesn't disappoint.
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