Best Shot in the West - Patricia & Fredrick McKissack, Randy Duburke

Best Shot in the West by Patricia C. McKissack & Fredrick L McKissack Jr illus. by Randy Duburke
This is a graphic novel based on the life of Nat Love who was born into slavery in 1854 and grew up to become a famous cowboy.  The author's based this graphic novel off of Love's autobiography.  "The Life and Adventures of Nat Love.

I was confused by the first few pages, it felt as if I was thrown into Nat Love's post cowboy life as a porter. Being unfamiliar with Nat Love's life, a part of me even wondered if I was reading the right story.    An old friend visits and convinces Love to write about his cowboy days.  Love begins by recounting his years as a slave.  After slavery is abolished Love earns a living by breaking horses, the first step to becoming a cowboy.

I did not  connect with this graphic novel textually or visually.  Part of problem was that I was still out of sorts from the early confusion. However I did try to compartmentalize, focusing only on what was in front of me and it still didn't work from. From a textual standpoint I felt it lacked the excitement  a cowboy story should have.  Within the panels the clarity of the faces drawn varies. I would've preferred if Duburke committed to using one style.

The story  focuses a lot of the camaraderie of the cowboys as they take on dangerous jobs, like herding cattle.   There's also much time spent on the battles between cowboys and Indians. Seeing Indians portrayed as the bad guys in Best Shot in the West, made me cringe. 

"We'd just left Dodge City after driving a herd of cattle. Our time there was not well spent: we'd boozed it up pretty good.  I believe I'd left my good sense there. As we passed the fort, I got the notion that we could use a cannon back at the ranch to protect us from rustlers and Indians."

Good or bad history is what  it is and can not be changed nor should it be rewritten. While I am against the rewriting history I am all for having a supplement in the back that places the history of this context.  I got off on the wrong foot with this graphic novel and it never got better. 

I am linking this post to Non Fiction Monday. This weeks round up can be found at Apples with Many Seeds.

We've Got A Job - Cynthia Levinson

We've Got A Job : The 1963 Birmingham Children's March by Cynthia Levinson

Levinson shares the stories of four young people in 1963 who participated in the Civil Rights movement. 9yr old - Audrey Hendricks, 14 yr old Wash Booker, 15 yr old James Stewart and 16 yr old Arnetta Streeter.

Their experiences are clearly stated in a concise and engaging matter. The author does an excellent job of describing the racial tension in Birmingham, from the segregation laws to the bombings. Allowing the reader to truly appreciate the world in which Hendrick, Booker, Stewart and Streeter lived and their desire for change.

We've Got A Job has recieved three starred reviews; Kirkus, Publishers Weekly and Booklist. After reading it's easy to see way. It's intense, honest and overall a great piece of nonfiction. The author includes an extenisive timeline in the back.

An excerpt via publisher

Kirkus Review
Publishers Weekly Review
Booklist Review

I've linked this post to Non Fiction Monday, this weeks round up can be found at 100 Scope Notes

Words Set Me Free by Lesa Cline-Ransome illus. by James E. Ransome

Words Set Me Free by Lesa Cline-Ransome illus. by James E. Ransome
This is the story of a young Frederick Douglass, born Frederick Bailey, before he escaped to freedom. Cline- Ransome places Douglass in the roll of narrator, as opposed to simply stating the facts. I thought this was a very smart move, allowing readers to better connect with Douglass.

"Much of my time was my own as I was not yet old enough to work the fields. We ate our two meals a day out of a trough just like the animals in the barn. We were always hungry so we shoved down our meals of cornmeal mush with shells and dirty hands. But even the animals were rested in the heat of the afternoon sun, and they were never whipped bloody for being too tired or too sick or too slow."

The above is from the second page, adjacent to the text is a picture of young slaves eating out of a trough. For me those two pages were the most powerful. Ransome paints the ugliness with such beauty. As the biography progresses Douglass comes more into himself, allowing people to get a glimpse of the men he would become.

"For seven years I worked for my master and his missus down at the shipyard, lifting and laboring, and back at their house, toting and hauling- always pretending to be something I was not - content to be a slave."

This Word Set Me Free, is a very fitting title, when Douglass understands the power of words he's determined to learn how to read regardless of the consciousness.

This was a good biography on Frederick Douglass. The longer I look at it the more I appreciate how well the text and illustrations complement each other.

The author includes an epilogue. There is also an author's note and a small timeline. The author was able to incorporate many names and states throughout the biography but few dates. So I would've liked more back matter including a longer timeline.

An excerpt via publisher

I've linked this post to Non fiction Monday, this weeks round up is at Wrapped in Foil.

Black&White - Larry Dane Brimner

Black&White by Larry Dane Brimner
In Brimner's latest non fiction book for young readers, he explores the confrontation between Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Eugene "Bull" Connor, in Birmingham, Alabama during the 1950's and 60's. To grab the readers attention, the author begins by mentioning the first time the KKK tired to kill Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth. From there Brimner gives the reader more background information from both men, starting with Rev. Shuttlesworth.

This is a wonderfully through introduction for any young reader unfamiliar with Birmingham's awful history of race relations. I appreciated that the author did not shy away from Birmingham's nickname of Bombingham. It's visually appealing with black and white photographs throughout, and some memorable quotes from both men can be found in bold on the sidebar.

"We nicknamed him (the judge) Injunctionitis Jones." remembered Fred. He issued so many injunctions against the NAACP and the black struggle that many Negroes believed white "officials could ask Jones to issue an injunction against the sunshine and he would do it.

Black&White is written in an engaging matter to hold readers attention. It also takes a closer look at two men who played a very important role in Birmingham's race relations, making it a standout amongst many of the other books about the civil rights era.

Black&White is well researched and sourced. Several pages of back matter are included. The book has recieved two starred reviews - Kirkus and Booklist

An excerpt

I've linked this post to the nonfiction Monday roundup. This week's roundup can be found at non fiction reviews can be found at Charlotte's Library

Diego Rivera: His World and Ours - Duncan Tonatiuh

Diego Rivera:His World And Ours by Duncan Tonatiuh

Along with introducing Digeo Rivera and his work to readers, the author touches upon styles used. Such as classical and cubism. Defining both easily into the text.

"Diego went to Paris, the captial of France. There he met young artists who were painting in new and exciting ways. He experimented with these new methods of painting himself. One method was called Cubism, in which the painting did not exactly resemble its subject but was composed of geometric shapes such as squares, circles and triangles."

The first half, His World, is about Diego Rivera. In the second half Tonatiuth wonders what Rivera would paint if he was alive today. I love the then and now comparisons.

"Or would he paint the luchadores wrestling in their costumes. just as he painted the Aztec warriors fighting the invading soldiers. The Spanish conquistadores?"

I love Tonatiuh's artistic style. The more I look at it the more I appreiciate it. And I can't stop looking.

This biography stands out because of the great back matter. The one page author's note includes all the facts about Diego Rivera that couldn't fit in the text. There's also a glossary of words and references. Mural and Quetzalcoatl are two of the terms defined.

There are a few children's biographies about Diego Rivera . Tonatiuh's sophomore release is a great addition, with it's own personal distinctions.



The author's debut, Dear Primo recieved four honors last year including a Pura Belpre honor

When I reviewed Dear Primo, the author was kind enough to answer a question about his artisic style.

"My art is mostly inspired by ancient Mixtec codex. Most of those codex were done in the eleventh century I believe. I am attaching some images.I draw by hand but I color and collage texture into my drawings in photoshop. I developed my style while I was doing my BFA thesis at Parsons School of design.

I looked at a lot of Pre-Columbian art from Mexico and the Americas to develop the look of my thesis project. When I saw the Mixtec codex I was particularly struck. Something clicked. I really like the design of the images -the geometry and the repetition of colors and forms. I find them very musical.
I adopted a lot of the aesthetic choices in those codex, like the fact that people are always seen in profile or the proportions, which differ from the classical western standards. I did not want to simply imitate those drawings though. Using digital techniques was a way for me to make those images contemporary and also make them my own.

Basically I try to combine something that looks very ancient with something that looks very modern. I am from Mexico, and Mexico has such a rich visual tradition. I want to keep those traditions alive but I also want to innovate and make those ancient aesthetics relevant and accessible to kids and people today.

I think what I do is a little bit like sampling. The way a dj/producer samples a base line, or guitar section, mixes it with a new drum beat etc and makes a new song. "

Tonatiuh's art

I've linked this post to the non fiction monday. This weeks round up can be found at Jean's Little Library.

Sugar Changed the World - Marc Aronson, Marina Budhos

Sugar Changed The World by Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos
The authors explore the global influence of Sugar, beginning all the way back in B.C. times. They do a very thorough job of tracking sugars path through every continent and its impact on the slave trade.

The book is filled with various maps, black and white drawings, pictures and photographs. Sugar Changed the World was well researched and inculded several pages of back matter. This was one of my favorite books from last year.

Sugar Changed the World recieved a starred kirkus review which you can read at the wonderful site for the book. Also I highly recommend checking out a few of the music and dance songs of sugar work.

I've linked this post to Non Fiction Monday. Today's roundup can be found at Telling Kids the Truth:Writing Non Fiction for Children

Play Ball Jackie by Stephen Krensky, illus. by Joe Morse

Play Ball Jackie by Stephen Krensky illus. by Joe Morse

I'll admit my first thought when I saw this book was " another book about Jackie Robinson" I wasn't even sure if I wanted to read it. Don't get me wrong I love #42, but I still couldn't help but think there are a lot children's books about Robinson out. I am glad I didn't let this one pass me by, I loved it.

Matty and his dad are at Dodgers opening dayfor free, after someone refused to go because Robinson was playing. Matty can't understand why anyone would pass up opening day. The two have a conversation about Robinson being the first Black player in the majors. I really liked the interaction between the father and son. Sometimes diagloue meant to teach can come across as stiff and forced. That was not the case here.

Krensky also does an excellent job showing the action on the field. He's found a nice balance, letting readers understand the importance of Robinson integrating baseball and enjoy the game.

Morse's detailed illustrations make this story pop. Robinson picking the ball in the deep web of his gloves inches off the ground was just beautiful. My favorite panel shows Robinson bunting then running down the first baseline. After reading Play Ball Jackie, I had to see more of Morse's work This is only his second picture book but it won't be the last.

Krensky and Morse have come together to bring something new to very well known story of Jackie Robinson's first day in Majors.

I've linked this post to non fiction monday. This weeks round up can be found at Picture Book of the Day

Odetta:The Queen of Folk by Stephen Alcorn

Odetta:The Queen of Folk by Stephen Alcorn

This is about Odetta Holmes, a folk music legend and a politcal activist. Alcorn begins when Odetta is born. As young girl, Odetta finds the piano and her voice. Alcorn shows the Jim Crow world Odetta grew up in. When Odetta gets older she uses her to bring a little peace. Alcorn uses a lyrical style, which is very fitting for a musical biography. His illustrations are vivid and beautiful.

I liked the Odetta: The Queen of Folk the first time. I only wished there was more back information. There is an There's only a page and a half Ode to Odetta. Which isn't extensive enough especially since the story itself leans more towards fictional. More back information could've round up Odetta: The Queen of Fok nicely.

I like to read picture books at least twice. Usually the second time in, I can take the time to appreicate the text and illustrations more. Or in this case spot something I missed.

Someone in Birmingham

Alabama, a long

long-time ago must've

accidentally burned

the Christmas ham

That's how the city

of Birmingham

got its nickname

Burning Ham

That's the second passage. I am surprised I didn't see that the first time. After I saw it, I couldn't unseen it. It ruined the whole book for me. I wouldn't expect Birmingham's 1960's nickname Bombingham to make it into a children's picture book.

However to spin a tale like this and say Birmingham is called Burning Ham because of a burned christmas ham seems very very wrong to me and lessens the truth of what really happened.

When I pointed this out to a friend, they suggested maybe it was something Odetta said, meant to be witty folk wisdom. That's very possible and if it was Alcorn should've referenced it in the back.

For half a second I considered not posting this, in case Odetta really did say that or something similar. Though I decided I would risk looking foolish.

I've linked this post to Non fiction Monday. The round up can be found at Wrapped in Foil this week

I Beat the Odds - Michael Oher

I Beat the Odds by Michael Oher
Oher just completed his second full NFL season with the Baltimore Ravens. Even if you don't watch football you've probably heard of Oher. He's the football player featured in Michael Lewis bestselling book the The Blind Side. It was also turned into a movie. Hollywood endings are nice but unedited and unscripted ones are even better.

In I Beat the Odds: from homelessness to the Blind Side and Beyond, Oher gives his story. The early years growing up poor and in the foster care system in Memphis, to being one of the first in this family to go to college, then playing in NFL. The prologue begins with Oher going to Department of Children's and Service office in Memphis to visit his former caseworker. A lot people can take something away from Oher's story. It has a lot of cross over, teen appeal. I really appreciated Oher's honest and straight forward approach.

Tomorrow I will be posting a Q& A with Oher. I've linked this post to nonfiction Monday. This week's roundup can be found at Wild About Nature.

Come See the Earth Turn - Lori Mortensen, Raul Allen

Come See The Earth Turn by Lori Mortensen illus. by Raul Allen

This is the story of Leon Foucault, a French scientist. He invented the pendulum that proved the earth turned on its axis. Mortensen gives the reader a wonderful sense of Foucault.

"Then Leon discovered that he had a talent for building things. First he made a model boat,

and then an optical telegraph just like the one on top of the neighboring Saint Sulpice Church. Even though Leon's slowpoke ways got him in trouble at school, working slowly and precisely at home allowed him to make things exactly the way he wanted them to be.

Allen's gorgeous illustrations match the text perfectly adding a lovely dimension to this biography.

As far as I know this is the first children's biography on Leon Foucault and its a very good one. In the back there is a one page author's note on Foucault and a glossary.

A glimpse via Powells

I've linked this post to Non Fiction Monday, a weekly gathering of non fiction reviews in the kidlitosphere. This week the round up can be found at Charlotte's Library

Ready, Set... Wait! - Patti R. Zelch - Connie McLennan

Ready, Set... Wait! by Patti R. Zelch illus by Connie McLennan

Zelch answers the question to What Animals Do Before a Hurricane?

This was a great, easy to follow, and very informative look at what some animals do with a hurricane on its way. Three of the animals included, crocodiles, manatees and butterflies. I love Zelch's straight forward text.

"Crocodiles may crawl to open water or into deep canal and rivers that crisscross the land. Concealed below the water's surface - they wait!"

McLennan's illustrations are wonderful and fit perfectly. The author inculdes some more facts in the back.

Including - What is a Hurricane? and When Hurricane season is? There's a world map and graphs to rely some very useful information. Ages 5 up.

An excerpt For Creative Minds or the additional facts can be found at Sylvan Dell publishing site in English and in Spanish

Side by Side/ Lado Lado by Monica Brown - Joe Cepeda

Side by Side/ Lado a Lado by Monica Brown illus by Joe Cepeda

This is the story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez. The two worked together to help farmworkers fight for their rights. In 1967 Huerta and Chavez cofounded the United Farm Workers Union. Since its Labor Day, I thought this would be a very fitting book to review.

There are a few children's biographies on Cesar Chavez. Though as far as I know this is the first one that pertains to Dolores Huerta. This is Brown's fifth bilingual picture book biography. The first that features two influential people in history. She did a wonderful job with the layout. It opens with the reader being introduced to a young Dolores on one page and a young Cesar on the other.

Brown continues this alternating telling, so the reader learns about the early years of Huerta and Chavez equally. Until the day the two finally meet. From that point on Side by Side is about what they accomplished together.

"When the growers and the politicians wouldn't listen, Cesar stopped eating for thirty-six days so that others would understand how important it was to protect the workers. When their bosses bullied them, the workers used to say, "we can't do it. we can't win." But with the help of Dolores, they began to chant, "Si, se puede! Yes, we can"!

Brown has mastered the art of making facts readable and enjoyable. Joe Cepeda's artistic style is a perfect fit for Side by Side. I love this collaboration.* Brown includes a note for parents in the back, with additional information. This is a must add to any library.

I''ve linked this post to non fiction Monday. The round up this week can be found at The Miss Rumphius Effect

*I am still convinced Brown has an illustrator fairy. She's always paired with the perfect artist. Cross posted at Color Online.