Sorell, Traci, and Frané Lessac. We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know. Watertown, MA, Charlesbridge, 2021.

 

We Are Still Here! is a sort of overview of Native American history after Europeans arrived.  The book is set up as if students are teaching about different events in Native history. The organization of the book is unique and lends itself well to further exploration in the classroom. There are also many ‘extras’ in this book. There’s a timeline, glossary of terms, a guide to the Cherokee alphabet and sources. The author’s note explains that the author is a dual citizen of the Cherokee Nation and the United States, giving her the proper credentials to be an expert voice on the subject. The use of illustrations support the information and organization of the book and are appealing to students. 

Chin, Jason. Grand Canyon. First edition. New York, New York, Roaring Brook Press, 2017.

Grand Canyon is an interesting information book, as the author is also the illustrator. This book was made with love and gratitude for the Grand Canyon and it shows. The illustrations are unique and layered. Each page is a unique melding of information, both pictorial and written. 

This book is a love letter to the explorer in all of us, whether adult or child. There are cutouts and fold outs and diagrams throughout, which all sounds like it might be too much, but it works. There are brief descriptions of human history and ecology of the canyon. There are cross sections of the canyon, beautifully illustrated. This book is a complete work of art. This would be a great addition to any collection. 

Weatherford, Carole Boston, and Floyd Cooper. Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre Carolrhoda Books, 2021.

Unspeakable is difficult to read, especially with the state of the world right now. However, it is important, as I would say the vast majority of Americans do not know about the Tulsa Race Massacre and they most certainly should. I believe this is an important book to have in a library collection for that reason, though it is difficult to read. The illustrator does a good job of not making the pictures too graphic, but does allow them to add to the anguish. There are both author and illustrator notes in the back, but I believe there could have been even more extras in this one. I would have liked to see further readings provided, or perhaps more photographs. Overall, an important read, but all readers could benefit from even more information. 

Paeff, Colleen,, and Nancy Carpenter. The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London's Poop Pollution Problem First edition., Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2021.

The Great Stink is a fun read about a stinky subject: poop. The lighthearted poop jokes throughout make learning about London’s sewer system a delight. The illustrations are  a great addition, as the reader can almost smell the noxious fumes on some of the pages. The ‘extras’ in this book are great, with great tips on preventing modern day water pollution. There is a detailed timeline of the London events, along with a list of further reading and author’s note describing the inspiration behind the book. This could be a really fun kick start to a research project for students.