Stars In The Shadows

Book: Stars In The Shadows

Author: Charles R. Smith Jr.

Illustrator: Frank Morrison

Publisher: Atheneum Books For Young Readers

Pages: 112

Grade Level: 3^rd and up

Rating: 5 Stars

Before there were televisions, people would gather around the radio for entertainment. It is a concept foreign to any child today, and yet, one can feel as if they are having that experience when they read this book. Written in rhyme, this book reenacts the Negro League All-Star Game of 1934, a time when Major League Baseball did not allow black men on their teams. This book goes beyond the play-by-play of each inning, giving insight to what people are saying in the stands or conversations about the game at the local barber shop. The radio-style is complete with commercials from the time, and the illustrations make this book a complete home-run for any class discussion during Black History Month or a special April “Opening Day” baseball themed History lesson. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was entertained every inning, and since I had no prior knowledge of the game I was genuinely interested in who would win. I intend on sharing this book with every baseball fan I know. 

Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am

Book: Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I am

Author: Harry Mazer and Peter Lerangis

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books For Young Readers

Pages: 160

Grade Level: 6^th-8^th

Rating: 5 Stars

Ben Bright, a smart, popular and talented senior in high school enlists in the army after his graduation, despite pleas from his family and closest friends. Shortly after he begins his training he is sent to Iraq where he is injured and suffers a traumatic brain injury. The book is broken up into three sections: Before, During, and After, and the focus of the book is on Ben’s rehabilitation and struggle to remember his past.

I was unable to put this book down and read the whole thing in a little over an hour. The emotions that were evoked from the family and friends throughout the book resonated with me even after I finished reading. This work of realistic fiction will have the reader glued to their seat and be rooting for Ben and his family the entire time. I would definitely recommend this book to middle schoolers, especially if they are discussing American Wars in their classes. Ben’s experience is extremely descriptive from injury through recovery and may be relatable to those who have friends or family members who have served in the Army in recent years. 

Heidi Heckelbeck Has A Secret

Book: Heidi Heckelbeck Has A Secret

Author: Wanda Coven

Illustrator: Priscilla Burris

Publisher: Little Simon (Simon and Schuster)

Pages: 128

Grade Level: 1^st-3^rd

Rating: 4 Stars

After being homeschooled, Heidi Heckelbeck is going to school for the first time. She immediately dislikes the second grade, but nothing upsets her more than being teased by Meanie Melanie. This book sets the stage for more Heidi Heckelbeck books, as Heidi’s secret is not revealed until the last chapter and is the perfect segue into the second book of the series. (There is a sneak peak to book #2 at the end of this book.) The book is for readers beginning chapter books or slightly older reluctant readers. Any child who has ever been bullied will be able to relate to Heidi’s experience and will look forward to her retaliation in the second book. The illustrations compliment the text and capture the characters’ emotions and actions nicely.

I gave this book 4 stars because there are so many books like this for girls already out there, but I am definitely intrigued to find out what happens next!

Captain Awesome To The Rescue!

Book: Captain Awesome To The Rescue!

Author: Stan Kirby

Illustrator: George O’Connor

Publisher: Little Simon (Simon and Schuster)

Pages: 128

Grade Level: 1^st-3^rd

Rating: 5 Stars

Captain Awesome to the Rescue by Stan Kirby is a delightful story of a second grader named Eugene who moves to a new town and has to adjust to his new school and make new friends. Luckily, he has a superhero alter-ego, Captain Awesome that saves his new surroundings from the evils of little sisters and sneaky classmates. This is the perfect book for children beginning to read chapter books or slightly older children who are reluctant readers. The book is fast-paced and has relatable characters in real life situations. Children will cheer for Eugene and love him both as himself and as Captain Awesome. The pictures compliment the text and add to the humor throughout the book. I would confidently recommend this book to children in the public library and I am looking forward to the second book in the series!