This essential purchase will spark interest in classical mythology and encourage readers to reach out to others in times of stress. Like Hercules, they don’t have to carry the sky by themselves.
A jovial tale of a human and animal bond where it’s least expected. Children will enjoy reading about an animal who doesn’t always take center stage, and will be awed by Wilson’s bravery and intelligence. Great for any children’s library collection.
Schmidt effortlessly weaves seemingly unrelated plot threads into a beautiful tapestry of heartbreak, courage, and humor. An essential purchase for all middle grade collections.
In addition to promoting the value of patience, Schmidt’s story will also be valuable for early study of changing seasons and teaching where food comes from. A fine choice for most collections.
Outstanding illustrations make this a noteworthy addition to most libraries, but collections need to keep other books about Sojourner Truth to present multiple facets of her significant achievements.
Recommended for libraries where realistic fiction circulates well. ["The matter-of-fact narrative voice ensures that the tragic plot never overwhelms this wrenching tale of growth and loss": SLJ 8/15 starred review of the Clarion book.]
The matter-of-fact narrative voice ensures that the tragic plot never overwhelms this wrenching tale of growth and loss.—Robbin E. Friedman, Chappaqua Library, NY
Jack's new foster brother, Joseph, has a troubled past. The fourteen-year-old attacked a teacher, was subsequently incarcerated at a juvenile detention center, and has a baby daughter named Jupiter whom he's never seen. At school, Joseph has a rough time, with students and educators alike picking on him, but he grows to love the daily routine of farm life. As Jack (a sixth grader) and his parents gradually peel away Joseph's cold veneer, it seems as if their family may be complete. But it soon becomes clear that things will never be simple, as Joseph's single-minded desire to parent his daughter leads to strife. Then Joseph's father comes violently back into the picture, with tragic results. The ending is bittersweet but as satisfying as a two-box-of-tissues tearjerker can possibly be (in the realm of juvenile fiction, Schmidt is the master of the emotional gut-punch). The heartbreak unfolds organically and—in an impressive show of authorial restraint