Literacy Matters - Winter 2020

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: TheWomanWho Loved Reptiles Valdez, Patricia. (2018). Illus. by Felicita Sala. Unpaged. Alfred A. Knopf. 978-0-3995-5725- 5. $17.99. (Primary). —Ellie Corbin Ever since Joan Procter was a little girl, if it had scales and was cold-blooded, she wanted it at her tea party. Lizards, crocodiles,

language to help secure parts of Alaska. There are also stories about the Cherokee and Choctaw code talkers in WorldWar I, protecting messages from the Huns. These stories emphasize that Native Americans risked their lives on the front but were not recognized for their achievements. This graphic novel is unique in that each section is written and illustrated by a different indigenous author and illustrator. The artwork varies drastically in the compilation, although all of it is realistic or folk art. Some of the stories have outlined panels reading left to right and top to bottom. Others have overlapping panels. A couple of the stories have hand-drawn or painted panels, and others contain digital artwork. The colors on most pages are brown and green, depicting wartime. Although the content includes soldiers getting injured and dying, the images are not graphic. The use of Native American languages, either romanized or in native alphabets, adds authenticity to the words on the page. Tales of the Mighty Code Talkers is an eye-opening volume that includes resources such as an article on the history of the code talkers, biographies of the contributors, and a lesson guide about codes. Readers will expand their knowledge on a lesser-known part of our nation’s history. This book won a 2018 American Indian Literature Youth Award. * Please note that this title is not available via Amazon. It can be purchased here: https://redplanetbooksncomics.com

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turtles, and snakes always received an invitation over any old teddy bear or baby doll. Joan was fascinated by playing with and studying slithery reptiles, which was not common among girls her age. Everywhere she went, her pet lizard accompanied her, and her love of reptiles ultimately shaped her life. Patricia Valdez’s story follows a chronological order, showing where Joan’s passion began and where it ultimately took her: to design the new Reptile House at the London Zoo. Valdez emphasizes Joan’s hard work and perseverance, and Felicita Sala’s whimsical and vibrant illustrations work to symbolize her enthusiasm and hard work. This enthusiasm can be seen in Sala’s images of Joan in the zoo with a smile on her face, surrounded by cheerful families, giraffes, turtles, and an elephant. There is also a section at the end of the text that includes real photos of Joan with her pet crocodile and more information about her life. In the end, we learn that working for the London Zoo’s Reptile House led Joan to meet a new reptile best friend who would become famous alongside her. What kind of scaly reptile do you think Joan befriended this time? You will have to read to find out!

What’s the Difference? 40+ Pairs of the Seemingly Similar Strack, Emma. (2018). Illus. by Guillaume Plantevin. 96 pp. Chronicle. 978-1-452- 16101-3. $17.99. (Intermediate/Young Adult). —Hannah Basha Do you know the difference between a grasshopper and a cricket? What about noodles and pasta, or bacteria and viruses? Maybe not now, but you certainly will after

Harbor Me Woodson, Jacqueline. (2018). 176 pp. Nancy Paulsen/Penguin. 978-0-399-25252-5. $17.99. (Intermediate). —Hannah Burris “If the worst thing in the world happened, would I help protect someone else? Would I let myself be a harbor for someone who needs it?” (p. 34). This thought-provoking and uplifting book follows the lives of six incredibly diverse kids—Haley, Amari, Ashton, Holly, Tiago, and

reading this delightfully informative book by Emma Strack. With sections dedicated to animals, food and drink, geography, fashion, the human body, and city life, What’s the Difference? takes two similar things and compares them, identifying their differences and similarities. But even beyond simple comparisons (such as the maps of Great Britain and England), the text includes fun facts, further explanations, and even the etymology of words. That, together with the diverse sections, works to create a book that includes biology, history, anatomy, cultural development, and more, all in one beautifully designed unit. An index is also provided for readers to search for a subject. The variety of information means the book is applicable to both children and young adults. Even parents and teachers would be hard-pressed not to learn something new! The book is colorful and visually appealing, with detailed drawings, well-placed text, and great page texture. All things considered, What’s the Difference? is an engaging, enjoyable book for any reader in the intermediate grades and above. Also, in case you were wondering, grasshoppers only eat plants, but crickets eat plants and insects. Noodles and pasta are often used interchangeably, but noodles originated in Asia and pasta came from Italy. Finally, bacteria are usually beneficial and viruses are often infectious. Now you know!

Esteban—as they come together in the ARRT room (A Room to Talk) at their elementary school each Friday afternoon for an entire year and discuss their personal stories and hardships. As the six kids gradually break down the barriers between them and share the very things that make them who they are, Jacqueline Woodson boldly and skillfully shows how differences can and should be celebrated. The kids in the book grow personally, and they grow closer together as they lean on each other for strength and encouragement through their times of vulnerability and affliction, revealing the importance of unity despite obvious differences. Specifically, the story presents intermediate readers with captivating dialogue through the voices of kids—primarily through the narrator, Haley—about current social issues such as race, gender, social class, and immigration, and it gives readers

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