Reading Matters Winter 2019

Native American terms, such as ahneen (greetings). In addition, readers can reference the black-and-white pencil drawings to envision the plot’s development. The artwork is embedded into the story, but it occasionally covers a full page. The pencil drawings typically depict people and animals. This third-person omniscient tale of two young boys provides insights into Oijbwe culture and the adventurous spirit of the main characters. Makoons and Chickadee value family, grit, reliance on nature, and caring for others. The plot moves quickly and maintains the attention of a variety of readers. Although much of the plot has an intense tone, there is humor to be found as the boys enter into adolescence.

extends it. He captures the vastness of the canyon by using many double-page spreads with full-bleed illustrations, as well as end pages that include maps and diagrams. The book concludes with a foldout that reinforces the magnitude of the “grandest canyon on Earth.” Grand Canyon is the perfect addition to Chin’s collection of scientific literature and would be great for any classroom library.

Marta! Big & Small Arena, Jen. (2016). Illus. by Angela Dominguez. Unpaged. Roaring Brook. 978-1-626-72243-9. $16.99 (Primary). —by Madison Gardner “Marta is una niña... an ordinary girl.”This is a well-written bilingual book, which both Spanish- and English-speaking audiences

Reading Matters Literature Matters

Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines Harvey, JeanneWalker. (2017). Illus. by Dow Phumiruk. Unpaged. Henry Holt. 978-1-250-11249-1. $17.99 (Primary/ Intermediate). —by Evie Rogers “Maya believed that a name

can understand while reading it. Marta’s human attributes are compared and contrasted to those of a variety of animals. For example, “To a bug Marta is grande, Big, very big”. Repetition is used in a predictable way throughout the text, which encourages children to participate. Marta faces challenge with the snake and handles it in an “ingeniosa,...very clever”way. This book includes a Spanish-to-English translation glossary of terms. Bold and vibrant illustrations express each animal’s attributes vividly. Contrast between Marta and the animals on a white page contributes to the visual elements presented throughout. Spanish words are in a different color, which allows them to stand out and be easily recognized by the audience. The text is also large and simplified on each page, allowing the reader to follow along easily. The book cleverly concludes with Marta imitating the animals and their attributes, which she ironically contrasts throughout the story.

brings back all the memories of a person, more than a photo of a moment in time.”Maya Lin is the architect of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. The memorial features the names of those who fought in the war. Jeanne Walker Harvey tells the story about a name that is not featured in the memorial and is not well known to most people: Maya Lin. She was a girl who thought with her mind and with her hands. She was surrounded by art from an early age because both of her parents were artists. However, when she decided that she wanted to be an artist, too, her art was different from her mother’s poetry and her father’s pottery. Maya wanted to be an architect, an artist of buildings and sculptures. Harvey captures the story of Maya, the hardships she faced, the inspiration behind the memorial, and so much more. The words in the story are inspirational and appropriate for all ages: simple yet lyrical. In addition to powerful words, this book features illustrations that capture the ideas and inspiration behind the memorial’s designs. With use of soft and neutral tones, Dow Phumiruk’s illustrations enhance the text rather than draw away from it. Through her artwork, the illustrator successfully mimics Maya’s minimalistic style.

Makoons Erdrich, Louise. (2016). 156 pp. HarperCollins. 978-0-06-057793-3. $16.99 (Intermediate/ Young Adult). —by Audrey Rick Your people, the people who have raised and taught you, are facing starvation. You can save them, you think, but you have a lot to learn before you can help. This is the exact situation that Makoons finds himself in. The desire of Makoons and his twin brother,

TBH, This Is SO Awkward Greenwald, Lisa. (2018). 212 pp. Katherine Tegen. 978-0-062-68990-0. $12.99 (Intermediate/Young Adult). ICYMI (in case you missed it), there is a new way to write books: Just use text messages! This young adult novel about BFFAE (best friends forever and ever) Cecily “Cece” Anderson, Prianka Basak, and Gabrielle “Gabby” Katz tackles friendships —by Charlotte Neidenbach

Chickadee, to become buffalo hunters becomes stronger when the well-being of their people begins to depend on finding food and materials. This becomes a seemingly impossible task. Makoons has a vision that foretells even greater trials for the Ojibwe tribe. The novel details the lives of Makoons and his Chickadee and gives insight into the Ojibwe culture in the 19th century. Makoons is characterized by his care for his family and the entire Ojibwe tribe. His character develops from playful and child-like to someone who takes responsibility and has a strong work ethic. A glossary is located at the back of the novel to help readers build a greater understanding of the Ojibwe people’s language and culture. The glossary also aids in pronunciation of

in today’s digital age. When the new school year starts at Yorkville Middle School, a new student arrives: Victoria Melford. Victoria wants to be friends with Cece, Prianka, and Gabby, but the girls are not in love with the idea of having a new member in

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