Book Nook Sept 15
Green Is a Chile Pepper Written by Roseanne Greenfield Thong & Illustrated by John Parra Chronicle Books, 2014, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 3-5
In rhyming stanzas, this concept book showcases a vivid rainbow of colors. Learn the hues’ names in both English and Spanish. A glossary of Spanish words and phrases is in the back for an extra vocabulary building opportunity.
Viva Frida By Yuyi Morales Roaring Brook Press, 2014, hardcover, $17.99, Age 3-5
With sparse text in a mix of English and Spanish, this unique biographical picture book about a Mexican painter is worthy of its Caldecott Honor and Pura Belpré Award. Photographs of the author’s puppets and paintings give every page a three-dimensional look and lots of kid appeal. Additional author notes about Frida and her self-portraits are included.
Last Stop on Market Street By Cyndi Marko Written by Matt de la Peña & Illustrated by Christian Robinson G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2015, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 4-8
After church every week, CJ and Nana take the bus to Market Street. CJ wonders why his family doesn’t have a car, an iPod, or lunch at home. As he rides, Nana and the other bus passengers show CJ how to see what’s beautiful in the every day experiences of his life. Colorful illustrations and a story with meaning make this picture book a winner. Check out the author’s novels for teens, too!
The Gumazing Gum Girl! Chews Your Destiny By Rhode Montijo Disney Hyperion, 2013, hardcover, $14.99, Ages 5-8
Gabby Gomez loves chewing gum… until her Mom bans her from it. She sneaks one more piece and becomes Gum Girl when a giant bubble pops over her head, and she uses her stretchy new power to save lives. This comic book/chapter book hybrid is set up for a sequel; hopefully there will be a book two about this snappy character.
Emma Is On the Air: Big News! Written by Ida Siegal & Illustrated by Karla Peña Scholastic, 2015, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 6-8
Emma Perez is an eight-year-old whose ambition is to be a famous newscaster. When her classmate Javier almost bites into a worm in his cafeteria hamburger, Emma has a breaking story to report. With lots of voice and Spanish phrases, fans of Ivy & Bean will love Emma!
Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Stomps the Snow Written by Jacqueline Jules & Illustrated by Miguel BenÃtez Albert Whitman, 2014, hardcover, $14.99, Ages 6-8
In this fifth book in the Zapato Power series, Freddie Ramos has a new pair of super shoes that act like snow blowers on his feet! Can he use them to stop a purse snatcher in a March snowstorm? The line drawings and large font will appeal to early chapter book readers who like super heroes… and may want to be one themselves.
Saving Baby Doe By Danette Vigilante G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2014, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 10-15
Lionel and his best friend Anisa find an abandoned newborn baby girl and are desperate to keep her out of foster care. But in order to do that, Lionel needs to make money and takes a risky job. Will it be enough? The characters in this novel’s Brooklyn neighborhood truly look out for one another. High stakes and smooth writing make this book a winner. 
More Reads
September 13th is Grandparents’ Day!
Picture Books
- Baking Day at Grandma’s Written by Anika Denise & Illustrated by Christopher Denise
- How to Babysit a Grandma Written by Jean Reagan & Illustrated by Lee Wildish
- Noodle Magic Written by Roseanne Greenfield Thong & Illustrated by Melo So
Middle Grade
- Bayou Magic By Jewell Parker Rhodes
- Gone Crazy in Alabama By Rita Williams-Garcia
- A Handful of Stars By Cynthia Lord
- Home Is the Place By Ann M. Martin
- If You Find This By Matthew Baker
- Lucky Strike By Bobbie Pyron
- My Secret Guide to Paris By Lisa Schroeder
- Tell Me By Joan Bauer
Deena Viviani is a Young Adult Services Librarian who writes reviews for VOYA and the RACWI Newsletter. Read more reviews on her blog www.deenaml.livejournal.com or send her a note at De**********@*****il.com – she loves to hear from readers!
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