Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez

Illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz 3 stars A beautiful example of the power of representation and the joy of doing what you love. This book is an interesting mashup of a semi-autobiographical story mixed with magic and time travel. Meli loves exploring the waters of la Playita del Condado, especially the tidal pools. When she…

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Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac

3 stars A sweet novel-in-verse about family, perseverance, and the bond between a girl and her dog. Malian is visiting her grandparents on a Wabanaki reservation when the COVID-19 shelter in place order is enacted. Together with Malsum, the mysterious rez dog who adopted her, and her grandparent’s stories, Malian finds the strength to overcome…

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The Walrus and the Caribou by Maika Harper

Illustrated by Marcus Cutler 3 stars A humorous rendition of Inuit folklore showing that you don’t always get it right on the first try. During the creation of the world, Guk breathes life into two animals. A walrus whom she gives a large pair of antlers and a caribou with a set of long tusks….

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The Race by Édouard Manceau

Translated by Sarah Quinn 3 stars A strange but entertaining read. Manceau describes a race between caribou from an outsider’s perspective who knows nothing about races. This leads to some humorous descriptions and interpretations (the finish line, the starting pistol, the lineup at the start of the race). The pictures are fun and give a…

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I Am Stuck by Julia Mills

5 stars An absolutely adorable book. Turtle is stuck. Various animals pass by, offering advice. But it isn’t until a friend comes along to weather the storm with him that Turtle sees what he needed all along. I loved the message that even if your friends can’t fix your problem directly, having them around can…

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The Magic of Forests: A Fascinating Guide to Forests Around the World

by Vicky Woodgate 4 stars Join feline explorer, Mimi, on a journey through the forests of the world. In this book, you’ll discover what makes a forest, types of forests and habitats within them, and the many ways forests and trees benefit humans, other plants, animals, and the planet. The book includes maps, biographies, timelines,…

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Who Gives a Poop?: Surprising Science from One End to the Other

by Heather L. Montgomery Illustrated by Iris Gottlieb 3 stars A unique read packed with interesting information told in an engaging format. Each chapter shows how waste is used to better understand the world and solve problems. From protecting endangered species and producing energy to curing infections and revitalizing land, poop can do some amazing…

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Native American Stories for Kids

12 Traditional Stories from Indigenous Tribes Across North America by Tom Pecore Weso Illustrated by Gloria Félix 4 stars A nice collection of stories from tribal nations throughout North America. The stories cover different topics from creation to explaining nature to codes of conduct. Groups included are the Menominee, Navajo/Diné, Athabascan, Cherokee, Zuni Pueblo/A:shiwi, Cheyenne,…

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Burt the Beetle Lives Here! (Burt the Beetle #2)

by Ashley Spires 4 stars Burt’s used to sheltering under leaves, but when he sees the cool homes other insects create, he sets out to find the perfect one for himself. Will he find shelter in time? An engaging story that works in interesting nonfiction information. Learn about why insects need homes in the first…

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Polar Bear Café: Volume 1 by Aloha Higa

2.5 stars A cute manga with plenty of puns in both Japanese and English. Fun slice-of-life adventures featuring Polar Bear, Panda, and all their friends. I have not watched the anime of this, but honestly if you have some non-traditional entity running a café, there’s a good chance I’m going to want to read it….

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