Review by Camille Primoli Two authors, many sides, one truth. This novel gives life to a narrative that has become all too common in the news. Rashad Butler, a young black man, becomes the victim of police brutality. Quinn Collins, a young white man, witnesses it. The incident sparks a movement, but not before turning…
Review by Anne Floyd Can a picturebook explore difficult topics and still be appropriate for its young readers? For the Right to Learn shows that it can be done. The book’s inviting color scheme and youthful illustrations draw the reader into Malala’s story, as when a smiling Malala accepts her Nobel Peace Prize surrounded by…
Review by Racha Kassir In 1944, a Mexican girl Sylvia Mendez, and her family moved to Westminster, California as her dad had leased a farm after years of fieldwork. Although they were U.S. citizens, the Mendez children weren’t allowed to register in a public school. Mr. Gonzalo Mendez challenged Orange County’s public-school segregation and with…
Review by James Parker “Once upon a time there was a hazel-eyed boy with dimples. I called him Khalil. The world called him a thug.” Angie Thomas’ novel, The Hate U Give, tells the story of Starr Carter, a young, black woman, and her friend Khalil. Known around her inner-city neighborhood as “Big Mav’s daughter”,…
Review by Cristina Silva Gleason 10-year- old Gus is autistic and unable to communicate with those around him. He struggles to be understood and heard. Chester is a super smart but failed service dog candidate. Can he provide Gus and his family the answers they’ve been searching for? Chester and Gus is a heart-warming fantasy…
Children's Literature at UMN 