Remington's Reading Space

  1. BIBLIOGRAPHY Nayeri, D. (2023). Everything sad is untrue: (a true story). Levine Querido. ISBN: 978-1646142729 2.  PLOT SUMMARY At the front of a middle school classroom in Oklahoma, a boy named Khosrou (whom everyone calls 'Daniel') stands, trying to tell a story. His story. But no one believes a word he says. To them, he is a dark-skinned, hairy-armed boy with a big butt whose lunch smells funny, who makes things up and talks about poop too much. But Khosrou's stories, stretching back years, and decades, and centuries, are beautiful and terrifying, from the moment he, his mother, and sister fled Iran in the middle of the night, stretching back to family tales set in the jasmine-scented city of Isfahan, the palaces of semi-ancient kings, and even the land of stories 3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS This book was an interesting read. I struggled to get through it because I had difficulty following along and found myself confused throughout the story. This novel is told from the po...

  1. BIBLIOGRAPHY Bailey, J., & Song, M. (2019). A friend for henry. Chronicle Books. ISBN: 978-1452167916 2.  PLOT SUMMARY In Classroom Six, second left down the hall, Henry has been on the lookout for a friend. A friend who shares. A friend who listens. Maybe even a friend who likes things to stay the same and all in order, as Henry does. But on a day full of too close and too loud, when nothing seems to go right, will Henry ever find a friend—or will a friend find him? With insight and warmth, this heartfelt story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum celebrates the everyday magic of friendship. 3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS This beautiful story shares the challenges children sometimes face when making new friends. I had to read it several times to understand the message and see some of Henry's challenges, but it is a sweet story. The story is very simple but clearly explains the struggles students face whether they are in the spectrum or not. I think I liked this...

  1. BIBLIOGRAPHY Pitman, G. E., & Litten, K. (2014). This day in June. Magination Press. ISBN: 978-1433816581 2.  PLOT SUMMARY In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBTQ+ community, This Day In June welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united. Also included is a Note to Parents and Other Caregivers with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways as well as a Reading Guide chock-full of facts about LGBTQ+ history and culture. 3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS I really enjoyed this book! I thought this book was written very appropriately for young children as it is written in a fun-loving way that celebrates differences in people. This book truly embodied equality, unity, progress, and pride.   The rhyming words and vibrant pictures were easy to follow along with and made this book engaging for young readers. My favorite part abou...

  1. BIBLIOGRAPHY Soontornvat, C. (2022). The last mapmaker. Candlewick Press.  ISBN: 978-1536204957 2.  PLOT SUMMARY In a fantasy adventure every bit as compelling and confident in its world building as her Newbery Honor Book A Wish in the Dark, Christina Soontornvat explores a young woman’s struggle to unburden herself of the past and chart her own destiny in a world of secrets. As assistant to Mangkon’s most celebrated mapmaker, twelve-year-old Sai plays the part of a well-bred young lady with a glittering future. In reality, her father is a conman—and in a kingdom where the status of one’s ancestors dictates their social position, the truth could ruin her. Sai seizes the chance to join an expedition to chart the southern seas, but she isn’t the only one aboard with secrets. When Sai learns that the ship might be heading for the fabled Sunderlands—a land of dragons, dangers, and riches beyond imagining—she must weigh the cost of her dreams. Vivid, suspenseful, and thou...

  1. BIBLIOGRAPHY Lin, G. (2009). Where the mountain meets the Moon. Little, Brown. ISBN: 978-0316038638 2.  PLOT SUMMARY In the valley of Fruitless mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer. 3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS I really enjoyed this book! It was so different than what I expected. This book teaches readers that money doesn’t make people happy. I liked how this story starts with Minli thinking about her misfortunes and, inspired by the folktales her father shared, decid...

  1. BIBLIOGRAPHY Choi, Y. (2003). The name jar. Dragonfly Books. ISBN: 978-0440417996 2.  PLOT SUMMARY Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what happens when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious about fitting in. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she decides to choose an American name from a glass jar. But while Unhei thinks of being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, nothing feels right. With the help of a new friend, Unhei will learn that the best name is her own. 3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS This is another beautiful story! I have this book in my current collection, and I can’t believe I have never read it before, but it is a book I will be showcasing in my library. I loved seeing how Unhei introduced herself using her name and not one from the name jar. I also loved reading how her classmates embraced her name and how Joey got a Korean nickname that meant friend.  I also felt this story accurately depict...