Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

YOU DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING JILLY P
By Alex Gino

This new middle-grade title filled with heart, the latest from the awarding-winning author of George, is jam-packed with action, tension, and important social issues. It follows the story of Jilly, a book-loving hearing white girl (with hearing parents) in California whose baby sister is born Deaf. As well as journeying with Jilly and her parents as they navigate how best to support and raise the newest member of their family, the reader also sees Jilly dealing with race discrimination between members of her own extended family and also toward a friend she cares about.

The complex social issues raised in this story including Deaf culture, racism, and police violence make it an important read for middle-schoolers as they mature and begin to learn about the world around them. Hopefully, the book will provide a platform for caregivers, teachers, and peers to delve deeper into these subjects and ensure open-dialogue and conversations (even if uncomfortable) continue.

Gino's Author Notes at the end of the book are an important addition, providing more background and context for readers and educators.

Your heart might feel heavy with worry after reading this book but you'll be glad you did. 

@kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit 

Operation Rescue Dog by Maria Gianferrari (Illustrated by Luisa Uribe)
 
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Operation Rescue Dog is a sweet story about a lonely young girl who journeys with her Abuela to meet and adopt a rescue dog. Told from both the point of view of the girl and the dog she rescues, it is a wonderful story of the transformative power of friendship and love.
 
The language such as, “Can a dog feel like a hug?” is poetic and beautiful and the soft hues of the illustrations are a perfect compliment.
 
The story is followed by an author’s note which discusses pet rescue and even includes a glossary of Spanish words used in the text.
 
Beautiful language, illustrations, and a wonderful message make this a clear picture book winner but beware- you may end up welcoming a furry friend into your life at the end!

@kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @thesmilelines @littlebeebooks

Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker: Incognito By Shelley Johannes

Publication date: 9/18/18

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is the second book in the Beatrice Zinker series and it is an absolute delight. Readers will love journeying with Beatrice undercover as she tries to solve school life issues and mysteries. Throughout the book, Beatrice’s energy jumps off the page and each chapter ending brims with suspense— a combination which ensures the book is impossible to put down!
 
The secondary characters are just as unique and fascinating as Beatrice: from Sam, a shy fellow student who reads about Morse code, through to the class teacher, Mrs. Tamarack, whom Beatrice creates a “most strict” award for.
 
Johannes illustrations are as fun as her text, especially all the depictions of Beatrice’s upside-down poses. Chapter book readers in grade 2-5 will have a blast reading this.  

​@kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @thesmilelines @disneybooks @shelleyjohannes