 THE HATMAKERS
By Tamzin Merchant Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Get ready for a roller coaster of a read with this one, a middle grade novel where fantasy and historical fiction meet. Cordelia is a Hatmaker, part of a magical family that Makes important hats. In this case, a peace hat has been ordered for the English royal family to smooth planned peace talk negotiations with France. Other rival Making families are involved too- Bootmakers, Cloakmakers, Glovemakers, and Watchmakers. And if that isn’t enough tension, Cordelia’s father is lost at sea, someone is trying to foil the peace talks, and she’s trying to maintain a secret friendship with one of the Bootmaker children. The magic elements of the Making process and items used in it are a stand out feature of this wonderfully imaginative story. Additionally, the characters are lively and memorable. Upper middle grade readers will enjoy the fast pace and high action, though less experienced readers may prefer listening to the story rather than reading it themselves given the frequent use of complex sentences, sophisticated word choices, and many plot twists. A fun read, best paired with a scoop of fresh starlight! Content warning: death, violence @kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit
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 SHOW ME A SIGN
By Ann Clare LeZotte Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. SHOW ME A SIGN is a beautifully written middle-grade, historical fiction novel. Set in 1805, it tells the story of Mary Lambert, a girl growing up on Martha's Vineyard. Many people on the island are Deaf, including Mary, and use sign language to communicate. Her island life is in many ways idyllic, though she doesn't realize this until she is forced to face life on the mainland. In Boston, there are very few Deaf people, minimal understanding of sign language, and even scientists and medical professionals are under the misapprehension that deafness is an infirmity. Mary is an ideal heroine—smart, curious, adventurous, and imaginative. Readers will undoubtedly fall under her spell from page one and stick with her through the terrible ordeals she faces as the story unfolds. LeZotte, a Deaf librarian, handles so much so well, from the Deaf experience and the intricacies of sign language versus spoken language to intolerance, cultural issues, and racism. The back matter is equally rich. Wonderful and essential reading for all! @kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @scholasticinc |
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