Reese's Review of What Can You Do With A Rebozo?

Pura Belparé Honor Book

                Bright colors, full of movement, and happy poetry….so what is not to love about this book?   Carmen Tafolla captures well the spirit and love of all generations in this family for the rebozo (scarf). From its utilitarian uses (blanket, carrying a baby, shawl, cleaning) to its entertainment value (peek a boo, blindfold, tunnel, sash, cape, slide), the rebozo is cherished by all.  Of course, the young Mexican, American girl’s favorite use is when it is used to dance! Being from San Antonio, as is the author, I have noticed these rebozos which are treasured and worn by friends, but I had never considered their cultural history.  This book gave me a brief look into the generational importance of them, and the next time I see one I know it will bring smile to my face as I remember this book and the vibrant illustrations which so captured the rebozo.

Tafolla, C. (2008). What can you do with a rebozo? Berkeley: Tricycle Press.

Reese’s Review of We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball

Coretta Scott King Award Winner

Robert F. Sibert Medal

                Baseball is my all-time favorite sport. I grew up hearing about famous baseball players, and even after I married family members would tell stories of watching Satchel Paige pitch.  I knew about the Negro Leagues, but I didn’t really know the whole story.  This book was the opportunity I had never had to understand the historical background of the time before the leagues integrated.  Kadir Nelson uses a first person point of view (though it isn’t his own) to narrate the story through all nine innings and into extra innings (innings are equated to chapters in the book).  Throughout the “game”, Nelson has interspersed oil paintings based on the game with as much historical detail as he could find.  Double page spreads throughout draw the reader onto the field and directly into the game (I now can imagine what it must have been like to have a field view of Satchel Paige pitching to the mighty Josh Gibson.) There is even one double page spread of a ticket from the First Colored World Series which folds out full on each page to reveal a picture of both teams and owners in the series. However, Nelson’s talent isn’t in the illustrations alone. His writing highlights the effects the Negro Leagues had on the game from the inception of safety equipment (both catching gear and batting helmets were invented here) to the increased game pace which drew in the crowds.  I can’t wait to share this book with my students; it is a book with I anticipate will stay checked out this upcoming year!

Nelson, K. (2008). We are the ship: the story of negro league baseball. New York: Hyperion.

Reese's Review of When Marian Sang

Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

ALA Notable Book for Children

              I am not truly sure what is most memorable in this picture book, the motivating story of Marion’s determination to overcome the obstacles put in her way or the rich illustrations that beg the reader to spend time teasing out the fine details within them.  Pam Munoz Ryan has taken the historic facts of Marion Anderson’s life and written a biography which is entrancing in its rich mixture of story and spiritual music.  Brain Selznick has put equal effort into the illustrations layering historical details and support for the text into each page. He has managed to incorporate into the illustrations foreshadowing (in the scene where Marion’s mother is comforting her, the wallpaper behind them is a pattern from the Old Metropolitan Theater where Marion would later sing) as well as paying homage to his uncle, who inspired the story, in the scene of Marion singing to the crowds at the Lincoln Memorial. Personally, there was nothing that I didn’t like.  Marion Anderson’s quiet, unassuming bravado in meeting the challenges of racism head on with grace and tact is an amazing one.  Often, those that are loud and up front are heralded (rightly so), but yet those that face challenges in a different way are overlooked.  This book makes sure that Marion Anderson’s talent and effects on history won’t be forgotten.

Ryan, P.M. (2002). When Marion sang. New York: Scholastic .