Indie Crushes - September 26, 2018
I've fallen behind on my reading and on my blogging, but not on my crushing.
Here's what I've been crushing on this week from small, independent publishers, often responsible for delivering to us unique and often unconventional stories.
Check out previous Indie Crushes HERE.
INDIE CRUSHES - September 26th, 2018
CRUSHING ON STRONG FRIENDSHIP DYNAMICS PAIRED WITH AN ACT OF THOUGHTFULNESS
The Perfect Gift by Paula Yoo and Shirley Ng-Benitez (LEE & LOW BOOKS)
Five friends from diverse backgrounds learn how to navigate common childhood challenges, new experiences, and the world around them in the realistic and kid-friendly Confetti Kids early chapter books.
In this story, Mei's family is throwing a 100-days birthday party for her little brother--a traditional Chinese celebration after the arrival of a baby. Mei's grandma is in town for the festivities and teaches Mei about the different customs. Mei can't wait for the party, but she worries about what to give her little brother. With help from her friends and grandma, Mei discovers that the best gifts are those from the heart.
CRUSHING ON THE INTERSECTION OF BOOKS, POETIC WORDS, AND MOMENTS SPENT IN GOOD COMPANY
Bookjoy, Wordjoy by Pat Mora and Raul Colon (LEE & LOW BOOKS)
Whether we are collecting words, reading favorite books in the library, celebrating holidays, writing poems, sharing secrets, or singing a jazzy duet, words and books can take us on wonderful adventures and bring us joy. Poet Pat Mora has brought together a collection of her poems that celebrates engaging with words and books in all these ways and more. Vivid illustrations by Ra l Col n bring the poems to life and interpret the magic of the language with captivating images in a style influenced by Mexican muralists. Together the poems and illustrations are sure to inspire creative wordplay in readers of all ages.
We can read, you and I,
see letters become words,
and words become books . . .
You and I read, round and round,
bookjoy around the world.
CRUSHING ON A SIMPLE THEME DISMANTLED AND EXAMINED TO REVEAL THE STRENGTH AND HARM OF WALLS
Walls By Brad Holdgrafer (PRINCETON ARCHITECTURAL PRESS)
Walls of all sorts: social walls, border walls, political walls, emotional walls, big walls, old walls, and small walls. Speaking to today's critical political issues, this playful and encouraging story about breaking down barriers helps children learn about inclusivity, equality, openness, and kindness while also reminding grown-ups of the same values. Walls is a timely and timeless story, told with bold and colorful illustrations.
CRUSHING ON A STORY OF FINDING YOUR VOICE AND NOT BEING AFRAID OF WHAT IT HAS TO SAY
The Little Girl with the Big Voice by Wé McDonald and Teresa Martinez (LIGHTSWITCH LEARNING)
Written in Wé McDonald's own words, The Little Girl with the Big Voice is a captivating story about a young girl who courageously embraces her uniqueness and discovers her true voice, no matter what others think or say. Wé's story inspires kids to work to fulfill their dreams and to expand their own understanding of themselves and the world around them.
CRUSHING ON EVIDENCE OF COLLABORATION THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AND RECOGNIZING HUMANS AS ONE IMPORTANT PIECE OF IT ALL
Collaboration: Ways We Work Together by Tomas Moniz and Alicia Dornadic (AK PRESS)
Collaboration playfully explores the various ways we work and play with one another and the world around us. Dancing between poetry and narrative, the story rhythmically demonstrates how collaboration shapes our lives. Designed so that parents and children can discuss how the words and watercolor illustrations come together to conjure each idea, and how each image is "both the sum of its parts and a new thing entirely." Bilingual edition.
CRUSHING ON THE SOMBER AND AFFECTING REMINDER OF THOSE WHO SERVE TO PROTECT OUR FREEDOMS AMDIST THE ATROCITIES OF WAR
N is for Never Forget: POW-MIA A to Z Hardcover by Nancy Polette and Paul Dillon (ELVA RESA PUBLISHING)
AMAZON | INDIEBOUND
A is for Artists painting the hardships of prison life. E is for Escape, as determined prisoners make daring plans to regain their freedom.
More than one hundred thousand American service members have been captured by an enemy and imprisoned during war. Tens of thousands are still missing. This book tells the true stories of only a few of these brave men and women, but their stories represent the experiences of many others. The accompanying illustrations are based on surviving artwork, current and historic photographs, and firsthand descriptions of people, places, and events.
From Geneva Conventions to Operation Homecoming, Tap Code to Yellow Ribbon and more, N IS FOR NEVER FORGET is a compelling journey through wartime history, honoring the sacrifices of prisoners of war (POWs), those missing in action (MIA), and their families.
Poignant illustrations and stories capture key people, concepts, and memorials to help readers understand and honor the sacrifices endured by men and women prisoners of war and missing in action on behalf of freedom.
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