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(2)
4-6
Sixth grader Zoe dreams of becoming a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, but her family's unreliable old computer is cramping her style. She has her sights set on the Horizon WordPro GT laptop, and since her parents won't buy one for her, she takes matters into her own hands. A school fundraiser offers Zoe the perfect opportunity: top prize for selling the most tubs of cookie dough is, in fact, the Horizon WordPro GT. Determined to walk away with the computer and defeat her nemesis, Zoe is laser-focused on winning and will do whatever it takes to come out on top--even if it tests her relationship with her best friend. Zoe's experiences are relatable; her passion for both her short- and long-term goals is believably conveyed. Baptist uses humor to explore themes of navigating family, school, and community; this story will resonate with anyone who has dreamed of winning big.
Reviewer: Monique Harris
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2023
(2)
4-6
Drew and Mia met as infants--born on the same day in the same hospital, they stopped crying only when nurses put them in the same bassinet--but grew up in different areas of California, meeting again only when Mia comes to stay with her Gram in Drew's hometown of Half Moon Bay for the summer before they turn thirteen. Mia's family is there while her father is in Alaska caring for his ailing mother. Drew's summer plans mainly involve avoiding work in his father's carpentry shop until the gift of a pair of Nikes gives him new purpose. Mia joins Drew and his dad on their morning runs, and they decide to enter a local half marathon. When Drew learns that his dad has been diagnosed with ALS, the race takes on a deeper meaning. Vickers does an excellent job of blending her two narrators' voices, with Drew's chapters written in prose and Mia's in verse. The book deals authentically with tween feelings, especially their complex reactions to death and loss, while also maintaining a solid pace through the dynamic plot, making it a great choice for upper-middle-grade readers looking for an emotionally intense story without a hint of romance.
Reviewer: Sarah Rettger
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2023
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
April Harrison.
In this story of giving, James Otis marvels that Mama is contributing to the church's "love box" for a family in need when they have so little themselves. But hearing "what is given from the heart reaches the heart" helps James Otis start thinking differently about what he does have. Detailed, highly textured, strikingly patterned collage illustrations invite readers to linger over the pages and add depth to the characters.
40 pp.
| Little Bee
| August, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4998-0682-3$17.99
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Keum Jin Song.
In 2016, South Korean church members, originally refugees from North Korea, sent rice bags attached to helium balloons to North Korea to feed starving people. In this fictionalized story, a girl tries to convince other children who feel North Koreans are "the enemy" to join the effort. Slick digital illustrations contrast the lush South Korean countryside with barren North Korea. Includes extensive background material. Reading list.
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Jenn Harney.
Hazy (Hazy Bloom and the Tomorrow Power) is starting to get a handle on her future-foreseeing power when those visions land her in charge of the third-grade FUNdraising Challenge. Hazy hopes coordinating a successful school Pet Day will prove she's ready for her own pet. Readers will connect with Hazy's desire for a pet--and her knack for getting sidetracked--in this amusing chapter-book fantasy.
361 pp.
| Abrams/Amulet
| April, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-2864-8$16.99
(4)
4-6
Wanting to raise money for needy children with autism, well-off seventh grader Lauren (whose older brother is autistic) begins selling items--even stealing them to do so--and eventually drags her new friend, foster kid Sierra, into the scheme. Readers who can overlook Lauren's contrived descent into lawlessness should enjoy the honest alternating narratives (Lauren's is prose, Sierra's is in verse) about the boundaries of friendship.
119 pp.
| Simon
| June, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4814-5888-7$15.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-4814-5890-0
(4)
1-3
Illustrated by
Sharee Miller.
With Nancy Ohlin. African American girl Shai learns more lessons about life and friendship, supported by her performing-arts-school friends and loving family. In Pants, Shai is determined her tap routine will win a dance competition; Shai and bestie Emmie prep for a fundraising concert in Rescue. The plots and illustrations aren't anything outstanding, but they're satisfying and feature lots of cultural markers and appealing details for performance-loving readers. Review covers these titles: Shai & Emmie Star in Dancy Pants! and Shai & Emmie Star in To the Rescue!
(3)
4-6
Eighteen-year-old Cerone, already a veteran in the philanthropic world, describes her inspiration in selecting causes and suggests thirty-six "PhilanthroParty" (fundraising and community-building event) ideas in a breezy and inspiring first-person voice; thematic recipes, activities, and anecdotes are included with each. Lively layouts with tons of color photos on thick, glossy pages reflect the spirit of excitement in the text and activities.
(3)
1-3
Bossy Flossie series.
Illustrated by
Pierre Collet-Derby.
While Flossie's heart is in the right place, her entrepreneurial ideas and strong opinions get her a reputation as "bossy." Flossie recruits new kid Billy to help her raise money for their third-grade class garden and gains a friend when she gives up her controlling ways (Biz Whiz); Flossie learns about teamwork during a holiday charity drive (Success). Green-tinged illustrations highlight the realistic grade-school dramas at play. Review covers these titles: Biz Whiz and The Secret to Success.
32 pp.
| Barron's
| September, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4380-5020-1$9.99
(3)
K-3
Children in Our World series.
Illustrated by
Hanane Kai.
Using relatable language and explanations, this volume sensitively explores the plight of refugees and migrants. The coverage includes why and how people leave their home country, refugee camps, asylum seekers, and the complicated process of determining where a refugee will ultimately live; suggestions for how to help are also provided. Kai's muted, reassuring illustrations enhance the lucid prose. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
32 pp.
| Barron's
| September, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4380-5019-5$9.99
(3)
K-3
Children in Our World series.
Illustrated by
Hanane Kai.
This compassionate exploration of poverty uses gentle, age-appropriate language. Kai's muted illustrations blend well with relatable explanations of how and why people end up suffering from hunger and poverty and the effect this has on families. The lucid text also discusses the ways in which charitable organizations provide aid and makes suggestions for how young readers can help. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
48 pp.
| North-South
| October, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7358-4266-3$18.95
(3)
K-3
A lengthy, straightforward text describes how Tony donates his beloved stuffed animals for an animal shelter fundraiser; his mother rewards Tony's care with a real pet cat, Valentine, from the shelter. Danowski's beautifully detailed, realistic pictures in soft, muted colors are the highlight of this picture book.
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Jeffrey Ebbeler.
When Sara sees a hungry man eating rotten fruit, she feels compelled to help him. For Hanukkah, she leaves him a care package that includes a menorah, latkes, and cookies; then he joins her family for a holiday dinner. The well-intentioned but heavy-handed message about helping those who are less fortunate ("giving tzedakah") pairs with animated illustrations that capture Sara's enthusiasm.
48 pp.
| Candlewick
| August, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-7367-3$16.99
(4)
K-3
Straightforward text describes various ways that children can help those in need: through knitting hats for the homeless, tending a community garden that donates its produce, etc. Young readers may find the text cumulatively leaden, but they'll pore over the color photos--they're unpolished, befitting the subject matter--featuring kids hard at work but gleefully throwing themselves into community service.
(4)
YA
Penny Lane (The Cupcake Queen) prepares for winter in Hog's Hollow with her mom, grandma, and friends. She's also anxious about her relationship with Marcus; is targeted by an anonymous bully; and helps raise money for an animal shelter. Like life in a small town, the novel is slow paced, but it has a satisfying ending in which the bully is exposed.
32 pp.
| Kids Can
| March, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-77138-023-2$18.95
(2)
K-3
CitizenKid series.
Illustrated by
Simone Shin.
North American youth Leo donates his bicycle to an organization that provides bikes to Africans. First, young Alisetta uses it to improve her family's life. Eventually, Big Red is repurposed as a bicycle ambulance. Straightforward, specific prose and upbeat illustrations give readers a sense of how bicycles can be life-changing in other parts of the world; back matter offers a detailed list of ways to help.
Reviewer: Monica Edinger
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2015
32 pp.
| Putnam
| January, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-399-25774-2$16.99
(1)
K-3
Illustrated by
Christian Robinson.
CJ, a young black boy, has a flurry of questions for his grandmother one rainy day. "How come we always gotta go here after church?" "Here" is a soup kitchen, where they work every Sunday. Nana has bottomless look-on-the-sunny-side answers, but she isn't dispensing bromides; the exquisitely composed collage illustrations showing a glamour-free urban setting forbid a glib reading. A quietly remarkable book.
Reviewer: Nell Beram
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2015
80 pp.
| Boyds/Calkins
| April, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-1-59078-841-7$16.95
(2)
4-6
Julius Rosenwald, the wealthy president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, established the Julius Rosenwald Fund, which among its many charitable pursuits most famously built schools: 5,357 for African Americans in fifteen Southern states, helping to create a "new black middle class." Clear writing, abundant archival photographs, and an engaging presentation of history make this a work of hope and inspiration. Websites. Bib., ind.
Reviewer: Dean Schneider
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2014
260 pp.
| Scholastic
| May, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-57586-7$12.99
|
EbookISBN 978-0-545-58043-4
(4)
4-6
Tabbi is desperate to find a boyfriend, so she decides to study teen dating patterns and use probability to increase her chances. Meanwhile, she applies these same smarts to holding a fundraiser for a school affected by a hurricane. Peppered with handwritten charts, notes, and drawings, this companion to The Boy Project is diverting but lacks real depth and character development.
258 pp.
| Algonquin
| April, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-1-61620-195-1$16.95
(2)
YA
When an arsonist sets fire to her apartment, tenth grader Saba Khan's community rushes to support her family, and her social stock sky-rockets. But when a valuable piece of art turns up in a fundraiser for Saba's family, the community splinters. Who should get the money? This darkly ambiguous, provocative novel highlights the destructive power of secrets and the politics of generosity.
Reviewer:
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2014
39 reviews
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