Celebrating African American Children’s Literature: Walter Dean Myers and Christopher Myers

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to preview the National Blues Museum, which is scheduled to open in April, and the children’s book “blues journey“ immediately came to mind. This picture book is the collaboration of the late Walter Dean Myers and his son, Christopher Myers. With short poems that inspire the reader to hum and sing, and illustrations that reflect the poetry and music, this beautiful picture book presents the history of the blues with its “tragic overtones.” Informative, sincere, and perfect for older children, teens and adults, I hope that you’ll check out “blues journey” and the new museum too.

--Teresa R., Sachs

Review: "Masterminds" by Gordon Korman

"You can waste your whole life wandering only to find that what you're searching for is right in your own backyard," reads the gazebo in the park of a small town called Serenity, New Mexico. In "Masterminds" by Gordon Korman, Serenity is a perfect town with no crime, poverty, homelessness, or unemployment. The middle of nowhere location has only thirty kid residents. Follow thirteen year old Eli around the town as he shockingly discovers that nothing is as it seems to be. Eli and his friends find that no one can trusted--especially their parents. 

Readers will enjoy the riveting adventure-driven plot that involves cloning, criminal masterminds, and unexpected twists. Each book chapter is narrated in the voice of one of four "special" kids who are finding out more and more about their identity on each adventure in this mystery. The first book in a new series by Gordon Korman, "Masterminds" will have you on the edge of your seat waiting for book number two! Appropriate for readers in grades three to seven.

--Alison R., Headquarters

Kids Music Friday: "Q and U" by The Bazillions

Meet Q and his best friend U in this adorable song, "Q and U" by The Bazillions. With a catchy tune and lots of sight words, your little one will be learning as they sing along.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Review: "Stormstruck!" by John Macfarlane

Adventure and survival story fans take note of "Stormstruck!" by John Macfarlane for a tale of danger after danger. When twelve-year-old Sam overhears his parents talking about putting down his aging dog, Pogo, he decides to take matters into his own hands. Sam loads Pogo into his family's sailboat, intent on hiding out on a nearby island. His plan goes awry when a series of storms catch him off guard and leave him stranded on the wreckage of a ship whith no supplies . . . and no sailboat. Will Sam and Pogo be rescued before it's too late? Read "Stormstruck!" to find out!

--Kelly B., Prairie Commons

Review: "Lost" by S.A. Bodeen

In "Lost" by S. A. Bodeen, Sarah and her family are shipwrecked on a island. Strange and mysterious things are happening like a shark with crocodile legs and a bird with a large yellow and black stinger. Sarah's father and her stepbrother, Nacho, disappear as her stepmother becomes ill. It's now up to Sarah and her older step brother, Marco to find her dad and Nacho and try to figure out what is happening on this beautiful island. If you like mystery and adventure this easy read is for you! This is number two in the Shipwreck Island series, and it is appropriate for readers in grades four to six.

--Trea P., Bridgeton Trails

Review: "Big Bad Detective Agency" by Bruce Hale

In "Big Bad Detective Agency" by Bruce Hale, the three little pigs are all grown up and someone has broken into their homes. The prince of Fairylandia has accused the Big Bad Wolf of the crime. The Wolf has one day to prove his innocence and avoid a lifetime of porridge in the dungeon, so he teams up with little pig Ferkel to help him solve the mystery. This is a fairytale with a twist that is cute, funny, and an easy read. Appropriate for readers grades two to five.

--Jocelyn H., Jamestown Bluffs

"Hedgehugs" by Steve Wilson and Lucy Tapper

Just in time for Valentine's Day we have a cute story of two best friends who just want to hug in "Hedgehugs" by Steve Wilson and Lucy Tapper. "Horace and Hattie are the very best of friends" and do everything together--except hug. Unfortunately, their hedgehog spikes get in the way. So Horace and Hattie get creative, using all kinds of means to make hugging happen. From strawberries to hollow logs, nothing seems to work. Until, that is, they discover the perfect solution. Check out the book to see what happens to Horace and Hattie--and just maybe you'll find out where all of your missing socks disappear to as well! Perfect for the preschool set.

--Andrea W., Headquarters