en-US Wed, 07 May 2025 05:32:32 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg AuthorBlogPost25736275 Wed, 07 May 2025 05:32:32 -0700 /author_blog_posts/25736275-author-kirsten-larson-on-the-craft-of-nonfiction Review7514817706 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:29:32 -0700 /review/show/7514817706 Lydia gave 5 stars to Maybe Just Ask Me! (Hardcover) by Katie Mazeika
Maybe Just Ask Me! by Katie Mazeika is such an important book on mane levels. First off, it addresses a tough issue: children will cancer. The author hearself had cancer at a young age and had one of her eyes removed. This backstory is featured in the mc Mazie. But the kids at school poke fun at her and make up stories as to why she's different. In this sense, the book addresses bullying and social dynamics. Finally, the narrative also exemplifies the importance of courage, as Mazie finally speaks her truth and is ultimately accepted. Every child should read this story! ]]> Review7473022908 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 11:08:21 -0700 /review/show/7473022908 Lydia gave 5 stars to Lulu in the Spotlight: A South Asian Wedding Story (Hardcover) by Natasha Khan Kazi
LULU IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A South Asian Wedding Story is written and illustrated by Natasha Khan Kazi. I love the way the narrative blends traditions during South Asian weddings, like taking the groom's shoes and holding onto them until the groom gives them a prize, and Lulu's own adventure as she tries to plot her way to success. Cultural references are woven throughout the story seamlessly and the reader can follow Lulu's thoughts and actions. The whimsical illustrations also celebrate South Asian American culture in a beautiful way. ]]> Review7454118856 Tue, 01 Apr 2025 11:45:54 -0700 /review/show/7454118856 Lydia gave 5 stars to Plight of the Pelican: How Science Saved a Species (Books for a Better Earth) by Jessica Stremer
From the same duo who brought us GREAT CARRIER REEF, author Jessica Stremer and illustrator Gordy Wright bring an equally entertaining nonfiction title. The narrative highlights struggles brown pelicans and other species of birds faced due to the commonly used pesticide DDT, something children may not think about but should. This book with spare, lyrical language shows us the importance of the connectivity of all ecosystems. Not only that, the backmatter includes more about the Endangered Species Act. Highly recommend! ]]> Review7402313400 Fri, 14 Mar 2025 06:07:18 -0700 /review/show/7402313400 Lydia gave 5 stars to Trouble Dog: From Shelter Dog to Conservation Hero (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers (SSCR)) by Carol A. Foote
Trouble Dog: From Shelter Dog to Conservation Hero highlights the importance of dog shelters and rescues and how rejected rescue dogs find purpose and forever homes.This is an important topic as many children can relate to this on many levels. Tucker the dog is labeled as a "trouble dog" because of his exuberant personality and is returned to the shelter by adoptive families. Ultimately, it's these traits that are finally recognized as valuable and Tucker becomes a hero for conservation efforts. The test is paired with moving illustrations. ]]> Review7402296452 Fri, 14 Mar 2025 05:57:35 -0700 /review/show/7402296452 Lydia gave 5 stars to A Universe of Rainbows: Multicolored Poems for a Multicolored World (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers (SSCR)) by Matt Forrest Esenwine
A UNIVERSE OF RAINBOWS is a magical blend of STEM and poetry. First off, young readers get to about beloved rainbows, some of which they may know about but others which are more mysterious like rainbows on rocks or in space. Secondly, the lyrical language is beautiful and moving, and also inspires children about the power of the written word. Bravo! I highly recommend this book. ]]> Review7374847355 Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:26:33 -0800 /review/show/7374847355 Lydia gave 5 stars to Sleepy Sea (Childhood Milestones, 2) by Bonnie Kelso
SLEEPY SEA makes a great bedtime book. It discusses all the various ways in which animals sleep. I love the narrative that follows the main protagonist but then also weaves in STEM facts. Bonnie Kelso does a fantastic job at writing and illustrating it! ]]> Review7336360542 Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:11:15 -0800 /review/show/7336360542 Lydia gave 5 stars to The Greatest River (Unknown Binding) by Namita Moolani Mehra
What a touching, beautiful story about Ganga, the holy river that runs through India. Ananda learns about its magical properties and what a bathing can symbolize. She soon experiences it herself, with renewed hope for her sick mother. Wonderfully written and illustrated. ]]> Review7327495342 Sun, 16 Feb 2025 15:52:55 -0800 /review/show/7327495342 Lydia gave 5 stars to This Book Bubbles Over: From the Ocean to Mars and Everywhere In Between (Hardcover) by Nora Nickum
This Book Bubbles Over is such a great and fun concept! Nora Nickum does a great job of describing various bubbles in different contexts, some of which will surprise readers. I love the sidebars with additional information and the way each concept is relayed in a child friendly way. Robert Meganck's illustrations pair well with the text. A fun way to learn! ]]> Review7197952855 Fri, 10 Jan 2025 06:03:29 -0800 /review/show/7197952855 Lydia gave 5 stars to Cosmic Collisions: Supergiant vs. Neutron Star (Hardcover) by Marc J. Kuchner
I love the structure of Cosmic Collisions: Supergiant vs. Neutron Star where two red supergiants face off against one another. Formatting the narrative as a contest is a great way to engage children and teach then along the way. The language is bold and the illustrations are fun. This is a great read for children! ]]>