The Fort that Jack Built

 

The Fort That Jack Built

by Boni Ashburn; illustrated by Brett Helquist

32 pages; ages 4 - 8

Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2013

I love the way Boni Ashburn begins her story:

This is a table.

And two comfy chairs.

A big stack of pillows that came from upstairs.

If you remember building a fort under the kitchen table, or on the couch, or between your mom’s sewing table and the bookcase… then this book is for you.

If you have never built a fort…this book is for you, too. And if you are a young-child-sitter, this book is especially for you.

Jack builds a wonderfully creative fort, improvising with all sorts of materials to defend his realm. Until people start taking the things he’s borrowed from them back. Sister wants her chair, and brother his books. Even grandma wants her quilt.

Then Jack figures out the secret of building a fort in the living room.

What I love about this book is the rhythm of the text, and the imaginative illustrations. It’s rich with detail and expressions and the sort of play that any kid anywhere can be part of. And it’s a great antidote to a battery-powered screen-filled world.

When Edgar Met Cecil

When Edgar Met Cecil
by Kevin Luthardt
32 pages; ages 4-8
Peachtree Publishers, 2013

Theme: friendship, diversity, being the new kid in school/town

Opening: "Edgar had a nice life. He loved to play ball with his best pal Quincy. On the weekends, they watched scary movies. And after school, they liked to build stuff."


Then one day Edgar's parents tell him they're moving. They go far, far away from everything Edgar has known to a strange, new town. And a strange, new school. Any kid who has moved to a new school will identify with Edgar, who observes:

"The kids looked weird. They dressed funny. They listened to bizarre music. They ate strange food." Then there's that big kid in the back, who keeps staring at Edgar. The scary kid. The one who comes up to Edgar during recess and, it turns out, is just as scared of Edgar as Edgar is of him.

Why I like this Book: This is a great book about friendship and first impressions. We've all been there: the new place - do we fit in, and those kids... they are so different from me. It's about letting go of preconceived notions and, in a subtle way, diversity. And the illustrations are so fun.

Beyond the Book: If you're moving - or just moved - to a new school/town, take time to get to know your new surroundings. Take a walk through your new neighborhood (or school) and draw a map.

Visit an ethnic restaurant you've never tried. The goal: eat something you have never tried before, like fried squid or momos or... you get the idea.

If your child feels like an "outsider", this book might open up some room to talk about ways of meeting friends. If your child is a leader of the crowd, this might be an opportunity to raise awareness of kids who want to be included in the games but are too shy to ask.

Today's review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday), an event in which bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. She keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. Review copy provided by publisher.

Summer on the Moon

Summer on the Moon

by Adrian Fogelin

256 pages; ages 9-12

Peachtree publishers. 2012

Socko and Damien are as different as two kids can be. But they go to school together, live in the same apartment, and are best buds. Now, during the summer before eighth grade, they have to figure out how to keep away from the gangs and keep each other out of trouble. After Damien stands up to the local gang leader, Socko says, “Next time I’ll have your back. I promise.”

Then his mom says they’re moving. Away from their dilapidated apartment to a real house. Somewhere safe, where people don’t end up dead on the ground. A house with a lawn, and maybe a hedge, says mom.

 But that means leaving Damien behind, without a buddy for protection.

Then there’s the new house. It’s in the Moon Ridge Estates – a fancy housing development that never quite got off the ground. Or finished. And there’s the General- Socko’s great-grandfather who will be living with them. Who, Socko decides, might let Damien move in if he can figure out how to get on the crotchety old guy’s good side.

Socko runs reconnaissance for the old man. By skateboard, he explores and maps out the territory. But who is the girl who keeps following him? And what’s with the black SUV’s? And where are the neighbors? Most of all, is Damien OK?

This is a story of friendship, family, and finding community. It doesn’t gloss over the realities of urban poverty, but doesn’t dwell on them either. Instead, there’s an underlying hope for the future.

 This is part of the Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday round-up. Check out more great reading here. Review copy from publisher.