Children’s Book Reviews by Andrea Dochney of The Oakland Public Library
The Exceptionally, Extraordinarily, Ordinary First Day of School
By: Albert Lorenz
Perfect for any student with a wild, fun imagination, this book recounts a child’s former school to his current school librarian. With time machines, castles and worm lunches, the former school may not be all the child describes. Lots of text and pictures describe each scene and truly capture the growing excitement and tale of an extraordinary school.
A Pirate’s Guide to First Grade
By: James Preller
Any little buccaneer getting ready for school will love this story of high adventure in the classroom. Follow along as a young boy and his imaginary pirate friends venture into first grade. The wild crew embarks on a quest to explore the treasures of the school library. The light tones of the imaginary pirates mixed with the detailed real world images create an amusing and entertaining look at pirates in first grade.
Busing Brewster
By: Richard Michelson
Michelson tells his own true experience of court ordered public school busing in Boston during the 1970s. A subject for older students, the book details the struggle and reactions to the African-American students bused into the predominantly white school district. The book displays anger and violence but its genuine message is hope and integration. The illustrations are muted but powerfully convey this story.
Ready for Kindergarten, Stinky Face?
By: Lisa McCourt
A great way to ease any pre-school jitters is to joke about what could happen. This book does exactly that, as the main character asks his mama what kindergarten will be like. As the child’s questions get sillier and sillier, mama knows the right things to say to ease his mind. The pre-reader had interesting, colorful pictures to depict each wacky scene.