Taryn recommends "A is for Ambitious"

A is for Ambitious isn’t your ordinary alphabet book. The illustrations and rhyming words help to reclaim words that are oftentimes used to put down girls and women of all ages. The book starts off with a diverse group of girls playing, but in the corner of the page are speech bubbles with words that you can’t quite make out yet. As you turn the next few pages the speech bubbles start to dominate the pages while the girls begin to look sad and upset. Instead of staying upset, our unnamed cast of friends start to take these words that usually have a negative meaning for girls and women and begin to reclaim them in a positive way. The book includes words such as: “A is for ambitious! I have big ideas, hopes, and wishes.”, “W, well, that’s for wild. I am free—my imagination is unbridled.”, and “E is for emotional. My feelings are valid, my heart is full.”

I love this book for so many different reasons. I love the concept the creators went for by taking words that are often used to put down women and girls (usually starting from a young age) and using them to empower young girls. This shows young girls that these words shouldn’t feel like put downs, but should instead be taken as compliments. The illustrations that are used show the girls doing activities that highlight what the text is saying and not only is it powerful, but they are gorgeous. I think that everyone would benefit from this book because while we need to teach children that these words are empowering for girls as well as boys, but adults will benefit from the reminder. I would recommend this to those with young children, especially young girls, in their lives.  

Ann recommends "Kid Paleontologist: Explore the Remarkable Dinosaurs, Fossils Finds, and Discoveries of the Prehistoric Era"

         

If you’re a dinosaur lover, you will love this book. Young readers will enjoy the beautiful full-page color illustrations of all kinds of dinosaurs. Each illustration has a caption listing a few basic facts about the dinosaur, and a brief but informative paragraph for those wanting to know more about them.

For older dinosaur enthusiasts to enjoy, there is a colorful chart showing how dinosaurs are classified, an illustrated prehistoric timeline, and a brief section that introduces readers to what paleontology is all about. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who can’t get enough about dinosaurs.

Children, all ages

 

Martin recommends "If You Would Have Told Me: A Memoir"

The three-time Emmy nominee, producer and musician John Stamos reflects on his long career (starting out on the day-time soap opera General Hospital, then moving on to long prime-time runs on Full House and ER as well as successful theater runs on Broadway and occasional gigs with the Beach Boys) and how he beat the odds to become one of today's most successful and beloved actors.

John tells his story in a very approachable manner. You cannot help but find him charming, friendly and so very funny.  He pulls no punches as he talks about marriage, divorce, his own major missteps and the loss of some very dear friends he made along the way.  Added recommendation: listen to the audio version of If You Would Have Told Me as John’s warmth and heart shines through even more when he is reading his own words.

 

Adult / Biography

 

Justine recommends "Sunshine: A Graphic Novel" by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Sunshine by Jarrett Krosoczka is the author's second graphic memoir.  His first, known as Hey Kiddo, was about his childhood.  Krosoczka was raised by his grandparents since his mother was a heroin addict and his father wasn't in the picture.  Sunshine, on the other hand, is about his time in high school working at an overnight summer camp for children with cancer.  However, you don't have to read Hey Kiddo to read Sunshine.  Sunshine is a self-contained story that focuses primarily on the camp and Jarrett's relationship to the kids.  

Although this novel is being marketed towards high schoolers, I feel it's a great adult pick as well.  It's a tearjerker that deals with some serious topics.  Additionally, Krosoczka does a great job humanizing the children he worked with, letting readers look past their diagnoses to the people under them.