Nancy Kenny's Reading Blog

  When Stars Are Scattered  by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed is a graphic novel that stands out for touching the heart and telling an important story. This heartfelt story takes readers on a journey through the eyes of Omar, a Somali refugee living in a Kenyan refugee camp, with his brother Hassan. Synopsis: In this graphic novel, readers are introduced to the world of Omar and his younger brother Hassan, who live in a refugee camp in Kenya after fleeing Somalia. Through stunning illustrations and deeply emotive storytelling, Jamieson and Mohamed paint a vivid picture of the struggles faced by refugees – food insecurity, the uncertainty, new customs and languages, the longing for home, and the constant search for belonging. One of the most remarkable aspects of When Stars Are Scattered is its ability to capture the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. A particularly emotional moment was when Omar shared the story of his village being raided with the m...

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance is a realistic fictional story written by Lisa Yee.  The story follows Maizy Chen, a 12 year old girl who travels with her mother to Last Chance, Minnesota to see her grandparents Oma and Opa, because Opa is sick. Synopsis: As the story begins, Maizy is less than excited about the prospect of spending the entire summer in Last Chance. Maizy spends the summer with her grandparents at their restaurant The Golden Palace.  Opa tells Maizy all about his grandfather, “Lucky”.  Lucky immigrated to San Francisco to make money to send back to his family in China.  Eventually, Lucky comes to Minnesota.  He begins working at The Golden Palace, and eventually, with hard work, becomes the owner. Although Opa was not a “paper son”, he explains the concept of paper sons to Maizy. Eager to dive into the history of the paper sons, Maizy reaches out to a researcher. Together, they attempt to learn more about these individuals.   Opa explains to Maizy...

Do you love ghost stories? History meets ghost story in How I Became a Ghost. How I Became a Ghost by Tim Tingle is the first book in a trilogy. The story is narrated by a ten year old Choctaw boy named Isaac. How I Became a Ghost takes place on The Trail of Tears, at a time when  Native Americans were forced to leave their homes in Mississippi and relocate to land now called Arkansas and Oklahoma. Tingle, a Choctaw native, captivates readers with an engaging story which depicts resiliency, identity, and interweaves the supernatural, which is a part of Choctaw culture. Synopsis: I saac lives with his family on the edge of a swamp in Mississippi.  On the first page, Isaac tells readers that he will become a ghost, and that he can see the future.  Isaac forewarns readers that knowing what the future holds may not be all that they would think it is.  For example, in one of Isaac's premonitions, he witnesses an elderly Choctaw couple engulfed in flames. Shortly there...

Dig dinosaurs?  In Digging for Bird Dinosaurs , Nic Bishop takes us on a journey in his exploration of the avian dinosaur world.  Set in Madagascar, the story details the life of a paleontologist on an expedition to find dinosaur bones.   Synopsis: Bishop brings the reader into the world of paleontology, uncovering the remarkable connections between modern birds and their ancient relatives. The cover, featuring images of dinosaur fossils and excavation tools, immediately sparks the imagination and sets the tone for an adventure into the past. The book provides a vivid and detailed account of the painstaking process of discovering and studying these fascinating creatures.  Bishop gives the reader insight into the daily existence of paleontologists at work.  He details a life that is not quite as glamorous as young dinosaur lovers may imagine.  Bishop incorporates tales from the paleontologists featured as well as details about their discoveries that m...

Jason Reynolds' Long Way Down takes readers on a haunting journey through life on urban streets and aftermath of gun violence. With its unique poetry verse-style storytelling, this story goes deep into the complexities of grief, revenge, and the cycle of violence that is plaguing urban communities. Synopsis: Set in a neighborhood ruled by street codes, retaliation,  and violence, the story follows fifteen-year-old Will as he grapples with the sudden loss of his brother Shawn, gunned down in their own neighborhood. Consumed by anger and grief, Will is determined to seek revenge, following the unspoken rules that demand retribution for his brother's death. As he steps into the elevator of his building with his brother's gun tucked into his waistband, Will embarks on a journey that forces him to confront his deepest fears and reconsider his notions of justice and loyalty.  My Takeaway:   Although this type of storytelling is new to me. Reynolds' use of verse propels the ...

  Jerry Pinkney's "The Lion and the Mouse," is a stunningly illustrated adaptation of Aesop's classic fable. The story revolves around an unexpected friendship that develops between a mighty lion and a small mouse, showcasing the powerful impact of kindness and courage. This timeless tale is not only a feast for the eyes but also a testament to the profound impact of friendship and courage. Synopsis: The story begins in the African savannah, with the imposing lion, who becomes ensnared in a hunter's net. Despite his strength, the lion finds himself vulnerable and helpless. Along comes the tiny mouse, who, purely by chance, comes across the trapped lion. Demonstrating incredible bravery, the mouse gnaws through the ropes, freeing the lion from the net. Initially skeptical, the lion is astonished by the mouse's act of courage and kindness. The fable beautifully illustrates the idea that even the mightiest beings can benefit from the help of the smallest, emphas...