Tag: readinglog5

Nonfiction picture book Her Right Foot, written by Dave Eggers and illustrated by Shawn Harris, is a thought-provoking look at a symbol we all recognize: the Statue of Liberty.  Eggers, however, does not focus on her face or her torch as he points out that most representations or discussions of her do, but at her right foot, which is mid-stride.  Published in 2017 by Chronicle Books, this picture book’s intended audience is children in kindergarten-3rd grade, but the information it presents–who built the statue and where, how it was constructed, what various parts of her represent–may be new to the adult readers of this story as well.  Eggers’ notice of the fact that “She is on the move!” spurred him to write this book, asking his readers in a dry, conversational tone to think about the fact that this iconic American symbol of welcome is moving. His theory, vibrantly illustrated by Harris, is that she, herself an immigrant, must continue to meet immigrants “in the sea” rather than standing still and waiting for change.  Photos of the statue, as well as a photo of “The New Colossus” sonnet at her base, accompany Eggers’ source notes and suggestions for further reading, making this book one to read to our children, to our friends, to our neighbors to spur thought and conversations around this timely topic.

Nonfiction picture book Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability by Shane Burcaw is one that answers questions that the author has encountered about his disability, a disease called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).  Published in 2017 by Roaring Brook Press, the book is formatted with Matt Carr’s colorful photographs of Burcaw and his family interspersed with graphics and speech bubbles, making it accessible not only to its intended audience of students in 1st-4th grades, but to readers of all ages.  Questions ranging from “What’s wrong with you?” to “Do people ever make fun of you?” are answered honestly and humorously by Burcaw, addressing topics just about everyone has wondered about those with disabilities and helping readers to see that Burcaw is not so different than them. He informs us that he likes foods like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and pizza, sometimes “all at once.”  He drives his chair with “a joystick, sort of like a video-game controller.” His author’s note reminds us that “we all have different strengths, weaknesses, and abilities, and that’s not just okay, it’s beautiful.” This book is a wonderful resource to share with children as we seek to educate them about not only those with disabilities, but also about what makes each of us unique and about the ways in which we are all similar.