The Trail by Meika Hashimoto

The Trail by Meika Hashimoto is another RICBA Nominee for 2019. It is about a boy named Toby who is attempting to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail.... alone. He has run away from his grandmother and he knows she will be worried about him. He's frightened a lot of the time. There are bears in the woods and he feels bad luck seems to follow him wherever he goes. But, he is one determined boy. Can he succeed in accomplishing the goal he set with his best friend Lucas? Lucas, who should be hiking right along with him, but is not.

I love hiking and have traveled most of the trails in Rhode Island, so this book appealed to me. I like how Toby faces his fears when he is feeling completely overwhelmed, always trying to remember the rules of survival he learned from Lucas's father. I also enjoyed the characters Toby meets along the way, the other hikers, and a very hungry dog who needs a friend just as much as Toby does.

Review by Mrs. Castro

Sidetracked by Diana Harmon Asher

Sidetracked by Diana Harmon Asher is a Rhode Island Children's Book Award Nominee for 2019.  Joseph, is a student who has difficulty paying attention in school. He is in 7th grade and has trouble making friends because he is different. His resource teacher Mrs. T. encourages him to sign up for the track team. A new girl in school, Heather joins the team too. Together they face the rigors of preparing for a competitive sport and the bullies that seem to dominate in all schools.

Oh wow! I loved this book. The characters are so likable, and well developed by the author that you will feel you know Joseph and Heather. Joseph has Attention Deficit Disorder and Asher seems to know just what it is like to be easily distracted. Full of humor and heart, this is an excellent read aloud for the start of school. This book encourages empathy, a respect for differences, and an understanding of what it is like to struggle to succeed. A great "do your best" lesson.

Review by Mrs. Castro