Simon B. Rhymin' by Dwayne Reed

Simon B. Rhymin' by Dwayne Reed is a 2023 RICBA Nominee. Written by a Chicago teacher it is a story about Simon, who is small and shy. But Simon has a big heart and something to say. He loves to rhyme and wants to be a famous rapper one day, but if he can't even speak in front of his class, how will he achieve his goal?

This story will inspire students to try and make a difference in their communities. Simon has a friend who is homeless, and through interviews for a class project he learns how serious and difficult a problem homelessness is. Can he open up the hearts of his classmates and help them understand?

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson is an enlightening book.  Ari and her big brother Gage have been taken in by a woman who used to know their mother. When Gage wants to move out, Ari goes with him. Everything becomes very complicated as Gage tries to do his best for his little sister, juggling where they will stay each night. The author really lets you feel what it would be like to be a young girl who is homeless. Ari's life starts to unravel.  All the things that used to be easy become impossible tasks; eating, staying clean, getting her homework done. You will want to read this RICBA nominee to find out how it ends.

I really liked this book. Ari is a very believable character. She is in 5th grade, but still plays with her paper dolls. She's not ready to grow up, but she might have too.

Mrs. Castro

Kinda Like Brothers by Coe Booth

Kinda Like Brothers by Coe Booth was raw and gritty. Dealing with sensitive issues like mental health, foster care, homelessness and child abuse it is for the mature reader. That being said, the author weaves a realistic picture of life in the inner city of Newark, NJ. One of this year's RICBA nominees, Kinda Like Brothers tells the story of Jarrett, an 11 year old boy who lives with his mother. She is a foster mother and takes in babies who need special care. When she decides to foster 12 year old Kevon and his baby sister Treasure it is a new situation for Jarrett. He's gotten used to his mother caring for babies, but sharing his room, his school, and his friends with Kevon proves more than he can handle. Jarrett's blood is boiling and his temper is pushing him out of control.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Almost Home by Joan Bauer

Almost Home By Joan Bauer is a book about a dog that is unwanted and homeless. A girl, Sugar, is wandering around with her mother, Reba. Sugar gets handed a puppy from a man running across town. He said that he did not want the dog so he gave it to Sugar. Sugar's father, Mr. Leeland, left her and her mother to be homeless. Mr. Leeland was a money gambler and left Reba to pay off his debts. Soon after, they are kicked out of their home. Sugar and her puppy, Shush, go into a foster home while Reba is out looking for something better for them. 

My connections to this book are that I also have a puppy. When I was very little, I also had a dad that left me. If you read this book you might get sad in the beginning, although it gets way happier. Read this, you won’t regret it!

     Reviewed by: Amaya 

“Home isn`t always a place you picture in your mind, home is a place in your heart.”  That’s what Sugar Mae Cole said after all she had been through, from her father leaving to her being homeless. In the story Almost Home by Joan Bauer, Mr.Leeland, Sugar`s father had been a money gambler and left Sugar and her mother, Reba alone to pay his debts. Soon enough they are kicked out of their home and become newly homeless. Sugar and her puppy Shush, go to a foster home while Reba attempts to make the situation better. Will Sugar and Reba find their home or has it been here all along? This story may be sad, but I really enjoyed the book. Not only does it tell a story, but it also encourages people to help the homeless. Think about it, then run, do not walk to your nearest library and take out this book today. You won`t regret it!

Reviewed by MICHYMEOWMEOW101

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

This awesome book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, is a non-stop adventure of a boy named Hugo who lives in the walls of a train station. This is an exciting and thrilling story about how a little boy has to live alone with no family.  His father died from a fire and when the uncle took Hugo in, the uncle disappeared. So Hugo now lives alone and fixes clocks to stay hidden. But Hugo needs to fix an automaton (robot) because he thinks the automaton will write him a message that comes from his father. This story involves a little girl and an old grumpy man that will lead to the secrets of this mysterious automaton.

Reviewed by Alligator123

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick is very good.  It is about a boy named Hugo who lives in the 1930’s as an orphan. In the beginning of the book it becomes very interesting because Hugo goes through a lot of bad stuff.  One thing is that his dad dies in a fire so he lives with his uncle and his uncle goes out one day and never returns. If you like sad and interesting books, I would recommend this book.

Reviewed by Biker420

The Invention of Hugo Cabret  is not only a good book, but it’s a fast easy read!  This book has pictures which make the book different than all the other books.  It also makes this book unique.  Don’t worry, this book has lots of pages with words too.  The Invention Of Hugo Cabret has a mystery with a twist! Also unexpected things happen.  Hugo always loved to work on clocks with his father but then something happens to their relationship.  Hugo learns how to provide for himself.  This is a realistic fiction book and it is fantastic!  I looked up the movies that Papa George made and they are real! 

Reviewed by benji1299

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool is the Newbery award book of 2011 about a young girl named Abilene who lived in Kansas during the great Depression.  But the book is less about the Depression or history, and more about a young girl who is living in a strange place, without the comforting presence of her father.  Abilene misses her dad and looks for signs of him in the town where he grew up.  The story line jumps back and forth between Abilene's experiences meeting new friends and her search for a mysterious ghost-like character called the "Rattler", and the story of the people who lived during the town's past when her father was just a boy.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

I know that some of my fourth graders are currently learning about immigration.  Well, here's a book that will bring you from the beautiful countryside of Mexico, to the hard reality of the migrant worker's life here in the United States.  Esperanza is forced to leave the land she loves and has to learn to be brave and strong through all the hard times ahead.  Follow along with her in her travels, you won't regret it!

I've included a link to the author's website, if you want to check out more books by Ms. Ryan.  Just click on the title of the book above.