Digital Commons @ ACU (Abilene Christian University)

O\u27Quin, Ashley

Lorgnette v.37 no.2 
Book Review:  SNOWGLOBE 
 
 
 
 
 
Author 
Park, Soyoung 
Translated from the Korean by 
Joungmin Lee Comfort  
 
Illustrator 
 
 
Reviewer 
Ashley O'Quin 
 
 
Pages 
372p 
 
Price 
$20.99 
 
ISBN  
978-0-593-48497-5 
 
Publisher & Date 
Delacorte, 2024 
 
 
Classification 
Fiction 
 
Grade Level 
4-6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book Review:  
SNOWGLOBE 
It has been said that everyone on earth has multiple people that look like 
them.  For Jeon Chobahm, her look-alike is the famous Goh Haeri, the star of 
a reality TV show.  Chobahm dreams of becoming a producer one day and 
escaping the frozen wasteland where her family is forced to live along with 
all the rest of the population.  All the stars and producers live inside the 
climate-controlled Snow Globe.  The people of the wasteland provide power 
for the Snow Globe through human exercise wheels.  When Chobahm is 
given a chance to change her fate forever and become one of the stars inside 
the globe, will she survive and right the wrongs against those living inside 
and outside of the globe? 
 
 
 


English

Snowglobe

Carruth, Leah D.

Lorgnette v.37 no.2 
Book Review:  ROCK IN MY THROAT, THE 
 
 
 
 
 
Author 
Yang, Kao Kalia 
  
 
Illustrator 
Illustrated by Jiemei Lin 
 
Reviewer 
Leah Carruth 
 
 
Pages 
Unpaged 
 
Price 
$18.99 
 
ISBN  
978-1-7284-4568-7 
 
Publisher & Date 
Carolrhoda Books, 2024 
 
 
Classification 
Nonfiction (973 or biography) 
 
Grade Level 
K-6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
** 
Book Review:  
ROCK IN MY THROAT, 
THE 
Do you know what it feels like to struggle to come up with the right word for 
an object when others are waiting on you?  It is not a good feeling, especially 
when others become impatient or don’t understand your efforts.  This story 
of Kao Kalia is powerful and will impact every reader.  Kao came to America 
during her younger years, and due to her experience with English-speaking 
people, she becomes a selective mute in English during first grade.  This 
leads to a lonely life in elementary school, and she uses recess to engage 
with a leaf, a feather, and even a small pebble.  Kao has a rock in her throat 
when it comes to speaking English because she senses the impatience of the 
world at allowing time for people to find the words they need.  For example, 
her mom needs a lightbulb but does not know the word and finally asks for 
the things that make the world shiny.  The salesperson does not appreciate 
that. 
The book is beautifully illustrated to show the power of words and the 
intimidation experienced by those who struggle with language.  The 
salesperson is depicted as a very large character, but Kao and her mom are 
smaller because this is how the author felt during this event.  The kids in her 
class, along with the substitute teacher, are made to look larger as they stare 
at her, waiting for a response to the attendance question.  There is a 
recurring image of leaves on many of the pages because that is a reference 
to Thailand, where Kao came from.  At the end of the book, the author 
shares more of her story and lets the reader know she did become friends 
with the girl at the end of the story.  The correct pronunciation and 
 
Lorgnette v.37 no.2 
Book Review:  ROCK IN MY THROAT, THE 
translation of a few terms are also provided in the book. 
 
 
 


The Rock in My Throat

Martinez, Shan

Lorgnette v.37 no.3 
Book Review:  MIND OF HER OWN: THE STORY OF MYSTERY WRITER AGATHA CHRISTIE, A 
 
 
 
 
 
Author 
McGrath, Robyn 
  
 
Illustrator 
Illustrated by Liz Wong 
 
Reviewer 
Shan Martinez 
 
 
Pages 
Unpaged 
 
Price 
$18.99 
 
ISBN  
978-1-6659-1793-3 
 
Publisher & Date 
Beach Lane Books, 2024 
 
 
Classification 
Nonfiction (823 or biography) 
 
Grade Level 
3-6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
** 
Book Review:  
MIND OF HER OWN: 
THE STORY OF 
MYSTERY WRITER 
AGATHA CHRISTIE, A 
Agatha Christie was a well-known mystery writer of the 20th century.  Young 
readers of today will receive an engaging introduction to her early life in this 
very accessible biography.  As a young child, Agatha enjoyed hearing and 
creating stories.  She developed a wonderful imagination, and she loved 
puzzles.  Since her siblings were quite a bit older, she spent a lot of time 
alone entertaining herself.  Her parents often said, “Agatha, always in her 
head.”  The author points out many experiences in her life that shaped her 
into a writer.  She loved drama, but she suffered from stage fright.  Her love 
for drama was channeled into her writing.  She struggled with learning to 
write fluently, but she kept working at it.  This book would be a great 
introduction to a writing lesson because it outlines her process of developing 
a story.  Who?  What?  Where?  When? Why?  How?  The author also writes 
about how she listened to people in her environment and used bits and 
pieces to create her characters.  The illustrations are beautiful and 
thoughtfully presented.  Older elementary readers will enjoy this book.  Well 
done! 
 
 
 


A Mind of Her Own: The Story of Mystery Writer Agatha Christie

Bustos, Charlene D

Lorgnette v.37 no.3 
Book Review:  BRIDGES INSTEAD OF WALLS: THE STORY OF MAVIS STAPLES 
 
 
 
 
 
Author 
Staples, Mavis and Carole 
Boston Weatherford 
  
 
Illustrator 
Illustrated by Steffi Walthall 
 
Reviewer 
Charlene Bustos 
 
 
Pages 
Unpaged 
 
Price 
$19.99 
 
ISBN  
978-0-593-62469-2 
 
Publisher & Date 
Rocky Pond Books, 2024 
 
 
Classification 
Nonfiction (782.42164092 or 
biography) 
 
Grade Level 
3-5 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book Review:  
BRIDGES INSTEAD OF 
WALLS: THE STORY OF 
MAVIS STAPLES 
This colorful and meaningful narrative is not only about the life of Mavis 
Staples but also a history of her incredibly musical family--the Staple Singers.  
Each page has a detailed, factual narrative with illustrations that support the 
story.  Starting with her birth in Chicago in 1939, this book tells of her early 
exposure to gospel and blues music.  She began singing as early as seven 
years old at church.  She has been active in civil rights as well as blues, 
gospel, and rock and roll music.  She still performs today and has won many 
acclaimed awards. 
The colorful, double-page spreads depict digitally created, realistic 
illustrations that are supportive of the narrative.  They are filled with music 
symbols, images of real people across the decades (such as “Pops” Staples; 
Martin L. King, Jr.; and Barack Obama), vehicles appropriate for the eras, and 
the Staple Singers from the early beginnings when Mavis and her siblings 
were just youngsters up to the present times.  Added back pages include 
“Recommended Listening,” “Recommended Viewing,” and a timeline of 
Marvis Staples’s life.  Lovers of music and history will certainly delight in this 
book!  This is a creative, meaningful way to engage our youngest students 
(grades 3-5) about historic citizen musicians/singers. 
 
 
 


Bridges Instead of Walls: The Story of Mavis Staples

Lorgnette v.37 no.3 
Book Review:  HOW TO TANTRUM LIKE A CHAMPION: TEN SMALL WAYS TO TEMPER BIG FEELINGS 
 
 
 
 
 
Author 
Wolf, Allan 
  
 
Illustrator 
Illustrated by Keisha Morris 
 
Reviewer 
Leah Carruth 
 
 
Pages 
Unpaged 
 
Price 
$18.99 
 
ISBN  
978-1-5362-2347-7 
 
Publisher & Date 
Candlewick, 2024 
 
 
Classification 
Fiction 
 
Grade Level 
PreK-2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
** 
Book Review:  
HOW TO TANTRUM 
LIKE A CHAMPION: 
TEN SMALL WAYS TO 
TEMPER BIG FEELINGS 
What do you do when you have those big feelings that climb up to the 
surface and want to come out?  Sometimes we want to scream, shout, throw 
ourselves around, or act out in a multitude of other ways to show our 
feelings.  Since that is not an appropriate way to show feelings in public and 
towards others, this book offers guidance on how to handle big feelings 
when they get overwhelming.  No matter how big the feelings and why they 
are happening, you should take a pause to count to ten before throwing a 
tantrum.  Other suggestions are to do a silly dance, fly on tiny whisper wings 
like a mosquito, wrap up in a blanket like a burrito, or play a game of 
tic-tac-toe all alone.  With these suggestions and many more, this book will 
help readers refrain from throwing temper tantrums because they have at 
least ten strategies to use to help them calm down. 
The tissue paper collage/digital illustrations help readers see exactly what is 
going on with the temper tantrum before it happens and how to calm down.  
Each page has a different layout that fits what is needed for the part of the 
story.  For example, the tantrum may start because you did not get your way, 
and the artwork depicts a brother telling his sister to leave his room.  The 
facing page has other examples of wanting a snack, playing with a toy, and 
stay and play--all things where you may not get your way.  The illustrations 
are relatable for all young readers because of the range of emotions and 
scenarios presented within the text.  This book offers a wonderful learning 
experience for all readers.  
 
 
 


How to Tantrum Like a Champion

Stasney, Lea Ann

Lorgnette v.37 no.3 
Book Review:  IN AND OUT THE WINDOW 
 
 
 
 
 
Author 
Yolen, Jane 
  
 
Illustrator 
Illustrated by Cathrin 
Peterslund 
 
Reviewer 
Lea Ann Stasney 
 
 
Pages 
197p 
 
Price 
$18.99 
 
ISBN  
978-0-593-62251-3 
 
Publisher & Date 
Philomel, 2024 
 
 
Classification 
Fiction 
 
Grade Level 
3-7 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
** 
Book Review:  
IN AND OUT THE 
WINDOW 
Jane Yolen has been off my reading radar for quite some time, but this book 
of poetry was a happy reminder of her talents. 
The back cover invites poets of all ages to “Look in and out the window to 
discover something new.”  This invitation sets the readers, the listeners, and 
the writers to discover their way to express views of the life that surrounds 
them.  It also sets the tone for the layout of the book.  There are six sections 
with an introductory poem for each section.  Each section is divided into “In 
and Out.” 
The reading and writing of poetry can seem daunting, but Yolen’s writing 
style and topics are user-friendly.  Yolen’s poetry makes this book one that is 
highly recommended and easily used in all content areas of the classroom. 
 
 
 


In and Out the Window

Lorgnette v.37 no.3 
Book Review:  NATURE SPY GUIDE 
 
 
 
 
 
Author 
Rotner, Shelley 
  
 
Illustrator 
Photographs by the author 
 
Reviewer 
Shan Martinez 
 
 
Pages 
Unpaged 
 
Price 
$29.32 
 
ISBN  
979-8-7656-1015-2 
 
Publisher & Date 
Millbrook, 2024 
 
 
Classification 
Nonfiction (508) 
 
Grade Level 
K-2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book Review:  
NATURE SPY GUIDE 
The purpose of this book is to help young children engage with nature by 
using their senses.  The idea of being a “nature spy” encourages the child to 
be inquisitive.  Asking questions, looking up and down and around and 
under, and listening and smelling are all ways to learn and understand the 
environment.  This book is illustrated with beautiful photographs of plants, 
animals, and children observing them.  The large font and simple narrative 
are great for young readers. 
 
 
 


Nature Spy Guide

Ross, Ryanne K

Lorgnette v.37 no.3 
Book Review:  PASTA PASTA LOTSA PASTA 
 
 
 
 
 
Author 
Lucido, Aimee 
  
 
Illustrator 
Illustrated by Mavisu Demirag 
 
Reviewer 
Ryanne Ross 
 
 
Pages 
Unpaged 
 
Price 
$18.99 
 
ISBN  
978-1-5344-7363-8 
 
Publisher & Date 
Beach Lane Books, 2024 
 
 
Classification 
Fiction 
 
Grade Level 
1-4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
** 
Book Review:  
PASTA PASTA LOTSA 
PASTA 
What a fun way to learn the names and shapes of different types of pasta!  
PASTA PASTA LOTSA PASTA is a visual feast and a fine rhyming time with a 
surprise twist at the end.  Along with varieties of pasta, young readers learn 
and practice the titles for different family members, including but not limited 
to Nonna and Nonno for grandma and grandpa.  PASTA PASTA LOTSA PASTA 
replicates the cheerful chaos and clutter of an Italian kitchen brimming with 
pasta and famiglia (family). 
This rhythmic read has oversized pictures that will captivate even the most 
critical eye.  This book celebrates Italian food culture.  However, young 
readers may need help at first with the meaning of the names of family 
members or the correct pronunciation of the pasta types if they are 
unfamiliar.  This book would be a treat to add to any public or personal 
library for children. 
 
 
 


Pasta Pasta Lotsa Pasta

Lorgnette v.37 no.3 
Book Review:  BLUE PICKUP, THE 
 
 
 
 
 
Author 
Tripplett, Natasha 
  
 
Illustrator 
Illustrated by Monica Mikai 
 
Reviewer 
Leah Carruth 
 
 
Pages 
Unpaged 
 
Price 
$19.99 
 
ISBN  
978-0-06-315987-7 
 
Publisher & Date 
Harper, 2024 
 
 
Classification 
Fiction 
 
Grade Level 
PreK-3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
** 
Book Review:  
BLUE PICKUP, THE 
Grandchildren and grandparents can have powerful connections.  Do you 
have fond memories of times with your grandparents?  Ju-Girl has a special 
connection to her Granddad through his work with automobiles.  She works 
with him to change the oil and replace batteries, and she loves to arrange 
the socket wrench set as she tries each one on her fingers.  Granddad has a 
blue truck, and he talks to Ju-Girl about all his adventures in the truck.  Now 
it sits there not running, and she wonders why they do not work on his blue 
truck.  Finally Granddad agrees.  Ju-Girl checks the oil, and they are off 
driving on the windy roads.  Granddad shows her the places where those in 
his stories lived and made their way into town.  She has her own socket 
wrench set engraved with their favorite drink they share, Ting. 
This is a beautiful story capturing the relationship between a granddad and 
his granddaughter, connected through their love of cars.  The illustrations are 
full-page spreads of bold colors.  The story serves as a reminder that girls can 
work on cars and of how deep culture is and affects what we do.  Readers 
discover a unique connection that the characters in this book have with each 
other as the story is told through the eyes of Grandad and Ju-Girl and the 
 
Lorgnette v.37 no.3 
Book Review:  BLUE PICKUP, THE 
blue truck. 
  
 
 
 


The Blue Pickup

Lorgnette v.37 no.3 
Book Review:  WE ARE THE BUILDERS! 
 
 
 
 
 
Author 
Iyer, Deepa 
  
 
Illustrator 
Illustrated by Romina Galotta 
 
Reviewer 
Charlene Bustos 
 
 
Pages 
Unpaged 
 
Price 
$18.99 
 
ISBN  
978-1-6659-3243-1 
 
Publisher & Date 
Simon & Schuster, 2024 
 
 
Classification 
Fiction 
 
Grade Level 
1-3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book Review:  
WE ARE THE 
BUILDERS! 
Author Deepa Iyer reaches out to children about their community and how 
to be involved in various ways.  Each two-page spread discusses a different 
group—from builders repairing furniture to storytellers archiving community 
histories to frontline responders organizing resources in times of disaster and 
need.  Other related community helpers include the experimenters (striving 
to solve hard problems), the disrupters (those raising their voices to support 
others), weavers, healers, and visionaries.  Everyone can fit in somewhere in 
the community to support and encourage.  Written in simple rhyming 
verse—such as “We renew, restore, and relieve; tend to those who cry and 
grieve” —Iyer provides clear verbs to stress how children can participate.  
Each double-page ends with a question, such as “Who wants to join the 
healers?” to ask children to ponder the role they would like to play.  
Illustrations are realistic, showing a variety of children on each page who 
participate in each of the community roles.  Colorful and detailed, the 
illustrations aid in the reader’s comprehension.  A quality book for character 
education and citizenship! 
 
 
 


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