Shelley Tougas

There are plenty of books for kids out there explaining divorce, separation and going between parents' houses on weekends but exploring when a parent gets a new partner is a first. Tougas handles it adroitly, acknowledging a child's conflicting feelings but showing one can act civilly even if you're not quite accepting of the new person. Mommy's new friend is referred to as "That Guy" throughout, eventually revealed as Carl as the little girl discovers Carl's good points and comes to see that family can expand to a new form. Well done!… (mais)

A solid NF choice about the battle over integrating Little Rock's schools, told with lots of photos and some broader context. Would pair well with [b:Lions of Little Rock|11699349|The Lions of Little Rock|Kristin Levine|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327935870s/11699349.jpg|16646457].

There are few interesting pieces of follow-up information in this book I'm gonna share:

#1. Apparently, the snarling racist white girl and the stoic, just-trying-to-learn-over-here black girl eventually became friends. The friendship doesn't seem to have lasted, but it's pretty crazy that they were posing for chummy photos as adults.

#2. The governor of Arkansas that fought so hard to keep the schools segregated later supported Jesse Jackson in his bid for the Democratic presidential ticket.

Moral: People can change? Or people try to make up for being on the wrong side of history?… (mais)

A parent’s love of the classic pioneer author presented in a cute and funny way regarding a spirit of Ingalls

Deals with the change of moving. Kids will be able to resonate with the main character if they have gone through a similar experience.

Moving to a new town and trying to find things to do isn’t always easy and an older child who may also go be going through a move will be able to get through it together with the character

Also shows that making new friends isn’t always easy as the main character struggles when doing so. Another issue that children will be able to relate to

Best for older kids who don’t necessarily have gotten into the actual Laura Ingall Wilder books. Even if kids haven’t read them, they can and should look into this book.… (mais)