The Witch Doesn’t Burn in this One by Amanda Lovelace

The Witch Doesn’t Burn in this One is a follow-up to Lovelace’s previous poetry collection titled The Princess Saves Herself in this One. These are poems full of vim and vinegar, full of fury and rage. There are poems that rail against how women are treated in general, how men attempt to keep women down, eroding confidence, about how women are seen as ‘not good enough’. These poems, they promote women’s confidence as well. They lift women up, pushing against stereotypes. There were a few of the poems that left me uncomfortable. Ones that dealt with murder of oppressors. Still, this is an important collection that everyone would benefit from reading.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

 

Ramadan by Ausma Zehanat Khan

Ramadan, by Ausma Zehanat Khan, is part of the Orca Origins series for middle readers. As the title suggests, this book looks at the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Chapter One is titled ‘What is Ramadan’, but may better be titled ‘Introduction to Islam’, as it serves as a brief overview of the religion and it’s followers. Chapter Two looks at the specifics of the holy month, while Chapter Three focuses on the spirit behind Ramadan. Chapter Four looks at Ramadan traditions from around the world. The beginning opens with a sweet tale of the author’s first Ramadan fast, at age 9. Unprepared for the full reality of a day long fast, she snuck two glasses of water eight hours in.

This book introduces young readers to the proper practise of Islam, as a religion of peace and compassion, just like its counterparts of Judaism, and Christianity. It gives children a different view than what news, or paranoid family might present. Threaded throughout the chapters are little boxes where the author asked kids and teens what Ramadan meant to them. These were so heart-warming. I’m a big proponent of studying and accepting other cultures, and foster this respect in my cubs. This book certainly prompted questions, and made them eager to learn more. Recipes are included, and we plan on trying them out!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Orca Book Publishers for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

 

No One Else Like You by Siska Goeminne & Merel Eyckerman

 

No One Else Like You by Siska Goeminne teaches young children to value difference. We are each unique, different from one another. The difference may be subtle, like freckles, or a lack, or it may be as huge as missing a limb. We may be tall or short, rich or poor, live in a city, or out in nature. We may have a laid-back personality, or be busy bees. We may be fearful or fearless, sociable or solitary. Difference should be embraced, not feared.

The pictures are adorable! My cubs and I read this together, and loved it. They had lots of questions after. Clearly the reading prompted them to ponder over things! I love the lessons presented, and that they were presented with no judgement.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and FlyAway Books for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

 

The Best Damn Answers to Life’s Hardest Questions by Tess Koman

The Best Damn Answers to Life’s Hardest Questions by Tess Koman is a quirky little gift book. There are flow charts and lists for all of life’s ups and downs, such as:

*do I really need to wear a bra?

*do I need more coffee?

*should I engage in social media.

This book seems to be geared towards millennial women. Some of the humour I found amusing, some I found kinda crass. It seemed full of stereotypes, which I found irksome. I rather think I am not the target audience, especially since my millennial age sister found it hilarious.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Workman Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.