January's Sparrow by Patricia Polacco. Philomel Books, 2009, 95 pages.

Patricia Polacco doing what she does best--a fabulous new picture book for older readers--the narrative drawn from real life--in this case, the memoirs of the Michigan based Crosswhite family. A master storyteller, Polacco tells the story of the Crosswhite family's escape from slavery in Kentucky to Michigan on the underground railroad--narrated by January, it is told from young Sadie's point of view. I'm a huge Polacco fan--(can you tell?) and January's Sparrow is Polacco at her best; a warm, personal story of individuals and families dealing with issues of universal importance, full of humor and symbolism, truth and hope. The illustrations are classic Polacco-warm pencil sketches with an emphasis on people, she uses color to great effect. Even the unusual square shape of the book itself enhances the story. the publisher offers a curriculum guide as well. I have already promised it to a 5th grade teacher who cannot wait to get it for her class. Another winner from Polacco--5 of 5--no question.

Opuestos: Mexican Folk Art Opposites in English and Spanish by Cynthia Weill. Cinco Puntos, 2009. 34 pages.

Bilingual spanish/english concept book-- beautifully done. Whimsical Oaxacan folk art animal figurines --striking in both color and simplicity-- convey the concept of opposites-- big/tall, large/small, together/apart, etc. Weill has a great eye, not just for art, but for color, and her vibrant color wash backgrounds for the concept figures add punch without adding clutter. Beautifully detailed endpages and borders continue the Mexican folk art motif. Opuestos can also be used for colors, animals, and auditory awareness--an added plus I always look for in concept books. Another winner from Cinco Puntos-- I loved this book. 5 out of 5.

The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook Eleanor Davis Bloomsbury USA Children's Books (2009), Paperback, 160 pages

A great graphic for kids-- a great story of 3 friends who are secret science freaks -- a nerd who is desperate to fit in, a jock who feels dumb and a wild child who even the teachers fear. i liked the plot, i enjoyed the story, i loved the diverse characters and the good messages that tweenish kids are always interested in--identity (will i fit in) and confidence (am i stupid...no, you just don't take tests well). I also loved the graphics-- bright and page full of things to look at. (I actually liked the "fussy" graphics-- some frames are really crammed full of stuff. i think it was intentional) I am handing it over to a 5th grader to get a kids reaction. I'll let you know.