Counting Down 2021

Whether you are a subscribing reader or found this blog by accident, you may have noted a long and unexplained pause in recent weeks.This was due to a parfait of pressing obligations that   had nothing to do with the holidays: more stress than celebration. These matters will continue to reduce my time for coming weeks, but I miss writing about picture books that have lifted and enlightened me during 2021. I will post thoughts about some outstanding offerings in the next few days in hopes of revving up my reading/reviewing motor to resume a full schedule in the new year. Don't imagine that combining reviews in one post means they have less than my enthusiastic support. I'm just trying to make up for lost time! Enjoy.

Here's a mixed offering of nonfiction picture books that achieve that glorious sweetspot of entertaining, informing, and connecting emotionally with readers of many ages, including the adults who might do the read aloud to a lap audience or to a classroom of kids.

This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth by Sean Rubin is a book already celebrated with review stars and awards whispers, but I can't resist adding my voice to the litany of praise.

This artfully told and illustrated story of a 9/11 survivor tree is only slightly fictionalized, with notes following to point out those details correctly. This is the true account of a tree that basked in the shadows of the twin towers, was then buried under many feet of rubble, and was given a chance to resume whatever form of life it might claim. Relocated to a protective, calm setting, nourished with attention and patience, it was eventually restored to a space in the Twin-Towers Memorial Plaza. 

 

With a subtle dollop of personification and emotional interpretation, this title suits children of any age and that includes adults. Expect this book to garner awards and praise in its release period, and then to retain fans and affection for generations to come. This is an ideal introduction to more expanded understanding of the events surrounding 9/11 for older readers, but it also sets the groundwork for coping with setbacks, struggles, and even disasters in very young audiences. Hope is honored.

Next up, another story from history with HOPE, Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued by Peter Sis. The long view of an amazing Holocaust rescue effort, from present time, is breathtaking and inspiring. But this picture book takes young readers right back to the start of Nicky's story. He grew up in schools and with a family that encouraged curiosity, exploration, and travel. As a young man from England, Nicky toured many European countries and learned about cultures and history along the way, becoming fluent in many languages and becoming an Olympic fencer. In 1938 Nicky was invited to Prague, Czechoslovakia, in the heart of Europe where German Nazi forces were intent on conquering the world and establishing White/Aryan Supremacy. That growing threat would attempt to eliminate every Jewish person in the process and the forces in power followed through on their orchestrated effort that destroyed uncounted lives. 

 

That same year, Vera (from the title) was just ten years old, living a contented life in a village near Prague. When Nicky noted the advance of German troops, the malicious threats and assaults on innocent people, he returned to England to hatch a plan that might assist young people in escaping the assault. At that time, children under seventeen could receive visas to live their country. Before departing, he launched his own mission, to collect photos, names, and passports for as many children as possible, taking those details with him to England. 

At first, he worked alone and then found others to support his work, advertising for sponsoring families and safe homes, leading to trainloads of refugees on the KINDERTRANSPORT, 1938-1940. Thousands eventually escaped and survived, but Nicky is personally credited with 669 children saved. Vera was among them.

It is important to acknowledge the bravery of Vera and her family and all of those others who left or were left behind. They had to separate from the ones they loved the most, knowing they might never see each other again, knowing that a choice was made from desperation and love, knowing that being courageous in departure would ease the pain of their loved ones.

When the iron grip of German forces ended the efforts, Nicky returned to England and spent his very long life doing good, quietly, but not sharing his story with others. He believed that doing good is a choice, an action, not a ticket to fame. By pairing and paralleling the lives of 

Nicky and Vera, with informative but childlike illustrations, side text, and back matter, the lives of a young man and a child feel immediate and present in our lives.

 

And finally, for today, take a look at The Highest Tribute: Thurgood Marshall’s Life, Leadership, and Legacy, written by Kekla Magoon and illustrated by Laura Freeman.

 

Thurgood Marshall has become a (well-deserved) respected name in American history, with ground-breaking leadership and accomplishments in civil rights, the Supreme Court, and social justice. Despite that, this is now an individual or a period in history that merits additional  attention in this offering. This comprehensively written book, with sourced quotations, timeline, and valuable back matter will go a long way in bringing Marshall's life story to young readers. The reality of his early years of injustice became the fuel that fired his career, with events and accomplishments portrayed effectively, making the adult aspects of his life all the more vibrant and admirable.

 

This return to commenting on picture books I love and recommend features a wide span of history, global and arboreal figures, and actions ranging from private to local to national to international. The common threads here are HOPE and resilience, with a belief in better tomorrows. 

 

I'll second that!