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My Fourth of July

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My Fourth of July by Jerry Spinelli, illustrated by Larry Day
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Kids

Wherever this place is I want to go live there too, because what could be better than spending a whole day celebrating with all the folks in your town? From the moment the boy wakes he’s celebrating, joining in a kids parade, helping his parents prepare a delicious picnic and walking to the park early to get a table.   At the park there are races, games, face painting, visits to the town zoo, concerts, and food, food, FOOD! But the best part of his day comes last. The boy is in charge of the most important job of the day—finding the best viewing spot for fireworks! In My Fourth of July, Jerry Spinelli beautifully captures the joy of a young boy in a small town as he celebrates his favorite holiday with family and friends, from happy, busy morning to sleepy night.

http://catalog.somd.lib.md.us/polaris/view.aspx?title=My+Fourth+of+July

 

Shazam!

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Watch the Movie, Read the Book!
Movie: Shazam!  Starring: Zachary Levi
Book: Shazam! (New 52) by Geoff Johns

The movie was marketed as “Big meets superheroes.”  I think that is a perfect summary of the movie.

“The movie follows Billy Batson, a troubled 14-year-old boy living in foster homes in Philadelphia. After running away for the 23rd time, Billy moves into a foster home with the Vazquez family and their 5 foster kids. One day Billy Batson gets on a subway car and he finds himself transported to a different realm. An ancient wizard gives him the power to turn into an adult superhero by uttering the word Shazam! Billy and his new foster brother, Freddy Freeman, have lots of fun learning how to use his superhero powers.” – New Line Cinema

“Shazam has been in publication at DC Comics 40+ years. The movie is based very heavily upon the 2012 New 52 era reboot of Shazam! Writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank reimagined the character’s entire world. There are also some big differences between the movie and the book. Much of the harder edge in The New 52 story is gone and instead the zany ridiculousness of the character’s Golden Age is present.” – ScreenRant.com

I decided to watch the movie because of the trailers, Zachary Levi, and good reviews from friends who had seen it. I was not disappointed. I really, really, hope they make a sequel. Shazam! was as advertised – a fun superhero movie that the whole family can enjoy. As in any superhero origin movie there was a lot of explaining, things happening in the past, characters introduced with no real depth (saving it for the sequel!), and a training montage. I LOVE montages. The one for Shazam explored his powers as a superhero and what a teenage boy would do if he could turn into an adult at will. Almost the whole family can enjoy this light fare. Although the villain is not that scary, he does kill people. In addition, the 7 deadly sins are represented in the flesh as demons. They are vicious and scary looking. Depending on the child, I would recommend this for ages 10+.

As with every superhero of DC comics, there are many Shazam books – from the old comics to present day, the children’s Billy Batson and the magic of Shazam! series, and kid’s early reader books. I only read the graphic novel the movie is based on (via hoopla because the book was checked out!) . (I prefer to read non-superhero graphic novels but really enjoy movies based off of superhero comics.)

The graphic novel was a quick read.  As stated before, there are major difference in the comic and the movie but also a lot of the same story. Differences like there are two villains in the comics but only one in the movie and the 7 deadly sins are imprisoned in people not statues. The comic cleared up some questions that movie reviewers pointed out. For example – why Billy Batson is chosen and why the villain needed Shazam’s power. Depending on the child, I would recommend the comic to ages 7+. I think the killing and 7 deadly sins are less scary visually than in the movie.

The experience on my iPad in the hoopla app was different but nice.  Last time I read a comic as an eBook it was on my 1rst generation Kindle Fire (which I miss greatly.). The viewing experience on hoopla is similar. It shows you one panel at a time or zooms into different parts of a larger panel/page of the comic like my Fire did. Although it does not show you the full page first and then the separate panel like my Fire. The hoopla app may have that capability but I did not search for it. The best parts about reading a comic as eBook is you always read the panels in the correct order, the words are bigger, and you can zoom. I am still requesting the graphic novel in hardback so I can peruse the pics in the regular way.

I hope you enjoy Shazam! in all its formats. Click to see all the Shazam!’s the library offers.

 

The Unbelievable Gwenpool!

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The Unbelievable Gwenpool
Format: YA Graphic Novel
Who it’s for: Teens and Adults

Gwen O’ Poole finds herself living in the wonderful world of Marvel comics. And of course she has powers, because who doesn’t have powers or cool gadgets or- “What do you mean she doesn’t have any of that?” So the newly dubbed Gwenpool uses the only tools at her disposal to save/ruin the day, knowledge of how the comics usually turn out. Getting chased by bad guys on a rooftop? There’s a convenient mattress truck to jump into. Tough poorly written bad guy? She knows just what to say to give him depth and turn him sympathetic to her. Giant head in a chair trying to kill her? Well that one might take some work but she’s got ideas, and friends! Even the threat of cancellation isn’t enough for her to stop bringing the hijinks. A fun ensemble cast of characters, followed by a number of cameo heroes as is custom, combined with the wonderful writing creates a truly memorable series that doesn’t wear out its welcome. The writing by Christopher Hastings combines meta humour about how comics work as well as just some heartbreaking moments thrown in to mix up the pace. The art is absolutely charming as well, with absolutely delightful covers in each of the volumes that are a treat to look at. Take a look between the panels and find Gwenpool on a library shelf near you!

Walk on Earth a Stranger

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Title: Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson

Format: Book

Who’s it For: Teens and Adults

Leah Westfall is able to sense the location of gold. In 1847, Leah’s secret ability is a blessing for her family. However, when her parents are murdered for their stash of gold, it becomes a curse. What is an orphaned fifteen-year old to do? Hacking off her long braid and donning men’s clothes, Leah, now “Lee,” flees on her trusty horse, Peony. Her best friend, Jefferson, who is half Irish and half Indian, has already headed off for the Gold Rush. Will Lee be able to catch up with Jeff? And will the murderer catch up with her?

I enjoyed this historical fiction with a fantasy twist.  Although it is a work of fiction, this story was true to its setting.  Through Lee, the reader experiences travel in the Old West, from flatboat to covered wagon.  Socially, the story is also accurate.  Lee is frustrated when she realizes that on the trail, she is allowed to hunt for food and wrangle cattle as a man but is relegated to washing the family laundry as a woman.  Also on the wagon trail, Jeff, as a “half breed,”  often suffers snide racial comments from fellow travelers.  The varied characters in this tale, from feisty Lee to the German immigrant Hoffmans, to the rough wagon train cowboys, enhance the rich tapestry of the tale as well as the time period.

The good news is that this is just the first book in the Gold Seer series!

Are you intrigued? Please check out this enjoyable tale of family, friends, budding romance, and life in the Old West!

 

Welcome!

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Welcome to ‘On the Shelf,’ our new library blog!

For the past 10 years, our customers have enjoyed the Kid’s Book Blog where they could find reviews and suggested reading for children’s picture books. Due to the success of the Kid’s Book Blog, we are renaming and expanding the content while keeping true to the roots of excellent recommendations and commentary!

On the Shelf will feature recommendations and new or coming soon books and media for all ages, from our tiniest customers to our most senior customers! We’ll discuss new books, movies, music, and graphic novels that the library has recently purchased or are coming soon, recommended reads from our wonderful librarians, as well as exciting news, like a favorite read being turned into a movie or a new format or product available through the library.

If you were a follower of the Kid’s Book Blog, don’t worry! All of the reviews are now part of this blog. You can browse or search and find anything that was previously on the Kid’s Book Blog here.

We’re very excited to bring this new feature to our customers! Comment and engage, follow your favorite librarians and find new books and media to enjoy!