Archives for December 2020

The Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and award-winning podcast by the same name, expanded with their latest book this past October titled Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World.

This new book from the Rebel Girls universe highlights the stories of 100 immigrant women from all over the world and all walks of life, accompanied by a vibrant portrait with illustrations by 70 female or non-binary artists from 29 different countries. 
100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World… 

• Features the stories of Gloria Estefan, Yuan Yuan Tan, Carmen Miranda, Asma Khan, Geraldine Cox, Golda Meir and more

• Allows young girls to travel the world and be home by bedtime, all while teaching them about tolerance and sparking important conversations about immigration 
• Builds awareness and acceptance for other cultures in the minds of young girls 
• Fosters cross-cultural friendships to combat xenophobia 

I really recommend this book especially for tween and teen girls!

ABOUT REBEL GIRLS Rebel Girls was born from a Kickstarter campaign in 2016 and has already reached 10 million girls through their books and podcast — making it the preeminent girl-driven edutainment brand shaping young, feminist minds, with the ultimate goal of reaching 50 million girls in 5 years. The Rebel Girls brand throws forced stereotypes out the door, breaks down barriers and emphasizes the inherent value of beauty in diversity. Rebel Girls is a global brand reaching audiences in over 85 countries and across 49 different languages. In honor of their commitment to empowering immigrant women around the world, Rebel Girls is a proud supporter of the IRC.

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book. Images were also provided.

The story of Ray-Ray McElrathbey, a freshman football player for Clemson University, who secretly raised his younger brother on campus after his home life became too unsteady. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Nyara A. comments, “I absolutely loved the film Safety. The story is so inspiring and motivational and the camera work is phenomenal. This story is heartbreaking, yet makes you hopeful. Some of the scenes are comical, balancing the problem and the solution perfectly. It was inspiring to watch the two brothers take care of each other, always putting family first. Every scene touched my heart.” See her full review below.

Safety

By Nyara A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I absolutely loved the film Safety. The story is so inspiring and motivational and the camera work is phenomenal. This story is heartbreaking, yet makes you hopeful. Some of the scenes are comical, balancing the problem and the solution perfectly. It was inspiring to watch the two brothers take care of each other, always putting family first. Every scene touched my heart. 

The storyline follows the protagonist, Ray (Jay Reeves) who has been accepted to Clemson University on a scholarship to pursue his dream of being a football player, but his life at home is not so easy. His mother (Amanda Warren), whose husband left her,  is addicted to drugs. Ray is left to care for his little brother Fahmarr (Thaddeus J. Mixson). Can Ray handle school, family, football and a little bit of love life? How can he take care of his brother if Fahmerr is not allowed on campus?

Jay Reeves, who plays Ray, acts with emotion and expression, putting his all into every scene. Some scenes brought me to tears and others had me rolling around in my chair with laughter. Thaddeus J. Mixson who plays Fahmarr, plays his character in a way that is very likeable and funny. Although his character is humorous, some of his scenes still break your heart . The casting directors made an excellent choice for all of the actors. The camera work is amazing. The transitions are very creative and the perspective is wonderful. For example, during a football game, there is a moment where all you can hear is Ray’s breathing. The angle is as if you are looking from his eyes. The background music pumps you up for the games, making you excited and eager to see the results. 

The message of this film is to put family first. Family is the most important thing in the world and you always have to be there for each other. No matter what happens, you can always rely on your family to help you out. There is no violence except during the football games. As usual there is tackling and pushing, although no one gets hurt. There is no bad language although there is a part during the film that is a bit creepy, with a group of men coming out of the shadows.

I give Safety 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 18. Adults would also enjoy this film. Safety is streaming exclusively on Disney+ starting December 11, 2020.

5 MORE SLEEPS TILL CHRISTMAS by Jimmy Fallon, illus. by Rich Deas: A sweet and rambunctious Christmas picture book from Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC’s The Tonight Show and #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA and Everything Is Mama. I recommend this holiday book for all ages!

SANTA BABY by Jonathan Stutzman, illus. by Heather Fox: Santa is feeling old, and being in the business of Christmas for centuries isn’t all milk and cookies. In hopes of regaining some of his pep, Santa asks the spirit of Christmas to him younger. This is a really cute story for young children!

SNOW FRIENDS by Margery Cuyler, illus. by Will Hillenbrand: A charming winter picture book about a dog, his boy, and a new friend, set against the perfect snowy day.

Find these and many more here.

Self Disclosure: I received samples of the books listed above. Images were also provided.