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Monday, September 11, 2023

Quick Share-Always Sisters: A Story of Loss and Love by Saira Mir

Always Sisters: A Story of Loss and Love 
by Saira Mir
Illustrated by Shahrzad MayDani
Published August 22, 2023
Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Hardcover Picture Book
Fiction
32 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
This much-needed picture book about navigating the difficult experience of pregnancy loss meets young readers at their level to offer a tender look at grieving someone who never entered the world.

Raya can’t wait for her baby sister to arrive. She’s already got a name—Nura—and Raya is certain they’ll be best friends. She’s got all kinds of plans for things they’ll do together like run through the sprinklers, play dress-up, and give piggyback rides.

But one day, Mama returns from the doctor with tears in her eyes. Nura won’t be coming home after all. Raya feels confused and sad, like all the love she has for Nura is trapped inside her. With the help of family, friends, and her school counselor, though, Raya finds a way to grieve this loss and to share the love she’ll always feel for her sister.

This sweet book portrays the excitement of a new sibling about to enter the world and the feelings of loss, confusion and sadness of a lost pregnancy in a way that is straightforward without being scary. 
It is an important reminder that siblings also grieve after this kind of loss. 
The illustrations are soft and fuzzy. Color changes and patterns are used to show emotional changes throughout the story. 

This book would make a great addition to a collection about grief and loss. 


Saturday, September 9, 2023

Recent Reads-September 9, 2023

Hi everyone!
Here are a couple of books I have enjoyed reading lately. (Images from Goodreads). Click on the covers to learn more about each book. 

When looking for books to share around Indigenous People's Day, I read these two books. I loved them both and plan to get them for my library. 




Add this one to your collection of books on stereotypes and gender norms and expectations. 

I read there Maine Student Book Award books recently. 
I have a student who discovered skateboarding over the summer. 
I can't wait to share this book with him. 


Just Beautiful!
This gorgeous book is accessible to all students.

This was a really good audiobook.