Andrea Williams

These pages bring positive vibes, warmth and understanding to those leaving Kindergarten for the last time before summer break heads into the first school year.

It's the last day of Kindergarten. The very last day. While nervousness mingles with wonder of thoughts at what the next stage of school might bring, it's first time to say goodbye to all of those familiar things. Each page offers a variety of goodbyes to things this age group might be familiar with in their own Kindergarten rooms. Goodbye pencils, paper, glue and so much more. The list is long, and at the end, it wraps up with a touching message which makes it clear that goodbye is sad but so much more than that, too.

The illustrations in this book are cute and sweet and friendly and full of life. While there are very familiar objects, the portrayed children are so cheerful that it's hard not to smile with them. And the teacher is a bubble of happiness and care, too. All negative and sad moments are kept at bay as the memories of the past year are briefly awakened and waved goodbye to.

At first, I found it a bit simple and strange to list things to say goodbye to, which young children will definitely be seeing again when they hit that first year of school. But by running through the list, it hits upon items leaving kindergarten kids have learned to be around every day. While reading this, I can see them coming up with extra things on their own...so, be ready for a few shout-ins when using this as a read-aloud. The ending is sweet and syrupy, but it adds in all that warmth sad kids will need to hear.

This is a cute book for those leaving kindergarten and works well as a read-aloud or in smaller settings as well

I received a complimentary copy and find it a lovely read for those leaving Kindergarten.… (mehr)

Besides being a historical record of Bev Luther’s participation in the Civil Rights Movement, Bev by Andrea Williams and Matty Rich is a great story of a young woman becoming self-confident and making an important contribution to society.

In 1953, she had suffered serious injuries to her skull and brain in auto accident after falling asleep at the wheel. Ten years later, her mother still didn’t want her to drive. She was currently a supervisor of a social work team at Hillside Hospital when her friend Mickey announced that he and his wife, Rita were going to Mississippi to help with the black voter registration drive. She felt in her heart that she wanted to go and help but also wondered whether or not she would be capable of this brave act. So she called her mother who was still living in California. Should she go or not?

This book was a fast read but the details of Bev’s time in Mississippi should stick with you for life. She had some idea of what she would face but had some truly frightening personal experiences. Bev and the other volunteers all had their lives forever changed. I had no trouble in getting into this book and the pages flew by. I feel sad that she has already passed away but I am very glad that her contribution to social justice will not be forgotten because of this book.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn more about the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

I received a finished copy of this book as a win from FirstReads from the publisher but that in no way determined my thoughts or feelings in this review.… (mehr)