Gracias a Mr. Terupt / Because of Mr. Terupt

★ Gr 3-7–Buyea’s “Mr. Terupt” series opener builds chapter by chapter on the experiences of seven students indebted to a new teacher for his special attention over the course of a fifth grade year. This Spanish translation of the middle grade novel will appeal to tweens who can relate to struggling with friendship and family woes. When an accident lands Mr. Terupt in the hospital awaiting surgery, the school community and parents rally around the students as the school year closes. Buyea uses flashbacks to elucidate why some of the protagonists keep to themselves, while others’ dramatic tendencies make each day’s happenings lively. Buyea’s primary characters speak directly to readers as the novel walks through each child’s most pressing challenges. Character development is well done, including the characterization of secondary characters. Plotlines involving the school principal and other secondary characters add nuance and layers to the general narrative. VERDICT Spanish-language readers adapting to new school settings or pacing themselves across different academic pursuits will find this compact novel a treat that wraps up with a happy and comforting ending.–Sharon Sherman, School Library Journal

★ Gr 2-6–This Spanish-language edition of Frida Kahlo’s Flower Crown about Frida Kahlo and her love of nature is a wonderful way to introduce children to this artist. The artist was surrounded by nature growing up, where there were lots of plants, flowers, fruits, animals, and insects. Young Kahlo was also interested in art, which helped keep her busy while recovering from an accident. The illustrations appear to be gouache and are colorful and bold. The palette features lots of pinks, greens, yellows, and blues, and Lora’s images exalt the beauty in nature that her subject enjoyed. The lyrical writing includes lists of plants and animals, which is helpful for children learning new words but also offers a unique access point to Kahlo’s story. The illustrations help to bring the text to life and allow readers to see the world through the subject’s eyes. Back matter includes a note from the author on the significance of nature in Kahlo’s childhood and paintings. There are also instructions on how to make a crown of flowers and a bibliography. VERDICT This lovely homage to the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and nature is a must-buy for all Spanish-language picture book biography collections.–Margaret Puentes, School Library Journal