Green Bean Books - blog

Book Recommendations for Earth Day

4/20/2021

Earth Day is an annual event to raise awareness about the need to come together and take care of our planet. While it technically falls on April 22nd every year, we recommend celebrating it every day!

Activists Assemble – Save Your Planet
by Ben Hoare, Illustrated by Jade Orlando

This book is perfect for kids who are ready to gain more in-depth knowledge about the problems our planet is facing, as well as the various steps we can take to help save it. Complete with a glossary, discussion and activity sections, Save Your Planet will equip your child to be a young environmental activist.

Reuse This Book
by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Illustrated by Emma Morris

This interactive picture book is the perfect way to introduce young children to recycling, composting, and taking care of the planet. This book offers an encouraging look at how little ones can help plants grow and keep the earth green.

The Extraordinary Book That Eats Itself
by Susan Hayes and Penny Arlon, Illustrated by Pintachan

The Extraordinary Book That Eats Itself is the ultimate activity book to teach your child how to be eco-friendly and promote zero waste. Every single page is full of fun and educational ideas and activities to help your child and their friends save the earth.

Greta’s Story: The Schoolgirl Who Went on Strike to Save the Planet
by Valentina Camerini, Translated by Moreno Giovannoni, Illustrated by Veronica “Veci” Carratello

This biographical chapter book about Greta Thunberg is a great way to introduce your child to climate change and show them that no one is too young to make a difference. Greta’s Story is an inspiring and informative look at how we can address the challenges facing our planet.

Click on the cover or title to find out more about each book and to order from our online shop! Or give the store a call!
503-954-2354

AAPI Book Recommendations from Green Bean Books!

3/27/2021

There has been a troubling increase in anti-Asian attacks recently. Racism and prejudice are not new and it is a reminder that we all need to do our part to stop this- or any type of hate crime.

Look out for one another. Support those affected. Express to others that it's our differences that make us strong. Different doesn't mean inferior or less than.

And, once again, we think diversifying our bookshelves is one of the many steps we should be taking to open minds and build empathy.

Here are some of our recent favorites:

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
written by Joanna Ho
illustrated by Dung Ho

A young girl embraces the uniqueness of her eyes by way of celebrating the women in her life- her mom, her grandma, and her baby sister- as well the rich history and stories of their culture.

We hope that this beautiful book finds its way into as many hands as possible so in can be appreciated and fawned over in every corner of the world!

The Ramble Shamble Children
written by Christina Soontornvat
illustrated by Lauren Castillo

Fresh from her Newbery honor wins for her middle grade novel A Wish in the Dark- a Thai reimagining of Les Misérables by Victor Hugo- and nonfiction book All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team, Christina Soontornvat offers up a sweet story about siblings who learn they- and the house they live in- are perfect just the ramble shamble way they are. Lauren Castillo's illustrations are lovely!

Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon
written by Kat Zhang
illustrated by Charlene Chua

The titular character is back and this time she must draw from her Chinese culture to solve a problem that arises during a class craft project. Her dragon doesn’t look like the other dragons her classmates have made. With the help of her family and friends, she’ll make a dragon that she can be proud of! Also perfect to introduce eastern and western mythology as the backmatter features a little bit about dragons through these two lenses.

My First Day
written by Phùng Nguyên Quang
illustrated by Huỳnh Kim Liên

Set in the Mekong Delta and featuring a Vietnamese boy, this is a universally relatable story about facing one’s fears and living through struggles in order to reach a better place- in this case, his school. The illustrations are gorgeous.

Great to pair with Jacqueline Woodson's The Day You Begin.

In My Mosque
written by M. O. Yuksel
illustrated by Hatem Aly

This wonderfully inclusive picture book is a vibrant look into the world’s second largest religion. Readers are invited to learn about what happens inside these places of worship for Muslims which function as both sacred places to pray and centers to build community.

Great backmatter material is included.

Prairie Lotus
by Linda Sue Park

This middle grade novel is perfect for fans of Little House in the Prairie, although it's about a biracial family who wouldn't have been welcomed in Wilder's World. This book will provide an opening for talking about the cultural limitations and biases in some classics. It offers a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of our diverse world within a historical context.

Amina's Song
by Hena Khan

After finding her voice, Pakistani seventh grader Amina feels like no one is interested in what she has to say about her culture or herself. There's plenty of middle school drama that readers can relate with while getting to see things from a different perspective. Also of note is the difficulty in trying to maintain relationships with family members who live in a different country.

American as Paneer Pie
by Supriya Kelkar

This middle grade novel is an engaging read that features an earnest Indian American protagonist trying to fit in and balance two worlds. It addresses the dangers of over-assimilating when main character, Lekha, ends up looking down at a new girl in school- a Desi girl like herself who is not yet “accustomed” to the American way of life. This story reveals another form of bias that new immigrants may face when they first arrive. Newcomer students will possibly relate and hopefully other students will develop empathy for this experience.

Everything Sad is Untrue
by Daniel Nayeri

This is an Iranian autobiographical novel that merges two cultures together. It's about how when you leave one set of problems in one country, you may be gaining a whole new set in your new country. It's also about trying to fit into a new place, while simultaneously trying to not to let go of everything that makes you who you are from your previous place. And mostly it's about how stories shape our lives. The style and structure may not be standard but even that is integral to the story.

Awesome Asian Americans:
20 Stars Who Made America Amazing
written by Phil Amara and Oliver Chin
illustrated by Juan Calle

This much-needed biography collection is a wonderful way to get introduced to people who may not have had their contributions to various fields acknowledged. It includes a diverse set of groundbreakers including activists, athletes, chefs, politicians, astronomers and more.

The "comics" style illustrations really add to the appeal of the book.

Measuring Up
written by Lily LaMotte
illustrated by Ann Xu

One of our favorite graphic novels this year! Main character, Cici, is such an earnest character who must deal with cultural misunderstandings as well as microaggressions as she tries to fit in after moving from Taiwan to Seattle with her family. She struggles to feel pride in her culture and find the courage to be herself. Students who love cooking and cooking competition shows will really get into this book as will those with nearby Seattle connections.

Click on the cover or title to find out more about each book and to order from our online shop! Or give the store a call!
503-954-2354

Books for Women's History Month, Part 2

3/6/2021

More book reviews for Women's History Month!

Make sure you check out our previous post, too!

G My Name Is Girl: A Song of Celebration from Argentina to Zambia
Written and Illustrated by Dawn Masi

G My Name Is Girl is a sweet celebration of girlhood from all over the world. Different girls from different countries are represented with other females in their lives and what makes them unique. The illustrations are worth a longer look-over to see a connecting factor amongst them.

Ambitious Girl
Written by Meena Harris and Illustrated by Marissa Valdez

Ambitious Girl is a wonderful exploration of what it means to be ambitious, and that girls can be and do anything they set their minds to. The book features a Black protagonist and vividly inclusive illustrations featuring girls of all sizes, shapes, colors, ages, religions, abilities, as well as LGBTQ representation. This is an inspiring, feel good, girl power book for every kind of girl.

Lumber Jills: The Unsung Heroines of World War II
Written by Alexandra Davis and Illustrated by Katie Hickey

Lyrically told, this is the story of British girls who answered the call when their country needed their help! During World War II, there was a shortage of workers in the lumber industry to make the necessary items to help fight the war so thousands joined the Women's Timber Corps despite having no prior experience. They were determined to learn and succeed, and they did! Their camaraderie and dedication will inspire young readers today to step up and make a difference!

Click on the covers or book titles to be directed to our online shop!

Stay tuned for more reviews!

Recommendations for Women's History Month

2/24/2021

Celebrate Women's History Month with Green Bean Books as we share some of our favorite books of fantastic females!

Noisemakers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices & Changed the World
Edited by Kazoo

This book is a collection of incredible illustrated comics about brave, intelligent, trailblazing women across time. From storytellers to mountain climbers, and scientists to detectives, every young reader will find inspiration in Noisemakers.

The ABCs of AOC: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from A-Z
Written by Jamia Wilson and Illustrated by Krystal Quiles

The ABCs of AOC is an exciting introduction to US government and activism for young progressive readers. This book breaks down many of the concepts that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fights for and participates in, including Democracy, Human Rights, and Protests. This book is a great way to get your child interested in government and activism.

She Persisted Around the World
Written by Chelsea Clinton and Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

She Persisted Around the World introduces thirteen women who did not let significant
obstacles discourage their persistence. The majestic illustrations are warm and inviting, showing
girls that they can be and do anything they set their minds to. This empowering picture book is a
must have for all young girls.

Click on the covers or book titles to be directed to our online shop!

Stay tuned for more reviews!

Early Chapter Book Recommendations

2/21/2021

Do you have a child who is building their reading confidence and ready to move up from beginning reading books? Whether starting early chapter books as read-alouds first or immediately using them for independent reading, they’re a great choice! Most feature more text but they are divided into manageable chapters with plenty of illustrations to give your eyes a visual treat.

Here are just some of our favorites that we think you’ll enjoy as much as we do!

Polly Diamond and the Magic Book
Written by Alice Kuipers, Illustrated by Diana Toledano

It’s every writer’s dream! Polly Diamond finds a magic book that makes everything come true. Through hilarious trial and error, she realizes she has to be more careful with what she writes down because it might just happen!

Skunk and Badger
Written by Amy Timberlake, Illustrated by Jon Klassen

In a new series for fans of The Wind in the Willows comes a story of an unlikely friendship. When Skunk shows up at Badger’s doorstep, the latter’s whole world which was orderly and quiet and turns upside down. Will they be able to get along or will the appearance of too many chickens be too much for them?

The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp
Written by Jonathan Auxier, Illustrated by Olga Demidova

Readers looking for a beginning light-hearted (and big hearted!) fantasy will find their perfect book in this first installment of a new series. Auggie is tasked to take care of magical and one-of-a-kind creatures. When one of them needs help, he’ll do everything to save them. Full color illustrations.

Sydney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World
Written by Jacqueline Davies, Illustrated by Deborah Hocking

Get ready for an adventure with two best friends- a hedgehog named Taylor and a skunk named Sydney. They will travel to Places Unknown and hunt like the ferocious animals they are...or, at least try to! The whole wide world can be a scary thing but with a good friend by your side, anything is possible!

Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us
Written by Lauren Castillo

Winnie the Pooh fans will find themselves charmed with Lauren Castillo’s new series about the loveable creatures of Hedge Hollow. When a storm separates Hedgehog from her best friend Mutty, it will take a lot of courage and a lot of friends to help them reunite!

Planet Omar: Unexpected Super Spy
Written by Zanib Mian, Illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik

Fresh from facing down bullies in the first book in the series, trouble-magnet Omar is back and this time it’s up to him to solve the case of some missing money that would have helped his family’s favorite mosque open. Will his quick thinking save the day or will he end up running out of ideas?

Click on the cover or title to find out more about each book and to order from our online shop! Or give the store a call!
503-954-2354

Happy reading!

New Books to Read!

2/2/2021

There have been so many good books released in 2021 already!

We want to share some of our recent favorites...

When Life Give You Mangos
by Kereen Getter

Twelve-year-old Clara should be having the time of her life- living in what some may call an island paradise and spending time with her best friend eating ripe mangos. But something happened last summer- after a hurricane hit- that affected her memory and Clara's never felt the same then. Now there's a new girl in the village that may change everything. Readers will be immediately enticed by Kereen Getten's debut middle grade novel and will be turning pages to discover the secrets of the past. For Clara it'll be a summer to remember- and for remembrance.

The Smartest Kid in the Universe
by Chris Grabenstein

What starts out as an innocent act of snacking on some jelly beans at his mom's work ends up with Jake being pursued by the government and mega corporations. Because unbeknownst to him, the jelly beans were digestible information pills and now he knows everything there is to know! Chris Grabenstein delivers another rollicking middle grade novel full of pirate treasure and school quiz bowl competitions.

The Lion of Mars
by Jennifer L. Holm

Bell is your typical eleven-year-old boy living in Mars in the year 2091. He wonders what it would be like to travel beyond his own planet- to Earth, even, where his people used to live and have been cut off from for generations. When a mysterious illness befalls the adults, it's up to Bell and other kids to find a solution and perhaps bridge the gap between the Mars colonies once again.

The Beast and the Bethany
by Jack Meggitt-Phillips

Ebenezer Tweezer has discovered the secret to immortality- and it's the beast in his attic that he has to continuously feed to maintain his youthful appearance. For 511 years, it's worked like a charm. But now the beast is hungrier than ever and wants a child to feast on. What they didn't bargain for was Bethany! Have they bitten off more than they can chew when they've met the most unpleasant child in all of existence?

What have you read recently? Share it in the comments below!

You can click the book titles to order it from our website- or give the store a call!
503-954-2354
greenbeanbookspdx.indielite.org/

Middle Grade Reviews, Part Five

2/2/2021

We know you’ve been missing browsing our shelves and discovering a book that wasn’t on your radar. So, we’ll be sharing some newer middle grade releases throughout the week.

Give us a call at 503-954-2354 if you want any of them. And have your kids leave reviews in the comments of good books they’ve read recently.

How to Make Friends with the Sea by Tanya Guerrero

After moving around all his life, Pablo and his recently divorced mother have settled down in the Philippines. As if that wasn’t enough to take in, they end up taking in an orphaned girl with a cleft lip. Will Pablo find a way to make his new situation feel like home?

For fans of Everlasting Nora by Marie Miranda Cruz, Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly and Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai

All the Impossible Things by Lindsay Lackey

Ruby “Red” Byrd has moved around from one foster home to another. And, when she thinks her life is settling down a bit, an unexpected arrival shakes things up again. Not to mention she also has the magical power to control the wind based on her emotions. If you want a moving story with a touch of magical elements, look no further!

For fans of The Thing about Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin.

New Year, New You!

12/27/2020

It's that time of year again when many of us make our annual resolutions!

We can help you do this with books!!!

Explore the outdoors and your neighborhood more! (Safely, of course!)

Write more letters!

Have more music in your life!

Read more biographies!

Wear fun socks!

Continue your antiracist reading!

Read more classics!

Learn a new language!

Give us a call if you want any of these books to help you with your resolutions.

Let us know if you need book recommendations for other resolutions.

We are here for you!
Happy New Year!

Book-It-Forward!

11/11/2020

Our Book It Forward holiday program returns this year to help young patients from
Randall Children's Hospital
get the books that they need!
Your kindness makes all the difference!

Green Bean Books has set up a wishlist of books that you can help us get for the kids at the hospital.
Just order any book on this list and we will hand deliver it to the hospital for the kids to enjoy!

You can make a real difference in helping these kids feel loved and less isolated this holiday season!

But, don't just take our word for it! A staff shared a little about this collaboration in the past and a sweet quote from one of the recipients.

The Hospital School Program at Randall Children’s Hospital works to promote literacy in their work with patients and their siblings. Multnomah Education Service District teachers provide educational support and instruction to patients and siblings. Offering students books breaks down barriers and creates a way for us to connect with families and promote the importance and value of books. Green Bean Books in partnership with their amazing customers have enabled patients to receive high quality books in previous years. One family noted that,
“These books elicited one of only a few smiles for my child today.”

The program will run through the end of 2020!

Call (503-954-2354) or purchase online the title(s) you want to donate and we'll keep them in store until hospital staff is ready to distribute them. (When choosing the online option, please type "Randall" in the comments/notes field.)

Your kindness and generosity never ceases to amaze us and gives us the warm and fuzzy feelings during these cold days!

Thank you for being Book Angels!

Independent Bookstore Day

8/23/2020

Celebrate
Independent Bookstore Day
with Green Bean Books
on Saturday, August 29th!

This is such an important time to support small, local businesses, especially businesses who give back to their communities. You can help by giving us a call to order books, or place an online order on Independent Bookstore Day! We are so grateful for your support!

To celebrate and show our appreciation along with over 600 local independent bookstores across the nation, we'll have virtual events, freebies and giveaways, exclusive merchandise for sale, and fun surprises throughout the day!

Virtual Events

Make sure you follow us on social media- Facebook and Instagram- where we will be sharing the links to these events! You will also find links on the Virtual Events Page of our Green Bean Books website!

First up:
At 10am
Join us for a fun and interactive drawing demonstration with illustrator and author Lisa Brown for her picture book Goldfish Ghost.

At 10:30am
Join us for a graphic novel discussion and drawing class with Gene Luen Yang for his latest masterpiece Dragon Hoops.

At 11am
Join us for some Middle-Grade Fun with Renee Watson (Ways to Make Sunshine) and illustrator Nina Mata (I Promise written by LeBron James) with moderator Isaac Fitzgerald (How to Be a Pirate with illustrations by Brigette Barrager).

PLUS!
Special Guest Emily Arrow will be in our Book Advice Booth on our outdoor browsing deck from 12-1pm to offer her best reading recommendations with a musical touch! Come see with social distance!

Giveaway

All customers who make a purchase on Independent Bookstore Day will be entered to win a copy of the exclusive edition of Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson which includes a letter from the author!

Freebies

The first 10 customers on Independent Bookstore Day will receive this Awesome Friendly tote bag!

There will be stickers for everyone. Plus, there will be surprise t-shirt and buttons giveaways throughout the day as well!

Exclusive Merchandise

We're excited to offer two exclusive items for sale on Independent Bookstore Day! The first is a "I want my book back." onesie with art by Jon Klassen! The second is a "Read" Narwhal tote bag with art by Jessie Sima.

These will be available starting Saturday, August 29th. No holds or preorders for these items. They will sell quickly make sure to grab them before they're gone for good.