Jacob’s Missing Book by Sarah and Ian Hoffman, and Chris Case - ADVISABLE

Jacob’s Missing Book by Sarah and Ian Hoffman, illustrated by Chris Case. PICTURE BOOK. Magination, 2024. $18. 9781433844584

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Jacob wants to read the penguin book during library time, but the book isn’t anywhere in the library. The next day Emily mentions that she has two dads and that she likes the penguin book too. AFter their teacher can’t talk about why the school no longer has the penguin book, at recess the kids pretend to be penguins hatching eggs in their nests of rocks and explain the book to the kids who haven’t read it.

The Hoffman’s remind us that kids are not as uptight about books as much as some adults are. And if one kid has read and loved a book that is now missing for some reason, they will happily share the story with the curious minds around them, And there is nothing wrong with that. If a teacher at any level wants to talk to their students about the history of banned books, here is a great place to start.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS