molly_dettmann's reviews
1764 reviews

Race and the University: A Memoir by George Henderson

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Excellent in every way! I was hooked from the beginning and felt the writing was so personable and easy to sit with like with an old friend sharing a story. I liked the three others that were a part of campus life and the fight for Civil Rights got sections of their own within this memoir. Beth Wilson’s was my favorite. I’m so glad this book exists and it’s such an important one that I highly recommend to Normanites and Oklahomans in general. 

A Matter of Black and White: The Autobiography of Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher by Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher

informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

5.0

This was such an incredible autobiography. Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher was an incredible woman. I loved how much her personality showed in her writing as she recounted her childhood in Chickasha, getting married to her long time childhood friend, and everything that led to that fateful court case that changed the face of higher education in Oklahoma. Everyone should read this book. The court case’s legal ins and outs were especially fascinating. It is a painful read to know everything she went through and yet inspiring to learn more about the community and people who believed in her. Living in Norman and having attended OU I especially felt such a connection to her story knowing I’ve walked the same paths and been in the same buildings as her. Knowing more now after reading her story I won’t look at those same places the same way again. It’s an honor to have this book in my school library and find ways to teach students about her remarkable story. 

Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino

hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

3.0

This was a sweet summer romance/immersion into deaf culture from the point of view of Lilah, a 17-year-old returning to a summer camp for the deaf and blind that she attended as a camper, but now as a junior counselor. She finds love and herself during a summer of ups, downs, and learning ASL. Some parts read just a tad bit boring and like I was reading a Disney show episode, but overall this was a lovely and informative read.

Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller by Breanna J. McDaniel

hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

4.0

What a cool story about a pillar of Black librarianship and what a masterful storyteller. I really dug the illustrations and art work along with this history. 

The Crayons Love Our Planet by Drew Daywalt

funny informative fast-paced

3.0

Super short but cute with a running joke that ended just when it was starting to get a bit too silly. 

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

This was silly but still told a cohesive story and had the cutest artwork and sweetest teeny weeny main character. This would be a really fun read aloud. 

Eyes That Weave the World's Wonders by Liz Kleinrock, Joanna Ho

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

5.0

This book was so beautiful! From the sweet message to the beautiful accompanying artwork, a must read!

Time to Make Art by Jeff Mack

adventurous informative inspiring fast-paced

5.0

I adored this!!! I love the inspiring message that art is all around us and you just have to start. All the featured artists telling our young artist how art can be anything was super cute and then I liked the back matter that gave the reader more info on the artists too

The Wrong Book by Drew Daywalt

funny fast-paced

2.0

This was supposed to be funny, but I felt like it was just too silly and the resolution was to just go with the flow and be completely and utterly wrong?? Not my jam. 

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin, James Dean

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

3.0

Simple and cute with a sing-song plot and deductive reasoning.