Green Jolene and the Neighborhood Swap

Inspired by her parents’ Summer Family Fun Day tradition of sorting the family’s trash, personal belongings, and miscellaneous odds and ends into labeled bins, incoming third grader Jolene Greenfield counts all the items cluttering her bedroom and is dismayed to learn that she owns 88 toys, most of which she never plays with. Her parents suggest a swap meet during which everyone on their block can trade unwanted stuff, and Jolene—whose mother affectionately calls her Miss Bossy Pants—takes charge of making invitations, signage, and tickets. “There were actually five r’s (reduce, repair, recycle, refill, and reuse),” according to Jolene, a conceit that this approachable illustrated chapter book tackles with aplomb. Some references might not land with the target audience (Jolene and her BFF Amie “both knew what it was like to be named after famous country songs”) and certain items, like Jolene’s rubber rain boots and a juice box, may be more difficult to recycle, repurpose, or donate IRL than the book suggests. Still, by detailing the practical preparations necessary to accomplish Jolene’s goals, Mass (The Lost Library) demonstrates environmental principles in action, making for a thoughtful and fun introduction to eco-conscious concepts. Bouncy grayscale illustrations by Yong (The Minor Miracle) feature throughout. Age 6–8. (Feb.)