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Editorial Review: “The Soul Sistas Go To School!: (Too Cool for School?)” by Newton Vanriel
By  Andrea Fernández - August 2024

Review Journey with Dawn and Charm, sisters who are as close as they are different, through a lesson about embracing change and making our own choices. Despite being twins, Dawn and Charm are as different as can be. They lead a joyous life on a farm with their parents, their own secret language, and their animal companions. However, their world is turned upside down when their parents decide it’s time for them to attend school. The sisters are far from thrilled, especially when the school’s principal, Mrs. Osa, separates them into different classrooms. This sudden change sets them on a journey of self-discovery, where they learn that making different choices doesn’t have to mean parting ways with their loved ones. The Soul Sistas Go To School!: (Too Cool for School?) is a children’s book by Newton Vanriel and illustrated by Monique Ra Brent that explores identity. The first brilliant asset of this book is as evident as it is crucial: the message that families take different forms. The sisters love each other and see themselves as twins, even when one is Black and the other is a fair-skinned redhead. The colorful and lively illustrations by Monique Ra Brent make this clear even if one has not read the first installment of the series. Not highlighting this explicitly is a clever decision since it emphasizes how the sisters think about each other without giving any importance to their physical differences.  The second asset worth highlighting is the importance Vanriel places on diversity. In this book, we have, besides the two twins, a boy from India, a boy from China, and a “big” boy. I really liked how Vanriel didn’t stop at racial diversity and went the extra mile to include Jim, who is bigger than the rest of his friends. It needs to be said over and over again: representation matters. For kids and adults alike, seeing someone like them in books and media makes them know they have a place in the world. The author also perfectly understands that representation is not just about including someone “different” (what is different, anyway?) but about creating a whole literary environment that fosters inclusivity and acceptance.  The book is full of other valuable lessons centered on identity and self-acceptance. I especially liked how the sisters rocked their funky outfits to the school dance, even when their classmates laughed. The story also reminds us not to judge people based on appearance. I particularly liked how Vanriel showed how contradictory we can be, as shown in the way the sisters react to meeting Raj and Ken.  Newton Vanriel uses narrative tools that make this book engaging and help little readers develop language skills. There’s the inclusion of a bit of Spanish in the principal’s name, the use of rhyme, proven to enhance language development and memory, and the sisters’ secret language, which consists of words spelled backward. Kids will have a blast trying to decipher it while exercising their brains, or they might even come up with a language of their own.  The editing of the book needs polishing. I always highlight the importance of flawless editing in children’s books since young ones actively learn grammar and spelling from our example. This is an easily solvable problem.  The Soul Sistas Go To School is an excellent read for elementary-school-age kids. Caregivers and parents of adopted little ones will find an invaluable tool in this book and the whole series. I would say that this book is especially apt for those kids who feel a little out of place, but perhaps it is even more so for those who have no trouble fitting in since we need them to open their arms to awesome, different kids like Charm and Dawn. 




Review From Literary titan - August 2024
(second book- the soul sistas go to school!)
The Soul Sistas Go To School!, by Newton Vanriel, is a delightful and engaging tale that addresses the anxieties children often feel about starting school. Charm and Dawn, the protagonists, live on a farm where they enjoy their days and initially prefer learning at home in their familiar environment. However, their parents recognize the benefits of attending school, such as the opportunity to socialize and experience new activities. The situation becomes more complex when the school principal suggests placing the sisters in different classes to cater to their unique interests.
Vanriel's book highlights the excitement and potential of the school environment, showcasing it as a place for learning and making friends while overcoming challenges. Charm and Dawn approach their new experiences with a positive attitude, quickly adapting to their new surroundings. Readers follow the sisters as they participate in classroom activities like show and tell and gradually form a wider circle of friends. The engaging narration draws readers in, allowing them to connect deeply with the protagonists as they navigate conflicts both in and out of school.
The illustrations in the book are appealing and complement the story. Throughout the story, Charm and Dawn encounter adopted brothers Raj from India and Kenneth from China, introducing enriching themes of diversity, adoption, and family dynamics. This adds depth to the narrative, beautifully expanding the focus to include the importance of family relationships alongside the school theme.
The Soul Sistas Go To School! is a valuable resource for young readers. It teaches essential skills for adapting to new situations and managing emotions, ultimately boosting self-confidence. Charm and Dawn's journey demonstrates that making friends and facing new experiences can be enjoyable and rewarding. This book is a wonderful adventure that sets realistic expectations about school life, encouraging children to embrace new opportunities with an open heart.
Rating: 5 Stars
 
 
Thank you,
April Pulliam
Assistant Editor
Literary Titan

Another Local Review:
Hey Newton,
 
Congrats and well done! I loved the storyline. There are many lessons to be learned from the book. 
 
1. Acceptance of each others' differences. It's ok to be different. 
2. You don't have to be blood-related or look-alike to be sisters/brothers/siblings
3. Being open to new things, new opportunities, and new friendships. 
4. How adoption can be a positive thing. You don't have to give birth to be a mother/parent. 
 
Keep on doing what you love!
 
Cheers and best wishes on your journey!
 
Cheryl





Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers’ Favorite
 
The Adventures of Soul Sistas: Or How The Sisters Changed the World by Newton Vanriel is a coming-of-age picture book for children. After falling madly in love, getting married, and moving from their hometown of Toronto to become country folk in Espanola, Alexandra and Nathan make another life-changing decision. They decided to add a baby to their family, but after struggling to achieve this, they took another approach. One day whilst at the farmers market, Alexandra and Nathan meet a young pregnant woman who they bonded with immediately. Alexandra and Nathan are in luck, as the young woman had made the hard choice of giving her child up for adoption. After a long conversation and official paperwork, Alexandra and Nathan become parents to a little girl who they name Charm. A little way down the road, Alexandra and Nathan are in a similar situation and adopt another baby girl, who they call Dawn. With huge differences, and a town full of judgmental people, how will the girls become "Soul Sistas?"
The Adventures of Soul Sistas by Newton Vanriel was a pleasure to read. The storyline is beautiful and has a lot of important life lessons for children to pick up on. Children will ultimately learn to accept people no matter their differences because families come in all shapes and sizes, and that should be embraced and celebrated, not judged or frowned upon. The illustrations by Monique Ra Brent are creative, colorful, and adorable - children will love them! I enjoyed every page of this incredible book and I know children will too, so don't delay in purchasing a copy. You won't be disappointed!


rEVIEW BY 2BWELLKIDS 
The Adventures of The Soul Sistas by Newton Vanriel: We are excited to be carrying this book, the first from local Canadian author @newtongaryv. A story of sisters brought together through adoption, they face and challenge the world around them together. A story that will be reminiscent for many adults who have faced criticism and discrimination. A book that will start conversations for young readers learning abut the world around them. With beautiful poetry weaved into the story text, readers will be left impatiently waiting for the next book to see what the sisters encounter.
*Note: The adoption language in the book is not entirely adopt friendly and this might be problematic with some adoptee readers. Please dm if you need more info for your adoptee reader.
#newbooktuesday #canadianauthor #diversefamily #adversity #discrimination #youngreaders #2bwellkids

Comment from Australia
This book would make a fantastic bed time story for my son. Love the preview and i look forward to purchasing.!

Potential Book Award
Soul Sista's Book being reviewed By THE CANADIAN CHILDRENS BOOK CENTRE - CHILDRENS BOOK AWARD -STAY TUNED
 

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