My Friend LeVar

I'm forever a Reading Rainbow kid and a Star Trek adult, so LeVar has always been around. I was so excited to see this book, and I'm happy he's getting the flowers he rightfully deserves! ♥

My Friend LeVar is a wonderful tribute to the man and his impact on generations of bookish kids. With beautiful illustrations, it recounts the true story of the author's love of (and eventual accidental encounter with!) LeVar. It's a perfect tribute.

I also love that the author compiled a list of referenced episodes at the end. Very helpful for those who want to go back and reminisce, as well as for those who are hopefully introducing Reading Rainbow to a new generation of kiddos. 🌈

(Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.)

A beautiful love letter to Reading Rainbow and LeVar Burton. Like many kids, I grew up watching Reading Rainbow and, to this day, will see a book that he read and instantly recognize it. This may be a niche book, but Mr. Burton deserves every bit of credit he gets for his love of reading and childhood literacy and the author has such a beautiful memory and I'm grateful he shared with us!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for access to the e-ARC.

This was the cutest book ever!!!

I loved how this book show us how important the tv people and public figures are to us - especially as kids!
The illustrations were amazing - super colourful and well done bringing life to the story!

I found myself teared up with this kid connection and when the author show us the true story behind - it truly did something to me.
I completly adored this book!

A huge thank you to #NetGalley and #Charlesbridge for an advanced readers copy of #MyFriendLevar.

This story was everything I needed and more and I cannot wait to incorporate it into my classroom. As a teacher I am always looking for stories my children will love and enjoy. What made this story so special to me was the message that when you meet someone you idolize as a child no matter how many years passed when you look back meeting someone you idolize can make an impact on any child. I absolutely loved the images and the representation within the story.
Congratulations Ezra Edmond on a job well done.

My Friend LeVar is a lovely picture book that celebrates LeVar Burton & the connection that Reading Rainbow made for generations of young children. I loved all of the adventures that our protagonist went on with LeVar and remember seeing many of the same Reading Rainbow episodes as a child.

I hope that this one will find a new young audience and inspire them to watch Reading Rainbow as well. Thanks to Charlesbridge, Ezra Edmond, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review! My thoughts and opinions are my own.

At first I worried this book would only serve 90's kids with nostalgia, but its a really cute TRUE story of a boy who is introduced to stories on the TV show Reading Rainbow and how his imagination goes wild from there. He ends up running into Levar Burton at a drugstore and you can see the real photo at the end of the book. What a fun way to teach kids about a pop culture icon who influenced so many of us to pick up reading. "But you don't have to take my word for it!"

This book has gorgeous illustrations as well as a story that many people who grew up in the 90's will relate to. I loved watching Reading Rainbow as a kid and I'm excited to order this book to share that experience with the kids at my library.

Really simple, but I love the story and the references. Great example of a book that shows/fosters a love of reading. Love the representation.

My Friend LeVar recounts the author's childhood fondness for LeVar Burton and his TV program The Reading Rainbow. This charming picture book culminates with the story of the author's unexpected meeting with Burton, running into him at a drugstore while out running errands with his mother. The book has lovely illustrations, with the story focusing on how Reading Rainbow fostered a love of reading and curiosity in its young viewers. This book will be nostalgic for grown-ups who grew up with Reading Rainbow who want to share their love of this program and reading with the kids in their lives, appealing to grown-ups and kids alike.

This is a real story about a lucky kid who got to meet Levar Burton. But the best thing about this story is how we all feel like we know him, because he's shared so much with us and taken us so many places. When Ezra goes to school and tells everyone he got to meet his hero, his friends say they know him too -- they can share their love for their mutual friend.
This book references a lot of great books, and they are listed at the end. As Levar says in the book, we don't have to just take his word for anything because we can explore the world ourselves.
This is such a sweet, simple little book with great big messages. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

I received a copy of this children's book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a really cute book. The pictures are adorable and the story is wonderful!

As a kid who grew up on reading rainbow, I absolutely loved this tribute to Levar Burton. I also
Loved that it was based on a true story of the authors childhood. I’m excited to share this book with my children and students.

As a fan of Reading Rainbow as a child, this was a book I was excited to read.

I'm excited to see a diverse array of children on the pages, as well as use of the public library! Features the importance of using your imagination and reading in a way that does not come off as preachy.

When I was a kid, I loved Reading Rainbow. I used to watch it on PBS Channel 13 when I got home from school. I vividly remember going to the library and checking out the books read by LeVar Burton and the other books recommended by kids in the episode. This author shares his experience with Reading Rainbow and his random meeting with LeVar at age 5. It’s a very sweet book with great illustrations and a list of the Reading Rainbow books/episodes referenced in the story.

𝐞𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
5 🌟
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Early learning and adults who grew up reading rainbows will enjoy this reading Rainbow inspired book.
Reading Rainbow!
Butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as high
Take a look, it's in a book,
A Reading Rainbow!
I can go anywhere
Friends to know, and ways to grow
A Reading Rainbow!
"BUT you don't have to take my word for it."
Love, love, love this book already!
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 Oct.1
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Thank you, Netgalley, and Charlesbridge for the eBook for my honest review.

Oh, what wonderful memories I have of “The Reading Rainbow” growing up! LeVar Burton played a pivotal role in the show and ultimately inspired my love for reading. This heartwarming book brings back those delightful memories. LeVar Burton, the magical host, sparked a lifelong love for reading in many, including the boy in this story. The boy's life was positively impacted by the show, and a sweet moment in the book is when he unexpectedly meets Burton in a store, with his mom capturing a cherished photo. The book concludes with the author sharing this special photo and the story behind the book's creation. It also includes a list of children's books mentioned in the text and beautifully done illustrations.

It was such a treat to read this ARC copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

Thanks to Charlesbridge Books and NetGalley for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What a lovely book! This is the story of one little boy who loved the television show, Reading Rainbow on PBS, starring LeVar Burton, and the impact the show and the books featured on his life. It also includes a very cool story about the boy, who happened to be in a store with his mom and ran into his TV idol. His mom took a picture of him and LeVar, which he has cherished to this day. At the end of the book, the author shares the actual picture of him and Burton and the story of the genesis of the book. There’s also a list of children’s books referenced in the text. The illustrations are done well, too. My only complaint is that there is one word, galimoto, that I had no clue what it meant, and I don’t know if kids would just skip over that word or try to look it up.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. The story of a little boy who watches LeVar Burton on Reading Rainbow and then gets to meet him in real life.

My Friend LeVar is a moving picture book based on the author’s own experience with his childhood hero. This heartwarming book explores how positive role models make a lasting impact on children and the way they engage with others.

LeVar helps the main character and his classmates explore the worlds inside books, have them courage to try new things and remember to always be kind and accepting.

The illustrations feature children from an array of different backgrounds and there is also disability representation.

My Friend LeVar gave me all the feels as I recall my childhood watching Reading Rainbow. I always felt like LeVar was a friend. I dreamed about being a kid recommending books on the show. Now, as an elementary school librarian, I show some of the old episodes on the streaming platform our school has. I cannot wait to purchase this book to share with my students. I love the way this story incorporates the books and activities from the show. I also love how it is based on Ezra's meeting LeVar. It beautifully conveys how books take you on adventures.

The synopsis appealed to me and the book didn't disappoint. It recounts the author's love of the show, Reading Rainbow and it highlights his love of books and reading. What made this even more special was that he met LeVar Burton when he was a kid and included the actual photo he took with him at the end of the book. The illustrations show diversity and I think would appeal to kids. Cute read!

A sweet children’s book about the authors experiences watching Reading Rainbow starring his good friend LeVar Burton. Who didn’t love Reading Rainbow growing up, I still remember watching in the afternoon after school. I loved all the references to different books and the shout out to Roots. I also loved the list of all the featured books at the end. We are a library family and LeVar started it all.

This text is unique in its presentation of a young person's connection to a true hero, Levar Burton. Its storyline and illustrations connect the reader not only to the time period, but to a love of reading. The story is presented in a way that also helps students or children connect to Reading Rainbow, an element that was probably critical to their parents' time in middle school. The personal note from the author at the conclusion which conveys just how real this interaction with his hero was stands to serve two purposes: it shows children that the key moments in their lives are worth writing, and it shows us the impact that one person can have on another.

I requested this book from NetGalley (thanks of the eArc!) after reading the rather odd [book:Leonard Cohen|203162908]Leonard Cohen by Maria Isabel Sanchez. When I requested it I did not know about the Reading Rainbow, although I am familiar with LeVar Burton - mainly through StarTrek and his podcast LeVar Burton Reads. This little volume is surprisingly sweet, even without having the full background, or having watched the show. It's nicely illustrated and celebrates Black authors and stories. It has a certain nostalgia for the 90s, although that is not the focus. Unsurprisingly it has an American tone to it, so I probably wouldn't wouldn't buy it for my Australian friends, but if I was American I would definitely put this on my shopping list.

This was a sweet children’s book based on the author’s own experience watching Levar Burton and getting to meet his idol. Loved the illustrations too.

ARC Copy...I thought it was a sweet narrative and awww author as a kid was super lucky too! I agree and relate with author as I grew up watching reading rainbow and I loved it too!

Ahhhh! My Friend LeVar?! Heck yes I had to read this children's book. LeVar was my childhood friend too! Just like I'd expect a book about LeVar Burton to be, this book is beautiful and inclusive. I LOVE that the author included a photo and the true story. This book is perfect for just about any 80s/90s kid who loved Reading Rainbow.

You never outgrow your love for Reading Rainbow. Trekkies fondly remember him from Next Generation, and who can forget him in Roots. But the child in the story knows that LeVar is his personal friend who encourages, goes on adventures, and teaches so many things! "LeVar inspires me to be creative and use my imagination"
The illustrations by Jenna Nahyun Chung are simple, imaginative, colorful, and fun.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, hospital, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected proof e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you! Avail Oct 01, 2024
#KidLit @readingrainbow @levarburton @PBSKIDS podcast LeVar Burton Reads #galimoto #Friends

Literally the cutest children’s book. I too grew up watching reading rainbow and honestly if my classmate came to class with a picture with THEE Levar Burton I would be extremely jealous (adult me still is). Every year I look out for the children’s book to buy all my nieces and nephews and this def will be the book this year. Thank you for this arc.

Reading Rainbow is one of my all-time most influential TV shows. I’ve always admired Levar. As a reading teacher, I have shared archived episodes with my students as part of book review lessons. This book made me smile through and through.

This book was so wonderful! The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous and the story itself was touching. I highly recommend this book for ALL readers!

Ezra's friend LeVar always has a book to share. From playing in the snow, to decorating eggs, to eating pancakes with Paul Bunyan--Ezra and LeVar explore all different kinds of stories. Through imaginative play they discover new worlds, learn to be curious, and revel in reading. One day young Ezra meets LeVar Burton in real life! Soon afterward, Ezra discovers that his friends know LeVar from TV, too.

This joyous celebration of the impact that LeVar Burton had on kids during his years on television stems from the author's real-life admiration of LeVar Burton and their chance meeting when Ezra was a child.

My Take:
This book is a valuable addition to any library, personal or public, for young readers. My concern is whether young children will recognize Mr. Burton and understand why this story resonates so deeply with adults who grew up with him introducing them to books. Overall, the subject matter was compelling enough for me to select this book and consider finding episodes of Reading Rainbow for the young readers I know.

This 90's baby's heart is in love! I think most people from my generation can remember the excitement of Reading Rainbow day and the joy that accompanied the giant box TV being wheeled into the classroom. What a wonderful tribute to LeVar Burton and Reading Rainbow!

While I did greatly enjoy this story, I don't know that it will make much sense to present-day students who are not familiar with Reading Rainbow. I'd say it is more for their grown-ups to enjoy.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!