In an attempt to control the behavior of Will and his brother, their parents are forcing them to spend summer days at the library. They expect to be bored to death under the watchful eye of mean Spud Murphy. She won't even let them step off the carpet in front of the children's books! This is too much of a challenge for Will, but what will be the consequence? Will she blast him with the potato gun the kids are sure she keeps behind the counter? Will she detect his movements? Will this undertaking lead him to a totally unexpected adventure?
note: author of the acclaimed Artemis Fowl series
related-librarians, libraries, reading
RL=2nd-5th
*This book is written for young readers, but it is funny enough that others will love it too.

On the day of his naming ceremony, a young roadrunner is bit by a rattlesnake. The bite leaves him with huge, clumsy feet-so he gets stuck with the embarrassing name Thunderfoot. Through his attempts to overcome his impediment, he not only survives in the harsh environment but his achievements become legend.

What a great book for young readers (2nd-4th grades)! Especially animal-lovers. Only a few of the transitional books for young readers that I have read are exceptional. As important as this stage is in reading, you?d think there would be more. Bill Wallace has written many books for young readers; this is the first I?ve read. It has more meaning than the average book for young readers plus adventure and details of nature. It is a work of storytelling rather than a reading primer.

related-animals, desert habitat, handicap, boys, names, identity
RL=2nd-6th

Da Vinci remains one of the most interesting people for children to read about. This book talks about his life and ideas in ways which inspire children to try some of the ideas themselves. There are prepared activities as well as gorgeous pictures. I believe it is primarily da Vinci's ideas and experiments that draw so much attention.
RL=4th-5th

Leonardo: Beautiful Dreamer is a biography for young readers focusing on Leonardo's notebooks, as that is where most of the knowledge of Leonardo da Vinci's thoughts, explorations, and discoveries come from. The writing is accessible to 1st through 5th graders (though a challenge for some 1st and 2nd graders) without watering down the content too much. The text could stand alone, but the illustrations add greatly to the appeal of the book. I selected the book first of all for the beauty of the design and pictures, and the reading experience was excellent with both combined. The illustrations draw the reader in, and with so many details, children will want to pour over the pages.

This may not be what you would normally think of as a picture book, but it can be used for young ones, primarily looking at the pictures or skipping over some of the content and discussing some, too. I do think there is enough information to appeal to 5th graders still, but the illustrations, blending many of da Vinci's own sketches with scenes from his life, are so fascinating that the illustrations are most of the book. Any child reading the book will come away with a greater understanding of Leonardo da Vinci than I had in my pre-college years.

related-Leonardo da Vinci, artists and paintings, scientific exploration and discoveries, observation and curiosity
RL=1st-5th, read aloud with pre-K through 1st

This is a fairly simple introduction to number theory that isn't normally taught before college level. The purpose is to explore the fascinating study of number patterns. It isn't that it can't be taught sooner. It's not considered important for students to learn, but it can encourage more interest in mathematical studies.

related-square numbers, magic squares, triangular numbers, Fibonacci sequence, relationship of dots and lines, number chains, probability, Pascal's triangle, patterns in a number square
RL=4th and up

Rebecca Stead's 3rd children's novel. The most striking aspect is that she loves to twist the story. This one starts with Georges and his parents moving to a Brooklyn apartment building from their beloved home. Emphasis is on change of job status and his mother working as a nurse and not home to spend time with him. The story is largely his adjusting to the situation. He meets a sister and brother right off and becomes friends with them, odd though they seem. Their friendship is based on spying adventures. Safer and Candy are both homeschooled, so they are always around to hang out with. Georges also gains friends through school as the story goes on, though slowly at first, and it takes dealing with adversity to develop the friendships.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is quirky, with several odd character details, and anticipatory, as you can never tell what's going to happen next. And the story progresses in a completely different direction. Both Georges and Safer end up with big secrets that I did not expect at all. Just like When You Reach Me, it makes you feel like you need to go back and read it through again, with your new knowledge, to find the clues that you know Stead left. Awesome.

Rebecca Stead, like another favorite author - Wendy Mass, fills out her stories with philosophical bits. I highly recommend both of these authors.

related-spies and intrigue, adventure, middle schools, apartment houses, family life, homeschool, bullying, dealing with fear
RL=5th and up

Crazy Horse grew up in the mid-1800s when the Sioux were desperately trying to save their hunting grounds and way of life. He became the greatest of all the Teton Sioux warriors-leading his warriors against General Custer in the Battle of Little Bighorn.

Freedman's account of Crazy Horse's life displays the wisdom, courage, and idealism of an extraordinary man. He fought and died for his beliefs when many others had given up. Yet, in the end he also allowed his followers to live instead of being killed with him.

The drawings were taken from a tribal pictoral history by Amos Bad Heart Bull. He was too young to take part in the battles, but he was Crazy Horse's cousin, and he learned first hand from those who did participate in the last struggles of the Sioux.
RL=4th-8th

In the first book of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, Riordan tells a tale of Greek mythological characters roaming the modern U.S.-starting in New York City and traveling to Los Angeles. Imagine your ADHD being the result of your demigod status, unbeknownst to you! One crazy event after another happens as Percy meets more characters-especially once he learns who he is and accepts his quest. The characters and other mythological connections are well done and my favorite part of the story. The confrontations occur a little too often, but there are plenty of creative tidbits to keep readers hooked.

Percy's quest arises due to the fact that someone has stolen Zeus's master lightning bolt. He accuses Poseidon and gives him until the summer solstice to return it or prepare for World War III. Percy (short for Perseus) is appointed the task of reclaiming it. His advisers believe Hades is the culprit, so he must travel to the Underworld. Unfortunately, Zeus is not the only god missing an object of power, and matters become complicated.

Interestingly, the book reminds me of another story related to mythical stolen property, Thor's Wedding by Bruce Coville. Coville's story closely follows a Norse poem, Thrymskvitha. Riordan's does not.

All three of my sons (ages 9-16) read the book and immediately read the second book. They loved them.
related-Greek gods & mythology, monsters, family relationships
RL=4th & up

In my opinion, no biographical list would be complete without a book about Abraham Lincoln. I have been fascinated by his life and character since I was in 5th grade. He had wisdom and sensitivity beyond most people's capability, and yet he could also captivate crowds with his humor. There are, of course, many biographies available, but Russell Freedman has a knack for exhibiting an individual's personality. It almost feels like you know Lincoln after reading this account-instead of having read through a list of dry facts. The photos are striking, and there are some of Lincoln's writings at the end along with some other good sources.
RL=5th-8th

A Long Walk to Water is about one man's story, Salva Dut - organizer of Water for Sudan, a nonprofit organization. The tale is written from two perspectives. Each chapter starts with part of Nya's day, a girl in Sudan who spends most of her day collecting water for the family. The greater part of the chapter is the story of how and why Salva arrived at his present day work.

Years ago, Salva's family also struggled with their water supply. His family (as well as Nya's) relocated for months of the year for access to water. During this relocation period, his tribe the Dinka often endured fighting with Nya's tribe the Nuer, over the territory. In the 1980s, a civil war erupted in Suda between the Northern Muslim leaders of the government and the Southern non-Muslim groups. Soldiers attack the village in which Salva goes to school, and he is forced to flee, hoping that he will meet family along the path the refugees trek. They first flee towards Ethiopia, then Kenya. After many years, Salva is chosen from a refugee camp to be a foster child in the United States. He works toward an education and goes back to Sudan to try to help his people.

Nya and Salva both walk for survival. Nya's walking is a never-ending routine for a family necessity. She looks forward to the off months when they are camping by the lake, because it gives her a break from the walking. Salva's walking is out of a desperate attempt at freedom and security, an attempt which lasts years before he experiences any of that security. Both of the young people exhibit strength and perseverance as they strive for a future. The two stories come full circle and mesh in the end.

The way that Salva chooses to help his people is an excellent enterprise. Considering that much of the fighting to which the tribes had been exposed was over rare sources of water, what better way to help than to decrease the rarity. It must have seemed like a miracle to the Sudanese people, and I like that he did not stop with just his village or area. I like that Salva's work is inspirational and mind-opening, and also that it is a true story.

Linda Sue Park takes a difficult issue and weaves a story that is horrifically, inexorably true, but in a matter of fact way that doesn't lose sight of the hope for a better future. It shows some of the desperation without it being too much for the reader (especially young ones) to bear. It cuts to the core of reality without being so ugly you cannot look, and it spotlights an example of real change in a world low on hope.

related-Salva Dut, Sudan, Africa, civil war, refugees, lack of water, blacks, peace offering
RL=4th and up, some mature content - violence

For both Lunch Money and The Last Holiday Concert I made the bad mistake of judging the book by its cover, so I did not read them until recently. They didn't seem like anything special to me; I should have known better. It is amazing to me that Clements can use so few and simple words to convey all that he does in his stories.

In Lunch Money, a business-minded boy (Greg) implements his best project yet: mini-comics. His neighbor, classmate, and nemesis (Maura) appreciates his idea and makes her own books. They feud, are separated, and then become business partners. They share their creative endeavors, and they band together to save their business with the help of their math teacher.

related-interpersonal relations, moneymaking projects, business, comics, authorship, schools, selling and marketing at schools, student/teacher relationships, high interest
RL=4th-7th

Have you ever had a day when you noticed a math problem in everything around you? Or do you make sure that never happens because it would be your worst nightmare? In Math Curse, Mrs. Fibonacci (math teacher) says "you can think of almost everything as a math problem" and starts a barrage of questions (some of them ridiculously unrelated).

This is my favorite Scieszka/Smith book so far. The problems are imaginative and at times hilarious. The pictures are absorbing and delightful as well.
related-math anxiety, mathematics
RL=2nd-5th (or anyone wanting a good laugh)

Mathemagic! features a mix of mathematical tricks. All of them have explanations; some of them even have a history. They are meant to be performed for others, exhibiting your genius. Two of them have to do with properties of the digits 6 and 9 which make them easier to calculate multiplication. Some of the tricks are puzzles in which the audience participates. Mathematical operations are performed to confuse the audience. Quicker participants may figure out what the magician is doing.

The most interesting part of the book to me is the four entries which are different ways of calulating. The Egyptians had a doubling technique making it easier to multiply larger numbers quickly. Binary cards are used for guessing a participants number choice within a given range, and a discussion of binary is included. Napier's Bones, used by merchants in the 1600s, are also discussed for multiplication. They are charts of multiplication facts carved on bone which simplify the process when used together. This is a process that is done in multiplication anyway; Napier set it out visually. The fourth is division dowels, a set of rulers for division similar to Napier's multiplication. In the 1800s, Henri Genaille and Edouard Lucas worked out all of the possible quotients and remainders for a table to be used for simplifying long division. It looks complicated, but it is a simple way of accurately figuring.

The book is designed to encourage thinking about number theory. Math can be like puzzles, something to figure out for enjoyment. And there is always the fun of knowing something that stumps someone else. The author presents these tricks as ways to calculate problems quickly and mentally. Some of them can be used to figure quickly for any reason. When a student can develop this proficiency in mathematics, he/she can start to really enjoy the theory (reasons for doing math).

related-mathematical puzzles, figuring, calculating, multipication, division
RL=3rd and up, a challenge for 3rd graders, probably better for 5th-8th

Not only are mathematicians people, too, but they can have very interesting lives. The usual mathematicians are discussed here (Pythagorus, Archimedes, Newton, tec) plus others less well-known such as John Napier, Leonhard Euler, Sophie Germain, and Srinivasa Ramanujan. Half of the people I had either never heard of or only heard the name before reading the book. The biographies are short but fascinating and hopefully will generate more interest in mathematics since they show math as a process of thinking and logic not just figuring.
related-problem solving, geometry, number theory, algebra, computation, probabilty, measurement, mathematical symbols, women in mathematics
RL=5th-8th

This is the best picture book I've seen of the King Arthur stories. It is the only one I've seen in which the illustrations and text are equally good. Maybe the text is better than most because it is approached in a different way.

King Arthur is younger than he is normally portrayed. As a boy king he is woken by dreams of pulling the sword from the stone. To calm and reassure him Merlin tells him the story of Vortigern's fortress and the battle of the dragons. When he hears Uther's name, Arthur questions whether Uther may have had a son who will try to claim the throne, and Merlin tells him that he is Uther's son and the rightful king.

related-King Arthur, Merlin, dragons, boys, mentors
RL=3rd-4th, read aloud

This book is above picture book level but accessible to readers who aren't ready for the length of others such as Robin Lister and Howard Pyle. Some of the details are different from what I originally read but not too far off from other versions. It is a little brief and abrupt, but the pictures are attractive with illuminated borders. Some of the language is difficult for the age it is targeted, so it may have been meant for reading aloud.

related-Merlin, King Arthur, Arthurian romances, Folklore-England, knights, Sir Thomas Malory
RL=3rd-4th, read aloud

Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician gives a brief history of measurement. He suggests moving towards the future when hopefully the world will use the same measuring units to avoid confusion and costly mistakes. He introduces the metric system and explains its simplicity.
RL=2nd-3rd

Sage misunderstands an assigned vocabulary word and embarasses herself in front of her class. She transforms her mistake into a great success. The book can be used as a vocabulary lesson or enjoyed for its creative and touching story and its celebration of the richness of our language.
RL=3rd-5th

I have anticipated reading this book since I learned of it. Maybe overly anticipated. One of the very first books I read as a child was a serial biography of Helen Keller. I loved the story and read it several times. I also have seen 2 versions of The Miracle Worker. The 1962 movie with Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke and the 1979 TV movie with Patty Duke and Melissa Gilbert. I think, because the story itself was what so enthralled me, this book could replace the old serial book in the hearts of children. The old one has nice pictures and was meant for very young readers. This one has more depth and much better language and writing. The events are much the same, but Sarah Miller has made an effort to convey the thoughts of Anne Sullivan-including what she believed Helen was going through before understanding the concept of words and as her world opened up. The perspective is the main difference. The old book is from Helen's. This one is from Anne Sullivan's, and because Anne was nearly blind and trained at the Perkins Institution for the Blind where she knew someone like Helen, this book to a certain extent incorporates both perspectives.

One of the things that amazes me about the lives of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan is the realization of how important words are. Their lives made me think at a very young age about this concept. Words-we take them for granted, but the normal way of thinking (not just communicating) is with words. Some people have more visual thinking than I do. Sometimes we think in sound or pure emotion, but all of us think with words. Can you imagine what it would be like to try to communicate without having learned words? Or to communicate with someone else who hasn't? That is what this whole story hinges on. Helen was just starting to learn a few words at six months when she became so ill that she lost her sight and hearing. By age 6 she so desperately wanted to communicate that she had created her own gestures for many things. She needed a teacher who could understand her struggles and help her to communicate or be trapped inside herself with only her family to understand her at all. Only one other person had learned what Helen needed to learn, fifty years earlier.

related-Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller, blind, deaf, people with disabilities, teachers, Alabama history, self discipline, orphans, American sign language, literacy, understanding words, communication, fictionalized biography
RL=5th & up

This is a powerful story based on the life of Benjamin Banneker's (scientist and mathematician) grandmother. The focus is on social conditions of the time and the strength and perseverance with which she met those situations. The pictures are beautiful two-page spreads.
RL=2nd-5th

Russell is bullied relentlessly at school. He imagines himself becoming a monster to get revenge. He stumbles upon The Magic Shop as he flees from the bully. He receives a ring from the proprietor that transforms him-body and character.

The story is strange and fantastic and yet somehow very real. Russell is transformed in ways we may wish we could be sometimes-as long as we could change back when convenient.
related-monsters, bullies, Halloween, schools, magic
RL=3rd-4th

The Greek gods battle the heroic mortals in this terribly funny satire. A basketball game with play by play commentary. It's sure to be a close match despite the cheating of the gods and the umpire's fear of them. The dramatic pictures are great, and the wordplay fits brilliantly with the characters.
RL=1st-3rd, up to 5th for study of Greek culture, read aloud to pre-K to K

This is one of the first books that my oldest son was excited about reading. He had been unwilling to move beyond Goosebumps and Animorphs. He had read an excerpt from a textbook and decided to give it a try. His motivation for reading it was the technology involved in the story.

Scientists at NIMH try to teach lab rats to read. They underestimate the rats' abilities, and the rats decide to gain their own freedom and create their own community.

The two sequels (Racso and the Rats of NIMH: 1986 and RT, Margaret, and the Rats of NIMH: 1990-both by Jane Leslie Conly, his daughter) are as good as the first book. They are worth reading again and again.
RL=4th-6th

This mystery is different in that it takes place in 1490 Italy. The concept of a printing press seems like magic to the small town of Pergamontio. Magic is illegal by order of King Claudius, so the appearance of multiple exact copies of a seditious paper prompts the jailing of the local magician, Mangus. Fabrizio, an unwanted servant boy of Mangus, filled with awe and faithfulness for Mangus, is caught in the thick of the intrigue when he tries to assist his master.

Caught between the power play of the mysterious Count Scarazoni and Signor DeLaBina, the chief magistrate of Pergamontio, Fabrizio is enlisted in an exciting adventure, requiring all of his abilities and a bit of illusion to prove his master's innocence. Through his investigations, he meets the daughter and printer's devil of the traveling printers. Fabrizio befriends Maria and enlists her help in the adventure.

The details regarding the medieval setting a large part of the charm. I also enjoyed the interaction between Fabrizio and Maria and the appearances of the Count.

Murder At Midnight is a companion novel to Midnight Magic.

related-magicians, orphans, Renaissance Italy, mysteries and detective stories, printing press
RL=3rd-6th

My Brother Abe gives voice to Abraham Lincoln's sister Sally who died in childbirth at age 21. The story deals with the Lincolns' move from Kentucky to Indiana when they are put off their land by wealthy investors. Included is their mother's death and Sally's running of their frontier home at age 11 until Mr. Lincoln brings home a new wife. A poignant period of adjustment follows with Sally unwilling to accept a stepmom.

The historical references to Abraham Lincoln are just teasers, a setting perhaps. The title doesn't quite fit, since the story is Sally's not Abe's. Little is truly known of Sally, but Mazer's story is a glimpse into the difficult life on the frontier. Imagine being in charge of the house (meals, cleaning, food rationing) at age 11. Even being left to run things for weeks while a parent is absent. The best part to me is the emotional struggle Sally has with her father and the ordeal of becoming part of the family her father pieces together out of necessity. Her burden is lifted, but belonging is another matter. I imagine it isn't so different from families pieced together nowadays.

related-Sarah Lincoln, 19th century, early 1800s, Abraham Lincoln, childhood and youth, frontier and pioneer life, Indiana history, homestead
RL=4th-6th

It's a summer of adventure for 12 year old Jane and her family and friends. As if it's not enough of an adventure living on the beach in their small Massachusetts town, Jane experiences a lone hot air balloon ride in an attempt to save her soul, Sunday afternoons with her friend and preacher looking to optimize their spiritual energy, babysitting a hoard of Gourd children as penance, excursions and dinners getting to know her mother's ex-boyfriends who have appeared all at once this summer, saving her brothers from an ill-advised boating attempt, and a close call-of-a-kidnapping. In her spare moments, she finds some time to enjoy her surroundings, calming and replenishing herself. She may feel like she is blundering through the summer, but she does a lot of good without fully realizing it.

As in Everything on a Waffle, there are some quirky interesting details, like Jane's mother (Felicity) being a Pulitzer prize winning poet, and startling clear-sighted moments, like there being millions of days within one day because everyone lives that day differently.

Jane's family lives a different sort of life than most, owing to her mother's outlook on life. Felicity's is a simple life - living in an old cottage on the beach, gathering wild fruits, clams and wild grasses to supplement their meager fair, treating others with kindness and giving them the benefit of the doubt. This may be a part of why Jane tries so hard to be good.

Jane's friend Ginny is a kindred spirit, though struggling through her own troubles this summer. She also finds a treasure in an old friend of her mom's, the grandfatherly Anton Fordyce. They share a much needed restful afternoon in the midst of Jane's chaotic summer. Another old friend is set to open up a whole new world of adventures.

related-brothers and sisters, single parent families, summer, beaches, babysitters, interpersonal relations, friendship
RL=5th and up

Sam Gribley leaves his family's home to live off the land in the Catskill Mountains. He looks back at the summer and fall when he was faced with solving all the details that would make it possible to survive through the winter independently-with comfort.

As with the other books I have read by Jean George, the strength is in the details of being a part of nature as well as the feelings and thoughts expressed in this solitary living. The story concept is a little strange to me-possibly since so much has changed in our society since the book was written. While I can understand a boy's desire to live freely in an undeveloped area, some of the events wouldn't fit well into modern life. Still I enjoyed the ingenuity of the boy, and the descriptions give the reader the feeling that it is still possible to live independently with only products of the land and one's own ability to think of solutions. As I was finishing I also thought that those enjoying George's books would also likely enjoy Thoreau and Walt Whitman when a little older.

related-freedom and independence, survival, study and observation of nature, ingenuity, problem solving
RL=4th-8th

Frightful is taken away and Alice, Sam Gribley's sister, strikes out on her own. Sam and Bando track her across the mountain for an adventure and to make sure she is safe. She leads them on a merry chase. When they learn there are poachers nearby, they split up. Bando contacts the authorities, and Sam moves quickly to catch Alice.

The story is full of natural observations, but it is quirky also because of Alice's personality.
related-wilderness survival, brothers and sisters, falcons-fiction, friendship, ingenuity, falconers
RL=4th-8th

Told from many points-of-view, the story follows not just Frightful but other peregrine falcons as well. It is the story of Frightful's transfer from captivity to the wild. It discusses (in story format) the dangers affecting the falcons and other endangered birds. The birds and those caring for them face conflicts. Protections are described as well as failed attempts. Children and wildlife protection agencies become involved in preserving Frightful's babies. Full of details of Frightful's adaptation to the wild, it has a great balance between wild life observations and human interest. It is an exciting story-the best of the trilogy.
related-peregrine falcon-fiction, falcons, wildlife conservation, New York state, falconers, return of birds of prey to the wild, endangered species, migration, civil activism, school children, mating, falcon chicks
RL=5th-8th

Four children are recruited to a secret society through a sequence of tests designed to pinpoint certain abilities. Each child has one particular aptitude: problem solving, retention of facts, bravery, and independence. The four combined make up the perfect team to foil the plans of Mr. Curtain, the head of the Learning Institute for the Very Gifted. They become students to gather information about the hidden agenda of the school and ultimately stop Mr. Curtain.

The testing period is lengthy and interesting. It is surprising how many kids are weeded out, but the tests are trickier than they seem, with things that don't seem like tests thrown in. The results are different for each child and show their different characteristics and personalities.

The plot is somewhat predictable, though the details of the story are unique and engaging. The book is a little long and probably could have used more editing. What I liked about the book is the characters and the unique behavior of each one. Sticky's fear balances out his know-it-all-ness. Reynie comes up with most of the suggestions or plans, but uses the others as sounding boards. Kate and her wonderful bucket full of fun kit, which allows her to do anything. Constance's vocal stubbornness gets them in plenty trouble, but in the end is essential.

This is a book that received a lot of buzz around the internet when it came out. The title is great to start. It is also a rare science fiction book for middle readers, plus a fairly good mystery. As I said, the characters are great. The level is not difficult, but the length could scare some away. It has interesting chapter heads, for those enjoying breaks between chapters.

related-adventure and adventurers, schools, brainwashing and mindwiping, world domination, mysteries, science fiction, spying
RL=5th-8th

Nature is spotlighted here with descriptions of how inventors have copied natural phenomenon. Detailed pictures help us to see the parallels in this fantastic book. From architecture to transportation to energy nature has again and again lead the way.
RL=3rd to 5th

There is a mythical winged being inhabiting the top of Mount Washington in the Presidential range of New Hampshire. It is said that Pmola protects an ancient treasure in the region. Treasure hunters force Paul and his grandfather to guide them to the treasure. The grandfather is the expert on Abenaki legend in the area, and his familial ancestors have kept the stories through time. Paul has been raised to use his senses for observation, to control emotions that cloud thinking, to communicate in many ways, and to use all of his resources in solving his problems. His family training should serve him well in his dealing with these heartless kidnappers.

The story is in parts: the mystery of the legendary creature, the adventure of the kidnapping and treasure hunt, the aspects of Abenaki tradition and certain family abilities. The anticipation of the adventure is greater than I expected. The story starts with Paul being chased by the winged creature. Glimpses are seen throughout. Sightings too large to be a bird follow Paul at home and on the trails. We know it is only a matter of time. That is the biggest impression I had, the anticipation.

I also enjoyed the pure reading experience. Joseph Bruchac is an experienced and lauded storyteller. Much of what he has written has been based on tales passed down. But he is a master at weaving the language. I always feel a sense of awesome history attached to his writing. I suppose because he draws so much from tradition.

related-Abenaki Indians, Indians of North America, Northeastern states, New Hampshire, Mount Washington, monsters, mystery
RL=5th & up

Nine short stories with twists or different points-of-view than the norm. Entertaining stories that make one think. Especially good for nonsqueamish readers.
RL=5th

Simple enough for a child to read, but deep enough to teach and inspire adults. The world argues about God. First, the animals, and then, mankind. Old Turtle speaks both times to restore unity. The story is a reminder of what our purpose on Earth is and a message of hope that people are remembering and trying to heal damage that has been done.

The illustrations are stand alone art and add to an already powerful tale.

related-God, nature, spirituality, environment, humans, conservationism
RL=2nd-4th, mostly read aloud to Pre-K & up

Delphine and her sisters are sent from Brooklyn to Oakland to get to know a mother who abandoned them long ago. Cecile has no place for children in her life, but their dad is sick and insists that they need to know her. So, off to Oakland they fly in a 1960s summer, where they spend their days at a Black Panther day care. It is a rocky reunion for all, but there are snippets of why the father insisted. It is an enlightening experience, for the children and the mother.

My biggest impression is that the subject matter is different than anything else I've read. Sure, I've read other books with abandoned children, irresponsible parents, etc. But none like this. None that gives so much perspective regarding the parent. None that hints that there may have been a reason for the abandonment. None that attempts the complexity of healing the rift that would be there. To top it off, the background is refreshingly unusual.

I thought I'd give the book a try, since I have read and liked short stories by Rita-Williams Garcia. The book is short, and exceptional! Delphine and Cecile are a pair destined to battle, unless Cecile starts to pay attention to what is under her nose.

related-sisters, mothers and daughters, poets, African Americans, Black Panther Party, civil rights movement, Oakland, California, 20th century
RL=4th-7th

It's a time for celebration - the students' graduation from grammar school, their beloved teacher's wedding, a traveling circus, and the Fourth of July. Odd creatures from the previous Hamlet Chronicles books make an appearance, set on becoming a part of the festivities.

This is the last book of a series set in a small Vermont town, focusing mainly on a class of students and their families and teacher. Wacky and humorous, a different set of creatures stars in each story, with them all coming together in One Final Firecracker. It reminds me of The Pure Dead series by Deb Gliori, though more heart-warming and toned down.

This is an excellent series for young readers, those who have recently started reading chapter books. I think, one of the best, because it is less formulaic than that reading level tends to be. The characters and story are enjoyable to follow. The language is rich, slowing down the flow, while the anticipation builds. A totally crazy scenario makes the town much more interesting than it would otherwise be - including to reporters snooping around.

I read this book before I knew it was a series. I have since read the first book and liked it as well. I still need to read the others to see what I missed. Just from reading the two, I can tell there is character development going on through the series, since the students and teacher are together through the whole series.

Also note, the students lead active lives, roaming all over town, much as I remember doing as a child. Unlike the average child nowadays, focused on electronics.

Seven Spiders Spinning is the first book in the series. I recommend that readers start with the first book.

related-schools, teachers, Fourth of July, Vermont, humorous stories
RL=4th-6th

I love Kerley's books in partnership with National Geographic. The photography is so great! The meaning that she conveys with so few words (rich words, but few) and the life captured in the pictures. Some of the shots are just beautiful photographically as well. There is so much humor, and I love the spirit of the project, the motivation to bring the world together, the visual evidence that we share the same basic needs and desires each day. And if that's not enough of a treat, there are her comments about each photograph and place at the end of the book. I've seen 3 of the 4 books now and thoroughly enjoyed each. The other 2 are A Little Peace and A Cool Drink of Water. I highly recommend this series.
related-children, social life and custom, pictorial works
RL=all ages, 1st grade reading level, but reading isn't necessary to enjoy

I would guess this has to be one of the first stories to have the character living a computer game. Johnny, when playing the game Only You Can Save Mankind, is contacted by the leader of the aliens/enemy. Their leader surrenders and requests safe passage to their home. While it is a game to Johnny and his friends, the aliens are dying for real. The dilemma results in many sleepless nights for Johnny, odd conversations with his friends, wrestling with his conscience, and new friends.

The book was written during the Gulf War, a time when there was daily TV coverage of bombings for the first time. No carnage was shown; it looked like a video game. This story is a reminder that the killing is real, that it isn't a weakness to want to avoid bloodshed, whether it is of foreigners or aliens. Pratchett twists a serious subject into a quirky and compelling plot. It is a good story, with important commentary, but without beating the reader over the head with the message.

related-computer games, war, conduct of life, sci fi
RL=4th & up, publisher says ages 8 and up

The bank takes Oscar and his father's home, including their wondrous train set-up, when the stock market crashes. His father travels to California in search of work, and he is left with his austere aunt. During his few private moments home alone, Oscar befriends a homeless man left jobless by the Depression, who in turn tutors him (especially in Mathematics). The ex-teacher gets a job at the bank which has his train set displayed for Christmas. An attempted bank robbery propels Oscar into the future via the train where he meets a soon-to-be Hollywood star and young runaway girl from New York City.

I enjoyed the boy and teacher relationship, since he needed his father so badly, and Oscar gave Mr. Applegate help in the same way that his father needed help from those in California. He teaches Oscar how to memorize speeches and poetry (a quality his aunt values) and discusses with him principles of time travel. Of course, all of this takes place while his aunt is working away from the house, as she would never have approved befriending a stranger.

Oscar's wormhole train ride surprised me. Here I was enjoying the Depression setting, when BAM! he's on a train bound for California where he arrives as a teenager. He does get to see his dad, but he must go back to set their lives straight, though that chain of events is strange as well. Besides Mr. Applegate, the star helps Oscar along the way, as does the runaway girl whose father has important friends.

Rosemary Wells tells a good tale. Odd, but creative and poignant.

related-space and time, railroad trains, single parent families, Depression, 20th century, adventure, California, Illinois, boys
RL=4th-7th

This is an incredibly moving series for such short books. A woman reads to her grandchildren from a diary kept by one of the orphan children. The writer was the eldest of a large Irish family whose father died in New York City and the mother could not support the children. The children's adoption is based on a foster program set up to give the children on the streets a better life. It took place in the 1800s, during the Civil War. Part of the idea was to supply western pioneering families with children. There are stories appealing to both girls and boys.
RL=4th-8th

Illustrated with Waldman's paintings as well as his relatives', his autobiography consists of anecdotes from his formative years. They create stirring images of the experiences which influenced his career as an artist and writer.

His stories are glimpses of his old journals which he says were important in developing his talent. He encourages students to keep journals both as a form of practice (for sketching and writing) and as reminders of what they have already learned and experienced. Another point not mentioned is that using a journal focuses attention and emphasizes the particular idea being recorded at that moment. So, it becomes imprinted more firmly in the mind.

Out of the Shadows is enjoyable reading and also enlightening and inspirational for hopeful young artists and writers.

related-Neil Waldman, childhood and youth, illustrators, Jewish artists, American history and biography
RL=4th-8th

Three weeks at a cottage in the Berkshires for the Penderwick girls and their Hound and dad! The cottage is lovelier than they could imagine and on the grounds of a mansion - with a lonely boy. It's the best time Jeffrey has had - ever. His mother is not thrilled with the wildness of his new companions. The five children get into one scrape after another, and the girls' influence turns out to be better than Mrs. Tifton (Jeffrey's mother) will admit.

This light-hearted summer romp was the recommendation of my 9 year old son. There's lots of fun with the Penderwicks' antics and a touching ending concerning Jeffrey's future.

related-sisters, friends, single-parent families, summer vacations
RL=5th-8th

The Penderwicks are back home after their summer adventure, and there's always adventure with four girls and a dog. Aunt Claire comes to visit and tells her brother, the girls' father, it's time for him to start dating. Rosalind is unwilling to accept the idea and initiates the Save-Daddy Plan. Rosalind's friend Tommy is jealous of Jeffrey, from summer vacation, and she seems to be losing his friendship. Skye and Jane are having trouble with school work. They decide to switch work to suit their interests better, with terrible results. Batty and Hound are spying on the new next-door neighbor, plus the mysterious Bug Man. All of the family befriends their new neighbors, Iantha, Ben and Asimov (the cat).

Birdsall's 2nd Penderwick book is a heartwarming and emotional romp. The girls are smart, lively, and real. A force to be reckoned with, as Skye's rival at school and on the soccer field can attest.

related-sisters, family life, single-parent families, dating, Massachusetts, writing and writers/authors, theatrical performances, transition to reading
RL=5th & up

Percy's quest arises due to the fact that someone has stolen Zeus's master lightning bolt. He accuses Poseidon and gives him until the summer solstice to return it or prepare for World War III. Percy (short for Perseus) is appointed the task of reclaiming it. His advisers believe Hades is the culprit, so he must travel to the Underworld. Unfortunately, Zeus is not the only god missing an object of power, and matters become complicated.

Interestingly, the book reminds me of another story related to Zeus's stolen property, Thor's Wedding by Bruce Coville. Coville's story closely follows a Norse poem, Thrymskvitha. Riordan's does not.

All three of my sons (ages 9-16) read the book and immediately read the second book. They loved them.
related-Greek gods & mythology, monsters, family relationships, high interest/low reading level
RL=4th & up

There is more discussion of the prophecy no one wants to reveal to Percy, and the overall plot unfolds a little more. The book is as quickly paced as the first. It may not make as much of an impression as the first, perhaps because the concept was new with the first. There is an intriguing, surprise ending and some funny references to historical figures.
related-Greek mythology, gods, monsters, cyclopses, Golden Fleece, family relationships, relatives, high interest
RL=4th & up

This is possibly the most complex of the series so far with many twists in the plot-including an ending I did not guess. The mythological references come fast and furious. The gods play a bigger role in the quest itself since the consequences are increasing. I still may have liked the first book best overall; I think because it was a fresh idea. There are some memorable moments in this one, and it may be more developed psychologically. It is a great series for the age range it is written. Enjoyable for older kids also, but advanced readers may not be interested.
related-Greek mythology, monsters, gods & goddesses, manticore, friendship, family relationships, prophecy, high interest
RL=4th & up

Emberley shows how circles can be cut into 4 basic shapes and the pieces fit together to form limitless designs. The pictures range from very basic with step by step graphics to quite complex. There are also suggestions for variations, such as cutting differently or using printed paper.

I was excited to find this book, because it is a technique my mother told me she used in her art class for elementary grades. It teaches that art on a basic level is shapes and also can be an introduction to fractions.

To encourage children's natural desire to create sometimes requires showing them how to have an end product that is great. Simple projects like this help them to succeed, and so, they will keep creating. While the process is what is most important, a child who doesn't feel successful in art will stop creating. I did not learn until I was an adult that practice is essential, and that I can also be happy with my creations if I continue to try.

related-drawing technique, circles in art
RL=K-5th

Seasons of the year grace Pieces with nature poems and quilts. Hines constructed the lovely quilts specifically for the book, showing a few different techniques. The actual sizes of the quilts are about the same as the pages. I particularly like that some of the quilts are shown as pieces and then sewn together. I also enjoyed seeing quilts as the medium. I've seen picture books with illustrations made to look like quilts, but this is the first for actual quilts. Notice also the use of borders on the quilts.

Hines's language for the poems is mostly playful with descriptive words, varying in rhythm and sound. The poems I especially enjoyed are Good Heavens (which seems to be a centerpiece of the book), Ballet (a dancing crow), Do You Know Green? (a spring poem), To Each His Own (swirling maples), and Winter Sunshine (the last roses).

Hines discusses quilting techniques she used, at the end of the book. Her personal experience makes the book even more enjoyable.

related-nature, seasons, quilts, children's poetry
RL=3rd and up, read aloud to preK-2nd

This book consists mostly of tips for writing the substance of poems. There is some discussion of poetry forms, but mostly the book deals with inspiration, observation, word play and revising lines that don't quite work. The author visits schools, helping the students to become involved in poetry. There are several excerpts of poems illustrating his points, many of them by students. Also three interviews with successful poets and recommended poetry books for study and enjoyment.

Fletcher quotes a young student as saying

It's [poetry] like you're at a party, and you hear some fresh music, and you want to get up and dance.

I don't think of myself as a poet or even a writer, but my haiku writing at Christmas and my contest have gotten me excited about putting my thoughts into poetry. The poetry in The Tree That Time Built increased my desire to do so. I realize now that it is something that literally anyone can do for their own pleasure or emotional release, not just for Literature majors.

I originally picked up the book for my sons' high school writing work. It is simple to read and probably the most help I've seen regarding writing poetry.

related-poetry and poets, authorship, creative writing
RL=5th and up

Poppy's boyfriend is eaten by the owl who says he is the protector/ruler of the forest. She is forced to confront him with her father to get permission to move the family due to lack of food. It is the scariest thing she has ever done. Scarier still is her confrontation with the frightful porcupine who turns out to be her true protection.

Poppy is courageous and smart enough to solve her seemingly insurmountable problems. There is much adventure, suspense, and comic relief in this short novel which is one of the best for this reading level. The sequels are equally as good.

Poppy and Rye 1998
Ragweed 1999
Ereth's Birthday 2000
RL=3rd-5th

Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park.
Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Company: NY, 2005.

Julia and Patrick have a project to do for a club which emphasizes raising animals, growing plants, and practicing crafts. They want the club to pick their project to enter the state fair. Living in an apartment limits the choices of animals they can raise, so Julia's mother suggests silkworms which she had helped raise as a girl in Korea. Patrick is enthusiastic about the idea because of its uniqueness and practical applications. Julia tries to sabotage the project idea, because she would rather do something traditionally American. For the sake of their friendship, Julia eventually accepts the silkworms as a project. It is an excellent project after all with the life cycle of the silkworms, video footage of each stage plus a scrapbook and a finished product (their own silk used in embroidery).

Besides friendship and the life cycle, Linda Sue Park weaves in sustainable farming, racial prejudice, phobias, how to deal with the annoyance of a sibling, and the writing process itself.

I always enjoy reading Linda Sue Park's books. Her subject matter is unique, contemplative, and a pleasure to read. In this book, she experiments with a new concept-adding conversation between the main character and herself after each chapter. Slightly odd, it is interesting and works well in the story.

related-silkworms, Korean American, friendship, life cycle, sustainable agriculture, 4H clubs, family farm vs. commercial farm, racial prejudice, tolerance, patience, phobia, younger brother, writing process, authorship, mulberry tree, state quarters
RL=4th-7th

Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden by George Levenson. photos by Shmuel Thaler.
Tricycle Press/Ten Speed Press: Berkeley, CA, 1999.

This is a nonfiction poem celebrating the life cycle of pumpkins. Every aspect is lovingly described. The parts of the pumpkins seem to have personality as exhibited by Levenson and Thaler. The cycle is a circle, seeds to plants to pumpkins to seeds. I love the backyard full of pumpkin plants, vines everywhere.

The photos are great! You can feel the texture of the closeups. They match the wonderful description perfectly. The combination invites the readers to come play in the garden, and certainly to start their own special pumpkin patch that renews itself from year to year.

Besides how the pumpkins grow, there is further information in back for growing a pumpkin garden.

What a fantastic book! Another great garden book by Levenson and Thaler is Bread Comes to Life.

related-life cycle of pumpkins, backyard gardening, food, jack-o-lanterns, stories in rhyme, poetry for children
RL=1st-5th, read aloud to toddler-K

Pure Dead Series by Debi Gliori.
Alfred A. Knopf/Random House: NY.

Pure Dead Magic © 2001
Pure Dead Wicked © 2002
Pue Dead Brilliant © 2003
Pure Dead Trouble © 2004
Pure Dead Batty © 2005
Originally published as Deep Water by Transworld Publishers Ltd: Great Britain, 2005.

The Pure Dead series is wacky and fun. It's an easy to read series made interesting by odd pets, peculiar happenings, plot twists, and Scottish slang.
related-magic, criminals, brothers and sisters, Scotland, humorous stories
RL=4th-8th

Pure Dead Magic is an introduction to the family, pets, nanny, and butler. The setting is a Scottish castle. The oddness of the family and pets combine with magic and the internet for a truly unusual, zany adventure when their father is kidnapped.

In Pure Dead Wicked, major repairs to their castle force the family to live at an inn for weeks (the only one that will allow their beasts). Included in the book are a real estate development scam and a cloning project through the internet. It is another wacky adventure for all concerned with a unique and funny solution.

Pure Dead Brilliant: As Titus is about to inherit his grandfather's money, he and Pandora see a horrible forecast of their future. Also their home has been overrun by their mother's classmates creating more hilarious upheaval at the Strega-Borgia home. A demon appears who intends to steal an old stone that has been in the family's keeping for centuries.

In Pure Dead Trouble, the Strega-Borgias arrive home from vacation to find their butler comatose on the doorstep. Titus becomes obsessed with exposing a shady corporation that has moved into the area. Pandora shadows the handsome replacement butler. Nanny McLachlan realizes that whatever attacked the butler will be back, and it is up to her to protect the children. The story is as twisted as ever and pulls you right along with it.

Pure Dead Batty: The Borgias' nanny, Mrs. McLachlan, disappeared in the last book. Their terrible cook accuses Luciano (the father) of murdering her, and he is taken to prison. In the resulting chaos, Damp (the youngest) disappears also. As with the other books, it is a totally wacky experience.

Putnam & Pennyroyal by Patrick Jennings. il Jon J. Muth.
Scholastic Press: NY, 1999.

If you are looking for science connections in literature, this is a good choice. Much of the story is about two grebes who have blundered into an underwater cave area. There are many grebes there; none apparently know how to get back out, but they have made the best of it. Pennyroyal, a different sort of grebe, isn't content to stay. She doesn't like the food, she's adventurous, and she likes to communicate, while the rest keep to themselves.

The tale of Putnam & Pennyroyal is told by Cora Lee's Uncle Frank while she visits him during the summer. It is one of the most realistic animal stories I've read. The personalities of the grebes may move beyond realism, but they seem to fit the nature of the grebes. It also becomes apparent as the story is told that Pennyroyal is a bit like Cora Lee and Putnam is like Uncle Frank. In a vague way, acceptance of differences is discussed, too.

I must have picked up the book, because I was searching for books illustrated by Jon Muth. The pictures are small sketches. A few good ones, but mostly unimportant. The story is different, with much anticipation. A good selection for younger readers, especially if the reader is an animal lover.

related-grebes, birds, storytelling, uncles, family, acceptance, identity, animals
RL=4th-6th

Q is for Quark by David M. Schwartz. il. Kim Doner.
Tricycle Press: Berkeley, 2001.

Q is for Quark is one of my favorite alphabet books, has a super cool name, and is one of the best science books for elementary students. It's style is unique and hilarious, explaining science terms and concepts in clear and simple speech, with humorous graphical depictions and comical commentary. The reading level is about 3rd to 5th grade, but it is a book for all ages. Everyone can enjoy the comics. Elementary on up can benefit from the clarification of ideas, promoting the discussion of the concepts with children, which encourages their exploration and willingness to persevere through science classes they may find difficult.

Q is for Quark is a fun book. I wish that my elementary science (what little there was) had been approached in this way. I would like to see more science taught in this way. The book uses normal terminology, but it also explains it without complicated terms which confuse the discussion. It shows science as the explorative subject that it is, something to play around with and observe results and reactions. There are some great concepts within the sciences that don't take a rocket scientist to understand. This book mostly is involved with fairly simple ones (unlike G is for Googol which explains some less elementary ideas), but it is a good book to start some exploration into the science world.

Q is for Quark and its counterpart G is for Googol are books to buy for youngsters and keep and cherish. They are not quick reads; they serve as reminders as well as introductions. I have to say these books helped me to understand some of the terms better and explained terms I hadn't bothered to understand. Here's hoping that these books will lead to further exploration.

related-science, alphabet, ABCs, educational comics, exploration
RL=all ages

Qwerty Stevens, Stuck in Time with Benjamin Franklin by Dan Gutman.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: NY, 2002.

While preparing a history report about the American Revolution, Qwerty accidentally transfers Benjamin Franklin from Philadelphia 1776 to his home in the present. He decides to bring Franklin to school as a visual aid for his report. Afterwards, he and his friend Joey can't resist going back with him to see the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Even better than Gutman's Qwerty Stevens, Back in Time (about Edison and the making of a time machine). The story is comical when Franklin visits school and adventurous as the boys assist Franklin in stopping a plot to change history.

related-time travel, Philadelphia-PA, history of the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, schools, Benjamin Franklin, inventions and inventors, July 4th
RL=2nd-6th

Qwerty Stevens Back in Time: The Edison Mystery by Dan Gutman.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: NY, 2001.

Thomas Edison wrote about wanting to create a machine that would enable communication with the dead. In this story, Qwerty Stevens digs up a machine invented by Edison. He hooks it up to his computer and is transported to Spain accidentally. Later, he sends himself to Edison's laboratory at Edison's request. It is a fun and interesting adventure with consequences, as you would expect.

The author has made an effort to be realistic including actual events, dialogue, and facts from Edison's life. The only thing that bothered me was the persistence of the idea that Edison invented everything for which he held a patent. Edison was a very successful businessman. He was known for buying inventions from others and producing them himself. He also had a huge laboratory with many workers who most likely invented things for which he held patents. As with the lightbulb, inventions were and are collaborative. To say we wouldn't have electricity without Edison is not true. The electrical system which we use was developed by Tesla who lived and created during the same time period. Edison may have been the first to patent a successful filament, but he wasn't the only one working on the idea. Students would be better served discussing how an idea has developed instead of saying it originates from one person. That is rarely the case. Besides it being untrue, the idea of inventions solely coming from one person also inhibits experimentation and creativity, because then young people believe it is beyond their abilities.

related-time travel, transportational device, transportation, inventors, incandescent light
RL=5th-8th

Raggin' Jazzin' Rockin': A History of American Musical Instrument Makers by Susan VanHecke.
Boyds Mills Press: Honesdale, PA, 2011.

The title sort of says it all. The book focuses on eight huge names in music-making. Within each company there were one or more people who revolutionized a part of the industry. At least one of those names, Steinway, was so prevalent at one time that most people knew of them. Their stories are also linked to historic times, such as the beginnings of jazz, life under a 17th century Sultan, and 19th century German guilds. Famous musicians who played the instruments are also featured.

This is an exciting collection of histories. The entries are short with some excellent pictures. It is accessible to 4th graders, yet fascinating to all ages. I particulary like the mix of historic times with the more biographical information.

While I have heard of most of the manufacturers, I did not know most of the histories. Besides the business startups, a general understanding of the instruments is conveyed along with the innovative ideas.

related-musical instrument makers, development and progression of musical instruments, United States history, high interest
RL=4th and up

The Ravenmaster's Secret: Escape From the Tower of London by Elvira Woodruff.
Scholastic Press: NY, 2003.

Forest Harper assists his father in tending the ravens and guarding prisoners at the Tower of London. He is excited about the capture of three Scottish rebels until he learns that the prisoner in their care is a young girl. The girl, Maddy, wins his friendship, and he is appalled to learn that she is to be beheaded. His choice is to either watch her be executed though he believes she is innocent or commit treason by helping her escape.

Though the plot is somewhat predictable, the details of the story and characters are more complex and enjoyable. A rare historical adventure with courage, justice, and friendship at its core.

related-Tower of London, British history, 18th century, Jacobites, ravens, prisoners, friends, Scotland, rebellion, resistance, escape
RL=4th-7th

In all of the Redwall books, peace-loving animals join together for a bit of adventure in defending their homes or their friends against evil, roving bandits and tyrants. Jacques applies a medieval format to the lives of woodland creatures. Each type of animal has familiar, humorous traits. The villains are wonderful in their nastinesss.

The strength is in the lively characters, outrageous dialogue, and masterful use of language. For younger readers it is a positive thing that the books mostly follow the same basic storyline with similar characters but with some twists and variations. As individual books they are quite enjoyable. In fact, the first six are excellent. I would, however, recommend not reading one right after another, since there is a battle in every book (I am sure that would not hinder most boys). There are some good elements in the stories for girls, too, such as the riddles, feasts, and good fellowship. This is an excellent series to start reading aloud, since Brian Jacques developed Redwall through storytelling before he became a writer. Most children will want to continue on their own.
RL=5th-8th

Nora learns at an exceptionally young age that she thinks differently. At the same time, she realizes she doesn't like the attention that is the result of her differences, so she spends her elementary school life making sure others don't see she has rare abilities. Until fifth grade when test grades are dividing students into smart and dumb categories. She brings home a poor report card on purpose. Her parents then want to know how this can happen without any warning from the teachers. Under pressure from her parents, the school administers an I.Q. test, and the problem snowballs. She pushes ahead with her plan to prove grades are not important with the help of her best friend and a librarian she trusts with her thoughts and feelings.

There are a few funny moments, but mostly it is a serious story about a subject that affects many people-students, teachers, parents and administrators. Though it is easy enough for 4th to 5th graders to read, it is interesting enough for anyone above that reading level.

related-grades, exams, achievement tests, schools, genius, friendship, I.Q., memorization vs. learning and interaction, high interest
RL=4th and up

In Ryan's fictionalized account, a girl runs away from an orphanage/workhouse, dresses as a boy in order to work with the horses she loves, becomes one of the best stagecoach drivers, moves to California as a pioneer, and becomes possibly the first woman to vote in the United States (dressed as a man). The story is based on the life of Charley (Charlotte) Parkhurst who lived as a male most of her life. In the beginning, she was afraid of being sent back to the orphanage. Then, she knew she could lose the right to work at her chosen profession. So, few knew she was a female before she died.

The story focuses on Charlotte's relationship with the horses, her desire to control her own life, her learning experiences as a stagecoach driver, and her joy in the work she was doing. Her story is an excellent example of independence and hard work. Ryan tells the story of this strong-willed woman in a real and heartwarming way.

The illustrations in this book are nice, gentle, realistic and detailed, and have a historical feel. However, most of them are not as striking as in the other books Selznick illustrated. The pictures are less integrated, but there is less of a need for that since the story is well developed (keeping the interest of older children better).

related-Charley Parkhurst, 1879, mistaken identity, history of California, tending and driving horses, women's rights, independence, freedom, friendship, transitional books, chapter books
RL=3rd-5th

Lucy builds a robot out of found and collected objects in the attic she and her brother play in. It comes to life with the addition of personal items of their deceased mother.

The fanciful illustrations are remarkable. The story is intriguing, and oddly it is the 3rd story I read recently using similar ideas: The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Clockwork by Philip Pullman, and this. The illustrations of the Robot King are similar to the automaton in The Invention of Hugo Cabret. The automaton comes to life through mechanics instead of magic, although there is a magical quality about it. In Clockwork, a person is kept alive with a mechanical object. This story was written before the other two.

I do not know how wide the appeal of the story would be. It is greatly fanciful and may be difficult for the targeted age range to follow. It is my least favorite of the books in my study of Selznick. I liked some of the concepts, but I usually prefer more realistic fantasy. It may be fine for people who are more into fairy tale, and they may not need to understand all of it to enjoy it.

related-robots, building with odds and ends, death or loss of a parent, grieving process, magical world, play, remembrance
RL=3rd-5th

The title hides a serious historical fiction, mystery. Felicity/Flissy, an English girl, is dropped off in Maine by her parents in 1941. It isn't safe for her to live in England with the war on. Her parents leave, and no one is giving her any information about them as the days drag on, especially not her goofy uncle Gideon. Gideon receives letters that she knows are from her dad, but he isn't sharing the information. She's got to find out what's in them, why they haven't contacted her.

The move takes a bit of adjusting. The house is an old captain's home on a cliff, wind whipping around it in a spooky way. The Gram, Auntie Miami, and Gideon are quirky and secretive. One of the biggest secrets being the Captain Derek who doesn't come out of his room. Flissy writes a note of introduction and pushes it under the door. It is received, and the favor is returned. Before long, Flissy is allowed to meet Captain Derek, who is not what she expects at all. She enlists his help with getting the letters, which it turns out are in code, generating another string of questions.

Flissy shakes up the household, and one by one she pushes the members to deal with the challenges they'd like to avoid. They in turn offer her a loving home with plenty to explore. There is a fair amount of sneaking around to uncover the secrets and a bit of boisterousness.

The pace moves at a fast clip trying to keep up with Flissy's antics. There is intertwining of many secrets and twists making for a packed story. The Bathburn clan of Maine is a lively bunch. The relationships forming are delightful. Everything is not resolved at the end, but at least Flissy learns enough to belong.

related-identity, World War I, 1940s, 20th century, United States history, Maine, families, ciphers, performing arts, theater, music
RL=4th-7th

Room One is one of the most serious of Clements's books. It is suspenseful with an unusual topic. The setting is a small Nebraska town with a one-room school in danger of being closed. Ted is a 6th grade boy who can't resist a mystery. After completing his paper-route before school, he thinks he sees a girl through the window of the abandoned Anderson farmhouse. He investigates the farm and starts to help the girl and her family. In his mind he solves the whole situation, with his teacher as an adviser, only to find that they have their own solution.

related-school closings, multi-grade classroom, family farms, homeless, war casualty assistance
RL=3rd-7th

How do you have a normal life when your younger brother is autistic and family life revolves around him? Catherine specifically wants a chance to make friends without David's interference. She's taught him rules she thinks are important to minimize embarrassing moments, but he only seems to remember the rules afterwards.

This summer Catherine hopes to have a new next-door-neighbor friend, but out in the world her embarrassment rules her behavior. She does become friends with another boy with special needs. She enjoys Jason's friendship so much that she recognizes the value of it. However, when there is a chance that the friends from other worlds might meet, she tries to keep both apart to avoid dealing with her fear of embarrassment.

Cynthia Lord has done an excellent job of balancing life surrounding an autistic child. Behavior does cause problems for the rest of the family, and tempers can get short, but there is much more to the story. Despite the growing incidence of autism, most people see just blips of behavior in public. This is a book for understanding what the families are dealing with, but also that kids with special needs are in some ways very normal and have rich lives and relationships, too.

There is a bit of humor and warmth in the story as well as tension. Most of the tension comes from Catherine-not David or Jason. I read the book mostly because my 9 year old son highly recommended it. It took some time to get into it, but by the end I wasn't ready for it to be over.

related-autism, brothers and sisters, people with disabilities, paraplegics, friendship
RL=4th-7th

Austin's grandfather has come to stay for the summer. Austin expects a summer full of scientific exploration, as usual, but his grandfather is struggling with cancer and has little energy for anything. He fully intends Austin to explore on his own and keep notes to share. His grandfather brought a gift, which Austin discovers, when he sees a light glowing from a suitcase. The gift has properties of a star. The star's energy changes living organisms. Austin observes it and tries to use its poweres with unintended consequences.

Austin has difficulty reporting his observations, because they are unbelievable and his intentions are troubling. However, most of the chapter segments conclude with a rule of the universe, a more general observation about life, instead of scientific details. The story takes place half in Austin's home and half at science camp, which his parents won't let him skip despite his dire circumstances.

Pets and people change in this lighthearted examination of life, aging and death. Austin views prior ages of three people close to him (and his dog) as the star works its magic.

The story is creative and original. The star pushes the anticipation level. I like that, while addressing the grandfather's dying, the story moves in a different, out-of-control direction as Austin experiments to find a way to save his grandfather. In the process, he learns much about others' growth in life, as well as having a firsthand view of evolution. Fun stuff!

related-science fiction, sci fi, time travel, evolution, maturing and development, scientific exploration and investigation, experimentation, microscopes
RL=4th and up

Possibly another time traveling Newbery in the works! The O'Malley family has a trait that allows them to travel, but they are sworn to not use it because of the havoc it can create. Four O'Malley generations figure in the present and history of a mining town plagued with accidents and tyranny. The current murder trial of a geologist working for the mining company dredges up memories of another murder trial of a union worker and leader. In both cases, the trial was overseen by employees of the company, Victory Fuels.

Fairly quickly, facts are divulged about the connections of the two incidents. The judge of the current case is the son of the accused from the earlier case. As a boy, he was taken in by the owner of the mines and raised as a successor. Rehashing the past might make a difference to the man currently accused, an O'Malley. From the beginning, we watch both stories unfold. O'Malley's daughter is convinced by an old friend that the past holds the answers. She attempts to travel alone and meets an old O'Malley relative in the process, another traveler.

The stories intertwine increasingly as time proceeds. One visit isn't enough, and try as she might, Margaret's efforts don't seem to accomplish anything, accept the knowledge that she gains through the experience. Enough knowledge that her present actions, and her friend Charlie's, may be the saving acts. Social issues play a big part in establishing place and circumstances, maybe too much for some people to enjoy it as much as I did. The characters are a part of the appeal to me. Particularly Grandpa Joshua (also a boy in previous time period), Aunt Bridey (O'Malley), and Aristotle (the union leader). There are also some ties and unique details that add flair to the experience. The intertwining elevates it as well, mixing the current murder mystery with the historical social setting, but twisting it at the same time. The traveling doesn't change enough happenings that it would be considered silly. More a vehicle for seeing into the past and making it more real.

related-mystery and detective stories, time travel, mining towns, labor unions, control of small towns
RL=4th-8th

Andrew Clements is one of the most exciting authors in this age range, and this is one of my favorites of his books. Passionate, realistic, and fun-the story touches on honesty, achievement, confidence, and loss.

Like most of his books, it is school-related. This one is about a budding young author, Natalie, who ought to be published but does not expect to be. Her best friend is determined that the story will be published. Zoe sets herself up as her friend's agent-even renting office services-and contacts the publishing agency where Natalie's mother works. The manuscript is enough to convince their English teacher to advise them, and Zoe's father (a lawyer) gives advice on negotiations.
related-authorship, publishing and publishers, friendship, loss of parent, honesty, achievement of dreams, student/teacher relationships
RL=3rd-7th

Andy Thomas thinks the only way his genealogy project could be interesting is if one of his ancestors was an outlaw - until he discovers it's a possibility. He's given an old family bible with one of the children's names crossed out. When questioned, his great-aunt refuses to answer any questions about the matter. It is believed that Cole Joseph Bonner stole his family's fortune and took off for California. In finding a picture of the man, Andy determines Cole must be innocent and decides to prove it. He is thorough in his investigation, using sources such as family letters, a genealogical message board, direct emails, library books, his teacher's advice, a librarian's knowledge and expert research skills, and in the end, a family artifact to prove his case.

Andy receives threats regarding his pursuing the mystery. Everyone seems to want him to drop his investigation. With each clue he becomes more determined, even visiting the cemetery for leads. His success in finding evidence is amazing, but the solution leaves him with a larger problem than when he started. He wanted justice so badly, but not so much once he learns the truth.

I read this mystery about 8 years ago after enjoying Nixon's Orphan Train series. My oldest son was reading some of his first novels, and Nixon's books were a hit. I remember being excited by this story then, and it was just as good this time around. The combination of the genealogical research, the mystery to be solved, and the boy's desire to clear his relative's name is tremendous. Nixon is a master storyteller, leading us step by step with great anticipation. I love unusual books, and this one is quite unique. It has a great range for readers as well, accessible and engaging for 4th graders through adults.

related-genealogy, research, family life, Texas history, mysteries and detective stories, friendship
RL=4th and up

Schnur has created an alphabet acrostic book for each season. Eye-catching linoleum-cut illustrations partner acrostic poems for each letter of the alphabet. What a beautiful way to share the seasons with young ones! Full of wonder, overflowing with descriptions.
related-abc, poetry, seasons
RL=3rd-4th     read aloud to PreK-2nd

This book is much like Eight Hands Round by Ann Whitford Paul. It also describes historical themes in relation to patchwork squares and their names. They are different patterns, since there are so many from which to choose, and they are presented based on seasons of the year. Many of the patterns are more difficult than in the other book. As in the other, the patterns are shown first as squares, and then repeated squares for maximum effect. The illustrations in The Seasons Sewn are more precise and much more detailed. I love the historical information and the presentation. I can't wait to try some of the patterns myself.

related-patchwork quilts, quilting patterns, frontier and pioneer life, United States history, seasons of the year
RL=2nd-4th, read aloud with preK-1st, could be used for elementary history

Seven Siberian snow spiders, frozen in the last Ice Age, have been found and then lost. Their transport vehicle overturned in the tiny town of Hamlet, Vermont. The baby spiders oversee a meeting of the Tattletales, the girls in Miss Earth's class, and each imprints on a girl. One spider is collected by the only non-Tattletale girl of the class (Pearl), and each in turn treks from the wreck site in search of their respective girls, creating several spider incidents at the school.

The Tattletales have a grudge match against the Copycats (the boys in the class) related to the annual Halloween Pageant of Horrors in which each grade participates. Each club is determined to beat the other, planning their shows before school even begins.

In finding the girls, the eventual goal of the spiders is to give them a love bite which would poison them. The suspense continues through the book with each failed spider mission. The story rises to a fever pitch when their beloved teacher is bit. A famous reporter, two hospital nurses, the truck driver, and a Smithsonian professor, besides the children, are called upon to save Miss Earth. The cure is fitting for such an outrageous book.

Complete silliness is the standard for this lively, hilarious book. It is as suspenseful and engaging as a young reader can be. One of the best I have read for this reading level. There is no pause in the action; it is one crazy anecdote after another.

Seven Spiders Spinning kicks off a series of slightly fantasy books of Miss Earth's class, ending in an awesome conclusion that ties all of the books together. I happened to read the last book first, not knowing it was a series, and was so taken with Maguire's tale that I had to read the rest. This first book is excellent, too, and I'm enthusiastic about reading more.

related-spiders, schools, humorous stories, boys vs girls, Halloween, small towns, high interest
RL=3rd-6th

Coming home from the worst possible first day of school, Hero meets the woman next door and learns of the missing diamond that is believed to be hidden within Hero's family's new home. Even more astounding is the necklace to which it belongs and the heritage that is attached to it.

A significant portion of the book is based on the theory that Edward de Vere (a ward of Queen Elizabeth I's court) is the real author of the Shakespearean plays. A convincing case is presented, and it is woven into the story in an intriguing way. A suspenseful, high interest story with fascinating historical tidbits.
related-William Shakespeare, Edward de Vere, authorship, Great Britain-history, King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, neighbors, mystery and detective stories, reputation, friendship, family separation
RL=5th-8th

Join Robinhood and the outlaws of Sherwood Forest in these eight original tales-including two different stories of Maid Marion, one narrative by Friar Tuck, an attempt to capture Robinhood by a young boy, and an account of an internet Robinhood versus a modern Sheriff of Nottingham.

As always Yolen's collection brings the legendary characters to life and adds new significance when viewed from fresh angles.
*Look for Camelot also-Jane Yolen's collection of King Arthur stories.
RL=4th-8th

The story starts lyrically, describing the tribal community in which Betty Mae Jumper was raised, with a traditional Native American storytelling style. The illustrations are vibrant and rich with a similar, dreamy feel to them. The story moves quickly towards a more biographical tone.

I had not heard about Betty Mae Jumper before, despite her achievements and awards. She grew up in a tribal community in Florida in the 1920s, begged to be allowed to go to school, and because of her multilingual abilities was able to bring medical treatment to Native Americans in Florida. She became a tribal leader in the 1960s and co-started a Seminole newspaper. Despite her obvious age, she also uses the internet. She sounds like an amazing woman and more informatoion can be found through the book and www.semtribe.com and seminolenation.com.

related-history of Seminole Indians, Native Americans, Florida, nursing, Big Cypress Swamp
RL=2nd-5th

Macaulay uses narration and journal form to blend stories of marine life, archaeology and shipbuilding. The presentation is fictional, but it is almost entirely based on archaeological and historical information. The subject is the building and recovery of 15th century sailing ships.
related-caravels, underwater archaeology, shipwrecks, antiquities, exploration
RL=4th-6th

This is a beautiful family story (and history) presented through the use of quilt designs. It incorporates the quilts showing the fugitives the way North, the battle for civil rights, the strength and determination of the women in the family, and the lessons learned turned to crafts that bring income.

I love the beauty, subtlety and thoughtfulness of the illustrations. Some of them are truly treasures. Even more amazing is that they frame and increase the depth of a powerful story.

related-quilts, tradition, mother and daughter, slavery, African Americans
RL=1st-4th and read aloud

The Silverwing bats are preparing to migrate to their winter home in Hibernaculum from their summer nursery, a hollowed out, petrified tree. The owls are spoiling for war with the bats. A small infraction sparks a violent response by the owls, which precipitates the bat migration.

The runt of the newborn Silverwings, Shade, is separated from the colony during a storm and left for dead. Smart, curious, questioning, Shade continues the journey with the help of the Brightwing bat Marina, who was chased away from her own colony due to contact with humans. Prior to separation, Shade's mother had sung him a map of the directions to Hibernaculum, and so they follow. Each landmark is a new experience and must be seen to understand, especially the last. They face obstacles along the way, including rats and larger bats, but also an unexpected friend.

Shade is a great character. His curiosity is the cause of the initial owl invasion, but he soon learns that there have been other attacks, which may be the reason for his father's disappearance. Shade's curiosity about everything is the essence of the story. The journey is fully described. There is a wealth of experience. Shade grows from the runt to one capable and worthy through the course of events.

Oppel says in an end note that he liked the challenge of taking animals considered ugly or scary and making them appealing. He certainly succeeded in doing so here.

The book is full of adventure, including intellectual observation. It is fast paced and highly captivating. It is an excellent selection for young readers' first novels. There are 2 more in the series, plus the 1st of a related series, Darkwing.

related-bats, migration, growth
RL=3rd-7th

The orphan Tree-ear is fascinated by the potter Min's work. He begins to do odd jobs for Min in exchange for food and being allowed to observe the potter's process. He hopes one day to be taught the trade. Many aspects of the job are lifechanging experiences for him and also the potter.
related-pottery, Korea, coming of age, orphans
RL=5th-8th

In this fantastic sequel to Airborn, Matt Cruse identifies the Hyperion-the airship of a wealthy inventor that was lost forty years before. He is the only one with coordinates, so he is prodded into going on a treasure hunt to retrieve it or its treasures. Dangerously high altitudes and unusual life forms become serious obstacles. Pursued by others wanting the Hyperion, he and his companions end up fighting for their lives as well as the loot from the airship.

My sons and I were excited to see this sequel. We all three loved it-even more than Airborn.

Note: Although it is a fantasy/sci fi book, it has the feel of a historical novel. In some ways it is like an alternate history book. Both books are based on the use of airships instead of airplanes and describe interesting creatures that live in the sky but are rarely seen.

related-airships, salvage, pirates, inventions, imaginary creatures
RL=5th-8th

As with most collections, some of the poems resonate better than others. The accompanying woodcut illustrations are remarkable. I also like the biology facts given for each creature. The collection is an observation of life and the food chain surrounding ponds.
RL=3rd-5th and read aloud

The illustrator's note says more woodcuts can be viewed at www.wildlifewoodcuts.com.

Darling explains a few principles of structural engineering. He has provided easy experiments using household objects to illustrate his points, and the text is clear and interesting.
RL=5th-7th

Stitchin' and Pullin' is told through poems in the voice of a young girl whose turn has come to make her first quilt. She tells of the generations of the Gee's Bend quilters and of her experience of listening to the women's conversation and wisdom as she played beneath the quilting frame and later was put to work threading needles and cutting scraps. She tells of the scraps saved from old clothes with their memories attached and the symbolism of the pieces she chooses for her quilt. For example, family incidences and important historical moments or mentors. She tells what goes into the making of the quilt: colors; balance; meaning; hours of love, labor and fellowship. She also tells of the anticipation she feels waiting and hoping for the project to be finished.

Gee's Bend, Alabama is an African American community where quilting has been a tradition for centuries. Up until the Depression of the 1930s, their community was separate (a sharecropping community on an island in a river), their quilting not noticed. They started to receive attention, because the style of the quilting was different, not influenced by quilters of other communities. Nowadays, some of their old quilts hang in museums, and they sell quilts in the traditional style.

As a quilter myself, I am drawn to stories about quilts. They are, to me, an amazing art form, and so much of people's lives go into the creation of them.

The story is told in a comprehensive and loving way. It holds the awe that I feel regarding quilts and the complexity of the subject. Also included is a family history of the girl, struggles of the community, and the striving for justice and civil rights. I particularly like the choices of fabric and the girl's explanations for them. The illustrations are lovely. Of course, filled with quilt pictures but also family, community, and history. The illustrations are bright and impressionistic, incorporating the description of the girl's quilting choices.

This picture book is for an older than normal audience. It can be used for appreciation of art or civil rights and family history studies. Younger children will need to share it with an adult.

related-quilting, African Americans, family life, Gee's Bend, Alabama, community life
RL=2nd-5th, read aloud K-5th

Louise is a naturalist and wildlife caretaker in the making. She lives in the woods of Michigan with her dad, a writer of nature articles. She leaves the neighboring crows tidbits and observes from a distance as they feast. She's been known to care for injured animals, including operating on a heron which had its leg caught by a snapping turtle.

Her father has an opportunity for a blockbuster article, joining the crew on a rainforest expedition in Brazil. Unfortunately, it means leaving Louise behind. She goes to stay with her aunt and uncle in a suburban environment for the summer and even has to leave her cat behind. Louise finds a special, untouched spot just outside of the subdivision, and she makes a friend quickly enough, but certain events challenge her capacity for acceptance.

Townsend's love of nature shows through her descriptions of Louise's interaction and observance of nature. The story is complex and passionate for one so short, with several heartbreaks for Louise to bear. Townsend has characters learning from each other about different views of nature. But the very best parts are Louise's moments in nature. It is her habitat, and the author's detailing of it is natural and beautiful.

related-human/animal relationships, love of animals and nature, visiting extended family, observing wildlife, natural habitats
RL=4th-8th

This is a fascinating depiction of an American hero who planted apple seeds in the wilderness so that those coming after would have food to sustain them in the winter. He risked illness and death from the cold winters so that others might have food. All he asked in return was friendship, a little hospitality, and help gathering seeds to take back into the wilderness. His message was clear. If they would only plant the seeds from the apples harvested, they could help more neighbors to have plenty.

I am sure many people at the time thought he was a bit crazy, and many would now as well. But possibly he was thinking more clearly than those judging him. He was driven by his mission and lived in a way I would not wish to live personally. But he managed too carry on, and there is no doubt he helped many. It is too bad there are not more people like him.

Cosmo Hill realizes his time is running out at the Clarissa Frayne orphanage since most orphans are used up at a young age. He takes the first opportunity to escape and becomes involved with a group that hunts supernatural Parasites feeding off the life-force of humans.

Strange and captivating, the story becomes more complicated as it proceeds.
related-Sci Fi, orphans, supernatural, vigilante
note: author of the acclaimed Artemis Fowl series
RL=5th-YA

Clara becomes a seamstress on the plantation, because she's not strong enough to keep picking cotton. She is separated from her mother by slavery and dreams of reuniting and running to freedom. She overhears two slaves discussing the Underground Railroad and their desire for a map. Clara draws a map in the dirt of all she can see from a hilltop and starts to create a quilt based on her drawing. She also collects descriptions from others who have traveled around more of the region to add to the quilt. When Clara is ready to leave, she leaves the quilt behind as a map for others to use.

I like the use of the quilt in this story. It takes center stage, though the book is more about slavery and fugitives than quilts. Regarding African-American history, quilts are usually discussed as marking safe houses along the Underground Railroad and as depicting the stories of a certain family, or as with anyone else the need to produce economical blankets. I love the idea of the quilt as a map - the brilliance of the girl's idea, the artistry in her process, and her leaving the quilt for others to follow.

The paintings are a strong partner to a great story.

I also want to note that the background story has details about slavery, the time period, and local life that put the story in perspective.

This is Deborah Hopkinson's first picture book.

related-slavery, quilts, maps, Underground Railroad
RL=1st-3rd, could be used in classes up through 5th gradeSword of the Rightful King by Jane Yolen.
Harcourt, Inc: Orlando, 2003.

In this retelling of The Sword in the Stone, Jane Yolen brings the old characters to life and makes them real. She adds new twists to the story with her usual flair. Her version focuses mainly on the weak position that Arthur is in as High King of a country normally split into factions fighting against each other. It is a good story for someone who has not already been enchanted by the Arthur stories, and those who already love the stories will enjoy Yolen's additions.
related-King Arthur, knighthood, trickery, magic
RL=5th-8th

The Songman is stealing voices, of the animals in the surrounding area. Sylvie's dad is missing, believed to be kidnapped, on the day after an astounding chord has been struck by his self-made, natural-based instruments. Sylvie, her devoted dog, and her kite-making friend George follow the animals, including a fox with which Sylvie forms an interconnection, to find Sylvie's father and the source of the animals' silence. The Songman, knowing Sylvie has information he needs, sends the Woodpecker Man after them in his swan-powered hot air balloon.

This light fantasy novel was a delightful surprise. It had an interesting description, but you never know whether a story will touch you or not. It sounded too whimsical for me, but I enjoyed the nature instruments, Sylvie's connection with the animals (inherited from her mother), Sylvie and George's passions - kites and tree-climbing, the Allamanda road - a road all animals travel, and the unique usage of sound. Sound is the center of the whole story - voices, music, the strength of vibrations. The Songman uses it a few ways as a negative force.

The artwork is worth mention. The cover art and pencil drawings throughout the book are outstanding. They add to the story, not just take up space.

Certainly, a unique story and very light reading.

related-relationship of animals and humans, musicians and instruments, the music of voice and nature, sound as a weapon, high interest
RL=5th and up

This interesting and informative book is for all-not just girls. It spans many periods and describes customs that are quite different from our own.

All of the queens chosen except Esther actually ruled their people whether or not they had kings beside them. The fact that they were women brought a distinctive perspective to their roles as leaders. They all used their power or influence to make improvements in their people's lives. Yet, they were not always benevolent.

I included the illustrator here because her bold and emotional oil paintings add to the strength and appeal of the book.
RL=5th-YATen Rowdy Ravens by Susan Ewing. il Evon Zerbetz.
Alaska Northwest Books/Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company: Portland, OR, 2005.

It's hard to say what I like best about this-the awesome color, texture, and details of the linocut prints, the meaningful language (also full of texture) for each number counted, or the entertaining and true reports of ravens in the short news section at the end. This is a counting book (backwards), but is far more than that. Each of the ideas portrayed is something totally in character for the ravens, branded as sharp-witted troublemakers through the ages. I especially like the ravens hanging on the laundry line. Can't you just picture it? When I first picked up the book, I had no idea what a treat was in store for me.

related-counting books, counting rhymes, ravens, habits of ravens and crows, birds
RL=2nd and up, plus read aloud to young ones

Through exposure to her parents' Egyptian museum and archaeological digs, Theodosia has become an expert in Egyptian artifacts. Her specialty is detecting curses placed on the objects. Her self-appointed job is removing the curses. Her talents expose her to mysterious adventures. She casually works for a secret organization (the Chosen Keepers) concerned with controlling articles of power to keep them from the agents of Chaos, a group intent on destruction of societies. The Arcane Order of the Black Sun (an occult club of Egyptian enthusiasts) is familiar with Theodosia's abilities and wishes to use her knowledge for their own gain.

This book is the 3rd of a series, the first being Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos. The series is a blend of mystery, historical fiction, and mythical fantasy. This particular story deals with a tablet that doesn't fit the standard Egyptian artifact, but is sought after nonetheless by the Black Sun and Chaos members. Another character is also interested, a magician, Awi Bubu, exiled from his Egyptian homeland and knowledgeable of antiquities. During Theodosia's research and protection of the tablet, she must look after her brother, home from boarding school, who has no idea of the dangers lurking.

Kidnapping, obsession, haunting, unofficial burial ceremony - there is plenty going on in the story to captivate. The blend of genres makes for an unusual mystery adventure. Theo is a strong female character, spunky and intelligent. The story lacks a little in character development, probably due to the low reading level, but I hope that the series as a whole will flesh it out a bit.

related-curses, artifacts and antiquities, museums, history and archaeology, mystery, Egyptian mythology, high interest
RL=4th and up

This is the first of the Egyptian Theodosia mysteries. Theo is testing a statue of Bastet for curses when her cat Isis is possessed by whatever spell is on the statue. The girl is expecting her mother to return soon from a major archaeological dig with treasures in tow. Meanwhile, Theo is hiding from one of the assistant curators of the museum her parents manage, who she believes is a suspicious character. She also befriends a local pickpocket who she expects will come in handy as a co-conspirator.

Her mother returns, bringing with her the Heart of Egypt, an artifact which is said can bring down the whole country of the person who steals it from its resting place. The item is stolen from the museum, and Theo determines to get it back. In her quest, she learns of two groups in search of magical artifacts. The Serpents of Chaos wish to use their powers to dominate the world; the Chosen Keepers aim at countering their nefarious purposes.

The story is set in 1906. London is changing from the old horse and carriage world to one bustling with motorcars and omnibuses. Theo is still young enough that her family is only half-heartedly trying to turn her into a lady. Luckily, her parents have important work to distract them, so she is allowed freedom of the museum, and it is barely noticed when she makes her disappearances into London. A little more noticed when she becomes a stowaway to follow her parents to Egypt and takes off with a guide to her mother's dig site. The importance of the time period is that it is still a period that is focused on studying antiquities, the changing times are exciting and females demand more freedom and intellectual pursuits, but also it fits quite nicely with the goals of Chaos who reveal to Theo that their purpose is to start a World War.

This is the 2nd book of the series I've read. I find them to be exciting and more complex than this level of reading tends to be. Intriguing characters, twists and turns, and a feisty, knowledgeable heroine. The female protagonist will not detract from a boy's pleasure in reading, since Theo is quite the tomboy and persues adventures boys would love to have as well.

related-related-curses, artifacts and antiquities, museums, history and archaeology, mystery, Egyptian mythology, travel, high interest RL=4th and upThere's an Owl in the Shower by Jean Craighead George.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 1995.

Borden's father was put out of work to protect the spotted owls in the old-growth forest near their California home. Borden goes to the forest to kill the owls, so his father can cut logs again. He finds a baby blown out of its nest and takes it home to nurture it, not knowing that it is the hated spotted owl. His dad takes over the mothering since Borden has school and a part-time job.

George has given a strong accounting of both sides of the conservation issue. There are real reasons for conflict, and she does not minimize them. She explains why conservationists are not the enemy the workers think they are. The story is appealing to young readers-especially those that love animals and nature but also for those who don't think they do. George's style takes some getting used to. It seems distant at times because it is based on observations, but the story is endearing and does not lack action.

related-spotted owls, logging, endangered species, parent and child, ecology, conflict resolution
RL=3rd-5th

The Thieves of Ostia is Caroline Lawrence's first book, the first book of her Roman Mysteries.

In the Roman port city of Ostia in 79 AD, a girl, Flavia, meets 3 other children and plans with them to solve the mystery of beheaded dogs on their street. Jonathan is her new next-door neighbor, the son of a Jewish doctor. She buys Nubia, a terrified young slave girl, from the market, and befriends her. The children save a mute homeless boy, Lupus, being chased by wild dogs, and Jonathan's family takes him in. The children become close friends through their adventures together, solve the mystery, and trap the one responsible.

The story is an unusual mystery. The Roman and ancient background is noticeable, but the mystery and children's friendship remain the focus. Also highlighted is the differences between the lives of all four characters.

related-dogs, stealing, theft, Ancient Rome, history, empire, mysteries and detective stories, friendship
RL=4th-8th

Quirky retelling of a norse myth. Interesting & humorous!

A giant manages to steal Thor's hammer. The story revolves around the lengths Thor(and his goat boy) must go to retrieve it. The story was taken from an ancient Norse poem called the Thrymskvitha.
RL=3rd-5th

Attractive pictures will delight young readers. The clear and informative text is absorbing.
RL=2nd-4th

Welcome to a time when everyone can call up a hologram from any time and any place using a laptop. This creates a perfect chance for someone to play sick jokes on Dorso-and Frank since they are usually together. The jokes start as holograms but soon lead to horrifying adventures in time travel.

The novel is very short but fast-paced, inventive and suspenseful.
RL=4th-8th

I have long loved this rhythmic poem of trains. At times I can hear the sound of the wheels on the tracks through the words (and maybe even a whisper of steam). I believe it would be an excellent one to memorize and perform. The full-page illustrations are also very appealing. Excellent for the young ones fascinated by transportation.
RL=2nd-3rd and read aloud to younger

Gerry Stevens listens to the weather report at lunch and leaves to visit his grandparents. Bert Holdman just bought a used gun and heads to the river for duck hunting. The two boys meet in town, and Bert challenges Gerry to join him.

The crew of police launch Delta Delta One Four expect the patrol on the river to be hazardous when they hear the forecast of strong winds, heavy snow and unusually high tides. When they receive the call about a missing boy, they assume he is with friends instead of doing what was expected of him. Not until 5 hours after Gerry and Bert leave their homes do the police start to get evidence that the boys may be in trouble and begin the search on the river. The mudflats range too far up and down the river to find the boys without more information. Luckily, they do receive more clues, but can they be found before the tide covers the mudflats?

The story equally covers the survival of the boys on the mudflats and the search and rescue attempts on their behalf. There are extraneous circumstances to muddle the search as well. The story is unusual and suspenseful. It's quite an interesting read for middle grade readers.
related-high interest, adventure, survival, search and rescue, estuary, river life, character
RL=5th-8th

When Jack's Uncle Hamp is called away for a couple weeks, Jack sets out to explore the Okefenokee Swamp in a canoe he built himself. As he explores, he finds evidence in this wilderness of another human inhabitant-a raft, a basket, and a plate. He meets a dog who answers to the same name as his dog (Dizzy), and he keeps hearing an eerie, echoing call. He doesn't know if it's an animal, a ghost, or what. He gets off-track in the swamp and finds a dead bear just as he really needs food. He creates a camp for himself on an island where he can repair the damage to his canoe caused by an irritated mama alligator. He's in for a great surprise with visitors to his island home, one of which causes him to question his past and change his future. This meeting changes the whole dynamic of the story which started out with an exploration of nature, thoughts about life expectations, and his sense of achievement and wanting confirmation of that achievement.

I love Jean George's description of nature and the contemplative thoughts as Jack paddles through the swamp. The dominant theme of the book was a complete surprise-as much to me as it was to Jack. From that point on, I was totally hooked.

related-Okefenokee Swamp/Georgia, survival, camping, foraging, exploration, adventure, twins, brothers, adoption, achievement, boat craft, construction with native materials, wilderness, self-discovery, social issues
RL=4th-7th

This poetry book is a lovely surprise. Knowing the intent of the collaboration, I was expecting something more heavily scientific or education oriented, and biased at that. What I found instead was beautiful and thoughtful contemplation of nature and many aspects of life. It is educational in that there are informational extras, on the pages and in the glossary and poet sections in back. Also in that it is a thinking experience for all readers, or listeners. There are many delightful observations, and as is normal with poetry, so much play with language.

The overall themes are gradual evolution through time and biological curiosity. I like the approach of the book. It is primarily a nature poetry book. I think if Darwin could be taught in this way (mainly observations that he had, that we all can have if we look closely) the subject would be less controversial. The poetry is exciting. There are many facts or points that increased my own curiosity about creatures, things I never thought of before, as well as comparisons between the creatures and society of mankind.

I can see this collection being used as a middle school poetry textbook. Different forms of poetry are represented by well-known poets, including Mary Ann Hoberman, U.S. Children's Poet Laureate of 2008. The biology teachers will love it, too, for the promotion of exploration in the natural world, looking closely at unique features and tiny elements normally overlooked.

The collection includes a CD with selected poems performed, mostly by the poets. Twelve of the poems selected were poems that I picked out as favorites before checking the tracks. The title poem by Mary Ann Hoberman, Cross-Purposes by her also, Think Like a Tree by Karen I. Shragg, Just Living by Hans Christian Andersen, Rain Forest by Marilyn Singer, and Locust by Hoberman are among my favorites of the collection, and all are on the CD.

The poet biography section leaves me wanting to find many of their own collections for further reading. There are also recommended books for further interest in evolution, Charles Darwin's books and others.

Here's a link to a great interview with Mary Ann Hoberman and Linda Winston, cultural anthropologist and teacher, about the inspiration for the collection and some of the audio poems.

related-figurative language, poetry, scientific observation, biology, anthropology, philosophy
RL=4th and up, mainly for middle graders

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi.
Orchard Books/Franklin Watts, Inc: NY, 1990.
Newbery Honor 1991

Upon learning which ship Charlotte Doyle is sailing on to America, the porter refuses to deliver her trunk to the ship. Another laborer is quickly hired to deliver the trunk, but he also runs away when told which ship. Despite this obvious warning, the man entrusted by her father to see her safely onto the ship demands that she sail on it. Her father has left no alternate plan or funds. They also find that the 2 families with whom she planned to travel will not be sailing with her. This leaves Charlotte the sole passenger aboard the ship. Not long after departure she is given a dagger by the cook to protect herself. The voyage becomes an ordeal that changes her perceptions drastically. The fantastic events seem extraordinarily real in this captivating novel.
RL=5th-8th

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm.
Random House: NY, 2010.
Newbery Honor Book 2011

Turtle is shipped from New Jersey to Key West, Florida to live with her aunt and cousins when her mother takes a housekeeping job with a woman who doesn't like kids. Her mother is hoping for a Hollywood ending, with a new home to share with her new boyfriend. Though her mother's relationships never work out, Turtle thinks this time it might be different - except she's being shipped away. This may seem harsh today, but in the 1930s Depression Era when this takes place it was quite common.

Arriving in the neighborhood, she learns that most everyone on the island is a relative. Her aunt is not expecting her, and there are a horde of boy cousins who are unwelcoming. Turtle is shunted off to the group of cousins, because Aunt Minnie is overworked and needs time to process an uninvited addition to her work.

Turtle spends her days following the boys' Diaper Gang, a club formed for babysitting crabby babies in exchange for candy. The boys ride the babies around in their wagon for a few hours and introduce Turtle to the island inhabitants along the way. When she first arrives, she is clean and has shoes. As she starts to fit in, she loses the shoes and is less particular about her appearance.

One of Minnie's chores is making lunch for Miss Philomena (Nana Philly to the relatives) to give her caregiver a break. An emergency occurs, and Turtle offers to take Aunt Minnie's place. Turtle learns that Nana Philly is just one of the secrets her mother is keeping from her about her childhood. She soon sees why. But she is a determined girl, and she can hold out as long as Nana Philly. Slow Poke is another secret. She comes to appreciate his gentleness, and he is one of the friends she does not want to leave when her mother decides it's time.

The story takes place before Key West is a tourist attraction. It has been hit hard by the Depression. Their own imagination is about all they have for amusement. That and conch fishing, treasure hunting, radio shows, and the occasional movie at the theater. There is a specific treasure that the locals are after, belonging to the pirate Black Caesar. Two other historic tidbits are the big hurricane the kids are caught in while treasure hunting and the highway construction in the Upper Keys which employs Uncle Vernon through the story. Many men did leave their families in search of work during this time.

Historical fiction fans will love the book. Holm conveys the historical feel of the community well and throws in a few characters for interest. Everyone has a wacky nickname, and reading about the Depression always feels like being transported to a distant time. For those not used to historical fiction, it may take longer to be drawn into the story. I like that the community is different geographically; it was interesting to see Florida specific details.

Turtle is a bit blunt in demeanor, but considering she's just been dumped by her mother, she has every reason to be. She does seem to be smart and willing to cooperate or fit in. She's making the best of her life. Other characters maybe could have been developed more, but I totally felt a connection with Turtle. In fact, the only complaint I have is that the story is short. The pace is fine; it needs to move quickly for young readers; but I wanted it to be longer.

Note that the story is based on the author's family history. She has two other Newbery Honor Books that were also based on her family, Our Only May Amelia (2000) and Penny from Heaven (2007). She has a new one out, The Trouble with May Amelia.

related-1930s, Depression, cousins, family life, Key West, Florida, 20th century history, adventure, treasure, hurricanes
RL=4th and up; publisher says 3rd, but the content is serious, so maybe 5th or 6th

Under the Quilt of Night by Deborah Hopkinson. il James Ransome.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster: NY, 2001.

A young slave girl leads her loved ones as they run from slavery. Running through the night, crouching behind bushes through the day. She sees a quilt that might designate a safe house on the Underground Railroad and bravely goes forward to knock. The group hides at the house and is helped the rest of the way to freedom.

I remember years ago being struck by the beauty and strength of the poetic prose and the paintings. The illustrations are vivid (though dark tones) and dramatic, depicting the danger, caution, courage, and determination of the circumstances. Despite the dark situation, there is a strong sense of hope in the book. The whole presentation is beautiful. You can't pick a better book for the feeling of what it would be like to be hunted and racing to freedom.

The connection to quilts is loose. The quilt is a metaphor for the night, and fugitives' success hinges on whether the quilt is interpreted correctly (or if the quilt is actually a signal or not). A seemingly small detail which is all important. The end pages are of the quilt as well.

related-Underground Railroad, slavery, fugitive slaves, Afro-Americans, quilts, United States history
RL=2nd-5th, I would definitely use for classes up through 5th, publisher recommends for ages 5-10

Victory by Susan Cooper.
Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster: NY, 2006.
BookAdvice Book of the Month Dec 2006

Molly, a British girl recently transplanted to Connecticut, gains possession of a rare artifact which transforms her life. Through her dreams she becomes haunted by Sam, a British boy impressed into service aboard the HMS Victory under Vice-Admiral Nelson's command. She is enthralled with Sam's life because she desperately wants to have a connection again with her British home. With time and experience Sam is promoted to powder monkey-carrying ammunition to the cannoneers. Through him, we and Molly see what life would have been like for boys in the British Royal Navy during the Napoleonic wars. Molly and the readers are shifted between her life and the past with the artifact and dreams being the mode of transportation.

Besides life on board the HMS Victory, the story also centers around Molly's struggle to accept her new home and altered life.

The book (a blend of historical and current times) is nothing like Susan Cooper's other stories. The historical portion is quite intense and keeps you wondering what the connection is between Molly and Sam with an unexpected answer to that question.
related-British history, naval history (19th century), HMS Victory, naval stories, stepfather and stepbrother, transatlantic move, culture shock
RL=4th-8th

The Voyager's Stone: The Adventures of a Message-Carrying Bottle Adrift on the Ocean Sea by Robert Kraske. il by Brian Floca.
Orchard Books: NY, 1995.

This is a unique and interesting blend of oceanography and geography. Kraske depicts ocean scenes as if the reader is there viewing them, almost as if we are the bottle. For each part of the ocean, it is like a day in the life of some creatures inhabiting the area. After being tossed into the sea by a boy, the bottle drifts, is tossed, tumbled and gets stuck. It travels great distances, and there are maps of wind and water currents to help the reader visualize the journey. The story is packed with more adventure than one would expect considering the subject is a drifting object. Creatures and storms make up the bulk of it.

The illustrations are a nice addition. The story would be much less meaningful without them. I found the book looking specifically for the illustrator's books.

The story's tone is what is most different. It is written with a nonfiction perspective, though portions are great story writing. The author blurb says Kraske has written on a variety of subjects, so I will have to do some looking.

related-oceanography, geography, life in the ocean, creatures of the sea, drift bottles, message bottles, water currents of the world, storms at sea, nature
RL=2nd-4th

Walt Whitman: Words for America by Barbara Kerley. il Brian Selznick.
Scholastic Press: NY, 2004.

Kerley and Selznick make such an excellent team! The text and illustrations capture the spirit of Whitman and of the country in a time of great growth and excitement. What it must have been like to experience the bustle of New York City during that time period! (Yes, it bustles now, too-but then it was a time when you could see people at work and building in a more personal way. Now, it is mostly people coming and going). I love the discussion of Walt Whitman's printing and writing experience. The words and pictures are full of excitement about Whitman's profession.

I have long heard of Whitman's desire to be the poetic representative of America. It was very effective to focus the story on Whitman's nursing of the soldiers during the Civil War and his grieving for the soldiers and country-his grieving mirroring that of President Lincoln's.

Another feature I think is excellent is the notes of the author and illustrator about their influences, research, and experiences while creating the work.

The illustrations in the book are some of Selznick's best.

One of the things Whitman writes is "I love the President personally." Despite being far removed from Lincoln's time, I have also felt this way. When I read this statement, I immediately thought of one I feel that way about now, too. I believe Barack Obama will be President, because he is the politician who seems to totally understand what is going on and where our country should be heading. He, like Lincoln did, is attempting to hold honest discussions of how we can move forward. I'm frustrated and irritated by the Clintons' dogged determination to have their way when our country so obviously needs something different. Their methods seem to me to be more of the same political nonsense that our people have been tired of sense the early 90s.

related-Walt Whitman, United States history, medical care during the Civil war, American poets, biography, nurses, Abraham Lincoln, printing and writing
3rd-5th

The Wanderer by Sharon Creech.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2000.
Newbery Honor 2001

This is an outstanding story of a family's (3 uncles and 3 cousins) courageous and tumultuous journey across the Atlantic Ocean in their own boat. It is told through the journals of 2 of the cousins-one of them the only female on the trip. The girl, Sophie, tells the stories of their grandfather, mixing her feelings with his words, in an attempt to belong in this family and on this journey. On this journey the only threads holding them together are their positions in the family and their struggle to survive-until they come to personal realizations through their crises.

related-sailboats, sailing, ocean voyage, sea stories, family, adoption, adopted children, survival, adventure, diaries, storytelling
RL=5th and up

Weasel by Cynthia DeFelice.
MacMillan Publishing: NY, 1990.

Weasel paints a stark picture of Ohio frontier life in 1839. Eleven year old Nathan and his younger sister Molly have been waiting 6 days for their father to come back from hunting. They know something is wrong, but have no idea what to do about it. Then a man who can't talk shows up at their door, gesturing for them to follow. He has their father's locket, so they determine following will be the only way to find out about their pa. The man leads them to his wigwam, where their father is laying ill from a wound. They help to tend him, and he slowly recovers. In the process, they become friends of the man, Ezra, who has withdrawn from society, due to his experience with the Shawnee and the government policy at the time. Nathan goes back to the cabin to feed animals and is confronted by an infamous character who has been raiding settlers for years. Nathan escapes, but the event shapes his mental well being for sometime to come. Both his father and Ezra share ugly experiences with this person called Weasel. Their reactions are somewhat different than his, and the book is largely about Nathan's dealing with his experience.

The story is a strong depiction of a time all but forgotten. Ezra's character is a scintillating morsel. His tongue was long ago cut out by a scoundrel, and yet his personality shines with his mannerisms. The children quickly become attached to this quiet soul.

The feel of the book is so old and obsolete, but it is adventurous and philosophical to an extent rarely seen in young literature.

The story is very short; the words a low level. The topic is mature, but could work as a history tie in.

related-frontier and pioneer life, revenge, family and friendship, history of Ohio and United States
RL=4th-8th

A Week in the Woods by Andrew Clements.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: NY, 2002.
BookAdvice Book of the Month Oct 2006

Mark has just moved to rural New Hampshire from New York. He has half a year at the public school, and then he will be shipped off to a boarding school the next school year. He is angry about moving and about the business interests that keep his parents travelling instead of home with him. He is also terribly bored at school and doesn't see any point in participating.

After a couple of weeks he decides to try to fit in better. He makes progress with the other students, but the teachers are irritated with him and are not so willing to forgive.

The whole sixth grade is preparing for the traditional camping trip, and Mark is excited because he has been exploring on his own and wants to learn more. He wants to prove himself to his science teacher who is the director of the camping trip and resident expert. An unfortunate incident will make that impossible. Or will it? The event changes the whole atmosphere from a school conflict to survival and eventually cooperation.

This is one of my favorite Andrew Clements books because it has so much packed into it. One of the things I like about Clements's books is that they show teachers as people with their own problems. There is usually a gap in communication, misunderstandings, and a process working towards cooperation from which we can all learn.
related-schools, teacher-student relationships, survival, camping, adventure, exploring, communication, cooperation, high interest
RL=5th-8th

What Came From the Stars by Gary D. Schmidt.
Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: Boston, 2012.

The story alternates between two worlds. In a far away universe, there is a coup. The last of the conquered must protect an artifact of power crafted with the beauty from which they derived their rule. It is sent out of the universe to keep it out of the hands of the conquerors. The item lands in Plymouth, MA, at a beachhouse home. A home struggling with the loss of a beloved mom and wife. A town on the verge of making a modern decision that could forever change its New England style. The conquering Lord Mondus sends minions to detect and retrieve the object. Tommy wears the found necklace and gains knowledge and understanding, strength and power, and increased artistic ability. He will need all of his talents to stand against the power of Lord Mondus, and more.

The two tellings are interesting on their own. Going back and forth between them was more difficult to keep focus, since the tales are so different in makeup. Fantasy can be challenging anyway for readers, because the world is foreign and names are uncomfortable in sound and rhythm. I remember as a young reader that even foreign country names made reading harder, as I had trouble reading names I couldn't pronounce. One thing good about the format is that alternating gives a less practiced reader a break from the unusual world.

The parts within New England make a very strong story. I love Tommy's family, and enjoyed his school days. His struggles are not so unusual for everyday life, except that the confrontation with the other world characters adds a twist and children do not usually handle any major problems in our society.

Again, Gary Schmidt has created an awesome story. I have found each of his works to be fascinating and quite different from anything else, including his own works. Quite satisfying.

related-fantasy, other worlds, Plymouth, MA, New England, beach life
RL=4th or 5th and up

When Marian Sang by Pam Muñoz Ryan. il Brian Selznick.
Scholastic Press: NY, 2002.

The use of sepia in the illustrations is beautifully rich and effective for a historical setting. Selznick has a glowing quality about his work that shows the feeling and spirit of the people he portrays. I think the brown illustrations also deemphasize (intentionally or not) the fact that the people are black-with the focus totally on them as people.

The text is very informative and gentle in its discussion of Marian Anderson's extraordinary life and ability. The tribulations of black people during the time are not glossed over. It is an extraordinarily powerful and beautiful book.

related-Marian Anderson, famous singers, concerts, Lincoln Memorial, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jim Crow laws, Black history, travel in Europe, performance arts, historical fiction
RL=3rd-5th

Where in the Wild? by David M. Schwartz and Yael Schy. photos by Dwight Kuhn.
Tricycle Press/Ten Speed Press: Berkeley, CA, 2007.

This book has three layers blending together: the awesome photos exhibiting camouflage in a fun and interactive manner, the descriptive poems that act as clues to the creatures hidden, and the biological information given for each.

The spectacular photos can be enjoyed by all ages. The poems work perfectly with their respective pictures. I also like that the habitats are used for the borders and poem titles. The text is informative, yet not strictly factual. It is a pleasure to read.

related-ladybugs, coyote, tree frogs, fawns, weasels, moths, killdeer, shorebirds, crab spiders, flounder, green snakes, red-spotted newts, camouflage, animals
RL=3rd-5th     read aloud to 1st & 2nd

Where the Great Hawk Flies by Liza Ketchum
Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Company: NY, 2005.

A red-tailed hawk watches two families flee from the same Indian raid in Vermont in 1782. Hiram Coombs has an uncle who was caught and then imprisoned by the British in Canada. Daniel Tucker and his sister and mother are part Pequot Indian. They are accepted by the community because of her healing abilities. When the Coombs family moves in next to the Tuckers, the boys meet and antagonize each other until Daniel's grandfather (a Pequot medicine man) comes to visit. He helps the boys to sort out their differences.

The story is gripping and powerfully written as one conflict after another must be resolved. It is a good one to use in a history lesson regarding colonists vs. Native Americans or a lesson related to conflict resolution.
related-identity, conflict resolution, prejudice, healing, 18th century, Pequot Indians, Indians of North America (Connecticut), Vermont history
RL=5th-8th

Windcatcher by Avi.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: NY, 1991.

Tony is learning to sail as he stays with his grandmother on the Connecticut coast. He hears rumors of sunken treasure nearby and watches and follows a couple who appear to be searching for it. He and his grandmother do some sleuthing, and Tony is convinced the treasure is real. As Tony ventures out of safe waters, it quickly becomes clear he is beyond his level of safety.

This is a riveting story for young readers with the mystery of the treasure and of the town's founder, and also, the adventure of sailing and survival. It is also exciting because it demonstrates the possibility of achieving something of the adult world; for children that is momentous.
RL=3rd-6th

Wind Rider by Susan Williams.
HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2006.

Fern is on the verge of womanhood and is pressed by the women of her family to learn womanly duties while her twin brother seems to mostly play since his life on the plains is expected to be freer than hers. Her mother wishes to suppress Fern's gift of communication with animals as she and others see it as unnatural. One day, avoiding her chores, she helps a young horse stuck in the bog. She keeps the horse in a secret place, shares a friendship with it, and learns to ride. In a society whose only use for horses is food, Fern develops new uses through her bond with her horse Thunder. Because of their fear, much more must happen before the tribe will accept the changes Fern shows them.

This is an excellent story in which Fern is transformed from an unaccepted girl not wishing to become a woman to a loving and respected woman who has given much to her community and has become a legend. Beautifully written, it will appeal to a wide range of ages.

related-prehistoric explanation of the development of domesticated horses, girls-duties, feelings, and transition to womanhood, coming of age, human/animal communication, gender roles, prehistoric peoples, historical fiction
RL=5th-adult

Wingwalker by Rosemary Wells. il Brian Selznick.
Hyperion Books for Children: NY, 2002.

The dust storms come to Ambler, Oklahoma, and the town shrivels and closes down as farmers lose their crops and leave. Reuben's father answers a want ad for a carnival wingwalker position. After some argument from his mom, the family joins the carnival workers. His father lives the dream of a lifetime, and he and his mom stay busy to keep from worrying.

Colorful atmosphere and characters are displayed in this interesting Depression story of a family's summer jaunt with the circuit of county fairs of the Midwest. The story just touches on the seriousness of the setting.

This is a lovely, young chapter book with high interest subject matter. The characters are ordinary people working oddly interesting jobs. There is something for Reuben to learn from all of the characters, and he even has a chance to confront a fear that plagues him.

The pictures are more realistic in keeping with the serious themes. There are some wonderful details for those looking closely, and the cover art is gorgeous.

related-fairs, stunt flying, fear, Depression, 1929, fathers and sons, Minnesota, transitional book
RL=3rd-5th

Winter Lights: A Season in Poems & Quilts by Anna Grossnickle Hines.
Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins: NY, 2005.

Winter Lights is a sequel to Pieces: A Year in Poems & Quilts. The quilts are fantastic! I'm amazed by the work with the twisted triangles used for fire and flickering light. Though I know Holiday Magic was much easier, it is displayed beautifully as are several others. You've got to see it to believe it. I did enjoy the poems, too, but the quilts are masterfully presented. To know that each illustration was pieced together is just lovely. For anyone with an appreciation of sewing, you'll not want to miss this. The poems celebrating the season are a bonus.

The back of the book discusses techniques in piecing the quilts. Looking at it, you can tell Star Catcher must have been the hardest to put together. All the tiny triangles, plus the preplanning to achieve such a wondrous effect. Many of the quilts were strip pieced (strips sewn together in long columns or rows) and added together. The candlelit bags in Christmas Path, the Menorah and star in Small Miracles, and the houses in Holiday Magic used this technique but required preplanning to create the objects. Most of the details in Holiday Magic are the fabrics themselves. The placement of the fabrics with a few highlights is what makes it special. It's Time is also strip pieced but with four different sections, and the pieces are manipulated more (sewn opposite directions and sewn at angles which varies the width of the strips). This also has an amazing result. The aurora borealis is created with the basic form of bargello, a type of strip piecing. Long strips of fabric are sewn together diagonally to form a rectangle and cut across, slightly varying the color placement in the strips. In "Morning Light" and "Nian Is Coming" Hines played with the technique a little, creating radiating light in the first and a monster and fireworks in the second.

related-winter celebrations, pieced quilts, children's poetry-American, lights in a dark season
RL=2nd and up, read aloud with toddlers-2nd

With Needle and Thread by Raymond Bial.
Houghton Mifflin Company: Boston, 1996.

"Certainly the number and variety of quilt patterns are remarkable, often breathtaking, but I wanted With Needle and Thread to be more about people and their connection to quilts. Feelings about quilts run deeply through quilters' lives, and it is this abiding love and respect for quilts and quiltmaking that I have sought to evoke in With Needle and Thread: A Book about Quilts."

Quilts are remarkable, and Raymond Bial has selected some great examples for illustration. I would have liked to have seen even more, because as a quilter I can't get enough. I hope that it is enough to convey to non-quiltmakers the awe that I feel regarding quilts.

Bial explains the history of quiltmaking. If it's not amazing enough that women used to make all of the blankets for their homes by hand, piecing them from old clothing and scraps when material wasn't available, consider how little time women had to do anything for themselves. Or that thinking beyond household work was discouraged. Sewing was one of the only arts that allowed women and girls freedom of expression. Even slaves were able to create art through quilting. It is incredibly uplifting to know that you can and have created such a work of art.

Traditions of quilting are described, including patterns, styles and quilting communities. Regions are also noted, as well as trends such as the pioneering migration and quilts in support of causes.

Quilting is still done in a traditional manner, but even more freedom is practiced. Quilting is also going in a new direction in that it is now viewed publicly as an art, pieces made to be hung on the wall and viewed rather than only to be used as household items.

It was great to see this conversation of an art that I absolutely love. The author has noted that he took extra care in choosing the pictures and text to make a "patchwork."

I was introduced to quilting by my sister Evelyn who has made many quilts for family members. I had no idea that it would become such a part of my own life when I tried my first. Now it is a heavenly thing to walk around a quilters' show. I've only been to our state show, but what a time I had viewing so many quilts at once.

related-quilting history, United States history, patchwork, arts and crafts
RL=4th and up

The World of King Arthur and His Court: People, Places, Legend, and Lore by Kevin Crossley-Holland. il by Peter Malone.
Dutton Children's Books/Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers: NY, 1998.
Originally published by Orion Children's Books: London, 1998.

Every aspect of King Arthur and his kingdom is described here: the knights and knighthood, the enchanters and enchantresses, the ladies of the court, manners and life in the Medieval world, the places associated with Arthur's life, writers and troubadours, popular stories, the differences between the romances and real Arthur, and fantastic beasts and magical happenings. The thorough discussion along with the attractive paintings are a delight for those wanting to know King Arthur's world.

related-Merlin, Uther, Excaliber, Lady of the Lake, sword in the stone, Knights of the Round Table, Avalon, Glastonbury, the Holy Grail
RL=4th-6th

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux: NY, 1962.
Newbery Medal 1963

Meg and Charles Wallace Murry and a new friend Calvin travel through time and space by means of tesseracts, guided by Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which. The Murrys' father is a scientist who disappeared while exploring the concept of tessering. The Mrs. W's inform the children that he needs their help, and they travel to release him from his imprisonment.

Despite the sci fi/fantasy baseline, the book is mostly psychological. It is a good vs. evil adventure story, using love and freedom of thought to combat the shadow that would control the characters' minds. The characters are presented as misfits, and the story shows their differences as being their strengths, what saves them.

This is a book that I loved in 6th grade, though I didn't fully understand the tesseracts. Looking back I don't think it has much depth. It was written and remains for young children. It is groundbreaking for its use of scientific concepts in children's literature. It still is one of the few that attempts to deal with complicated scientific theories. Though there is starting to be sci fi literature for young adults, there is still little for younger kids. It still is a good book for introducing fiction to young readers.

related-tesseracts and tessering, hypnosis, equal vs. sameness, identity, nonconformity, familial love, missing parent, fitting in, sacrifice
RL=5th-7th

The Year of the Hangman by Gary Blackwood.
Dutton's Children's Books/Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers: NY, 2002.

After starting to live the life of a gaming wastrel, Creighton is abducted and shipped to America. The book is based on the premise that General George Washington was captured by the British. This event ends the war with the colonists-or so the British think. Creighton finds himself in the middle of the resistance to British rule of the colonies. He is expected to spy for the British, but he is no longer so sure of where his loyalties lie.

This is an exciting alternate history book. There is plenty of action and surprise and also thought-provoking details. Much of the book focuses on Benjamin Franklin (his character, experimentation, and printing business) who is perhaps the most fascinating of all the American patriots. Blackwood has done an excellent job of blending his story with historical figures.

I also highly recommend Second Sight and The Shakespeare Stealer series.
related-American Revolution, Benjamin Franklin, Benedict Arnold, duels, printing business, codes, codes, New Orleans
RL=5th-YA

The Year the Swallows Came Early by Kathryn Fitzmaurice.
The Bowen Press/HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2009.

Eleanor Robinson aka Groovy is a cook at eleven years old. Her fondest wish is to train at a culinary school. Knowing how costly it would be, she fears it won't be possible, and family problems are so overwhelming she's not sure she wants to continue cooking, even though customers at a friend's shop are clamoring for her specialty.

Alongside her problems and her best friend's (Frankie), the town is preparing for the annual swallow migration. The swallows travel from Argentina to San Juan Capistrano, in Southern California, to nest. The swallows' return coincides with the resolution of the children's problems, both learning to forgive a grievous injury and both sharing the return of a parent.

I thoroughly enjoyed Fitzmaurice's first novel. It is complex and emotional but also uplifting and hopeful. Two of the children in the story have career plans and are working towards their dreams (Eleanor and her cooking, Marisol and her drawings). There is community spirit - the children helping each other, Eleanor working in Luis's (Frankie's stepbrother) shop, Luis and Eleanor's father helping a resident homeless man. Eleanor and Frankie both struggle with hurt feelings and confusion about parental relationships. Both must on their own come to terms with the faults of a parent, but they support each other through the process.

The children seem older than 11 years. The book is recommended for 3rd to 5th graders by the publisher. Because of the emotional content, it seems more like 5th to 8th to me.

related-fathers and daughters, absent parent, forgiveness, conduct of life, creativity, cooking, drawing, migration of birds
RL=5th and up

Young Arthur by Robert D. San Souci. il Jamichael Henterly.
Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group: NY, 1997.

This is a good introduction to King Arthur for young kids. It follows the traditional tellings-although skipping over the behavior of Uther regarding Igraine (Igerna) and the pact with Merlin to give Arthur away and ending with the gift of Excaliber. The pictures are appealing in a bright and luminous way. It works well either as a read aloud for pre-K or a beginning reader (up to 4th grade).

related-King Arthur, Merlin, sword in the stone, England
RL=2nd-4th