Sister of Isis: The Haunting

Ewing, Lynne

2008

8-10

7.4

Ewing’s series about three girls who are Descendants of the Pharaohs concludes with this addition which features Sudi. The challenge for the three is to keep the god Anubis from obliterating enough Ancient Egyptian history to destroy the entire world and send it back into the universe as unoccupied matter. The series begins with The Summoning and continues with a novel devoted to each of three young women. This is an additional purchase where the earlier books or others by this author have been popular.

Additional

Animals Robert Scott Saw: An Adventure in Antarctica

Markle, Sandra

978-0-8118-4918-0

2008

3-6

6.2

This is a fascinating look at an explorer, the people on his team and the animal life of Antarctica. Designed similar to a scrap book, maps, drawings, paintings and photographs help tell the story of Robert Scott's two journeys to Antarctica at the turn of the twentieth century. The prose simply and effectively focuses on the trials and tribulations of the explorations as well as the wonder of the unexplored frontier of Antarctica. Emphasis is placed on the animals they took on their trips and the animals they discovered and studied on this frigid continent. Sled dogs were used to pull supplies and on the second jouney they also used Manchurian ponies. Fact boxes, resembling notes taped to the pages, offer additional tidbits of information. Ships stuck in the ice, pony snowshoes, ice fish and the reindeer hide clothing they used to stay warm are just a few of the amazing details you can read about in this book. Even though the last journey ended tragically Robert Scott's explorations have had a tremendous impact upon our knowledge of the southern-most continent. This book is part of the Explorer Series. There is a note to teachers and parents in the front of the book explaining that the series was written to develop key concepts from the National Council for the Social Studies and the National Academy of Sciences. Also included are a glossary, bibliography, list of web sites and an index. This book is also recommended by Booklist and the Kirkus Review.

Recommended

SECRET OF THE SLEEPLESS WHALES AND MORE

RODRIGUEZ, Ana Maria

N.A.

2009

grades 4 -8

7.3

SECRETS OF HTE SLEEPLESS WHALES - Rodriguez (4-8) (7.3)
No reviews found.

Interesting information is contained in this 5 chapter book. Each chapter deals with a different "animal secret" - dolphin diving, orca sleeping patterns, seal feeding habits, dolphin sponge users, and Weddell seal feeding. Each chapter has information about an experiment and the scientists involved and an added fact section. Chapter notes are appended; a glossary, further reading, Internet addresses, and index are included. This is an intriguing book especially for science or marine buffs. The chapter notes are also good for a teachable moment about citing work for research.

Highly Recommended

Recommended

PHILLIS'S BIG TEST

Clinton, Catherine

Sean Qualls

9780618737390

2008

grades K - 3

4.2

PHILLIS'S BIG TEST - Clinton (K-3) (4.2)
M Booklist (2/1/08) "initially... promising... leaves reader hanging... disappointing... that none of Wheatly's poetry is actually quoted... terrific mixed-media art..."
P Kirkus Review (3/15/08) "straightforward test... evocative images... accompaniment to... lucid text... powerful introduction..."
PM School Library Journal (3/1/08) "picture-book biography deals with a transformative moment... Quall's [pictures] create visual interest... introduction..."

This introductory biography leads up to the moment in 1772 when a 17 year old Wheatley goes before 18 learned men to judge if she wrote her poems herself. Flashing back to her younger days when she was brought across the ocean to come a slave in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Wheatley in Boston. They saw that she was a bright capable girl so instead of serving her mistress she spent her time on studies. She even "performed" for family visitors. We don't learn the out come of the test and there are none of her poems in the book The artwork is interesting but somewhat flat. There is an epilogue that gives a bit more information.

Additional

Owney: The Mail-Pouch Pooch

Mona Kerby

2008

K – 3

This book is based on the true story of a homeless dog who hid in the Albany post office one night. When the postmen came in the next day they found the dog guarding the mail and gave him a name and a job. Owney not only guarded the mail in Albany, he would jump on the train and guard the mail wherever it went, always returning. Wondering where the dog visited, the Albany postmen put a tag on him asking other postmen to put the depot tags on his collar. Owney traveled all over the country, and they sent him on a special trip around the world where he collected over two hundred tags, and was issued an imperial passport in Japan. Kids of all ages will love this charming story. The book includes an Author’s note about the real Owney and photographs of him with his medals and on a train.

Highly Recommended

A Difficult Boy

M.P. Barker

2008

5-8

Excellent historical fiction about a boy who becomes an indentured servant. The story takes place in 1839 Massachusetts. At first nine-year-old Ethan sees Mr. Lyman as a wealthy upstanding citizen, but soon realizes he is dishonest and abusive. The story is also about a developing friendship between Ethan and the other young servant boy. Although the story is told well and gives great historical detail, this book will not appeal to the majority of students. Recommended only where there is a demand for historical fiction.

Additional

Mother’s Song

Ellin Greene (Adapted By)

Elizabeth Sayles

2008

PK – 1

This is a reprint of a traditional English lullaby. The poetic song is about a mother’s love for her child: “My heart is like a fountain true/That flows and flows with love for you.” Soft pastel illustrations perfectly compliment the lyrics. Each verse or stanza is given a two-page spread with pictures of a mother and baby with whimsical fairies and pixies around them. The book also includes an original score, and an Author’s note about the origin of folk songs, and of this lullaby. Recommended for one on one reading.

Additional

Say Hello

Jack Foreman

Michael Foreman

2008

Ages 3-6

This is the story of a little dog that’s lonely and looking to make new friends. He finds a group of children playing that immediately welcome him to their group. This story depicts the simple of “saying hello” can make someone’s day brighter and make them feel as though they are no longer left out. The illustrations are simple with lots of empty white page, and the use of only black, red and blue.

Recommended

42 Miles

Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

2008

Grades 6-9

9-12

As teens often do, this is the story of JoEllen who is on the brink of becoming a teenager and her desire to claim an identity. Told in a series of free verse poems, JoEllen depicts her relationships with each of her parents (they are divorced), and the complete differences between them- she spends days with Mom who loves takeout and evenings with Dad who likes to cook. She claims to have two separate lives- one with each of her parents and decides that by her thirteenth birthday, her two lives should join together. While this is a story of parental relationships and divorce that many teens will relate to, I’m not sure if they will make the illustrated and poetic language connections in the author’s writing.

Additional

The Death of Jayson Porter

Jaime Adoff

2008

grades 9-12

11-12

This is the story of Jayson Porter and the events that occur during one summer during high school. Jayson is a biracial teen who faces issues of diversity, drugs, sexuality, suicide as well as physical and emotional abuse. He feels like an outcast at the predominantly white school he attends on scholarship. Both of his parents (who do not live together) are drug addicts and on top of that his mother often beats him. Jayson is just trying to get by attending summer school and working at a local car dealership, when all of a sudden things start to spiral downward. His best friend, Trax, is killed in a math lab explosion and his Dad lets it slip that Jayson was actually kidnapped as a baby and his parents aren’t his “real parents.” Jayson winds up attempting suicide by jumping off the seventh story breezeway of his apartment building. He survives and faces months of rehabilitation. This book is graphic in terms of drug use, sex and some vi olence. I would add only if you have need for something like this in your collection.

Additional

PEACEFUL PIGGY YOGA

MacLean, Kerry Lee

the author

2008

grades K - ?4

2.4.

PEACEFUL PIGGY YOGA - MacLean (K-4) (2.4)
No Reviews found

MacLean introduces yoga as gentle stretches that bring relaxation to people of all ages to help their minds and bodies. Each two-page spread shows a pose, with the steps needed to complete it and shows different piggies enjoying yoga. 11 different poses are shown in the Hatha style. Yoga is good for everyone. The author has done another book to partner with this one - Peaceful Piggies, which shares ideas about meditation. A yoga teacher thought the book was good. This is a nice idea for gym and also as relaxation before testing.

Recommended

Write Naked

Peter Gould

0-374-38483-5

2008

14 & up

8.3

16-year old Victor who lives in Vermont finds an old Royal typewriter at a yard sale while out riding his bike. The man old man who is having the yard sale, gives it to Victor and tells him it has a story in it waiting to be written. Victor takes the typewriter to his uncle's cabin in the woods to begin writing a story. He had once observed a picture of a man sitting and writing in the nude with a caption underneath that read "you have to be naked to write", so he gives it a try, taking off his clothes and sitting down at the typewriter to begin his writing when suddenly he looks up and sees a girl peering in the window at him. This girl is Rose Anna a home schooled teen who often comes to the cabin to write and think. Victor and Rose Anna begin to meet at the cabin regularly writing their stories and exchanging them for the other to read leading to a unique bond and courtship.

Recommended

Daisy Dawson Is on Her Way!

Steve Voake

Jessica Meserve

0-7636-3740-8

2007

3-6

5.6

Daisy Dawson drives her teacher at Nettlegreen Elementary School crazy being late at least three times a week due to her dawdling. Daisy is late because she gets distracted when she stops along the way to school to play with butterflies, worms, birds, cats, dogs, horses, ants, and squirrels. One day after freeing a butterfly from a spider web Daisy miraculously is able to understand what the animals are saying and she begins to talk with them and them to her. She befriends a dog named "Boom" who she brings a ham sandwich to each day on her way to school and a horse name Meadowsweet. Boom has been captured and impounded by the dogcatcher so Daisy, Meadowsweet, Cyril the squirrel, and Trixie McDixie the cat set out on a mission to rescue him. The illustrations in this book will stimulate the reading experience of beginning readers.

Recommended

Trick of the Tale : a collection of trickster tales

Matthews, John & Caitlin

Tomic, Tomislav

978-0-7636-3646-3

2008

5-8

6.5

Kirkus Review*starred this title. As you flip the pages of this book to get a feel for the set-up the pen and ink drawings that illustrate the tails are striking and bold. There are twenty tales told but not much information about their origins or the culture that spawned them. Most of the stories read aloud well. Some are familiar and useful for comparison. The authors and illustrator note at the end is too cute. While Kirkus starred this title it will be just a shelf sitter unless you have a unit to accompany it. It can be used for storytimes and as preparation for storytellers but there are no tales that can't be found elsewhere. Nice but buy only if you have additional funds.

Additional

Deep Down Popular

Phoebe Stone

0-439-80245-8

2008

5-8

6.4

In a small Virginia town sixth grader Jessie Lou has been asked by her teacher to help Conrad Smith after school to take his bike home. Conrad was the most popular kid in school until he injured his leg and has to wear a brace, so now he is not so popular with the other children except Jessie. He will always be special to her, popular or not because she has loved Conrad every since they were in the second grade. Jessie Lou is a tomboy with short hair which she chops off whenever stressed, writes beautiful poetry which she chooses not to share with anyone, not popular and she feels that Conrad does not know that she even exists although he treats everyone with grace and respect even the little kids. Helping Conrad with his bike ultimately leads to a surprising friendship between Jessie, Conrad, and Quentin a fourth grader who likes to tag along behind them. The three of them form a plan to help Jessie's grandpa try to keep the new mall and hardware store from driving their town's one and only hardware store ever out of business. Children will be able to identify with the characters and their feelings of shyness, belonging, crushes, and popularity as well as learn a lesson about unlikely friendships.

Recommended

On Rough Seas

Nancy L. Hull

2008

Middle School

6

What should have been a nail-bitingly tense novel about Operation Sea Lion, the daring WWII rescue of 300,000 French and British soldiers by a mish mashed fleet of 600 private boats, is instead a snore inducing chore to read. After being caught in a storm on the English Channel, Alec is blamed for his cousin's death and nearly ostracized by his family. Trying to escape his authoritarian father, Alec takes a job on a fishing boat and stows away to help the rescue effort when he finds out about the secret mission. It's hard to understand how a story this full of mysterious whisperings, underground tunnels, and wartime blood and gore can fail to build tension -- but this one manages it. Perfect for insomniacs.

Not Recommended

The Twin Giants

King-Smith, Dick

Mini Grey

978-0-7636-3529-9

2008

K-3

2.5

Normous and Lottavim are identical twin giants who always do everything together. The only difference between them is one is a vegetarian. After growing up and playing together on the mountain and reeking havoc on livestock and villagers, they decide it is time to get married. For the first time in their lives they split up and go their separate ways hoping this will increase their chances of finding the perfect wife. Just like a Shakespearean comedy the stage is set for misadventure and mistaken identities. All ends well with each finally finding the perfect wife. They set up housekeeping on separate mountains and live happily ever after...except the villagers. They have a more difficult life because...well, how would you like it if four giants traipsed back and forth through your village and valley? The bright, comical illustrations by Mini Grey add to the fun of this beginning independent reader chapter book. This is another winner b y Dick King-Smith. Positive reviews will also be found in Booklist, Kirkus Review and School Library Journal.

Recommended

The Nine Lives of Dudley Dog

Hassett, John and Ann

978-0-618-81153-3

2008

K-3

1.3

It is sister's birthday and she wants a cat, but when she opens her present out pops a dog. The pet store got mixed up! Dudley, a black and white bundle of doggy menace, goes on a mad romp for the rest of the book. He jumps out the window and chases cats all over town. Each two-page spread ends with the question, "Do you think you have nine lives like a cat?" The pastel illustrations are bright, colorful and silly. Have fun counting the cats in each picture. The ending is a surprise that does not quite work which makes this creative book slightly disappointing.

Additional

Brothers & Sisters: Sibling Relationships in the Animal World

Jenkins, Steve and Robin Page

978-0-618-37596-7

2008

K-4

3.2

One and two-page spreads, illustrated with beautiful, realistic torn and cut paper collages, draw you into this delightful and informative read about animal siblings. Nine-banded armadillos are born as identical quadruplets. After turkey sisters leave to form their own families the brothers form their own all boy band. Whiptail lizards have only sisters. There are no male whiptails. Children will love to compare their own sibling relationships with those of the animal kingdom. If you ever have wanted to get rid of a sibling you might wish you were a black widow spiderling. They eat each other. Or you might want to be a young grizzly bear. They like to fight and the loser has to leave and go live somewhere else. Beavers always help out each other and stay with their families for two years. This is just a smattering of the animals covered in this book. Additional facts about each type of animal are included at the end of the book as well as a list of other books to read for more information. This is a fascinating book that is also great for browsing. It was starred by Booklist, Kirkus and School Library Journal.

Highly Recommended

Korman, Gordon

Mar 1, 2008

Ages 9 - 12

3rd grade

Swindle, the latest from the prolific Gordon Korman, tells the story of Griffin Bing, his best friend Ben and their "gang" as they try to retrieve a valuable baseball card that was "swindled" away from Griffin. The young characters are portrayed as somewhat stereotypical at first glance, but through the course of the story develop their own differences and quirks. The excerption being the antagonist, "S. Wendell" (note the pun on Swindle). Filled with close-calls which still remain believable enough for enjoyment, thrilling near-disasters and almost-gotchas, double-crosses and a few secrets even between best friends, Swindle will be a fun and rewarding read for children exploring the mystery/thriller genres or who just enjoy adventure stories of kids attempting to solve their problems without adult intervention. Recommend. ...km

Recommended

The Pirates of Turtle Rock

Jennings, Richard W.

April 28, 2008

Young Adult (younger end)

8 grade

Short Synopsis or Review (to be read at meeting):
Coop DeVille is a modern-day pirate with something of an identity crisis. He falls in love (at a glance) with the bored Jenny Snow, resident of the (fictional) seaside town of Kansas-by-the-Sea (part of Palm Beach County, Florida). The story is, for the most part, about their quest for an unlikely artifact, a giant idol-statue made of pearls, hidden (in plain sight) by a lost civilization... Filled with unlikely (and often unnecessary) coincidences, moderately clever puns and unlikely characters, the action drags at times and races at others. Except for Palm Beach County Library System, who probably should acquire this only because it's set in their area, this is an "additional purchase." ...km

Additional

Duck

Cecil, Randy

illustrated by author

978-0-7636-3072-0

2008

PS - Gr. 2

Gr. 3

Duck is a carousel animal who enjoys looking at the stars, and longs to fly. Her days and nights are lonely. “Then one spring day, everything changed.” A little lost duckling wandered up, and Duck had someone to play and dream with. Soon Duckling grew up, of course, and, although Duck did her best to teach him, he couldn’t fly. So she tied him up in her scarf and the two went in search of some real ducks who could do the job. Duckling, as soon as he saw the real ducks flying, took off into the air with Duck attached. Realizing that Duckling will not be able to fly with her tied on to him, Duck untied herself and fell to the ground; then Duckling was gone. Through the long, snowy winter, Duck is alone again, but then Duckling returns in the spring and gives her the finest gift of all – flight! Whimsical text and expressive oil paintings combine for a heartwarming tale of friendship and loyalty.

Recommended

To the Big Top

Esbaum, Jill

0-374-39934-4

2008

PS - Gr. 2

Gr. 4

In the early 1900’s, Benny and his friend, Sam, hear the circus train pulling into town, and run to take in all the excitement. They help to feed the elephants, and carry boards to make bleachers, each earning a nickel and a ticket for the show! Then they “[tear] off like greased lightning” and climb a tree to watch the circus parade. After the parade, they head back to the circus and purchase their snacks, but Sam soon discovers that he has lost his ticket to the circus. Should Benny go without him? After all, Sam had refused to share his popcorn, and he had teased a monkey. But Sam is really upset now, and Benny, a true friend, finds a solution to the problem.
Esbaum, using phrases like “shake a stick at,” “man alive!,” and “moseyed down the midway,” recalls a simpler time, when parents would allow their kids to hang out at the circus all day, and kids would be truly excited about receiving a nickel and buying a candied apple. Retro illustrations in full-color, double-page spreads reinforce the idea of simplicity.

Recommended

Best Friend on Wheels

Shirley, Debra

Judy Stead

978-0-8075-8868-0

2008

PS - Gr. 2

n/a (verse)

A young girl tells all about her best friend, Sarah, who is just like her in many ways. Although she was nervous when she first met Sarah, who uses a wheelchair, the narrator’s anxieties were suddenly eased when she read Sarah’s “Rock Hound” button and realized that the two had something in common. It turns out they also both like reading, scrapbooking, cartooning and “dancing – yes, dancing!” Apparently, the wheelchair makes others nervous, as well; the ice cream clerk at the mall doesn’t even address Sarah directly until she notices yet another of Sarah’s buttons: “I [heart] my finches,” and then asks Sarah what flavor she’d like.
While the author states that Sarah is just like everyone else in many ways, Sarah’s difference is stressed right from the title, Best Friend on Wheels, rather than being just an incidental part of who she is. Sarah apparently is so different that she needs to sport her button collection in order to get people to talk to her.

Additional

The Joys of Love

2008

Adult

7

The best part of this previously unreleased Madeleine L'Engle novel is its touching introduction, written by the author's granddaughter, Lena Roy. Unfortunately, this story of a naive twenty-year-old's apprenticeship at a seaside summer theater shows its age and is too dull and predictable for teens today. While some of L'Engle's adult fans may enjoy this bit of nostalgia, it won't be a necessary purchase for most libraries.

Additional

Big Fat Manifesto

Susan Vaught

2008

YA

7

Three hundred-plus pound Jamie Carcaterra is living fat and happy, or is she? Jamie is features editor of the school paper and star of the school play; she has a fantastic boyfriend and great prospects for college (if she can win a prestigious journalism award and find scholarship money). Weekly, she writes "Fat Girl" a snarky newspaper column about her experiences as the fat chick, her feelings about boyfriend Burke's bariatric surgery, and senior year stress in general. Jamie and her friends are real characters -- teens will enjoy their quirks. Burke's surgery and the complications that follow are described in vivid, frightening detail, but the romantic subplot feels forced and obvious. Slightly flawed, but overall an absorbing read.

Recommended

Black Pearls: A Fairie Strand

2008

YA

7

A little on the dark side, Louise Hawes's seven fairy tale retellings will charm the most demanding teens. Each story is a fresh, high quality retake on a well-known classic (Rapunzel, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, etc.) that offers interesting, fully formed characters and an entirely new view of a story teens thought they knew inside and out. Only the "Jack and the Beanstalk" redo is a little weak, but it hardly matters. Highly recommended; some suggestive material.

Highly Recommended

The Magician's Apprentice

Heneghan, Judith

n/a

978-0-8234-2150-3

2008 (c. 2005)

Gr. 5 - 8

Gr. 7

In 1874 England, Jago travels with his mean uncle, the magician, Callow. His job is to “volunteer” for his uncle’s tricks, and to “work” the crowds that gather at the magic shows, picking pockets. He also steals food for himself and his uncle, and guards his uncle’s wagon while his uncle gets drunk. One night, while guarding the wagon in a cemetery, he overheard a mysterious conversation between a man and a woman, and the man threw a pocket watch to the ground. Jago retrieved it, but when his uncle uses the watch in a magic trick and is noticed by another man, Jago is drawn into a dangerous adventure at sea, to reveal a criminal and rescue his innocent victims. Jago is an unfortunate but plucky character, brilliantly skilled in the arts of magic. Readers will enjoy the non-stop action, and will alternately despair with Jago and cheer him on.

Recommended

Otto runs for president

Wells, Rosemary

978-0-545-03722-08

2008

K-3

2.4

After reading a lot of the election books for this season, I've decided you just can't add them all. Otto is a Jack Russell terrier running as an independent for president against the rumor happy and campaign promising BMOC bulldog and the lovely poodle. Otto wins by listening to what the students want and trying to get it for them. While Wells' illustrations are a highlight, I just don't think this title will hold the shelf space for election books. There are other books that have made the grade. Buy only if you have extra money or really need ALL of the election year titles.

Additional

Me Hungry!

Tankard, Jeremy

978-0-7636-3360-8

2008

K-3

0.5

Cavekid gets hungry and when the adults are busy he tries to hunt for his own food. He meets a porcupine, and a tiger but it is not until he meets the mastodon does he make a friend and get some food. The ending while expected is quite cute when he is called to dinner and he tells dad "Me busy" as he is playing with the mastodon. The large format illustrations are perfect for story times and the simple text draws independent readers. While the grammar is a problem the prehistoric impression is good. I can just hear pre-schoolers telling their mothers "Me hungry" all afternoon. This title is good for both school and public libraries.

Highly Recommended

Donkey of Gallipoli

Greenwood, Mark

Lessac, Frane

978-07636-3913-6

2008

K-3

5

Kirkus*starred this title. Does your school study World War 1? If so then you must have this book to complete the unit. The story follows Jack, a soldier serving as a stretcher-bearer in Gallipoli, Turkey during the war. He gets help from a donkey named Duffy to carry the wounded soldiers off the battlefield. There are historical facts and bibliography at the end. The flat folk style illustrations give an unusual slant to the story. The writing is clear and draws in the reader. The theme of "Lest we forget..." is very nice but buy only if you really need something to enhance your study of the subject.

Recommended

Big Plans

Shea, Bob

Smith, Lane

978-1-42311-100-9

2008

K-3

1.4

LMC*starred and BCCB*starred this title. This title works well for story times as everyone shouts: I'VE GOT BIG PLANS! BIG PLANS, I SAY! A child daydream of all the things he will accomplish when he grows up. He changes the world, become president and an astronaut, all things children say they will be when they grow up. Our hero goes to the moon and leaves more than footprints so everyone will see he has plans. The ending reminded me of Brain from Pinky and the Brain. He might be thinking of taking over the world. Buy for having fun.

Highly Recommended

Looking for Easter

Chaconas, Dori

Moore, Margie

978-0-8075-4749-6

2008

K-3

2.3

Little bunny has found Easter, the book celebrates at the end. But, Easter is Spring and new life. There is no Christ here in this story of woodland creatures celebrating the rebirth of nature associated with Spring. While the concept is normal, the book will find an unusual place in the library. This title is for all those other religious people who want to explain Easter to their children without associating it with the Christian holiday. There is no Easter bunny either. This rabbit finds hope by making a basket that robin uses for a nest for her eggs. This title will be a hit with the youngest group as the watercolor illustrations of animals draws them to the story. Buy if you have additional funds.

Additional

Under the Night Sky.

Lundebrek, Amy

Illustrator: Anna Rich

June 2008

age 4-8

grades 1-3

This story is told as much with words as with illustration, using double-page spreads that have deep, dark shades of purples, greens, and blues of the night-time sky, the author tells the experience of an un-named young boy who sees the northern lights for the first time. Urgently awoken in the middle of a winter evening slumber by his night-shift employed mother, he first senses danger, but after quickly bundling up, is soon comforted by the sight of neighbors who are also out in the cold viewing the aurora borealis; community members gather on car-hoods as the amazing sight is observed and described. The light seems to liberate the boy’s mother, who makes a promise to give her son the best in life. Inwardly, the boy expresses gratitude, which he feels toward his mother for waking him to see this awesome sight. A friend of the narrator gives a brief scientific explanation for the lights. The light show continues, but in an odd twist, the observers become one with the stars and are shown floating in the sky. This experience is not explained; the plot moves on to the next morning, where the boy is unable to differentiate reality from dream, and is unsure whether the activities of the previous night actually occurred, or if they were part of his dream. When he sees the lights dancing in his mother’s eyes as she wakes him, he is reassured of the prior evening’s events. While the language is suitably descriptive, and the pictures are richly colored, this book may do better in a region of the country where this light show is significant, and readers may understand the story more. While there is no author's note clarifying the starry events in more detail, this may have been a useful addition to help the reader better understand the roots of the story.

Additional

Drummond, Allan

the author

2008

grades K - 3

2.2

TIN LIZZIE - Drummond (K-3) (2.2)
P Horn Book (July/Aug, 08) "easy-to-read and - understand presentation of a timely subject... jumping - off point..."
P Kirkus Review (5/15/08) "will definitely set children to thinking."
P Publishers Weekly (6/2/08) "lively, child-friendly cost-benefit analysis of the automobile..."
P School Library Journal ( 7/1/08) "fluid pen-and-wash artwork and lively text... useful introduction..."

Grandpa is rebuilding and old Ford Model T in his garage. Over the years the number of grandchildren grows as he works on the car. One of Grandpa's favorite expressions is "You gotta have wheels." With 4 children & Grandpa the Model T is finally ready to go for it's 100th anniversary ride. As they are driving the discussion (with speech bubbles) turns to the fact that there are many, many cars, roads, bridges, pollution, and less and less open s pace. As they are enjoying a picnic, the discussion turns to the fact that people need to get places and people want cars but there will be many more cars in the future. With the picnic at an end Grandpa explains that the kids need to think about some solutions to the problem because it is a big one. A brief picture biography of Henry Ford, an afterword about Model T, car benefits and problems are included. Additionally, the end pages offer a brief glimpse at "the first cars, cars for everyone, problems and solutions?" using pictures and captions. This book will certainly for environmental discussions and project jump-offs. Car buffs will also enjoy the book.

Highly Recommended

Even More Children's Miscellany: Smart, Silly, and Strange Information that 's Essential to Know

Guy Macdonald

2008

3-6

6.9

I’m not sure if the information included in this book is absolutely essential to know, as the title claims, but future fans of the Uncle John Bathroom Reader series will find this browsing book fun. Covering such topics as one’s chances of being hit by lightening (1 in 2,300,300) to Ways to Break a Werewolf curse (kneel in one spot for one hundred years) Even More Children’s Miscellany is not indexed but has an extensive table of contents. This book is about as worthwhile as a Popsicle on a summer day-no nourishment, but fun.

Additional

Give a Goat

Jan West Schrock

Aileen Darragh

2008

3-6

3.7

Using McBrier’s Beatrice’s Goat as a starting point, this story of a fifth grade class that learns to work together to buy a goat through Heifer International is a delightful template for empowering students to “pass it forward”. In addition to the sprightly watercolors, the storyline rings true. Additional resources make this a doable project for budding philanthropists.

Highly Recommended

Martha in the Middle

Jan Fearnley

2008

Grades 3 up

2.3

Running away seldom solves any thing. But when you are the mouse in the middle, chances are no one will notice. Martha is lucky enough to find a wise Frog, who shows her the importance of being in the middle and she is happily reunited with her family, reassured of her importance. This is a well-worn theme, but the outstanding watercolor and pen and ink illustrations really make it stand out.

Recommended

Title *

Chasing Normal

Author *

ISBN

Publication Date

2008

Price

Interest Level

6-8

Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)

4th

Review *

Mieka Baker, the twelve year old heroine Chasing Normal would love to be part of what she considers a "normal family.'' Her life in Boston ceased to be normal when her mother moved to California essentially abandoning her daughter and her artist husband. Her hopes that she can be part of a normal family when she and her father visit Texan relatives are shattered by her vitriolic grandmother and the apparently perfect lifestyle of her aunt and uncle.
By the end of the three-week vacation she has learned that normalcy is relative and that she must come to terms with what makes her comfortable. All of the characters are believable even the nasty grandmother.

Recommendation *

Recommended

Title *

Stormy's hat : just right for a railroad man / Eric A. Kimmel ;

Author *

Eric A. Kimmel ;

Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.

pictures by Andrea U'Ren.

ISBN

ISBN-13: 978-0-374-37262-0

Publication Date

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2008.

Price

Interest Level

Interest Level: K-3

Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)

Reading Level: 2.9

Review *

As Stormy, a railroad engineer, searches for the perfect hat--one that will not blow off, get too hot, or shade his eyes too much--his wife, Ida, becomes increasingly annoyed that he will not let her help. Includes a historical note about the real Stormy and Ida Kromer. -Set in the early 1900s, this engaging picture book introduces George "Stormy" Kromer, who loves everything about being a railroad engineer-except that he just can't find the right hat for the job. He tries several different hats : a derby blows away; a cowboy hat is too large; a pressman's folded-newspaper hat catches on fire; and a fireman's helmet is just too heavy. With each failure, his wife tries to offer a suggestion, but he brushes her off, until Ida finall y puts her foot down: "Either listen to what I have to say, or stop complaining." Stormy describes all the features of his ideal headgear, and Ida, an accomplished seamstress, designs and sews it for him. Soon orders are coming in from all over the world and Stormy and Ida open a factory. An author's note tells more about the real couple and how they developed the cap that railroad workers still wear today.vibrant The illustrations have an unforced multiculturalism (Stormy's cowboy friend is African American; a Chinese-American storekeeper stacks hats; and a painting of a modern-day railroad yard shows individuals of different ethnicities). high-interest story and connections to hats, history, trains, gender equality, and industrialism, this book is a gem for libraries and classrooms.-

Recommendation *

Highly Recommended

Title *

Go, go America / Dan Yaccarino.

Author *

Dan Yaccarino.

Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.

Dan Yaccarino.

ISBN

ISBN-13: 978-0-439-70338-3

Publication Date

Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2008.

Price

Interest Level

Interest Level: 3-6

Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)

Reading Level: 5.9 Dewey: 973

Review *

Includes bibliographical references and index. Presents hundreds of unique facts about each of the states, describing strange festivals, traditions, contests, laws, people, and landmarks across the country.

cartoon characters Mom, Dad, Freddie, Fran, and Fido Farley take us on a old-fashioned road trip in the family station wagon through the 50 states. Mom is the map reader and peacemaker, Dad the clueless driver, and Fran the reluctant passenger. Freddie shares more information than anyone wants to know. While the book would not be useful for serious research, its collection of wacky and outrageous facts would be great for livening up those boring state reports, . The illustrations are colorful, and each law or fact is in a silly cartoon. Numbers on the U.S. map in the front of the book point readers to pages for individual states. Pages include state nicknames, and capitals are pictured geographically within state shapes. law s like the fact that in Hartford, Connecticut it is illegal to cross the street while walking on your hands or in New Jersey it's illegal to slurp your soup .A section at the end offers more traditional information (state flowers, capitals, square miles, This unique mixture of unusual information should have child appeal especially to those many children dragged on similar family vacations. Recommended.

Recommendation *

Recommended

Title *

Hummingbird

Author *

Kimberly Greene Angle

Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.

n/a

ISBN

978-0-374-33376-8

Publication Date

2008

Price

Interest Level

ages 9-12

Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)

age 9

Review *

Like the watermelon on the cover, this book is inviting and delicious. The setting is a rural watermelon farm in Georgia where life is simple and people are in touch with the natural world. Growing up on the farm with her family, March Anne is a likeable 12 year old that any of us can relate to in some way. She, along with her best friends, hate their names, and have an annual summer ritual to rename themselves with favorite ones. March Anne has a pesky little brother, Kevin, who does all the things brothers do and she has a father she loves. Like many juvenile novels, the heroine is motherless and learns to discover things about herself and her mother throughout the story. As the health of March Anne's grandmother deteriorates, March Anne must learn how to deal with the loss. As the seasons continue, March Anne's identity is developing, unfolding into the adolescent she is becoming. This sweet, yet sometimes sad story will resonate with the reader throughout and even after the last page.

Recommendation *

Highly Recommended

Title *

The Magic Half

Author *

Annie Barrows

ISBN

978-1-59990-132-9

Publication Date

2008

Price

Interest Level

3-6

Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)

4.2

Review *

Miri, an eleven-year-old girl sandwiched between two sets of twins, finds her "magic half," a girl her own age who needs a new home, when she slips back in time to the 1930's via a pair of magical eyeglasses. As she slips back and forth between the 30's and the present to help her friend, Molly, her travels in time also provide some inside information on the location of a valuable treasure, adding excitement to the story. Although the science fiction elements of this time travel story are improbable, the overall storyline is sweet and satisfying and will appeal to older fans of the Ivy and Bean series. The Depression-era life of Molly will be of interest to fans of the American Girl Kit's books and movies, which also take place during that time period.

Recommendation *

Recommended

Title *

Shannon and the World's Tallest Leprechaun

Author *

Sean Callahan

Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.

Kathleen Kemly

ISBN

978-0-8075-7326-6

Publication Date

2008

Price

Interest Level

ages 5-9

Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)

age 9

Review *

This Irish tale incorporates Irish tradition with a modern girl, Shannon, who is preparing for a St. Patrick's Day step-dancing contest. With a broken shoe and dated costume, Shannon is befriended by an unlikely leprechaun who promises Shannon three wishes. Although he doesn't quite grant Shannon her wishes, he helps her to achieve her dreams. Each of the pastel double page illustrations show Shannon's experiences throughout-- when she initially meets the six foot tall leprechaun, to her teaching him a jig, to the final step-dancing competition-- complete with a rainbow.

Recommendation *

Additional