Member Book Reviews
Use the Book Review Submission Form to submit your review.
Reviews will be posted on this page within 1 week.
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Title *
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Big Bad Bunny
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Author *
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Franny Billingsley
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Illustrator - G. Brian Karas
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ISBN
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1-4169-0601-0
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Publication Date
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Feb. 2008
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Price
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$16.99
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Interest Level
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K - 3
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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1.6
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Review *
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Big Bad Bunny has long sharp claws, this is the first line in the story. We then go to the Mouse House where Mama Mouse is tucking in her babies, saying " I live you and I always will". Back to Big Bad Bunny who crashes through streams, swamps, and bushes, nothing will stop her. Then Mama Mouse finds her youngest baby missing and nothing will stop her from finding here baby, as she stomps through streams, swamps, and bushes. All ends well as as Mama leads B.B.Bunny ,or Baby Boo-Boo home. What child hasn't tried to be bigger and badder as a way to gain respect, yelling "I'm not a baby". I found the book very appealing.. The text is a little edgy and reassuring at the same time, "Mama will go anywhere for Baby Boo-Boo". There are lots of sound words for children to yell, chomp, stomp, roar, making it a terrific story time read. The illustrations are nicely done. The colors muted, so it's even more reassuring in the face of a truly scary Big Bad Bunny.
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Recommendation *
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Highly Recommended
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Title *
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The Puzzle of the Platypus and other explorations of science in action
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Author *
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Myers, Jack
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Rice, John
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ISBN
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978-1-59078-556-0
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$17.95
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Interest Level
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Grades 3-6
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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5.3
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Review *
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This 64 page non-fiction work is a nice addition to Jack Myers other published books, edited from the columns he wrote for Highlights Magazine over the years. The short chapters describing elephant grandmothers, parrots that eat dirt are great for read-alouds by teachers or as an introduction to science units. John Rice's accurate , sometimes amusing watercolor illustrations are a perfect compliment to Myers' child-friendly style of writing. The book's format is pleasing, with wide margins and large, readable type, and the table of contents, bibliography, and index are first rate making this a nice additional purchase for the 590's in either public or school libraries.
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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Title *
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Wow! World of Wonder Dinosaurs
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Author *
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Stewart, David
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Hewetson, Nick
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ISBN
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978-0-531-20450-4
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$13.56
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Interest Level
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K-3
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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3.6
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Review *
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David Stewart has created a nice addition to all dinosaur book collections. In this 32 page book, he offers new and interesting for dinosaur fans. On page 14-15, he writes of dinosaurs as mothers, and on page 25, he details how fossils are removed from the ground. Nick Dewetson's colorful illustrations are a nice compliment, and the layout of each two page chapter is attractive.
The addition of two plastic overlays in the text will keep readers busy for hours. The table of contents, the index and glossary are well-done, making "Wow! Dinosaurs" a recommended purchase for school and public libraries. |
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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Title *
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How your body works, a good look inside your insides
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Author *
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Stewart, David
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Carolyn Franklin
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ISBN
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978-0-531-20444-8
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$19.50
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Interest Level
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2-4
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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3 - 4
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Review *
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David Stewart has written a readable non-fiction book about the workings of the human body's insides. The overview of body parts and functions from bones to muscles to kidneys is excellent. Carolyn Franklin's colorful, multicultural pen and wash illustrations suit the text well. The simple science experiments at the end of the book can be easily done by children. Glossary, table of contents and index are good, and as the reproductive system is not included in this book, it can be placed in both public and school libraries serving children of all ages. Nice addition to all collections.
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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Title *
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Count on Culebra, go from 1 to 10 in Spanish
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Author *
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Paul, Ann Whitford
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Long, Ethan
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ISBN
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978-0-8234-2124-4
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$16.10
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Interest Level
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K-3
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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1.5
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Review *
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"Count on Culebra" is another bi-lingual book by the team of Paul and Long. It's storyline is silly, but children will love to participate in the goofiness as Culebra(snake) has various cooking instruments tied onto Iguana's toe so it will stop hurting and she can make her Cactus Butter Dulces (Sweets). The cookless recipe for the Dulces at at book's end. Long's colorful cartoon style characters suit the text. While this is not an essential purchase children will love it, and that's what counts. Nice additional for school and public libraries.
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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Title *
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A Visitor For Bear
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Author *
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Bonny Becker
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Illustrated By: Kady MacDonald Denton
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ISBN
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978-0-7636-2807-9
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$16.99
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Interest Level
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k-3
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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2.0
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Review *
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"A Visitor For Bear" is a charmingly illustrated, humorous tale of friendship and trust. Bear isn't much of a host, as he's posted a "No Visitors" sign on his front door and lives a life of solitude and quiet. Mouse comes along, persistent as only mice can be, and won't be scared away by Bear's inhospitable ways. Bear must finally give in to his visitor's wishes and embrace the friendship which is being offered to him. There are challenging words spread throughout this book and they are used perfectly to teach children the meaning of such phrases as "most attentive", "Very impressive!" and "The mouse laughed heartily". This tale will be appreciated for not falling into the trap of being a sappy friendship story, but a charming and easily relatable one. The humor of "A Visitor For Bear" is well suited for young readers/listeners and makes reading it aloud fun for adult readers as well.
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Recommendation *
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Outstanding
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Title *
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Here You Are
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Author *
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Mayke Beckmann Briggs
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Mayke Beckman Briggs
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ISBN
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9780977646913
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Publication Date
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Feb. 2007
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Price
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$16.95
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Interest Level
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K-3
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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2.5
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Review *
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Here You Are takes a child from the beauties of nature to the great mysteries of life all in one short picture book. The text is simple: "Here You are, wondering about darkness and light", or "Why am I here?", with illustrations that are bright, crisp, colorful and as simplistic as the words. In the end the child in the book remembers the greatest love of all and all his questions are answered and he is happy. While the purity and clarity of the text and pictures seem to lend themselves to very young audience, I'm afraid the storyline will not appeal to them. I am recommending it because sometimes the idea of a greater power, which is what I took from it, can be comforting to children. However in my experience, the questions that the book is based on are not ones that children are asking.
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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Title *
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Punk Wig
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Author *
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Lori Ries
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Erin Eitter Kono, ill.
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ISBN
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9781590784860
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$16.95
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Interest Level
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K-2
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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Fry 3
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Review *
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This is a matter-of-fact and sometimes funny book about a boy whose mom has cancer. The boy narrator explains that she has alien blobs inside her and that she must go the hospital to get them zapped. This bibliotherapeutic offering shows and tells about the treatment and its consequences, including fatigue, wig shopping, and eventual recovery. Mom is unfailingly upbeat, affecting the tone of the book; this might not be realistic for a patient undergoing chemotherapy, but reassuring your child is what every mom would want to do . Watercolor illustrations are appealing and colorful with lots of white space, although the boy looks 3 in some pictures and 7 or 8 years old in others. This book will be good for adults to share with children who have a loved one who is sick.
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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Title *
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Shante Keys and the New Year's Peas
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Author *
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Gail Piernas-Davenport
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Marion Eldridge, ill.
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ISBN
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9780807573303
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Publication Date
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2007
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Price
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$16.95
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Interest Level
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K-2
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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Fry 3
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Review *
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Shante's grandmother realized they need black-eyed peas for new year's good luck and sends her to borrow some. She travels her ethnic neighborhood in search of the cow peas, learning tidbits about other new year foods and traditions, and invites these friends to come to Gram's to try peas. Illustration that are colorful and cheerful yet unappealing show the African-American girl visiting people of various ethnicities. The rhyming text is pleasant yet is often awkward because the number of syllables don't match in each couplet. Once back home, the Gram tells how to make the peas and the celebration begins. The appendix explains that eating black-eyed peas is a southern tradition and highlight the customs and foods of the four areas mentioned in the story, plus a few more. Finally, a recipe for Hoppin' John is included.
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Recommendation *
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Additional
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Title *
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Not in Room 204
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Author *
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Shannon Riggs
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Jaime Zollars, ill.
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ISBN
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978-0807557648
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Publication Date
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2007
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Price
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$15.95
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Interest Level
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Adult; gr. K-4 as appropriate
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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Fry 5
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Review *
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Childhood sexual abuse, the taboo subject of this book, is addressed thoughtfully and gently in this picture book that could empower a child to ask for help. Mrs. Salvador holds high standards for the students of Room 204 and will not tolerate messiness, rudeness, or trying less than your best. She is also perceptive, kind, and fair. Regina Lillian Hadwig is a quiet, sad student in the class who has been keeping her father's abuse a secret, even from her mom. After she learns from the annual lesson on Stranger Danger that culprit is usually someone the child knows, Regina asks her teacher for help. Illustrations, which are executed in a soothing palette, show a serious, caring teach and contrast troubled Regina with the carefree, happy children. This book, the aim of which is to help adults recognize, prevent, and react to child abuse, offers resources and will also help adults open discussion on the topic with children.
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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Title *
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City Lullaby
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Author *
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Singer, Marilyn
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Carll Cneut, Ill.
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ISBN
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9780618607037
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Publication Date
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2007
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Price
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$16
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Interest Level
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Pre-K-K
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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Fry 4
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Review *
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This busy, colorful number book celebrates city sounds (and sights). From ten horns beeping and nine cell phones ringing to kids playing and subways rumbling, a baby in a red stroller sleeps soundly. Nap time is better noisy and baby doesn't stir until one small bird chirps. Rhyming couplets impart a musical cadence, counting down city sounds from ten to one, encouraging the reader to use a sing-song voice which is fun as a read-aloud, but not a soothing before bed time snuggle book! Illustrations (acrylic mixed with dry and oil pastels) incorporating sound words show a joyful and busy city on the left pages ; text and the facial features (including a single curl) of a content, sleeping baby on a white background on the right. Baby's face is fleshed out upon awakening, showing an alert, happy child. This concept book is a celebration of the big city brought down to size to one baby, and will be enjoyed equally as a lap time sharing by a g roup.
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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Title *
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Marie Curie (Giants of Science Series)
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Author *
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Krull, Kathleen
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Boris Kulikov, ill.
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ISBN
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9780670058945
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Publication Date
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2007
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Price
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$15.99
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Interest Level
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Gr. 3-7
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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Fry 7
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Review *
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This entry in Krull's well-written Giants of Science series brings to life Marie Curie, the discoverer of polonium and radium and the first woman to win the Nobel Prize for Science. Krull not only details Curie's brilliance and accomplishments in physics and chemistry, but focuses on her family values of education, hard work, and persistence. The reader will get a sense of the sacrifices she made and the obstacles she encountered as a woman in the early years of science. The index is extremely useful. Included is a list of website and an extensive bibliography; books for younger readers are marked with an asterisk, a thoughtful touch. Illustrations break up the text but add little to the book.
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Recommendation *
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Outstanding
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Title *
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Annie and Simon
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Author *
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O'Neill, Catherine
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ISBN
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978-0-7636-2688-4
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$15.99
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Interest Level
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K-3
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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2.8
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Review *
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Annie and Simon are a brother and sister team with a twist. Annie is in pre-school and Simon is a teenager. In not so typical fashion Annie and Simon interact as siblings in spite of the huge age span. Simon is patient and understanding and Annie is the picture of an inquisitive younger sister. they play well together and Simon puts up with new hairdos and tipped canoes. They love each other and Simon will stop reading his book or playing the guitar to participate in the activity that is occupying Annie.
The repetitive dialogue was disappointing and made the story seem too simple for the chapter book format. However, beginning readers will find this comfortable as they move away from reading picture books. The watercolors support and help tell the story as a nice compliment. We do not meet the parents and must assume that Simon is in charge of caring for Annie while the parents are working. |
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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Title *
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Arabella Miller's Tiny Caterpillar
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Author *
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Jarrett, Clare
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ISBN
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978-0-7636-3660-9
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$16.99
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Interest Level
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K-3
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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3.5
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Review *
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Arabella Miller finds a caterpillar and continues to explain the life cycle of the butterfly in a very child-friendly way. The rhyming text is noticed right away and the simple, brightly colored illustrations help capture the visual clues necessary to see what is happening to the caterpillar. The author has also included the scientific explanation of the butterfly life cycle at the end of the story. Each stage is named from egg to butterfly. This would make a nice addition to a classroom or library. The second grade students in my school have just received their butterfly eggs and watch the amazing changes that will take place. They would enjoy the story Arabella tells about her caterpillar.
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Recommendation *
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Highly Recommended
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Title *
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Smash! Crash!
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Author *
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Scieszka, Jon
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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David Shannon, Loren Long, David Gordon
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ISBN
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978-1-41694-133-0
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$16.99
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Interest Level
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K-3
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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1.6
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Review *
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Jack Truck and Dump Truck Dan are enjoying a day of smashing and crashing. At first read it seems a little too violent, but that is the hook. Boys will love it. Underneath the smashing and crashing is a story of two friends playing a little too rough perhaps, but they do not destroy for the sake of destruction. When they play with Gabriella Garbage truck they end up creating a pirate ship and Monster-Truck Max just needs some help stacking barrels. The booming voice of an unknown character calls them throughout the story, but it ends up being Wrecking Ball Rosie just needing some help demolishing an abandoned building.
The illustrations seem a little busy, but you get the authentic feeling that this is about children playing with trucks and using imagination. The use of large print when they SMASH and CRASH helps you hear to the sound of they trucks at play. My nephew would love this book! |
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Recommendation *
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Highly Recommended
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Title *
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Rain Forests
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Author *
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Nancy Smilor Levinson
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Diane Dawson Hearn
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ISBN
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0-8234-1899-5
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$15.95
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Interest Level
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K-2
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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2
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Review *
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Both temperate and tropical rain forests are introduced in this easy reader nonfiction book. Indigenous plants and animals are described with an appropriate level of detail and vocabulary. While some of the terms are more advanced (epiphytes, understory, etc.), they are clearly explained and add to the integrity of the text. Vibrantly colored, detailed illustrations are labeled and enhance the text. A map and inset drawings of the rain forest layers add to the reader's understanding. This would be a nice addition to an elementary library science section.
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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Title *
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Wee Little Chick
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Author *
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Lauren Thompson
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Illustrator- John Butler
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ISBN
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1416934685
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Publication Date
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January, 2008
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Price
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$14.99
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Interest Level
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K-3
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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1.7
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Review *
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Wee Little Chick is the smallest of the Mama Chickens hatchlings, but she certainly seems to have the most grit. She climbs the highest, peeps the loudest , runs the fastest , and finds the biggest seed. The story is short and sweet, the pictures are large and full of life. The book is perfect for young children, and or, large groups of children. The message that even the small can do great things is strong enough for all children to pick up, and a proud Mama should be a goal for all of us. I recommend this book.
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Recommendation *
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Highly Recommended
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Title *
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The Perfect Bear
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Author *
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Gillian Shields
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Gary Blythe
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ISBN
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1-4169-5363-9
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Publication Date
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2007
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Price
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$16.99
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Interest Level
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Pre-K - 2
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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1.6
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Review *
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The Perfect Bear is a sweet tale of the transformational power of love. At first the bear, proud of his pristine beauty and music box interior, rejects the affections of a little girl for fear of spoiling his fancy appearance. However, as the bear becomes scruffier over time he finds that the child seems to love him even more. It isn't until she loses him in a store that the bear realizes he, too, loves her. Although the plot, part Corduroy and part Velveteen Rabbit, may seem time worn to adults, it is a lovely story for young children. The exquisite oil paint illustrations are amazingly realistic and add to the emotional appeal.
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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Title *
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My Chocolate Year
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Author *
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Herman, Charlotte
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Pham, LeUyen (illustrator)
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ISBN
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1416933417
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$15.99
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Interest Level
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ages 8-10
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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grades 3-7
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Review *
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This story is set in Chicago in 1945, and the war has just ended. The main character, 10 year old Dorrie Meyers, who has just begun 5th grade, tells the story in 1st person. The school year begins with Miss Fitzgerald, the teacher, assigning a task to be due in January called “Sweet Semester”: each student has the whole semester to choose a favorite chocolate recipe, concoct the item, and write an essay telling why they picked the recipe. On the chosen day at the end of the semester, each student will bring in the dessert, and the class will perform a taste test to determine a winner. The winning recipe and baker, and the winning essay and writer, will be featured in the Chicago Daily News newspaper. This assignment excites Dorrie, and she immediately begins to think of recipe ideas. She starts by asking her family. Close ties with extended family members give the story a strong sense of family values—this also gives Dorrie more chances to get recipe ideas. Unfortunately, Dorrie’s Mom is too busy preparing for Rosh Hashanah, and worrying about relatives lost in the war to help—this year is special, as it is the first Rosh Hashanah celebration since the war ended. The assignment is constantly on Dorrie’s mind, and she uses advice and recipe ideas from her relatives, while experimenting with the desserts—the results are sometimes success, but sometimes failures as well! All of the attempted recipes are included in the text of the story, so motivated (or hungry) readers can join in with the fun. Life after the war is different for many people—including Dorrie’s family. They will be accommodating a young cousin from Lithuania who is a war refugee. Dorrie is not very enthusiastic about sharing her already small room with this stranger, but she realizes that his misfortunes are greater than her troubles, and she manages to befriend her new relative. He even becomes the source for her recipe! While kids –mostly girls—may enjoy this, sometimes the writing is choppy, and a few actions are not completed, leaving the reader at a bit of a loss.
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Recommendation *
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Additional
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Title *
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Diamond Willow
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Author *
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Frost, Helen
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$13.60
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Interest Level
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YA
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Review *
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Twelve year old Willow lives in a remote area of Alaska, where she much prefers to be with her sled dogs rather than face the angst of school. She comes of age by making a major mistake, causing an accident that almost costs her her life. The series of diamond shape poem are interspersed with short narratives of the animal spirits who are her ancestors watching over her. There is an ethereal quality that carries the reader to a gentle understanding of other cultures. Each poem also includes a “secret message” which is yet another voice of Diamond Willow.
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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Title *
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Everywhere the Cow Says "Moo!"
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Author *
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Ellen Slusky Weinstein
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Kenneth Andersson
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ISBN
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978-1-59078-458-7
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$14.95
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Interest Level
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K-3
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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1.4
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Review *
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Children interested in foreign languages may be intrigued by the concept of animals "speaking" in a foreign tongue. This unique premise is the subject of the book and certainly addresses the topic of foreign language from a very different perspective. After the English animal sound is presented, the same animal sound is introduced in Spanish, French and Japanese. Bold, colorful illustrations depict both the animal and some of the symbols associated with the countries and cultures, adding to the educational value. Because some of the sounds are similar, the book also serves as a discussion opener regarding cultural similarities and differences. Overall, this is an entertaining take on the subject.
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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Title *
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The Emancipation Proclamation: Would You Do What Lincoln Did?
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Author *
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Elaine Landau
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ISBN
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0-7660-2904-2
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$17.95
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Interest Level
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3-6
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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5
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Review *
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This interesting series of "What Would You Do?" books gives the reader the chance to make some important decisions in American history. In this book, each chapter explains an event that led to Abraham Lincoln's decision to write the Emancipation Proclamation. At the end of every chapter, the author presents several possible options for dealing with the problem and asks the reader to choose the best course of action. The following chapter shares the real decision and explains the reasons behind it as well as the resulting events. Teachers may find this book a useful tool in discussing cause and effect with regard to history. The thought provoking questions would also serve as interesting debate or writing prompts. Students interested in history and war will enjoy the chance to second guess the leaders and ponder "what if..."
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Recommendation *
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Highly Recommended
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Title *
|
The Elephant Quilt: Stitch by Stitch to California
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Author *
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Lowell, Susan
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Dressen-McQueen, Stacey (illus), Melanie Kroupa Books
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ISBN
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978-0-374-38223-0
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$16.95
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Interest Level
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Ages 5-8
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
|
Grade 3
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Review *
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Along with her family, Lily Rose travels on a wagon train along the Santa Fe Trail to California in 1859. To pass the time and to serve as a memory of their move West, Lily Rose and her grandmother sew quilt pieces depicting their journey. Throughout the journey, Lily Rose literally looks for the elephant she has heard others speak of, not realizing the term is a metaphor having the thrill of a lifetime, such traveling to California in the 19th century. The creatively designed illustrations include warm patterned quilt pieces of the spectacular scenery, family moments and the dangers along the way. The final pages include a double page spread of the completed quilt, which is followed by an Author's note, a bibliography and suggestions for further reading, which give historical perspective to this terrific story.
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Recommendation *
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Highly Recommended
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Title *
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Monarch and Milkweed
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Author *
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Frost, Helen
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Gore, Leonid
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$17.99
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Interest Level
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Grade 1-3
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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3.1
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Review *
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Focusing on how the monarch butterfly and the milkweed plant are connected, this beautifully illustrated book traces the voyage of the monarch, which lands on a new milkweed shoot. The monarch lays her eggs on the milkweeds leaves, a caterpillar forms, and finally a new monarch develops. As the days grow cooler, the butterfly flies off toward Mexico. When spring arrives, we see the monarch returning to the milkweed to begin the cycle once again. The illustrations have a jewel-like quality and support the text.
An author's note provides more details on the migration of the monarch butterflies from North America to Mexico. Two internet sites are given for those who chose to do further research. |
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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Title *
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"Chugga, chugga, poooo-pooooooo! " The Potty Train
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Author *
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Hochman, David and Ruth Kennison
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Anderson, Derek
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ISBN
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978-1-4169-2833-1
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$9.99
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Interest Level
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Toddler
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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1.4
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Review *
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An analogy is made to getting on a train with this toilet training book. The story opens with a toddler playing with some stuffed animals and his toy train when he has an urge to use the bathroom. When he opens the bathroom door, a train is waiting for him. The engine is a toilet with a roll of toilet tissue attached. The stuffed animals board the other cars, as the toddler operates the engine. A bit of confusion may result when there are leaks and all the riders need an umbrella. Toddlers may also feel a bit frightened when the train heads into a dark pipe tunnel.
However, the end of the train ride results in success. The toddler and his stuffed animals leave in underpants. Everyone is proud! |
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Recommendation *
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Additional
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Title *
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A Taste of Colored Water
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Author *
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Faulkner, Matt
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Faulkner, Matt
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ISBN
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978-1-4169-1629-1
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$16.99
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Interest Level
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Grades 1-4
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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3.5
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Review *
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Lulu and her cousin, Jelly, have heard about "colored water" fountains from their friend Abby, and pestered Uncle Jack until he took them along on a trip to the city. Lulu and Jelly had visions of something unique and sparkly and could only imagine how wonderful it would taste.
Arriving in the city, Uncle Jack went into a store to get a part for his tractor, telling Lulu and Jelly to stay put. Before he was out of sight, they were out of the truck in search of colored water. As the children run up a hill and find a fountain with a sign "colored" over it, they hear and see a civil rights protest. Firefighters pelt the protesters with water, and the children are frightened. Just as Lulu and Jelly start to turn on the fountain, a police officer with a big dog approaches and shouts at them. The children run down the hill and into Uncle Jack's arms. An author's note explains how in the 1950s and 1960s discrimination laws were challenged. This book will make an excellent addition to any unit on prejudice. |
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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Title *
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Fun and Simple Mid-Atlantic State Crafts: NY, NJ, DE, MD, DC
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Author *
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Ponte, June
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ISBN
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978-0-7660-2933-0
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
|
$17.95
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Interest Level
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Grades 3-6
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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5.1
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Review *
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A brief introduction to the area is provided in a two-page spread. A map of the U.S. follows, with the mid-Atlantic region shaded. Each of the covered states has a chart, which gives the origin of its name, a description and picture of the state flag, and other pertinent facts, such as state animal, bird, fish, tree, industries, and capital. Two crafts are given for each state. Patterns for the crafts with directions on how much to enlarge are found at the end of the book. A list of printed references and internet sites is provided, as is an index.
Teachers may find this a useful reference for state studies. |
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Recommendation *
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Additional
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Title *
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The Monarch's Progress: Poems with Wings
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Author *
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Harley, Avis
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Author
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ISBN
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978-1-59078-558-4
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Publication Date
|
2008
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|
Price
|
$16.95
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Interest Level
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Grades 2-4
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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5.4
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Review *
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This collection of illustrated poems celebrates butterflies and monarchs in particular. Various poetry styles, including acrostic, haiku, and couplet are illustrated with colored-pencil drawings with vivid colors. Poems cover a variety of topics related to butterflies, from their wings, to their beginnings, to their migration. Notes at the end, illustrated with miniature pictures from the original pages, provide detailed information to support the poems.
This book could be used in both language arts and science classes, and can be appreciated just for the enjoyment of the poetry. |
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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|
Title *
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Three little words : a memoir
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Author *
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Ashley Rhodes-Courter
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ISBN
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978-1-4169-4806-3
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$17.99
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Interest Level
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YA
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
|
5
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Review *
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Ashley Rhodes-Courter, now 23 years-old, writes a brilliant memoir of her nine years in Florida’s foster care system and how she triumphed to overcome insurmountable odds. At the age of 3, Ashley was taken from her teenage mother, along with her 1 year-old brother, and put into foster care. Over the next nine years she was shuffled around to 14 different foster homes until Phil and Gay Courter rescued her and adopted her in 1998. Her story will bring tears to your eyes when she talks of being moved from home to home but especially when she writes about the brutality of the Mosses and how Mrs. Moss would make the children squat for hours, pour hot sauce down their throats, and starve them when they were “bad.” Many of the caseworkers would turn a blind eye about the conditions of the foster homes and appear that they were there for the foster families not the children. At her adoption hearing, the judge asked her she would like to be adopted by the Courters, and then she utters the “three little words”, “I guess so.” After her adoption to the Courters, it took her some time to trust them, always afraid they would send her back. With their love and support, she was able to turn around and put her past to good use. She wanted everyone to know about her experience and to never let it happen again. She does discuss in brief her meeting with President Clinton and J. K. Rowling after winning an essay contest but it is not a focal point of the book. This is a wonderful book as a source of inspiration and will appeal to readers who want to read a happy ending story.
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Recommendation *
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Outstanding
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|
Title *
|
Mommy, do you love me?
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Author *
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Willis, Jeanne
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|
Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Jan Fearnley
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ISBN
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0-7637-3470-0
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$15.99
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Interest Level
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pre-K -3rd grade
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|
Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
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1.4
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|
Review *
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Reviewed positively in Booklist, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal, I agree with Kirkus opinion: "top of the genre,". Little Chick tries out various activities such as making a funny face, getting muddy and losing a race to find out the limits of his mothers love which is of course unconditional. At the end, however, Little Chick keeps chirping loudly ignoring his Mother's request for quiet. He is shocked when his Mother shouts at him and runs to hide. She explains that although his actions sometimes make her angry, she loves him anyway. Jan Fearnley's large scale watercolors enhance every bit of the story & I agree with School Library Journal which says, "Children will respond to this read-aloud." It might be used along with Sam McBratney's " Guess How Much I love You".
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Recommendation *
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Outstanding
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|
Title *
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The Swan Kingdom
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Author *
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Zoe Marriott
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ISBN
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978-0-7636-3481-0
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Publication Date
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2008
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Price
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$16.99
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Interest Level
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YA
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
|
7
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Review *
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Marriott’s debut novel is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s story, The Wild Swans. Alexandra, daughter of the King to the “Kingdom” has a certain magical powers which she inherited from her mother.
Alexandra and her mother set off for the Circle of Ancestors for Alexandra’s coming of age ceremony. But while there, her mother is killed by a wild beast. Her father sets out to find the murderous beast, but instead comes back with a beautiful enchantress. The father marries this woman but Alexandra realizes that she is a shape-shifter and is the beast that killed her mother. Before she could warn her father, she is banished to her aunt’s place and her three brothers are turned into swans by the step-mother. While living with her aunt, Alexandra meets a handsome young man, Gabriel who briefly adds romance and intrigue to her life. When her step-mother summons her back to the Kingdom, Alexandra escapes and finds solitude in an abandoned cottage. Here, Alexandra must come to understand her magical powers if she is going to save her brothers. Part love story, part fantasy, and part adventure, this page turner is narrated by Alexandra. The prose tends to be a bit formal but the love interest and fantasy will interest teens. Though the story is inspired by The Wild Swans, Marriott creates her own story of a young girl coming of age in her own right. Terrie Katz Neptune High School |
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Recommendation *
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Highly Recommended
|
|
Title *
|
Dear Child
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Author *
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Farrell, John
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Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Manning, Maurie J. (illus) Boyds Mills Press
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|
ISBN
|
978-1-59078-495-2
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Publication Date
|
2008
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Price
|
$16.95
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Interest Level
|
3-5 years
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|
Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
|
Grade 2
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|
Review *
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|
This very sweet rhyming picture book tells the stories of three families' love for their preschool age children. Each family is unique in the story. One consists of a mom and a dad and son, one family has 2 moms and their adopted daughter, and the third is a single dad with a son. Each family represents a different ethnicity, giving the book a multi-cultural touch. The children and adults are shown in the soft hued pastel illustrations together at a birthday party, at the beach and at the pumpkin patch. Most stanzas begin with "Dear child" or "Dear, sweet child" and continue with the parent's new appreciations for parenting and for new insights into the beauty of the world.
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
|
|
Title *
|
Mrs. Muddle's Holidays
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|
Author *
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by Nielsen, Laura F.
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|
Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
|
Thomas F. Yezerski.
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|
ISBN
|
978-0-374-35094-9
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Publication Date
|
Farrar Straus and Giroux, 2008.
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Price
|
$14.40
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Interest Level
|
Interest Level: K-3
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Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
|
Reading Level: 3.6
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Review *
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|
-Katie lives in a multicultural neighborhood that celebrates every holiday on the calendar. But Mrs. Muddle a new neighbor celebrates more holidays than anyone else. " In the following months, Mrs. Muddle invites the local children to help her commemorate the "First Shower of April," "Earthworm Appreciation Day," "the Birthday of the Inventor of the Roller Skate," and other made-up commemorations. Before the year is out, everyone on Maple Street has joined in her festivities. Now it's Katie's turn to invent a new celebration. With the help of the entire community, she declares the second Tuesday after the first full moon as Mrs. Muddle Day-the biggest and best celebration of all. Children of many ethnic and cultural backgrounds are in this wonderful story of friendship. . It will make a nice End read-aloud any time of year and encourage children to create their own special occasions
End pages --nice addition on the history of Holidays. |
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Recommendation *
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Recommended
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|
Title *
|
Blue Goose
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Author *
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Nancy Tafuri
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|
Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
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Nancy Tafuri
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ISBN
|
1-41692-834-0
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Publication Date
|
2008
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|
Price
|
$15.99
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Interest Level
|
Pre-K-gr2
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|
Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
|
1.5
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Review *
|
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|
This was highly recommended in Booklist and Publisher's Weekly, but School Library Journal said that while Tafuri's illustrations were "lush." the text was "bland." I agree with Booklist, which states, "The simple clearly written story leaves room for discussion while reading the book aloud."
While Farmer Gray is away, Blue Goose, Red Hen Yellow Chick and White Duck paint their colorless barnyard. In the style of Ellen Stoll Walsh's "Mouse Paint," the animals first paint alone then combine their colors to make purple doors, orange shutters and green grass. Tafuri's large animals and playful story will be successful with groups as well as one. A color chart on the back cover reinforces the concept of primary colors and mixing colors. |
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Recommendation *
|
Highly Recommended
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Title *
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Baby Brains and RoboMom
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Author *
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Simon James
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|
ISBN
|
978-0-76363463-6
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Publication Date
|
March 24, 2008
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|
Price
|
$15.99
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Interest Level
|
k-3
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|
Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
|
3.9
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Review *
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Baby Brains and Robomom is an absolutely charming, perfectly illustrated book. When Baby Brains' mother was pregnant with him, she did everything possible in order to have a smart baby. She ate fish and nuts, played foreign languages on headphones and read aloud to the "baby in her tummy". Little did she know just how smart her baby would be! Baby Brains, however, was a very tiring little guy. His parent had a hard time keeping up with him and his need for constant intellectual stimulation. Baby Brains invented a RoboMom to help his mother with all her duties. RoboMom ironed, cooked, cleaned and cared for Baby Brains. When RoboMom hung Baby out to dry on the clothesline he realized a robot is no substitute for a Mommy. This story will appeal to young children and will amuse any parent who has ever felt overwhelmed by caring for a household. Simon James' watercolor and ink illustrations are the perfect, quirky accompaniment to "Baby Br ains and RoboMom".
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Recommendation *
|
Outstanding
Highly Recommended
|
|
Title *
|
My Friend, the Starfinder
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Author *
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George Ella Lyon
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|
Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
|
Illustrator - Stephen Gammell
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ISBN
|
1-4169-2738-7
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Publication Date
|
February, 2008
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Price
|
$16.99
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Interest Level
|
k - 3
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|
Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
|
2.9
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Review *
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My Friend, the Starfinder is the wonderful story of the relationship between a young girl and an old man. It explores the things one generation can teach another, and how both can benefit from a friendship. The old man's stories make the book very imaginative, reminding the reader of all the things, great and small, in our world. His tales are extrodinary, but the author makes you want to believe, just as the young girl does. Stephen Gammell full page watercolor illustrations are beautiful to behold, showing the warm friendship between the two. The black and white rendering of the old man's tales as opposed to to the color of the pair's present lend a mysterious fell to the story I thought this book was remarkably well done, whild being short, simple and sweet.
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Recommendation *
|
Highly Recommended
|
|
Title *
|
Dani Bennoni: Long May He Live
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Author *
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Moeyaert, Bart
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|
Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
|
translated from Flemish by Wanda J Boeke
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|
ISBN
|
978-1-932425-97-0
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Publication Date
|
first US edition 2008
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|
Price
|
$16.95
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Interest Level
|
grades 9-12
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|
Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
|
grades 8-10
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|
Review *
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|
This story, set in Belgium during the summer of 1939, (a fact I discovered only by reading the summary on the jacket flap) is made up of a short series of flash-backs. The characters’ actions are based on revenge, deception, stubbornness, secrecy, and sexuality. War is imminent, but 10-year old Bing has more important issues on his mind—namely, learning how to play soccer as well as his idolized brother Mone, who was a star player. Mone is not physically present in the story, but his absence—he has been drafted-- gives him a presence. Dani Bennoni—a star soccer player-- is the person Bing recruits for lessons; Dani owes Bing money, (for sexual favors) so it should be a fair deal; however, Dani refuses, saying Bing does not have the correct body-build to play soccer. On a mission of revenge, Bing lies to his friend Martha, telling her that Dani is interested in her; but when Dani acts rudely to Martha, she, in turn, insults him in front of everyone. Dani takes his anger out on Bing, and beats him up; in retaliation, Bing’s friend Lenny nearly kills Dani. Then everything changes when Dani gets drafted, and just as life sometimes blurs events, the writing seems to blur actions, and trivial acts like soccer lessons do not seem as important anymore. Though this may seem not to be a lengthy read, it is one that I read repeatedly to make sure I got the sense of the story. Even then, I am not sure I did! I think with some pushing this will find an audience; this may be best suited for the older teen.
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Recommendation *
|
Additional
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|
Title *
|
The Buddha's Diamonds
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|
Author *
|
Carolyn Marsden & Thay Phap Niem
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|
ISBN
|
9780763633806
|
|
Publication Date
|
2008
|
|
Price
|
$14.99
|
|
Interest Level
|
Grades 3-6
|
|
Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
|
6.4
|
|
Review *
|
|
|
Marsden follows When Heaven Fell (2007) with another story set in Vietnam, this time in a small village. When a damaging storm wreaks havoc, Tinh makes a bad decision that affects his family and their livelihood. Tinh experiences the range of feelings of a boy no longer a child--shame, loss, joy, obedience, fear and the weight of fulfilling the role of a proper son to his ancestors and extended family. The Buddha's "diamonds," those things that are more important than earthly belongings, help remind him of his blessings and the priorities of life. A glossary and author's notes give more information about Buddhism and the war in Vietnam.
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|
|
Recommendation *
|
Highly Recommended
|
|
Title *
|
One Voice, Please
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|
Author *
|
Sam McBratney
|
|
Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
|
Russell Ayto
|
|
ISBN
|
9780763634797
|
|
Publication Date
|
2005
|
|
Price
|
$15.99
|
|
Interest Level
|
Grades 3-6
|
|
Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale)
|
4.8
|
|
Review *
|
|
|
McBratney offers an attractive collection of 56 short, traditional stories from around the world, including folktales, fables, and Biblical parables. Most are retold in two or three pages, and some are illustrated with small stylized ink drawings, which add a decorative touch and occasionally underscore a selection’s humor. The tales are well chosen, and the tellings are concise, nimble, and often amusing, but readers who would like to know about the stories’ sources will find no commentary or notes to identify them. McBratney's fleeting introduction explains the title (it's a call to listen) and describes the contents as "tales of truth and trickery" that have been "told down the ages". Useful in the classroom to fill minutes constructively.
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|
|
Recommendation *
|
Recommended
|
|
Title *
|
Max's Dream
|
|
Author *
|
Kate Banks
|
|
Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc.
|
Boris Kulikov
|
|
ISBN
|
0-374-39921-2
|
|
Publi |