Independent Dames : What You Never Knew About The Women and Girls of the American Revolution

Matt Faulkner, ill.

2008

E.S.

Fry 6

Readers will enjoy learning about 22 Revolutionary women who helped America develop into a country in this lavishly illustrated book which is successful on many levels. The main text gives general information about the roles women played, oval text blocks highlight specific females, who are highlighted in the illustrations. A timeline runs along the bottom of each page, spanning from 1763-1865. There are definitions of terms used in the book, an index, and an appendix highlighting more dames, fact or fiction, and Native Americans and an extensive bibliography. A wealth of information is presented in an engaging format.

Highly Recommended

Bedtime Train

Jamison Odone, illustrator

1999, 2008

P.S.-Gr.2

Fry 4

P.S./E.S. Poetic text and dream-like illustrations reminiscent of Where The Wild Things Are will lull the young listener to sleep but only after the adventure ends. When it's bedtime, the boy isn't ready to sleep so he climbs aboard the bedtime train which is driven by Brad, the engineer who looks a bit like his dad. This is a picture book aimed at boys and their dads and is filled with animals and many detailed illustrations in a muted palette of greys, greens, and pink that is relaxing and fun to pore over. The rhyming poem tells of a bedtime journey and benefits from the copious details in the artwork.

Recommended

The Baby in the Hat

Andre Amstutz

978-0-7636-3958-7

2008

k-3

2.3

This is not a favorite of mine. I am having a difficult time getting my head around this book. A boy catches a baby that falls from a window. The boy has adventures on the high sea. He marries the baby that fell from the window and then has adventures with her on the high seas. I don't see the significance of this book. I will say that the illustrations depict the early nineteenth century well.

Not Recommended

Horrible Harry and the Dead Letters

Amy Wummer

978-0-670-06346-8

2008

3-6

4.2

Horrible Harry is a cute book. Harry's class is writing poems about colors. When they are finished Miss Mackle gives each student a rainbow book mark. Miss Mackle has a surprise for the class. She's gotten an old mailbox and sets it up in the classroom so the students can write letters and mail them to each other. The one important rule about writing the letters and addressing the envelopes is that you must remember to address the envelope properly. Otherwise it goes in the dead file and won't be delivered. A bookmark is missing and so the detective work for Harry and Doug begins. This book mark has been mailed or so they think. Harry and Doug must get into the mailbox without anyone knowing so they can solve the case.
The illustrations are pen and ink.

Highly Recommended

WALTERS, Tara

N.A.

2008

grades 2 - 5

4.7

No published reviews were found.

The book offers a nice presentation of information - good for early researchers. All of the basic ideas are covered. The photos are very good, offering an inviting look at the country.
It was interesting reading - especially the history and Internet connection info. Included are a contents, index, quick facts page, museums, web sites, and glossary.
The series seems somewhat lighter than previous versions of the True Book series??????? less info than before?????? But they are still a fine series - just now for slightly younger readers.

Highly Recommended

BREDESON, Carmen

photos

2009

grades K - 3

2.8

No published reviews found.

A simple introduction to 8 different young animals (7 are mammals) that dwell in the world's grassland areas. After the contents and a 4-word glossary, the term grasslands is defined and depicted in a photo. The babies are given their name e.i. joey, calf, etc. and some varied but brief information is offered over a 2-page spread. The elephant is included as an endangered species. The photos are the best. The information is interesting and enough for the very earliest researchers - which is good. An index, book and web site lists are located at the end of the book. A nice presentation for younger wild animals lovers. (Tropical rain forest and woodland forest are 2 other books in this series Nature's Animals Babies.) Highly Recommended to Recommended as the need presents itself.

Highly Recommended

Animals Christopher Columbus Saw; an Adventure in the New World

Jamel Akib

978-0-8118-4916-6

2008

gr. 2-6

3.8

An interesting look at the voyage of Christopher Columbus. Markle highlights the animal and sea creatures that Columbus encountered on his journey to the New World. She covers the basics of the voyage and provides details and facts about the animals that affected his voyage and those he viewed for the first time. The chalk pastels by Akib show the creatures in detail and complement the text. Useful as an additional source for reports about Columbus and his voyage.

Additional

The Mysterious Guests; a Sukkot Story

Katya Krenina

978-0-8234-1893-0

2008

gr. K-3

 

Sukkot is a Jewish harvest festival that each family celebrates by building a sukkah, a shelter to use as they celebrate and eat during the seven days of the festival. Kimmel tells the story of two brothers - one rich & one poor - and how they celebrate the holiday. When 3 strangers come to join each celebration, the rich one begrudgingly invites them in and treats them poorly. The poor brother gladly invites them in and gladly shares the little he has. The strangers leave behind a gift for each as their reward for the treatment they received. The illustrations by Krenina are dark and somber and don't reflect the nature of the celebration. The artwork does little for the lesson presented in the text. But might fill in a need for libraries about Sukkot.

Additional

The child cruncher./ (#26469X0)by Stein, Mathilde

Stein, Mathilde

ISBN-13: 978-1-59078-635-2

Publisher: Lemniscaat, c2008

Interest Level: K-3

Reading Level: 2.4

Reviews & Awards
School Library Journal 08/01/08 Publishers Weekly 07/07/08
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 09/01/08
Kirkus Review 07/01/08 POSITIVE REVIEWS
A girl sits alone on a swing set, wishing for a playmate. Her father is working inside at his desk, and her friends are all away for the summer. She can't even interest her dog in adventure. Suddenly, she is surprised by a big hairy villain who intends to take her away. Excited by the possibility of a playmate, the child asks her father for permission to be abducted. He says, "Oh, that's fine." So the youngster rides off into the woods with her kidnapper, eager to strike up a friendship. When she finds that the bearded villain is a common child cruncher who intends to eat her, the girl is very disappointed. Not one to be threatened, she jumps on his horse and rides straight home.

Additional

What Are Forces and Motion?: exploring science with hands-on activities (In touch with basic science)

Spilsbury, Richard and Louise

Geoff Ward (diagrams)

0-7660-3095-4

2008

Gr. 3 - 4 (publisher recommendation)

Gr. 7

This slim volume explains Newton’s laws of motion; simple machines such as ramps, levers, and pulleys; kinetic and potential energy; floating and sinking; and bridge construction. Each simple explanation is followed by a project (such as a balloon-powered jet-ski or a pen-cap diver) which illustrates the principle, accompanied by a brief summary of what should have occurred and a few suggestions for expanding on the idea. Two of the projects require small film canisters, which may not be easily acquired in this digital camera age; substitutions may have to be made. Kids should enjoy most of the activities. Highlighted “Safety Tip” boxes recommend adult help for tasks like cutting cardboard or punching holes in items. Includes table of contents, glossary, recommended reading and websites, and an index. The book is concise, colorful, and attractive, but not groundbreaking. Purchase as needed.
No published reviews found.
 

Additional

The Lost-and-Found Tooth

Borden, Louise

Adam Gustavson, illus.

1-4169-1814-1

2008

Gr. K - 2

Gr. 5

Lucy’s second-grade teacher, Mr. Reilly, has posted “Who’s Lost a Tooth” calendar for the kids to record the date, time, and activity each time a tooth is lost. At the end of each month, the class analyzes the data. All the kids have lost a tooth before, except for Lucy, who still has all her baby teeth. Mr. Reilly does his best to reassure her (after all, he lost his first tooth in second grade, too), but Lucy still feels like she will never lose a tooth. Then a tooth does start to wiggle, and finally, one day at recess, Lucy touches the tooth and finds it on her mitten! She runs to tell Mr. Reilly about it, and loses the tooth on the snow-covered playground. The entire class conducts a mad search, and the tooth is found; Lucy finally has a second-grade tooth story to tell. Mr. Reilly has found a second-grade teaching moment in something that the kids care about: losing teeth. Colorful, realistic watercolor illustrations depict a friendly, close-knit multicultural group of kids and a pleasant male teacher. Readers will empathize with Lucy, particularly if they have ever “fallen behind” on one of their childhood milestones.

Recommended

One Is A Feast For Mouse

Judy Cox

Jeffrey Ebeler

978-0-8234-1977-7

2008

PS-2

3.5

One Is A Feast For Me is a Thanksgiving holiday story. With everyone, including the cat, occupied after Thanksgiving dinner, Mouse
Peeks out of his hole and is ecstatic to see leftovers still on the table. As he selects one pea to take home, he then sees a cranberry that he simply must have as well. Mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and various other items are too much to resist and are piled one on top of the other. When Mouse reaches the edge of the table, however, he sees two green eyes and comes to a sudden stop sending his tower of goodies flying. The startled cat runs; the mouse scampers home and Mom decides the cat is to blame! As Mouse peers out one last time, he sees a green pea has rolled within his reach. Mouse has Thanksgiving dinner after all, exclaiming,” Give thanks! One is a feast for me!”

Recommended

Hans Post & Kees Heij

Irene Goede

978-1-59078-570-6

2008

K-2

1.9

Sparrows is, of course, about sparrows but this book may contain some information you do not know such as sparrows will check "dog poop" and the front grill of a car for food-(dead flies and insects on the latter, no specifics regarding the former). In addition to food sources enemies, nesting and mating are discussed. Mating is treated simply as follows:” one male pairs with a female on a clothesline" with a very small illustration that simply looks like the male is landing on top of the female on the clothesline. The story begins with a nest of eggs hatching, cycles through the year and ends with another nest of new sparrow chicks. The end of the book provides a few additional facts.

Recommended

Thaw

Monica M. Roe

978-1-59078-496-9

2008

YA

8

After waking up one morning barely breathing and unable to so much as open his eyes, former high school track star Dane Rafferty must fight to relearn how to do the simplest things – blink, swallow, and just smile. As he recovers from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Dane slowly faces the demons in his life – his uncaring, perfectionist father, and his own disdain for anyone “flawed” (including himself). Roe’s writing is sharp, with Dane’s anger and frustration at his dependency on others screaming off of every page. Self-absorbed, vain, and downright nasty, Dane is not a likeable guy for most of the book; readers will sympathize more with the novel’s secondary characters than they will with him. As the novel progresses, Dane reflects on his life, learns more about those who are helping him recover, and comes to realize that some things are more important than perfection. With some sports elements to appeal to boys, and some introspect live romance for the girls, this is a solid choice for your teen collection - but not an absolute "must have."

Additional

How to Play Like a Pro: Baseball Skills

Dave McMahon

978-0-7660-3204-0

2009

Grades 3-6

5.6

One of four books in Enslow’s "How to Play Like a Pro" series, this book, like many from the publisher, is budget-heavy but a bit information-light. While the book is certainly attractive, and seems sturdily bound, it devotes a mere double-page spread to each topic covered in the four chapters. Basic rules are not included, though readers are referred to a list of internet sources, books, and videos at the book’s end. The glossary is spare, just twelve words, and seems to have been added as an afterthought. Young baseball enthusiasts, however, will enjoy giving this un-intimidating book a quick read-through and will appreciate the well-labeled instructional photos of professional players that accompany the text. Not a bad book at all, but perhaps not a necessary purchase for the price.

Additional

“Zelda and Ivy and the Boy Next Door”

Laura McGee Kvasnosky

2008

ages 4-7

PreK-2nd

There are three different stories within this new Zelda & Ivy book. In the first, a new neighbor, Eugene, befriends the two sisters. He is immediately smitten with Zelda and continually asks her to marry him. She continues to tell him “no” and he continues to hang out with the two sisters. He helps them clean their room, plays cowgirls with them, and helps them at their lemonade stand. In the second story, Eugene plays pirates with the two girls and they force him to talk like a pirate and then walk the plank. In the third story, Zelda & Ivy have a “sisters only” campout. Ivy can’t get to sleep and asks Zelda to sing her a song. Once Zelda has sung several songs, Ivy has fallen asleep and Zelda realizes that there is no one else to sing her to sleep. These stories depict how sweet friendship can be between sisters when they are children while also touching on how siblings can become friends with their new neighbors.

Outstanding

Robert H. Jackson

Gail Jarrow

978-1-59078-511-9

2008

grades 7 - 10

7.2

This clearly written biography of the Chief U.S. prosecutor at the Nuremberg Nazi War Criminals trial is a fascinating work about an important figure in United States history.

The biography begins with Robert H. Jackson’s prosecution of Nazi war criminals and describes his stand against the Japanese American internment during World War II. Jarrow then recounts Jackson’s childhood and traces his political career including defending challenges against FDR’s New Deal legislation, becoming FDR’s attorney General and his rise to the Supreme Court.

Black and white photographs are peppered throughout the book. Primary sources are also included. Chapter notes, bibliography, Internet resources and index are included.

Highly Recommended

Beware of the Frog

William Bee

978-0-7636-3920-4 or 0-7636-3920-6

2008

K-3

2.2

Marginal reviews in School Library Journal and Kirkus Review. A little old lady, Mrs. Collywobbles lives in a house near a dark scary woods with only her pet green frog to protect her from the creatures who live in them. Frog protects Mrs. Collywobbles from Greedy Goblin, Smelly Troll, and Giant Hungry Ogre by gobbling each of them up as they approach her house. A surprise occurs at the end of the story when Mrs. Collywobbles kisses the frog. The author uses a combination of rhymes (welly-welly, welly-welly, I'm awfully slimy and awfully smelly), and repetition that kids will enjoy. However, some kids may be disturbed by the pictures of the creatures hanging out of the frog’s mouth after he gobbles them up.

Additional

Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig

978-0-7636-3265-6 or 0-7636-3265-1

2008

K-3

2.6

Favorable reviews in Booklist, Kirkus Review, and School Library Journal. In this Mercy Watson series, Mr. and Mrs. Watson's pet pig Mercy goes off to investigate the delightful smell coming from next door and ends up eating most of the pansies that the Lincoln sisters, the next door neighbors have just planted. Animal control officer Francine Poulet in called in to track down the porcine resulting in some humorous and unexpected set of events. Chris Van Dusen's artistic style and illustrations complement the text and will bring added reading enjoyment to children.

Recommended

The Book of Jude

Heuston, Kimberly

978-0-531-13870-0

2008

YA

8

Jude and teen living in New York with her parents and two sisters is not thrilled when the sisters are told that their mother has won a prestigious scholarship to study art for a year in Czechoslovakia. The very devote Mormon family packs up and take the trip to this unfamiliar place in the midst of Soviet unrest. Head strong and feisty, Jude does not heed the admonishing of her parents to respect the inner Soviet life from a distance, causing her baby sister to witness the brutality of unrest when Jude encourages her sister to sneak off one day into the city without her parent’s permission. As Jude’s behavior becomes more and more erratic, she is sent to a psychiatric hospital. Here we get to the position of the novel, which is teen mental illness. Even though Jude is diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder the family remains in Czechoslovakia to finish out mother’s assignment. Utilizing their strict Mormon faith, Jude’s parent have her blessed by the Bishop which seems to now offer Jude rest and hope from her disturbing thoughts. The story takes too long to develop and one there leave the reader flat.

Additional

Sisters and brothers: the ultimate guide to understanding your siblings and yourself

Elizabeth Siris Winchester

978-0-531-13870-0

2008

YA

This easy read, YA book has photographs, collage pictures, celebrity pictures and voices, tips, quick facts, and real stories told by teens about the relationship between sisters and brothers on every page. This guide is meant as a general interest books for sisters and brothers that are curious about how other sister and brother pairs get along. There is a glossary, resource page, web site page and index in the back of the book. Teen talk about issues such as family feuds, being a twin, half sisters and brothers, foster sisters and brothers and much more. All of the web sites work.

Recommended

Walters, Tara

978-0-531-16851-6

2008

3-6

4.6

Tara Walters presents a good introduction to the country of Brazil in this book, which is part of the TRUE Book series. The book is sprinkled with bright illustrations, photos and interesting tidbits to hold the interest of the intended audience. There is one double page spread that illustrates and explains the layers of a rainforest. You need to turn the book sideways to view these pages. This book would be a good beginning for research on the country of Brazil. It gives a description of the country, its people, culture, history, government, life, and language and also mentions some important people, like Pele. Also included are statistics, other resources, a glossary, index and information about the author. School Library Journal states "These books will entertain as they educate young children".

Recommended

Zip, Zip...Homework

Poydar, Nancy

978-0-8234-2090-2

2008

K-3

2.2

This book is another school story hit for Nancy Poydar. Violet buys the perfect backpack for all of the homework she anticipates getting when school starts. She is ready with all of the compartments in her bag that zip, snap, stick and click. When Violet does finally get homework she can't decide where to keep it in her nifty backpack. When she gets home she can't find her homework and is unable to do it. So she lies to the teacher about it. Her compassionate, but wise teacher solves the problem with a new homework assignment. The brightly colored illustrations add to the fun of this story. It will make a great read-aloud story and all of the children can chime in with the zipping, snapping, clicking and sticking. Young children will all relate to this funny story with its gently and thoughtfully made point about being honest. Booklist gives it a positive review. Kirkus says "...a worthwhile read". School Library Journal sta tes "...a catchy read-aloud...for discussions about honesty".

Highly Recommended

Ping Pong Pig

Church, Caroline

978-0-8234-2176-3

2008

K-3

2.8

E.S. Ping Pong Pig spends his day trying to fly rather than accomplishing his chores. The other farm animals tolerate his antics and finally get him a trampoline with the hope that he will say in that place. But, in the end he flies. This story imagines what would have happened if you HAD let pigeon drive the bus. A fun story to read after Tuesday. Good for every library.

Recommended

Frogs

Bishop, Nic

978-0439-87755-8

2008

K-5

3.7

E.S. SLJ*Starred, HB*Starred, LMC*starred, Kirkus*Starred. If you know Bishop from illustrating Cowley's Red-Eyed Tree Frog, then you know the illustrations are fantastic and full of child appeal. The text is clear and formatted in multi-sized fonts. The large format of the book was a hit with a third grade class for read aloud. The fold out pages will have to be reinforced for multiple patron use. This is a must for most libraries. My caveat is the promotion of the author, he is everywhere as if it was more important to know the book is by him and it has a two page spread explaining how he is a frog fan, does non-fiction really need this? Make room for the frogs but leave the biography out.

Highly Recommended

Dinosaur vs. Bedtime

Bob Shea

978-1-4231-1335-5

Sept. 2008

1

p-1

A very simply illustrated tale of the trials and travails of a little red roaring dinosaur. Dino goes up against such adversaries as: a pile of leaves, talking adults and a bowl of spaghetti. Dino wins these battles, but can he win the fight against bedtime? This book will appeal to very young children, perhaps 2-4 years old.

Recommended

Easy genius science projects with the human body

Gardner, Robert

Easy Genius Science Projects series

2009

3rd+

7th

Robert Gardner has been making this kind of book for decades. Nothing flashy just 37 well laid out, clearly illustrated science demonstrations having to do with the human body: heart and breathing rates, the senses, food, digestion, and reflexes. Checklists of materials needed (most are readily available), notes about which would be appropriate choices for science fair projects, when to ask for adult help, lists of science supply houses, websites and other bibliographic materials to consult are all included. Many children would enjoy trying projects but it should be noted that they are NOT always experiments, seeking to prove a hypothesis and most of the time the small sample suggested would make the results statistically invalid.

Recommended

Red sled

Thomas, Patricia

Demarest, Christ L., illus.

978-159078-599-1

2008

Pre-school - 2nd

Not applicable, 62 word poem

A 62 word poem of the genre chiasmus, lots of rhyming couplets all celebrating the night a lad and his dad go sledding. The colorful watercolor cartoon-like illustrations greatly expand the story. Once could students follow the poem as an example when making their own chiasmuses.

Recommended

The respiratory system

Christine Taylor-Butler

0-531-16862-X

2008

$19.50

3-5

4.9

This volume, part of the True Book Health and the Human Body series, provides a lot of information about our respiratory system. The author shares facts about the structure and function of the respiratory system and explains some of the diseases and environmental hazards that can affect our ability to breathe freely. Photographs and detailed drawings appear on almost every page, along with captions that add interesting facts to the text. Words that appear in bold type are defined in the glossary and the author lists additional resources that can be used to obtain more information. Useful in a health curriculum, this book would be suitable for elementary school reports. Purchase where updated books about the human body are needed.

No reviews were found.

Recommended

AcadiaNational Park (America's National Parks: a MyReportLinks.com Book)

Graham, Amy

August 2008

ages 9-12

3rd grade

In an environment of rapidly emerging computer/Internet resources, Enslow’s “MyReportLinks.com” book series attempts to combine the benefits of print media with the appeal and fluidity of the Internet. Included in the series is a set on America’s National Parks. The specific volume reviewed is Acadia National Park.

The book is aimed at ages 9-12, and introduces the park to the reader with a family-vacation story format (which is abandoned without further explanation after the first chapter). Subsequent chapters explain different elements such as geography, history and wildlife.

The book includes only one map, which is not very detailed, and over thirty photographs or images of web pages...far more than the number of photographs of park features and wildlife (which in some cases are “framed” by computer screen or other graphics). Websites may be viewed online via myreportslink.com with a “password” indicated on page 4 of the book. The following disclaimer is found at the website: “We will try to keep all the Report Links up to date on our Web site. However, we have no control over and cannot assume liability for information found on the site listed above, or on other Web sites it may link to.”

In many cases, the photographs, which are of varying quality, do not match the text closely by either subject or location in the chapters. Also, interesting sites mentioned in the text are not always indicated on the solitary map.

Perhaps as a lover of both books and the internet, the reviewer is resisting what looks like a shotgun marriage of the two. It was difficult to discern just what the “mission” of the book is (introduction to the park, or to the Internet?). I found the webpage images distracting and frustrating (it was tempting to read the tiny print, only to have it disappear mid-sentence behind a “pop-up” of some sort...and unlike the actual web pages, you can’t scroll down). As a book, the work felt unbalanced (what happened with the introduction-family?)

At a list price of $33.27, I hate to say it but the reader may be better off cutting out the “middle man” and going straight to the internet for information, or consulting one of the many quality travel books available. ...KM

Additional

Underwear: What We Wear Under There

Ruth Freeman Swain

978-0-8234-1920-3

2008

Gr. 2-5

3.9

A good overview of the history of underwear is included in this book that is sure to entertain. The cover features a pair of polka-dotted boxers, which may encourage even the most reluctant readers to explore the book. Cartoon illustrations illustrate underwear fashions throughout the ages. Although the author tells readers that the earliest people did not wear underwear, illustrations begin with Native Americans in breechcloths. Different cultures' underwear fashions are examined as underwear development progresses through the ages. Diapers and their evolution are included in the discussion, and a paragraph is included discussing their use by astronauts. The final page explores the idea that new fabrics may be invented that will improve underwear.
This informational picture book should engage young readers.

Recommended

Silent Letters Loud and Clear

Robin Pulver

Lynn Rowe Reed

978-0-8234-2127-5

2008

K-3

2.8

When Mr. Wright introduces his class to silent letters, his students become motivated to stamp them out as they do not see their usefulness. Composing a letter to the newspaper in support of eliminating silent letters, they decide to highlight all of them in their writing. The editor publishes their letter where somehow all the silent letters are omitted. This causes embarrassment for both the class and the teacher. The author of the letter, Cate, is appalled to see her name as Cat, and Mr. Wright is concerned when he is referred to as Mr. Rit. The editor scolds the authors and suggests that the teacher be fired, and highlights the spelling crisis in the schools. The children quickly write another letter explaining how they have made peace with the silent letters.
The illustrations are wonderful. The silent letters assume a personality through the creative artwork.
Positively reviewed in Booklist, Hornbook, and School Library Journal, and starred in Kirkus, this book will make a wonderful addition to any library.

Highly Recommended

Little Beauty

by the author

978-0-7636-3959-4

2008

K-3

Bronwne was inspired by the news report of an ape in the zoo who had been taught sign language. He transforms this into a story. The ape is very lonely so the zookeepers decide to give him a kitten as a companion. The relationship which develops between the kitten and the gorilla is very touching and a bit anthropomorphic. While they are watching television (King Kong is pictured on the TV set) the gorilla becomes angry and smashes the TV. This is when the kitten has a chance to show her devotion by claiming to be the culprit. As usual, Anthony Browne's drawings are amazing and the size of the book makes them even more realistic.

Highly Recommended

Kenny & the Dragon

by the author

978-1-41693-977-1

2008

3-6

5.3

Even though DiTerlizzi's newest book doesn't have goblins and fairies like the famous Spiderwick Chronicles, fans won't be disappointed with this title. Kenny, a clever rabbit, befriends a dragon who has settled on his family's property. Kenny soon realizes that Grahame is not the stereotypical fire-breathing creature he reads about in books but well-read with a dramatic flair. But the townsfolk soon learn about Grahame's presence. The king summons a retired knight named George to battle Grahame to the death. This lighthearted take on the story of St. George and the Dragon sends a message that one should get to know someone before making a judgment. Pencil drawings by the author add to the sweet tone of the story.

Recommended

Monk Ashland and Nigel Ashland

Jeff Nentrup

978-0-79636-3524-4

2008

7+

6

Set in the future where the world was devastated by the Trinary Wars, the human race is battling to take back control from the beasts and meks (intelligent robots.) Two teenagers, who never met and live on opposite sides of the world, are communicating to each other through their respective copies of the Tree Book. This book apparently is possessed by something that calls itself “Animus,” and claims it is human, beast and machine. The teenagers appear to have
inherited this odd gene called Kaimira which means that they are human with traits of beast and mek. Mei lives in the Sky Village, a community of hot air balloons in the sky above China. After her mother was taken by the meks on land, Mei’s father sent her to live with her mother’s family in the Sky Village. Rom lives with his sister in a burnt out Las Vegas where they have to hide from the beasts. When his sister is kidnapped by demonic creatures and taken underground, Rom must use his power from the Kaimira gene to conjure up a demon to fight in a gladiator-style arena, to get his sister back. This is a confusing story switching back and forth between Rom and Mei. There is too much going on and not enough character development. As much as Mei and Rom are hybrids, so is this book. The authors plan on writing a five book series with games and more on a companion web site. It might appeal to fantasy and sci-fi fans “but adults will probably throw up their hands” (Booklist). Booklist and Kirkus gave it a marginal review.

Additional

The White Nights of Ramadan

Addasi, Maha

Gannon, Ned

978-1-59078-523-2