cjrlcbookevalgroup
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/
Central Jersey Regional Library Cooperative's Book Evaluation Groupenhttp://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/feedlogo.gifPBwiki
http://pbwiki.com/
PBwiki 1.3.8support@pbwiki.comAugust 1
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/August+1
email.hidden@example.com (Anonymous)Anonymous edited August 1Title * Uncle Monarch and the Day of the Dead Author * Judy Goldman Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc. Rene King Moreno ISBN 978-1-59078-425-9 Publication Date 2008 Price $14.4 Interest Level K-3 Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale) 3.1 Review * Kirkus recommended this book but said the story was slight. I thought it was fabulous and a highly needed addition to library collections that support diversity and worldwide holidays. School age Lupita and her very elderly uncle welcome the return of Monarch butterflies to the Mexican countryside where they live. Uncle Urbano (Uncle Monarch) explains to Lupita that the butterflies are the souls of Mexican families dead ones who have come back to visit. Lupita's family members prepare for the Dia de Muertos, and the reader will understand the important roles of marigolds, tissue paper cut-outs, and each family's visit to graveyards on November first to honor their dead. Uncle Urbano's death and Lupita's family's ho]]>Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:52:58 +0000modAugust 1
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/August+1
email.hidden@example.com (Anonymous)Anonymous edited August 1Title * Animals Robert Scott Saw: An Adventure in Antarctica Author * Markle, Sandra ISBN 978-0-8118-4918-0 Publication Date 2008 Price $14.44 Interest Level 3-6 Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale) 6.2 Review * This is a fascinating look at an explorer, the people on his team and the animal life of Antarctica. Designed similar to a scrap book, maps, drawings, paintings and photographs help tell the story of Robert Scott's two journeys to Antarctica at the turn of the twentieth century. The prose simply and effectively focuses on the trials and tribulations of the explorations as well as the wonder of the unexplored frontier of Antarctica. Emphasis is placed on the animals they took on their trips and the animals they discovered and studied on this frigid continent. Sled dogs were used to pull supplies and on the second jouney they also used Manchurian ponies. Fact boxes, resembling notes taped to the pages, offer additional tidbits of information. Ships stuck in t]]>Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:25:51 +0000modAugust 1
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/August+1
email.hidden@example.com (Anonymous)Anonymous edited August 1Title * SECRET OF THE SLEEPLESS WHALES AND MORE Author * RODRIGUEZ, Ana Maria Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc. N.A. ISBN 9780766029576 Publication Date 2009 Price $17.95 Interest Level grades 4 -8 Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale) 7.3 Review * SECRETS OF HTE SLEEPLESS WHALES - Rodriguez (4-8) (7.3) No reviews found. Interesting information is contained in this 5 chapter book. Each chapter deals with a different "animal secret" - dolphin diving, orca sleeping patterns, seal feeding habits, dolphin sponge users, and Weddell seal feeding. Each chapter has information about an experiment and the scientists involved and an added fact section. Chapter notes are appended; a glossary, further reading, Internet addresses, and index are included. This is an intriguing book especially for science or marine buffs. The chapter notes are also good for a teachable moment about citing work for research. Recommendation * Highly Recommended Rec]]>Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:22:56 +0000modAugust 1
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/August+1
email.hidden@example.com (Anonymous)Anonymous edited August 1Title * Chasing Normal Author * Lisa Papademetriou ISBN 9781423103400 Publication Date 2008 Price $15.99 Interest Level 6-8 Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale) 4th Review * Mieka Baker, the twelve year old heroine Chasing Normal would love to be part of what she considers a "normal family.'' Her life in Boston ceased to be normal when her mother moved to California essentially abandoning her daughter and her artist husband. Her hopes that she can be part of a normal family when she and her father visit Texan relatives are shattered by her vitriolic grandmother and the apparently perfect lifestyle of her aunt and uncle. By the end of the three-week vacation she has learned that normalcy is relative and that she must come to terms with what makes her comfortable. All of the characters are believable even the nasty grandmother. Recommendation * Recommended Title * Stormy's hat : just right for a railroad man / Eric A. Kimmel ; Author * Eric ]]>Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:22:54 +0000modAugust 1
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/August+1
email.hidden@example.com (Anonymous)Anonymous edited August 1]]>Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:17:42 +0000modAugust 1
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/August+1
email.hidden@example.com (Anonymous)Anonymous edited August 1Title * Tupelo Rides the Rails Author * Sweet, Melissa Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc. Melissa Sweet ISBN 9780618717149 Publication Date 2008 Price $17 Interest Level K-3/All ages for dog lovers Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale) Not applicable Review * Melissa Sweet's Tupelo Rides the Rails, is a touching tribute to the indomitable spirit of canine companions even when lost, betrayed and abandoned and the kindness of rescuers such as Garbage Pail Tex and his Hoboken hobo friends. After Tupelo is cruelly abandoned along with Mr. Bones her sock toy she follows her nose and finds the BONEHEADS(Benevolent Order of Nature's Exalted Hounds Earnest and Doggedly Sublime)a pack of dogs engaged in making a wish to Sirius, the Dog Star,” Sirius, Sirius, exalted star, our swami, skipper, and our czar! We wish you may, we wish you might grant our wishes this starry night." The hopeful canines then bury their bones but Tupelo cannot because she does not hav]]>Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:57:44 +0000modAugust 1
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/August+1
email.hidden@example.com (Anonymous)Anonymous edited August 1Title * River Song Author * Hollyer, Belinda ISBN 978-0-8234-21497 Publication Date 2007 Price $16.95 Interest Level grades 5-7 Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale) grades 5-6 Review * This story, set in the author’s native country of New Zealand, deals with a collision of cultures: the traditional Moari culture, and the culture of modern-day New Zealand. In one setting, the craft of storytelling, and the mystery of magic play major roles; while in the other, greed and materialism are the driving forces. Caught in the middle is independent Jessye, who lives MOST of the time in a Moari village with her paternal grandmother, Mina, who knows that Jessye has a special power and insight to the Moari magic…other times, she is with her mother, April, who is not dependable, and who moves around quite often. Jessye’s father left soon after Jessye was born, and she longs to learn more about him and his mysterious absence. This is one reason that Jessye enjoys living wi]]>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:34:14 +0000modAugust 1
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/August+1
email.hidden@example.com (Anonymous)Anonymous edited August 1Title * How strong is it? A mighty book all about strength Author * Hillman, Ben. Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc. This is apparently part of a series, A similar title by the same author-illustrator was called How big is it? ISBN 978-0-439-91866-4 Publication Date 2008 Price $14.99 Interest Level 2nd+ Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale) 5th Review * This is a "factoid" book that has great appeal. Twenty-two double page spreads illustrate just how strong certain things are. Most of the pages are computer-generated illustrations of strength. For example the page about spider webs shows a Boeing 747 flying at 555 mph being stopped by a giant spider web. It is explained that spider silk is stronger than nylon, steel and even Kevlar, and that scientists have been trying to reproduce it unsuccessfully for years. Other examples of strength include human hair (Yes Rapunzel could have had the prince climb up-she might have lost her scalp though), black]]>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:58:38 +0000modAugust 1
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/August+1
email.hidden@example.com (Anonymous)Anonymous edited August 1Title * Timothy and the Strong Pajamas Author * Viviane Schwarz ISBN 0-545-03329-2 Publication Date March, 2008 Price $16.99 Interest Level K -3 Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale) 2.6 Review * Timothy and the Strong Pajamas is an absolutely delightful book. It is the story of young Timothy Smallbeast, who is doing all he can to grow big and strong. He drinks his milk, exercises, and thinks strong thoughts. Then one day his mother repairs his favorite p.j.s, sewing them with strong thread, sturdy patches and big buttons, now when Timothy wears them he has super-hero strength. He uses his power for good, rescuing an elephant, a princess, an old lady, a zookeeper, some sailors, and a kitten, all with the help of his beloved stuffed monkey. After performing the finial rescue of the day, a sleepy bear, who can't find the forest, the bear falls asleep on top of Timothy's monkey. Poor Timothy rips his pajamas and loses his super strength. He can't rescue his monkey, how]]>Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:06:04 +0000modAugust 1
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/August+1
email.hidden@example.com (Anonymous)Anonymous edited August 1Title * Little Hoot Author * Amy Krouse Rosenthal Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc. Jen Corace ISBN 978-0-8118-6023-9 Publication Date 2008 Price $12.99 Interest Level PreK - 2 Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale) 1.9 Review * In an amusing twist to every young child's plea to stay up just a little longer, the main character of this story wants to know why he can't go to sleep like all his friends. Of course, the answer is that owls stay up late, and the little owl's parents "don't give a hoot" what his friends do - they rule their own roost. After securing a compromise from his mother that he can go to bed if he stays up for one more hour, the grumpy little owl finds ways to amuse himself until the long awaited, wonderful bedtime arrives. Children will appreciate the humor of this unusual situation and adults will enjoy the jokes scattered throughout the text and illustrations. The illustrator effectively combines the ink and watercolor drawing]]>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:19:00 +0000modAugust 1
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/August+1
email.hidden@example.com (Anonymous)Anonymous edited August 1Title * Say Hello Author * Foreman, Jack Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc. Michael Foreman ISBN 0-7636-3657-6 Publication Date 2008 Price $15.99 Interest Level Pre-K to Gr.3 Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale) 0.6 Review * Written when the author was 10 years old and illustrated by his father this lovely, simple story is the definitive picture book about including others and making friends. Starred in Kirkus and highly recommended in SLJ, this shows a lonely dog and then a sad little boy as they longingly watch and finally join a happy group of youngsters playing ball. The page layout, using lots of white space and gray tones, communicates the emotions conveyed. The dog is the best role model, being outgoing and asking, "Can I play too," and then inviting the lonely child to join in. This book will be useful for discussions about bullying, empathy and character education, and its simple but profound format will allow many children to enjoy i]]>Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:52:46 +0000modAugust 1
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/August+1
email.hidden@example.com (Anonymous)Anonymous edited August 1Title * Crazy Diamond Author * David Chotjewitz ISBN 1416911766 Publication Date 2008 Price $17.99 Interest Level 8 & up Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale) 9 Review * This book starts out with a shocking scene of Mira M, German pop star, floating face down in the huge aquarium in her apartment. Told from various points of view, including Mira in the afterlife, this story tells of the rise of a pop star and how she burns out from the pressure. Sounds intriguing, but I felt that something got lost in the translation from the original German. Recommendation * Additional Title * Chess! I Love It I Love It I Love It ]]>Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:08:16 +0000modAugust 1
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/August+1
email.hidden@example.com (Anonymous)Anonymous edited August 1Title * Chess! I Love It I Love It I Love It Author * Jamie Gilson Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc. Amy Wummer ISBN 978-0-618-97790-1 Publication Date 2008 Price $15.00 Interest Level 3-6 Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale) 3.7 Review * A chess club is faced with participating in its first real tournament. Due to a soccer game and a broken tooth only 3-second grade students and a kindergarten child are free to compete. They are up against HARRY, which turns out to be the team's name not an individual so they use the first letters in their names as well and call themselves the PROS. All 4 students suffer their own conflict. Patrick is a bully, Richard is insecure, Sasha likes to trick her players, and Ophelia almost has to be in a wedding that day. They play their best under the direction of Mr. E who helps them learn the game and how to win. They come in second place and they are very pleased with their trophy. This is the first TableTwo adventure th]]>Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:13:07 +0000modAugust 1
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/August+1
email.hidden@example.com (Anonymous)Anonymous added August 1
Title *
Evolution of Consciousness
Author *
John Kuykendall
ISBN
ISBN0975887203
Publication Date
2004
Price
$14.95
Interest Level
Adult
]]>Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:01:03 +0000addBook Reviews
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/Book+Reviews
email.hidden@example.com (kris)kris edited Book Reviews
April 4th June 6th AugustAugust 1 October December ]]>Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:30:35 +0000modJune 6th
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/June+6th
email.hidden@example.com (cecelia)cecelia edited June 6th
$15.99 Interest Level Gr 5-8 9+ Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale) Gr 6.6YA Review * Overweight and introverted, seventeen-year-old Miles is devastated when her pretty, slender cousin Laura commits suicide. The two had been raised like sisters on an estate in posh Georgetown and both had become addicted to prescription drugs. Miles feels completely alone now and starts on a dangerous downward spiral of self-destructive behavior and depression. Miles is a passionate reader, and narrates her own story. Fans of Cohn’s Gingerbread will find this much darker but a very satisfying read. Realistic characters and the haunting presence of the dead Laura throughout the novel will keep teen readers compelled to the end. The author covers many themes in addition to suicide and drug addiction, there is the story of racial and social lines of Washington, D.C. as Miles begins to fall in love with her best friend, Jamal, a member of an affluent African-American ]]>Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:35:27 +0000modJune 6th
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/June+6th
email.hidden@example.com (Krista)Krista edited June 6th
Recommendation * Highly Recommended Title * The glass word (The dark reflections trilogy, Book 3) Author * Meyer, Kai Illustrator, Editor, Translator, Etc. Crawford, Elizabeth D. ISBN 9 780689 877919 51699 Publication Date 2008 Price $16.99 Interest Level 5th+ Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale) 7th Review * Even though the first in the series gets rave reviews, this one does not. It completes the story but Don't buy this one unless the other two are popular in your library. This is just a tying up all the loose ends kind of thing. What should have3 been a fast paced life or death chase and battle is bogged down in convoluted explanations about the connections between characters and what happened to them in the previous 2 volumes. Even the self-sacrifice of a major character leaves no emotional affect on the reader. Merle, the main character arrives in Egypt during a year long blizzard with her blind friend Junipa, who has mirrors for eyes, Vermithrax,]]>Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:14:59 +0000modJune 6th
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/June+6th
email.hidden@example.com (Krista)Krista edited June 6th
Recommendation * Not Recommended Title * The Fortunes of Indigo Skye Author * Caletti, Deb Publication Date 2008 Price $13.59 Interest Level Grades 9- 12 Review * Did you ever daydream about what life would be like if you won the lottery? In this novel Indigo Skye, an 18-year-old student/waitress finds out for real when one of her customers leaves her a 2.5 million dollar tip. Though this premise is a bit preposterous, it’s hard not to like Indigo and her family and friends and want to know whether her coming into money is going to change them. This book is a thought provoking look at the effects of wealth, as well as a lesson in priorities taught without beating the reader over the head. Caletti fans will especially enjoy this book. Recommendation * Recommended Title * Wake Author * McMann, Lisa Publication Date 2008 Price $13.59 Interest Level Young Adult Review * Janie Hanangan is a hardworking 17 year-old with a specia]]>Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:28:41 +0000modJune 6th
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/June+6th
email.hidden@example.com (Krista)Krista edited June 6th
Recommendation * Recommended Title * Whirlwind (The Caretaker Trilogy, Book 2) Author * Klass, David ISBN 0374323089 Publication Date March 18, 2008 Price $17.95 Interest Level YA Grade/Reading Level (Fry Scale) 6 Review * Whirlwind is the second book in the Caretaker Trilogy, and would be the print-offspring of Back to the Future, Fern Gully, and a Young Indiana Jones movie. The protagonist, Jack Danielson, is a typical high-school jock living a normal life in typical Hadley-by-Hudson, a small New York town. Or he used to be. Whirlwind begins where Firestone, the first book, left off: Jack, a time-traveler, is just back from a planet-saving adventure and seeks to make amends with (and to try to explain the impossible to) his girlfriend P.J. As it turns out, P.J. is missing, and Jack learns it is all because of him. Even though his first mission was a success, the victory didn't "stick"; the forces of darkness take a new tack toward dominating ]]>Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:37:14 +0000modJune 6th
http://cjrlcbookevalgroup.pbwiki.com/June+6th
email.hidden@example.com (Krista)Krista edited June 6th
Book two in The Softwire series, Betrayal on Orbis 2 is about the adventures of young P.J., a "softwire" (think: psychic connection with computers). In this future-world universe full of aliens, humans apparently don't play a very important role. P.J., his sister and other young teens are part of a group of indentured servants "on the Rings of Orbis." Due to societal problems and abuses in this distant and future civilization, the children lead a less-than second-class existence, and are subject to the whims of Citizens and various bodies of government. The story centers around the plight of another pair of captive creatures, the Samarians, and their escape. Because this is second in a series, it took a little time to absorb the setting of Betrayal on Orbis 2; however, the characters and environment sorted themselves out well during this fast-paced story. Listed as YA, this book will be most enjoyed by the younger of that group , and may be better housed in the juvenile fiction if YA sh]]>Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:02:07 +0000mod