Rushdie, Salman Luka and the Fire of Life
Random House/Knopf/Anchor/Three Rivers 2010 218p 25.00
978-0-679-46336-8 ms VG-BN
Luka must endure all sorts of frightening dangers as he journeys to the Fire of Life in order to save his father’s life.
This book employs vivid language, an enjoyable style, and a mix of traditional stories and modernity -- for example, video game and internet references -- that will resonate with pre-teens and teens. The characters are complex and well developed, and the story is filled with action, adventure, and a touch of humor as it moves toward its satisfying conclusion.
There is occasional dicey language, as the use of the word “ratshit” that may offend some. Fantasy Kennedy, Carol
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Iverson, Annemarie. In Fashion: From Runway to Retail,
Iverson, Annemarie In Fashion: From Runway to Retail, Everything you Need to Know to Break into the Fashion Industry
Potter Craft see Random 2010 324p 16.99
978-0-307-46383-8 hs/adult Fashion Industry E-BN
If you are interested in a career in the fashion industry, this is THE book to have. If you are interested in the ins and outs of the fashion industry, this is a must read. Interview tips, training, biographies of famous people, interviews with famous people. Gr 7-adult
This is the MUST HAVE book for anyone who is contemplating a career in the fashion industry. For anyone interested in reading about the fashion industry, this is a must read title. Iverson, an insider in the fashion industry, dishes the scoop with no frills and provides practical tips for future fashionistas. Insider tips on training, tips on interviewing, how to land the job, how to keep the job and how to move up in the industry are applicable to almost any career path. Also includes biographies of famous names in fashion, interviews with those famous people, and a truly insider look at the fashion industry that are all contained in a surprisingly drab - lackluster book layout. But the facts presented are strong and sure to help anyone breaking into the industry. Iverson divides the jobs available in fashion into four major categories: creator, visualizer, critic and seller. The variety of jobs available in each category show that there is a place for almost any personality type and almost anyone interested in fashion as long as they have a sense of style and intense interest in fashion: from the runway model to the clothing designer , from the accessory designer to the magazine writer or editor, from the photographers to the merchandizer. Excellent title for grades 7-adult. McNicol,Lois
Potter Craft see Random 2010 324p 16.99
978-0-307-46383-8 hs/adult Fashion Industry E-BN
If you are interested in a career in the fashion industry, this is THE book to have. If you are interested in the ins and outs of the fashion industry, this is a must read. Interview tips, training, biographies of famous people, interviews with famous people. Gr 7-adult
This is the MUST HAVE book for anyone who is contemplating a career in the fashion industry. For anyone interested in reading about the fashion industry, this is a must read title. Iverson, an insider in the fashion industry, dishes the scoop with no frills and provides practical tips for future fashionistas. Insider tips on training, tips on interviewing, how to land the job, how to keep the job and how to move up in the industry are applicable to almost any career path. Also includes biographies of famous names in fashion, interviews with those famous people, and a truly insider look at the fashion industry that are all contained in a surprisingly drab - lackluster book layout. But the facts presented are strong and sure to help anyone breaking into the industry. Iverson divides the jobs available in fashion into four major categories: creator, visualizer, critic and seller. The variety of jobs available in each category show that there is a place for almost any personality type and almost anyone interested in fashion as long as they have a sense of style and intense interest in fashion: from the runway model to the clothing designer , from the accessory designer to the magazine writer or editor, from the photographers to the merchandizer. Excellent title for grades 7-adult. McNicol,Lois
Turbow, Jason w/Michael Duca The Baseball Codes
Turbow, Jason w/Michael Duca The Baseball Codes
Pantheon see Random 2010 294p 25.00
978-0-375-42469-4 hs/adult Baseball; Baseball - rules E-BN
Clues readers in to a value system that is part of the baseball culture, through dozens of illustrative stories from baseball history. Turbow and Dura take readers behind the scenes of the Great American Pastime and explain the unwritten rules of baseball through dozens of anecdotes from the earliest days of baseball through contemporary games. While some of the tenets -- “never talk to a pitcher during a no-hitter” and “what happens in the clubhouse stays in the clubhouse” -- are familiar to baseball fans, others will be new to most readers.
Entertaining, insightful, and engaging, this well-researched and comprehensive survey reveals intricate details about major league baseball culture. The prose reads like a sports column -- which is hardly surprising since both authors are West Coast sportswriters.
Sports fans face a barrage of sports media stories detailing un-sportsman-like conduct, moral and ethical off-the-field improprieties, and high-maintenance personalities. Balancing this out is this team of authors’ exploration of the pranks and superstitions of the richly nuanced game of baseball. Don’t read it all at once! After reading the book, readers will be constantly alert for signs of “the Code” at work when they watch their next game.
Only one quibble: The section on cheating has an obvious omission -- it fails to address steroid abuse. Welliver, Hilary
Pantheon see Random 2010 294p 25.00
978-0-375-42469-4 hs/adult Baseball; Baseball - rules E-BN
Clues readers in to a value system that is part of the baseball culture, through dozens of illustrative stories from baseball history. Turbow and Dura take readers behind the scenes of the Great American Pastime and explain the unwritten rules of baseball through dozens of anecdotes from the earliest days of baseball through contemporary games. While some of the tenets -- “never talk to a pitcher during a no-hitter” and “what happens in the clubhouse stays in the clubhouse” -- are familiar to baseball fans, others will be new to most readers.
Entertaining, insightful, and engaging, this well-researched and comprehensive survey reveals intricate details about major league baseball culture. The prose reads like a sports column -- which is hardly surprising since both authors are West Coast sportswriters.
Sports fans face a barrage of sports media stories detailing un-sportsman-like conduct, moral and ethical off-the-field improprieties, and high-maintenance personalities. Balancing this out is this team of authors’ exploration of the pranks and superstitions of the richly nuanced game of baseball. Don’t read it all at once! After reading the book, readers will be constantly alert for signs of “the Code” at work when they watch their next game.
Only one quibble: The section on cheating has an obvious omission -- it fails to address steroid abuse. Welliver, Hilary
Neufeld, Josh. A.D. New Orleans After the Deluge
Neufeld, Josh A.D. New Orleans After the Deluge
Pantheon see Random 2009 193p 16.95
978-0-375-71488-7 hs/adult Hurricane Katrina, 2005 VG-BN
Intertwined stories of seven groups of people who survived Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Different colored panels delineate between the threads of the stories, and the intermingling of these stories of heroism and loss present a authentic view. While adult in nature, these seven stories of survival and loss during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, will appeal to high school students as well. Their raw emotion truly portrays the lives of these people, who were really not prepared for the devastation brought on by one of the most ferocious storms in US history. The sparse, almost monochromatic, drawings evoke the personal stories in ways that full color illustrations could not, and the inspired use of a different color scheme for each of the intertwined stories makes each one stand out.
A masterpiece of what the cover calls “comics reporting.” Useful prologue and afterword, as well as the cast of main characters is included. This volume will make a useful addition to current events collections, as well as an insightful look into an alternative form of journalism. Graphic novel Naismith, Pat
Pantheon see Random 2009 193p 16.95
978-0-375-71488-7 hs/adult Hurricane Katrina, 2005 VG-BN
Intertwined stories of seven groups of people who survived Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Different colored panels delineate between the threads of the stories, and the intermingling of these stories of heroism and loss present a authentic view. While adult in nature, these seven stories of survival and loss during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, will appeal to high school students as well. Their raw emotion truly portrays the lives of these people, who were really not prepared for the devastation brought on by one of the most ferocious storms in US history. The sparse, almost monochromatic, drawings evoke the personal stories in ways that full color illustrations could not, and the inspired use of a different color scheme for each of the intertwined stories makes each one stand out.
A masterpiece of what the cover calls “comics reporting.” Useful prologue and afterword, as well as the cast of main characters is included. This volume will make a useful addition to current events collections, as well as an insightful look into an alternative form of journalism. Graphic novel Naismith, Pat
Elton, Charles. Mr. Toppit
Elton, Charles Mr. Toppit
Other Press 2010 388p 15.95
978-159051390-3 adult VG-BN
Luke shares his name with the protagonist of his father’s wildly popular children’s book series. His sister Rachel doesn’t appear in any of her father’s work. Both children are devastated by their father’s choices. This adult novel chronicles the devastating impact celebrity has on a family. Author Arthur Hayman is killed in an accident; he doesn’t live to enjoy his posthumous fame. “The Hayseed Chronicles” immortalizes his real-life son Luke as the inspiration for the fictional character and hero of his father’s series -- Luke Hayseed. Real-life Luke must deal with the instant fame and notoriety that engenders. His sister, Rachel, doesn’t appear in any of her father’s work -- and she is left to overanalyze why she was left out. The novel spans several decades and details the family’s disintegration as they come to grips with celebrity.
Elton was the literary agent to A.A. Milne’s estate. Inspired by the effect Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh series had on his real-life son Christopher Robin (who shared the name of one of his father’s famous characters), Elton re-tells Christopher Robin’s story in a contemporary setting of tabloids, overnight fame, and Harry Potter and Twilight series’ obsession.
Some readers may want to be aware that the novel contains a brief sex scene between “real life” Luke and Laurie (who begs luke to fill her with his “hay seed...”). Realistic Fiction Welliver, Hilary
Other Press 2010 388p 15.95
978-159051390-3 adult VG-BN
Luke shares his name with the protagonist of his father’s wildly popular children’s book series. His sister Rachel doesn’t appear in any of her father’s work. Both children are devastated by their father’s choices. This adult novel chronicles the devastating impact celebrity has on a family. Author Arthur Hayman is killed in an accident; he doesn’t live to enjoy his posthumous fame. “The Hayseed Chronicles” immortalizes his real-life son Luke as the inspiration for the fictional character and hero of his father’s series -- Luke Hayseed. Real-life Luke must deal with the instant fame and notoriety that engenders. His sister, Rachel, doesn’t appear in any of her father’s work -- and she is left to overanalyze why she was left out. The novel spans several decades and details the family’s disintegration as they come to grips with celebrity.
Elton was the literary agent to A.A. Milne’s estate. Inspired by the effect Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh series had on his real-life son Christopher Robin (who shared the name of one of his father’s famous characters), Elton re-tells Christopher Robin’s story in a contemporary setting of tabloids, overnight fame, and Harry Potter and Twilight series’ obsession.
Some readers may want to be aware that the novel contains a brief sex scene between “real life” Luke and Laurie (who begs luke to fill her with his “hay seed...”). Realistic Fiction Welliver, Hilary
van Tol, Alex Knifepoint
van Tol, Alex Knifepoint
Orca 2010 113p 9.95
978-1-55469-305-4 ms/hs Kidnapping - Fiction VG-BN
Jill works on a dude ranch and agrees to a private horseback adventure trip. She realizes she is in trouble when her client takes her hostage. Fast-paced adventure, nail-biting suspense, with believable characters. Great action/adventure. Grades 7-12. Jill has been working outdoor adventure trips for years, first leading river rafting trips and now working a dude ranch has a horseback riding leader. She is a hard worker who takes any challenge put before her. When a single man who says he works at a neighboring ranch asks for an horseback riding adventure, a more difficult level of riding, she agrees since she is looking forward to running her horse over more difficult terrain than the usual easy trail riding. As they take a break at an abandoned cabin, he threatens her with a knife. She fights back and he ties her up. When she manages to escape, he relentlessly pursues her. Nail biting suspense, fast-paced adventure, and believable characters will pull even the most reluctant reader through to the end to see how Jill finally manages to outwit her pursuer. Like all Orca Soundings books, this title has easy vocabulary and short chapters. Perfect for the teen hi/lo reader. Grades 7-12. Conflict McNicol(3),Lois
Orca 2010 113p 9.95
978-1-55469-305-4 ms/hs Kidnapping - Fiction VG-BN
Jill works on a dude ranch and agrees to a private horseback adventure trip. She realizes she is in trouble when her client takes her hostage. Fast-paced adventure, nail-biting suspense, with believable characters. Great action/adventure. Grades 7-12. Jill has been working outdoor adventure trips for years, first leading river rafting trips and now working a dude ranch has a horseback riding leader. She is a hard worker who takes any challenge put before her. When a single man who says he works at a neighboring ranch asks for an horseback riding adventure, a more difficult level of riding, she agrees since she is looking forward to running her horse over more difficult terrain than the usual easy trail riding. As they take a break at an abandoned cabin, he threatens her with a knife. She fights back and he ties her up. When she manages to escape, he relentlessly pursues her. Nail biting suspense, fast-paced adventure, and believable characters will pull even the most reluctant reader through to the end to see how Jill finally manages to outwit her pursuer. Like all Orca Soundings books, this title has easy vocabulary and short chapters. Perfect for the teen hi/lo reader. Grades 7-12. Conflict McNicol(3),Lois
Schwartz, Ellen. Cellular
Schwartz, Ellen. Cellular
Orca 2010 115p 9.95
978-1-55469-296-5 ms/hs Leukemia - Fiction VG-BN
Brendan is diagnosed with leukemia. In the hospital he meets Lark who is having a bone marrow transplant. She helps him come to grips with his illness. Powerful reading on a hi/lo level about teenagers faced with life-threatening illness. Gr 7+. Brendan, an athletic, good-looking high school student is diagnosed with leukemia. As he struggles to assimilate his diagnosis he goes through phases of anger and is basically a pain to be around. In the hospital he meets Lark, a teenage girl who is having a bone marrow transplant that is her last hope for surviving leukemia. Lark believes in living each day to the fullest regardless of the prognosis and shares her philosophy with Brendan. The two, being the only teens in the pediatric chemo wing of the hospital, form a bond of friendship and help each other through their treatment programs. Although slightly formulaic with Lark dying in the end and Brendan going into remission, this is a powerful look at teenagers with life-threatening illness. Their mental and emotional state as well as the physical effects of chemo and radiation are accurately portrayed. This book is the hi/lo equivalent of a McDaniels or Picoult themes. For grades 7-12. Realistic Fiction McNicol,Lois
Orca 2010 115p 9.95
978-1-55469-296-5 ms/hs Leukemia - Fiction VG-BN
Brendan is diagnosed with leukemia. In the hospital he meets Lark who is having a bone marrow transplant. She helps him come to grips with his illness. Powerful reading on a hi/lo level about teenagers faced with life-threatening illness. Gr 7+. Brendan, an athletic, good-looking high school student is diagnosed with leukemia. As he struggles to assimilate his diagnosis he goes through phases of anger and is basically a pain to be around. In the hospital he meets Lark, a teenage girl who is having a bone marrow transplant that is her last hope for surviving leukemia. Lark believes in living each day to the fullest regardless of the prognosis and shares her philosophy with Brendan. The two, being the only teens in the pediatric chemo wing of the hospital, form a bond of friendship and help each other through their treatment programs. Although slightly formulaic with Lark dying in the end and Brendan going into remission, this is a powerful look at teenagers with life-threatening illness. Their mental and emotional state as well as the physical effects of chemo and radiation are accurately portrayed. This book is the hi/lo equivalent of a McDaniels or Picoult themes. For grades 7-12. Realistic Fiction McNicol,Lois
Harvey, Sarah N. Death Benefits
Harvey, Sarah N. Death Benefits
Orca 2010 212p 12.95
978-1-55469-226-2 hs VG-BN
Royce scarcely knows his grandfather Arthur, a world -renowned cellist, and a world-class grouch. When Royce accepts the job of providing care for his grandfather, he is surprised to discover a genuine liking for Arthur -- who poses Royce with a serious ethical dilemma when he asks Royce to help him to die. Under protest, 16-year-old Royce moves from Nova Scotia to British Columbia with his mother. Once they settle in, Royce contracts mono and is housebound. Stir crazy, lonely, bored, and friendless, Royce accepts his mother’s offer to look after his grandfather, Arthur, for $15/hour. Royce hopes to earn enough money to return to Nova Scotia.
Arthur is a grouch, retired (world famous) cellist. Despite the barrage of verbal abuse Arthur heaps upon Royce, Royce is surprised to find that he likes his grandfather. And even when Arthur provides Royce with keys to his car (and thus an escape to Nova Scotia) Royce stays on.
Arthur’s health briefly rallies, providing a glimpse of his younger, dynamic self, but then takes turn for the worse. Arthur doesn’t want to become incapacitated again and asks for Royce’s help to end his life.
Despite the slow start, teen readers will enjoy the well-developed characters and dialogue. Royce’s moral and ethical dilemma will spark debate. Realistic Fiction Welliver, Hilary
Orca 2010 212p 12.95
978-1-55469-226-2 hs VG-BN
Royce scarcely knows his grandfather Arthur, a world -renowned cellist, and a world-class grouch. When Royce accepts the job of providing care for his grandfather, he is surprised to discover a genuine liking for Arthur -- who poses Royce with a serious ethical dilemma when he asks Royce to help him to die. Under protest, 16-year-old Royce moves from Nova Scotia to British Columbia with his mother. Once they settle in, Royce contracts mono and is housebound. Stir crazy, lonely, bored, and friendless, Royce accepts his mother’s offer to look after his grandfather, Arthur, for $15/hour. Royce hopes to earn enough money to return to Nova Scotia.
Arthur is a grouch, retired (world famous) cellist. Despite the barrage of verbal abuse Arthur heaps upon Royce, Royce is surprised to find that he likes his grandfather. And even when Arthur provides Royce with keys to his car (and thus an escape to Nova Scotia) Royce stays on.
Arthur’s health briefly rallies, providing a glimpse of his younger, dynamic self, but then takes turn for the worse. Arthur doesn’t want to become incapacitated again and asks for Royce’s help to end his life.
Despite the slow start, teen readers will enjoy the well-developed characters and dialogue. Royce’s moral and ethical dilemma will spark debate. Realistic Fiction Welliver, Hilary
Gee, Maurice Gool (Salt Trilogy v2)
Gee, Maurice Gool (Salt Trilogy v2)
Orca 2010 215p 18.00
978-1-55469-214-9 hs VG
Xantee and Lo set out to locate the Dog King, Tarl, to enlist his help to destroy the Gook that is the force sucking the life from their world. Gee revisits the world and characters he created in “Salt.” Hari and Pearl have had children who are each gifted with incredible telepathic powers. When Hari is attacked and his life threatened by an invisible enemy known as the Gool, his children, Xantee and Lo, strike out to find Tarl (aka, “The Dog King”), who is Hari’s father. Aided by “the people with no name” who dwell unseen in the wilderness, Xantee and Lo race against time to destroy the Gool before it kills Hari and moves on to consume the world. This requires the children to embark on a arduous physical journey and an equally perilous spiritual one.
While “Gool” is the second volume in a planned trilogy, it stands well on its own. However, the characters in this volume are underdeveloped and the subplots of mystery and romance were employed with more success in “Salt.” The dreamlike quality of the quest(s) are at odds with the imperative to quickly resolve Hari’s dilemma and save his life -- which demands a fast-paced journey and immediate action. This is an uneven sequel, which, when read out of sequence, many not win new fans to the series. Fantasy Welliver, Hilary
Orca 2010 215p 18.00
978-1-55469-214-9 hs VG
Xantee and Lo set out to locate the Dog King, Tarl, to enlist his help to destroy the Gook that is the force sucking the life from their world. Gee revisits the world and characters he created in “Salt.” Hari and Pearl have had children who are each gifted with incredible telepathic powers. When Hari is attacked and his life threatened by an invisible enemy known as the Gool, his children, Xantee and Lo, strike out to find Tarl (aka, “The Dog King”), who is Hari’s father. Aided by “the people with no name” who dwell unseen in the wilderness, Xantee and Lo race against time to destroy the Gool before it kills Hari and moves on to consume the world. This requires the children to embark on a arduous physical journey and an equally perilous spiritual one.
While “Gool” is the second volume in a planned trilogy, it stands well on its own. However, the characters in this volume are underdeveloped and the subplots of mystery and romance were employed with more success in “Salt.” The dreamlike quality of the quest(s) are at odds with the imperative to quickly resolve Hari’s dilemma and save his life -- which demands a fast-paced journey and immediate action. This is an uneven sequel, which, when read out of sequence, many not win new fans to the series. Fantasy Welliver, Hilary
Chamerlain, Adrian. Rock Star
Chamberlain, Adrian Rock Star
Orca 114p 9.95
978-1-55469-235-4 hs Rock Music - Fiction VG-BN Orca Soundings
Duncan becomes a member of a heavy metal band and leaves his old friends behind. After playing a gig at a disastrous house party, Duncan comes to realize his old friends and a music mentor may offer him a better chance at being happy. Grades 8+ Duncan plays bass guitar and hangs with a set of slightly geeky guys he has known for years. He wants to be part of a band and eagerly answers an advertisement promising gigs with an up and coming heavy metal band. He practices with the band and quits seeing his old friends, thinking them too immature. He avoids his friends and refuses to acknowledge them in public. As his conflicted feelings grow concerning his treatment of his old friends, he is also dealing with budding love and first dates. Duncan’s widowed dad is seeing a new lady friend who shares Duncan’s interest in music. She introduces Duncan to her brother, a former organ player with a rock band. Duncan is enthralled with his new mentor and learns to play organ. The house party is the turning point in the book, with Duncan inviting his old friend and his new girlfriend to attend and see his band in action. As the house party gets more and more raucous, his friends become totally disgusted with Duncan’s drunken behavior and leave the party. The next morning Duncan wakes up behind a couch and has to call his Dad’s lady friend to get a ride home. As Duncan evaluates his life, he realizes his old friends offer a better view of life than his rocker friends. For grades 8 and up, this hi/lo novel will strike a cord with aspiring band members. Realistic Fiction McNicol,Lois
Orca 114p 9.95
978-1-55469-235-4 hs Rock Music - Fiction VG-BN Orca Soundings
Duncan becomes a member of a heavy metal band and leaves his old friends behind. After playing a gig at a disastrous house party, Duncan comes to realize his old friends and a music mentor may offer him a better chance at being happy. Grades 8+ Duncan plays bass guitar and hangs with a set of slightly geeky guys he has known for years. He wants to be part of a band and eagerly answers an advertisement promising gigs with an up and coming heavy metal band. He practices with the band and quits seeing his old friends, thinking them too immature. He avoids his friends and refuses to acknowledge them in public. As his conflicted feelings grow concerning his treatment of his old friends, he is also dealing with budding love and first dates. Duncan’s widowed dad is seeing a new lady friend who shares Duncan’s interest in music. She introduces Duncan to her brother, a former organ player with a rock band. Duncan is enthralled with his new mentor and learns to play organ. The house party is the turning point in the book, with Duncan inviting his old friend and his new girlfriend to attend and see his band in action. As the house party gets more and more raucous, his friends become totally disgusted with Duncan’s drunken behavior and leave the party. The next morning Duncan wakes up behind a couch and has to call his Dad’s lady friend to get a ride home. As Duncan evaluates his life, he realizes his old friends offer a better view of life than his rocker friends. For grades 8 and up, this hi/lo novel will strike a cord with aspiring band members. Realistic Fiction McNicol,Lois
Hamilton, Janet C.S. Lewis: Twentieth Century Pilgrim
Hamilton, Janet C.S. Lewis: Twentieth Century Pilgrim
Morgan Reynolds 2010 128p 28.95
978-1-59935-112-4 jr/sr Authors- biography E-BN
This book is an excellent retelling of the life of C.S. Lewis who has left a legacy in his writing: “books that have instructed, provoked, and enchanted people for many decades and continue to reach new readers today.”
The reader will gain an understanding of the man behind the stories many of us have read and reread over the years. His activities and beliefs will become evident to readers helping them to further understand Lewis’ writings with more depth.
I have often wondered why there had not been any movies, etc of Lewis’ books. This question was answered when I read that the managers of The Lewis Estate resisted selling film rights until 2005 when Walden Media produced The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The format and text “are designed to entice with photographs as well as educate”. I would have liked to have a few more photographs of the colleges and the author himself.The inclusion of where to obtain more information, timeline, and an index make this a useful research tool. McNeil, Linda
Morgan Reynolds 2010 128p 28.95
978-1-59935-112-4 jr/sr Authors- biography E-BN
This book is an excellent retelling of the life of C.S. Lewis who has left a legacy in his writing: “books that have instructed, provoked, and enchanted people for many decades and continue to reach new readers today.”
The reader will gain an understanding of the man behind the stories many of us have read and reread over the years. His activities and beliefs will become evident to readers helping them to further understand Lewis’ writings with more depth.
I have often wondered why there had not been any movies, etc of Lewis’ books. This question was answered when I read that the managers of The Lewis Estate resisted selling film rights until 2005 when Walden Media produced The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The format and text “are designed to entice with photographs as well as educate”. I would have liked to have a few more photographs of the colleges and the author himself.The inclusion of where to obtain more information, timeline, and an index make this a useful research tool. McNeil, Linda
Stewart, Melissa You’ve Got Nerve!
Stewart, Melissa You’ve Got Nerve!
Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark 2010 48p 29.93
978-0-7614-4157-1 elem Nervous system E-BNes Gross and Goofy Body (MC)
Provides comprehensive information on the role the nervous system plays in the biology of humans and animals. Chatty and upbeat, “You’ve Got Nerve!” provides a memorable and appealing introduction to the study of nerves and the brain. Readers will enjoy the creative examples, descriptions, and eye-catching layout. The text is entertaining and teaches basic concepts and terminology seamlessly and painlessly.
In addition to providing a comprehensive overview to the nervous system, Stewart anticipates and answers common questions: Why do people yawn? Why are some people left-handed? She also admits that scientists do not have an answer for everything. What causes “brain freeze” when you’ve “sucked down” a frozen beverage too quickly? No one knows.
A brief index, glossary, and list of suggested readings and websites rounds out the volume. Welliver, Hilary
Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark 2010 48p 29.93
978-0-7614-4157-1 elem Nervous system E-BNes Gross and Goofy Body (MC)
Provides comprehensive information on the role the nervous system plays in the biology of humans and animals. Chatty and upbeat, “You’ve Got Nerve!” provides a memorable and appealing introduction to the study of nerves and the brain. Readers will enjoy the creative examples, descriptions, and eye-catching layout. The text is entertaining and teaches basic concepts and terminology seamlessly and painlessly.
In addition to providing a comprehensive overview to the nervous system, Stewart anticipates and answers common questions: Why do people yawn? Why are some people left-handed? She also admits that scientists do not have an answer for everything. What causes “brain freeze” when you’ve “sucked down” a frozen beverage too quickly? No one knows.
A brief index, glossary, and list of suggested readings and websites rounds out the volume. Welliver, Hilary
Shelley, Mary adapted by Brigit Viney Frankenstein
Shelley, Mary adapted by Brigit Viney Frankenstein (graphic novel)
Lucent Books see Gale/Cengage 2010 144p 32.45
978-1-4205-0374-6 ms/hs VG-BN Classic Graphic Novel Collection(Cengage)
Mary Shelley created a classic horror story on a rainy night in 1816 in Switzerland. It is the story of a scientist who experiments with science to create a cloned human being.
Brigit Viney has adated Frankenstein by Mary Shelley in graphic style accompanied by Jason Cobley’s script.. The choice of wording is apropos to the story as well as the age group. Readers will enjoy the intermingling of words and graphics as they progress flows through the book.
The illustrator created crisp and ominously dynamic watercolors to accompany the text. The blended palette of dark saturated colors effectively relate the context of the wordings in the story and present the reader with a suspense filled experience.
This is a great book for young readers and non-readers. It’s distinctive and expressive watercolors will enticed the active minds of young children.
The format and layout of the book is beautifully placed for the most effective enjoyment of the readers. The additional materials at the back of the book coordinated the book with further activities. Teachers and parents will appreciate the character visuals and the introduction in the front of the book. The rear of the book provides additional information in the form of a glossary, character summary, biography of Shelley, and other materials. Graphic novel McNeil, Linda
Lucent Books see Gale/Cengage 2010 144p 32.45
978-1-4205-0374-6 ms/hs VG-BN Classic Graphic Novel Collection(Cengage)
Mary Shelley created a classic horror story on a rainy night in 1816 in Switzerland. It is the story of a scientist who experiments with science to create a cloned human being.
Brigit Viney has adated Frankenstein by Mary Shelley in graphic style accompanied by Jason Cobley’s script.. The choice of wording is apropos to the story as well as the age group. Readers will enjoy the intermingling of words and graphics as they progress flows through the book.
The illustrator created crisp and ominously dynamic watercolors to accompany the text. The blended palette of dark saturated colors effectively relate the context of the wordings in the story and present the reader with a suspense filled experience.
This is a great book for young readers and non-readers. It’s distinctive and expressive watercolors will enticed the active minds of young children.
The format and layout of the book is beautifully placed for the most effective enjoyment of the readers. The additional materials at the back of the book coordinated the book with further activities. Teachers and parents will appreciate the character visuals and the introduction in the front of the book. The rear of the book provides additional information in the form of a glossary, character summary, biography of Shelley, and other materials. Graphic novel McNeil, Linda
Sheen, Barbara. Michael Phelps
Sheen, Barbara Michael Phelps
Lucent Books see Gale/Cengage 2010 96p 33.45
978-1-4205-0282-4 ms/hs Phelps, Michael, Swimming VG-BNS
People in the News (Gale/Lucent)
Part of a series of biographies on some of today’s “most prominent newsmakers,” this is a well-rounded book about the personal life and swimming career of Michael Phelps. Michael Phelps is one of the premier swimming stars of the twenty-first century and one of the members of the 2008 United States Olympic Swim Team. In Beijing, Phelps won an incredible eight gold medals, a feat never previously accomplished. This book covers his life from his earliest days watching his older sisters practice and compete in the pool to the discovery of his incredible talent and his quest for Olympic glory. The book gives an evenhanded picture of a nice young man who is incredibly self-competitive and determined to accomplish his chosen goals. His personal life is presented in relation to his sports life and includes his two brushes with the law.
This is a very well written and insightful book, a succinct and lucid treatment of Michael. It is remarkably nonjudgmental and non-sensationalized and objective in its treatment of a remarkable athlete. The descriptive text is enhanced by excellent well-captioned photographs and informative fact boxes of interesting trivia, and important statistics about the superstar and his sport. It ends with a timeline, source notes, a bibliography of books and web sites, and an index. Ogintz, Susan
Lucent Books see Gale/Cengage 2010 96p 33.45
978-1-4205-0282-4 ms/hs Phelps, Michael, Swimming VG-BNS
People in the News (Gale/Lucent)
Part of a series of biographies on some of today’s “most prominent newsmakers,” this is a well-rounded book about the personal life and swimming career of Michael Phelps. Michael Phelps is one of the premier swimming stars of the twenty-first century and one of the members of the 2008 United States Olympic Swim Team. In Beijing, Phelps won an incredible eight gold medals, a feat never previously accomplished. This book covers his life from his earliest days watching his older sisters practice and compete in the pool to the discovery of his incredible talent and his quest for Olympic glory. The book gives an evenhanded picture of a nice young man who is incredibly self-competitive and determined to accomplish his chosen goals. His personal life is presented in relation to his sports life and includes his two brushes with the law.
This is a very well written and insightful book, a succinct and lucid treatment of Michael. It is remarkably nonjudgmental and non-sensationalized and objective in its treatment of a remarkable athlete. The descriptive text is enhanced by excellent well-captioned photographs and informative fact boxes of interesting trivia, and important statistics about the superstar and his sport. It ends with a timeline, source notes, a bibliography of books and web sites, and an index. Ogintz, Susan
Nardo, Don Religious Beliefs in Colonial America
Nardo, Don Religious Beliefs in Colonial America
Lucent Books see Gale/Cengage 2010 96p 33.45
978-1-4205-0266-4 ms/hs E-BN
Lucent Library of Historical Eras(Gale/Cengage)
North American religions are presented from an historical perspective, specifically up to and including those present during Colonial America. These include, but are not limited to Native American beliefs, Catholicism, Judaism and African beliefs. Well documented history of the early religious beliefs found in North America. The writing is lucid and the information provided well documented. There are a lot of references throughout this book to primary source documents, most often with excerpts from these documents. Illustrations work well with the material being addressed where they appear. The author also brings in a lot of sidebars that further inform the reader about associated text items. For instance, the “Common Themes in Indian Religion,” page 19, “Prison Time for Swearing,” page 37, and “Ticks and Biting Horse Flies,” page. 67. The book is obviously well researched as indicated with the many notes found at the end of the book. Also included is a timeline, and resource for obtaining more information both print and from the internet. Fisher, Lynn
Lucent Books see Gale/Cengage 2010 96p 33.45
978-1-4205-0266-4 ms/hs E-BN
Lucent Library of Historical Eras(Gale/Cengage)
North American religions are presented from an historical perspective, specifically up to and including those present during Colonial America. These include, but are not limited to Native American beliefs, Catholicism, Judaism and African beliefs. Well documented history of the early religious beliefs found in North America. The writing is lucid and the information provided well documented. There are a lot of references throughout this book to primary source documents, most often with excerpts from these documents. Illustrations work well with the material being addressed where they appear. The author also brings in a lot of sidebars that further inform the reader about associated text items. For instance, the “Common Themes in Indian Religion,” page 19, “Prison Time for Swearing,” page 37, and “Ticks and Biting Horse Flies,” page. 67. The book is obviously well researched as indicated with the many notes found at the end of the book. Also included is a timeline, and resource for obtaining more information both print and from the internet. Fisher, Lynn
Marcovitz, Hal. Bias in the Media
Marcovitz, Hal Bias in the Media
Lucent Books see Gale/Cengage 2010 112p 33.45
978-1-4205-0224-4 jr/sr News E-BN Hot Topics (Lucent/Cengage)
This “Hot Topics” book is an excellent source of fully documented primary and secondary sources for students to start investigating bias in the media. This text contains a well written and fully documented presentation concerning bias in the media. The author starts with the questions of: what is bias?, what are liberals and conservatives?, and what are the differences between editorials, op-eds, and columns?. Next the author discusses the cable wars in which Fox is termed conservative right winged media led by the O’Reilly Factor in which crews are sent out to blindside politicians. In time it has been noted for its bombastic, opinionated and breezy style of news reporting. On the other hand MSNBC started as a technological news network. It has since added several more liberal commentators such as Keith Obermann and Rachel Maddox.
With the turn of the century, the world of news media was expanded with the introduction of citizens as journalists and bloggers. Many question the validity and/or bias of the bloggers in respect to breaking news. In 2007, Talking Points Memo (a blog) scored points by providing the initial reports of the Justice Department initializing criminal investigations against Democrat Party officicals.
In other chapters the book discusses the concepts of pockets of bias against women political leaders and minorities. It also touches on watchdog organization that oversee and present documentation on their findings.
In the back of the book there are notes, discussion questions, lists of organizations, books, periodicals, and websites. A detailed indexed makes this book useful for research. McNeil, Linda
Lucent Books see Gale/Cengage 2010 112p 33.45
978-1-4205-0224-4 jr/sr News E-BN Hot Topics (Lucent/Cengage)
This “Hot Topics” book is an excellent source of fully documented primary and secondary sources for students to start investigating bias in the media. This text contains a well written and fully documented presentation concerning bias in the media. The author starts with the questions of: what is bias?, what are liberals and conservatives?, and what are the differences between editorials, op-eds, and columns?. Next the author discusses the cable wars in which Fox is termed conservative right winged media led by the O’Reilly Factor in which crews are sent out to blindside politicians. In time it has been noted for its bombastic, opinionated and breezy style of news reporting. On the other hand MSNBC started as a technological news network. It has since added several more liberal commentators such as Keith Obermann and Rachel Maddox.
With the turn of the century, the world of news media was expanded with the introduction of citizens as journalists and bloggers. Many question the validity and/or bias of the bloggers in respect to breaking news. In 2007, Talking Points Memo (a blog) scored points by providing the initial reports of the Justice Department initializing criminal investigations against Democrat Party officicals.
In other chapters the book discusses the concepts of pockets of bias against women political leaders and minorities. It also touches on watchdog organization that oversee and present documentation on their findings.
In the back of the book there are notes, discussion questions, lists of organizations, books, periodicals, and websites. A detailed indexed makes this book useful for research. McNeil, Linda
Hillstrom, Laurie Collier. Online Social Networks
Hillstrom, Laurie Collier Online Social Networks
Lucent Books see Gale/Cengage 2010 96p 33.45
978-1-4205-0167-4 ms
online social networks; Internet - social aspects VG-BNS Technology 360
Trace the development of online communities and speculate on the impact these websites hold for the future. In “Online Social Networks,” the history of the Internet evolves as the development of social networks unfolds. The clearly written text details the changes in the World Wide Web from a text-based to graphic interface, describes some of the earliest social sites, and the signature characteristics of MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter.
The well-researched text further explores applications of social networks/communities beyond connecting with friends, such as politics and business. Consideration is given to future developments, including standardization, access, and global location devices.
Student researchers will appreciate the homework-friendly, informative text, as it is enriched through an attractive layout featuring colorful photos and illustrations, fascinating fact boxes and sidebars, and useful charts. Other features include a timeline, chapter notes, glossary, and index. Sources for additional study include websites, periodicals, and texts. Welliver, Hilary
Lucent Books see Gale/Cengage 2010 96p 33.45
978-1-4205-0167-4 ms
online social networks; Internet - social aspects VG-BNS Technology 360
Trace the development of online communities and speculate on the impact these websites hold for the future. In “Online Social Networks,” the history of the Internet evolves as the development of social networks unfolds. The clearly written text details the changes in the World Wide Web from a text-based to graphic interface, describes some of the earliest social sites, and the signature characteristics of MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter.
The well-researched text further explores applications of social networks/communities beyond connecting with friends, such as politics and business. Consideration is given to future developments, including standardization, access, and global location devices.
Student researchers will appreciate the homework-friendly, informative text, as it is enriched through an attractive layout featuring colorful photos and illustrations, fascinating fact boxes and sidebars, and useful charts. Other features include a timeline, chapter notes, glossary, and index. Sources for additional study include websites, periodicals, and texts. Welliver, Hilary
Bronte, Charlotte Jane Eyre
Bronte, Charlotte Jane Eyre
Lucent Books see Gale/Cengage 2010 144p 32.45
978-1-4205-0375-3 all ages Graphic Novels - classics -Governess - Mentally ill women - Charity schools E-BN
Classic Graphic Novel Collection(Cengage)
The Graphic novel of the very popular story of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Beautifully illustrated.
The graphic novel of Jane Eyre is as impressive as the printed version and maybe even more so because you see what is actually happening. Illustrated in full color, this book will capture your attention and imagination. The story of an orphan girl left with an uncle and his wife. The uncles passes away to soon and Jane falls to the mercy and cruelty of her aunt. Unwanted and mistreated even as the children of the aunt are spoiled, Jane does her best to stay out of everyone’s way. She hides and reads her books but she is always found and the mistreatment begins again at the unmerciful hands of her cousin ho is a bully. She is finally taken to an orphanage where she grows to womanhood. She take a job as a governess and goes to this very strange estate. There she meets Mr. Rochester and fall in love. What happens to Jane on this estate is a story worth reading over and over again. A love story that will come back to life.
Includes: glossary,biographical information on the author Charlotte Bronte, a family tree of the Bronte family, and a chronology of the Bronte Family. Graphic novel Diaz, Magna
Lucent Books see Gale/Cengage 2010 144p 32.45
978-1-4205-0375-3 all ages Graphic Novels - classics -Governess - Mentally ill women - Charity schools E-BN
Classic Graphic Novel Collection(Cengage)
The Graphic novel of the very popular story of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Beautifully illustrated.
The graphic novel of Jane Eyre is as impressive as the printed version and maybe even more so because you see what is actually happening. Illustrated in full color, this book will capture your attention and imagination. The story of an orphan girl left with an uncle and his wife. The uncles passes away to soon and Jane falls to the mercy and cruelty of her aunt. Unwanted and mistreated even as the children of the aunt are spoiled, Jane does her best to stay out of everyone’s way. She hides and reads her books but she is always found and the mistreatment begins again at the unmerciful hands of her cousin ho is a bully. She is finally taken to an orphanage where she grows to womanhood. She take a job as a governess and goes to this very strange estate. There she meets Mr. Rochester and fall in love. What happens to Jane on this estate is a story worth reading over and over again. A love story that will come back to life.
Includes: glossary,biographical information on the author Charlotte Bronte, a family tree of the Bronte family, and a chronology of the Bronte Family. Graphic novel Diaz, Magna
Wolff, Geoffrey The Hard Way Around
Wolff, Geoffrey The Hard Way Around
Knopf see Random 2010 218p 25.95
978-1-4000-4342-2 adult Biography E-BN
This is a biography of Captain Joshua Slocum, a boat-builder and adventurer who circumnavigated the world by himself in 1895 at the age of 51. This beautifully written biography is clearly a labor of love on the part of Wolff, who freely editorializes on Slocum’s life and on others’ writings about Slocum throughout the book. It will be above the heads of most high-school students, but is recommended for that special intellectual young adult who is fascinated by history and by larger-than-life historical figures. Occasionally the reader may have to look up a reference or a vocabulary word (such as “lagniappe”). It is recommended that this be read alongside Slocum’s own “Sailing Alone Around the World”. Kennedy, Carol
Knopf see Random 2010 218p 25.95
978-1-4000-4342-2 adult Biography E-BN
This is a biography of Captain Joshua Slocum, a boat-builder and adventurer who circumnavigated the world by himself in 1895 at the age of 51. This beautifully written biography is clearly a labor of love on the part of Wolff, who freely editorializes on Slocum’s life and on others’ writings about Slocum throughout the book. It will be above the heads of most high-school students, but is recommended for that special intellectual young adult who is fascinated by history and by larger-than-life historical figures. Occasionally the reader may have to look up a reference or a vocabulary word (such as “lagniappe”). It is recommended that this be read alongside Slocum’s own “Sailing Alone Around the World”. Kennedy, Carol
Sheen, Barbara Meyer, Stephenie: Twilight Saga Author
Sheen, Barbara Meyer, Stephenie: Twilight Saga Author
Kidhaven Press see Gale/Cengage 2010 48p 28.75
978-0-7377-5066-9 elm/ms E-BNe Innovators (Cengage)
An accounting of the author of the recently published Twilight Saga. Stephenie Meyer has proved to be a fresh breath to young readers. Readers will find answers to their questions between the covers of this book.
Meyer’s life before Twilight was that of an English teacher and SuperMom with two small boys. It was just oridinary in most respects. As a child she always liked to watch Saturday morning cartoons where she favored the X-men. She was always an avid storyteller. Many times she would find herself telling herself stories that she had made up for one reason or another.
Then one night she had a dream in which she dreamed of this scene where an average teenage girl was walking in a meadow with a butterscotch eyed vampire. Upon wakening she went to her computer and wrote out the story before her family awoke. Thus began the Twilight Saga.
Stephenie’s dramatic rise to successful writer will full the hearts of many new authors and give them hope. International fame earned so rapidly is certainly something that constantly awes Stephanie.
The inclusion of chronology, chapter notes, several lists, where to obtain more information and a glossary/index make this a useful research tool. The inclusion of web sites for youngsters is also important in school classrooms today.
The flow and balance of both the text and full color visuals are integrated to present a very stimulating book for both young and reluctant readers. McNeil, Linda
Kidhaven Press see Gale/Cengage 2010 48p 28.75
978-0-7377-5066-9 elm/ms E-BNe Innovators (Cengage)
An accounting of the author of the recently published Twilight Saga. Stephenie Meyer has proved to be a fresh breath to young readers. Readers will find answers to their questions between the covers of this book.
Meyer’s life before Twilight was that of an English teacher and SuperMom with two small boys. It was just oridinary in most respects. As a child she always liked to watch Saturday morning cartoons where she favored the X-men. She was always an avid storyteller. Many times she would find herself telling herself stories that she had made up for one reason or another.
Then one night she had a dream in which she dreamed of this scene where an average teenage girl was walking in a meadow with a butterscotch eyed vampire. Upon wakening she went to her computer and wrote out the story before her family awoke. Thus began the Twilight Saga.
Stephenie’s dramatic rise to successful writer will full the hearts of many new authors and give them hope. International fame earned so rapidly is certainly something that constantly awes Stephanie.
The inclusion of chronology, chapter notes, several lists, where to obtain more information and a glossary/index make this a useful research tool. The inclusion of web sites for youngsters is also important in school classrooms today.
The flow and balance of both the text and full color visuals are integrated to present a very stimulating book for both young and reluctant readers. McNeil, Linda
Dutton, Sandra Mary Mae and the Gospel Truth
Dutton, Sandra Mary Mae and the Gospel Truth
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2010 134p 15.00 978-0-547-24966-7 elm/ms Families -- Fiction. VG
“ Ten-year-old Mary Mae, living with her parents in fossil-rich southern Ohio, tries to reconcile, despite her mother's strong disapproval, her family's Creationist beliefs with the prehistoric fossils she studies in school.” Written for upper level elementary and middle school students, this is a coming-of-age story for ten-year-old Mary Mae. In this title, Mary Mae, the narrator, who lives in a fossil-rich area of Ohio loves science and church. When Mary Mae’s love of fossils and science bring her to question things she was learning in school about evolution, versus what she learned through the Bible, her mother pulls her out of school to be home schooled. Mary Mae’s thirst for knowledge and searching for the truth brought questions related to both biblical issues and real science, creationism versus evolution. While Mary Mae believes in Jesus and the existence of God, she sees God as the one who does things in a different way. Since Mary’s mother is a die hard creationist who believes in all the Bible stories, her Granny helps Mary Mae through listening, being supportive, and by making up songs and playing her guitar. Granny does not discourage Mary Mae, instead she provides confidence to her as she searches for the truth and what she believes in her heart.
The author does a nice job of discussing both creationism and evolution, blending biblical versus science. Students who have Christian values and beliefs will find this title interesting. Non-religious students may get a sneak peak at both religion and science and may formulate their own ideas and questions. Realistic Fiction Forba-Mayer, Charleen
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2010 134p 15.00 978-0-547-24966-7 elm/ms Families -- Fiction. VG
“ Ten-year-old Mary Mae, living with her parents in fossil-rich southern Ohio, tries to reconcile, despite her mother's strong disapproval, her family's Creationist beliefs with the prehistoric fossils she studies in school.” Written for upper level elementary and middle school students, this is a coming-of-age story for ten-year-old Mary Mae. In this title, Mary Mae, the narrator, who lives in a fossil-rich area of Ohio loves science and church. When Mary Mae’s love of fossils and science bring her to question things she was learning in school about evolution, versus what she learned through the Bible, her mother pulls her out of school to be home schooled. Mary Mae’s thirst for knowledge and searching for the truth brought questions related to both biblical issues and real science, creationism versus evolution. While Mary Mae believes in Jesus and the existence of God, she sees God as the one who does things in a different way. Since Mary’s mother is a die hard creationist who believes in all the Bible stories, her Granny helps Mary Mae through listening, being supportive, and by making up songs and playing her guitar. Granny does not discourage Mary Mae, instead she provides confidence to her as she searches for the truth and what she believes in her heart.
The author does a nice job of discussing both creationism and evolution, blending biblical versus science. Students who have Christian values and beliefs will find this title interesting. Non-religious students may get a sneak peak at both religion and science and may formulate their own ideas and questions. Realistic Fiction Forba-Mayer, Charleen
Ransome, James E. Gunner, Football Hero
Ransome, James E. Gunner, Football Hero
Holiday House 2010 unp 16.95
978-0-8234-2053-7 elm/ms
Gunner lives his dream as quarterback & man o/t hour VG-BNe Football “wannabee“, Gunner, tries to save the day for his football team, but throws an interception instead, and his team loses. However, he shows the town and his classmates what dedication and practice can do for a misfit like himself.
The teacher and/or parent has the chance to teach selflessness by reading this book to children of all ages. First, Gunner isn’t the picture perfect football player. He is round and out of shape. Next, he doesn’t inspire confidence, and, although he makes the team, he is assigned to the third team. Finally, will he ever get to play? Fate steps in, and injured first and second string quarterbacks have to leave the game. Gunner will have his day. In a nail-biter of a football game, he brings his team back to a tie, and goes for the win. It wasn’t meant to be, however. A player from the Woodland Bobcats intercepts the ball and runs for the touchdown! The Malden Tigers lose the game, but they are appreciative of Gunner’s good effort, and everyone celebrates. The surprise ending is sure to bring up questions in every classroom and in every household. Did Gunner know that the interceptor of his last pass was a girl? Gunner’s parents smile as they read the newspaper the next day, and it is left to the reader to decide. Author James Ransome had Gunner lose to teach children that success does not always depend on winning. This is a wonderful message for all children! Colorful and creative artwork show the author to be equally talented both as a writer and an illustrator. The pictures practically tell the story! The plot moves forward quickly for a younger reader, and the surprise ending is sublime.
Realistic Fiction Squaresky, Martha
Holiday House 2010 unp 16.95
978-0-8234-2053-7 elm/ms
Gunner lives his dream as quarterback & man o/t hour VG-BNe Football “wannabee“, Gunner, tries to save the day for his football team, but throws an interception instead, and his team loses. However, he shows the town and his classmates what dedication and practice can do for a misfit like himself.
The teacher and/or parent has the chance to teach selflessness by reading this book to children of all ages. First, Gunner isn’t the picture perfect football player. He is round and out of shape. Next, he doesn’t inspire confidence, and, although he makes the team, he is assigned to the third team. Finally, will he ever get to play? Fate steps in, and injured first and second string quarterbacks have to leave the game. Gunner will have his day. In a nail-biter of a football game, he brings his team back to a tie, and goes for the win. It wasn’t meant to be, however. A player from the Woodland Bobcats intercepts the ball and runs for the touchdown! The Malden Tigers lose the game, but they are appreciative of Gunner’s good effort, and everyone celebrates. The surprise ending is sure to bring up questions in every classroom and in every household. Did Gunner know that the interceptor of his last pass was a girl? Gunner’s parents smile as they read the newspaper the next day, and it is left to the reader to decide. Author James Ransome had Gunner lose to teach children that success does not always depend on winning. This is a wonderful message for all children! Colorful and creative artwork show the author to be equally talented both as a writer and an illustrator. The pictures practically tell the story! The plot moves forward quickly for a younger reader, and the surprise ending is sublime.
Realistic Fiction Squaresky, Martha
Freeman, Martha The Case of the Rock’n Roll Dog
Freeman, Martha The Case of the Rock’n Roll Dog
Holiday House 2010 116p 16.95
978-0-8234-2267-8 elem White House (Washington, D.C.) -- Fiction. VG
“ Seven-year-old Tessa and ten-year-old Cameron daughters of the first female president, and owners of a very rambunctious dog, play detective when a baton belonging to the director of the Marine Band goes missing at the White House.” Fans of mystery series may enjoy this first book in the “A First Kids Mystery” series. In this title, seven-year-old Tessa and ten-year-old Cameron are daughters to the first female president of the United States. Ever since their mother has been elected to her new job as president, their normal life and active mom is not the same. They don’t spend the amount of time together like they did in the past doing all the regular family things. Now, the girls have different perks as part of their new life in the White House. When the Song Boys, a the best boy band in America, are scheduled to play a literacy event at the White House, the concert becomes in jeopardy since the John Philip Sousa baton goes missing. The girls are excited about this event and want to invite all their friends do not want the concert to be canceled, so they sleuth around looking for the culprits of the missing item. The girls come up with a list of suspects including their dog, Hooligan because he loves to hide things and their cousin Nate because he doesn’t like the boy band. Being motivated to keep the concert on schedule, the girls investigate options and solve the crime.
Even though this is a fiction story, the author includes trivia facts on the layout of the White House and how it is run, along with information on John Philip Sousa. Two original song scores are also included from the “Song Boys.” Mystery/Detective Forba-Mayer, Charleen
Holiday House 2010 116p 16.95
978-0-8234-2267-8 elem White House (Washington, D.C.) -- Fiction. VG
“ Seven-year-old Tessa and ten-year-old Cameron daughters of the first female president, and owners of a very rambunctious dog, play detective when a baton belonging to the director of the Marine Band goes missing at the White House.” Fans of mystery series may enjoy this first book in the “A First Kids Mystery” series. In this title, seven-year-old Tessa and ten-year-old Cameron are daughters to the first female president of the United States. Ever since their mother has been elected to her new job as president, their normal life and active mom is not the same. They don’t spend the amount of time together like they did in the past doing all the regular family things. Now, the girls have different perks as part of their new life in the White House. When the Song Boys, a the best boy band in America, are scheduled to play a literacy event at the White House, the concert becomes in jeopardy since the John Philip Sousa baton goes missing. The girls are excited about this event and want to invite all their friends do not want the concert to be canceled, so they sleuth around looking for the culprits of the missing item. The girls come up with a list of suspects including their dog, Hooligan because he loves to hide things and their cousin Nate because he doesn’t like the boy band. Being motivated to keep the concert on schedule, the girls investigate options and solve the crime.
Even though this is a fiction story, the author includes trivia facts on the layout of the White House and how it is run, along with information on John Philip Sousa. Two original song scores are also included from the “Song Boys.” Mystery/Detective Forba-Mayer, Charleen
DeLaCroix, Alice The Best Horse Ever
DeLaCroix, Alice The Best Horse Ever
Holiday House 2010 74p 16.95
978-0-8234-2254-8 elem Horses -- Fiction. VG
“ When nine-year-old Abby gets her own horse, a bay named Griffin, she realizes that taking care of him could mean giving up almost everything else in her life.” Girls and boys who enjoy reading about horses will appreciate this new title by Alice DeLaCroix. Young readers will relate to Abby, a nine year-old girl who loves horses and takes riding lessons on a boy horse named Griffin. When Abby’s parents buy Abby this beautiful horse, she learns and demonstrates responsibility of taking good care of her horse. Abby takes pride in her new horse and concentrates all of her energy on him, forgetting about other important kid things, like maintaining a friendship and having other types of fun. Devon is Abby’s best friend and the two got into an argument over Griffin and the new kittens that Devon has at her house. Abby’s parents help her balance her life with her new horse and other important things. Through her parents encouragement, Abby apologizes to Devon and the two not only make-up, but learn to appreciate each other and the things that are important to them.
Nicely illustrated with pencil sketches in each chapter, this short chapter book will appeal to elementary readers who love horses. Animal stories Forba-Mayer, Charleen
Holiday House 2010 74p 16.95
978-0-8234-2254-8 elem Horses -- Fiction. VG
“ When nine-year-old Abby gets her own horse, a bay named Griffin, she realizes that taking care of him could mean giving up almost everything else in her life.” Girls and boys who enjoy reading about horses will appreciate this new title by Alice DeLaCroix. Young readers will relate to Abby, a nine year-old girl who loves horses and takes riding lessons on a boy horse named Griffin. When Abby’s parents buy Abby this beautiful horse, she learns and demonstrates responsibility of taking good care of her horse. Abby takes pride in her new horse and concentrates all of her energy on him, forgetting about other important kid things, like maintaining a friendship and having other types of fun. Devon is Abby’s best friend and the two got into an argument over Griffin and the new kittens that Devon has at her house. Abby’s parents help her balance her life with her new horse and other important things. Through her parents encouragement, Abby apologizes to Devon and the two not only make-up, but learn to appreciate each other and the things that are important to them.
Nicely illustrated with pencil sketches in each chapter, this short chapter book will appeal to elementary readers who love horses. Animal stories Forba-Mayer, Charleen
Adler, David. A Little At A Time
Adler, David A Little At A Time
Holiday House 2010 unp 16.95
978-0-8234-1739-1 elem Questions and answers -- Fiction. VG-BNe
“While enjoying a morning together, a little boy asks his grandfather a series of questions about how things got to be the way they are, such as tall trees, deep holes, and big dinosaurs in the museum they visit, but Grandpa's answer is always the same.” In this title, elementary students are presented with a Grandpa and his young grandson. As the two spend time together, they travel through the city and see trees, construction sites, tall buildings, litter on streets, smoke in the air, dinosaurs at a museum, and other places. The young grandson is very inquisitive and asks Grandpa a lot of questions. Grandpa takes his time and calmly answers each question with an explanation then follows it up with “a little at a time.” After hearing Grandpa’s responses, the young grandson begins to know how he is going to respond.
Beautifully illustrated with oil paintings, readers will see the characters in real form. Young readers will be able read the text since it is written in an easy-to-read fashion and grandpa’s responses are simply explained and repetitive. Readers will be able to relate their experiences with grandparents with the Grandpa and his grandson in this story. Realistic Fiction Forba-Mayer, Charleen
Holiday House 2010 unp 16.95
978-0-8234-1739-1 elem Questions and answers -- Fiction. VG-BNe
“While enjoying a morning together, a little boy asks his grandfather a series of questions about how things got to be the way they are, such as tall trees, deep holes, and big dinosaurs in the museum they visit, but Grandpa's answer is always the same.” In this title, elementary students are presented with a Grandpa and his young grandson. As the two spend time together, they travel through the city and see trees, construction sites, tall buildings, litter on streets, smoke in the air, dinosaurs at a museum, and other places. The young grandson is very inquisitive and asks Grandpa a lot of questions. Grandpa takes his time and calmly answers each question with an explanation then follows it up with “a little at a time.” After hearing Grandpa’s responses, the young grandson begins to know how he is going to respond.
Beautifully illustrated with oil paintings, readers will see the characters in real form. Young readers will be able read the text since it is written in an easy-to-read fashion and grandpa’s responses are simply explained and repetitive. Readers will be able to relate their experiences with grandparents with the Grandpa and his grandson in this story. Realistic Fiction Forba-Mayer, Charleen
Ellis, Deboah No Safe Place
Ellis, Deboah No Safe Place
Groundwood see Douglas McIntyre 2010 208p 16.95
978-0-88899-973-3 ms/hs victims of world tragedies escape their past E-BN
Three teenagers from different challenging backgrounds meet and fight tremendous odds to reach freedom! One is a survivor of the war in Iraq, another escapes the sordid world of prostitution and finally, the third overcomes childhood in Communist Russia. Teenagers will love this book! It’s got conflict throughout: man vs. nature in a battle with the English Channel, man vs. man with war and bullying, man vs. society with the actions of prejudice perpetrated against the 3 protagonists, and man vs. himself as all 3 characters fight for survival after the world persecuted them. Typical Americans cannot imagine the horrors of war and the depths of anguish that children feel who have been rocked by other life challenges. On the other hand, children will relate to the strength of the friendships which have been forged by the end of the book as well as to the passion that each of the protagonists brings to a new life. Three young teenagers all come from different parts of the world, take over a smuggler’s boat, survive the night only to be caught by Americans on a cabin cruiser, overpower the Americans and make it to England after fighting a storm. Ellis’s talent for establishing a very exciting plot line is eclipsed by the realities that she exposes to the reader. Abdul is the principal character, gutsy, motivated and resourceful. He needs to survive to place his gold necklace on Penny Lane in honor of his friend in Iraq who was beaten to death. Cheslav, the Russian trumpet player with a background as horrific as Abdul’s, fights him until the end when, in a quick reversal, shows up at Penny Lane and gives Abdul reason to live. Rosalie, the little gypsy, watchful and clever, escaped abuse at the hands of people who lived off the fruits of a young girl’s worth to men and landed in the smuggler’s boat with Cheslav and Abdul. Sometimes Ellis’s language is poetic, almost metaphorical; other times, it is fast-paced and action-packed. The author uses an old technique of flashback to tell the stories of the teenagers’ lives before they come together, but this approach works! The theme? War has atrocities, but so does survival. By working together, 3 teenagers survive. Realistic Fiction Squaresky, Martha
Groundwood see Douglas McIntyre 2010 208p 16.95
978-0-88899-973-3 ms/hs victims of world tragedies escape their past E-BN
Three teenagers from different challenging backgrounds meet and fight tremendous odds to reach freedom! One is a survivor of the war in Iraq, another escapes the sordid world of prostitution and finally, the third overcomes childhood in Communist Russia. Teenagers will love this book! It’s got conflict throughout: man vs. nature in a battle with the English Channel, man vs. man with war and bullying, man vs. society with the actions of prejudice perpetrated against the 3 protagonists, and man vs. himself as all 3 characters fight for survival after the world persecuted them. Typical Americans cannot imagine the horrors of war and the depths of anguish that children feel who have been rocked by other life challenges. On the other hand, children will relate to the strength of the friendships which have been forged by the end of the book as well as to the passion that each of the protagonists brings to a new life. Three young teenagers all come from different parts of the world, take over a smuggler’s boat, survive the night only to be caught by Americans on a cabin cruiser, overpower the Americans and make it to England after fighting a storm. Ellis’s talent for establishing a very exciting plot line is eclipsed by the realities that she exposes to the reader. Abdul is the principal character, gutsy, motivated and resourceful. He needs to survive to place his gold necklace on Penny Lane in honor of his friend in Iraq who was beaten to death. Cheslav, the Russian trumpet player with a background as horrific as Abdul’s, fights him until the end when, in a quick reversal, shows up at Penny Lane and gives Abdul reason to live. Rosalie, the little gypsy, watchful and clever, escaped abuse at the hands of people who lived off the fruits of a young girl’s worth to men and landed in the smuggler’s boat with Cheslav and Abdul. Sometimes Ellis’s language is poetic, almost metaphorical; other times, it is fast-paced and action-packed. The author uses an old technique of flashback to tell the stories of the teenagers’ lives before they come together, but this approach works! The theme? War has atrocities, but so does survival. By working together, 3 teenagers survive. Realistic Fiction Squaresky, Martha
Miller, Debra A.,editor Nuclear Energy
Miller, Debra A.,editor Nuclear Energy
Greenhaven Press see Gale/Cengage 2010 237p 27.50
978-0-7377-4918-2 ms/hs Nuclear Energy E-BN
Current Controversies#4 (Gale/Cengage)
A compilation of articles, the majority written in the last two years, present the pros and cons of using nuclear energy as a power source. Excellent index, organizations to contact and author credentials make this a first source for reports and debates. Gr 6+.
The history of nuclear energy is presented to start the book. Chapter overviews concerning the benefits/risks of nuclear energy, the safety of nuclear energy for humans and environment, the effect of nuclear energy on climate change, and the future of nuclear energy preface at least three articles on each side of the issues. The author’s credentials appear at the beginning of each article as does the original location of the article. Facts are used by each author regardless of which side is being supported. Once again Current Controversies provides an excellent overview of a complex topic that includes information to support persuasive research papers as well as debate teams. The annotated table of contents provide a quick glimpse of what each article includes. An excellent index as well as list of organizations to contact help the student researcher find needed information. A solid addition to any library. Primarily for middle and high school students. McNicol,Lois
Greenhaven Press see Gale/Cengage 2010 237p 27.50
978-0-7377-4918-2 ms/hs Nuclear Energy E-BN
Current Controversies#4 (Gale/Cengage)
A compilation of articles, the majority written in the last two years, present the pros and cons of using nuclear energy as a power source. Excellent index, organizations to contact and author credentials make this a first source for reports and debates. Gr 6+.
The history of nuclear energy is presented to start the book. Chapter overviews concerning the benefits/risks of nuclear energy, the safety of nuclear energy for humans and environment, the effect of nuclear energy on climate change, and the future of nuclear energy preface at least three articles on each side of the issues. The author’s credentials appear at the beginning of each article as does the original location of the article. Facts are used by each author regardless of which side is being supported. Once again Current Controversies provides an excellent overview of a complex topic that includes information to support persuasive research papers as well as debate teams. The annotated table of contents provide a quick glimpse of what each article includes. An excellent index as well as list of organizations to contact help the student researcher find needed information. A solid addition to any library. Primarily for middle and high school students. McNicol,Lois
Durst, Claudia, book editor Social & Psychological Disorder in the Works of Edgar Allan Poe
Durst, Claudia, book editor Social & Psychological Disorder in the Works of Edgar Allan Poe
Greenhaven Press see Gale/Cengage 2010 163p 26.50
978-0-7377-5017-1 hs Poe, Edgar Allen - Criticism E-BN
Social Issues in Literature(Gale)
Comprised of eighteen articles that detail the life of Edgar Allan Poe and how his own mental illness and life events factored into his writing. An excellent addition to literary criticism especially the connection to social issues of the times. Grades 8-12. The editor pulls together eighteen articles from books and journals that tell the life of Edgar Allan Poe, his own struggles with forming close bonds to people, his mother and wife’s premature deaths and his struggle with mental illness and how those events were reflected in his writing. Each article is prefaced with a lengthy annotation, author’s credentials, and source of the writing. The only concern is that quotes within the articles are not sourced since the articles are lifted from a larger work. The student would have to go back to the original work to view the article’s bibliography. An annotated table of contents provides a quick reference point for the student researcher. The well indexed book leads students to critical analysis of many of Poe’s poems and short stories. Character names appear in the index as well as themes that span more than two of his writings. This is a first place to start research concerning Poe’s semi-autobiographical writings and his struggle to be accepted by the larger community. Once again the Social Issues in Literature series has done an outstanding job of relating pieces of writing to current social and psychological issues such as the insanity defense, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses. Grades 8-12. McNicol,Lois
Greenhaven Press see Gale/Cengage 2010 163p 26.50
978-0-7377-5017-1 hs Poe, Edgar Allen - Criticism E-BN
Social Issues in Literature(Gale)
Comprised of eighteen articles that detail the life of Edgar Allan Poe and how his own mental illness and life events factored into his writing. An excellent addition to literary criticism especially the connection to social issues of the times. Grades 8-12. The editor pulls together eighteen articles from books and journals that tell the life of Edgar Allan Poe, his own struggles with forming close bonds to people, his mother and wife’s premature deaths and his struggle with mental illness and how those events were reflected in his writing. Each article is prefaced with a lengthy annotation, author’s credentials, and source of the writing. The only concern is that quotes within the articles are not sourced since the articles are lifted from a larger work. The student would have to go back to the original work to view the article’s bibliography. An annotated table of contents provides a quick reference point for the student researcher. The well indexed book leads students to critical analysis of many of Poe’s poems and short stories. Character names appear in the index as well as themes that span more than two of his writings. This is a first place to start research concerning Poe’s semi-autobiographical writings and his struggle to be accepted by the larger community. Once again the Social Issues in Literature series has done an outstanding job of relating pieces of writing to current social and psychological issues such as the insanity defense, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses. Grades 8-12. McNicol,Lois
Rutkoski, Marie. The Celestial Globe
Rutkoski, Marie The Celestial Globe
Farrar Strauss see macmillan children's pub group 2010 296 16.99 978-0374-31027-1 hs Magic-Fiction; Romanies - Fiction; Fantasy VG-BN Kronos Chronicles: Book II
Petra and her friends face Prince Rodolfo of Bohemia, who will do anything to possess the Celestial Globe, a powerful magical object. In “The Celestial Globe,” readers quickly derive the back story to “The Cabinet of Wonders,” (the first book in the Kronos Chronicles), from context. In a well-balanced mix of history and fantasy, Rukoski (who studied English Renaissance literature at Harvard) has the infamous and mysterious John Dee rescue Petra from Prince Rudolfo of Prague to provide her with sanctuary and training (for her unique psi abilities) in Elizabethan England.
Petra evolves into a more mature character under Dee’s tutelage -- and with the addition of a love-interest, her fencing master. Sparks fly between Petra’s earlier companions, Tomik (a glassmaker), and Neel (a gypsy/pirate) who team up to rescue her. Astrophil, Petra’s talking mechanical spider, is an interesting character (a well-read arachnid).
But the focus of the story is the mystery of the Celestial Globe, which is the key to portals throughout the world. The user steps across a threshold into another country, saving enormous quantities of travel time. Combined with the element of surprise and an aggressive sovereign, the Globe could also serve as a powerful weapon of war.
The characters race to decipher clues and capture the Globe. Murder, Court intrigues, spy-masters, and nefarious characters abound. Petra’s faith and trust are tested over and over. As she comes closer to solving the mystery, she wonders if there is any one she can trust?
Fantasy Welliver(3), Hilary
Farrar Strauss see macmillan children's pub group 2010 296 16.99 978-0374-31027-1 hs Magic-Fiction; Romanies - Fiction; Fantasy VG-BN Kronos Chronicles: Book II
Petra and her friends face Prince Rodolfo of Bohemia, who will do anything to possess the Celestial Globe, a powerful magical object. In “The Celestial Globe,” readers quickly derive the back story to “The Cabinet of Wonders,” (the first book in the Kronos Chronicles), from context. In a well-balanced mix of history and fantasy, Rukoski (who studied English Renaissance literature at Harvard) has the infamous and mysterious John Dee rescue Petra from Prince Rudolfo of Prague to provide her with sanctuary and training (for her unique psi abilities) in Elizabethan England.
Petra evolves into a more mature character under Dee’s tutelage -- and with the addition of a love-interest, her fencing master. Sparks fly between Petra’s earlier companions, Tomik (a glassmaker), and Neel (a gypsy/pirate) who team up to rescue her. Astrophil, Petra’s talking mechanical spider, is an interesting character (a well-read arachnid).
But the focus of the story is the mystery of the Celestial Globe, which is the key to portals throughout the world. The user steps across a threshold into another country, saving enormous quantities of travel time. Combined with the element of surprise and an aggressive sovereign, the Globe could also serve as a powerful weapon of war.
The characters race to decipher clues and capture the Globe. Murder, Court intrigues, spy-masters, and nefarious characters abound. Petra’s faith and trust are tested over and over. As she comes closer to solving the mystery, she wonders if there is any one she can trust?
Fantasy Welliver(3), Hilary
Thompson, Paul B. The Devil’s Door
Thompson, Paul B. The Devil’s Door: A Salem Witchcraft Story
Enslow 2010 160p 27.93
978-0-7660-3387-0 ms/jr Witchcraft VG-BN
Historical Fiction Adventures(Enslow)
Sarah Wright and her father move to Salem Village, Massachusetts in 1692 during the witchcraft hysteria.Sarah and her father escape from an attack from the Wabanaki Indians after they kill Sarah’s mother and brother. Ephraim Wright and his daughter land in Glouster and set off for a place to live. In time they hear of some possibilities in Salem Village. Times are tough in the area, but Ephraim is willing to work for room and board. He found work at the home of Goody and Dr Griggs. He was to build the new addition on the doctor’s house.
Sarah tried to fit with the household. The Griggs’ indentured servant, Betty, had other ideas. Betty was friendly with some other girls in the community. These girls started having spells and declaring members of the community to be witches. Before long the community was in a state of hysteria with the girls constantly denouncing members of the community as witches. At one point Sarah’s father was arrest as a witch because he refused to work as a sheriff unless he was paid in real coinage.
In this book it is easy for the readers to see how hysteria spreads widely without discretion in such situations. Sarah’s thoughts and feelings give the readers an understanding of what it was like to live in such a trying time in history.
The author included the facts concerning the real history of the time period for comparison. Also included were bibliographies and websites for further information.
Historical McNeil, Linda
Enslow 2010 160p 27.93
978-0-7660-3387-0 ms/jr Witchcraft VG-BN
Historical Fiction Adventures(Enslow)
Sarah Wright and her father move to Salem Village, Massachusetts in 1692 during the witchcraft hysteria.Sarah and her father escape from an attack from the Wabanaki Indians after they kill Sarah’s mother and brother. Ephraim Wright and his daughter land in Glouster and set off for a place to live. In time they hear of some possibilities in Salem Village. Times are tough in the area, but Ephraim is willing to work for room and board. He found work at the home of Goody and Dr Griggs. He was to build the new addition on the doctor’s house.
Sarah tried to fit with the household. The Griggs’ indentured servant, Betty, had other ideas. Betty was friendly with some other girls in the community. These girls started having spells and declaring members of the community to be witches. Before long the community was in a state of hysteria with the girls constantly denouncing members of the community as witches. At one point Sarah’s father was arrest as a witch because he refused to work as a sheriff unless he was paid in real coinage.
In this book it is easy for the readers to see how hysteria spreads widely without discretion in such situations. Sarah’s thoughts and feelings give the readers an understanding of what it was like to live in such a trying time in history.
The author included the facts concerning the real history of the time period for comparison. Also included were bibliographies and websites for further information.
Historical McNeil, Linda
Thompson, Paul B. Billy the Kid
Thompson, Paul B. Billy the Kid
Enslow 2010 128p 31.93
978-0-7660-3480-8 ms/hs Billy the Kid VG-BNS
Americans-Spirit of a Nation(Enslow)
The story of Billy the Kid from his birth in New York City to his death at the age of 21, and the mythology that has grown up around him. This is the definitive Billy the Kid biography for young people. In (sometimes excruciating) detail, there are descriptions of all the battles in which he was involved, all of the people who he regarded as comrades and as enemies, and everything that is known about his short but adventurous life. Of particular interest is the cult that grew up around him, especially after his death, and the books, music and movies that grew out of his story in the 20th century.
The timeline, glossary, notes and references for further research are all well done.
Kennedy, Carol
Enslow 2010 128p 31.93
978-0-7660-3480-8 ms/hs Billy the Kid VG-BNS
Americans-Spirit of a Nation(Enslow)
The story of Billy the Kid from his birth in New York City to his death at the age of 21, and the mythology that has grown up around him. This is the definitive Billy the Kid biography for young people. In (sometimes excruciating) detail, there are descriptions of all the battles in which he was involved, all of the people who he regarded as comrades and as enemies, and everything that is known about his short but adventurous life. Of particular interest is the cult that grew up around him, especially after his death, and the books, music and movies that grew out of his story in the 20th century.
The timeline, glossary, notes and references for further research are all well done.
Kennedy, Carol
Silverstein. Snot, Poop, Vomit, and More
Silverstein, Alvin & Virginia, Laura S. Nunn Snot, Poop, Vomit, and More
Enslow 2010 48p 23.93
978-0-7660-3318-4 elem Hazardous occupations VG-BNe Yucky Science (Enslow)
While Discovery Channel has “Dirty Jobs,” the Silversteins have given young readers their own version in a great book about yucky jobs. Beginning with a brief introduction to this world of grossness, they describe unpleasant but important occupations. These range from odor testers to pig farmers, sewer workers to zoo cage cleaners, chimney sweeps to roofers, snake-milkers, and crime scene cleaners. Each occupation is explained in fascinating detail in clear, simple, and age-appropriate language. The text is enhanced by colorful illustrations and photographs and sidebar information. The book ends with a glossary, a bibliography of books and web sites, and an index. Ogintz, Susan
Enslow 2010 48p 23.93
978-0-7660-3318-4 elem Hazardous occupations VG-BNe Yucky Science (Enslow)
While Discovery Channel has “Dirty Jobs,” the Silversteins have given young readers their own version in a great book about yucky jobs. Beginning with a brief introduction to this world of grossness, they describe unpleasant but important occupations. These range from odor testers to pig farmers, sewer workers to zoo cage cleaners, chimney sweeps to roofers, snake-milkers, and crime scene cleaners. Each occupation is explained in fascinating detail in clear, simple, and age-appropriate language. The text is enhanced by colorful illustrations and photographs and sidebar information. The book ends with a glossary, a bibliography of books and web sites, and an index. Ogintz, Susan
Pryor, Bonnie The Iron Dragon:
Pryor, Bonnie The Iron Dragon: The Courageous Story of Lee Chin
Enslow 2010 160p 27.93
978-0766033894 elem E-BNe Historical Fiction Adventures(Enslow)
A young Chinese immigrant comes to work on the railroad. He learns to stand up for himself, defy his father, and pursue his desires to learn English and become an artist.
Set during construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.
After several years of famine in China, Le Chin accompanies his father to America to help build the Transcontinental Railroad. As a younger son, Le Chin constantly disappoints his father who wants him to save money and return to China to be a farmer. Le Chin wants to be an artist and sees the advantages in learning as much as possible about America and Americans. He makes friends in the railroad camp, saves the son of a financier of the project, and saves his money to buy back his sister who was sold to pay for the boat passage. Through the Americans he befriends, his sister is rescued and joins him in America. They witness the laying of the Golden Spike.
Through the story we learn about life in the railroad camps, construction methods of the time, Chinese customs, and early photography. The story is followed by historical information which formed the background to the story. A fairly large list of additional books for more information on the topic is included, as well as some web sites.
Excellent both as historical fiction and for the background information on the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Historical Theal, Joan
Enslow 2010 160p 27.93
978-0766033894 elem E-BNe Historical Fiction Adventures(Enslow)
A young Chinese immigrant comes to work on the railroad. He learns to stand up for himself, defy his father, and pursue his desires to learn English and become an artist.
Set during construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.
After several years of famine in China, Le Chin accompanies his father to America to help build the Transcontinental Railroad. As a younger son, Le Chin constantly disappoints his father who wants him to save money and return to China to be a farmer. Le Chin wants to be an artist and sees the advantages in learning as much as possible about America and Americans. He makes friends in the railroad camp, saves the son of a financier of the project, and saves his money to buy back his sister who was sold to pay for the boat passage. Through the Americans he befriends, his sister is rescued and joins him in America. They witness the laying of the Golden Spike.
Through the story we learn about life in the railroad camps, construction methods of the time, Chinese customs, and early photography. The story is followed by historical information which formed the background to the story. A fairly large list of additional books for more information on the topic is included, as well as some web sites.
Excellent both as historical fiction and for the background information on the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Historical Theal, Joan
Pryor, Bonnie. Simon’s Escape: A Story of the Holocaust
Pryor, Bonnie Simon’s Escape: A Story of the Holocaust
Enslow 2010 160p 27.93
978-0-7660-3388-7 elm/ms Holocaust VG Historical Fiction Adventures(Enslow)
This historical novel tells the story of a young Jewish boy in the Warsaw of 1939.
By the time that World War II had ended, six million Jews had been murdered at the hands of Nazi Germany. In many areas, the Nazis had the help of the local population. This novel tells the story of a young Jewish boy in the Warsaw of 1939. Until then, Simon has always led a good life. Raised by secular parents, he does well enough in school and is always the first picked for soccer games. His family is well off and everything is rosy until the Nazi invasion. When Poland surrenders, their Jewish population is systematically confined to smaller and smaller areas of Warsaw and given less and less sustenance. To help his family, the boy joins a group of smugglers that deliver food throughout the ghetto to those who still had funds. As time passes, the Germans systematically murder Simon’s family and the rest of the Jews. Simon escapes during the ghetto uprising and makes his way to the forests to join the partisans.
This is engaging, suspenseful, well-written historical fiction with interesting characters and a well paced plot. Based on the actual events, the book would be a good way to introduce younger children to the horrors of the Holocaust. the book ends with a chapter that explains the “real history behind the story” and includes a small map of the ghettos and bibliography of books and Internet addresses.
Historical Ogintz, Susan
Enslow 2010 160p 27.93
978-0-7660-3388-7 elm/ms Holocaust VG Historical Fiction Adventures(Enslow)
This historical novel tells the story of a young Jewish boy in the Warsaw of 1939.
By the time that World War II had ended, six million Jews had been murdered at the hands of Nazi Germany. In many areas, the Nazis had the help of the local population. This novel tells the story of a young Jewish boy in the Warsaw of 1939. Until then, Simon has always led a good life. Raised by secular parents, he does well enough in school and is always the first picked for soccer games. His family is well off and everything is rosy until the Nazi invasion. When Poland surrenders, their Jewish population is systematically confined to smaller and smaller areas of Warsaw and given less and less sustenance. To help his family, the boy joins a group of smugglers that deliver food throughout the ghetto to those who still had funds. As time passes, the Germans systematically murder Simon’s family and the rest of the Jews. Simon escapes during the ghetto uprising and makes his way to the forests to join the partisans.
This is engaging, suspenseful, well-written historical fiction with interesting characters and a well paced plot. Based on the actual events, the book would be a good way to introduce younger children to the horrors of the Holocaust. the book ends with a chapter that explains the “real history behind the story” and includes a small map of the ghettos and bibliography of books and Internet addresses.
Historical Ogintz, Susan
Miller, Mara Remembering September 11, 2001:
Miller, Mara Remembering September 11, 2001: What We Know Now
Enslow 2010 112p 31.93
978-0-7660-2931-6 ms/jr September 11; Terroristic Attacks; Terrorism VG-BNS Issues in Focus Today(Enslow)
Re-visits the events of the terrorist hijackings of four U.S. airplanes on September 11, 2001, and places these in historical context.
A generation of children has been born since the World Trade Center Towers and the Pentagon were destroyed, and Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania. Nearly ten years have passed since “9/11,” but America is still reacting to the events of that day. In the immediate aftermath, a spate of juvenile books were immediately released, and then most of the publishing world moved on. Mara Miller revisits the events of the terrorist hijackings of four U.S. airplanes on September 11, 2001, and offers a fresh perspective on the tragic events while placing them in historical context.
Miller describes rescue efforts at the Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon, as well as passengers’ attempts to wrest a plane from hijackers over a field in Pennsylvania. She creates immediacy and personalizes history by including first-person narratives and stories that may not have been previously published.
A description of key historical events in the Middle East provides a context for the anti-U.S., sentiment present in the Middle East foreshadowing violent retaliation. Included is a biography of Osama bin Laden and the events in his life that prompted him to initiate the 9/11 attacks. The resulting “War on Terror,” continues through the present day, although the author does not focus on it. She directs her energy into explaining that what was clear after the attack was not clear beforehand. After the attack, Americans wanted answers.
Miller describes the efforts of the 9/11 Commission to search out the truth, its findings and the recommendations that came out of these reports to prevent similar attacks from happening in the future. In the meantime, people found ways to honor the dead and move toward healing. Photographs of memorials and descriptions of commemorative services provide testimony to the continuing impact of a single day in history.
Dramatic photographs, chapter notes, timeline , index, and glossary round out a well-researched, engaging text. Welliver, Hilary
Enslow 2010 112p 31.93
978-0-7660-2931-6 ms/jr September 11; Terroristic Attacks; Terrorism VG-BNS Issues in Focus Today(Enslow)
Re-visits the events of the terrorist hijackings of four U.S. airplanes on September 11, 2001, and places these in historical context.
A generation of children has been born since the World Trade Center Towers and the Pentagon were destroyed, and Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania. Nearly ten years have passed since “9/11,” but America is still reacting to the events of that day. In the immediate aftermath, a spate of juvenile books were immediately released, and then most of the publishing world moved on. Mara Miller revisits the events of the terrorist hijackings of four U.S. airplanes on September 11, 2001, and offers a fresh perspective on the tragic events while placing them in historical context.
Miller describes rescue efforts at the Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon, as well as passengers’ attempts to wrest a plane from hijackers over a field in Pennsylvania. She creates immediacy and personalizes history by including first-person narratives and stories that may not have been previously published.
A description of key historical events in the Middle East provides a context for the anti-U.S., sentiment present in the Middle East foreshadowing violent retaliation. Included is a biography of Osama bin Laden and the events in his life that prompted him to initiate the 9/11 attacks. The resulting “War on Terror,” continues through the present day, although the author does not focus on it. She directs her energy into explaining that what was clear after the attack was not clear beforehand. After the attack, Americans wanted answers.
Miller describes the efforts of the 9/11 Commission to search out the truth, its findings and the recommendations that came out of these reports to prevent similar attacks from happening in the future. In the meantime, people found ways to honor the dead and move toward healing. Photographs of memorials and descriptions of commemorative services provide testimony to the continuing impact of a single day in history.
Dramatic photographs, chapter notes, timeline , index, and glossary round out a well-researched, engaging text. Welliver, Hilary
Landau, Elaine. Harp Seals
Landau, Elaine Harp Seals
Enslow 2010 32p 22.60
978-0-7660-3460-0 elem Harp Seals E-BNes
Animals of the Snow and Ice (Enslow)
This title details the life of harp seals. It gives their life cycle, how they move, what they eat, where they live, habitat, adaptations, and threats to their survival.
Packed with information in a few pages, this title details the life of harp seals. It tells how they move, what they eat, where they live, adaptations, and threats to their survival. It is a very complete look at harp seals.
Each section features a full page gorgeous photograph and facing page of text. A small number of vocabulary words are introduced at the beginning of the text and highlighted in the body. Unfortunately the highlighting does not stand out well from the text. There is a list of books and web sites for further information. Both are very age appropriate, current and recognized authorities such as National Geographic. A simple index is also present. The sources of all photographs are credited..
This is an excellent resource for elementary schools. Theal, Joan
Enslow 2010 32p 22.60
978-0-7660-3460-0 elem Harp Seals E-BNes
Animals of the Snow and Ice (Enslow)
This title details the life of harp seals. It gives their life cycle, how they move, what they eat, where they live, habitat, adaptations, and threats to their survival.
Packed with information in a few pages, this title details the life of harp seals. It tells how they move, what they eat, where they live, adaptations, and threats to their survival. It is a very complete look at harp seals.
Each section features a full page gorgeous photograph and facing page of text. A small number of vocabulary words are introduced at the beginning of the text and highlighted in the body. Unfortunately the highlighting does not stand out well from the text. There is a list of books and web sites for further information. Both are very age appropriate, current and recognized authorities such as National Geographic. A simple index is also present. The sources of all photographs are credited..
This is an excellent resource for elementary schools. Theal, Joan
Jones, Jen. Oprah Winfrey
Jones, Jen. Oprah Winfrey
Enslow 2010 128p 31.93
978-0-7660-3406-8 ms/hs Winfrey, Oprah VG-BNS Celebrities with Heart(Enslow)
A biography of American media personality Oprah Winfrey that discusses her childhood, early television career, popular show, charitable work, and other related topics.
In a recent poll nominating the greatest Americans, Oprah Winfrey was named to a top ten spot. After reading Jones’ biography of the vivacious talk show host and philanthropist, it is easy to see why. Winfrey triumphed over poverty and child abuse to rise to the pinnacle of success in her career. With that success came the largess and philanthropy for which she is widely known and admired. Jones traces Winfrey’s life from her birth and her misspelled first name to Winfrey’s decision to end her show in 2011, and everything Oprah in between. The astounding success of her talk show enabled her to establish Oprah’s Angel Network and to fund schools in Africa. She has used her show to promote literature and has launched the careers of well known personalities who first guested on her show. While the primary focus is on Winfrey’s successes and influence, Jones also covers the low points in Winfrey’s career such as the scandal surrounding her school in Africa and lawsuit brought against her by the beef industry. The conversational style makes for an entertaining read and photographs add to the text. A chronology is included as are detailed chapter notes, information for further research and an index. Zajko, Rosanne
Enslow 2010 128p 31.93
978-0-7660-3406-8 ms/hs Winfrey, Oprah VG-BNS Celebrities with Heart(Enslow)
A biography of American media personality Oprah Winfrey that discusses her childhood, early television career, popular show, charitable work, and other related topics.
In a recent poll nominating the greatest Americans, Oprah Winfrey was named to a top ten spot. After reading Jones’ biography of the vivacious talk show host and philanthropist, it is easy to see why. Winfrey triumphed over poverty and child abuse to rise to the pinnacle of success in her career. With that success came the largess and philanthropy for which she is widely known and admired. Jones traces Winfrey’s life from her birth and her misspelled first name to Winfrey’s decision to end her show in 2011, and everything Oprah in between. The astounding success of her talk show enabled her to establish Oprah’s Angel Network and to fund schools in Africa. She has used her show to promote literature and has launched the careers of well known personalities who first guested on her show. While the primary focus is on Winfrey’s successes and influence, Jones also covers the low points in Winfrey’s career such as the scandal surrounding her school in Africa and lawsuit brought against her by the beef industry. The conversational style makes for an entertaining read and photographs add to the text. A chronology is included as are detailed chapter notes, information for further research and an index. Zajko, Rosanne
Goodstein, Madeline Plastics and Polymers Science Fair Projects, Revised and Expanded Using the Scientific Method
Goodstein, Madeline Plastics and Polymers Science Fair Projects, Revised and Expanded Using the Scientific Method
Enslow 2010 160p 34.60
978-0-7660-3412-9 ms/hs Chemistry science experiments VG-BNS
Chemistry Science Projects Using Scientific Method(Enslow)
In this updated and revised edition that includes use of the scientific method,, the author provides information on choosing and planning a science experiment using ordinary plastics.
In this updated and revised edition, the author provides information on choosing and planning a science experiment using ordinary plastics. The book starts with an in-depth discussion of the scientific method and how it should be applied to experiments and projects and how proper usage will improve entries in science fairs. She describes how long chains of polymers are composed of single monomers and how plastics are formed from these polymers by showing sample models of these polymers. She then discusses how to set up experiments that may be used later for a science fair project. These experiments discuss the different properties of polymers and how they affect the finished plastics, how to test plastics for identification, and different projects that measure stretch, heat resistance, shrink-wraps, and hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers. Basic knowledge of plastics and polymers increase as each experiment is completed.
The material is very clearly explained, with suggestions on how to get started, how to choose the proper type of project, what supplies are needed to fulfill the requirements necessary to do correct research, and what materials to use to present the project. The author offers a clear description of scientific method and how to use it correctly to support the research. She considers safety aspects and is very clear about the necessity for careful work. The book contains very clear diagrams of experiments, illustrations, charts, graphs, and tables. It has an excellent glossary with clear explanations of the scientific terms. It has an index, and a bibliography of books for further reading and Internet resources. Ogintz, Susan
Enslow 2010 160p 34.60
978-0-7660-3412-9 ms/hs Chemistry science experiments VG-BNS
Chemistry Science Projects Using Scientific Method(Enslow)
In this updated and revised edition that includes use of the scientific method,, the author provides information on choosing and planning a science experiment using ordinary plastics.
In this updated and revised edition, the author provides information on choosing and planning a science experiment using ordinary plastics. The book starts with an in-depth discussion of the scientific method and how it should be applied to experiments and projects and how proper usage will improve entries in science fairs. She describes how long chains of polymers are composed of single monomers and how plastics are formed from these polymers by showing sample models of these polymers. She then discusses how to set up experiments that may be used later for a science fair project. These experiments discuss the different properties of polymers and how they affect the finished plastics, how to test plastics for identification, and different projects that measure stretch, heat resistance, shrink-wraps, and hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers. Basic knowledge of plastics and polymers increase as each experiment is completed.
The material is very clearly explained, with suggestions on how to get started, how to choose the proper type of project, what supplies are needed to fulfill the requirements necessary to do correct research, and what materials to use to present the project. The author offers a clear description of scientific method and how to use it correctly to support the research. She considers safety aspects and is very clear about the necessity for careful work. The book contains very clear diagrams of experiments, illustrations, charts, graphs, and tables. It has an excellent glossary with clear explanations of the scientific terms. It has an index, and a bibliography of books for further reading and Internet resources. Ogintz, Susan
Feinstein, Stephen Solving air Pollution Problem
Feinstein, Stephen Solving air Pollution Problem
Enslow 2010 112p 31.93
978-0-7660-3347-4 VG-BNS Green Issues in Focus (Enslow)
This title presents the challenges and possible solutions for the environmental problem of air pollution. Well organized and informative with elucidating photographs and sidebars, this book includes a list of organizations to contact, chapter notes, glossary, bibliography of books and Internet addresses, and an index.
It is well organized and informative, with chapters that explore particulars about the Earth’s atmosphere, the history of air pollution, the link to global warming, the effects of indoor air quality, the connection to automobile emissions, the affect on public health, and potential ways to resolve the problem. The author develops the topic in a comprehensible manner for middle and high school readers. Color photographs elucidate the text and are placed appropriately on the pages. Sidebars provide additional facts and are not disruptive to the flow of the text. The format includes a list of organizations to contact (by phone or snail mail only,there are no web sites offered here) for further information, chapter notes, a glossary, a list of books for further information, a list of Internet addresses to explore additional sources, and an index. Readers are encouraged to think critically about air pollution and the ways they can resolve this problem that has global and personal consequences. This book would be a very good selection for middle school libraries and high school libraries looking for high interest material. It will be a very good and usefull source for student research and projects. The title is recommended Tristate Books of Note 2011 series. Weinraub, Tina
Enslow 2010 112p 31.93
978-0-7660-3347-4 VG-BNS Green Issues in Focus (Enslow)
This title presents the challenges and possible solutions for the environmental problem of air pollution. Well organized and informative with elucidating photographs and sidebars, this book includes a list of organizations to contact, chapter notes, glossary, bibliography of books and Internet addresses, and an index.
It is well organized and informative, with chapters that explore particulars about the Earth’s atmosphere, the history of air pollution, the link to global warming, the effects of indoor air quality, the connection to automobile emissions, the affect on public health, and potential ways to resolve the problem. The author develops the topic in a comprehensible manner for middle and high school readers. Color photographs elucidate the text and are placed appropriately on the pages. Sidebars provide additional facts and are not disruptive to the flow of the text. The format includes a list of organizations to contact (by phone or snail mail only,there are no web sites offered here) for further information, chapter notes, a glossary, a list of books for further information, a list of Internet addresses to explore additional sources, and an index. Readers are encouraged to think critically about air pollution and the ways they can resolve this problem that has global and personal consequences. This book would be a very good selection for middle school libraries and high school libraries looking for high interest material. It will be a very good and usefull source for student research and projects. The title is recommended Tristate Books of Note 2011 series. Weinraub, Tina
Bozzo, Linda Guide Dogs Heroes
Bozzo, Linda Guide Dogs Heroes
Enslow 2010 48p 23.93
978-0-7660-31982 elem Guide dogs E-BNes Amazing Working Dogs w/Amer.Humane(Enslow)
Beginning with the true story of Panzy, a guide dog, the text then explains the history of guide dogs and the training methods used to transform an ordinary dog into a canine hero.
This is the story of dogs trained to guide blind persons. Personalizing the topic, the reader first meets Izzy and his dog Panzy. He explains how he got Panzy and the difference she has made in his life. The text then moves to the history of guide dogs and the establishment of The Seeing Eye. Which breeds make good guide dogs is explained and their training from puppy raisers through training with their eventual owners. The text explains how a guide dog goes everywhere the owner goes and what happens when a dog retires. The conclusion is that guide dogs are heroes because they give freedom to blind men and women.
There is a simple glossary, list of resources and index, adequate for level of the intended audience. Excellent photography enhances the text.
Very highly recommended for elementary school libraries. Theal, Joan
Enslow 2010 48p 23.93
978-0-7660-31982 elem Guide dogs E-BNes Amazing Working Dogs w/Amer.Humane(Enslow)
Beginning with the true story of Panzy, a guide dog, the text then explains the history of guide dogs and the training methods used to transform an ordinary dog into a canine hero.
This is the story of dogs trained to guide blind persons. Personalizing the topic, the reader first meets Izzy and his dog Panzy. He explains how he got Panzy and the difference she has made in his life. The text then moves to the history of guide dogs and the establishment of The Seeing Eye. Which breeds make good guide dogs is explained and their training from puppy raisers through training with their eventual owners. The text explains how a guide dog goes everywhere the owner goes and what happens when a dog retires. The conclusion is that guide dogs are heroes because they give freedom to blind men and women.
There is a simple glossary, list of resources and index, adequate for level of the intended audience. Excellent photography enhances the text.
Very highly recommended for elementary school libraries. Theal, Joan
Moses, Kate. Cakewalk
Moses, Kate Cakewalk
Dial see Random 2010 351p 26.00
978-0-385-34298-8 hs/adult VG
Moses’ memoir depicts a childhood in a dysfunctional family that was a recipe for disaster. However, at the end of each chapter she includes a sweet recipe culled from the bright spots in her life. A fascinating tale of heartbreak and cravings that attests to the strength of the human soul.
Her mother, a fun person when the children (two younger brothers) were young becomes neglectful as they get older; her father is straight laced and increasingly verbally abusive. Her family moves across the country from California to Pennsylvania and then to Alaska. Moses gets through the worst times that includes lack of friends, loss of parental care, and lack of self esteem, via her love of junk food that eventually expands to encompass learning to bake gourmet fare as she matures. When Moses leaves home to attend college in California, she comes to learn that she loves literature and is a gifted writer. Her view of herself changes as she goes out into the world, away from her family and sees that she is a valuable being. She continues to struggle when her new husband abandons her and the new baby but the strength she gained through her past tribulations allows her to heal and love her family. At the end of each chapter, Moses includes a sugary recipe culled from the bright spots in her life. This is a fascinating tale of heartbreak and sweet cravings that attests to the strength of the human soul. Funny, literate, honest, and very delicious. Recommended for high school libraries. Weinraub, Tina
Dial see Random 2010 351p 26.00
978-0-385-34298-8 hs/adult VG
Moses’ memoir depicts a childhood in a dysfunctional family that was a recipe for disaster. However, at the end of each chapter she includes a sweet recipe culled from the bright spots in her life. A fascinating tale of heartbreak and cravings that attests to the strength of the human soul.
Her mother, a fun person when the children (two younger brothers) were young becomes neglectful as they get older; her father is straight laced and increasingly verbally abusive. Her family moves across the country from California to Pennsylvania and then to Alaska. Moses gets through the worst times that includes lack of friends, loss of parental care, and lack of self esteem, via her love of junk food that eventually expands to encompass learning to bake gourmet fare as she matures. When Moses leaves home to attend college in California, she comes to learn that she loves literature and is a gifted writer. Her view of herself changes as she goes out into the world, away from her family and sees that she is a valuable being. She continues to struggle when her new husband abandons her and the new baby but the strength she gained through her past tribulations allows her to heal and love her family. At the end of each chapter, Moses includes a sugary recipe culled from the bright spots in her life. This is a fascinating tale of heartbreak and sweet cravings that attests to the strength of the human soul. Funny, literate, honest, and very delicious. Recommended for high school libraries. Weinraub, Tina
Grant, Helen The Vanishing of Katherine Linden
Grant, Helen The Vanishing of Katherine Linden
Delacorte see Random 2009 287p 24.00
978-0-385-34417-3 hs/adult Missing children, horror thriller VG
Pia becomes an outcast when her grandmother “explodes,” overshadowing the sudden disappearance of first Katharina Linden, and the other children in the small German village of Bad Münstereifel, which Pia begins to investigate.
A rare delight of a first novel that will appeal to both adult and young adult audiences. The characterization is outstanding, the writing lyrical, yet dark and forboding. Touches of supernatural glint on the edges of the narrative and the mystery is challenging and first rate. That the protagonist, Pia, is only 10 has no bearing on the enjoyment of the story by many age groups. In many ways, this is reminiscent of Flavia de Luce, Alan Bradley’s dauntless 11-year-old sleuth (The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, 2009 and The Weed that Strings the Hangman’s Bag, 2010). Quirky, many-layered and a mystery readers will not want to put down, from the grandmother’s spontaneous combustion at the beginning of the book until the truly scary ending. The light tone of the narration belies the frightening and sinister character of the story. Not for younger readers, but satisfying and engaging for older ones. A delightful horror story.
This novel had just been selected for the 2011 Alex Award. Mystery/Detective Naismith, Pat
Delacorte see Random 2009 287p 24.00
978-0-385-34417-3 hs/adult Missing children, horror thriller VG
Pia becomes an outcast when her grandmother “explodes,” overshadowing the sudden disappearance of first Katharina Linden, and the other children in the small German village of Bad Münstereifel, which Pia begins to investigate.
A rare delight of a first novel that will appeal to both adult and young adult audiences. The characterization is outstanding, the writing lyrical, yet dark and forboding. Touches of supernatural glint on the edges of the narrative and the mystery is challenging and first rate. That the protagonist, Pia, is only 10 has no bearing on the enjoyment of the story by many age groups. In many ways, this is reminiscent of Flavia de Luce, Alan Bradley’s dauntless 11-year-old sleuth (The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, 2009 and The Weed that Strings the Hangman’s Bag, 2010). Quirky, many-layered and a mystery readers will not want to put down, from the grandmother’s spontaneous combustion at the beginning of the book until the truly scary ending. The light tone of the narration belies the frightening and sinister character of the story. Not for younger readers, but satisfying and engaging for older ones. A delightful horror story.
This novel had just been selected for the 2011 Alex Award. Mystery/Detective Naismith, Pat
Lockpez, Inverna Cuba: My Revolution
Lockpez, Inverna Cuba: My Revolution
DC Comics see Random-Vertigo 2010 unp 24.99
9781401222178 hs/adult Cuba - Revolution - life E-BN
Sonya was 17 living Cuba and it was December 31,1958. She was getting ready to bring in the new year and celebrate. She was also watchful, Fidel Castro was fighting the corrupt government and at this point was hiding in the mountains waiting to overthrow the government. To Sonya this meant her country would be free of TYRANNY!!!! But she never expected what happened next!!
Sonya was still a teenager when Fidel Castro overthrew the government and took control of Cuba. At first the people of Cuba celebrated this coup and Sonya joined the military wanting to do her duty. Her parents saw things differently and warned her repeatedly that she should watch her steps. Eventually her mother was able to leave the island with her husband and small child but Sonya refused to leave. Her father a doctor old and in ill health chose to stay behind. Sonya gave up her dreams of becoming an artist and did what every patriot should do. However, during the incident of the “Bay Of Pigs” many things came to a head. For one thing Sonya discovered that her boyfriend who had left Cuba when the government fell was pack but he was wearing the “American army uniform”. She could not understand this. During this time she was also a paramedic and found herself helping her countrymen as well as the “other” army.
Something went wrong that day and she was suspected of being an agent. What happened next in Sonya‘s life are things of nightmare.
Sonya’s young life and views changed gradually and drastically as she observed, suffered and finally realize that to live, she had to leave her country if she could.
This incredible graphic novel will take you on a journey that will leave you hoping Sonya was able to regain her life and start anew.
The graphic novel is done in black and white with the color red. Very clear and very graphic. The storytelling is excellent and the drawing very defined. You will embrace Sonya and hope she was able to succeed rebuilding her life.
Graphic novel Diaz, Magna
DC Comics see Random-Vertigo 2010 unp 24.99
9781401222178 hs/adult Cuba - Revolution - life E-BN
Sonya was 17 living Cuba and it was December 31,1958. She was getting ready to bring in the new year and celebrate. She was also watchful, Fidel Castro was fighting the corrupt government and at this point was hiding in the mountains waiting to overthrow the government. To Sonya this meant her country would be free of TYRANNY!!!! But she never expected what happened next!!
Sonya was still a teenager when Fidel Castro overthrew the government and took control of Cuba. At first the people of Cuba celebrated this coup and Sonya joined the military wanting to do her duty. Her parents saw things differently and warned her repeatedly that she should watch her steps. Eventually her mother was able to leave the island with her husband and small child but Sonya refused to leave. Her father a doctor old and in ill health chose to stay behind. Sonya gave up her dreams of becoming an artist and did what every patriot should do. However, during the incident of the “Bay Of Pigs” many things came to a head. For one thing Sonya discovered that her boyfriend who had left Cuba when the government fell was pack but he was wearing the “American army uniform”. She could not understand this. During this time she was also a paramedic and found herself helping her countrymen as well as the “other” army.
Something went wrong that day and she was suspected of being an agent. What happened next in Sonya‘s life are things of nightmare.
Sonya’s young life and views changed gradually and drastically as she observed, suffered and finally realize that to live, she had to leave her country if she could.
This incredible graphic novel will take you on a journey that will leave you hoping Sonya was able to regain her life and start anew.
The graphic novel is done in black and white with the color red. Very clear and very graphic. The storytelling is excellent and the drawing very defined. You will embrace Sonya and hope she was able to succeed rebuilding her life.
Graphic novel Diaz, Magna
Glidden, Sarah. How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less
Glidden, Sarah How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less
DC Comics see Random 2010 206p 28.99
978-1-4012-2233-8 hs Israel VG-BN
Sarah Glidden, a secular American Jew, took a Birthright trip to Israel. Well-written and moving, this graphic novel will keep the reader hooked from beginning to end. Glidden’s watercolor illustrations are accurate to the places described and add much flavor to this travelogue of self-identification and discovery.
Sarah Glidden, a secular American Jew, took a Birthright trip to Israel. These free trips are designed to show young Jews from around the world what modern Israel is like. Glidden, skeptical of the Israeli government policies towards the Palestinians, begins her trip around the country determined to find fault with the “propaganda” she is sure she is going to hear. As the trip progresses, she begins to discover that there are no black-and-white answers to her questions, no single truth that will change anything and everything. Her graphic memoir moves around the country from Tel Aviv to the Golan Heights to Jerusalem, Masada, and the Negev. Everywhere she goes with her tour, complete with an armed soldier, offers her a dichotomy of viewpoints. How can she reconcile the history of the Jewish people with that of the Arabs? Her painful attempts at balancing all the information and pulling out the truths she is sure she will find reflect, to a great extent, the views of many Israelis as well. Well-written and moving, this graphic novel will keep the reader hooked from beginning to end. Glidden’s watercolor illustrations are accurate to the places described and add much flavor to this travelogue of self-identification and discovery. While its primary focus is on a Jewish girl traveling through Israel, its appeal should be much more widespread. Graphic novel Ogintz, Susan
DC Comics see Random 2010 206p 28.99
978-1-4012-2233-8 hs Israel VG-BN
Sarah Glidden, a secular American Jew, took a Birthright trip to Israel. Well-written and moving, this graphic novel will keep the reader hooked from beginning to end. Glidden’s watercolor illustrations are accurate to the places described and add much flavor to this travelogue of self-identification and discovery.
Sarah Glidden, a secular American Jew, took a Birthright trip to Israel. These free trips are designed to show young Jews from around the world what modern Israel is like. Glidden, skeptical of the Israeli government policies towards the Palestinians, begins her trip around the country determined to find fault with the “propaganda” she is sure she is going to hear. As the trip progresses, she begins to discover that there are no black-and-white answers to her questions, no single truth that will change anything and everything. Her graphic memoir moves around the country from Tel Aviv to the Golan Heights to Jerusalem, Masada, and the Negev. Everywhere she goes with her tour, complete with an armed soldier, offers her a dichotomy of viewpoints. How can she reconcile the history of the Jewish people with that of the Arabs? Her painful attempts at balancing all the information and pulling out the truths she is sure she will find reflect, to a great extent, the views of many Israelis as well. Well-written and moving, this graphic novel will keep the reader hooked from beginning to end. Glidden’s watercolor illustrations are accurate to the places described and add much flavor to this travelogue of self-identification and discovery. While its primary focus is on a Jewish girl traveling through Israel, its appeal should be much more widespread. Graphic novel Ogintz, Susan
Skloot, Rebecca. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Skloot, Rebecca. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Crown see Random 2010 369p 26.00
978-1-4000-5217-2 hs/adult E-BN
A tale of bioethics, racism, and modern day science.
This is the amazing true story of the woman whose tissues were harvested by medical researchers and became the basis for the HeLa cell line that aided medical science after her death and without the knowledge of her or her family. Henrietta Lacks, mother of five, was being treated for cervical cancer. She was a poor woman who died of the disease not knowing that her cells were harvested by medical researchers. These cells, named by scientists as HeLa, became the basis for the cell line that traveled the world and became the source of a multimillion dollar industry that sells human biological materials, as well as the foundation of scientific research that facilitated medical discoveries on polio and AIDS among others. Skloot, a medical journalist, writes about how medical research was perpetrated on an impoverished and vulnerable African American woman. She became friends with Henrietta’s daughter, Deborah, and tells of the devastation of the discovery of how the cells were used without consent, the effect this exploitation had on the family, and the life Lacks and her family lived. A tale of bioethics, racism, and modern day science, this book presents the facts in a poignant manner, but lets the reader decide on the implications medical science has on society. This true tale of bioethics, racism, and modern day science should be in every high school library and is recommended for Tristate Books of Note, 2011. Weinraub, Tina
Crown see Random 2010 369p 26.00
978-1-4000-5217-2 hs/adult E-BN
A tale of bioethics, racism, and modern day science.
This is the amazing true story of the woman whose tissues were harvested by medical researchers and became the basis for the HeLa cell line that aided medical science after her death and without the knowledge of her or her family. Henrietta Lacks, mother of five, was being treated for cervical cancer. She was a poor woman who died of the disease not knowing that her cells were harvested by medical researchers. These cells, named by scientists as HeLa, became the basis for the cell line that traveled the world and became the source of a multimillion dollar industry that sells human biological materials, as well as the foundation of scientific research that facilitated medical discoveries on polio and AIDS among others. Skloot, a medical journalist, writes about how medical research was perpetrated on an impoverished and vulnerable African American woman. She became friends with Henrietta’s daughter, Deborah, and tells of the devastation of the discovery of how the cells were used without consent, the effect this exploitation had on the family, and the life Lacks and her family lived. A tale of bioethics, racism, and modern day science, this book presents the facts in a poignant manner, but lets the reader decide on the implications medical science has on society. This true tale of bioethics, racism, and modern day science should be in every high school library and is recommended for Tristate Books of Note, 2011. Weinraub, Tina
Harvell, Richard The Bells
Harvell, Richard The Bells
Crown see Random 2010 371p 24.00
978-0-307-59052-7 adult VG-BN
Nikolai is the son of a castrato. After his Moses, his father dies, he finds the book his father wrote to explain Nikolai’s existence.
Moses’ preternatural sense of hearing is both a blessing and a curse. The glorious sound of the bells his mother rings in her job as bellkeeper shape his extraordinary gift for sound. But when his gift threatens to expose the sins of the church, Moses is cast out of his village and soon faces certain death. Rescued by two traveling monks, Nikolai returns to their Abbey with him and soon finds his true purpose: singing. The choirmaster, Ulrich, determined to save the brilliant prodigy’s voice, has Moses castrated. Moses hides his condition from all who know him, even the girl he loves. How did Moses, who becomes a world-renowned musician, come to have a son that he could not have sired?
Harvell’s debut novel is a well-researched and brilliant historical fiction intended for adult readers. Historical Welliver(3), Hilary
Crown see Random 2010 371p 24.00
978-0-307-59052-7 adult VG-BN
Nikolai is the son of a castrato. After his Moses, his father dies, he finds the book his father wrote to explain Nikolai’s existence.
Moses’ preternatural sense of hearing is both a blessing and a curse. The glorious sound of the bells his mother rings in her job as bellkeeper shape his extraordinary gift for sound. But when his gift threatens to expose the sins of the church, Moses is cast out of his village and soon faces certain death. Rescued by two traveling monks, Nikolai returns to their Abbey with him and soon finds his true purpose: singing. The choirmaster, Ulrich, determined to save the brilliant prodigy’s voice, has Moses castrated. Moses hides his condition from all who know him, even the girl he loves. How did Moses, who becomes a world-renowned musician, come to have a son that he could not have sired?
Harvell’s debut novel is a well-researched and brilliant historical fiction intended for adult readers. Historical Welliver(3), Hilary
Stille, Darlene R. Altering the Biological Blueprint
Stille, Darlene R. Altering the Biological Blueprint
Compass Point Books/Capstone 2011 48 21.49
978-0-7565-4049-4 ms/hs Genetic engineering VG-BNS Headline Science (Capstone)
Overview to genetic engineering, including controversies related to this study. Custom-made life forms were once relegated to the realm of science fiction. But strides in genetic engineering, which explores DNA, the blueprint of life, has made this a possibility. Scientists are already able to create disease-resistant plants. They have successfully cloned animals. Should genetic engineering be used to cure serious illnesses or create new food supplies?
Genetic engineering also raises ethical issues. Should scientists tamper with genetic codes?
Going behind the news headlines to explore the history of genetics, key issues, and current studies and trends, readers are encouraged to reach their own conclusions. The text is well-researched, eclectic, and informative. A timeline ranging from 1869 to the present is included, along with a useful glossary, subject index, and suggestions for sources of additional information.
The pedestrian cover and lackluster layout will not be appealing to casual readers. However, the topical subject matter will be a welcome addition to many collections. Welliver, Hilary
Compass Point Books/Capstone 2011 48 21.49
978-0-7565-4049-4 ms/hs Genetic engineering VG-BNS Headline Science (Capstone)
Overview to genetic engineering, including controversies related to this study. Custom-made life forms were once relegated to the realm of science fiction. But strides in genetic engineering, which explores DNA, the blueprint of life, has made this a possibility. Scientists are already able to create disease-resistant plants. They have successfully cloned animals. Should genetic engineering be used to cure serious illnesses or create new food supplies?
Genetic engineering also raises ethical issues. Should scientists tamper with genetic codes?
Going behind the news headlines to explore the history of genetics, key issues, and current studies and trends, readers are encouraged to reach their own conclusions. The text is well-researched, eclectic, and informative. A timeline ranging from 1869 to the present is included, along with a useful glossary, subject index, and suggestions for sources of additional information.
The pedestrian cover and lackluster layout will not be appealing to casual readers. However, the topical subject matter will be a welcome addition to many collections. Welliver, Hilary
Stille, Darlene R. Altering the Biological Blueprint
Stille, Darlene R. Altering the Biological Blueprint
Compass Point Books/Capstone 2011 48 21.49
978-0-7565-4049-4 ms/hs Genetic engineering VG-BNS Headline Science (Capstone)
Overview to genetic engineering, including controversies related to this study. Custom-made life forms were once relegated to the realm of science fiction. But strides in genetic engineering, which explores DNA, the blueprint of life, has made this a possibility. Scientists are already able to create disease-resistant plants. They have successfully cloned animals. Should genetic engineering be used to cure serious illnesses or create new food supplies?
Genetic engineering also raises ethical issues. Should scientists tamper with genetic codes?
Going behind the news headlines to explore the history of genetics, key issues, and current studies and trends, readers are encouraged to reach their own conclusions. The text is well-researched, eclectic, and informative. A timeline ranging from 1869 to the present is included, along with a useful glossary, subject index, and suggestions for sources of additional information.
The pedestrian cover and lackluster layout will not be appealing to casual readers. However, the topical subject matter will be a welcome addition to many collections. Welliver, Hilary
Compass Point Books/Capstone 2011 48 21.49
978-0-7565-4049-4 ms/hs Genetic engineering VG-BNS Headline Science (Capstone)
Overview to genetic engineering, including controversies related to this study. Custom-made life forms were once relegated to the realm of science fiction. But strides in genetic engineering, which explores DNA, the blueprint of life, has made this a possibility. Scientists are already able to create disease-resistant plants. They have successfully cloned animals. Should genetic engineering be used to cure serious illnesses or create new food supplies?
Genetic engineering also raises ethical issues. Should scientists tamper with genetic codes?
Going behind the news headlines to explore the history of genetics, key issues, and current studies and trends, readers are encouraged to reach their own conclusions. The text is well-researched, eclectic, and informative. A timeline ranging from 1869 to the present is included, along with a useful glossary, subject index, and suggestions for sources of additional information.
The pedestrian cover and lackluster layout will not be appealing to casual readers. However, the topical subject matter will be a welcome addition to many collections. Welliver, Hilary
Sirrine, Carol. Cool Crafts with Old T-Shirts
Sirrine, Carol Cool Crafts with Old T-Shirts
Capstone Publishers 2010 32p 26.65
978-1-4296-4009-1 ms handicraft; salvage VG-BNS Green Crafts (Capstone)
Each project in this volume uses a t-shirt to create a simple craft or an inexpensive gift.
This book is marketed as a “green crafts” activity. The step-by-step guides offer easy, complete instructions accompanied by clear photographs of the finished projects. Materials lists and safety tips are very complete. The layouts continue the ecologically responsible theme. Nine crafts using T-shirts as the recycled craft material are included: T-shirts as framed pictures; pet tug-toy; handbag; pillow; larger bag; finger-knitted scarf; leg warmer; cover-up; and braided rug.
Some of the crafts (finger-knitted scarf, braided rug) stand out. Most of the crafts can be found in other craft books; they are “standard stuff.” However, attention to detail -- particularly in the sidebar photographs that provide step-by-step guides -- and the attractive and colorful photographs and layouts, make this craft book appealing and easy-to-use. Welliver, Hilary
Capstone Publishers 2010 32p 26.65
978-1-4296-4009-1 ms handicraft; salvage VG-BNS Green Crafts (Capstone)
Each project in this volume uses a t-shirt to create a simple craft or an inexpensive gift.
This book is marketed as a “green crafts” activity. The step-by-step guides offer easy, complete instructions accompanied by clear photographs of the finished projects. Materials lists and safety tips are very complete. The layouts continue the ecologically responsible theme. Nine crafts using T-shirts as the recycled craft material are included: T-shirts as framed pictures; pet tug-toy; handbag; pillow; larger bag; finger-knitted scarf; leg warmer; cover-up; and braided rug.
Some of the crafts (finger-knitted scarf, braided rug) stand out. Most of the crafts can be found in other craft books; they are “standard stuff.” However, attention to detail -- particularly in the sidebar photographs that provide step-by-step guides -- and the attractive and colorful photographs and layouts, make this craft book appealing and easy-to-use. Welliver, Hilary
Collins, Terry. Escape From Pompeii
Collins, Terry Escape From Pompeii
Capstone Publishers 2011 32p 29.32
978-1-4296-4771-7 ms Pompeii VG Graphic Expeditions (Capstone)
978-1-4296-4771-7
Dr. Isabel Soto is an enterprising archeologist who travels through time and space using a device called a W.I.S.P., the Worldwide Inter-dimensional Space/Time Portal, to travel into the past to investigate historical events and paranormal occurrences. In this new addition to the Graphic Expedition series, Isabel arrives at the Roman city of Pompeii.
Dr. Isabel Soto is an enterprising archeologist who travels through time and space using a device called a W.I.S.P., the Worldwide Inter-dimensional Space/Time Portal. W.I.S.P. allows her to travel into the past to investigate historical events and paranormal occurrences. In this new addition to the Graphic Expedition series, Isabel arrives at the Roman city of Pompeii. She jumps back in time to the time of the eruption as a young archeologist studying the site plays with one too many buttons on her W.I.S.P. As each time jump happens, true historical data is included in the fictional story and the book ends with an informative section on the history of the Pompeii and a brief “biography” of Isabel Soto.
This is an appealing book that allows the readers to “explore history without the confines of time or distance.” It provides an interesting take, allowing young readers to discover historical eras, culture, and places in graphic novel format, with a main character who is a woman. This is likely to attract girls to the graphic format and lead to further research and exploration into the events.
Science fiction Ogintz, Susan
Capstone Publishers 2011 32p 29.32
978-1-4296-4771-7 ms Pompeii VG Graphic Expeditions (Capstone)
978-1-4296-4771-7
Dr. Isabel Soto is an enterprising archeologist who travels through time and space using a device called a W.I.S.P., the Worldwide Inter-dimensional Space/Time Portal, to travel into the past to investigate historical events and paranormal occurrences. In this new addition to the Graphic Expedition series, Isabel arrives at the Roman city of Pompeii.
Dr. Isabel Soto is an enterprising archeologist who travels through time and space using a device called a W.I.S.P., the Worldwide Inter-dimensional Space/Time Portal. W.I.S.P. allows her to travel into the past to investigate historical events and paranormal occurrences. In this new addition to the Graphic Expedition series, Isabel arrives at the Roman city of Pompeii. She jumps back in time to the time of the eruption as a young archeologist studying the site plays with one too many buttons on her W.I.S.P. As each time jump happens, true historical data is included in the fictional story and the book ends with an informative section on the history of the Pompeii and a brief “biography” of Isabel Soto.
This is an appealing book that allows the readers to “explore history without the confines of time or distance.” It provides an interesting take, allowing young readers to discover historical eras, culture, and places in graphic novel format, with a main character who is a woman. This is likely to attract girls to the graphic format and lead to further research and exploration into the events.
Science fiction Ogintz, Susan
Besel. Jennifer M. Unusual History of Comic Books
Besel. Jennifer M. Unusual History of Comic Books
Capstone Publishers 2011 48p 30.65
978-1-4296-4790-8 Comics E-BNe Unusual Histories (Capstone)
A fact full book of unusual tidbits and trivia about comic books in graphic style. Readers will find themselves entranced, as I did, as they read through the comic book timelines of seldom told stories, bizarre facts, and behind-the-scene-secrets. The author described the origins, the dazzling debuts of super heroes such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. The author also showed how the superheroes “morphed” over time until the introduction of anime from Japan in the 1990’s.
My favorite chapter was the one explaining the behind the scene trivia on the comic controversy. The text provided me with some explanation of what I was not aware of during that time period.
This book will be appreciated by the readers of the new graphic style books. The pages are beautifully designed and the layout flows easily for the readers to follow the facts. The dramatic use of color exemplifies the drama surrounding the comic books’ environment. Graphic novel McNeil(3), Linda
Capstone Publishers 2011 48p 30.65
978-1-4296-4790-8 Comics E-BNe Unusual Histories (Capstone)
A fact full book of unusual tidbits and trivia about comic books in graphic style. Readers will find themselves entranced, as I did, as they read through the comic book timelines of seldom told stories, bizarre facts, and behind-the-scene-secrets. The author described the origins, the dazzling debuts of super heroes such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. The author also showed how the superheroes “morphed” over time until the introduction of anime from Japan in the 1990’s.
My favorite chapter was the one explaining the behind the scene trivia on the comic controversy. The text provided me with some explanation of what I was not aware of during that time period.
This book will be appreciated by the readers of the new graphic style books. The pages are beautifully designed and the layout flows easily for the readers to follow the facts. The dramatic use of color exemplifies the drama surrounding the comic books’ environment. Graphic novel McNeil(3), Linda
Mitchell, Todd. The Secret to Lying.
Mitchell, Todd The Secret to Lying
Candlewick Press 2010 329p 17.99
978-0-7636-4084-2 hs Self-Actualization VG
James reinvents himself when he is offered the chance to attend a prestigious science and math boarding school, but his demons, literally, keep fighting him in his dreams and the line between dream and reality seems to blur.
Reminiscent of Looking For Alaska, but without Green’s deft style, this is at times formulaic, at other times compelling. Every teen problem imaginable seems to be incorporated into this novel. The new kid at an exclusive boarding school, reinventing a new tougher persona has been used again and again. What makes this a better than the run-of-the-mill teen problem novel, is the tortured psyche of the protagonist, dealing with dream demons, cutting, parental problems, and abusing cough medicine before jumping out a window. A sub-plot deals with the anorexia of the girl of his dreams, and mysterious IMs from ghost44. Reluctant readers, especially those drawn to complex problem novels will gravitate towards this one as well. That said, the plot seemed a little too confusing for my student reviewer, who felt it was a mystery and/or a romance novel, rather than the complex and compelling problem novel that it was.
While there is implied sex, it occurs offstage and is peripheral to the major focus of the novel. The dream demons would lead one to believe that it will evolve into a fantasy, but it never does and the protagonist eventually confronts his “demons” and the ones in his dreams disappear. That may be trite to some readers, but the overall novel is compelling. Conflict Naismith, Pat
Candlewick Press 2010 329p 17.99
978-0-7636-4084-2 hs Self-Actualization VG
James reinvents himself when he is offered the chance to attend a prestigious science and math boarding school, but his demons, literally, keep fighting him in his dreams and the line between dream and reality seems to blur.
Reminiscent of Looking For Alaska, but without Green’s deft style, this is at times formulaic, at other times compelling. Every teen problem imaginable seems to be incorporated into this novel. The new kid at an exclusive boarding school, reinventing a new tougher persona has been used again and again. What makes this a better than the run-of-the-mill teen problem novel, is the tortured psyche of the protagonist, dealing with dream demons, cutting, parental problems, and abusing cough medicine before jumping out a window. A sub-plot deals with the anorexia of the girl of his dreams, and mysterious IMs from ghost44. Reluctant readers, especially those drawn to complex problem novels will gravitate towards this one as well. That said, the plot seemed a little too confusing for my student reviewer, who felt it was a mystery and/or a romance novel, rather than the complex and compelling problem novel that it was.
While there is implied sex, it occurs offstage and is peripheral to the major focus of the novel. The dream demons would lead one to believe that it will evolve into a fantasy, but it never does and the protagonist eventually confronts his “demons” and the ones in his dreams disappear. That may be trite to some readers, but the overall novel is compelling. Conflict Naismith, Pat
McDonald, Abby. Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots
McDonald, Abby Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots
Candlewick Press 2010 293p 16.99
978-0-7636-4382-9 hs Environmentalism - fiction VG
Jenna, an environmentalist, spends the summer in the Canadian Rockies. Friendship is tested, love blossoms, and new skills are learned. A good summer read with well developed characters that will endear themselves to the reader. Grades 9-12. Jenna is a suburban environmentalist who campaigns to save the earth as a member of Green Teen. Little does she know what is in store for her when she spends the summer with her godmother in the Canadian Rockies. Her values are tested and friendships are made and lost. Her appreciation for the outdoors blossoms when faced with kayaking, rock climbing, fly fishing and mountain biking, things she has never done. Her godmother’s stepdaughter is a sullen/Goth type who tests Jenna’s patience. The boys in the community are surly to start with, however love blossoms between Jenna and Reese and Jenna comes to know that Ethan is gay. Secrets erupt in the final four chapters largely due to a friend of Jenna’s who wrecks the idyllic summer by arriving unannounced. Jenna learns the value of hard work, learning new skills, and seeing that extreme environmentalism may not be what she actually supports. Characters are well-drawn and will resonate with teen readers. The theme of saving the earth from human predators pervades the first and last part of the book. However during the course of the summer, Jenna realizes that compromise is needed and a middle ground must be found that will allow communities to prosper economically while respecting the earth. For grades 9-12. Realistic Fiction McNicol,Lois
Candlewick Press 2010 293p 16.99
978-0-7636-4382-9 hs Environmentalism - fiction VG
Jenna, an environmentalist, spends the summer in the Canadian Rockies. Friendship is tested, love blossoms, and new skills are learned. A good summer read with well developed characters that will endear themselves to the reader. Grades 9-12. Jenna is a suburban environmentalist who campaigns to save the earth as a member of Green Teen. Little does she know what is in store for her when she spends the summer with her godmother in the Canadian Rockies. Her values are tested and friendships are made and lost. Her appreciation for the outdoors blossoms when faced with kayaking, rock climbing, fly fishing and mountain biking, things she has never done. Her godmother’s stepdaughter is a sullen/Goth type who tests Jenna’s patience. The boys in the community are surly to start with, however love blossoms between Jenna and Reese and Jenna comes to know that Ethan is gay. Secrets erupt in the final four chapters largely due to a friend of Jenna’s who wrecks the idyllic summer by arriving unannounced. Jenna learns the value of hard work, learning new skills, and seeing that extreme environmentalism may not be what she actually supports. Characters are well-drawn and will resonate with teen readers. The theme of saving the earth from human predators pervades the first and last part of the book. However during the course of the summer, Jenna realizes that compromise is needed and a middle ground must be found that will allow communities to prosper economically while respecting the earth. For grades 9-12. Realistic Fiction McNicol,Lois
Carroll, Lewis (adapted by Lewis Helfand). Alice in Wonderland
Carroll, Lewis (adapted by Lewis Helfand) Alice in Wonderland
Campfire 2010 72p 9.99
978-93-80028-23-1 elm/ms VG-BN
Alice retold in graphic style. Alice was an ordinary girl until she who wanted adventure. She got her wish as she dived down a rabbit hole into a magical world.
Lewis Helfand has retold Alice In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll in graphic style. His choice of wording is apropos to the story as well as the age group. Readers will enjoy the intermingling of words and graphics as they progress through the book.
The illustrator, Rajesh Nagulakonka, has created crisp and dynamic watercolors to accompany the text. The blended palette of colors effectively relate the context of the wordings in the story and present the reader with a suspense filled experience.
This is a great book for young readers and non-readers. It’s distinctive and expressive watercolors will enticed the active minds of young children.
The format and layout of the book is beautifully placed for the most effective enjoyment of the readers. The additional materials at the back of the book coordinated the book with the website containing further activities.. Graphic novel McNeil(3), Linda
Campfire 2010 72p 9.99
978-93-80028-23-1 elm/ms VG-BN
Alice retold in graphic style. Alice was an ordinary girl until she who wanted adventure. She got her wish as she dived down a rabbit hole into a magical world.
Lewis Helfand has retold Alice In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll in graphic style. His choice of wording is apropos to the story as well as the age group. Readers will enjoy the intermingling of words and graphics as they progress through the book.
The illustrator, Rajesh Nagulakonka, has created crisp and dynamic watercolors to accompany the text. The blended palette of colors effectively relate the context of the wordings in the story and present the reader with a suspense filled experience.
This is a great book for young readers and non-readers. It’s distinctive and expressive watercolors will enticed the active minds of young children.
The format and layout of the book is beautifully placed for the most effective enjoyment of the readers. The additional materials at the back of the book coordinated the book with the website containing further activities.. Graphic novel McNeil(3), Linda
Van Eekhout, Greg. Kid vs. Squid.
Van Eekhout, Greg Kid vs. Squid
Bloomsbury see St. Martins 2010 196p 16.99
978-1-59990-489-4 elm/ms Imaginary creatures Fiction. VG
“ Spending the summer after sixth grade at his great-uncle's oceanside museum, Thatcher and local girl Trudy team up to help Shoal, one of the people of Atlantis cursed by a witch whose head still survives, and who has an army of monstrous creatures helping her.”
Upper elementary students who enjoy fantasy and science fiction will like this new title by Greg Van Eekhout. When Thatcher Hill, narrator was sent to California to live with his great-uncle Griswald for the summer and work in his Museum of the Strange and Curious and Gift Emporium, his job of dusting off exhibits became exciting when a young girl breaks in. The girl turns out to be the princess of the cursed people of Atlantis (Princess Shoal) and takes off with the “What-Is-It?” box. At this time, Thatcher begins to discover that each summer the remnants of Atlantis and returned to life due to the curse of Skalla, a beheaded witch. Thatcher and his new friend Trudy McGee begin to unravel the mystery of the disappearing head and eventually team up with Shoal to help save the world and for their civilization not to be destroyed. The team conquers maritime monsters, all controlled by the “What-Is-It?” head and to put a stop to the curse. Filled with adventure, hilarious scenes, weird creatures and monsters from the sea, and believable characters, students will find this title fast faced and interesting. However, some students may find the plot to be too fast at times. Fantasy Forba-Mayer,Charleen
Bloomsbury see St. Martins 2010 196p 16.99
978-1-59990-489-4 elm/ms Imaginary creatures Fiction. VG
“ Spending the summer after sixth grade at his great-uncle's oceanside museum, Thatcher and local girl Trudy team up to help Shoal, one of the people of Atlantis cursed by a witch whose head still survives, and who has an army of monstrous creatures helping her.”
Upper elementary students who enjoy fantasy and science fiction will like this new title by Greg Van Eekhout. When Thatcher Hill, narrator was sent to California to live with his great-uncle Griswald for the summer and work in his Museum of the Strange and Curious and Gift Emporium, his job of dusting off exhibits became exciting when a young girl breaks in. The girl turns out to be the princess of the cursed people of Atlantis (Princess Shoal) and takes off with the “What-Is-It?” box. At this time, Thatcher begins to discover that each summer the remnants of Atlantis and returned to life due to the curse of Skalla, a beheaded witch. Thatcher and his new friend Trudy McGee begin to unravel the mystery of the disappearing head and eventually team up with Shoal to help save the world and for their civilization not to be destroyed. The team conquers maritime monsters, all controlled by the “What-Is-It?” head and to put a stop to the curse. Filled with adventure, hilarious scenes, weird creatures and monsters from the sea, and believable characters, students will find this title fast faced and interesting. However, some students may find the plot to be too fast at times. Fantasy Forba-Mayer,Charleen
Stutz, Eli. Pickle Impossible.
Stutz, Eli Pickle Impossible
Bloomsbury see St. Martins 2010 197p 15.99
978-1-59990-464-1 elm/ms Adventure and adventurers--Fiction VG
“Pierre, a particularly average French boy, and Aurore, the granddaughter of a family enemy, are pursued by would-be thieves as they try to get a jar of pickles to Bern, Switzerland, to enter a contest in hopes of saving Pierre's family farm.”
Upper elementary students are introduced to Pierre LaBouche, an average French boy, and Aurore, a twelve-year old girl who is the granddaughter of a family enemy. In this title, Pierre’s family farm is in jeopardy and they decide to try to save the family farm by entering an International Pickle Contest, “Picklelympics” in Bern, Switzerland, where they could win $100,000. When Pierre sets out to travel to the contest from France, he meets Aurore, who at first tries to steal the pickles and assists her grandfather, Zacharie Borsht, a rival of his family, in kidnapping Pierre. Soon after Pierre meets Aurore, they escape the kidnapping attempt together and she joins his mission to get the pickles to the contest safely. After wondering why Aurore joined his mission, the two travel along on a motorcycle and encounter many challenges and obstacles including a miraculous plane landing, the pool game, overcoming pickle thieves, and meeting up with Pierre’s long lost grandmother, who helps him make more pickles from the family’s recipe, all within a twenty-four hour time frame. His grandmother, Rochelle asked him to remain with her and stay young forever, for eternal youth like herself, but he knew he had a mission to accomplish for his family so he and Aurore left to enter the pickle contest.
Students who enjoy mystery, suspense, and action will enjoy this title new title. Includes interwoven French language for readers and a recipe for Geveret Chutzpadickerstein’s Homemade Pickles. Realistic Fiction Forba-Mayer,Charleen
Bloomsbury see St. Martins 2010 197p 15.99
978-1-59990-464-1 elm/ms Adventure and adventurers--Fiction VG
“Pierre, a particularly average French boy, and Aurore, the granddaughter of a family enemy, are pursued by would-be thieves as they try to get a jar of pickles to Bern, Switzerland, to enter a contest in hopes of saving Pierre's family farm.”
Upper elementary students are introduced to Pierre LaBouche, an average French boy, and Aurore, a twelve-year old girl who is the granddaughter of a family enemy. In this title, Pierre’s family farm is in jeopardy and they decide to try to save the family farm by entering an International Pickle Contest, “Picklelympics” in Bern, Switzerland, where they could win $100,000. When Pierre sets out to travel to the contest from France, he meets Aurore, who at first tries to steal the pickles and assists her grandfather, Zacharie Borsht, a rival of his family, in kidnapping Pierre. Soon after Pierre meets Aurore, they escape the kidnapping attempt together and she joins his mission to get the pickles to the contest safely. After wondering why Aurore joined his mission, the two travel along on a motorcycle and encounter many challenges and obstacles including a miraculous plane landing, the pool game, overcoming pickle thieves, and meeting up with Pierre’s long lost grandmother, who helps him make more pickles from the family’s recipe, all within a twenty-four hour time frame. His grandmother, Rochelle asked him to remain with her and stay young forever, for eternal youth like herself, but he knew he had a mission to accomplish for his family so he and Aurore left to enter the pickle contest.
Students who enjoy mystery, suspense, and action will enjoy this title new title. Includes interwoven French language for readers and a recipe for Geveret Chutzpadickerstein’s Homemade Pickles. Realistic Fiction Forba-Mayer,Charleen
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