Koss, Amy Goldman The Not-So-Great Depression
Roaring Brook Press see macmillan children's pub 2010 266p 9.99
978-1-59643-613-8 ms/hs Realistic Fiction VG-BN
Jacki’s life is fabulous. Then the economy crashes, her mom loses her savings, her dad grows vegetables, and everything changes. Readers will live the struggle Jacki’s family has to go through to create their own happy ending. This is the story of a divorced family who when faced with catastrophe manage to pull their lives together and move on to better things.
Jacki’s mother is the breadwinner of the family. While her father lives with his mother, grows vegetables and bakes for some money. Jacki and her sister are used to having things pretty much the way they like with all of the amenities money can buy. Her sister has plans for a $600 prom dress and college in a high priced school. Jacki simple wants a hamster and her mom to come to her recital.
Her mom does come to the recital and as a result looses her job. Then the economy and her stock portfolio can’t keep up with the finances. The financial change causes a family upheaval in which everyone must make changes. It is how everyone manages those changes that provide the tragic, enlightening, and somewhat realistic story line.
Readers will be able to see the way people positively face a crisis and adapt their wants and lifestyle to meet their resources. This is a very well written book that will relate well to many young readers. It is recommended as a basic book for any upper middle/high school library. It would make an excellent selection for a basic books list for school libraries. McNeil, Linda
Showing posts with label Roaring_Press. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Roaring_Press. Show all posts
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Seeger, Laura Vaccaro. What if?
Seeger, Laura Vaccaro. What if?
Roaring Brook Press see macmillan children's pub 2010 unp 15.99
978-1-59643-398-4 elem VG
What if we bounced the ball back and forth? What if we lost the ball? What if I went to look for the ball? The beginning of a story starting with What ...if? for the creative mind.
This picture book is created using vibrant colors and three seals. They are all on the beach near the ocean playing with a very colorful beach ball. The only words in this book is the “ What... If?” question. The book was create to get children thinking about the action in the book. Each picture depicts an action that might or might not have a reaction but it is up to the child to create their own story.
This book can be used in a creative writing class for any age. The reader can write up their story by observing the action in the book and each story may be so different from each other.
This can also become a story to describe the colors used, to describe the look on the faces of the seals and their feelings that seem to come through the picture.
A fun book for all ages. Diaz, Magna
Roaring Brook Press see macmillan children's pub 2010 unp 15.99
978-1-59643-398-4 elem VG
What if we bounced the ball back and forth? What if we lost the ball? What if I went to look for the ball? The beginning of a story starting with What ...if? for the creative mind.
This picture book is created using vibrant colors and three seals. They are all on the beach near the ocean playing with a very colorful beach ball. The only words in this book is the “ What... If?” question. The book was create to get children thinking about the action in the book. Each picture depicts an action that might or might not have a reaction but it is up to the child to create their own story.
This book can be used in a creative writing class for any age. The reader can write up their story by observing the action in the book and each story may be so different from each other.
This can also become a story to describe the colors used, to describe the look on the faces of the seals and their feelings that seem to come through the picture.
A fun book for all ages. Diaz, Magna
Boisrobert, Anouk & Louis Rigaud. Popville
Boisrobert, Anouk & Louis Rigaud Popville
Roaring Brook Press see Macmillan children's pub 2009 unp 16.99
978-1-59643-593-3 elem VG
A lovely pop-up displaying the growth of a city from open acres to busy center. In the beginning, there was the farm set in acres of open land. As more people came to live nearby, the farm became surrounded by a growing group of houses, roadways, businesses, schools, railroads, bridges, and the necessary supports for all of these things. Imagine all of this displayed in a slim pop-up book that presents the growing layers of stylized community building in a beautifully done and wordless variation of the theme of Virginia Lee Burton’s Little House. This is a lovely book to add to a personal collection. Ogintz, Susan
Roaring Brook Press see Macmillan children's pub 2009 unp 16.99
978-1-59643-593-3 elem VG
A lovely pop-up displaying the growth of a city from open acres to busy center. In the beginning, there was the farm set in acres of open land. As more people came to live nearby, the farm became surrounded by a growing group of houses, roadways, businesses, schools, railroads, bridges, and the necessary supports for all of these things. Imagine all of this displayed in a slim pop-up book that presents the growing layers of stylized community building in a beautifully done and wordless variation of the theme of Virginia Lee Burton’s Little House. This is a lovely book to add to a personal collection. Ogintz, Susan
White, Tracy. How I Made It to Eighteen
White, Tracy How I Made It to Eighteen
Roaring Brook Press see macmillan children's pub 2010 151p 16.99
978-1-59643-454-7 ms/hs Graphic novel E-BN
In graphic novel format, the author recounts her admission and stay at a mental health facility. Excellent graphics extend the narrative showing viewpoints from friends, family, fellow residents, and doctors. Unsettling yet hopeful. Outstanding! For grades 7-12.
Tracy White recounts her admission and stay at a mental health hospital. Stacy became a party girl using pills to self-medicate while at boarding school and knows she will surely die if she continues her current path. Told in a timeline format, readers meet “Stacy” as a 17 year old boarding school student through the voices of four friends: two longtime friends, a boarding school roommate and a fellow resident of the treatment center. Each friend has her own problems. The pages are divided into distinct “comic frames” however the dialogue bubbles and even the graphics in the frames often extend into another pane. Memories are related in frames that have a gray background and thoughts float at the top of a frame. Excellent graphics, uncluttered in black and white, add intensity to the narrative. The reader slowly comes to realize the trauma Stacy experienced as White reveals the death of her father, her distant mother, an inappropriate encounter with an apartment employee and her own choice of friends. Never quiet truthful, Stacy finally reveals her bulimia. The reader experiences Stacy’s turmoil firsthand as well as receiving information from patient charts, therapy session discussions, and interviews with her four friends. The reader will long remember Stacy and her struggle to become a “happy” person. Strongly recommended for grades 7+ Strongly recommended for grades 7-12. Students struggling with depression and self-abusive actions will recognize themselves in Stacy. Students who know someone who is depressed will gain insight into their friend’s behaviors and state of mind. McNicol,Lois
Roaring Brook Press see macmillan children's pub 2010 151p 16.99
978-1-59643-454-7 ms/hs Graphic novel E-BN
In graphic novel format, the author recounts her admission and stay at a mental health facility. Excellent graphics extend the narrative showing viewpoints from friends, family, fellow residents, and doctors. Unsettling yet hopeful. Outstanding! For grades 7-12.
Tracy White recounts her admission and stay at a mental health hospital. Stacy became a party girl using pills to self-medicate while at boarding school and knows she will surely die if she continues her current path. Told in a timeline format, readers meet “Stacy” as a 17 year old boarding school student through the voices of four friends: two longtime friends, a boarding school roommate and a fellow resident of the treatment center. Each friend has her own problems. The pages are divided into distinct “comic frames” however the dialogue bubbles and even the graphics in the frames often extend into another pane. Memories are related in frames that have a gray background and thoughts float at the top of a frame. Excellent graphics, uncluttered in black and white, add intensity to the narrative. The reader slowly comes to realize the trauma Stacy experienced as White reveals the death of her father, her distant mother, an inappropriate encounter with an apartment employee and her own choice of friends. Never quiet truthful, Stacy finally reveals her bulimia. The reader experiences Stacy’s turmoil firsthand as well as receiving information from patient charts, therapy session discussions, and interviews with her four friends. The reader will long remember Stacy and her struggle to become a “happy” person. Strongly recommended for grades 7+ Strongly recommended for grades 7-12. Students struggling with depression and self-abusive actions will recognize themselves in Stacy. Students who know someone who is depressed will gain insight into their friend’s behaviors and state of mind. McNicol,Lois
Schwartz, John. Short: Walking Tall When You’re Not Tall At All
Schwartz, John Short: Walking Tall When You’re Not Tall At All
Roaring Press see Millbrook 2010 132p 16.99
978-1-59643-323-6 ms E-BN
This book discusses the issue of short stature from many different angles, from the causes to the social consequences of being short, along with some advice on developing positive self-esteem. This book is very well written and thorough. It could be used individually with a student or by a counselor with a group. The author starts with the popular idea promoted in the media that being short is a distinct disadvantage, and then he shoots holes through it, with the help of scientific data he has collected. He links the manufacturers and marketers of human growth hormone with the erroneous theory that shortness is disadvantagious, and he makes a very strong case.
In addition, Schwartz discusses such pertinent topics as bullying, building self-esteem, and refusing to allow one’s physical attributes to determine one’s life.
It would be a great book to give to teens to read ... whatever their height.
For teenagers, particularly boys. Kennedy, Carol
Roaring Press see Millbrook 2010 132p 16.99
978-1-59643-323-6 ms E-BN
This book discusses the issue of short stature from many different angles, from the causes to the social consequences of being short, along with some advice on developing positive self-esteem. This book is very well written and thorough. It could be used individually with a student or by a counselor with a group. The author starts with the popular idea promoted in the media that being short is a distinct disadvantage, and then he shoots holes through it, with the help of scientific data he has collected. He links the manufacturers and marketers of human growth hormone with the erroneous theory that shortness is disadvantagious, and he makes a very strong case.
In addition, Schwartz discusses such pertinent topics as bullying, building self-esteem, and refusing to allow one’s physical attributes to determine one’s life.
It would be a great book to give to teens to read ... whatever their height.
For teenagers, particularly boys. Kennedy, Carol
Wilson, Jacqueline. Kiss
Wilson, Jacqueline. Kiss
Roaring Press see Millbrook 2010 248p 16.99
978-1-59643-242-0 hs Realistic Fiction VG-BN
Sylvie has always been in love with her best friend, Carl, and she is waiting for their relationship to move from the platonic to the romantic. But Carl has other ideas. This realistic novel pulls the reader in right away, with very good characterizations, descriptions of teen social life (in the UK), lots of emotional honesty and good writing. Sylvie is a character with whom one can empathize, and yet at times you want to shake her and ask why she cannot see the obvious about her crush on Carl. Although it is easy to see where things are heading with their friendship, the reader will stick with this one because of the interesting situations and personalities involved in the story. Recommended for high school students, maybe even 8th graders. For high-school girls who like realistic fiction
Kennedy, Carol
Roaring Press see Millbrook 2010 248p 16.99
978-1-59643-242-0 hs Realistic Fiction VG-BN
Sylvie has always been in love with her best friend, Carl, and she is waiting for their relationship to move from the platonic to the romantic. But Carl has other ideas. This realistic novel pulls the reader in right away, with very good characterizations, descriptions of teen social life (in the UK), lots of emotional honesty and good writing. Sylvie is a character with whom one can empathize, and yet at times you want to shake her and ask why she cannot see the obvious about her crush on Carl. Although it is easy to see where things are heading with their friendship, the reader will stick with this one because of the interesting situations and personalities involved in the story. Recommended for high school students, maybe even 8th graders. For high-school girls who like realistic fiction
Kennedy, Carol
O’Brien, Caragh M. Birth Marked
O’Brien, Caragh M. Birth Marked
Roaring Press see Millbrook 2010 362p 16.99
978-1-59643-569-8 hs Science fiction E-BN
In 2930 the world has changed and now the people who live inside the walls are called the Enclave and the unfortunate people who were not selected to go behind the wall are called the outsiders and live in poverty. However, the Enclave committed an error they didn’t take in enough people and now they have a grave problem with the children.
Gaia can only imagine what life behind the wall is like. She has been training to be a midwife and now she is ready. As a midwife she has the responsibility of passing over the first the three babies born in a month. The babies destiny is to be adopted by families within the walls. Their life is good, however there is a problem now that is affecting the whole existence of the people within the walls. The children are dying and because most of the children come from outside the walls and there are many cases of incest due to the fact that the children have no idea who their real parents are on the outside.
Gaia always thought it was a good thing although deep inside as she gave the babies over she felt an uncomfortable feeling. Then the day came when she came home to find her parents had been arrested. The Enclave was looking for a code that could tell them how the young adults might be related. They believe that Gaia’s mother was able to help them. However, Gaia’s mother had lost 2 babies to the Enclave and she was determined to stop it even if it killed her.
Excellent story full of intrigue and mystery. Gaia is a heroine willing to risk it all and she actually finds love along the way. As the story unfolds the reader learns how the story becomes complicated and how technology, genetics, illness and incest can devastate a population. I suspect there might be a second book continuing the story of Gaia and Leon telling us how this whole story will unfold and the population can be saved. Diaz, Magna
Roaring Press see Millbrook 2010 362p 16.99
978-1-59643-569-8 hs Science fiction E-BN
In 2930 the world has changed and now the people who live inside the walls are called the Enclave and the unfortunate people who were not selected to go behind the wall are called the outsiders and live in poverty. However, the Enclave committed an error they didn’t take in enough people and now they have a grave problem with the children.
Gaia can only imagine what life behind the wall is like. She has been training to be a midwife and now she is ready. As a midwife she has the responsibility of passing over the first the three babies born in a month. The babies destiny is to be adopted by families within the walls. Their life is good, however there is a problem now that is affecting the whole existence of the people within the walls. The children are dying and because most of the children come from outside the walls and there are many cases of incest due to the fact that the children have no idea who their real parents are on the outside.
Gaia always thought it was a good thing although deep inside as she gave the babies over she felt an uncomfortable feeling. Then the day came when she came home to find her parents had been arrested. The Enclave was looking for a code that could tell them how the young adults might be related. They believe that Gaia’s mother was able to help them. However, Gaia’s mother had lost 2 babies to the Enclave and she was determined to stop it even if it killed her.
Excellent story full of intrigue and mystery. Gaia is a heroine willing to risk it all and she actually finds love along the way. As the story unfolds the reader learns how the story becomes complicated and how technology, genetics, illness and incest can devastate a population. I suspect there might be a second book continuing the story of Gaia and Leon telling us how this whole story will unfold and the population can be saved. Diaz, Magna
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Revolver.
Sedgwick, Marcus. Revolver.
Roaring Press see Millbrook 2010 204p 16.99
978-1-59643-592-6 ms/hs VG-BN
This is an Arctic survival story set in Alaska. It is a compelling story of a young boy faced with his father’s death and the consequences he must face as a result of his father’s actions. Sig is a 14 year old boy who finds his father frozen to death on the Alaskan lake. After taking his father back to their cabin his sister and step mother go to town for help. It is a stressful time for Sig. However, the tension heightens when a stranger shows up demanding the gold his father stole during the gold rush days and then vanished. His father had not mentioned the gold but later it was discovered that he had left several hints and clues to its whereabouts.
The sister and mother prove to be resourceful when they return and discover the existence of the stranger.
Without telling the ending it must be noted that the compelling factor in the story is Sig’s personal conflict with using the revolver that is hidden in the storeroom in an old wooden box. It is a story that builds suspense until it climaxes with a very satisfying conclusion for the readers. McNeil, Linda
Roaring Press see Millbrook 2010 204p 16.99
978-1-59643-592-6 ms/hs VG-BN
This is an Arctic survival story set in Alaska. It is a compelling story of a young boy faced with his father’s death and the consequences he must face as a result of his father’s actions. Sig is a 14 year old boy who finds his father frozen to death on the Alaskan lake. After taking his father back to their cabin his sister and step mother go to town for help. It is a stressful time for Sig. However, the tension heightens when a stranger shows up demanding the gold his father stole during the gold rush days and then vanished. His father had not mentioned the gold but later it was discovered that he had left several hints and clues to its whereabouts.
The sister and mother prove to be resourceful when they return and discover the existence of the stranger.
Without telling the ending it must be noted that the compelling factor in the story is Sig’s personal conflict with using the revolver that is hidden in the storeroom in an old wooden box. It is a story that builds suspense until it climaxes with a very satisfying conclusion for the readers. McNeil, Linda
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