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

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