Miller, Bobbi. Big River’s Daughter.

Miller, Bobbi.  Big River’s Daughter.  Holiday House  2013  200p  ISBN 978-0-8234-2752-9    ms  Hardback  VG-BN  Historical fiction    

Starting with an earthquake that actually occurred in the Mississippi Valley in 1811, Bobbi Miller creates a delightful young heroine in River Fillian.  As a preteen she is just beginning to understand her father’s role as King of the River, when he is taken from her in the earthquake.  Immediately she is chased by more than one group who think she holds some secret information about a treasure.  She interacts with both fictional and historical characters, including the pirate Jean Lafitte.  Keeping her wits about her in the rough-and-tumble world along the Mississippi River, she comes across as able to quite accurately judge the character of a person.

There is lots of action and adventure in this novel.  Some students may have a bit of trouble reading the written dialect spoken by some of the characters.  It becomes easier as the reader proceeds.  Middle-school readers will find this an enjoyable, action-packed read.           

Summary: This novel is a blend of historical events and characters and fabulous fictional characters.  River Fillian must make her own way on the Mississippi River in 1811.  Adventure and humor with a spunky heroine.  Middle school, grades 5-8.

Mississippi River-1811-Fiction                                    --Joan Theal

Miller, Connie Colwell. The Loch Ness Monster/el Monstruo del Lago Ness.

Miller, Connie Colwell.  The Loch Ness Monster/el Monstruo del Lago Ness.  Capstone Publishers  32p  $25.99 978-1-4296-9233-5     2013 elem  VG-Bnes  series: Mysteries of Science    

This book includes an enumeration of the sightings of the famous Loch Ness Monster, a look at the characteristics of the “monster” and scientists’ attempts to use sonar to search for Nessie (as she has been nicknamed).  The book has several strengths that make it a Book of Note.  First, the sentences are well-written in both English and Spanish.  Next, the vocabulary is defined on the page on which it appears, an excellent way to teach young readers the importance of vocabulary study.  Furthermore, there is a vocabulary list at the end that guarantees that a reader will visit the new words one way or another.  Finally, the layout is enticing, with a large number of authentic photographs.  The topic is compelling, for what child will not delight in discovering that there may be a monster that resembles a plesiosaur living in a loch in Scotland!? 

The book begins with a sighting that happened back in 1934 and moves forward to describe what other people have seen since then.  The habitat is described as well.  There was a period when visitors flocked to the lake and returned home disappointed.  In fact, scientists have searched the bottom of the lake with sonar, which has revealed nothing.  Nevertheless, people have witnessed some unusual sights at the lake, and the legend endures to this day.  The clever layout includes Spanish translations, and this does not deter from the flow of the content in any way.  Bilingual readers will be able to navigate the pages in two languages, and teachers will enjoy sharing translations that have been done in perfect Spanish on each page!  

This bilingual series includes books about the Loch Ness Monster, ghosts, UFOs, and Bigfoot.  In each, there is a description of the creature(s), a look at their habitat, enumeration of the sightings, and opinions as to whether or not the sightings are a hoax.  

Loch Ness Monster                                     --Martha Squaresky

Miller, Bobbi. Miss Sally Ann and The Panther.

Miller, Bobbi.      Miss Sally Ann and The Panther.  Holiday House  unp  $16.95 978-0-8234-1833-6                 2012  elem           E-BN       Adventure                             

In this retelling of the story of Miss Sally Ann and the Panther, children are sure to be delighted by the adventures of Miss Sally Ann and the extreme talents that she possesses.  As the story of her adventure unfolds, Miss Sally Ann comes across Fireeyes the Panther.  They face each other eye to eye. Of course each of them is imagining and determined to make a coat out of the other, but a surprising resolution occurs instead.

Bobbi Miller has retold this folk tale in a simple, fun, and suspenseful manner for children. The beautiful illustrations of Megan Lloyd enhance the story and provide beautiful color pictures that heighten the adventure and add interest for young children and beginning readers.  This exciting book is a must for young children and beginning readers.
Folk tales, Legends                                                                                                                                --Virginia McGarvey

 

Miller, Debra, editor Iran

Miller, Debra, editor     Iran     

Greenhaven Press see Gale/Cengage         2011   224p   27.50   978-0-7377-5182-6           

hs                    Current Controversies#4 (Gale/Cengage)      E-BN

            In a series of reprinted articles from the last two years, the threat

posed by Iran is evaluated. Both sides of the argument are well represented.

Some of the reading is challenging due to high level vocabulary. Grades 9-12.

            Whether Iran is a regional or worldwide threat is explored in a series of

speeches and articles from leading think tanks and respected writers. Each

section starts with an overview of the issue presented to provide background to

student researchers.  Chapters include the threat Iran╒s nuclear program poses,

relationships between Iran and Iraq, the viability and purpose of Iran╒s Green

Movement political party, and what the United States should do to Iran within

the framework of foreign policy. Each chapter starts with an author╒s statement

giving pertinent information about their work related to Iran. A list of

organizations that focus on issues presented in the book, further reading, and

extensive index complete the book. Recommended for grades 9-12.    Current

Controversies contain titles reflecting current events in the news. A selection

of reprinted articles and speeches give students an overview of varying

viewpoints related to the issue. Extensive index, organizations to contact

further aid the student. Gr. 9-12.    McNicol,Lois

Miller, Debra. Energy Production and Alternative Energy

Miller, Debra.  Energy Production and Alternative Energy           

Cengage(Gale,Lucent,Kidhaven/Blackbirch 2011   123p   38.20  978-0-7377-5106-2            

secondary      Confronting Global Warming (Cengage/Gale)      E-BN   

A collection of could be considered separate articles (although in the book they are chapters) written

by the author about difference aspects of energy production, use, sources and

alternatives    Very well written compilation of the current thinking about

energy production and use today. Tables such as ╘U.S. electricity from renewable

energy by sector, 2004-2008╒ (pg. 63), and ╘U.S. primary energy consumption by

source and sector, 2008╒ (pg. 26) serve to highlight the issues we are facing as

energy consumers and producers in the United States. Green alternative issues

such as ╘Global warming and peak oil╒ (pg. 29) and ╘Brazil╒s flex-fuel auto

industry╒ (pg. 68) are examples of sidebars found throughout the book. The book

has full color illustrations and is fully noted at the end of each chapter.

            Complete in 5 titles, this series serves to present the key issues

involved in global warming and how to address these issues.    Fisher, Lynn

Miller, Sarah. The Lost Crown.

Miller, Sarah.     The Lost Crown.    

Atheneum see Simon & Schuster 2011  448p 17.99 978-1-4169-83408 

secondary   Historical        VG-BN 

A fictionalized account of the final year of the Romanov family of Russia, prior to their

executions.      

Well written and well-sourced, this historical novel recounts

the lives of the entire Romanov family following the Russian Revolution and

elimination of the Tsarist monarchy. The book reads as a diary with each chapter

dated and written by a different Romanov daughter. The author has taken great

pains to be as historically accurate as possible, placing events in their

correct chronology and each characterizing each member of the family true to the

historical record. 

Resources for more information and an extensive bibliography

complete the book along with several pages of photographs. While the book reads

smoothly, some of the words may exceed the understanding of some middle school

students.         Fisher, Lynn

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