Rosen, Michael J. The Tale of Rescue.

Rosen, Michael J.  The Tale of Rescue.    Candlewick Press  2015  103p  $14.99  ISBN 978-0-7636-7167-9      elem/ms      Animal stories    VG-BN

This the story of a cattle dog who was bred to work long hours herding and protecting the cattle.  She could run for miles without tiring.  This is also a story about a family who were visiting an area to let their son experience snow.  The family had cross-country skied, sledded and built snowmen.  On their last morning they set out to walk the half mile from their cabin to the lodge when they found themselves lost in a complete whiteout.  They continued to plod on for who knows how long.  When the storm abated, four feet of new snow lay on the ground.  Then the freezing rain started.  The family hunkered down in a hollow, out of the wind, and the father occasionally rose to whistle.

Meanwhile the dog awakened to hear the whistle and headed out to find the lost family.  She had to jump and crash through the icy crust to move.  Arriving at the family’s location, she entered their hollow and the family warmed their hands in her fur.  The dog then went home to wake her farmer, but he did not understand.  The dog then drove the herd of cattle toward the family to crush down a path for them to follow.  She had to keep going back to the family to urge them forward.  They arrived at the farmhouse, where they were revived. 

In an epilogue, the boy returns to the farm eight years later to find the elderly farmer with a new dog and no cattle.  He adopts the dog.

This story is beautifully written, with lush descriptions.  Children from grade 3 up will enjoy it.  While the language is not complicated, the detail and beauty of the words can also be enjoyed by older readers.

Summary:  A sheep dog rescues a family in a blizzard.  Survival tale as well as a paean to the intelligence  and perseverance of dogs.  

Snow rescue-Fiction                                         --Joan Theal

Bailey, Diane. Ghosts In America.

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Bailey, Diane.  Ghosts In America.  Rosen Publishing Group  48p  $29.25                   978-1-4488-5527-8  2012  elm/ms  VG-BNS  series: America's Supernatural Secrets

Several intriguing ghost stories, accompanied by factual and scientific information, make up the core of this appealing book about American ghosts.  Up-to-date information is also presented about current phenomena and ghost-hunting activities.            While this thin volume does not include everything a young reader will want to know about ghosts in America, it presents intriguing stories, as well as the “science” behind current phenomena and ghost-hunting activities.  All this is done in a manner that will attract even the most reluctant reader. 

The layout is attractive, and, for the most part, sufficiently spooky to lead the reader on.  The only detraction is that a number of brightly-colored insets, with totally unrelated shorter stories, appear in the middle of the text of a longer story, interrupting the flow of the story.  This may also create confusion for some readers. 

Supplemental materials include a glossary, sources of further information, both print and electronic, a list of agencies, a good bibliography and a comprehensive index.  All in all, this volume will whet the appetite for well-researched ghost stories and encourage young readers to explore further.  It would be a good addition for elementary and middle-school collections.

Ghosts, Folklore, Spooky stories                                                                                                                                                       --Pat Naismith

 

Sonneborn, Liz. Shoplifting and Theft.

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Sonneborn, Liz.                   Shoplifting and Theft.  Rosen Publishing Group  64p         $31.95 978-1-4488-5558-2   2012  ms/hs              VG-BNS  series: FAQ: Teen Life                  Nonfiction

“Why do people shoplift?” is one of the frequently asked questions included in this volume in the FAQ: Teen Life series.  The nature of shoplifting as well as ways to help people overcome the addiction to it are well presented here.                The volume is divided into five essential frequently-asked questions.  In each, the author gives factual information to answer each question, augmented by narratives of specific shoplifting situations.  For example, the case of Winona Ryder begins the volume.

The layout of the text is attractive, with color photos and good use of graphics in the chapter headings and opening pages.  Myths and facts about shoplifting are highlighted. 

Supplemental material includes a glossary, extensive bibliographical references and a comprehensive index.  With the topic simply and clearly presented, this is a valuable book on an important subject.  It should prove to be a welcome addition to middle- and high-school collections.                 

Shoplifting                                                                                                                                                          --Pat Naismith

Bailey, Diane. Zombies in America.

Bailey, Diane.  Zombies in America.  Rosen Publishing Group  48p  $29.25               978-1-4488-5529-2         2012      ms          VG-BN       series: America's Supernatural Secrets Nonfiction

Zombies have invaded juvenile and teen literature and cinema.  The re-animated undead are generally portrayed as dull, but dangerous -- with a taste for human flesh (especially brains!).  Bailey states: “Most people believe that it is not possible to actually turn the dead into the undead.  But that does not mean there are not zombies among us.”

Bailey describes the history of zombies through a series of stories, beginning in New Orleans, where some people practiced voodoo.  A primary voodoo god, Li Grand Zombi, used zombies in powerful battles.  Next Bailey explores Haitian lore involving zombies.  In Haiti it is a crime to create zombies from living persons.  Then, through African slave culture, Bailey turns to zombie tales from the American South.

Zombies first appeared on the silver screen in the 1932 movie “White Zombie”. Bailey explores zombies in popular culture.  She describes books, movies, and television programs that have led to the recent fixation on “zombie apocalypse”.

Bailey does offer some evidence that zombies may be the result of toxins or examples of beliefs so overwhelming as to produce characteristics similar to those attributed to zombies, but most of the book is given over to retelling disturbing stories and raising speculation.  Still, she concludes that “zombies would not exist without the brains of authors and filmmakers, but fortunately, it’s not because they ate them!”

Student researchers may find this volume helpful.  Readers with an interest in the topic will devour it.                

Zombies--United States                                                                                                                                     --Hilary Welliver

 

Cook, Colleen Ryckert. Werewolves In America.

Cook, Colleen Ryckert.  Werewolves In America.  Rosen Publishing Group  48p  $21.95  978-1-4488-5533-9    2012                ms       VG-BN       series: America's Supernatural Secrets    Nonfiction

The title of this book says it all, as the author explores the various incarnations of werewolves in these United States.      Werewolves are a hot topic in YA literature and media, so a book about werewolves couldn’t come out at a better time.  This book takes a different approach from what one usually finds for students this age, by using examples and cases of werewolf sightings and occurrences as a foundation for the book.  After an introduction about werewolves as the “stuff of nightmares”, the author takes each chapter as a case history of werewolves in America: “Sherman Ranch, Utah, 1994”, “Werewolves in Wisconsin”, “The Bray Road Beast”, and “Other Sightings around the United States”.  The last chapter discusses werewolves in popular culture, and the book concludes with a glossary, a list of sources for more information (print and web), a bibliography, and an index.  Full-color photographs sit in amongst the related text on pages throughout the book.  Sidebars talk about related topics, such as: “How big are real wolves?” (page 22) and “Lycanthropy” (page 26).

Werewolves-United States                                                                                                                                                                 --Lynn Fisher

 

Hanson-Harding, Alexandra. How To Beat Physical Bullying.

Hanson-Harding, Alexandra.        How To Beat Physical Bullying.  Rosen Publishing Group  48p      $29.25  978-1-4488-6808-7     2013           ms           G               series: Beating Bullying                 Nonfiction

This succinct book accurately describes bullying by defining associated causes and effects.  A brief introduction draws the reader in by using a famous actor’s story about being bullied.  Subsequently, other popular actors, singers, and stars contribute their experiences as victims of bullies.  Each chapter is further divided into sections and combined with a low reading level.  This book is non-threatening to young readers.  Sensitivity as well as sound advice and recommendations are included within the insightful text.

This book is also visually appealing.  Each page contains a colorful photograph with captions or additional, informational text boxes that provide clarity and interest.  Topics such as defining bullying and characteristics of bullies are discussed as well as strategies for victims and bystanders, and societal responsibilities are included.

The informative, crisp text flows well and will instuct young readers on how to define, prevent, and deal with various aspects of bullying.  A table of contents, glossary, bibliography, list of sources for more information, and index are included.  Additionally, the book includes hotlines and websites for the reader to contact for advice and counseling regarding bullying.
Bullying                                                                                                                                             --Virginia McGarvey

 

Landau, Jennifer. How To Beat Psychological Bullying.

Landau, Jennifer.  How To Beat Psychological Bullying.    Rosen Publishing Group 48p       $21.95  978-1-4488-6809-4    2013  ms  VG-BN    series: Beating Bullying     Nonfiction

With psychological bullying at all ages becoming such a prevalent problem, this book examines its many aspects and its partner in crime, bullying.  Some chapter titles are “Sick With Worry”, “How Bullies Gain Control”,
“Taking Back Your Power”, and “Ending the Vicious Cycle”.  While redundant at times, most of the information found in this book cannot be emphasized enough.

Sidebars highlight some of the specifics of psychological bullying, such as “Bullying Students With Disabilities” (page 10) and “Managing Angry Feelings” (page 24).  While much of this book discusses how bullying happens, the balance of the book addresses why bullying occurs (family background, peer support, etc.) and things that can be done (such as rules and legislation) to prevent psychological bullying.  Support for bullying prevention and anti-bullying organizations are mentioned in the text, as well as the importance of taking individual responsibility in preventing and eliminating psychological bullying. “Ten Great Questions to Ask a Guidance Counselor” (page 28) can help students determine the parameters of bullying -- victim and bully alike.  Illustrations make the book brighter, but the text carries the reader through on its own.  The book concludes with a glossary, “For More Information” (a list of organizational websites, hotlines and such), further reading, a bibliography, and an index.

Bullying                                                                                                                                                                                        --Lynn Fisher

 

Peterson, Judy Monroe. How To Beat Cyberbullying.

Peterson, Judy Monroe. How To Beat Cyberbullying.        Rosen Publishing Group  48p   $21.95       978-1-4488-6810-0       2013      ms           VG-BN  series: Beating Bullying     Nonfiction

With cyberbullying at all ages becoming such a prevalent problem, this book examines the many aspects of cyberbullying and its partner in crime, bullying.             

The chapter titles are “Bullying Around the Clock”, “The Many Faces of Cyberbullies”, “Standing Up to Cyberbullying”, and “Cyberbullying Solutions”. While redundant at times, most of the information found in this book cannot be emphasized enough.  Sidebars highlight some of the specifics of cyberbullying such as “Using Cell Phones to Bully” (pages 10-11) and “Bystanders to Cyberbullying” (page 15).  While much of this book discusses how bullying happens, the balance of the book addresses why it occurs (family background, peer support, etc.) and techniques to avoid being cyberbullied.  Support for cyberbullying prevention and organizations are mentioned in the text, as well as the importance of taking individual responsibility to avoid being in cyber environments where bullying can occur.  “Ten Great Questions to Ask a Guidance Counselor” (page 28) can help students determine the parameters of cyberbullying –- for victim and bully alike.  Illustrations make the book brighter, but the text carries the reader through on its own.  The book concludes with a glossary, a section entitled “For More Information” (organizational websites, hotlines and such), a list of resources for further reading, a bibliography, and an index.

Cyberbullying                                                                                                                                             --Lynn Fisher