2030: A Day in the Life of Tomorrow's Kids by Amy Zuckerman
and Jim Daly, illustrated by John Manders (Dutton, 2009).
A talking dog, a housecleaning robot and a three-dimensional "data orb"
are among the many cool features that kids might enjoy in the future,
according to this lighthearted look at 2030. The breezy narrative
follows one boy through a typical day, highlighting many interesting
aspects of his world. Fanciful cartoon drawings show a lively and
appealing world full of new and intriguing activities that correspond
neatly to modern equivalents. Schools are now made from plasticized
blocks that snap together, for example, while recess features virtual
batting practice and a "smart trampoline." Recreational activities
include magnetized hovering skateboards and a virtual-reality "Fanta-trek
Center." Some social changes are briefly noted, such as new career paths
and the increase of marriages between different ethnicities. Interaction
with the natural world is not mentioned, although many of the new
technologies have eco-friendly components and the food is all meatless
and delicious. 32 pages.
Steven Engelfried, School Library Journal
Fiction
All About Friends
Best
Friends for Frances by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Lillian
Hoban (Harper Collins, 1969).
Frances can't imagine being friends with her little sister Gloria until
she is excluded from the all-boys baseball game. To her surprise, Gloria
makes a good friend, but can she ever be a best friend? If your child
enjoys this book, introduce her to other stories in this series
including A Birthday for Frances. 32 pages.
Reading Level: Grades 2-3, Read to Self.
PBS Bookfinder
Best
Friends for Frances by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Lillian
Hoban (Harper Collins, 1969).
Frances can't imagine being friends with her little sister Gloria until
she is excluded from the all-boys baseball game. To her surprise, Gloria
makes a good friend, but can she ever be a best friend? If your child
enjoys this book, introduce her to other stories in this series
including A Birthday for Frances. 32 pages.
Reading Level: Grades 2-3, Read to Self.
PBS Bookfinder
The
Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt by Patricia MacLachlan
(HarperCollins Children's Books, 2004).
Minna grows up with some odd friends and relatives. MacLachlan's stories
are a rarity in today's children's books — simple, gentle tales of
children who manage to be reasonably nice kids without being insipid.
Minna Pratt is an amazingly delightful book, a book that makes you smile
all through it, a book that makes you want to know all of the characters
in real life. 144 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 8+. Read Alone: Ages 9+.
Common Sense Media
Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt by Patricia MacLachlan
(HarperCollins Children's Books, 2004).
Minna grows up with some odd friends and relatives. MacLachlan's stories
are a rarity in today's children's books — simple, gentle tales of
children who manage to be reasonably nice kids without being insipid.
Minna Pratt is an amazingly delightful book, a book that makes you smile
all through it, a book that makes you want to know all of the characters
in real life. 144 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 8+. Read Alone: Ages 9+.
Common Sense Media
George and Martha by James Marshall (Houghton Mifflin
Company, 1974).
George and Martha are two hilarious hippo friends who invariably get
themselves into sticky situations. Your child will love finding out what
happens when George does not like the split pea soup that Martha has
made for him in "Split Pea Soup," just one of the five humorous stories
in this collection. 48 pages.
Third-grader Read to Self. PBS
Bookfinder
Hedgie's Surprise by Jan Brett (Putnam Juvenile, 2000).
Henny wants to raise little chicks, but an elf keeps stealing her eggs
before they hatch. Your child will be surprised to learn how her friend
Hedgie helps Henny scare off the bothersome elf once and for all. Make a
special point to draw your young child's attention to the nearly hidden
pictures that border each page of this book. 32 pages.
Third-grader Read to Self. PBS
Bookfinder
A
Letter to Amy by Ezra Jack Keats (Puffin, reprint edition,
1998)
In this classic book about friendship, Peter has a falling-out with his
friend Amy. Peter fears the worst - that Amy will not come to his
birthday party. Children will relate to this story's themes, and Ezra
Jack Keats's collage illustrations will intrigue children and parents
alike. 32 pages.
Reading Level: Grades 2-3, Read to Self.
PBS Bookfinder
Letter to Amy by Ezra Jack Keats (Puffin, reprint edition,
1998)
In this classic book about friendship, Peter has a falling-out with his
friend Amy. Peter fears the worst - that Amy will not come to his
birthday party. Children will relate to this story's themes, and Ezra
Jack Keats's collage illustrations will intrigue children and parents
alike. 32 pages.
Reading Level: Grades 2-3, Read to Self.
PBS Bookfinder
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon (Harcourt Children's Books, April
30, 1993).
Stellaluna is a baby fruit bat happily flying along with her mother when
an owl attacks. The poor little bat is knocked out of her mother's grasp
and lands in a birds' nest. The mother bird accepts Stellaluna as long
as she acts like a bird, not a bat. Soon enough, Stellaluna learns to
eat bugs and stop hanging by her feet. When she finally has a chance to
show her bird siblings, Pip, Flutter and Flap, what life as a bat is
like, they are left all in a muddle: "How can we be so different and
feel so much alike?" one asks. Anyone who has ever been in a position
where they can't be who they really are will relate to Stellaluna's
predicament. Cannon's award-winning illustrations convey the nocturnal
world beautifully. Readers will be enchanted by this book with its
messages of acceptance, friendship and a mothers' love. 46 pages.
Pauline Harris
That's What Friends Are For by Florence Parry Heide and
Sylvia Van Clief, illustrated by Holly Meade (Candlewick, 2003).
Theodore, the lumbering elephant, hurts his leg so badly he can't walk
to the edge of the forest to meet his cousin. Will his friends' advice
help him solve his problem, or does he need something more? The collages
of painted paper and repeating text pattern will make this reprint of
the 1968 classic one of your child's favorites. 40 pages.
Reading Level: Grades 2-3, Read to Self.
PBS Bookfinder
Books About Food
Fairy
Tale Feasts: a Literary Cookbook for Young Readers and Eaters
written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Stemple, illustrated by Philippe Beha
(Crocodile Books, 2006).
Jane Yolen retells familiar fairy tales in a brief and lively style,
while her daughter, co-author Heidi Stemple, pairs them with at least
one kid-friendly recipe that connects with the story's theme or
references. For example, "Cinderella" is presented with a recipe for
pumpkin tarts, while "The Runaway Pancake" is matched with, of course, a
recipe for pancakes. The tales are divided into four sections:
breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. The colorful illustrations add to
the fun, and margin notes provide additional information on main
ingredients and the stories and their origins. Adult supervision will be
necessary for completing the recipes, but this book would be a great way
for the whole family to share a reading and eating experience. 197
pages.
Reading grade level: 3, Interest grade level: K-5.
Ellen Phillips
Fairy
Tale Feasts: a Literary Cookbook for Young Readers and Eaters
written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Stemple, illustrated by Philippe Beha
(Crocodile Books, 2006).
Jane Yolen retells familiar fairy tales in a brief and lively style,
while her daughter, co-author Heidi Stemple, pairs them with at least
one kid-friendly recipe that connects with the story's theme or
references. For example, "Cinderella" is presented with a recipe for
pumpkin tarts, while "The Runaway Pancake" is matched with, of course, a
recipe for pancakes. The tales are divided into four sections:
breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. The colorful illustrations add to
the fun, and margin notes provide additional information on main
ingredients and the stories and their origins. Adult supervision will be
necessary for completing the recipes, but this book would be a great way
for the whole family to share a reading and eating experience. 197
pages.
Reading grade level: 3, Interest grade level: K-5.
Ellen Phillips
How
to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman
(Dragonfly Books, 1996).
A young baker travels the world to find the finest ingredients for her
apple pie. On her journey, she introduces the reader to cultures and
products from around the globe. After the raw ingredients are prepared
for the pie, the baker invites children from around the world to share
it with her. The recipe is included at the end of the book.
PBS Bookfinder
to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman
(Dragonfly Books, 1996).
A young baker travels the world to find the finest ingredients for her
apple pie. On her journey, she introduces the reader to cultures and
products from around the globe. After the raw ingredients are prepared
for the pie, the baker invites children from around the world to share
it with her. The recipe is included at the end of the book.
PBS Bookfinder
Books About the Joy of Reading
Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
(Aladdin, 1998).
When clever yet precocious Nick decides to invent a new word for pen, it
puts him at odds with his no-nonsense teacher, a stickler for grammar
and proper word usage. What begins as a classroom duel over the usage of
the word "frindle," escalates into a national word craze.
Krisha Roach
Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
(Aladdin, 1998).
When clever yet precocious Nick decides to invent a new word for pen, it
puts him at odds with his no-nonsense teacher, a stickler for grammar
and proper word usage. What begins as a classroom duel over the usage of
the word "frindle," escalates into a national word craze.
Krisha Roach
I and
You and Don't Forget Who: What Is a Pronoun? by Brian P.
Cleary, illustrated by Brian Gable. (Lerner Publishing Group, 2004).
This book tells a story in rhyme, using different types of pronouns,
leading children to become more apt to remember what pronouns are. The
colorful illustrations feature funny monster-like creatures taking part
in everyday activities.
Children's Choices
You and Don't Forget Who: What Is a Pronoun? by Brian P.
Cleary, illustrated by Brian Gable. (Lerner Publishing Group, 2004).
This book tells a story in rhyme, using different types of pronouns,
leading children to become more apt to remember what pronouns are. The
colorful illustrations feature funny monster-like creatures taking part
in everyday activities.
Children's Choices
Summer Reading is Killing Me by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by
Lane Smith (Puffin, 2000).
This installment of the popular Time Warp Trio series is homage to some
of the best-ever summer reading lists. Sam, Fred and Joe happen to have
in their possession a bona fide time traveling book. When one of the
boys absentmindedly puts their summer reading list in the book, they
find themselves in the midst of a literary battle of evil against good!
Krisha Roach
Books About School
Dexter the Tough by Margaret Peterson Haddix, illustrated
by Mark Elliott, (Simon & Schuster, 2007).
Dexter is tough! On the first day of school, he lashes out when he
trips and the other kids laugh at him. He punches another kid in the
bathroom. But like so many kids with a gruff demeanor, Dexter is
acting out because of a painful circumstance at home. He learns to
express his emotions because of a gifted teacher and a writing
assignment. I can think of no better lesson for a child to learn —
feelings come out, one way or another — and finding a healthy way to
sort them out is important. Perfect for a third-grader who has been
bullied, or who can be too tough with others. 144 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Mapping Penny's World by Loreen Leedy (Owlet Paperbacks,
2003).
Lisa's class is learning how to make maps in school. For a homework
assignment, she decides to make a map of her dog Penny's world. She
includes the places where Penny likes to hide her toys and the best
walking routes. This fun story will also help your child learn about
the important features of maps. 32 pages.
PBS Bookfinder
La Mariposa by Francisco Jiménez, illustrated by Simón
Silva (Houghton Mifflin, 1998).
La Mariposa is a beautifully illustrated book about author Francisco
Jiménez's childhood as a member of a Mexican migrant farm family.
Young Francisco prepares himself for English-only first grade, without
knowing a word of this new language. As the days pass, he becomes more
and more uncertain if he will ever learn English, learn to read or
find a friend. However, his beautiful drawings of butterflies help him
win over the class bully and begin to transcend the barrier of
language. Krisha Roach
Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco (Philomel, 1988).
Patricia Polacco describes what it was like to be unable to read in
the fifth grade. She was taunted by classmates and plagued with her
own self-doubt until a teacher finally recognized that she couldn't
read and gave her the assurance and help she needed to succeed. 40
pages. PBS Bookfinder
Books with Positive Messages
Are
We There Yet? by Alison Lester (Kane/Miller Book
Publishers, 2005).
Alison Lester, an Australian-born author and illustrator, has written
a lovely introduction to Australia for young readers. Through the eyes
of 8-year-old Grace, we tag along for a six-month journey around
Australia with her family. 32 pages.
Krisha Roach
Babe the Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith, illustrated by
Mary Rayner (Random House Inc., 1995).
The highly appealing story line is engaging, emotionally provocative
and at times suspenseful. Illustrations are simple line sketches, but
they supplement the story well. 118 pages. Boston Globe-Horn Book
Honor.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 9-12, Read Aloud: 6-8,
Read Alone: 9-12. Common Sense
Media
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick, 2001).
Because of a hysterical encounter with Winn-Dixie, a stray but lovable
dog, India Opal's life changes forever. Opal is forced to deal with
the absence of her mother and a father who is absorbed in his work.
One day she stumbles upon a stray dog in the Winn-Dixie grocery and
it's love at first sight. Opal adopts the dog and he helps her make
friends with people that the town-folks have labeled as strange and
different. This is a beautiful story about friendship, forgiveness,
and tolerance. Jennifer
Thompson
Dare to Dream! by Carl Sommer; illustrated by Jorge
Martinez, Greg Budwine and Kennon James (Advance Publishing, 2007).
By listening to stories told by his father and grandparents, a young
boy learns how choices can lead to overcoming adversity. The lives of
Abraham Lincoln, George Washington Carver, Ben Franklin and Helen
Keller are highlighted. 48 pages.
Children's Choices
Dream: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom, & Wishes by Susan V. Bosak,
illustrated by various artists (TCP Press, 2004).
Children are whisked away on a vibrant journey of hopes and dreams.
The book's message, to embrace your dreams, is told through poetic
verse and the beautiful artwork of 15 celebrated illustrators. 40
pages. Children's Choices
Gilda Joyce, Psychic Investigator by Jennifer Allison
(Puffin Books, 2006).
Move over Nancy and Sammy, there's a new crime-solving girl in town
and her name is Gilda Joyce! When her teacher asks what she is doing
for the summer, Gilda tells the class she's going to San Francisco to
work on a novel. Of course, this isn't true, but that doesn't stop our
intrepid heroine. After writing a hilarious letter of introduction,
she manages to score a trip to visit her mother's estranged relative,
and she's off to San Francisco to win the hearts of her unknown
family. Things don't quite turn out the way she expects, however. Her
uncle is cold and distant, as is his daughter — a cousin she didn't
know she had. In their amazing "painted lady" house, a secret holds
the two of them in a state of fear, and Gilda's psychic intuition
tells her that its time to investigate. 321 pages.
Kepler's Books
Hachiko Waits by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Machiyo
Kodaira (Henry Holt, 2004).
This Japanese story of a dog whose devotion inspired a nation is an
ideal bridge from picture books to chapter books. Short illustrated
chapters, author's notes, and a glossary honor a faithful Akita that
met the commuter train from Shibuya Station every afternoon for 10
years, patiently waiting for a master who never returned. Newman's
touching story can't be read or heard without tears and a true
understanding of the word 'loyalty'.
Dr. Jan LaBonty
Humphrey the Lost Whale: A True Story by Wendy Tokuda &
Richard Hall, illustrated by Hanako Wakiyama (Heian International,
1986).
This is based on the journey of a California humpback whale, "wrong
way" Humphrey, who finds his way back to the sea with the help of many
people. 32 pages.
Third-grader Read to Self. PBS
Bookfinder
Judy Moody by Megan McDonald (Candlewick, 2002).
Yes, Judy is a third-grade girl but she is very much the tomboy and
boys love this series as much as girls. The series does a great job of
captivating unmotivated readers who are making the transition into
chapter books. Children will relate to Judy's constant dilemmas and
will laugh their way through the book as Judy comes up with the most
intriguing solutions to problems such as having to sit next to a kid
who eats paste and a toad that pees on her!
Jennifer Thompson
Letters from Rapunzel by Sara Lewis Holmes (HarperCollins,
2007).
This is a bittersweet and uplifting story of a young girl coping with
the fact that her father is hospitalized for clinical depression. "Rapunzel"
(you don't learn her real name until the end of the book) comes home
one day to find the lights off and her father curled up in his
favorite red chair, crying. Soon he's in a mental institution and her
mother refuses to talk about it. By chance, she finds a letter in her
father's chair addressed to a post office box. She writes to this post
office box, hoping that the person her father was writing to will help
her understand what is happening. Told through her letters, this novel
is poignant and emotionally raw. "Rapunzel" is the type of character
you immediately bring into your heart. Her humor, courage and
intelligence will resonate with the reader. 184 pages.
Kepler's Books
Loser by Jerry Spinelli (HarperCollins Children's Books,
2003).
It's moving, funny, lyrical and has powerful appeal. There is so much
to discuss here that a family, or a class, could spend days talking it
over, which is why it is already a favorite with discussion groups.
Two of the biggest topics are what it means to be human and what it
means to grow up. Try combining it with a movie about growing up, such
as Wide Awake, or one about not growing up,
such as Peter Pan. 218 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 8-12, Read Aloud: 8+, Read
Alone: 9+. Common Sense Media
Paint the Wind by Pam Munoz Ryan (Scholastic Press, 2007).
Uniquely told by weaving together the adventures of 11-year-old Maya
with those of Artemsia, a wild horse in the remote Wyoming wilderness,
this is a beautiful coming-of-age story about relationships and making
tough decisions. With the death of her grandmother, Maya is thrust
into a totally foreign lifestyle. Accustomed to a rigid and formal
urban household, Maya suddenly finds herself on a rural ranch
surrounded by loving and caring people. Artemesia, who runs in a herd
near Maya's new home, is also forced into a new situation when a horse
round-up separates her from the rest of her herd. Discovering one
another, the two develop a bond that will be tested under severe
conditions. The addition of a glossary and a list of Web sites dealing
with the subject of wild horses in America make this a must-read for
any horse lover. 327 pages.
Kepler's Books
The Penguin's Peril: Taylor-Made Tales #4 by Ellen Miles
(Scholastic, 2007).
Jason's teacher, Mr. Taylor, loves a challenge. Give him five
objects and he'll work them all into a story of his own creation.
When Jason gives Mr. Taylor the "ultimate challenge" list — a
penguin, a polar bear, a cactus, quicksand and a baseball — he
enthralls the class with an arctic adventure. Meanwhile, in Jason's
day-to-day life, he has to take flak from his classmates when they
find out that he loves to cook. And he just can't seem to convince
his chef dad to let him help out at the family restaurant. Both
stories end happily — especially when Jason's dad and classmates get
a taste of his signature sandwich, the Amazin' Jason. The
Penguin's Peril is a testament to the
power of storytelling and will inspire young readers to be true to
themselves. 110 pages.
Click here to buy the book on Powells.com.
Sheila Ashdown and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Please Write in This Book by Mary Amato, illustrated by
Eric Brace (Holiday House, 2006).
Ms. Wurtz hides a book in the writer's corner, inviting her students
to write on its blank pages. Conversations, pictures, charts and
stories find their way into it.
Children's Choices
The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff
Brumbeau, illustrated by Gail de Marcken (Scholastic Press, 2001).
This beautifully written and illustrated book will appeal to a wide
range of ages. Its story of materialism verses charity addresses the
value of giving and encourages children to reach out to help others.
The story of a greedy king and the lesson he learns helps children
get perspective on what is important.
Darlene Kenny
The Quiltmaker's Journey by Jeff
Brumbeau, illustrated by Gail de Marcken (Orchard, 2005).
A prequel to The Quiltmaker's Gift. The
vivid, intricately designed watercolor illustrations add drama and
life to the story of a young wealthy child who, one night, steps out
of a walled city to find the world beyond. She becomes a quiltmaker
after her elders reject her idea of helping the needy. Another
poignant message for children of all ages.
Darlene Kenny
The Rag Coat by Lauren Mills
(Little, Brown Young Readers, 1991).
This is a heartwarming story of how a community comes together to
help Minna, a little girl who so badly wants to attend school, but
has no coat. The story deals with death and poverty in a real and
positive way with a loving solution. It's a sweet, sober tale
about love and goodwill.
Darlene Kenny
Thunder Rose by Jerdine Nolen,
illustrated by Kadir Nelson (Harcourt Brace, 2003).
Nolen and Nelson give us a spunky cowgirl heroine of the West who
names herself Thunder Rose. Rose is resourceful and fearless, and
no challenge defeats her, not stampeding cattle, drought,
tornadoes, hooligans nor desperadoes. With a sweet disposition,
sassy pigtails and a 'can do' attitude, Rose's story stretches
both the imagination and the vocabulary.
Dr. Jan LaBonty
Homer Price by Robert McCloskey
(Puffin, reissue 1976, originally published in 1943).
Homer Price's six sidesplitting exploits included here will keep
your child reading and rolling in the aisles. Author of many
wonderful books, including the award-winning
Make Way for Ducklings and
Blueberries for Sal, Robert McCloskey
was truly inspired by his funny bone when he wrote these stories.
160 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Little House in the Big Woods by
Laura Wilder, illustrated by Garth Williams (HarperCollins
Children's Books, 2007).
Little House In The Big Woods is a
classic reborn with great illustrations by Garth Williams. New
readers and those familiar with Laura Ingalls and her family will
love following along as Laura takes them through a year in the
life of the little family of pioneers. This story is a
straightforward, fun read with a child's look into the life of a
pioneer. It's great to see Laura and her sisters take simple
pleasure in playing with their dolls, making homemade goodies and
listening to their father's stories. Laura Ingalls is a kid who
loves to help her family, is afraid of wolves and hates her
"boring" brown hair. She lives in a little house in the big woods
where she and her siblings work hard at their many chores, mind
their ma and pa, go to school all in one room and have lots of
frontier adventures. 256 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 9-12. Read Alone: Ages 9-12.
Common Sense Media
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie (HarperFestival,
2003).
The original language is rich, and the story, so much a part of
our culture, inspires children to dream. Some of the racial and
gender stereotypes, typical for their time, will need explanation.
240 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 9-12, Read Aloud: 8+,
Read Alone: 10+. Common Sense
Media
Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson
(Puffin, reissue 2007, originally published in 1944).
Rabbit Hill is a time-honored book
about a family of rabbits and the meaning of community. The
characters are the same as they are in any neighborhood; you get a
little of everything, both funny and frustrating. The inspired
vocabulary makes for a welcome challenge and the environmental
element of the story inspires discussion. Perfect for a
parent-child book club. 128 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
The Wheel On the School by
Meindert Dejong, illustrated by Maurice Sendak (Harper Trophy,
1972).
Set in Holland in a tiny fishing village, this is the story of
Lina and her classmates. After doing some research for a school
report, Lina is determined to lure storks back to their village as
they are believed to bring good luck. This book won the 1955
Newbery Award. 320 pages.
Krisha Roach
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase
by Joan Aiken, illustrated by Pat Marriott (Dell Yearling, 1987).
First published in 1963, The Wolves of
Willoughby Chase possesses all the attributes that make a
book a favorite and that you want to pass down to the next
generation. Bonnie and Sylvia, residents of a British estate in
the 19th century, are left in the care of a cruel governess while
their parents are away on holiday. The girls can hardly believe
what is happening to their once happy home. The servants are
dismissed, the furniture sold and the girls sent to a prison-like
orphan school. Full of intrigue and mystery, this is a book for a
strong reader and is guaranteed to transport them to another time
and place. 192 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
The Castle Corona by Sharon
Creech, illustrated by David Diaz (HarperCollins, 2007).
This is a clever, fun fairytale with positive messages. There is
mild fairytale violence and of course, budding romance. A
storyteller tells a story in which parents and siblings die and
thieves are killed; the killings are shown as unjust. Families can
talk about being grateful and what the characters learned about
the responsibilities that come with privilege. Why was the
princess so unhappy? Why weren't riches enough for the royals? How
did the peasants feel about the royals once they met them? 336
pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 8-12, Read Aloud: 8+,
Read Alone: 8+. Common Sense
Media
Cinderella (As if You Didn't Already Know
the Story) by Barbara Ensor (Random House, 2006).
This version of the familiar story allows girls to connect with
Cinderella as they dive deep into the life of a fairy-tale
princess. The modern-day twist allows the readers to hear the
story in a unique and interesting way. 128 pages.
Children's Choices
How to Train Your Dragon by
Cressida Cowell (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2004).
This story of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, son of a Viking
chief, is filled with slightly rude humor that often appeals to
preadolescent boys. Clever wordsmithing engages readers in the
plight of a scrawny boy and his extraordinarily small dragon. 224
pages. Children's Choices
In the Ice Age: Andrew Lost #12
by J.C. Greenburg (Stepping Stone, 2005).
In this installment of the Andrew Lost
series, Andrew and Judy must save their Uncle Al — a top-secret
scientist and inventor of the Time-A-Tron time-travel machine —
from the Ice Age. They use their creative problem-solving skills
to escape from saber-toothed tigers and make friends with a
group of Ice Age people, all while avoiding the clutches of the
evil Doctor Kron-Tox. This book has it all: adventure, humor and
a super-smart robot named Thudd who peppers the story with true
facts about the Ice Age. 85 pages.
Click here to buy the book on Powells.com.
Sheila Ashdown and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Knights of the Kitchen Table
by Jon Scieszka (Puffin, 2004).
This first book in the Time Warp Trio Series is an imaginative
and humorous read. The book begins with three boys celebrating a
birthday. One of the presents happens to be a book with a card
that states, "Be careful what you wish for." Once the book is
opened, the boys are transported back to the time of knights,
giants and dragons. If you enjoy adventure and fantasy this is a
must read! Jennifer
Thompson
Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye,
Geronimo Stilton Series, by Geronimo Stilton
(Scholastic, 2004).
This series is a favorite for boys who are reluctant readers.
Hip language and vocabulary, cultural references, multi-colored
fonts, colorful illustrations and maps are both eye catching and
motivating factors for young readers. Geronimo Stilton is a
mouse who is editor-in-chief of a popular newspaper, and he has
found himself in a particularly interesting situation.
Geronimo's sister, Thea, discovers a treasure map, where an X
marks the spot, of hidden treasure. Come join Geronimo and his
sister as they travel to a faraway island in search of the
Emerald Eye. Will a hurricane stop them or a sinking boat? You
must read to find out.
Jennifer Thompson
The McElderry Book of Grimms' Fairy Tales
by Emma Chichester Clark, illustrated by Saviour Pirotta (Simon
& Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry, 2006).
First published in England in 2002, this nicely designed
collection of 10 Grimms' tales includes both the well-known -
"The Sleeping Beauty" (Briar Rose), "The Golden-Haired Girl in
the Tower" (Rapunzel), and "The Magic Gingerbread House" (Hansel
and Gretel) - and the less familiar - "Little Mouse and Lazy
Cat," "The Swans and the Brave Princess" (The Six Swans), and
"The Magic Bear and the Handsome Prince" (Snow White and Rose
Red). Pirotta's retellings are straightforward and colloquial
without soft-pedaling the darker aspects of the stories (evil
witches get burned at the stake, trusting rodents get eaten and
a handsome prince in the guise of a frog winds up in the bed of
a princess). ... 128 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Mightier Than the Sword: World Folktales
for Strong Boys by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Raul
Colon (Silver Whistle, 2003).
Jane Yolen, a prolific, award-winning children's author,
selected and reworked these stories from China, Germany,
Ireland, Afghanistan, Finland, Angola and more. This anthology
for boys serves to remind us of the virtue of strength without
force. Yolen has written a similar anthology for girls, Not One
Damsel in Distress: World Folktales for Strong Girls. 128 pages.
Krisha Roach
My Curious Uncle Dudley by
Barry Yourgrau, illustrated by Tony Auth (Candlewick Press,
2004).
When 11-year-old Duncan Peckle's parents take an unexpected
vacation, he is left in the temporary care of his curious,
definitely eccentric Uncle Dudley. There are adventures ahead
that include enchantments, elixirs, and a few amusing goblins.
224 pages. Children's
Choices
The Tail of Emily Windsnap by
Liz Kessler, illustrated by Sarah Gibb (Orion Children's Books,
2004).
The best compliment for a book is that you hope it will never
end. That is exactly the sentiment expressed when a child tells
me about reading The Tail of Emily
Windsnap. Although Emily lives on a boat, her parents are
very wary of her being in the water. Emily discovers that she is
half-mermaid and she begins to pursue the mystery of her
father's disappearance. First in a series, your child will
occupy many enjoyable hours with this engaging "tail." 208
pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
The Trial of Cardigan Jones by
Tim Egan. (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004).
Cardigan Jones, clumsy new moose in town, finds himself in the
middle of the case of a missing apple pie. As he moves past many
misperceptions, all is resolved in court in this Law & Order
take-off for kids.
Children's Choices
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie
Babbitt (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1975).
In many ways, the story is a fairy tale, with a magical spring,
a kidnapped heroine, an enchanted handsome prince and even a
bittersweet ending. Babbitt's eloquent descriptions of woods,
ponds and animals, though, elevate the novel from mere story to
a lyrical meditation on the natural order. The dog days of
summer, when the earth cracks and lighting flashes without
thunder, are described with exquisite clarity. Cows, fish, and
even one of the most memorable toads in children's literature
are given personality and respect. The Tucks have discovered the
Fountain of Youth — but is it a blessing or a curse?
Ten-year-old Winnie must consider this question even as she is
kidnapped, witnesses a murder and assists in a jailbreak. Along
the way, the reader is treated to a richly imagined setting that
is every bit as memorable as the story. 139 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 8-9. Read Alone: Ages 9+.
Common Sense Media
Two Bad Ants by Chris Van
Allsburg (Houghton Mifflin, 1988).
A Caldecott Medal author, Van Allsburg takes us into the world
of ants. The story begins when a scout brings his queen a
strange new treasure, a crystal that appeals to her sweet tooth.
The ants want to please "the mother of them all," so they march
off in search of more crystals for their queen. They trek
through woods (grass) and survive a thunderstorm (the sound of
crickets combined with dropping dew drops and the light of a
passing firefly). They climb a mountain (the wall of a house)
and go through a tunnel (window) to a glassy curved wall (sugar
bowl). In their haste to leave "this unnatural place," they fail
to notice that two have stayed behind to enjoy the feast. The
artwork lends itself to the sense of mystery, all bold lines and
earth tones. Will they make it home? Read the book and find out.
32 pages. Pauline Harris
The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom
Planet by Eleanor Cameron (Little Brown & Co.,
reprint edition, 1988).
An early classic in children's science fiction, the story
concerns two young boys who take off to a "nearby" planet in
their homemade spaceship. The tiny planet is in dire trouble,
and the boys are recruited to save it from certain galactic
extinction. Mr. Bass and the Mushroom People are unforgettable,
and the appeal of the adventures is timeless. 226 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Zathura by Chris Van Allsburg
(Houghton Mifflin, 2002).
With the movie release of Chris Van Allsburg's book, Zathura,
children of all ages will be eager to read the book version.
Many Allsburg fans waited a long time to finally find out what
happened after Judy and Peter discarded the Jumanji game in the
park. We were left with the Budwing brothers as they stumbled
upon the mysterious box. When they open the box, they see the
Jumanji game board and another space-themed board. This board
transports the players from earth to a purple planet called
Zathura. Before they know it the boys are swept up in a
nail-biting, outer-space adventure. Will they survive a black
hole, space ships and robots? This is a must read if you've
always wondered what happened to Danny and Walter Budwing.
Jennifer Thompson
Great White Sharks by Sandra
Markle, illustrated with photographs. (Lerner Publishing Group,
2004).
The nonfiction aspect of this text appealed to many students,
especially male students, because of the ferocious-looking shark
on the cover and the many details on these predators of the
deep, including their feasts on other ocean life.
Children's Choices
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
by Brian Selznick (Scholastic, 2007).
The hero of the story has a sad life. Orphaned, alone and
homeless, he lives by stealing and scavenging, and no one is
kind to him until late in the book. Families who read this book
could discuss some of the research-based themes the author
includes. How can an automaton be made to write poems and draw
pictures? How do they work? How were the earliest films made?
Many kids will want to learn more about mechanical machines and
automata, and about the history of film, especially the work of
Georges Melies. And they may also want to see the films referred
to in the story. Awards: Caldecott Medal, Horn Book Fanfare. 533
pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 8-11, Read Aloud:
8+, Read Alone: 9+. Common
Sense Media
Molly's Pilgrim by Barbara
Cohen, illustrated by Daniel Mark Duffy (HarperCollins, 1998).
Molly's Pilgrim is a heartwrenching story that illustrates the
true meaning of Thanksgiving. Molly, a Russian immigrant, finds
herself in an American school. Instead of being welcomed as the
new student in the class, she is treated as an outcast. Taunting
and bullying are two themes explored in this book. The children
in Molly's class learn one of life's most valuable lessons -
pilgrims, like people, come in all denominations, and to this
day they are still coming to America in hopes of finding
freedom. 32 pages.
Jennifer Thompson
Morning Girl by Michael Dorris
(Hyperion Books for Children, 1992).
Simple story, beautifully told, appeals to kids who like
thoughtful character-based stories. This lyrical look at
pre-Columbian Taino culture stresses the bonds of family, and
behavioral changes involved in growing up, and raises the issue
of culture differences in a powerful way. 74 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 9-12, Read Aloud: 7+,
Read Alone: 8+. Common Sense
Media
Samuel Eaton's Day: A Day in the Life of
a Pilgrim Boy by Kate Waters, with photographs by
Russ Kendall (Scholastic, 1996).
Samuel Eaton's Day, one of the author's trilogy of books about
the Pilgrims, transports the reader back to life during Pilgrim
times. Samuel shares the excitement and the hard work that is
involved with his first harvest. Samuel quickly discovers how
difficult the harvest can be. Though exhausted from the day's
work, Samuel learns a valuable lesson about perseverance and the
pride that comes from working together as a family. 40 pages.
Jennifer Thompson
Sarah Morton's Day: A Day in the Life of
a Pilgrim Girl by Kate Waters, with photographs by
Russ Kendall (Scholastic, 1993).
Sarah Morton's Day is an excellent book about a day in the life
of a Pilgrim girl and another book in Kate Water's Pilgrim
trilogy. The story is set in the year 1627. Told in the first
person, Sarah takes young readers on a historic field trip back
in time. Photographs in the book were taken at the Plymouth
Museum, which is a replica of the 1627 settlement. The historic
backdrop and the words of 9-year-old Sarah invite children of
all ages to experience the Pilgrim way of life. Colonial dress,
food, chores, family relations, friendships, religion and play
are all part of Sarah's day. 32 pages.
Jennifer Thompson
Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Batutta
1325-1354 by James Rutherford (Houghton Mifflin,
2001).
How better to involve your child in geography, history and the
art of picture books than through the pages of a masterfully
told story about one of the world's most famous travelers? Ibn
Batutta's journey represents one of the first travel diaries we
have; author/artist Rutherford takes young readers along on this
trip through space and time. 40 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Lizard Music by Daniel Manus
Pinkwater (Yearling, 1996).
Eleven-year-old Victor is up way past bedtime when he sees
something very unusual on television: a band of giant lizards
performing wild music! Night after night, Victor watches this
same strange yet addictive show...that apparently doesn't even
exist. 144 pages. Krisha
Roach
Shredderman: Secret Identity
by Wendelin Van Draanen, illustrated by Brian Briggs (Yearling,
2004).
Nolan is tired of Bubba Bixby's bullying! When the kids receive
an assignment to create a newspaper expose, Nolan thinks that
this is the perfect chance to truly expose Bubba. After
gathering some very compromising information, Nolan creates
shredderman.com, a Web site that will shield his identity while
fighting back against Bubba's tyranny. 144 pages.
Krisha Roach
Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury
by Jan Brett (Putnam Juvenile, 2001).
This beautiful Jan Brett collection features some of her best
winter and Christmas stories. Some of the titles included in the
treasury are "The Mitten" and "Christmas Trolls." Jan Brett's
signature illustrations adorn each story, filling it with
bright, festive colors. PBS
Bookfinder
Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat: A Chanukah
Story by Naomi Howland (Clarion Books, 2004).
Sadie's kindness is rewarded when an old woman gives her a
magical frying pan. When magic words are spoken, the pan fills
with delicious latkes. Unfortunately, trouble occurs when Sadie
leaves the pan in the hands of her younger brothers.
PBS Bookfinder
The Long Winter by Laura
Ingalls Wilder (HarperTrophy, 2004).
In this, the most exciting of all the "Little House" books,
young Laura learns about adversity when the Ingalls family faces
a terrible winter in 1880. Modern kids who think deprivation
means having no cable TV will be amazed by the fortitude of the
hardy family, who holed up in their kitchen during a blizzard
living on bread and tea, and twisting hay into sticks to keep
the stove going. 352 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Winter of the Ice Wizard
"Magic Tree House" series #32, by Mary Pope Osborne (Random
House, 2004).
It's hard to believe that the beloved "Magic Tree House" series
has spawned almost 40 books. Mary Pope Osborne is committed to
creating these captivating, quality tales for her wide-eyed,
newly minted, chapter-book readers. This one is pure wintertime
fun as Jack and Annie take on the Ice Wizard, while the story
gently introduces the world of myths and legends. 128 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Danny: The Champion of the World
by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake (Puffin, 1998).
Kids who loved the recent movie version of Roald Dahl's Charlie
and the Chocolate Factory will surely agree that Danny: Champion
of the World is fabulous! Danny is a boy who has a great life
with his father. Danny thinks he knows everything there is to
know about his dad, until one day he learns about his father's
secret life. Danny's dad is a poacher. If you want to know what
a poacher does, and you want to laugh your way through Danny and
his father's dealings with a bad neighbor and pheasants, you
must devour this hilarious book.
Jennifer Thompson
Doctor DeSoto by William Steig
(Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1990).
A very cheerful story about a mouse-dentist who treats mammals
bigger than himself, wearing rubbers to keep his feet dry when
he's in their mouths. Steig's cartoony color illustrations make
up the bulk of the book, and they are nothing short of urbane
and funny. The climax comes when a dapperly dressed but hungry
fox comes for a new gold tooth, and the quick-witted dentist
saves himself from ingestion by means of his professional
skills. 32 pages. ©
Parents' Choice
Runny Babbit: A Billy Sook by
Shel Silverstein (HarperCollins Children's Books, 2005).
Nonsensical word play will entice readers to try reading this
poetry aloud. A simple switch in the beginning letters of
certain words makes language fun and the resulting sounds smile-crackingly
funny. 96 pages.
Children's Choices
Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger
by Louis Sachar (Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2004).
Surely, Wayside School was already strange enough. The builders
built a 30-story school sideways with the rooms piled one on top
of another - except for the 19th floor where Miss Zarves teaches
class. There is no 19th floor, and there is no Miss Zarves.
Nevertheless, there is a 13th floor, where nice Mrs. Jewls
presides over her eccentric pupils. Mrs. Jewls, however, takes a
maternity leave. Before she returns with her little stranger,
Wayside School gets a little stranger. While reading this
ridiculously funny book, children will not only be laughing,
they will be learning. 169 pages.
© Parents' Choice
The Worst Band in the Universe
by Graeme Base (Harry N. Abrams, 1999).
Alien fantasies come and go, but this one has focus. Base has
created a universe where music, or the lack thereof, separates
the planets and gives them their distinct personalities. It's
all about freedom of musical expression, as Sprocc, a young
Splingtwanger-player, enters the annual competition for Worst
Band in the Universe, a true award of honor. Base's rhyming
verse is delicious fun, and there is the added bonus of a CD of
intergalactic songs, composed and performed by the author
himself. This is a gift of cosmic proportions and hours of fun.
48 pages. © Parents'
Choice
Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine
Innings by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Terry
Widener (Atheneum, 2003).
This nine-part story was inspired by the life of Alta Weiss, a
girl who pitched for a semi-pro men's baseball team in 1907.
Alta has a killer fastball and a hot glove that earn her the
nickname "Girl Wonder." When Alta finishes her pitching career
she heads to medical school, the only woman in her graduating
class. A chronology of the highlights of women in baseball
concludes the book. It only took 108 years and a lawsuit for
girls to get to play Little League and Hopkinson honors all the
women along the way who insisted that a woman's place was on the
field. Dr. Jan LaBonty
Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear
by Lensey Namioka (Yearling, 1994).
Yingtao is the only one in his family with no musical talent.
His father, however, insists that he continues to play the
violin. How will he survive daily music lessons and recitals
when all he really wants to do is play baseball, his true,
natural talent? PBS
Bookfinder
Dexter the Tough by Margaret Peterson Haddix, illustrated
by Mark Elliott, (Simon & Schuster, 2007).
Dexter is tough! On the first day of school, he lashes out when he
trips and the other kids laugh at him. He punches another kid in the
bathroom. But like so many kids with a gruff demeanor, Dexter is
acting out because of a painful circumstance at home. He learns to
express his emotions because of a gifted teacher and a writing
assignment. I can think of no better lesson for a child to learn —
feelings come out, one way or another — and finding a healthy way to
sort them out is important. Perfect for a third-grader who has been
bullied, or who can be too tough with others. 144 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Mapping Penny's World by Loreen Leedy (Owlet Paperbacks,
2003).
Lisa's class is learning how to make maps in school. For a homework
assignment, she decides to make a map of her dog Penny's world. She
includes the places where Penny likes to hide her toys and the best
walking routes. This fun story will also help your child learn about
the important features of maps. 32 pages.
PBS Bookfinder
La Mariposa by Francisco Jiménez, illustrated by Simón
Silva (Houghton Mifflin, 1998).
La Mariposa is a beautifully illustrated book about author Francisco
Jiménez's childhood as a member of a Mexican migrant farm family.
Young Francisco prepares himself for English-only first grade, without
knowing a word of this new language. As the days pass, he becomes more
and more uncertain if he will ever learn English, learn to read or
find a friend. However, his beautiful drawings of butterflies help him
win over the class bully and begin to transcend the barrier of
language. Krisha Roach
Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco (Philomel, 1988).
Patricia Polacco describes what it was like to be unable to read in
the fifth grade. She was taunted by classmates and plagued with her
own self-doubt until a teacher finally recognized that she couldn't
read and gave her the assurance and help she needed to succeed. 40
pages. PBS Bookfinder
Books with Positive Messages
Are
We There Yet? by Alison Lester (Kane/Miller Book
Publishers, 2005).
Alison Lester, an Australian-born author and illustrator, has written
a lovely introduction to Australia for young readers. Through the eyes
of 8-year-old Grace, we tag along for a six-month journey around
Australia with her family. 32 pages.
Krisha Roach
Babe the Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith, illustrated by
Mary Rayner (Random House Inc., 1995).
The highly appealing story line is engaging, emotionally provocative
and at times suspenseful. Illustrations are simple line sketches, but
they supplement the story well. 118 pages. Boston Globe-Horn Book
Honor.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 9-12, Read Aloud: 6-8,
Read Alone: 9-12. Common Sense
Media
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick, 2001).
Because of a hysterical encounter with Winn-Dixie, a stray but lovable
dog, India Opal's life changes forever. Opal is forced to deal with
the absence of her mother and a father who is absorbed in his work.
One day she stumbles upon a stray dog in the Winn-Dixie grocery and
it's love at first sight. Opal adopts the dog and he helps her make
friends with people that the town-folks have labeled as strange and
different. This is a beautiful story about friendship, forgiveness,
and tolerance. Jennifer
Thompson
The
Conquerors by David McKee (Andersen Press, 2005).
Imagine an army that is treated so well by the country it invades that
it loses its will to conquer. This one deserves a place alongside
Seuss's The Butter Battle Book. It is the kind of well told story that
parents can refer back to during difficult conversations for years.
The artwork is warm and subtle and the message is timeless: Love is
always more fun than war. 32 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Conquerors by David McKee (Andersen Press, 2005).
Imagine an army that is treated so well by the country it invades that
it loses its will to conquer. This one deserves a place alongside
Seuss's The Butter Battle Book. It is the kind of well told story that
parents can refer back to during difficult conversations for years.
The artwork is warm and subtle and the message is timeless: Love is
always more fun than war. 32 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Dare to Dream! by Carl Sommer; illustrated by Jorge
Martinez, Greg Budwine and Kennon James (Advance Publishing, 2007).
By listening to stories told by his father and grandparents, a young
boy learns how choices can lead to overcoming adversity. The lives of
Abraham Lincoln, George Washington Carver, Ben Franklin and Helen
Keller are highlighted. 48 pages.
Children's Choices
Dream: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom, & Wishes by Susan V. Bosak,
illustrated by various artists (TCP Press, 2004).
Children are whisked away on a vibrant journey of hopes and dreams.
The book's message, to embrace your dreams, is told through poetic
verse and the beautiful artwork of 15 celebrated illustrators. 40
pages. Children's Choices
Gilda Joyce, Psychic Investigator by Jennifer Allison
(Puffin Books, 2006).
Move over Nancy and Sammy, there's a new crime-solving girl in town
and her name is Gilda Joyce! When her teacher asks what she is doing
for the summer, Gilda tells the class she's going to San Francisco to
work on a novel. Of course, this isn't true, but that doesn't stop our
intrepid heroine. After writing a hilarious letter of introduction,
she manages to score a trip to visit her mother's estranged relative,
and she's off to San Francisco to win the hearts of her unknown
family. Things don't quite turn out the way she expects, however. Her
uncle is cold and distant, as is his daughter — a cousin she didn't
know she had. In their amazing "painted lady" house, a secret holds
the two of them in a state of fear, and Gilda's psychic intuition
tells her that its time to investigate. 321 pages.
Kepler's Books
The
Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio by Lloyd Alexander (Henry
Holt & Company, 2007).
This book is the author's last, a rousing, delightful adventure.
There's a fair amount of violence here, some rather brutal, though
none graphically described. Many deaths occur by a variety of weapons
and methods, and a major character is beaten unconscious. Families can
talk about the popular literary theme of setting out into the world to
find one's fortune. Do people really do that? Do you expect to one
day? Is there a modern equivalent that, perhaps, involves less
violence? 306 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 9+, Read Aloud: 9+, Read
Alone: 9+. Common Sense Media
Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio by Lloyd Alexander (Henry
Holt & Company, 2007).
This book is the author's last, a rousing, delightful adventure.
There's a fair amount of violence here, some rather brutal, though
none graphically described. Many deaths occur by a variety of weapons
and methods, and a major character is beaten unconscious. Families can
talk about the popular literary theme of setting out into the world to
find one's fortune. Do people really do that? Do you expect to one
day? Is there a modern equivalent that, perhaps, involves less
violence? 306 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 9+, Read Aloud: 9+, Read
Alone: 9+. Common Sense Media
Hachiko Waits by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Machiyo
Kodaira (Henry Holt, 2004).
This Japanese story of a dog whose devotion inspired a nation is an
ideal bridge from picture books to chapter books. Short illustrated
chapters, author's notes, and a glossary honor a faithful Akita that
met the commuter train from Shibuya Station every afternoon for 10
years, patiently waiting for a master who never returned. Newman's
touching story can't be read or heard without tears and a true
understanding of the word 'loyalty'.
Dr. Jan LaBonty
Humphrey the Lost Whale: A True Story by Wendy Tokuda &
Richard Hall, illustrated by Hanako Wakiyama (Heian International,
1986).
This is based on the journey of a California humpback whale, "wrong
way" Humphrey, who finds his way back to the sea with the help of many
people. 32 pages.
Third-grader Read to Self. PBS
Bookfinder
Judy Moody by Megan McDonald (Candlewick, 2002).
Yes, Judy is a third-grade girl but she is very much the tomboy and
boys love this series as much as girls. The series does a great job of
captivating unmotivated readers who are making the transition into
chapter books. Children will relate to Judy's constant dilemmas and
will laugh their way through the book as Judy comes up with the most
intriguing solutions to problems such as having to sit next to a kid
who eats paste and a toad that pees on her!
Jennifer Thompson
Letters from Rapunzel by Sara Lewis Holmes (HarperCollins,
2007).
This is a bittersweet and uplifting story of a young girl coping with
the fact that her father is hospitalized for clinical depression. "Rapunzel"
(you don't learn her real name until the end of the book) comes home
one day to find the lights off and her father curled up in his
favorite red chair, crying. Soon he's in a mental institution and her
mother refuses to talk about it. By chance, she finds a letter in her
father's chair addressed to a post office box. She writes to this post
office box, hoping that the person her father was writing to will help
her understand what is happening. Told through her letters, this novel
is poignant and emotionally raw. "Rapunzel" is the type of character
you immediately bring into your heart. Her humor, courage and
intelligence will resonate with the reader. 184 pages.
Kepler's Books
Loser by Jerry Spinelli (HarperCollins Children's Books,
2003).
It's moving, funny, lyrical and has powerful appeal. There is so much
to discuss here that a family, or a class, could spend days talking it
over, which is why it is already a favorite with discussion groups.
Two of the biggest topics are what it means to be human and what it
means to grow up. Try combining it with a movie about growing up, such
as Wide Awake, or one about not growing up,
such as Peter Pan. 218 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 8-12, Read Aloud: 8+, Read
Alone: 9+. Common Sense Media
Paint the Wind by Pam Munoz Ryan (Scholastic Press, 2007).
Uniquely told by weaving together the adventures of 11-year-old Maya
with those of Artemsia, a wild horse in the remote Wyoming wilderness,
this is a beautiful coming-of-age story about relationships and making
tough decisions. With the death of her grandmother, Maya is thrust
into a totally foreign lifestyle. Accustomed to a rigid and formal
urban household, Maya suddenly finds herself on a rural ranch
surrounded by loving and caring people. Artemesia, who runs in a herd
near Maya's new home, is also forced into a new situation when a horse
round-up separates her from the rest of her herd. Discovering one
another, the two develop a bond that will be tested under severe
conditions. The addition of a glossary and a list of Web sites dealing
with the subject of wild horses in America make this a must-read for
any horse lover. 327 pages.
Kepler's Books
The Penguin's Peril: Taylor-Made Tales #4 by Ellen Miles
(Scholastic, 2007).
Jason's teacher, Mr. Taylor, loves a challenge. Give him five
objects and he'll work them all into a story of his own creation.
When Jason gives Mr. Taylor the "ultimate challenge" list — a
penguin, a polar bear, a cactus, quicksand and a baseball — he
enthralls the class with an arctic adventure. Meanwhile, in Jason's
day-to-day life, he has to take flak from his classmates when they
find out that he loves to cook. And he just can't seem to convince
his chef dad to let him help out at the family restaurant. Both
stories end happily — especially when Jason's dad and classmates get
a taste of his signature sandwich, the Amazin' Jason. The
Penguin's Peril is a testament to the
power of storytelling and will inspire young readers to be true to
themselves. 110 pages.
Click here to buy the book on Powells.com.
Sheila Ashdown and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Please Write in This Book by Mary Amato, illustrated by
Eric Brace (Holiday House, 2006).
Ms. Wurtz hides a book in the writer's corner, inviting her students
to write on its blank pages. Conversations, pictures, charts and
stories find their way into it.
Children's Choices
The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff
Brumbeau, illustrated by Gail de Marcken (Scholastic Press, 2001).
This beautifully written and illustrated book will appeal to a wide
range of ages. Its story of materialism verses charity addresses the
value of giving and encourages children to reach out to help others.
The story of a greedy king and the lesson he learns helps children
get perspective on what is important.
Darlene Kenny
The Quiltmaker's Journey by Jeff
Brumbeau, illustrated by Gail de Marcken (Orchard, 2005).
A prequel to The Quiltmaker's Gift. The
vivid, intricately designed watercolor illustrations add drama and
life to the story of a young wealthy child who, one night, steps out
of a walled city to find the world beyond. She becomes a quiltmaker
after her elders reject her idea of helping the needy. Another
poignant message for children of all ages.
Darlene Kenny
The Rag Coat by Lauren Mills
(Little, Brown Young Readers, 1991).
This is a heartwarming story of how a community comes together to
help Minna, a little girl who so badly wants to attend school, but
has no coat. The story deals with death and poverty in a real and
positive way with a loving solution. It's a sweet, sober tale
about love and goodwill.
Darlene Kenny
Thunder Rose by Jerdine Nolen,
illustrated by Kadir Nelson (Harcourt Brace, 2003).
Nolen and Nelson give us a spunky cowgirl heroine of the West who
names herself Thunder Rose. Rose is resourceful and fearless, and
no challenge defeats her, not stampeding cattle, drought,
tornadoes, hooligans nor desperadoes. With a sweet disposition,
sassy pigtails and a 'can do' attitude, Rose's story stretches
both the imagination and the vocabulary.
Dr. Jan LaBonty
Classic Childhood
Favorites
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Joseph Schindelman (Alfred A.
Knopf, 1964).
Poor Charlie Bucket is practically starving to death, but his
luck changes for the better when he wins a lifetime supply of
candy — and a chance to visit Willy Wonka's fabulous, top-secret
chocolate factory. This charming, irreverent tale, one of Roald
Dahl's best, has captivated children for more than thirty years.
In the best fairy-tale tradition, Dahl doesn't hide the fact
that the world can be a grim and unfair place. Charlie's
depressing life of poverty at the beginning of the novel
reflects this bleak view. But, also in the best fairy-tale
tradition, Dahl appeals to the strong sense of natural justice
in children, and invites them to revel in a marvelously imagined
world where people, both good and bad, get exactly what they
deserve. 176 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 5-8. Read Alone: Ages 9-12.
Common Sense Media
Half Magic by Edward Eager
(Oxford University Press, 2000, originally published in 1954).
Half Magic was the
Magic Tree House of its day. As if
wizardry was not enough, our four main characters take on multiple
adventures with only "half" the magical prowess they need from a
found coin. The kids devise clever ways to utilize the coin's
capacity and the result is a very cool and captivating story. If
your child falls in love with Half Magic,
there are several sequels to quench their thirst for more. 208
pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Favorites
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Joseph Schindelman (Alfred A.
Knopf, 1964).
Poor Charlie Bucket is practically starving to death, but his
luck changes for the better when he wins a lifetime supply of
candy — and a chance to visit Willy Wonka's fabulous, top-secret
chocolate factory. This charming, irreverent tale, one of Roald
Dahl's best, has captivated children for more than thirty years.
In the best fairy-tale tradition, Dahl doesn't hide the fact
that the world can be a grim and unfair place. Charlie's
depressing life of poverty at the beginning of the novel
reflects this bleak view. But, also in the best fairy-tale
tradition, Dahl appeals to the strong sense of natural justice
in children, and invites them to revel in a marvelously imagined
world where people, both good and bad, get exactly what they
deserve. 176 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 5-8. Read Alone: Ages 9-12.
Common Sense Media
Half Magic by Edward Eager
(Oxford University Press, 2000, originally published in 1954).
Half Magic was the
Magic Tree House of its day. As if
wizardry was not enough, our four main characters take on multiple
adventures with only "half" the magical prowess they need from a
found coin. The kids devise clever ways to utilize the coin's
capacity and the result is a very cool and captivating story. If
your child falls in love with Half Magic,
there are several sequels to quench their thirst for more. 208
pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Homer Price by Robert McCloskey
(Puffin, reissue 1976, originally published in 1943).
Homer Price's six sidesplitting exploits included here will keep
your child reading and rolling in the aisles. Author of many
wonderful books, including the award-winning
Make Way for Ducklings and
Blueberries for Sal, Robert McCloskey
was truly inspired by his funny bone when he wrote these stories.
160 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Little House in the Big Woods by
Laura Wilder, illustrated by Garth Williams (HarperCollins
Children's Books, 2007).
Little House In The Big Woods is a
classic reborn with great illustrations by Garth Williams. New
readers and those familiar with Laura Ingalls and her family will
love following along as Laura takes them through a year in the
life of the little family of pioneers. This story is a
straightforward, fun read with a child's look into the life of a
pioneer. It's great to see Laura and her sisters take simple
pleasure in playing with their dolls, making homemade goodies and
listening to their father's stories. Laura Ingalls is a kid who
loves to help her family, is afraid of wolves and hates her
"boring" brown hair. She lives in a little house in the big woods
where she and her siblings work hard at their many chores, mind
their ma and pa, go to school all in one room and have lots of
frontier adventures. 256 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 9-12. Read Alone: Ages 9-12.
Common Sense Media
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie (HarperFestival,
2003).
The original language is rich, and the story, so much a part of
our culture, inspires children to dream. Some of the racial and
gender stereotypes, typical for their time, will need explanation.
240 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 9-12, Read Aloud: 8+,
Read Alone: 10+. Common Sense
Media
Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson
(Puffin, reissue 2007, originally published in 1944).
Rabbit Hill is a time-honored book
about a family of rabbits and the meaning of community. The
characters are the same as they are in any neighborhood; you get a
little of everything, both funny and frustrating. The inspired
vocabulary makes for a welcome challenge and the environmental
element of the story inspires discussion. Perfect for a
parent-child book club. 128 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
The Wheel On the School by
Meindert Dejong, illustrated by Maurice Sendak (Harper Trophy,
1972).
Set in Holland in a tiny fishing village, this is the story of
Lina and her classmates. After doing some research for a school
report, Lina is determined to lure storks back to their village as
they are believed to bring good luck. This book won the 1955
Newbery Award. 320 pages.
Krisha Roach
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase
by Joan Aiken, illustrated by Pat Marriott (Dell Yearling, 1987).
First published in 1963, The Wolves of
Willoughby Chase possesses all the attributes that make a
book a favorite and that you want to pass down to the next
generation. Bonnie and Sylvia, residents of a British estate in
the 19th century, are left in the care of a cruel governess while
their parents are away on holiday. The girls can hardly believe
what is happening to their once happy home. The servants are
dismissed, the furniture sold and the girls sent to a prison-like
orphan school. Full of intrigue and mystery, this is a book for a
strong reader and is guaranteed to transport them to another time
and place. 192 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Fantasy Books
Bone #3: Eyes of the Storm by
Jeff Smith (Graphix, 2006).
Fone Bone, a fanciful character, hides from the rat creatures with
Gran'ma Ben (a former queen) and his human friend, Thorn (who
finds out she is a princess). This graphic novel weaves together
intrigue and humor. 192 pages.
Children's Choices
Bone #3: Eyes of the Storm by
Jeff Smith (Graphix, 2006).
Fone Bone, a fanciful character, hides from the rat creatures with
Gran'ma Ben (a former queen) and his human friend, Thorn (who
finds out she is a princess). This graphic novel weaves together
intrigue and humor. 192 pages.
Children's Choices
The Castle Corona by Sharon
Creech, illustrated by David Diaz (HarperCollins, 2007).
This is a clever, fun fairytale with positive messages. There is
mild fairytale violence and of course, budding romance. A
storyteller tells a story in which parents and siblings die and
thieves are killed; the killings are shown as unjust. Families can
talk about being grateful and what the characters learned about
the responsibilities that come with privilege. Why was the
princess so unhappy? Why weren't riches enough for the royals? How
did the peasants feel about the royals once they met them? 336
pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 8-12, Read Aloud: 8+,
Read Alone: 8+. Common Sense
Media
Cinderella (As if You Didn't Already Know
the Story) by Barbara Ensor (Random House, 2006).
This version of the familiar story allows girls to connect with
Cinderella as they dive deep into the life of a fairy-tale
princess. The modern-day twist allows the readers to hear the
story in a unique and interesting way. 128 pages.
Children's Choices
How to Train Your Dragon by
Cressida Cowell (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2004).
This story of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, son of a Viking
chief, is filled with slightly rude humor that often appeals to
preadolescent boys. Clever wordsmithing engages readers in the
plight of a scrawny boy and his extraordinarily small dragon. 224
pages. Children's Choices
In the Ice Age: Andrew Lost #12
by J.C. Greenburg (Stepping Stone, 2005).
In this installment of the Andrew Lost
series, Andrew and Judy must save their Uncle Al — a top-secret
scientist and inventor of the Time-A-Tron time-travel machine —
from the Ice Age. They use their creative problem-solving skills
to escape from saber-toothed tigers and make friends with a
group of Ice Age people, all while avoiding the clutches of the
evil Doctor Kron-Tox. This book has it all: adventure, humor and
a super-smart robot named Thudd who peppers the story with true
facts about the Ice Age. 85 pages.
Click here to buy the book on Powells.com.
Sheila Ashdown and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Knights of the Kitchen Table
by Jon Scieszka (Puffin, 2004).
This first book in the Time Warp Trio Series is an imaginative
and humorous read. The book begins with three boys celebrating a
birthday. One of the presents happens to be a book with a card
that states, "Be careful what you wish for." Once the book is
opened, the boys are transported back to the time of knights,
giants and dragons. If you enjoy adventure and fantasy this is a
must read! Jennifer
Thompson
Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye,
Geronimo Stilton Series, by Geronimo Stilton
(Scholastic, 2004).
This series is a favorite for boys who are reluctant readers.
Hip language and vocabulary, cultural references, multi-colored
fonts, colorful illustrations and maps are both eye catching and
motivating factors for young readers. Geronimo Stilton is a
mouse who is editor-in-chief of a popular newspaper, and he has
found himself in a particularly interesting situation.
Geronimo's sister, Thea, discovers a treasure map, where an X
marks the spot, of hidden treasure. Come join Geronimo and his
sister as they travel to a faraway island in search of the
Emerald Eye. Will a hurricane stop them or a sinking boat? You
must read to find out.
Jennifer Thompson
The McElderry Book of Grimms' Fairy Tales
by Emma Chichester Clark, illustrated by Saviour Pirotta (Simon
& Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry, 2006).
First published in England in 2002, this nicely designed
collection of 10 Grimms' tales includes both the well-known -
"The Sleeping Beauty" (Briar Rose), "The Golden-Haired Girl in
the Tower" (Rapunzel), and "The Magic Gingerbread House" (Hansel
and Gretel) - and the less familiar - "Little Mouse and Lazy
Cat," "The Swans and the Brave Princess" (The Six Swans), and
"The Magic Bear and the Handsome Prince" (Snow White and Rose
Red). Pirotta's retellings are straightforward and colloquial
without soft-pedaling the darker aspects of the stories (evil
witches get burned at the stake, trusting rodents get eaten and
a handsome prince in the guise of a frog winds up in the bed of
a princess). ... 128 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Mightier Than the Sword: World Folktales
for Strong Boys by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Raul
Colon (Silver Whistle, 2003).
Jane Yolen, a prolific, award-winning children's author,
selected and reworked these stories from China, Germany,
Ireland, Afghanistan, Finland, Angola and more. This anthology
for boys serves to remind us of the virtue of strength without
force. Yolen has written a similar anthology for girls, Not One
Damsel in Distress: World Folktales for Strong Girls. 128 pages.
Krisha Roach
My Curious Uncle Dudley by
Barry Yourgrau, illustrated by Tony Auth (Candlewick Press,
2004).
When 11-year-old Duncan Peckle's parents take an unexpected
vacation, he is left in the temporary care of his curious,
definitely eccentric Uncle Dudley. There are adventures ahead
that include enchantments, elixirs, and a few amusing goblins.
224 pages. Children's
Choices
The Tail of Emily Windsnap by
Liz Kessler, illustrated by Sarah Gibb (Orion Children's Books,
2004).
The best compliment for a book is that you hope it will never
end. That is exactly the sentiment expressed when a child tells
me about reading The Tail of Emily
Windsnap. Although Emily lives on a boat, her parents are
very wary of her being in the water. Emily discovers that she is
half-mermaid and she begins to pursue the mystery of her
father's disappearance. First in a series, your child will
occupy many enjoyable hours with this engaging "tail." 208
pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
The Trial of Cardigan Jones by
Tim Egan. (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004).
Cardigan Jones, clumsy new moose in town, finds himself in the
middle of the case of a missing apple pie. As he moves past many
misperceptions, all is resolved in court in this Law & Order
take-off for kids.
Children's Choices
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie
Babbitt (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1975).
In many ways, the story is a fairy tale, with a magical spring,
a kidnapped heroine, an enchanted handsome prince and even a
bittersweet ending. Babbitt's eloquent descriptions of woods,
ponds and animals, though, elevate the novel from mere story to
a lyrical meditation on the natural order. The dog days of
summer, when the earth cracks and lighting flashes without
thunder, are described with exquisite clarity. Cows, fish, and
even one of the most memorable toads in children's literature
are given personality and respect. The Tucks have discovered the
Fountain of Youth — but is it a blessing or a curse?
Ten-year-old Winnie must consider this question even as she is
kidnapped, witnesses a murder and assists in a jailbreak. Along
the way, the reader is treated to a richly imagined setting that
is every bit as memorable as the story. 139 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 8-9. Read Alone: Ages 9+.
Common Sense Media
Two Bad Ants by Chris Van
Allsburg (Houghton Mifflin, 1988).
A Caldecott Medal author, Van Allsburg takes us into the world
of ants. The story begins when a scout brings his queen a
strange new treasure, a crystal that appeals to her sweet tooth.
The ants want to please "the mother of them all," so they march
off in search of more crystals for their queen. They trek
through woods (grass) and survive a thunderstorm (the sound of
crickets combined with dropping dew drops and the light of a
passing firefly). They climb a mountain (the wall of a house)
and go through a tunnel (window) to a glassy curved wall (sugar
bowl). In their haste to leave "this unnatural place," they fail
to notice that two have stayed behind to enjoy the feast. The
artwork lends itself to the sense of mystery, all bold lines and
earth tones. Will they make it home? Read the book and find out.
32 pages. Pauline Harris
The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom
Planet by Eleanor Cameron (Little Brown & Co.,
reprint edition, 1988).
An early classic in children's science fiction, the story
concerns two young boys who take off to a "nearby" planet in
their homemade spaceship. The tiny planet is in dire trouble,
and the boys are recruited to save it from certain galactic
extinction. Mr. Bass and the Mushroom People are unforgettable,
and the appeal of the adventures is timeless. 226 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Zathura by Chris Van Allsburg
(Houghton Mifflin, 2002).
With the movie release of Chris Van Allsburg's book, Zathura,
children of all ages will be eager to read the book version.
Many Allsburg fans waited a long time to finally find out what
happened after Judy and Peter discarded the Jumanji game in the
park. We were left with the Budwing brothers as they stumbled
upon the mysterious box. When they open the box, they see the
Jumanji game board and another space-themed board. This board
transports the players from earth to a purple planet called
Zathura. Before they know it the boys are swept up in a
nail-biting, outer-space adventure. Will they survive a black
hole, space ships and robots? This is a must read if you've
always wondered what happened to Danny and Walter Budwing.
Jennifer Thompson
Historical Fiction
Dog Diaries: Secret Writings of the WOOF
Society by Betsy Byars, Betsy Duffey and Laurie
Myers; illustrated by Erik Brooks (Henry Holt, 2007).
These short stories show life through a dog's eyes. Some have
historical settings like ancient Egypt, and some explain quirky
dog behavior. All are told simply and humorously, as a dog
might, so they are easily understood by younger readers. 64
pages. Children's
Choices
Dog Diaries: Secret Writings of the WOOF
Society by Betsy Byars, Betsy Duffey and Laurie
Myers; illustrated by Erik Brooks (Henry Holt, 2007).
These short stories show life through a dog's eyes. Some have
historical settings like ancient Egypt, and some explain quirky
dog behavior. All are told simply and humorously, as a dog
might, so they are easily understood by younger readers. 64
pages. Children's
Choices
Great White Sharks by Sandra
Markle, illustrated with photographs. (Lerner Publishing Group,
2004).
The nonfiction aspect of this text appealed to many students,
especially male students, because of the ferocious-looking shark
on the cover and the many details on these predators of the
deep, including their feasts on other ocean life.
Children's Choices
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
by Brian Selznick (Scholastic, 2007).
The hero of the story has a sad life. Orphaned, alone and
homeless, he lives by stealing and scavenging, and no one is
kind to him until late in the book. Families who read this book
could discuss some of the research-based themes the author
includes. How can an automaton be made to write poems and draw
pictures? How do they work? How were the earliest films made?
Many kids will want to learn more about mechanical machines and
automata, and about the history of film, especially the work of
Georges Melies. And they may also want to see the films referred
to in the story. Awards: Caldecott Medal, Horn Book Fanfare. 533
pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 8-11, Read Aloud:
8+, Read Alone: 9+. Common
Sense Media
Molly's Pilgrim by Barbara
Cohen, illustrated by Daniel Mark Duffy (HarperCollins, 1998).
Molly's Pilgrim is a heartwrenching story that illustrates the
true meaning of Thanksgiving. Molly, a Russian immigrant, finds
herself in an American school. Instead of being welcomed as the
new student in the class, she is treated as an outcast. Taunting
and bullying are two themes explored in this book. The children
in Molly's class learn one of life's most valuable lessons -
pilgrims, like people, come in all denominations, and to this
day they are still coming to America in hopes of finding
freedom. 32 pages.
Jennifer Thompson
Morning Girl by Michael Dorris
(Hyperion Books for Children, 1992).
Simple story, beautifully told, appeals to kids who like
thoughtful character-based stories. This lyrical look at
pre-Columbian Taino culture stresses the bonds of family, and
behavioral changes involved in growing up, and raises the issue
of culture differences in a powerful way. 74 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 9-12, Read Aloud: 7+,
Read Alone: 8+. Common Sense
Media
Samuel Eaton's Day: A Day in the Life of
a Pilgrim Boy by Kate Waters, with photographs by
Russ Kendall (Scholastic, 1996).
Samuel Eaton's Day, one of the author's trilogy of books about
the Pilgrims, transports the reader back to life during Pilgrim
times. Samuel shares the excitement and the hard work that is
involved with his first harvest. Samuel quickly discovers how
difficult the harvest can be. Though exhausted from the day's
work, Samuel learns a valuable lesson about perseverance and the
pride that comes from working together as a family. 40 pages.
Jennifer Thompson
Sarah Morton's Day: A Day in the Life of
a Pilgrim Girl by Kate Waters, with photographs by
Russ Kendall (Scholastic, 1993).
Sarah Morton's Day is an excellent book about a day in the life
of a Pilgrim girl and another book in Kate Water's Pilgrim
trilogy. The story is set in the year 1627. Told in the first
person, Sarah takes young readers on a historic field trip back
in time. Photographs in the book were taken at the Plymouth
Museum, which is a replica of the 1627 settlement. The historic
backdrop and the words of 9-year-old Sarah invite children of
all ages to experience the Pilgrim way of life. Colonial dress,
food, chores, family relations, friendships, religion and play
are all part of Sarah's day. 32 pages.
Jennifer Thompson
Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Batutta
1325-1354 by James Rutherford (Houghton Mifflin,
2001).
How better to involve your child in geography, history and the
art of picture books than through the pages of a masterfully
told story about one of the world's most famous travelers? Ibn
Batutta's journey represents one of the first travel diaries we
have; author/artist Rutherford takes young readers along on this
trip through space and time. 40 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Mysteries
Freddy the Detective by Walter
Brooks, illustrated by Kurt Wiese (Puffin, 2001).
Originally published in 1932, Freddy the Detective is an
overlooked classic. Freddy is a pig who finds his true calling
when he finds a copy of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes in the
barn one day. The witty and still very fresh vocabulary in which
Freddy expresses himself is just delightful! 272 pages.
Krisha Roach
Freddy the Detective by Walter
Brooks, illustrated by Kurt Wiese (Puffin, 2001).
Originally published in 1932, Freddy the Detective is an
overlooked classic. Freddy is a pig who finds his true calling
when he finds a copy of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes in the
barn one day. The witty and still very fresh vocabulary in which
Freddy expresses himself is just delightful! 272 pages.
Krisha Roach
Lizard Music by Daniel Manus
Pinkwater (Yearling, 1996).
Eleven-year-old Victor is up way past bedtime when he sees
something very unusual on television: a band of giant lizards
performing wild music! Night after night, Victor watches this
same strange yet addictive show...that apparently doesn't even
exist. 144 pages. Krisha
Roach
Shredderman: Secret Identity
by Wendelin Van Draanen, illustrated by Brian Briggs (Yearling,
2004).
Nolan is tired of Bubba Bixby's bullying! When the kids receive
an assignment to create a newspaper expose, Nolan thinks that
this is the perfect chance to truly expose Bubba. After
gathering some very compromising information, Nolan creates
shredderman.com, a Web site that will shield his identity while
fighting back against Bubba's tyranny. 144 pages.
Krisha Roach
Seasonal Stories
The Case of the Sneaky Snowman
by Carolyn Keene, illustrated by Macky Pamintuan (Aladdin,
2006).
Nancy Drew continues to march into the 21st century with its
ubiquitously pen-named writer, Carolyn Keene. In this fifth book
in the new Nancy series, "Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew," a
mystery unfolds in a wintry setting. After pretending to read
her hot chocolate marshmallows to predict the future, Nancy's
friend Deirdre is surprised when her predictions begin to come
true! Classic Nancy Drew sleuthing ensues and makes for a
perfect, cozy winter's night read. 96 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
The Case of the Sneaky Snowman
by Carolyn Keene, illustrated by Macky Pamintuan (Aladdin,
2006).
Nancy Drew continues to march into the 21st century with its
ubiquitously pen-named writer, Carolyn Keene. In this fifth book
in the new Nancy series, "Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew," a
mystery unfolds in a wintry setting. After pretending to read
her hot chocolate marshmallows to predict the future, Nancy's
friend Deirdre is surprised when her predictions begin to come
true! Classic Nancy Drew sleuthing ensues and makes for a
perfect, cozy winter's night read. 96 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury
by Jan Brett (Putnam Juvenile, 2001).
This beautiful Jan Brett collection features some of her best
winter and Christmas stories. Some of the titles included in the
treasury are "The Mitten" and "Christmas Trolls." Jan Brett's
signature illustrations adorn each story, filling it with
bright, festive colors. PBS
Bookfinder
Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat: A Chanukah
Story by Naomi Howland (Clarion Books, 2004).
Sadie's kindness is rewarded when an old woman gives her a
magical frying pan. When magic words are spoken, the pan fills
with delicious latkes. Unfortunately, trouble occurs when Sadie
leaves the pan in the hands of her younger brothers.
PBS Bookfinder
The Long Winter by Laura
Ingalls Wilder (HarperTrophy, 2004).
In this, the most exciting of all the "Little House" books,
young Laura learns about adversity when the Ingalls family faces
a terrible winter in 1880. Modern kids who think deprivation
means having no cable TV will be amazed by the fortitude of the
hardy family, who holed up in their kitchen during a blizzard
living on bread and tea, and twisting hay into sticks to keep
the stove going. 352 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Winter of the Ice Wizard
"Magic Tree House" series #32, by Mary Pope Osborne (Random
House, 2004).
It's hard to believe that the beloved "Magic Tree House" series
has spawned almost 40 books. Mary Pope Osborne is committed to
creating these captivating, quality tales for her wide-eyed,
newly minted, chapter-book readers. This one is pure wintertime
fun as Jack and Annie take on the Ice Wizard, while the story
gently introduces the world of myths and legends. 128 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Silliness and Humor
Babymouse: Camp Babymouse by
Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm (Random House, 2007).
The sixth installment of the Babymouse series finds our heroine
at summer camp. She doesn't like the great outdoors, but that
fact shouldn't get in the way of her having fun, right?
Babymouse has her usual daydreams of how she'll be the best
camper around, but all she finds is trouble. Babymouse's
cabin-mates, the Buttercups, soon become frustrated with her
shenanigans, as she racks up nothing but demerits for her team.
The illustrations are as fun and humorous as ever, in the
familiar black, white and pink. Graphic novels are incredibly
popular with tweens and teens, so it follows that younger kids
want them as well. And those for the very young — especially for
young girls — are few and far between, but gaining a foothold.
Here is a well-established series that fills that void with a
spirited, likable, adventurous character. 96 pages.
Pauline Harris
Babymouse: Camp Babymouse by
Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm (Random House, 2007).
The sixth installment of the Babymouse series finds our heroine
at summer camp. She doesn't like the great outdoors, but that
fact shouldn't get in the way of her having fun, right?
Babymouse has her usual daydreams of how she'll be the best
camper around, but all she finds is trouble. Babymouse's
cabin-mates, the Buttercups, soon become frustrated with her
shenanigans, as she racks up nothing but demerits for her team.
The illustrations are as fun and humorous as ever, in the
familiar black, white and pink. Graphic novels are incredibly
popular with tweens and teens, so it follows that younger kids
want them as well. And those for the very young — especially for
young girls — are few and far between, but gaining a foothold.
Here is a well-established series that fills that void with a
spirited, likable, adventurous character. 96 pages.
Pauline Harris
Danny: The Champion of the World
by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake (Puffin, 1998).
Kids who loved the recent movie version of Roald Dahl's Charlie
and the Chocolate Factory will surely agree that Danny: Champion
of the World is fabulous! Danny is a boy who has a great life
with his father. Danny thinks he knows everything there is to
know about his dad, until one day he learns about his father's
secret life. Danny's dad is a poacher. If you want to know what
a poacher does, and you want to laugh your way through Danny and
his father's dealings with a bad neighbor and pheasants, you
must devour this hilarious book.
Jennifer Thompson
Doctor DeSoto by William Steig
(Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1990).
A very cheerful story about a mouse-dentist who treats mammals
bigger than himself, wearing rubbers to keep his feet dry when
he's in their mouths. Steig's cartoony color illustrations make
up the bulk of the book, and they are nothing short of urbane
and funny. The climax comes when a dapperly dressed but hungry
fox comes for a new gold tooth, and the quick-witted dentist
saves himself from ingestion by means of his professional
skills. 32 pages. ©
Parents' Choice
Runny Babbit: A Billy Sook by
Shel Silverstein (HarperCollins Children's Books, 2005).
Nonsensical word play will entice readers to try reading this
poetry aloud. A simple switch in the beginning letters of
certain words makes language fun and the resulting sounds smile-crackingly
funny. 96 pages.
Children's Choices
Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger
by Louis Sachar (Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2004).
Surely, Wayside School was already strange enough. The builders
built a 30-story school sideways with the rooms piled one on top
of another - except for the 19th floor where Miss Zarves teaches
class. There is no 19th floor, and there is no Miss Zarves.
Nevertheless, there is a 13th floor, where nice Mrs. Jewls
presides over her eccentric pupils. Mrs. Jewls, however, takes a
maternity leave. Before she returns with her little stranger,
Wayside School gets a little stranger. While reading this
ridiculously funny book, children will not only be laughing,
they will be learning. 169 pages.
© Parents' Choice
The Worst Band in the Universe
by Graeme Base (Harry N. Abrams, 1999).
Alien fantasies come and go, but this one has focus. Base has
created a universe where music, or the lack thereof, separates
the planets and gives them their distinct personalities. It's
all about freedom of musical expression, as Sprocc, a young
Splingtwanger-player, enters the annual competition for Worst
Band in the Universe, a true award of honor. Base's rhyming
verse is delicious fun, and there is the added bonus of a CD of
intergalactic songs, composed and performed by the author
himself. This is a gift of cosmic proportions and hours of fun.
48 pages. © Parents'
Choice
Sports and Games
The Dog That Stole Home by
Matt Christopher (Little, Brown, 1996).
Mike owes his success in baseball to his advisor, his dog Harry.
It turns out that Harry is a great base coach. Sports-minded
children will love this book as well as The Dog That Pitched a
No-Hitter and The Dog That Stole Football Plays and more by the
same author. PBS Bookfinder
The Dog That Stole Home by
Matt Christopher (Little, Brown, 1996).
Mike owes his success in baseball to his advisor, his dog Harry.
It turns out that Harry is a great base coach. Sports-minded
children will love this book as well as The Dog That Pitched a
No-Hitter and The Dog That Stole Football Plays and more by the
same author. PBS Bookfinder
Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine
Innings by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Terry
Widener (Atheneum, 2003).
This nine-part story was inspired by the life of Alta Weiss, a
girl who pitched for a semi-pro men's baseball team in 1907.
Alta has a killer fastball and a hot glove that earn her the
nickname "Girl Wonder." When Alta finishes her pitching career
she heads to medical school, the only woman in her graduating
class. A chronology of the highlights of women in baseball
concludes the book. It only took 108 years and a lawsuit for
girls to get to play Little League and Hopkinson honors all the
women along the way who insisted that a woman's place was on the
field. Dr. Jan LaBonty
Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear
by Lensey Namioka (Yearling, 1994).
Yingtao is the only one in his family with no musical talent.
His father, however, insists that he continues to play the
violin. How will he survive daily music lessons and recitals
when all he really wants to do is play baseball, his true,
natural talent? PBS
Bookfinder
Nonfiction
Biographies
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-six Women Who
Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated
by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge Publishing,
2005).
The author creates an alphabet book using the first names of
the 26 women who have made impressive contributions to the
world. The women came from different ethnic groups and
countries. 32 pages.
Children's Choices
Author: A True Story by
Helen Lester (Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books, 1997).
Author Helen Lester writes a humorous tale about her life from
age three to adulthood. She describes how she became a writer,
citing her achievements and challenges, including overcoming
dyslexia, along the way. This cheerful book will inspire the
writer within your child. 32 pages.
PBS Bookfinder
Bill Peet: An Autobiography
written and illustrated by Bill Peet (Houghton Mifflin
Children's Books, 1989).
Bill Peet, a former Disney illustrator, shares his life story
in this book. Written as a simple children's story, this
irresistible autobiography boasts lots of funny drawings,
including favorite Disney characters. 189 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Alone: 9-12 Common
Sense Media
Clean Sea: Story of Rachel Carson
by Carol Hilgartner Schlank, Barbara Metzger, illustrated by
David Katz (Cascade Pass, Inc. 1995).
Rachel Carson has long been considered the original
environmentalist. Her publication of Silent Spring in the
1960s was the impetus for President Kennedy to call for a
scientific study of the questions she raised about the
environment. Here now we have an accessible, empowering
biography of this unsung heroine for boys and girls that care
about the environment. Included are several lesson plans, as
well as recommended reading on steps to save the environment.
A DVD entitled Cartoon Sea stresses the importance of keeping
oceans free from pollution.
Krisha Roach
Houdini: World's Greatest Mystery Man
and Escape King by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by
Eric Velasquez (Walker and Company, 2005).
In this picture book biography of the magician Harry Houdini
(born Erik Weiss), the author emphasizes the qualities of
perseverance, dedication and a commitment to self-improvement
that made Houdini so successful. Even as a young boy he was
performing a trapeze act in his backyard for paying audiences,
billing himself as "Prince of the Air." Interspersed
throughout the book are presentations of his most famous and
amazing performances, narrated by a costumed master of
ceremonies with the readers cast as audience members. This
would be the perfect book for kids fascinated by all things
magical. 28 pages.
Interest grade level: 2-5.
Ellen Phillips
Leonardo da Vinci by Diane
Stanley (HarperCollins, 2000).
The picture-book format and outstanding illustrations make it
highly appealing for children. The text is friendly and loaded
with interesting details about the subject. 44 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 9-12, Read Aloud:
5-7, Read Alone: 8-12.
Common Sense Media
Reaching for the Moon
written by Buzz Aldrin, illustrated by Wendell Minor
(HarperCollins, 2005).
Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, writes this
autobiographical work as page-long vignettes of highlights
from his life. He writes about how he got his unusual nickname
(from his sister), his favorite movie hero (the Lone Ranger),
how he almost drowned one summer, his military life, and his
training and missions as an astronaut. The beautiful paintings
that illustrate the book add to the appeal, especially the
images of Aldrin's space flights. Aldrin closes his book with
an inspirational message to young readers: "If you set your
sights high, you may accomplish more than you ever dreamed was
possible." This would be the perfect choice for aspiring young
astronauts. 40 pages.
Reading grade level: 4, Interest grade level: K-3.
Ellen Phillips
So You Want to be An Explorer?
by Judith St. George, illustrated by David Small (Philomel,
2005).
From Buzz Aldrin to Charles Yeager, Caldecott award winners
Judith St. George and David Small take us on a fun romp
through the excellent discoveries (and great mishaps) of the
great and infamous explorers of the world.
Krisha Roach
The Tree of Life: A Book Depicting the
Life of Charles Darwin: Naturalist, Geologist & Thinker
written and illustrated by Peter Sis (Farrar Straus & Giroux,
2003).
For just the right child between the ages of 8 and 12 this
book will be a treasure trove, but many children may need a
bit of parental help to make sense of the book's design and
give a context for the bountiful amount of information. Some
of the exquisitely drawn illustrations are small and subtle in
meaning, and the typeface used in the illustrations could be
challenging for young readers as well. The subject matter of
the biography will be of interest to adult as well as child
readers, and this book might best be enjoyed in a joint first
reading. 32 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 9-12, Read Aloud: 8+,
Read Alone: 9+. Common
Sense Media
Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of
May? by Jean Fritz, illustrated by Margot Tomes
(Penguin Putnam,1975).
This is a fast-paced account of one of America's most
influential statesmen. Patrick Henry's childhood and career
are described in simple sentences, using a clever plot device
(the date in the title); both the black-and-white and color
illustrations are very simple. 48 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 9-12, Read Aloud: 9+,
Read Alone: 9+. Common
Sense Media
Who Was Harry Houdini? by
Tui Sutherland, illustrated by John O'Brien (Grosset & Dunlap,
2002).
This is an excellent series of biographies and includes books
on Benjamin Franklin, Harriet Tubman and Leonardo da Vinci.
Written in a fun, conversational style that grabs even the
most reluctant reader!
Krisha Roach
Animals in the House: A History of Pets
and People by Sheila Keenan (Scholastic Nonfiction,
2007).
Fascinating facts, historical details, endearing animal
photographs and some famous people with their pets are
presented in a colorful and inviting format that provides
young pet lovers with an abundance of reasons for why we love
our furry or feathered friends. 112 pages.
Children's Choices
So You Want to Be President?
written by Judith St. George, illustrated by David Small
(Philomel Books, 2000).
Books about the presidents are usually boring, but not this
one. This is a lighthearted look at the presidency, including
the ages, looks, backgrounds, occupations, pets, favorite
sports and personalities of the men who've lived in the White
House. St. George outlines the positive points about being
president (big house with its own swimming pool, bowling alley
and movie theater) and negative points (having to dress up,
never get to go anywhere alone and lots of homework). David
Small's cartoon-style illustrations add to the fun. The book
concludes with the oath of office, and there is an appended
list of brief biographical sketches of each of the presidents.
This would be a timely read with the presidential race that's
already beginning. 56 pages.
Reading level: Ages 4-8, Interest grade level: 3-6.
Ellen Phillips
What if You Met a Pirate?
by Jan Adkins (Roaring Brook Press, 2004).
Every pirate myth and fact is chronicled in detail in
Adkins' meticulously illustrated informational text. Real
pirates weren't flashy dressers, seldom carried pistols,
swords, or cutlasses, did wear earrings, and were experts
with a needle and thread. Furthermore, rats and lice and the
threat of a bath were greater enemies than the British Navy.
Readers will learn about grog, hardtack, buccaneers, the
dead man's chest, and who Blackbeard was in this outstanding
book that really is a treasure.
Dr. Jan LaBonty
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-six Women Who
Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated
by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy (Charlesbridge Publishing,
2005).
The author creates an alphabet book using the first names of
the 26 women who have made impressive contributions to the
world. The women came from different ethnic groups and
countries. 32 pages.
Children's Choices
Author: A True Story by
Helen Lester (Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books, 1997).
Author Helen Lester writes a humorous tale about her life from
age three to adulthood. She describes how she became a writer,
citing her achievements and challenges, including overcoming
dyslexia, along the way. This cheerful book will inspire the
writer within your child. 32 pages.
PBS Bookfinder
Bill Peet: An Autobiography
written and illustrated by Bill Peet (Houghton Mifflin
Children's Books, 1989).
Bill Peet, a former Disney illustrator, shares his life story
in this book. Written as a simple children's story, this
irresistible autobiography boasts lots of funny drawings,
including favorite Disney characters. 189 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Alone: 9-12 Common
Sense Media
Clean Sea: Story of Rachel Carson
by Carol Hilgartner Schlank, Barbara Metzger, illustrated by
David Katz (Cascade Pass, Inc. 1995).
Rachel Carson has long been considered the original
environmentalist. Her publication of Silent Spring in the
1960s was the impetus for President Kennedy to call for a
scientific study of the questions she raised about the
environment. Here now we have an accessible, empowering
biography of this unsung heroine for boys and girls that care
about the environment. Included are several lesson plans, as
well as recommended reading on steps to save the environment.
A DVD entitled Cartoon Sea stresses the importance of keeping
oceans free from pollution.
Krisha Roach
Houdini: World's Greatest Mystery Man
and Escape King by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by
Eric Velasquez (Walker and Company, 2005).
In this picture book biography of the magician Harry Houdini
(born Erik Weiss), the author emphasizes the qualities of
perseverance, dedication and a commitment to self-improvement
that made Houdini so successful. Even as a young boy he was
performing a trapeze act in his backyard for paying audiences,
billing himself as "Prince of the Air." Interspersed
throughout the book are presentations of his most famous and
amazing performances, narrated by a costumed master of
ceremonies with the readers cast as audience members. This
would be the perfect book for kids fascinated by all things
magical. 28 pages.
Interest grade level: 2-5.
Ellen Phillips
Leonardo da Vinci by Diane
Stanley (HarperCollins, 2000).
The picture-book format and outstanding illustrations make it
highly appealing for children. The text is friendly and loaded
with interesting details about the subject. 44 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 9-12, Read Aloud:
5-7, Read Alone: 8-12.
Common Sense Media
Reaching for the Moon
written by Buzz Aldrin, illustrated by Wendell Minor
(HarperCollins, 2005).
Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, writes this
autobiographical work as page-long vignettes of highlights
from his life. He writes about how he got his unusual nickname
(from his sister), his favorite movie hero (the Lone Ranger),
how he almost drowned one summer, his military life, and his
training and missions as an astronaut. The beautiful paintings
that illustrate the book add to the appeal, especially the
images of Aldrin's space flights. Aldrin closes his book with
an inspirational message to young readers: "If you set your
sights high, you may accomplish more than you ever dreamed was
possible." This would be the perfect choice for aspiring young
astronauts. 40 pages.
Reading grade level: 4, Interest grade level: K-3.
Ellen Phillips
So You Want to be An Explorer?
by Judith St. George, illustrated by David Small (Philomel,
2005).
From Buzz Aldrin to Charles Yeager, Caldecott award winners
Judith St. George and David Small take us on a fun romp
through the excellent discoveries (and great mishaps) of the
great and infamous explorers of the world.
Krisha Roach
The Tree of Life: A Book Depicting the
Life of Charles Darwin: Naturalist, Geologist & Thinker
written and illustrated by Peter Sis (Farrar Straus & Giroux,
2003).
For just the right child between the ages of 8 and 12 this
book will be a treasure trove, but many children may need a
bit of parental help to make sense of the book's design and
give a context for the bountiful amount of information. Some
of the exquisitely drawn illustrations are small and subtle in
meaning, and the typeface used in the illustrations could be
challenging for young readers as well. The subject matter of
the biography will be of interest to adult as well as child
readers, and this book might best be enjoyed in a joint first
reading. 32 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 9-12, Read Aloud: 8+,
Read Alone: 9+. Common
Sense Media
Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of
May? by Jean Fritz, illustrated by Margot Tomes
(Penguin Putnam,1975).
This is a fast-paced account of one of America's most
influential statesmen. Patrick Henry's childhood and career
are described in simple sentences, using a clever plot device
(the date in the title); both the black-and-white and color
illustrations are very simple. 48 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 9-12, Read Aloud: 9+,
Read Alone: 9+. Common
Sense Media
Who Was Harry Houdini? by
Tui Sutherland, illustrated by John O'Brien (Grosset & Dunlap,
2002).
This is an excellent series of biographies and includes books
on Benjamin Franklin, Harriet Tubman and Leonardo da Vinci.
Written in a fun, conversational style that grabs even the
most reluctant reader!
Krisha Roach
Books About Food
Ice-Cream Cones for Sale by
Elaine Greenstein (Arthur A. Levine Books, 2003).
In spring our thoughts turn to flowers, baseball, and ICE
CREAM! With winter's chill a memory, the lines at the local
Dairy Queen appear over night and everyone is ready for that
first, delicious chocolate-dipped ice cream cone. In an
excellent informational book, Greenstein uses careful research
to answer the question, "Who was that sainted person who
invented the ice cream cone?" We know ice cream cones first
appeared nationally at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. But
there were over fifty ice cream sellers and dozens of waffle
makers, so who put the two together? Five men and one woman
claim they were the first to combine tasty waffles, shaped
into a cone, with yummy ice cream. But the frozen delight
honor goes to Italo Marchiony, an Italian immigrant who was
selling ice cream cones from a push cart on the streets of New
York in 1895. No one knows for sure how he came up with the
idea of an edible cone to replace glass dishes, but it's a
mystery worth pondering, while licking that perfect ice cream
cone, of course. Dr.
Jan LaBonty
Ice-Cream Cones for Sale by
Elaine Greenstein (Arthur A. Levine Books, 2003).
In spring our thoughts turn to flowers, baseball, and ICE
CREAM! With winter's chill a memory, the lines at the local
Dairy Queen appear over night and everyone is ready for that
first, delicious chocolate-dipped ice cream cone. In an
excellent informational book, Greenstein uses careful research
to answer the question, "Who was that sainted person who
invented the ice cream cone?" We know ice cream cones first
appeared nationally at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. But
there were over fifty ice cream sellers and dozens of waffle
makers, so who put the two together? Five men and one woman
claim they were the first to combine tasty waffles, shaped
into a cone, with yummy ice cream. But the frozen delight
honor goes to Italo Marchiony, an Italian immigrant who was
selling ice cream cones from a push cart on the streets of New
York in 1895. No one knows for sure how he came up with the
idea of an edible cone to replace glass dishes, but it's a
mystery worth pondering, while licking that perfect ice cream
cone, of course. Dr.
Jan LaBonty
History
The American Story: 100 True Tales from
American History by Jennifer Armstrong, illustrated
by Roger Roth (Random House, 2006).
This big, 360-page book tells stories drawn from the archives
of American historical events, large and small. Its 100 short
tales - each typically one to five pages - recount in cogent
and chronological order stories of courage, struggle,
discovery and freedom that shaped the American experience,
from the 1565 founding of America's first city to the
confounding 2000 presidential election. ... Smart and written
in a lively fashion featuring clever watercolor illustrations,
this book makes history digestible in appetizing bite-size
pieces. 368 pages. ©
Parents' Choice
The American Story: 100 True Tales from
American History by Jennifer Armstrong, illustrated
by Roger Roth (Random House, 2006).
This big, 360-page book tells stories drawn from the archives
of American historical events, large and small. Its 100 short
tales - each typically one to five pages - recount in cogent
and chronological order stories of courage, struggle,
discovery and freedom that shaped the American experience,
from the 1565 founding of America's first city to the
confounding 2000 presidential election. ... Smart and written
in a lively fashion featuring clever watercolor illustrations,
this book makes history digestible in appetizing bite-size
pieces. 368 pages. ©
Parents' Choice
Animals in the House: A History of Pets
and People by Sheila Keenan (Scholastic Nonfiction,
2007).
Fascinating facts, historical details, endearing animal
photographs and some famous people with their pets are
presented in a colorful and inviting format that provides
young pet lovers with an abundance of reasons for why we love
our furry or feathered friends. 112 pages.
Children's Choices
So You Want to Be President?
written by Judith St. George, illustrated by David Small
(Philomel Books, 2000).
Books about the presidents are usually boring, but not this
one. This is a lighthearted look at the presidency, including
the ages, looks, backgrounds, occupations, pets, favorite
sports and personalities of the men who've lived in the White
House. St. George outlines the positive points about being
president (big house with its own swimming pool, bowling alley
and movie theater) and negative points (having to dress up,
never get to go anywhere alone and lots of homework). David
Small's cartoon-style illustrations add to the fun. The book
concludes with the oath of office, and there is an appended
list of brief biographical sketches of each of the presidents.
This would be a timely read with the presidential race that's
already beginning. 56 pages.
Reading level: Ages 4-8, Interest grade level: 3-6.
Ellen Phillips
What if You Met a Pirate?
by Jan Adkins (Roaring Brook Press, 2004).
Every pirate myth and fact is chronicled in detail in
Adkins' meticulously illustrated informational text. Real
pirates weren't flashy dressers, seldom carried pistols,
swords, or cutlasses, did wear earrings, and were experts
with a needle and thread. Furthermore, rats and lice and the
threat of a bath were greater enemies than the British Navy.
Readers will learn about grog, hardtack, buccaneers, the
dead man's chest, and who Blackbeard was in this outstanding
book that really is a treasure.
Dr. Jan LaBonty
Science and Nature
Easy to Be Green: Simple
Activities You Can Do to Save the Earth by
Ellie O'Ryan, illustrated by Ivanke & Lola (Simon
Scribbles, 2009).
What can kids do to protect the environment? A lot!
Easy to Be Green is filled
with simple eco-friendly tips and activities children can
try at home. A perfect way to make the concept of green
living accessible and fun. 32 pages.
Danielle Marshall
Garbage and Recycling (Young
Discoverers: Environmental Facts and Experiments)
by Rosie Harlow and Sally Morgan (Kingfisher, 2002).
Part of Kingfisher's wonderful Young Discoverers series,
Garbage and Recycling
illustrates the difference between biodegradable and
nonbiodegradable garbage. Explanations of how glass, metal
and wool can be easily recycled; "how can I help?"
sections; and lots of tips will inspire your child to be a
young environmentalist who wants to recycle at home. 32
pages. Danielle
Marshall
Great White Sharks by
Sandra Markle, illustrated with photographs. (Lerner
Publishing Group, 2004).
The nonfiction aspect of this text appealed to many
students, especially male students, because of the
ferocious-looking shark on the cover and the many details
on these predators of the deep, including their feasts on
other ocean life.
Children's Choices
Living Color by Steve
Jenkins (Houghton Mifflin, 2007).
This book examines how the amazing range of colors in the
animal world works to help animals survive in their
natural habitats. Animals use color to attract a mate,
lure prey, camouflage themselves or startle enemies.
Organized by colors, the book is illustrated by Jenkins'
signature torn- and cut-paper illustrations of each
animal, with a short paragraph explaining how color works
for that species. Additional information about animal
coloration and the particular species pictured is found at
the end of the book. This book is a visual treat, as well
as fascinating reading for young naturalists. 32 pages.
Interest grade level: 2-5.
Ellen Phillips
Polar Bears and the Arctic (Magic
Tree House Research Guides) by Mary Pope
Osborne (Stepping Stone, 2007).
In this nonfiction companion to
Polar Bears Past Bedtime, the
Magic Tree House characters Jack and Annie take
their readers on a chilly journey to the Arctic as they
find out what it's really like to live there. The
familiar twosome cover a lot of ground - landscape,
animals, the lives and cultures of native people, and
the effects of global warming. The style — narrative
with a healthy smattering of illustrations, photos and
weird facts — will easily hold a young reader's
attention. 119 pages.
Click here to buy the book on Powells.com.
Sheila Ashdown and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Storms by Seymour
Simon (Morrow Junior Books, 1989).
Brilliant full-color photographs of thunderstorms,
hailstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes accompany the
factual text of this beautiful informational book. Simon
carefully explains how storms form and describes the
havoc they wreak on humans who are still fascinated with
the power of weather. Simon includes not only what we do
know, but also what we don't, in a book that sheds light
on all those mysterious symbols, diagrams and maps on
the weather channel.
Dr. Jan LaBonty
365 Ways to Live Green for Kids:
Saving the Environment at Home, School, or at Play —
Every Day! by Sheri Amsel (Adams Media,
2009).
As more parents realize the importance of teaching their
children about green living, the need for everyday,
eco-friendly lessons grows. With activities for home and
school and during playtime, 365
Ways shows how easy and fun it is to prepare your
kids for a better future. 224 pages.
Danielle
Marshall
Ultimate Chess by Jon
Tremaine (Scholastic Inc., 2006).
Opening this 8-by-8-inch book reveals a magnetic chess
board on the inside back cover, so all the lessons can
be played as they're read. Forty-seven spiral-bound
pages contain valuable lessons: names and images of the
playing pieces, the set-up, how each piece moves,
castling, how a pawn becomes a queen, check, checkmate,
notation (so you can keep track of both players' moves),
relative strength of the pieces, classic game openings,
attacks and defenses. Finally all the lessons are put to
use in the playing of two complete games. The first is a
20-move game with comments on the reasons for certain
moves; next is the analysis of an actual 45-turn game
played by two grand masters. ... 48 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Easy to Be Green: Simple
Activities You Can Do to Save the Earth by
Ellie O'Ryan, illustrated by Ivanke & Lola (Simon
Scribbles, 2009).
What can kids do to protect the environment? A lot!
Easy to Be Green is filled
with simple eco-friendly tips and activities children can
try at home. A perfect way to make the concept of green
living accessible and fun. 32 pages.
Danielle Marshall
Garbage and Recycling (Young
Discoverers: Environmental Facts and Experiments)
by Rosie Harlow and Sally Morgan (Kingfisher, 2002).
Part of Kingfisher's wonderful Young Discoverers series,
Garbage and Recycling
illustrates the difference between biodegradable and
nonbiodegradable garbage. Explanations of how glass, metal
and wool can be easily recycled; "how can I help?"
sections; and lots of tips will inspire your child to be a
young environmentalist who wants to recycle at home. 32
pages. Danielle
Marshall
Great White Sharks by
Sandra Markle, illustrated with photographs. (Lerner
Publishing Group, 2004).
The nonfiction aspect of this text appealed to many
students, especially male students, because of the
ferocious-looking shark on the cover and the many details
on these predators of the deep, including their feasts on
other ocean life.
Children's Choices
Living Color by Steve
Jenkins (Houghton Mifflin, 2007).
This book examines how the amazing range of colors in the
animal world works to help animals survive in their
natural habitats. Animals use color to attract a mate,
lure prey, camouflage themselves or startle enemies.
Organized by colors, the book is illustrated by Jenkins'
signature torn- and cut-paper illustrations of each
animal, with a short paragraph explaining how color works
for that species. Additional information about animal
coloration and the particular species pictured is found at
the end of the book. This book is a visual treat, as well
as fascinating reading for young naturalists. 32 pages.
Interest grade level: 2-5.
Ellen Phillips
Polar Bears and the Arctic (Magic
Tree House Research Guides) by Mary Pope
Osborne (Stepping Stone, 2007).
In this nonfiction companion to
Polar Bears Past Bedtime, the
Magic Tree House characters Jack and Annie take
their readers on a chilly journey to the Arctic as they
find out what it's really like to live there. The
familiar twosome cover a lot of ground - landscape,
animals, the lives and cultures of native people, and
the effects of global warming. The style — narrative
with a healthy smattering of illustrations, photos and
weird facts — will easily hold a young reader's
attention. 119 pages.
Click here to buy the book on Powells.com.
Sheila Ashdown and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Storms by Seymour
Simon (Morrow Junior Books, 1989).
Brilliant full-color photographs of thunderstorms,
hailstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes accompany the
factual text of this beautiful informational book. Simon
carefully explains how storms form and describes the
havoc they wreak on humans who are still fascinated with
the power of weather. Simon includes not only what we do
know, but also what we don't, in a book that sheds light
on all those mysterious symbols, diagrams and maps on
the weather channel.
Dr. Jan LaBonty
365 Ways to Live Green for Kids:
Saving the Environment at Home, School, or at Play —
Every Day! by Sheri Amsel (Adams Media,
2009).
As more parents realize the importance of teaching their
children about green living, the need for everyday,
eco-friendly lessons grows. With activities for home and
school and during playtime, 365
Ways shows how easy and fun it is to prepare your
kids for a better future. 224 pages.
Danielle
Marshall
Seasonal
The Story of Kwanzaa
by Donna L. Washington, illustrated by Stephen Taylor (HarperTrophy,
1997).
Learn about the origins of Kwanzaa. The seven principles
or beliefs of the holiday are explained in detail and
accompanied by lovely illustrations. Recipes and crafts
ideas are also included.
PBS Bookfinder
The Story of Kwanzaa
by Donna L. Washington, illustrated by Stephen Taylor (HarperTrophy,
1997).
Learn about the origins of Kwanzaa. The seven principles
or beliefs of the holiday are explained in detail and
accompanied by lovely illustrations. Recipes and crafts
ideas are also included.
PBS Bookfinder
Sports and
Games
Hey Batta Batta Swing! The Wild
Old Days of Baseball by Sally Cook and James
Charlton, illustrated by Ross MacDonald (M.K. McElderry
Books, 2007).
Who can resist the title of this book? Certainly not
young baseball fans who will delight in this comical
history of the great American pastime. Readers learn
tantalizing tidbits about the history of the game, like
the facts that in the early days teams had no specific
uniforms and that base running was once a contact sport.
The amusing illustrations add to the fun, and colorful
baseball slang is defined in page margins. 48 pages.
Interest grade level: 3-6.
Ellen Phillips
Games
Hey Batta Batta Swing! The Wild
Old Days of Baseball by Sally Cook and James
Charlton, illustrated by Ross MacDonald (M.K. McElderry
Books, 2007).
Who can resist the title of this book? Certainly not
young baseball fans who will delight in this comical
history of the great American pastime. Readers learn
tantalizing tidbits about the history of the game, like
the facts that in the early days teams had no specific
uniforms and that base running was once a contact sport.
The amusing illustrations add to the fun, and colorful
baseball slang is defined in page margins. 48 pages.
Interest grade level: 3-6.
Ellen Phillips
Ultimate Chess by Jon
Tremaine (Scholastic Inc., 2006).
Opening this 8-by-8-inch book reveals a magnetic chess
board on the inside back cover, so all the lessons can
be played as they're read. Forty-seven spiral-bound
pages contain valuable lessons: names and images of the
playing pieces, the set-up, how each piece moves,
castling, how a pawn becomes a queen, check, checkmate,
notation (so you can keep track of both players' moves),
relative strength of the pieces, classic game openings,
attacks and defenses. Finally all the lessons are put to
use in the playing of two complete games. The first is a
20-move game with comments on the reasons for certain
moves; next is the analysis of an actual 45-turn game
played by two grand masters. ... 48 pages.
© Parents' Choice
By GreatSchools Book Nook Experts
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