How They Croaked: The Awful End of the Awfully Famous
by Georgia Bragg
This non-fiction title includes fascinating stories and background information surrounding the deaths of nineteen famous people throughout history, including Columbus, Washington, Napoleon, and Einstein. Humorous, yet, at times, extremely disgusting. For example, "Doctors "treated" George Washington by draining almost 80 ounces of blood before he finally kicked the bucket." and "Right before Beethoven wrote his last notes, doctors drilled a hole in his stomach without any pain medication."
Luckily the accompanying illustrations keep this from being too sickening. Also, the sarcastic tone accentuates the absurdness of many of the treatments and actions by others following the deaths of these famous people. A reader is able to jump around the book to read about a specific person or disturbing fact at will. This will appeal to reluctant readers not only because of the subject matter, but also due to the appealing format that includes additional information related to the person such as "cool facts", lists, amusing illustrations, maps, and other disgusting bits of information. Recommended for readers in grades 5 and up, although younger children will also want to pour over the contents, even if they don't completely understand all the details.
by Georgia Bragg
This non-fiction title includes fascinating stories and background information surrounding the deaths of nineteen famous people throughout history, including Columbus, Washington, Napoleon, and Einstein. Humorous, yet, at times, extremely disgusting. For example, "Doctors "treated" George Washington by draining almost 80 ounces of blood before he finally kicked the bucket." and "Right before Beethoven wrote his last notes, doctors drilled a hole in his stomach without any pain medication."
Luckily the accompanying illustrations keep this from being too sickening. Also, the sarcastic tone accentuates the absurdness of many of the treatments and actions by others following the deaths of these famous people. A reader is able to jump around the book to read about a specific person or disturbing fact at will. This will appeal to reluctant readers not only because of the subject matter, but also due to the appealing format that includes additional information related to the person such as "cool facts", lists, amusing illustrations, maps, and other disgusting bits of information. Recommended for readers in grades 5 and up, although younger children will also want to pour over the contents, even if they don't completely understand all the details.
A Tale Dark and Grimm
by Adam Gidwitz
This very dark and disturbing book provides the back story explaining why Hansel and Gretel ran away from home and what happened after they escaped from the witch who tried to eat them. Additional familiar Grimm fairytales are woven together to produce this gruesome retelling. The author gives plenty of warning that this fairytale is not watered down, like many are today, which will only make it more appealing to kids looking for something a little scarier than the average fare.. Kids in grades 4-6, however, will still enjoy a happy ending when all is said and done. The very appealing cover can't help but attract an audience to this very fun and unexpected tale.
by Adam Gidwitz
This very dark and disturbing book provides the back story explaining why Hansel and Gretel ran away from home and what happened after they escaped from the witch who tried to eat them. Additional familiar Grimm fairytales are woven together to produce this gruesome retelling. The author gives plenty of warning that this fairytale is not watered down, like many are today, which will only make it more appealing to kids looking for something a little scarier than the average fare.. Kids in grades 4-6, however, will still enjoy a happy ending when all is said and done. The very appealing cover can't help but attract an audience to this very fun and unexpected tale.
Yours Truly, Lucy B. Parker: Sealed with a Kiss by Robin Palmer
This is Book 2 in the Lucy B. Parker series. 12- year-old Lucy heads out to LA with frister (friend and sister) superstar Laurel Moses hoping to bond with her soon-to-be step sister while Laurel makes a movie. But she feels completely ignored (just like at home with her mom) even though Laurel now calls her best friend. Lucy’s BFF back home tells her she needs to have three crushes (local, long distance and celebrity), which she doesn’t, and she still hasn’t had her period. She e-mails lengthy letters to Dr. Maude asking for advice and hopes she’ll be able to appear on her show while in LA, but never receives a response. She does receive advice from an elderly star she calls Lady A., however, who is also in the movie. Laurel’s long distance/local/celebrity crush is Austin, the boy starring opposite her. His best friend Connor is super cute and soon he and Lucy are hanging out. Lucy thinks she might have a crush on him, but she's not sure what that electric feeling is she experiences every time she sees him. This is a great middle grade novel for girls in those years when everything is changing with their bodies and emotions are so confusing. It reminded me of Judy Blume's books in that way. The story will easily draw girls in and make them want to read the other books in this series.
This is Book 2 in the Lucy B. Parker series. 12- year-old Lucy heads out to LA with frister (friend and sister) superstar Laurel Moses hoping to bond with her soon-to-be step sister while Laurel makes a movie. But she feels completely ignored (just like at home with her mom) even though Laurel now calls her best friend. Lucy’s BFF back home tells her she needs to have three crushes (local, long distance and celebrity), which she doesn’t, and she still hasn’t had her period. She e-mails lengthy letters to Dr. Maude asking for advice and hopes she’ll be able to appear on her show while in LA, but never receives a response. She does receive advice from an elderly star she calls Lady A., however, who is also in the movie. Laurel’s long distance/local/celebrity crush is Austin, the boy starring opposite her. His best friend Connor is super cute and soon he and Lucy are hanging out. Lucy thinks she might have a crush on him, but she's not sure what that electric feeling is she experiences every time she sees him. This is a great middle grade novel for girls in those years when everything is changing with their bodies and emotions are so confusing. It reminded me of Judy Blume's books in that way. The story will easily draw girls in and make them want to read the other books in this series.
Ghetto Cowboy
by G. Neri
Centered around the little-known culture of inner-city cowboys, this story takes place in Philadelphia when 12-year-old Cole is left with a father he doesn't remember after skipping school one time too many. With a mother who doesn't know where else to turn and threatened with summer school, he is abruptly taken from Detroit and left with Harp and his horse Lightning, and introduced to a group of urban cowboys who run a stable for rescued racehorses that have seen better days. He quickly becomes attached to a horse he names Boo who seems to understand him. Slowly, Cole learns about horses and about the tradition of cowboy culture, as he realizes his mother isn't coming back for him. When the City tries to shut down the stables following a rain storm that leaves the horses and their quarters looking their worst, so that they can reclaim the land and build a mall and condos, Cole learns what a community can do when it pulls together. There is a lot packed into this story appropriate for readers ages 10 and up. Good role models abound who provide an alternate lifestyle to troubled inner-city youth. Black and white illustrations help meld the incongruancies of a horse community in the middle of the city. This story covers a bit of overlooked history that all readers will find interesting. The audio was a 2012 Odyssey Honor Title and an excellent listen!
by G. Neri
Centered around the little-known culture of inner-city cowboys, this story takes place in Philadelphia when 12-year-old Cole is left with a father he doesn't remember after skipping school one time too many. With a mother who doesn't know where else to turn and threatened with summer school, he is abruptly taken from Detroit and left with Harp and his horse Lightning, and introduced to a group of urban cowboys who run a stable for rescued racehorses that have seen better days. He quickly becomes attached to a horse he names Boo who seems to understand him. Slowly, Cole learns about horses and about the tradition of cowboy culture, as he realizes his mother isn't coming back for him. When the City tries to shut down the stables following a rain storm that leaves the horses and their quarters looking their worst, so that they can reclaim the land and build a mall and condos, Cole learns what a community can do when it pulls together. There is a lot packed into this story appropriate for readers ages 10 and up. Good role models abound who provide an alternate lifestyle to troubled inner-city youth. Black and white illustrations help meld the incongruancies of a horse community in the middle of the city. This story covers a bit of overlooked history that all readers will find interesting. The audio was a 2012 Odyssey Honor Title and an excellent listen!
The Other Half of My Heart
by Sundee T. Frazier
Twins Keira and Minerva (Minni) are sent to their Grandmother Johnson’s house in North Carolina for 10 days to compete in the Black Pearl Beauty pageant. They are a bi-racial family, with a white father and black mother . The twins also look that way since Keira is black and Minni is white. There are other differences too…Minni is an A student while Keira struggles from dyslexia. But Keira is outgoing and excited about the pageant, while shy Minni wishes she didn’t need to participate. And staying with their strict grandmother is going to be a trial in itself, not only because she makes them drink buttermilk and dress and act the way she wants them to, but because of her obvious favoritism towards Minni, who in her eyes has the perfect hair and skin. But the girls are best friends and have always supported each other; they have resolved to see it through together. The pageant is a wake-up call for Minni to experience how it feels to be one in the minority. Also, the pageant begins to tear them apart, forcing them to address difficult issues. Told from Mini’s point of view, the subject of race and what it means to be black to someone who is white in appearance is prevalent. Also, relevant is Grandmother Johnson's own perceptions of being black and the way they affect her actions towards the girls. This is appropriate to readers in grades 5-7, but girls will relate to the pageant subject more than boys. Highly recommended.
by Sundee T. Frazier
Twins Keira and Minerva (Minni) are sent to their Grandmother Johnson’s house in North Carolina for 10 days to compete in the Black Pearl Beauty pageant. They are a bi-racial family, with a white father and black mother . The twins also look that way since Keira is black and Minni is white. There are other differences too…Minni is an A student while Keira struggles from dyslexia. But Keira is outgoing and excited about the pageant, while shy Minni wishes she didn’t need to participate. And staying with their strict grandmother is going to be a trial in itself, not only because she makes them drink buttermilk and dress and act the way she wants them to, but because of her obvious favoritism towards Minni, who in her eyes has the perfect hair and skin. But the girls are best friends and have always supported each other; they have resolved to see it through together. The pageant is a wake-up call for Minni to experience how it feels to be one in the minority. Also, the pageant begins to tear them apart, forcing them to address difficult issues. Told from Mini’s point of view, the subject of race and what it means to be black to someone who is white in appearance is prevalent. Also, relevant is Grandmother Johnson's own perceptions of being black and the way they affect her actions towards the girls. This is appropriate to readers in grades 5-7, but girls will relate to the pageant subject more than boys. Highly recommended.
Small as an Elephant
by Jennifer Richard Jacobson
10-year-old Jack from Boston is left alone at a campsite in Acadia National Park in Maine, when his mother abandons him, taking her tent, car, and food with her. They had argued the night before about stopping to see Lydia, the one elephant that lives in Maine. But mentioning the elephant throws his mother into a rage, causing one of the on-going spiraling episodes of her manic behavior. Since she has left him alone for days in the past, he keeps the secret so they won’t be separated by child services. He begins to search for her but gives up hope after a bar tender mentions that she told him she planned to board a sailing ship headed south, as in the Caribbean south. Jack begins to think about his survival, and how to avoid the obvious questions from adults about his mother's whereabouts and why he hadn't returned to school after Labor Day. Jack meets interesting people as the days pass, and has to resort to some activities that he wishes he didn't have to, such as stealing and hiding out overnight in stores. But he doesn't trust anyone as he attempts to walk home to Boston. The resolution at the end may be exactly what Jack does not want, and yet he does. Each chapter begins with a tidbit of information or a quote about elephants. This fast-paced survival story will appeal to readers in grades 5-8.
by Jennifer Richard Jacobson
10-year-old Jack from Boston is left alone at a campsite in Acadia National Park in Maine, when his mother abandons him, taking her tent, car, and food with her. They had argued the night before about stopping to see Lydia, the one elephant that lives in Maine. But mentioning the elephant throws his mother into a rage, causing one of the on-going spiraling episodes of her manic behavior. Since she has left him alone for days in the past, he keeps the secret so they won’t be separated by child services. He begins to search for her but gives up hope after a bar tender mentions that she told him she planned to board a sailing ship headed south, as in the Caribbean south. Jack begins to think about his survival, and how to avoid the obvious questions from adults about his mother's whereabouts and why he hadn't returned to school after Labor Day. Jack meets interesting people as the days pass, and has to resort to some activities that he wishes he didn't have to, such as stealing and hiding out overnight in stores. But he doesn't trust anyone as he attempts to walk home to Boston. The resolution at the end may be exactly what Jack does not want, and yet he does. Each chapter begins with a tidbit of information or a quote about elephants. This fast-paced survival story will appeal to readers in grades 5-8.
The Secret Garden
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
This is the classic tale of Mary Lennox, born in India and orphaned at 10-years-old. She is sent to England to stay with her uncle in his 600-year-old house along the edge of the moor. She is told that it has 100 locked rooms! Mary is thin and pale when she first arrives at Misselthwaite Manor but grows fatter and stronger as she plays outside with her new skipping rope. Then a robin shows her the entrance to a secret garden and, with the help of a local boy named Dickon, she begins to bring it back to life. One night, she hears crying down the hall and follows the noise to a room where she discovers a sickly boy her own age, who is thought not to live. His father, Mr. Cravens, is Mary's uncle and they are cousins. But he is spoiled and throws many tantrums. He is convinced he will also develop a hunchback like his father and does not allow anyone to look at him. Still, he seems to like Mary. Since being outside has improved her own health so much, she wonders if it might have the same effect on Colin. She worries, though, can she trust him with the secret of the garden? This was one of my favorite books as a child and I enjoyed rereading it again as an adult. Is it written with an English Cockney dialect where those characters speak it, which might be difficult for some readers to decipher. It has a fairly high reading level, but the content is suitable for grades 4-8.
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
This is the classic tale of Mary Lennox, born in India and orphaned at 10-years-old. She is sent to England to stay with her uncle in his 600-year-old house along the edge of the moor. She is told that it has 100 locked rooms! Mary is thin and pale when she first arrives at Misselthwaite Manor but grows fatter and stronger as she plays outside with her new skipping rope. Then a robin shows her the entrance to a secret garden and, with the help of a local boy named Dickon, she begins to bring it back to life. One night, she hears crying down the hall and follows the noise to a room where she discovers a sickly boy her own age, who is thought not to live. His father, Mr. Cravens, is Mary's uncle and they are cousins. But he is spoiled and throws many tantrums. He is convinced he will also develop a hunchback like his father and does not allow anyone to look at him. Still, he seems to like Mary. Since being outside has improved her own health so much, she wonders if it might have the same effect on Colin. She worries, though, can she trust him with the secret of the garden? This was one of my favorite books as a child and I enjoyed rereading it again as an adult. Is it written with an English Cockney dialect where those characters speak it, which might be difficult for some readers to decipher. It has a fairly high reading level, but the content is suitable for grades 4-8.
Young Fredle
by Cynthia Voigt
Fredle is a house mouse who lives behind the pantry with his family. Life is about foraging at night, sleeping during the day, keeping quiet, and avoiding the cat. Mice who are sick or can't keep up are forced to "went", or leave the nest. After becoming ill on peppermint patties, Fredle is went. He ends up outside the house in a world far more different and scarier than he has known. But he also finds that it can be a world of wonder and beauty. Through various adventures and meeting new animals, Fredle learns there are many ways of living, being, and doing. In the process he becomes a wiser, more open-minded mouse. This is a story that readers in grades 4-6 who like animal stories will find very entertaining. This was a 2012 Odyssey Honor Title.
by Cynthia Voigt
Fredle is a house mouse who lives behind the pantry with his family. Life is about foraging at night, sleeping during the day, keeping quiet, and avoiding the cat. Mice who are sick or can't keep up are forced to "went", or leave the nest. After becoming ill on peppermint patties, Fredle is went. He ends up outside the house in a world far more different and scarier than he has known. But he also finds that it can be a world of wonder and beauty. Through various adventures and meeting new animals, Fredle learns there are many ways of living, being, and doing. In the process he becomes a wiser, more open-minded mouse. This is a story that readers in grades 4-6 who like animal stories will find very entertaining. This was a 2012 Odyssey Honor Title.
The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester
by Barbara O'Connor
Owen Jester finds the best bullfrog in all of Carter, Georgia in the pond behind his grandfather's house and names him Tooley Graham. He keeps him in special tubs, both indoors and outdoors, but when he starts to look unhappy, he and his friends build a cage that may be kept in the pond. Meanwhile, Owen hears something fall off a train one evening and after searching for several days, discovers a small submersible. But he and his friends, along with pesky next-door neighbor Viola who has all the smarts, must figure out how to get the submarine to the pond to take it for a spin. This is a wonderful summer adventure for readers in grades 4-6 who also like to figure out a solution to a problem, and have the determination to keep going despite setbacks. I loved listening to this one on audio.
by Barbara O'Connor
Owen Jester finds the best bullfrog in all of Carter, Georgia in the pond behind his grandfather's house and names him Tooley Graham. He keeps him in special tubs, both indoors and outdoors, but when he starts to look unhappy, he and his friends build a cage that may be kept in the pond. Meanwhile, Owen hears something fall off a train one evening and after searching for several days, discovers a small submersible. But he and his friends, along with pesky next-door neighbor Viola who has all the smarts, must figure out how to get the submarine to the pond to take it for a spin. This is a wonderful summer adventure for readers in grades 4-6 who also like to figure out a solution to a problem, and have the determination to keep going despite setbacks. I loved listening to this one on audio.
The Robe of Skulls
by Vivian French
After Lady LaMorna orders a new black velvet robe with many rows of skulls along the bottom, lined with blood red petticoats, she has the unpleasant surprise of finding her treasure box empty. She conceives a plan to kidnap all the royal princes and princesses who are attending an event in Fracture and turn them into frogs before ransoming them back to their families. Prince Marcus escapes this fate by purposefully not completing his school assignment and being left behind at the castle as his punishment, in the hopes of having a day for himself. But after accidentally overhearing the plot he decides he must save his twin, as well as the other royals. Others also know of the plan including a strange cast of characters of talking bats, the Ancient Crones, a “true heart” orphan who is often kept in a cellar, and her evil stepsister who is half wolf. This entertaining fairy tale bends the rules a bit. The evil stepsister is quite beautiful, the prince’s lazy twin is not a backstabber, the old crones are not bad, and the wicked old witch really just wants a new robe and to keep to herself. The many twists and turns come together in an unexpected and satisfying ending. This is the first book in the Tales of the Five Kingdoms series. Highly recommended for readers in grades 4-6.
by Vivian French
After Lady LaMorna orders a new black velvet robe with many rows of skulls along the bottom, lined with blood red petticoats, she has the unpleasant surprise of finding her treasure box empty. She conceives a plan to kidnap all the royal princes and princesses who are attending an event in Fracture and turn them into frogs before ransoming them back to their families. Prince Marcus escapes this fate by purposefully not completing his school assignment and being left behind at the castle as his punishment, in the hopes of having a day for himself. But after accidentally overhearing the plot he decides he must save his twin, as well as the other royals. Others also know of the plan including a strange cast of characters of talking bats, the Ancient Crones, a “true heart” orphan who is often kept in a cellar, and her evil stepsister who is half wolf. This entertaining fairy tale bends the rules a bit. The evil stepsister is quite beautiful, the prince’s lazy twin is not a backstabber, the old crones are not bad, and the wicked old witch really just wants a new robe and to keep to herself. The many twists and turns come together in an unexpected and satisfying ending. This is the first book in the Tales of the Five Kingdoms series. Highly recommended for readers in grades 4-6.
Take Me To the River
by Will Hobbs
Two cousins plan to spend 10 nights canoeing down the Big Bend River between Texas and Mexico, alone, after Rio’s father gets an unexpected job in Alaska during Dylan’s visit from North Carolina. The trip starts out smoothly enough but quickly becomes harrowing as effects from a hurricane causes record water highs. In addition, an encounter with a creepy man claiming to be smuggling a young boy to his mother in Chicago adds to their unplanned adventure. This extremely suspenseful adventure will appeal to readers who also like to canoe or raft, and can identify with the skills necessary to navigate the river. Highly recommended for readers grade 5 and up. This was wonderful to listen to on audio.
by Will Hobbs
Two cousins plan to spend 10 nights canoeing down the Big Bend River between Texas and Mexico, alone, after Rio’s father gets an unexpected job in Alaska during Dylan’s visit from North Carolina. The trip starts out smoothly enough but quickly becomes harrowing as effects from a hurricane causes record water highs. In addition, an encounter with a creepy man claiming to be smuggling a young boy to his mother in Chicago adds to their unplanned adventure. This extremely suspenseful adventure will appeal to readers who also like to canoe or raft, and can identify with the skills necessary to navigate the river. Highly recommended for readers grade 5 and up. This was wonderful to listen to on audio.
How Angel Peterson Got His Name
by Gary Paulsen
Short stories involving “extreme sports” and daredevil tricks that leave the reader laughing - the whole time wondering how this group of 13-year-old boys ever survived to be 14. Including stunts like going over the waterfall in a barrel, setting the new speed record on skis, and staying in a ring with a bear for one minute, the boy appeal here is immense. This humorous story is told in just the sort of voice you’d expect to hear these perhaps slightly exaggerated stories from boys growing up just after the Korean War has ended. Highly recommended for readers in grades 4-7.
by Gary Paulsen
Short stories involving “extreme sports” and daredevil tricks that leave the reader laughing - the whole time wondering how this group of 13-year-old boys ever survived to be 14. Including stunts like going over the waterfall in a barrel, setting the new speed record on skis, and staying in a ring with a bear for one minute, the boy appeal here is immense. This humorous story is told in just the sort of voice you’d expect to hear these perhaps slightly exaggerated stories from boys growing up just after the Korean War has ended. Highly recommended for readers in grades 4-7.
Masters of Disaster
by Gary Paulsen
The author accurately depicts the characters of three 12-year-old boys trying to add excitement, adventure and mystery into their otherwise boring lives. Each “project” dreamed up by Henry (the self-assured, cocky kid) usually winds up with reluctant Reed (the scared, nervous kid) harboring a lingering odor, while Riley (the smart kid) documents all the details. The boys try their hand at record-breaking stunts, science experiments, and solving a mystery involving a murdered family in a haunted house, among other crazy schemes they think will impress girls after the results are revealed to the public. The author’s storytelling skills will keep readers laughing. Highly recommended for boys and reluctant readers in grades 4-7 who enjoy humorous stories. This has a disceptively high reading level.
by Gary Paulsen
The author accurately depicts the characters of three 12-year-old boys trying to add excitement, adventure and mystery into their otherwise boring lives. Each “project” dreamed up by Henry (the self-assured, cocky kid) usually winds up with reluctant Reed (the scared, nervous kid) harboring a lingering odor, while Riley (the smart kid) documents all the details. The boys try their hand at record-breaking stunts, science experiments, and solving a mystery involving a murdered family in a haunted house, among other crazy schemes they think will impress girls after the results are revealed to the public. The author’s storytelling skills will keep readers laughing. Highly recommended for boys and reluctant readers in grades 4-7 who enjoy humorous stories. This has a disceptively high reading level.
Ghost of Crutchfield Hall
by Mary Downing Hahn
When 10-year-old orphan Florence is suddenly summoned by her Great Uncle to live at Crutchfield Hall, she is hoping that her life will be more satisfying that it has been with the crotchety Miss Medleycoate at the Home for Orphan Girls. She also hopes she and her cousin James will become good friends, but when she arrives she learns that James has been bedridden for most of the year since his sister Sophia was killed, and her Great Aunt Eugenie forbids her from disturbing him. Very quickly, Florence realizes that Sophia’s ghost is “here, there, and everywhere”, watching, waiting, and scheming to kill her brother whom she believes is the one who was supposed to die instead of her. Recommended for readers in grades 4-6 who enjoy creepy ghost stories.
by Mary Downing Hahn
When 10-year-old orphan Florence is suddenly summoned by her Great Uncle to live at Crutchfield Hall, she is hoping that her life will be more satisfying that it has been with the crotchety Miss Medleycoate at the Home for Orphan Girls. She also hopes she and her cousin James will become good friends, but when she arrives she learns that James has been bedridden for most of the year since his sister Sophia was killed, and her Great Aunt Eugenie forbids her from disturbing him. Very quickly, Florence realizes that Sophia’s ghost is “here, there, and everywhere”, watching, waiting, and scheming to kill her brother whom she believes is the one who was supposed to die instead of her. Recommended for readers in grades 4-6 who enjoy creepy ghost stories.
The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary by Candace Fleming
This is a fantastic biography of Abraham and Mary Lincoln using a scrapbook format, allowing equal time and treatment for each person. Unlike many books on President Lincoln, this one doesn't concentrate on the Civil War as much as it discusses the relationship between the poor and uneducated man and his refined and highly educated wife, and what was happening behind-the-scenes in their daily lives.
Fascinating photos, newpaper articles, handwritten notes, quotes, letters, cartoons, and other odd tidpits (poems written by Abraham and a sketch of Abraham's feet sent to a bootmaker, for example) make up the captivating content. I loved that none of the tidbits throughout the book were longer than a page. A reader can pick up this book and start reading from any point, bouncing back and forth through the pages. It also
includes websites, bibliography for further reading, index, and an extensive notes section in the back of the book for those wishing for more information. If you enjoy this format, the author has written other biographies that are equally as entrancing. Highly recommended for readers in grades 5 and up.
This is a fantastic biography of Abraham and Mary Lincoln using a scrapbook format, allowing equal time and treatment for each person. Unlike many books on President Lincoln, this one doesn't concentrate on the Civil War as much as it discusses the relationship between the poor and uneducated man and his refined and highly educated wife, and what was happening behind-the-scenes in their daily lives.
Fascinating photos, newpaper articles, handwritten notes, quotes, letters, cartoons, and other odd tidpits (poems written by Abraham and a sketch of Abraham's feet sent to a bootmaker, for example) make up the captivating content. I loved that none of the tidbits throughout the book were longer than a page. A reader can pick up this book and start reading from any point, bouncing back and forth through the pages. It also
includes websites, bibliography for further reading, index, and an extensive notes section in the back of the book for those wishing for more information. If you enjoy this format, the author has written other biographies that are equally as entrancing. Highly recommended for readers in grades 5 and up.
Field Trip to Niagara Falls
by Geronimo Stilton
After a class bully steals his glasses, and embarrassed to admit to pretty teacher Miss Angel Paws that he can’t see her field trip location idea written on the blackboard, Geronimo Stilton finds himself offering to accompany his nephew’s class to Niagara Falls. Panicked when he learns they will be camping outdoors during the trip (something he knows nothing about) he relies on timely phone calls to his sister Thea for instructions on how to set up tents, start a campfire, and other necessary information.
Visually, the Geronimo Stilton series uses large colored text and numerous illustrations throughout. Pages are inserted with relevant factual information, (this particular title includes many interesting facts about camping and Niagara Falls), and often a map of some sort is included. A great series for children in grades 2-4.
by Geronimo Stilton
After a class bully steals his glasses, and embarrassed to admit to pretty teacher Miss Angel Paws that he can’t see her field trip location idea written on the blackboard, Geronimo Stilton finds himself offering to accompany his nephew’s class to Niagara Falls. Panicked when he learns they will be camping outdoors during the trip (something he knows nothing about) he relies on timely phone calls to his sister Thea for instructions on how to set up tents, start a campfire, and other necessary information.
Visually, the Geronimo Stilton series uses large colored text and numerous illustrations throughout. Pages are inserted with relevant factual information, (this particular title includes many interesting facts about camping and Niagara Falls), and often a map of some sort is included. A great series for children in grades 2-4.
Coming of the Dragon
by Rebecca Barnhouse
A young boy with an unknown background. A reliable best friend; a bard with too much power; a weapons teacher who wants it; a pretty girl, a wise-woman and a King. These characters come to life in this fantasy loosely based on the Old English poem of Beowulf.
Our unlikely hero, Rune, who receives his name due to the runes found with him in a boat when he washes ashore as a baby, is alive only because the wise-woman Amma has convinced King Beowulf it should be so. She can raise him as she sees fit during the warm weather, but Beowulf insists he return to the castle for weapons training during the winter. Rune lives a simple life on a farm, is taunted by mean step brothers, and is generally considered a curse by the townspeople.
While chasing a goat, Rune discovers that a dragon has awakened and killed the King's best friend. In rushing to warn the King, he discovers that the dragon has already burned the main hall, as well as his own farm. ..along with Amma and his step-family. Left alone and homeless, Rune promises to avenge Amma's death. Alas, he alone stands against the dragon with King Beowulf and, with the help of Amma's teachings, finds his strength and, ultimately, discovers his background.
This tale is told in a narrative form which might be intimidating, but boys in grades 5-8 will love the dragon battle scenes, as well as other hand-to-hand combat. A recommendation would be to listen to the audio version if there is any difficulty with the unfamiliar words or pronunciations. An author's note at the end spells out precisely what is taken directly from the poem and what has been added.
by Rebecca Barnhouse
A young boy with an unknown background. A reliable best friend; a bard with too much power; a weapons teacher who wants it; a pretty girl, a wise-woman and a King. These characters come to life in this fantasy loosely based on the Old English poem of Beowulf.
Our unlikely hero, Rune, who receives his name due to the runes found with him in a boat when he washes ashore as a baby, is alive only because the wise-woman Amma has convinced King Beowulf it should be so. She can raise him as she sees fit during the warm weather, but Beowulf insists he return to the castle for weapons training during the winter. Rune lives a simple life on a farm, is taunted by mean step brothers, and is generally considered a curse by the townspeople.
While chasing a goat, Rune discovers that a dragon has awakened and killed the King's best friend. In rushing to warn the King, he discovers that the dragon has already burned the main hall, as well as his own farm. ..along with Amma and his step-family. Left alone and homeless, Rune promises to avenge Amma's death. Alas, he alone stands against the dragon with King Beowulf and, with the help of Amma's teachings, finds his strength and, ultimately, discovers his background.
This tale is told in a narrative form which might be intimidating, but boys in grades 5-8 will love the dragon battle scenes, as well as other hand-to-hand combat. A recommendation would be to listen to the audio version if there is any difficulty with the unfamiliar words or pronunciations. An author's note at the end spells out precisely what is taken directly from the poem and what has been added.
One Crazy Summer
by Rita Williams-Garcia
11-year-old Delphine and her 2 sisters, Vonetta and Fern, are sent from Brooklyn to Oakland, California to meet the mother who abandoned them years earlier. Cecil didn't ask for them to visit and is not the welcoming, loving mother the girls hope to meet. She also isn't likely to take them to Disneyland, the beach or to meet any Hollywood stars, as they envision. Cecil doesn't cook for the girls and doesn't want them in her house during the day while she writes poetry in her kitchen. Instead, she sends them for free breakfast at a community center, where they also stay for the summer camp program. This story takes place in 1968 when the Black Panthers are trying to get civil rights for black people. The camp is run by Black Panthers and teaches them about "black power". Gradually Delphine learns that the Black Panthers, and her mother Cecil for that matter, are not exactly as Big Ma back home describes them. Suitable for readers in grades 4-8 who are interested in civil rights movements or desiring African American characters. This book has been getting a lot of buzz recently in regards to the Newbery Award. It is full of more mature themes including love, acceptance, and revolution. and is a slow-moving story. The characterization is very good, but I kept wondering how much the theme might appeal to children. Time will tell.
by Rita Williams-Garcia
11-year-old Delphine and her 2 sisters, Vonetta and Fern, are sent from Brooklyn to Oakland, California to meet the mother who abandoned them years earlier. Cecil didn't ask for them to visit and is not the welcoming, loving mother the girls hope to meet. She also isn't likely to take them to Disneyland, the beach or to meet any Hollywood stars, as they envision. Cecil doesn't cook for the girls and doesn't want them in her house during the day while she writes poetry in her kitchen. Instead, she sends them for free breakfast at a community center, where they also stay for the summer camp program. This story takes place in 1968 when the Black Panthers are trying to get civil rights for black people. The camp is run by Black Panthers and teaches them about "black power". Gradually Delphine learns that the Black Panthers, and her mother Cecil for that matter, are not exactly as Big Ma back home describes them. Suitable for readers in grades 4-8 who are interested in civil rights movements or desiring African American characters. This book has been getting a lot of buzz recently in regards to the Newbery Award. It is full of more mature themes including love, acceptance, and revolution. and is a slow-moving story. The characterization is very good, but I kept wondering how much the theme might appeal to children. Time will tell.