Monthly Archives: April 2015

The Family Romanov, Perspectives, and Contemporary Lives

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Fleming, Candace. The Family Romanov Murder, Rebellion & the Fall of Imperial Russia. New York: Schwartz &Wade Books, 2014. 978-0-375-86782-8. 292 p. $18.99. Gr. 9-12.

The Family Romanov is a fascinating book that gives insight into the life of one of the most beloved and hated families of the early 1900s. Fleming goes back and forth between writings about Tsar Nicholas II and his family to primary source documents from peasants, who were basically starving and freezing to death. The dichotomy of the two classes was so distinct that the Russian Revolution was destined to happen. Fleming points to the Romanov’s complete obliviousness of the conditions of their people to their downfall and eventual murder. This book is so well researched.  With notes, excerpts from other writings, photographs of the royal family (I’m so thankful that they had and used Kodak cameras), extensive bibliography, and an index, it is a model for students and authors regarding synthesis of information. The Family Romanov is a truly enjoyable non-fiction book that every school library should have in their collection.

This book is fabulous to use for students studying Russian History. It gives the perspective of the peasants as well as that of the Romanov Family. There are lots of primary source documents used throughout the text, which will help students gain better understanding regarding the outbreak of the Russian Revolution.

947.08; Russian History        Kathy Gilbride, North Pocono MS and HS

 

 

perspectives

Perspectives on Diseases and Disorders (series). Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2014. $42.10 ea. Gr. 10-12. 

Gillard, Arthur, Ed. Food Allergies. 116 p.  616.97. 978-0-7377-6354-6                                    

Langwith, Jacqueline, Ed. Sports Injuries. 135 p. 617.1. 978-0-7377-6358-4

As doctors learn more information about different diseases and disorders that information then becomes available to consumers. For the new information to be user-friendly, it must be presented in a basic manner for the masses to understand. Two new additions to the Perspectives on Disease and Disorders series from Greenhaven Press have straightforward text which is very easy to understand. The books are very clear and concise in their explanations of different types of injuries or allergies. The books give a chronology, including predictions regarding where future research will take us, and include diagrams, photographs, fast facts and treatment options along with a glossary, index, and a list for further reading.

Health classes do a project on diseases in our high school. I have found these books circulate a great deal at that time. A student may want to use them for more information about their health.

616.97/617.1 Health    Kathy Gilbride, North Pocono MS and HS

 

katyperry

Contemporary Lives (set 4). Minneapolis: ABDO, 2015. 112p. $23.95 ea. Gr. 5-8.

Anderson, Jennifer. Miley Cyrus: Pop Princess. 978-1-62403-544-9.

Burling, Alexis. Pharrell Williams: Grammy-Winning Singer, Songwriter & Producer. 978-1-62403-549-4.

Cummings, Judy D. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Grammy-Winning Hip-Hop Duo. 978-1-62403-545-6.

Lusted, Amidan Marcia. Blake Shelton: Country Singer & TV Personality. 978-1-62403-547-0.        

Owings, Lisa. Katy Perry: Chart-Topping Superstar. 978-1-62403-546-3.                                              

Watson, Stephanie. Keith Urban: Award-Winning Country Star. 978-1-62403-548-7.

This is a continuation of the series Contemporary Lives, which documents the lives of people who influence present day culture. The initial set was published in 2012. After reading the book on Katy Perry, I had much more insight in to her life. There were quotes from her, and quotes by others about her which gave me perspective about how she views herself and how others view her. Large type, lots of pictures, and interesting facts will give it wide audience appeal. There was a waiting list for it in my library when Grade 7 was doing their biography project. The book contains a timeline, fact sheet, award list, glossary, additional resources, places to visit, source notes by chapter and an index.

This could be used to introduce biographies at a young age (grade 6). Our students do a biography project in grade 7, and it was used a great deal then. Primary use would be to find out more information about the highlighted individual.

Biography    Kathy Gilbride, North Poconos MS and HS

From Wonder Woman, to US History and Malala Yousafzai…New Nonfiction

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Lepore, Jill. The Secret History of Wonder Woman. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2014. 978-0-385-35404-2. 410 p. $29.99. Gr 9+.

Harvard professor and New Yorker writer Lenope digs deep into the history of Wonder Woman, the first female superhero to have her own comic book, and the most popular female superhero of all time- who fights for “peace, justice, and women’s rights”. While not only discovering Wonder Woman’s evolution, Lenope also touches upon how she made and remade feminism, while exploring the history and development of those responsible for her creation, specifically William Moulton Marston. Marston was a freshman at Harvard when he created Wonder Woman, influenced by the woman’s suffrage movement and feminists he knew as a child and by growing up surrounded by feminists. Strongly believing in women’s rights and non-conformity, Marston and his wife lived an extremely non-traditional life while also writing traditional family comics for Family Circle (Marston was a psychologist who invented the lie detector test). One of the couples house-mates, Margaret Sanger, the famous feminist and birth-control pioneer, partially inspired the character, as well as other women Marston loved throughout the years. Marston also strongly felt that women felt powerful from bondage and sexual desire, which is reflected in the original Wonder Woman comic panels spread throughout the book. A solid and substantial volume that comic book fans- specifically fans of origins stories will welcome.

741; Comic Books/Superheroes    Vicki Schwoebel, Friends’ Central School

This book was gifted to us by a kind upper school teacher, and while it hasn’t circulated a ton, it has generated a lot of conversation. We have many upper school students interested in comics and graphic novels, so over the past year we have started to build a graphic novel collection for older students and adults (in addition to the popular graphic novel we have in our middle school reading room).  A lot of students have asked about the Wonder Woman book when it was displayed, which prompted us to mention the graphic novel collection upstairs, which made the items circulate more! Hopefully word of mouth will make it circulate even more.

 

untoldhistory

Stone, Oliver. The Untold History of the United States: Young Readers Edition, 1898-1945, Volume 1. New York: Anthem Books for Young Readers, 2014. 978-1-4814-2173-7. 383 p. $19.99. Gr. 6-12.

This is the first of a planned four volume set born from a somber documentary that examines historical events in a context that differs greatly from traditional textbooks. The volume focuses on 1898-1945, and Stone attempts to answer questions such as, “Why is the gap between the rich and the poor greater in the United States than in any other developed country?” and “Why do African Americans and Latinos still face discrimination?”. Events, such as the building of America’s railroads and Roosevelt’s New Deal reform, are presented with facts that have come to light in recent years after archival footage and declassified information have been made public. Readers will be drawn in by the popular filmmaking author, Oliver Stone, but will stay for the balanced narrative and interesting photos, illustrations and documents that accompany the text, while becoming well-informed readers on United States history, economics and politics.

United States HIstory    Vicki Schwoebel, Friends’ Central School

What an interesting book! The structure is not chronological, like I imagined, but more narrative, which makes it much more approachable (and different from a textbook). Instead of just historical fact- like how Woodrow Wilson premiered a pro-Klu Klux Klan film in the White House- this text goes into the why and how that could happen. It is important to realize that for every event, or historical act that is a story behind even that, and I feel Oliver Stone did a fine job, as did Susan Campbell Bartoletti, who adapted it for young readers.

 

malala

Yousafzai, Malala. I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World – Young Readers Edition. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2014. 978-0-316-32793-0. 230 p. $17.00. Gr 6-12.  

Nobel peace prize winner Malala Yousafzai’s 2013 memoir has been adapted for middle and high school students. Malala and her family- specifically her father, a principal, teacher, and founder of one of the only girls schools in Pakistan- are outspoken advocates for education equality. Readers will enter a world not that different from their own; Malala stays up too late studying, talks about the Twilight series, and argues with her younger brothers, but she soon learns that her village in Pakistan was taken over by the Taliban, a violent Islamic fundamentalist political movement through the Middle East. Malala decided to speak out against the terrorism; writing about it on a blog that would later appear on a BBC blog, appearing on international talk shows, being filmed in a documentary, and founding an organization to help girls receive an education. Her actions prompted many death threats, and one day on the bus from school, she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman. In the days that followed, Malala survived, and the shooting received international attention. Upon her recovery, Malala remained dedicated to activism for girls education, and her story is one to inspire youth around the world. A superb addition to any biography collection; Malala is someone who made a difference and fought for equity with compassion and peaceful perseverance. YA edition includes a helpful glossary and timeline of important events.

Biography     Vicki Schwoebel, Friends’ Central School

Last year we had a special assembly about peace, and one teacher spoke about Malala’s amazing story. This was around the time she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and was appearing on talk shows like The Daily Show. This prompted us to purchase her memoir, which circulated among teachers and a few students. When we purchased the young readers edition, we had a student check it out, and create a video book review for a project. This was wonderful, as we were able to add it to the catalog record for that title, and other kids who viewed the trailer were then interested in checking it out; we even had a hold list for it!

New Kid

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Green, Tim. New Kid. New York: Harper, 2014. 978-0-06-220872-9. 307 p. $16.99. Gr. 5-8.

Brock Nickerson is the new kid. Last week his name wasn’t even Brock Nickerson. He only has his father left; his mother was killed. His father is very secretive about what he does for a living, but it keeps him moving to a new place and gaining a new identity every few years. The last time, his father pulled him out of his last at bat during a championship baseball game. Brock doesn’t ask much of his father. He wonders what his father does for a living, and he is often left alone, but his father is very unapproachable. Brock has a gift when it comes to pitching. He can throw some serious heat. Coach Hudgens notices this and invites Brock to come to his house and throw a few pitches. He then asks Brock to play on his travel team. Brock has a hard time convincing his father to allow him to play, but he finally gives in after meeting Coach Hudgens and his wife. Brock has some issues pitching, but Barrett Malone, a big league player gives him some pointers. Brock’s father shows up at his game during his last at-bat and wants to pull him out. Brock finally stands up to his father and asks to finish the game. What Brock doesn’t realize is that the game may cost him more than he is willing to give.

This is a book about baseball; I could feel myself in the stands, cheering for the team. I could see myself as a coach, realizing that something was missing from Brock’s life and wanting to help fill the void. It is about relationships, family and tough choices. It could easily be used to help students develop setting in their stories. Tim Green’s descriptions are vivid and lifelike. I felt like I was there with Brock.

Realistic; Sports    Kathy Gilbride North Pocono MS and HS

All the Light We Cannot See

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Doerr, Anthony. All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel. New York: Scribner, 2014. 978-1-47674-658-6. 531 p. $23.00. Gr. 10 and up.

Blind since age six, Marie-Laure is a girl living in Paris with her father, a talented woodworker and locksmith for a museum. Werner Pfennig is a young orphan raised in an orphanage outside Essen, Germany, who has a talent for fixing radio transmitters and receivers. The story is told in alternating voices of the two children as they grow into young adults during the start of World War II. Marie-Laure and her father flee to Saint Malo to escape Paris before the German’s invade. They go to live with her father’s Uncle Etienne in his house by the sea. Her father has made her quite capable by building her a small replica of Paris, and later Saint Malo, then challenging her to find her way home from different places. This game they play, he knows will one day help her. Werner was a very bright child and he was tested for a technical school to which he was accepted. He then went on to help seek out illegal radio transmissions and destroy the threats. Marie-Laure’s father is hiding a “cursed” sapphire that the Nazi’s know about, and they send the gemologist, Von Rumpel to go find it, which leads to an interesting twist. Marie-Laure’s Uncle Etienne came back from World War I and never left the house again. The building resistance against Nazi Germany forces him back to life. He knows he must do something, so he and Marie-Laure broadcast numbers on their huge radio transmitter that they get from the baker in loaves of bread. The lives of Marie-Laure and Werner were always meant to intersect; it is the poignant ending that leaves you both devastated and elated at the same time.

Historical Fiction (WW II)     Kathy Gilbride, North Pocono MS and HS

As with any World War II novel, this could easily be used with an AP European History class to highlight German tactical thinking or the European response to the onslaught of the Nazis. This is one of the best novels I have ever read about World War II; mature YA readers will really enjoy it.

Thinking Critically

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biomedicalethics

Thinking Critically (series).  San Diego: Reference Point Press, 2015.  80 p.  $30.00 ea.  Gr. 9-12.

Allen, John. Thinking Critically: Legalizing Marijuana. 978-1-60152-782-0.

Nakaya, Andrea C. Thinking Critically: Biomedical Ethics. 978-1-60152-674-8.

Nakaya, Andrea C. Thinking Critically: Climate Change. 978-1-60152-732-5.

Nakaya, Andrea C. Thinking Critically: Euthanasia. 978-1-60152-680-9.

Mooney, Carla. Thinking Critically: Distracted Driving. 978-1-60152-780-6.

Wilcox, Christine. Thinking Critically: Online Privacy. 978-1-60152-734-9.

Focusing on issues that are highly controversial, the books in this series break down the arguments in a way that is accessible for any researcher.  Each title begins with an overview of the topic and then focuses on controversies surrounding the topic.  For each controversy, both pro and con arguments are presented.  Quotes, graphs, charts, facts, and statistics representing both sides of the issue are distributed throughout the books, giving researchers all the data they need to make an informed decision.  Each title ends with contact information for related organizations and websites, as well as a list of additional sources for further research.

100s; 300s; Controversial Issues       Julie Ritter, Montoursville Area High School

These books are wonderful sources for students who need to write pro-con research papers, as well as for students who are involved in debates.  The impartial way in which the books present issues will enable readers to fully understand the issues before developing a thesis or voicing an opinion.  The way the books clearly split up pro-con arguments make them easy to understand and easily accessible for any reader.

The Books of Eva…Book 2 Boundary

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Terrell, Heather.  Boundary: The Books of Eva.  Soho Teen. New York, 2014 271p 978-1-61695-199-3 $18.99 gr 7+

Boundary is the second book in Terrell’s The Books of Eva series.  After Eva is the sole maiden in the yearly testing and manages to win the coveted laurels, she becomes the newest archon in New North.  This is where Boundary picks up Eva’s story.  Eva finds herself torn more that ever.  She is now an archon and a maiden and betrothed to Jasper, her longtime family friend and former competitor for the laurels.  As Eva immerses herself further into her archon work she ends up at another dig site.  This time with the assistance of the only other female testor in New North history, Madeline.  She uses Madeline’s journal as a guide to find the Founder’s ship, Genesis.  What is inside furthers Eva’s suspicions of the truth.  With the help of her Boundary companion, Lukas, they are able to unlock the mysteries of the New North’s true beginnings.

 

Complete with plot twists and suspense, Boundary is a great second book for the series.  The best part is author Heather Terrell lives in the suburbs of Pittsburgh and is willing to do school visits for free.  Relic, the first book in the series has an educators’ guide that the publisher is happy to share too.

Dystopian  Laura Ward, Fox Chapel Area High School

 

Mortal Heart…His Fair Assassins Book 3

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LaFevers, Robin. Mortal Heart. New York: HMH Books For Young Readers, 2014. 978-0-547-628400. 464 p. $17.99. Gr 9-12.

LaFevers’ excellent His Fair Assassins series comes to a close with the highly anticipated story of Annith, the gifted sister of St. Mortain, god of Death, who watches impatiently as her sisters are given tasks to serve the convent and their god. Although extremely skilled at warfare and in the art of seduction, Annith discovers that she is being groomed by the abbess as Seeress, a banal life confined to the convent, even though she has shown no skill as a Seer. Confused and suspicious, Annith runs and sleuths, eventually confronting the abbess and learning a secret she never expected, one so deep and treacherous she decides to leave the convent. Annith runs into the hellequin, souls of the damned serving Mortain by bringing him the recent dead, and connects with the dark, brooding, and handsome Balthazaar, a connection that will change her life and life’s purpose forever. While a bit less action packed as Ismae and Sybella’s stories, Annith is a worthy heroine and her story speaks true to her character. LaFever’s brings a satisfying ending to a wonderful, historically researched, well-paced series.

Historical Fantasy    Vicki Schwoebel, Friends’ Central School

While I loved this series, and another teacher loved this series, I can’t seem to get the students on board. It is definitely for an older crowd; I would not recommend to middle schoolers, and right now that is the group that drives our fiction circulation. I keep recommending it to high school students when they ask about books, and I’ve blogged about the series, but so far no luck. LaFever is an excellent writer and this an excellent premise. It mixes history and fantasy in a way that isn’t overdone or unbelievable; the same can be said for the characters and their romantic interests. I am determined to keep recommending.

When Mr. Dog Bites

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Conaghan, Brian.  When Mr. Dog Bites.  New York: Bloomsbury, 2014.  978-1-61963-346-9.  359 p.  $17.99.  Gr. 10 and up.
Dylan Mint is an average teenager who suffers from Tourette’s and attends a special school in Scotland.  One day, when he is at the hospital with his mother, he overhears the doctor say that life as he knows it will come to an end in March.  Convinced that he is going to die, he makes a bucket list of everything he wants to accomplish before this happens.  His list includes finding a new best friend for his pal Amir, having sex with a girl for the first time, and somehow ensuring his military father’s return home from the war in Afghanistan.  As Dylan attempts to complete these tasks, nothing goes as planned, and he soon realizes he has a lot to learn about his family, his condition, his friends, and life in general.
Realistic Fiction      Julie Ritter, Montoursville Area High School
 
This book provides an honest look at what life is look for people with Tourette’s.  Despite his condition, Dylan is just a normal teenage boy with normal teenage boy thoughts.  In addition to these sexual thoughts, the swearing and sometimes confusing English slang make this book more suitable for older readers.  Fans of Louise Rennison and Dawn O’Porter might also enjoy this book for its English humor.

Autumn Falls

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Thorne, Bella. Autumn Falls. New York: Delacorte Press, 2014. 978-0-385-744331. 217 p. $18.99. Gr 6-12.

Disney channel star Bella Thorne enters the world of YA literature with her light-hearted debut novel, whose main character was inspired by the actress herself. Autumn Falls is the new girl in town, moving to Florida to be close to her elderly grandmother after her father tragically dies in a car accident. Missing home, her father, and her best friend back in Maryland, Autumn struggles to fit in socially and academically due to dyslexia. She just wants to cruise through the school year after making a few friends, but high school is never that easy, and when she starts crushing on school jock Sean, she soon finds a nemesis in mean girl Reenie, who makes it her goal to humiliate Autumn in any and every way possible. When her grandmother gifts her a magical journal from her late father, Autumn discovers that wishes written in the journal start coming true, but she begins to see that the outcome may not be exactly what she wanted after all. Predictable, but relatable and well-paced for tweens and teens, Autumn Falls has a sequel due in November.

Fantasy    Vicki Schwoebel, Friends’ Central School

I plan to book talk this at our next assembly, as it was only just recently donated, and I imagine it will fly off the shelves. Beginning the book, I didn’t realize that Bella Thorne was even a star, but after talking to a few middle schoolers, it seems that she is and quite a popular one! So to start, the author is wildly popular, and the story is cute and fun in a way I can see MS girls falling in love with.

Where the Rock Splits the Sky

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rocksplitssky

Webb, Philip. Where the Rock Splits the Sky. New York: Chicken House, 2014. Print. 978-0545557016. 272 p. $17.99. Gr. 9+.

Philip Webb has created a vibrant post-apocalyptic world and crafted a story that will keep readers engaged until the very end. The novel begins 20 years after the Earth has been invaded by The Visitors, an alien race that split the moon and uses humans as hosts.  Much of the western half of the United States is now part of the Zone, a shadowy world that constantly shifts and changes. Life has reverted back to the time of the Wild West, with horses being the main mode of transportation. The protagonist, Megan, lives in a border town near the Zone.  Her father has disappeared, and Megan is suddenly the target of the Jethro Gang, a group that terrorizes the Zone.  After receiving a map supposedly created by her missing father, she sets off on a quest into The Zone with her friend Luis to find her father and hopefully solve the mystery of his disappearance and the mysteries of the zone. Along the way they pick up Kelly, an Abductee, or one who was taken by the Aliens when they arrived and recently released. Kelly remembers nothing of her abduction, and must quickly adapt to the new world. The trio encounters floating cities, rivers of sand, and numerous foes along the route. The plot is fast-paced and will keep even the most reluctant reader interested. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger, leaving the reader wanting more.  While the main focus is the adventure through the zone, there is a small sub-plot about Megan’s budding relationship with Luis that could have been fleshed out a bit more. Nevertheless, this is a great title to give to readers who enjoy action, adventure, and alien invasions.

Dystopian    Lindsey Myers, Peters Township High School

I was not expecting to enjoy this book or for it to keep me engaged as much as it did, but I was pleasantly surprised. The premise is a bit odd, and reminded me of the Daniel Craig film Cowboys and Aliens (which, while campy, was a lot of fun). With regards to dystopian fiction, it is not nearly as nuanced as The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker or as addicting as The Hunger Games series. But, it will keep reluctant readers engaged, which is always appreciated by librarians who are constantly barraged with “I don’t read” by students looking for a book for an independent reading project.  I look forward to being able to share this title with readers during my summer reading book talks.