Spires, Ashley. The Most Magnificent Thing. Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2014. 978-1-55453-704-4. 32 p. $16.95. Gr. K-2.
A little girl and her dog, “her best friend in the whole wide world,” do everything together—including making the most magnificent thing. They gather supplies, make a spot to work, and create…something. It’s definitely not magnificent. The little girl tosses it aside and begins again, trying a different approach. After several attempts, she still hasn’t created a magnificent product and is extremely frustrated. Her dog “suggests” a walk, and as they walk through the neighborhood she calms down and goes past the line of tossed aside products. She realized that bits and pieces of all of them are “quite right,” and after one final attempt, she and her dog are cruising down the sidewalk in her most magnificent thing. Bravo, Ashley Spires—this book is magnificent. The story is basic but important. The little girl follows the process of creation, from making a plan to several revisions. She doesn’t give up even when frustrated. This book would make a wonderful read-aloud with a follow-up discussion on perseverance. The illustrations are also fantastic. Set on clean white backgrounds with black line drawings of settings, the little girl and her dog (and his hilarious facial expressions) really stand out.
Picture Book                                      Lindsey Long, Nye & Conewago Elementary Schools

Hills, Tad. Duck & Goose Go to the Beach. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2014.  978-0-385-37235-0. 32 p. $17.99. Gr. PreS-2.
Duck and Goose are back! This tale finds Duck longing to go “away,” so Goose grudgingly follows Duck as they walk through the meadow, climb to the top of the highest hill, and get a glimpse of the beach. Duck, of course, takes off for the beach and Goose is forced to follow, but the two friends have a wonderful day at the beach making new friends, exploring, and enjoying the delights of the seashore. As much fun as they’ve had, they realize that there’s no place like home and the two friends head back to the meadow.  Duck and Goose are delightful friends and my students always enjoy a new story about the pair. Hills shows so much expression in both Duck and Goose and the illustrations are full of humor, like when they are almost pinched by a crab and are wiped out by a wave. This would be a great story to read at the end of the school year during a unit on the beach or ocean, or a unit on friendship and compromise (Duck and Goose stories are fantastic for this purpose).
Picture Book               Lindsey Long, Nye & Conewago Elementary Schools

Campbell, K. G. The Mermaid and the Shoe. Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2014.   978-1-55453-771-6. 32 p. $16.95. Gr. 1-4.
Minnow the mermaid lives underwater with her father, King Triton, and her 49 amazing sisters. They all have special talents but the only thing that Minnow has is lots of questions. One day, she finds a lovely red shoe and becomes determined to discover its purpose. She sets out on an adventure and learns a bit about the world above her; she also learns something about herself. Her true talent is her curiosity and willingness to explore, and she goes home to share her gifts with her family. This story is a bit reminiscent of the classic tale The Little Mermaid, minus the romantic storyline. The story is lovely and could spark conversations about children’s unique talents. Kids will love Minnow and the illustrations alone make the book worth a second look. Campbell’s artwork is beautiful and the colors of the book shift as Minnow moves from the dark depths of the sea to the bright world above water. It’s a must buy!
Picture Book             Lindsey Long, Nye & Conewago Elementary Schools

Robinson, Sharon, illustrated by Ford, AG. Under the Same Sun. New York: Scholastic Press, 2014. 978-0545-16672-0. 40 p. $17.99. Gr. K-2.

Under the Same Sun is based on the author’s experience of visiting her brother’s family in Tanzania. The lavish colored illustrations tell the story of a family that lives apart, but together under the same sun. Slavery is mentioned in how the ancestors were taken from their country and forced into working the cotton fields in America. The darkness of that act is shown with a cautious optimism as the family moves forward with love and hope for the future. Throughout the story Swahili, the official language of Tanzania is connected to the dialogue. The end of the book has pictures of the trip that Under the Same Sun was based upon as well as a translation of the Swahili words written in the story.
Picture Book, Realistic Fiction                   Kelsey DeStevens

 

Saxby, Claire; illustrated by Allen, Cassandra. There Was an Old Sailor. Toronto: Kids  Can Press, 2014. 978-1-77138-022-5. 32 p. $16.95. Gr. K-2.
With the same vein as There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, There Was and Old Sailor, features an unassuming character who decides to swallow strange things. Some of the aquatic objects featured are krill, shark, seal, and squid. The book does have a fact about each of the animals that the sailor swallows and this could help to introduce an ocean animal research project. This has the same charm as the book it was inspired by and will have the best affect as a real aloud.
Picture Book             Kelsey DeStevens

 

Kemp, Anna; illustrated by Ogilvie, Sara. The Worst Princess. New York: Random House, 2014. 978-0385-37125-4. 32 p. $16.99. Gr. K-3.
The Worst Princess takes the tropes of a fairy tale and throws them sideways. You are introduced to a princess who has spent her time waiting patiently for a prince to rescue her, only to find out the prince is simply another vehicle of capture. Unhappy with her new tower (prison) the princess takes action and allies with a dragon to escape so that she may have her own adventures and be free. It’s a humorous read aloud and would be great to stimulate students into creative thinking. You could provide them with a prompt about making their own spin of the fairy tale and offer different tools to express their story, writing, videos, art, etc.
Picture Book, Fantasy                      Kelsey DeStevens

Kuhlmann, Torben.  Lindbergh, The Tale of a Flying Mouse.  New York: NorthSouth Publishing, 2014. 978-0-7358-4167-3 96p.  $119.95. Gr. K+.
This phenomenal book is a work of art.  Not only does it inspire the reader to dream it creates a world through intricate and beautiful illustrations.  What if Charles Lindbergh was actually inspired by a flying mouse? What if the mouse dared to dream of a new life and made it happen?  The text provides a story of overcoming the odds, dreaming and inventing while being inspired.  The illustrations not only support the text by add another dimension to the story, providing more detail and inspiring creative thinking and problem solving.  The connections that can be made through this book can cross many curricular areas and also inspire creative writing.  I highly recommend this book for every grade level.
Picture Book                     Denise Naumann, Eisenhower Elementary

Bar-el, Dan.  A Fish Named Glub. Tonawanda, New York: Kids Can Press, 2014. 978-155453-812-6. 32p. $16.95. Pre K-3
Ok…. another character who is asking the meaning of life. This time it is Glub, the fish. Glub lives in a greasy spoon type diner with his new owner, Foster. Foster’s family complains about a fish in the diner until special things start to happen. At the end of most meaning of life stories there is a happy ending and this is no exception.  Reviews: School Library Journal, Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly.
Picture Book    Lourie Stewart, Dunbar Township/Dunbar Borough Elementary Schools

Rosenstock, Barb. The Noisy Paint Box. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2014.  978-0307-97848-6. 40 p. $17.99. PreK and up.
Vasya Kandinsky was a proper little boy raised with all of the best Russia had to offer. His family made sure he knew music and art and they expected him to be all things proper. Well proper is not always the best way to do things. Vasya opened his first paint box to find paints that spoke to him. They sounded as the orchestra did when the musicians were warming up to start the concert. As he continued to grow up the paints spoke to him from the paint box.  Finally, he could take it no more and began painting. He grew to become one of the first abstract artist the 20^th century and the world knew.   Kudos to Barb Rosenstock for blending fiction with fact: joining the life of Vasya Kandinsky with his paintings. After the story has ended, she has a short bio of Kandinsky in her author’s notes along with sources for further information gathering.   Reviews: Kirkus, Booklist and others. Barb Rosenstock website:  arbrosenstock.com/html/books.html. Accelerated Reader Quiz available. In addition to a picture book story, I would highly recommend this to middle school art teachers as a source for abstract art.
Juvenile Fiction: Biography and Art.           Lourie Stewart, Dunbar Township/Dunbar Borough Elementary Schools

Say, Allen. The Favorite Daughter. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2013. 978-0-545-17662-0. 30 p. $17.99, Reading Level: 2.3 Interest Level: ages 5-8.
Yuriko is not happy about a lot of things at school and at home. She doesn’t like art anymore because the new art teacher is different from the last teacher. The art teacher misprounces her name and the class begin calling her “Eureka”, they do projects in class rather than draw, and generally she wants to change everything about herself.  With her father’s patience and guidance, Yuriko learns that different is not bad and that much can be learned by others who think foreign customs are different.  A wonderful book about Father-daughter relationship, family heritage, and bullying in school. As in all of Allen Say’s books, his art is wonderful and a very important part of his story telling ability. Reviews: Kirkus, New York Times. Includes an Accelerated Reader Quiz.
Juvenile Fiction                 Lourie Stewart, Dunbar Township/Dunbar Borough Elementary Schools

Poe, Edgar Allen. The Cask of Amontillado (Graphic Horror) adapted by Joeming W. Dunn. 978-1624020155. Minneapolis, Magic Wagon/ABDO: 2014. $28.50. 32p. Gr. 3-6.
The Edgar Allen Poe tale of the same name has been adapted into an easy to understand Graphic Novel form that is simple and fun to read. The tale retains Poe’s undertones and dark nature despite its adaption to a simpler form. The story follows Montresor telling the tale of how he got his revenge on Fortunado. After being slighted Montresor planned and waited for his revenge, luring in Fortunado with a false friendliness. Montresor leads a drunk Fortunado deep into Montresor’s catacombs with the promise of the great Amontillado wine. Leading Fortunado to the deepest of rooms Montresor locks him up and builds a wall to seal him in, which remains undisturbed to the end. The story is a bit dark, as all of Poe is, and one should consider both the dark subject matter and the depiction of merciless revenge before recommending it to some of your youngest readers. Those who like and can handle spooky stories will love it.
741.5 Graphic Novel/Horror/Easy reader
Matthew Dickinson, Conestoga HS senior and intern at Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Blackwood, Algernon. The Wendigo (Graphic Horror) adapted by Vincent Goodwin. 978-1624020186. Minneapolis, Magic Wagon/ABDO: 2014. $28.50. 32p. Gr. 3-6.
In a spooky tale adapted from Algernon Blackwood’s writing a boy named Simpson faces the dangers of the legendary Wendigo after his hunting trip goes awry. When Simpson’s partner Defago disappears under frightful circumstances Simpson investigates only to be attacked. Simpson flees and returns with the rest of the hunting party to find the disheveled Defago rambling and warped. Defago is changed, and he professes of meeting with the Wendigo in the woods and shows signs of turning into a Wendigo. The tale ends with the rest of the party finding Defago dead in the morning of exposure. The novel is easy to follow, but due to its scary subject matter one should not recommend it to children prone to nightmares.
741.5 Graphic Novel/Horror/Easy reader
Matthew Dickinson, Conestoga HS senior and intern at Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Holm, Jennifer. Babymouse #18: Happy Birthday, Babymouse, 978-0307931610. New York: Random House Books for Young Readers, 2014.  $6.99. 96p. Gr. 1 – 6.
In the 18th installment in the series Babymouse has her birthday party on the same day as her classmate Felicia’s. Babymouse’s plans for a perfect party are threatened by a string of bad fortune and her party is a pale joke in comparison to Felicia’s great celebration. Babymouse is upset only to be comforted the next day by her friends when they throw her another party that turns out to be just perfect. Babymouse fans won’t want to miss it!
741.5 Graphic Novel/Easy reader
Matthew Dickinson, Conestoga HS senior and intern at Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Meyers, Mark and David A. Kelly. Ballpark Mysteries #8: The Missing Marlin. 978-0307977823. New York: Random House Books for Young Readers, 2014.  $4.99. 112p. Gr. 1 – 3.
In the 8th book of the Ballpark Mysteries cousins Kate Hopkins and Mike Walsh must deal with missing fish and mysterious goings on at the Marlin’s stadium. The series is written for younger, emerging readers and has pictures interspersed throughout to help them follow along. With both sports and mystery tie-ins this book is great for kids at early reading levels who enjoy mystery or baseball.
Fiction/Easy reader
Matthew Dickinson, Conestoga HS senior and intern at Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Pakkala, Christine. Jasmine and Maddie. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mill Press, 2014. ISBN 978-1-62091-739-8. 203 pgs.  $16.95. Gr. 3-6.
Jasmine has just lost her dad and her mother is now working two jobs as they make a new start in Connecticut. Despite these changes she is fitting in at her new school but hides the fact that they are living in a trailer court. Maddie used to have a best friend and they played soccer together. This year Maddie does not make the soccer team and she feels pressure to be perfect like her older sister. How is it that Jasmine and Maddie become friends and what happens when they switch rings: Jasmine’s mother’s promise ring from her husband and Maddie’s grandmother’s ring that her sister inherited?  English class is a feature in the novel as Jasmine displays a strength with poetry where she displays talent to DD (dig deeper) with meaning in her work. They are studying GAP (Great American Poets) and her favorite becomes Emily Dickinson. American poets, I AM poems and poetry cafes are extension activities to try with this book.
Fiction, Families, Friends                  Beth McGuire Wendover Middle School

Mata, Julie. Kate Walden Directs: Night of the Zombie Chickens. New York: Hyperion, 2014. ISBN 978-1-4231-9459-0. 288 pgs.  $16.99. Gr. 3-7.
Life was ideal before Kate moves with her mother, father and younger brother from their city house in walking distance from her best friend since first grade, Alyssa, to a five acre farmhouse so that her mother may pursue of her dream to raise free range organic chicken. Kate is trying to make the most of the situation by having the chicken part of her latest film project while involving her father, brother, Alyssa and many other people in town with the finest fake blood she can concoct for the zombie scenes. Things started to get even more painful when she visits her orthodontist and then finding her mom as a speaker for national career week at school only adds embarrassment. Then Alyssa is becoming closer friends with Lydia, aka the MPG (Most Popular Girl). When Lydia teases Kate, Alyssa does not come to her defense and Kate is crushed. The school is abuzz over the upcoming school play Annie and the coveted red wig from New York City that the lead will wear. Can Kate complete her movie without Alyssa by her side and will she make new friends? Could Kate possible have a script in her mind using the famous red wig to give her revenge on Alyssa for abandoning her? Read to find out how the rest of the story and how Night of the Zombie Chickens unfolds. Students with interest in film making will also find comfort with the different film terms throughout the novel.
Friends, Farming, Siblings                 Beth McGuire Wendover Middle School

 

Thomson, Jamie. Dark Lord: School’s Out. New York: Walker Books, 2014. ISBN 978-0-8027-3522-5. 371 pgs.  $16.99. Gr. 3-7.
Dark Lord: School’s Out is the sequel to the Roald Dahl Funny Prize novel Dark Lord: The Early Years (Walker Books, 2012). Dirk Lloyd is struggling as a twelve year old boy in foster care as opposed to his previous grandiose stature of a tyrannical leader as The Dark Lord. Times become even more perilous as Dirk and his foster brother Christopher attempt to develop a creepy cell phone to connect with Sooz as she is in the other realm. Dirk is confused as to why a nanny named Dumpsy Deary was hired to look after him. As Sooz has the Dark Lord’s ring, she sticks to the idea that she is betrothed to the Dark Lord but she runs things with much more peacefully putting an end to slavery and reaching for treaties instead of war making Dirk jealous and ready to return back.  Dirk and Christopher work together to find themselves able to help Sooz, but will each return to their proper home? The novel is told in five parts including twenty nine full page sketch illustrations and assorted newspaper inserts to add different viewpoints to the story.
Fantasy, Friends, Humor               Beth McGuire Wendover Middle School

Prince, Jane. Underworld: Exploring the Secret World Beneath Your Feet. 978-1894786898. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press, 2014.  Gr. 4-6. $18.99. 96p.
This interesting non-fiction book about all the amazing things buried in the earth is filled with fun information. With mummies and giant crystals and buried treasure it has the information that young kids will want to know about. The book has many pictures but the large amounts of text and higher level words move this book to a higher reading level, similar to Guinness World Records. This fact-filled book is worth the read. Recommended for grades 4-6.
624.19 Underground construction/Earth, internal structure
Matthew Dickinson, Conestoga HS senior and intern at Plymouth Meeting Friends School

 

Becker, Helaine. Zoobots: Wild Robots Inspired by Real Animals. 978-1554539710. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press, 2014.  $17.95. 32p. Gr. 2-4.
This fascinating nonfiction book should be a big hit for any kid. A dozen types of “zoobots” are explained in an easy to understand breakdown and grouping that is very kid-friendly. Each bot has its own “superpowers” and its own animal basis, teaching readers about not only about the robot but also the animals they are based on. With a variety of exciting robots that could catch any kid’s attention this book is a fun read.
688.725 Robots/Easy reader
Matthew Dickinson, Conestoga HS senior and intern at Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Kerley, Barbara. Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham.  A Home for Mr. Emerson. New York: Scholastic, 2014. ISBN 978-0-545-35088-4. 48 pgs.  $18.99. Gr. 3-6.
Enter Concord, Massachusetts the town that American author Ralph Waldo Emerson loved so much and recorded his thoughts in The Wide World, which was how he named his journal.  Continue the biography picture book rich in artful full page illustrations with detail and style taking the readers back to the 1800s.  The book concludes with an author note and suggestions for readers to start their own journal in the fashion of Emerson. Throughout the story direct quotations and writing examples incorporates samples from Emerson are included to advance the tale. A Home for Mr. Emerson received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly.
814 Biographies, American Authors                 Beth McGuire Wendover Middle School

Disaster Alert! (series) Canada: Crabtree, 2014. 48 p. $20.75 each. Gr. 3-6
Arato, Rona. Fukushima Nuclear Disaster. 978-0-7787-1192-6.
Peppas, Lynn. Superstorm Sandy. 978-0-7787-1193-3.
These two books have been added to the Crabtree Disaster Alert! series in 2014, bringing the total volumes in the set to twenty-two titles. The layout of the books begins with a table of contents and main heading colors match the subheading topics in the sections. Throughout the books terms are placed in bold font and pictures in full color. A map of Hurricane Sandy’s path also contains a legend and this is ideal for developing map reading skills and sequencing. True stories from everyday people are included in the “It really happened” boxes for the Superstorm Sandy book. A multipage time line of events from March 11, 2011 – December 16, 2011 details the events and reaction to the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Many maps and diagrams are included such as the diagram of a megathrust earthquake, the Ring of Fire, how a tsunami forms, and the boiling water nuclear reactor. The books conclude with a glossary, suggestions of additional books and internet sources to view to learn more and lastly is an index.
363.17 (Arato) 551.75 (Peppas) Environmental disasters                                                                   Beth McGuire Wendover Middle School

Campbell, Sarah C. Photographs by Sarah C. and Richard P. Campbell. Mysterious Patterns: Finding Fractals in Nature. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mill Press, 2014. ISBN 978-1-62091-627-8. 32 pgs.  $16.95. Gr. 3-6.

A glossary including terms such as cone, pattern and sphere opens the book. Crisp photographs tell the story accompanied with text. The shapes of tomatoes, cucumbers and icicles are clearly outlined. The written story goes when explaining that it was not until 1975 that mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot identified fractals. An assortment of fractals are included with broccoli, Queen Anne’s lace, and lungs. The book concludes with directions to create a fractal and more information Mandelbrot. When learning concepts of shape, fractals and successful mathematicians this book is essential and the fine photography adds to the overall experience. This book has earned starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and School Library Journal.

516 (Mathematics, Biography)                   Beth McGuire Wendover Middle School

Hanson, Anders.  Manatee.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing, 2014.  978-1-62403-059-8. 64p.  $15.95. Gr. K-2.
This book is part of the Giant Animas Series in the Sandcastle Giant Animals a division of ABDO Publishing.  It is an engaging book full-page photographs and maps.  The text is concise information that relates directly to the photographs.  This is a perfect resource for those beginning to learn from and explore nonfiction texts.  The Quick Quiz at the back of the book is an information and comprehension check that is easy to understand and emphasizes key points.  Other books in this series are also of high quality, interesting photographs and equally engaging:
Hanson, Anders.  Elephant.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing, 2014.978-1-62403-057-4. 64p.  $15.95. Gr. K-2.
Hanson, Anders.  Giraffe.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing, 2014.978-1-62403-058-1. 64p.  $15.95. Gr. K-2.
Hanson, Anders.  Panda.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing, 2014.978-1-62403-060-4. 64p.  $15.95. Gr. K-2.
Hanson, Anders.  Sea Turtle.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing, 2014.978-1-62403-061-1. 64p.  $15.95. Gr. K-2.
Hanson, Anders.  Whale Shark.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing, 2014.978-1-62403-062-8. 64p.  $15.95. Gr. K-2.
599.55: Animals                     Denise Naumann, Eisenhower Elementary

Barry, Holly M.  Helen Keller’s Best Friend Belle.  Chicago: Albert Whitman & Company, 2013.  978-0-8075-3198-3. 32p.  $12.75. Gr. 1-2
This book provides a different look at what we know about Helen Keller and her love for animals, especially her dog Belle.  With engaging illustrations and a balance of text and white space the youngest child will quickly be drawn into the story.  By providing a connection to a dog, the character of Helen Keller provides a text-to-self connection to students with pets.   The final two pages provide a deeper story that can be shared between the adult and child, including interesting facts about other dog breeds that she had and other animals that were her companions.  The author is able to provide another perspective to a famous person that has had much written about her.
92 Biography                               Denise Naumann, Eisenhower Elementary

Llanas, Shelila Friffin.  Fish & Game: Walleyed Pike.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing Company, 2014.  978-1-62403-109-0. 32p.  $18.95. Gr. 3-5
For the students that love fishing and wildlife this is an awesome series.  The Fish and Game Series by ABDO contain six titles that are sure to education and intrigue the nature enthusiast or outdoorsperson.    The photographs and close ups are amazing and bright.  The text is informative and interesting.  The font is sharp and clear and contains the bold words and captions that draw the eye to further information.  The glossary and website section in the back of the book are concise and information and the links on the websites are accurate.  This series will not sit on shelves; the covers alone draw readers in.  Other books in this series are just as well done and informative.
Llanas, Shelila Friffin.  Fish & Game:  Catfish.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing Company, 2014.  978-1-62403-106-9. 32p.  $18.95. Gr. 3-5.
–.  Fish & Game: Common Pheasant.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing Company, 2014.  978-1-62403-107-6. 32p.  $18.95. Gr. 3-5.
–.  Fish & Game: Largemouth Bass.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing Company, 2014.  978-1-62403-108-3. 32p.  $18.95. Gr. 3-5.
–.  Fish & Game: Whitetailed Deer.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing Company, 2014.  978-1-62403-110-6. 32p.  $18.95. Gr. 3-5.
–.  Fish & Game: Wild Turkey.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing Company, 2014.  978-1-62403-111-3. 32p.  $18.95. Gr. 3-5.
597 Animals/Fish                                Denise Naumann, Eisenhower Elementary     

 

Forbes, Scott. How to Make a Planet: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building the Earth. 9781894786881. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press, 2014.  Gr. 3-7. $17.95. 64p.
This amazingly fun nonfiction book should be a big hit with both your science fans and science phobics alike. A CGI-animated boy on a skateboard takes readers through all the history, physics, chemistry, and astronomy involved in creating the Earth. The tour starts with a timeline of creation and the big bang, through primordial life on earth, all the way up to how stars are formed and various life forms appeared. Gorgeously illustrated with animations, photos, graphics and call-out boxes and captions to entice your middle-grade readers. Readers are pulled in with fun-sounding chapter names, “Begin with a Bang!,” “Bake to Perfection,” “Check for Signs of Life,” and more. Highly recommended.
550 Earth Science                          Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

   

Arnold, Tedd. A Pet for Fly Guy. 9780545316156. New York: Orchard, 2014. Gr. K – 2. $16.99. 32p.Buzz the boy and Fly Guy come back for another fun story, this time as a full-sized picture book. Fly Guy is sad because he doesn’t have a pet so he and Buzz shop around and discover that a dog, a cat, a frog and a spider won’t work for Fly Guy! Very cute, short, easy-to-read way to get your almost ready to read crowd interested in the Fly Guy series of easy readers.
Picture Book                          Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Heos, Bridget.  Mustache Baby.  New York: Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.  978-0-5477-73574-5. 40p.  $16.99. Gr. K-2.
A hysterical picture book to fit the mustache craze.  Baby Billy was born with a mustache, is it a good guy mustache or a bad guy mustache? Only time will tell. This is a perfect book to discuss feelings and emotions for different days, and just a fun book for a read aloud.  At times the pictures add to the meaning of the text to emphasize the sarcasm or difficulties the baby is having on bad mustache days. The illustrations are engaging and bright, the text creates movement and the story is humorous. For fans of The Day the Crayons Quit or Dragons Love Tacos it is another fun addition.
Picture Book: Fantasy                      Denise Naumann, Eisenhower Elementary

Kennedy, Caroline. Editor. Poems to Learn By Heart. Paintings by Jon J. Muth. New York: Disney/Hyperion, 2013. ISBN 978-1423108054. 191 p. $19.99. Gr. 3 and up.

The latest poem collection from Caroline Kennedy has received great acclaim and earned starred reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal. Poems are divided into distinct groupings that address different themes such as self, family, friendship, supernatural, nonsense, school, games, war, and nature. Each section begins with an overview from the author and also with a full page painting by Muth. The variety of poems is vast containing poets that have graced pages for centuries including William Shakespeare, Edward Lear, or Ovid but also contains contemporary poets including Billy Collins, Nikki Grimes, and Naomi Shihab Nye. An index of the first lines and an index by author last name is also included.

With the fine selection of poetry complimented by emotive paintings, the imagination of readers will carry a spark the entire way through the book, and for these reasons Poems to Learn By Heart is one of my selections for the best of the best in children’s literature list.

Poetry   (821.008)                                                    Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

 

Swanson, James L. “The President Has Been Shot!”: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy.  New York: Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 978-5-545-49007-8. 270 p. $18.99. Gr. 6-10

Swanson’s novel was published when fifty years passed since President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The novel is divided into two main sections.  An introduction of John F. Kennedy’s life and key events such as The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Space Race and Civil Rights is found in the first part. The assassination is broken down day by day in the second part of the book. Throughout the novel pictures are included as well as maps and images of artifacts.  The entire book is highly stylized with borders, images and text boxes to highlight the well written book. An epilogue concludes the book with diagrams such as the steps Oswald made to escape or his three shots at JFK. Detailed source notes, further reading and a bibliography can be referenced.

The novel has earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly in addition to earning a place on Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Books 2013 and YALSA for Excellent in Nonfiction for YA Finalists- 2014. “The President Has Been Shot!”: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy has the ability to reach both children and young adults to the background and impact of our thirty-fifth president and for these reasons I have selected this book as one of my selections for the best of the best in children’s literature list.

History, John F. Kennedy          (973.922092)          Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

 

Roth, Susan L., and Cindy Trumbore. Parrots Over Puerto Rico. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc., 2013. 978-1-62014-004-8.  42 p. $19.95. Gr. K-3.

This is one of my favorite books of the year. Parrots Over Puerto Rico combines Susan Roth’s gorgeous collages with a story that is both heart-breaking and hopeful. Wild parrots were once extremely plentiful in Puerto Rico, with numbers between 100,000 and 1,000,000 in the days before Columbus landed on the island. Sadly, man had a devastating effect on the parrots—through settlement (rats from ships climbed trees and ate parrot eggs!), habitat destruction, and aggressive hunting, the population of native parrots dwindled to just twenty-four in 1967.

The governments of the US and Puerto Rico knew that something had to be done. They created the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Progam to save and protect the parrots. Aviaries were built and experts were hired to help these beautiful creatures become numerous once more. Currently there are about 95 birds in the wild and 300 between the program’s two aviaries.

The authors do a fantastic job of showing how “The history of the parrots is closely linked to the history of Puerto Rico.” This title will make a fantastic addition to a unit on habitats, endangered animals, or Puerto Rico. The amazing collage pictures command repeated viewing.

Each title includes an afterward with facts and photos, a timeline of important dates, and a section with authors’ sources.

597.7                                                                                       Lindsey Long, Nye Elementary School

 

 

Leyson, Leon. The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler’s List.  New York: Atheneum Books for Young  Readers, 2013.  978-1-4424-978-8   231p.  $16.99   Gr. 5-8
Each memoir written by a Holocaust survivor is a unique and personal account of the individual’s   experiences.  In many respects, Leon Leyson’s  was very unusual, he owed his life to a famous  Nazi, Oskar Schindler.  As a boy, Leon and his family endured life in the ghetto in Krakow, Poland, eventually being sent to one of the numerous work camps.  They became employees in a factory operated by a German businessman. Schindler persuaded the Nazi high command of the invaluable work done by his Jewish munitions workers, thus saving thousands of lives. As one of the youngest employees, Leon was so small he had to stand on a wooden box to reach his workstation.  Mr. Leyson wrote this book in the hope “that he (Oskar Schindler )will become part of your memory even as I was always part of his”.  Years later, when they met  Schindler  remembered The Boy on the Wooden Box.
 Biography        Martha Trzepacz   Strath Haven Middle School

 

Brown,Don.  Great American Dust Bowl. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt, 2013. 978-0-547-8155-3. 80p  $18.99  YA
This nonfiction graphic book is a perfect introduction to the 1930’s and the catastrophic dust storms that enveloped the midwestern United States.  Dotted with personal antic dotes and statistics, the author has given the reader a brief overview of one of our greatest environmental disasters.  Ending with a summary of present conditions, this work forecasts the potential for such storms in the future.  The dusty, sepia, earth tone illustrations done by the author do a lot to enhance the text.
978                                        Martha Trzepacz  Strath Haven Middle School

Rusch, Elizabeth. Eruption! Volcanoes and the Science of Saving Lives.  Photographs by Tom Uhlman.  Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books For Children, 2013. 978-0-547-50350-9.  76p. $18.99. Gr. 5-8.
After the 1980 eruption of the Mt. St Helens volcano, scientists realized they had to find a way to predict the sudden severity of such eruptions. They began collecting data, taking samples and surveying the extent of the damage.  Ultimately, volcanologists in the United States formed an organization called VDAP( Volcano Disaster Assistance Program).  The primary aim of this group is to help international scientists anticipate volcanic activity.  Understanding the trends in volcanic activity has enabled officials to protect those living in the affected areas.  Follow members of the VDAP team as they study the world’s most active volcanoes  and see how far they have come in helping those who live in  its shadow.
363.34                Martha Trzepacz  Strath Haven Middle School

Kidd, Chip.  Go: A Kidd’s Guide to Graphic Design.  New York, NY: Workman Publishing, 2013.  978-0-7611-7219-2.  150 pages.  $17.95.  Grades 5 – 12.
Stop!  Look around you and think about all of the things you see that actually were designed to help or warn or inform or  persuade or entice YOU!  Now, look at the cover of Chip Kidd’s informative and entertaining tour of design tools and try to avoid being drawn in.  That should be no surprise to people familiar with Chip’s impressive collection of book covers (such as Jurassic Park) or graphic novel work (recently designed a Batman story) or his TED talk (2012).  However, the true test is whether it holds the attention of the book’s intended audience, ages 10 and up.  With his ample illustrations and examples, his eye catching layout, and his straight forward sense of humor, there should be no doubt that Mr. Kidd has mastered his audience.  Through tricks with form, typography, content, and concepts, we become aware of what we naturally react to and process on a daily basis.  In fact, the real goal is to morph the readers into observers, judges, and eventual creators.  The last chapter is a challenge of exercises to get people creating and sharing through gothebook.com.  OK, now is your turn to GO!

My view:  For full disclosure, I had the pleasure of meeting and hearing Chip speak at an event through my public library last year.  Chip is a Penn State alum, even fictionally reliving his time through a novel called Cheese Monkeys.  But his experience came through decades of effort, experimenting, editing, and enduring in the publishing world.  I have used picture books for studies with students on the art of layout, but now I may need to rework my lessons through the eyes of a graphic designer like Chip, and then challenge my classes to follow their own visions.  My art teacher is already on board!  This is an essential addition for middle and high schools, and really a one-of-a-kind text from a one-of-a-kind guy.

Partner Text: Write This Book: a Do-It-Yourself Mystery by Pseudonymous Bosch
I chose this because of the design and voice of the book, and also the creative do-it-yourself encouragement.
Recognition:
– Booklist starred
– School Library Journal starred
– Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults (YALSA) 2014
– ALSC Notable Children’s Books 2014
740; Graphic Design     Dustin Brackbill State College Area School District

 

Nelson, Kadir.  Nelson Mandela.  New York, NY: Katherine Tegen Books, 2013.  978-0-06-178376-0.  $17.99.  Grades 1-5.
As the life of this inspirational leader was coming to an unavoidable end, Kadir Nelson honors his life in a simple and effective biography.  Nelson uses his artistic gift of powerful contrasting color and deep facial emotions, much as he has to enliven the stories of Coretta Scott King, Abe Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, and several other fictional stories of amazing African Americans.  In this case, he also uses his own words in a sparse and meaningful way to show younger readers the trail of Nelson’s education, profession, passion, imprisonment, and eventual reward.  He keeps the story relatable to a child’s view, even while depicting apartheid and its consequences.  In the end, after the recap on the last two pages, Kadir Nelson has given readers a remarkable impression on the lasting legacy of Nelson Mandela.  Hopefully, new generations will look into the wise and warm eyes on the front cover to make their own connections and pay their respects to Madiba.
My view:
Given the uncanny timing of this book and the movie and the final days of Nelson Mandela, it is hard to not feel an emotional pull to this book.  Just to have a stunning visual reminder of his life through the art of a master illustrator is reason enough to purchase this book.  It can, however, easily be a tool to demonstrate connections to other leaders of civil rights, or even to the value of perseverance and education.  There are literacy discussions that would likely arise as students interpret the pictures with the words, describe allusions and ambiguities in the text, or discuss the imagery and schema during close reading sessions.  More importantly, children may grow their world view and seek more knowledge of Mandela and his legacy.
Partner Text: Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales by Nelson Mandela (2007)
Recognition:

– Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book 2014
– Kirkus Review Starred
– Publisher’s Weekly Starred
–  a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book 2013
– PSLA BOB selection!

Biography         Dustin Brackbill State College Area School District

Martin, Jacqueline Briggs. Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table. Bellevue: Readers to Eaters, 2013. 978-    0-9836615-3-5.  32 p.  $17.95. Gr. K-3.
Farmer Will Allen didn’t like to farm, when he was a young boy helping with his family’s farm. Yet, he recalls always having delicious fresh food on the table.  His mother would make plenty of extra food for exhausted folks, perking them up with sustenance and good cheer. Will fulfills his goal of leaving the farm, graduating from college, and even becoming a professional basketball star. While playing basketball in Belgium, a friend asks for help digging potatoes.  As he digs in the earth, Will realizes how much he enjoys the work. His enthusiasm for gardening grows and, when he returns to the U.S. and marries, he looks for a place to grow his own garden.  He finds it in an unlikely place; six empty green houses are for sale in the middle of Milwaukee. Imagining the city garden he will build, Will buys the lot. Unfortunately, the soil is polluted and the plants won’t grow. Undeterred, he searches for solutions. He remembers learning how to make good soil through composting, in Belgium. With the help of the neighbor children, friends, and red worms, his plants begin to thrive. Will Allen’s goal expands to feeding the whole world, through educating farmers on techniques for growing good, healthy food. There is a “Note from the Author” page, and an afterwards from Will Allen, giving the reader tips on how they can help grow healthier food, and helpful websites. The gorgeous ink, pen, and marker illustrations and powerful text make this a great read aloud for Earth Day or any day of the year.
630; Urban Gardening                                                     Martha Lambertsen, Wallingford Elementary School

Brown, Don. Henry and the Cannons. New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2013. 978-1-59643-266-6. 32 p. $16.99. Gr. 2-5. In the winter of 1775, general George Washington enlisted bookseller Henry Knox to deliver 59 cannon from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston (225 miles) a feat thought to be nearly impossible. This is the story of Knox’s determination and ingenuity as he navigated his perilous journey across lakes, mountains and rivers with very few roads and often frigid weather. Illustrations use a winter watercolor palette with black outlines to show the weather transitions bringing the struggle to life. The book is an excellent accompaniment to a lesson on the Revolutionary War.
973.3 Revolutionary War            Robin Bartley, Davis Elementary

PlayMakers (series). Minneapolis: ABDO, 2014. $18.95 each. 32 p. $18.95 Gr. 3-6.
Graves, Will. Robert Griffin III: RGIII-NFL Sensation. 978-1-61783-700-5
Gitlin, Marty. Joe Flacco: Super Bowl MVP. 978-1-61783-699-2.
Hoblin, Paul. Andrew Luck: Rising NFL Star. 978-1-61783-702-9.
—. Colin Kaepernick.: NFL Phenom. 978-1-61783-701-2.
The books include fun facts and quotes, web links, glossary, index and further resources. The book is divided into four chapters. Learn about their childhood and how Colin was adopted and Andrew started with soccer. Both topics include unique facts such as Kaepernicking to kiss a bicep or Andrew calling Peyton Manning to discuss entering the NFL draft or finishing college at Stanford University.
796.332, Football players/biography             Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

 

Sports’ Biggest Moments. (series). Minneapolis: ABDO, 2014. 64 p. $22.95 each. Gr. 3-6.
                Gitlin, Marty. Weirdest moments in sports. 978-1-61783-926-9.
                Hawkins, Jeff. Biggest chokes in sports. 978-1-61783-922-1.
                Hoblin, Paul. Biggest blunders in sports. 978-1-61783-921-4.
                Lee, Tony. Greatest rivalries in sports. 978-1-61783-925-2.
                Long, Dustin. Greatest comebacks in sports. 978-1-61783-924-5.
                Rappoport, Ken. Biggest upsets in sports. 978-1-61783-923-8.
Each tale is told with pictures to compliment the story. A wide variety of sport episodes span the sports of basketball, baseball, football, NASCAR, WNBA, Olympic events, tennis, snowboarding, figure skating, gymnastics, boxing, soccer and hockey. In the Weirdest Moments book readers learn about the kissing bandit that visited baseball stadiums and sporting events kissing many players over 20 years including Pete Rose.
796; Sports/Recreation                  Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School.

 

Super SandCastle: More Super Simple Science (series). Minneapolis: ABDO, 2014. 32 p. $18.95 each. Gr. K-3.                Kuskowski, Alex. Science experiments with light. 978-1-61783-851-4.
                —. Science experiments with liquid. 978-1-61783-852-1.
                —. Science experiments with food. 978-1-61783-849-1.
                —. Science experiments with magnets.978-1-61783-853-8.
                —. Science experiments with sight and sound. 978-1-61783-854-5.
Each experiment offers clear directions, a pictorial supply list, and full color step-by-step pictures of the process. Acid and Base tie into the out-of-sight secret message. Densities are demonstrated with floating on liquid rainbows. Phosphors are demonstrated with top secret glowing lights. Each volume has a glossary of terms.
535 (Light) 530.4 (Liquid); Nonfiction science experiments                   Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

 

Xtreme Rodeo. (series) Minneaopolis:ABDO,  2014. 32p. $18.95 each. Gr. 3-6.
Hamilton, John. Bull riding. 978-1-61783-979-5.
—. Roping. 978-1-61783-982-5.
—. Bareback riding. 978-1-61783-977-1.
—. Barrel racing. 978-1-61783-978-8.
—. Saddle bronc riding. 978-1-61783-980-1
—. Steer wrestling. 978-1-61783-981-8.
Readers will notice clear images throughout the books with both historical and current images. The elements of scoring are detailed as well as the outfit of a rider. There are times where the images are full page in color and many large images can be viewed in the books. Rank bull is the most challenging to ride. At the end of the books one can visit a glossary and index.
791.8; Rodeos                     Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Anderson, Jennifer Joline. Bigfoot and Yeti (Creatures of Legend series). N. Mankato, MN: Abdo, 2014. 9781-624031502. 48p. $32.79. Gr. 2 – 5.
A fun and easy-reader approach to these scary and large mythical creatures. Contains information on sightings of different big, hairy creatures around the world and through history, and encourages readers to see fact vs. fiction. Concludes with a “Stop and Think” 2-page spread which provides questions and extension activities that provide opportunities for students to activate critical thinking skills. Includes glossary, index, web links and additional recommended reading on the topic in the “Learn More” section.
001.944 Mythical Creatures   Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

 Aloian, Molly. The Green Scene (series). New York: Crabtree, 2014. 24p. Gr. 2- 5.
__. Green Gardening and Composting. 978-0778702627.
__. Going Green at School. 978-0778702641.
__. What Does it Mean to Go Green? 978-0778702757.
__. Living Green at Home. 978-0778702740.
__. Green Energy. 978-0778702658.
__. Eating Green. 978-0778702634.
Beautifully lay out, rich in information and easy to read, this series will instantly appeal to your young environmentalists.  Short chapters are fully illustrated and contain numerous “Take Action!” call-outs that suggest hands-on projects, such as “Collect rainwater in containers, such as a rain barrel, to water your plants. Save water by avoiding use of the tap or hose.” Each book is capped off with a “Learning More” section that provides additional research, glossary and index. Highly recommended.
641.028 Environment/Ecology    Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Jennings, Ken. illustrated by Mike Lowery. Maps and Geography.  (Ken Jennings’ Junior Genius Guides) New York: Little Simon, 2014. ISBN 978-1442498488. 160 pgs.  $16.19. Gr. 3-8.
Maps and Geography is the second book in the Ken Jennings’ Junior Genius Guides and earned a star review from Booklist. The structure of the book is to mimic a school day with seven class periods including art class, music, lunch, recess, final examination and homework.  Throughout each section readers can take delight with extra credit fact boxes, pop quiz boxes, maps and illustrations. Topics include the time zones, highest and lowest points in the world, the oceans, capitals, population, and national anthems. The final examination is twenty questions and upon completion, readers can go online to http://pages.simonandschuster.com/juniorgeniusguides and print their certificate in addition to exploring different activities and games.  This book is one of my selections for best non-fiction book. I suggest partnering this novel with Battle of the Beasts by Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini and illustrated by Greg Call. Readers can plot a map of the journeys made in the novel and apply concepts and different geographic features learned from reading Maps and Geography.
910, Maps and Geography                 Beth McGuire Wendover Middle School

Blazers: Legendary Warriors.(series).North Mankato: Capstone, 2014. 32p. $25.99 each.  Gr. 3-6.
Lee, Adrienne. Aztec Warriors.
—. Gladiators. 978-1-4765-3114-4.
—. Knights. 978-1-47653-115-1.
—. Ninja. 978-1-47653-112-0.
—. Samurai. 978-1-47653-113-7.
—. Vikings. 978-1-47653-116-8.
Each page spread includes at least one picture or illustration. The text introduces readers to the time period such as ancient Rome. Terms are in gold font with the definition also on the page. “It’s a Fact” boxes add additional information relating the content on each page spread. The training of a warriors and the value of the games to society is included. The book contains a table of contents, glossary, read more, internet sites and an index. The internet sites are maintained through Facthound.com and can be retrieved with a code.
796.8   Gladiators                                           Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Chanda, Justin. Editor. Acting Out: Six one-act plays! Six Newbery Stars. New York: Antheneum, 2008. 978-1-4169-3848-4.  $16.99 Gr. 3-8
Newbery recipients Avi, Cooper, Creech, MacLachlan, Paterson, and Peck each selected one word that must be included in all of the plays. Each play contains a variety of characters and each play is widely different. Settings include a school detention environment, a publishing house, a wealth person’s home, a potential site for new housing, a one room school house and a closet. After each play authors include production notes and suggestions for acting their play. This collection is one of my best book selections to tie-in with the novel Fix, six, seven Nate. Readers will be inspired to read and act out plays like Nate. The one-act plays can also be turned into more of a musical with the inspiration of the readers.
812, Plays                         Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

 Days of Decision. (series). Chicago: Heinemann, 2014. 64 p.  $26.30 each. Gr. 5-up
Barber, Nicola. Churchill and the Battle of Britain. 978-1-43297-634-7.
Green, Jen. Gandhi and the Quit India movement. 978-1-43297-635-4.
Langley, Andrew. Bush, Blair and Iraq.978-1-43297-633-0.
—. Hitler and Kristallnacht. 978-1-4397-636-1.
Senker, Cath. Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis  978-1-4329-7637-8.
—. Mandela and Truth and Reconciliation 978-1-43297-638-5.
The book has contents, timeline, notes on sources, glossary, find out more and an index. Find out more includes books, DVD, website and additional areas for research. Terms are placed in bold fonts. Each page spread includes fact boxes, colored images or photography and captions. Throughout the book there are “What do you think” boxes encouraging the reader to reflect upon the issues further. An example is “Should –and could- Castro have rejected nuclear missiles?” Maps and information charts are also included to help illustrate concepts. Also looking at quotations from primary sources adds to reflection such as Castro’s threat on October 23, 1962. Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis is one of my selections for best non-fiction books and ties into From Norvelt to Nowhere. During the book, Mrs. Volker is livid that blowing up the world is suggested in a local editorial. When going to Mrs. Roosevelt’s funeral, Jack wonders if he walked in JFK’s footsteps. Later in the novel, the missile crisis is downgraded. The background in this nonfiction book helps set the historical time setting of the novel.
 973.922 Cuban Missile Crisis/ John F. Kennedy    Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Photography for Teens. (series). North Mankato: Compass Point Books, 2012. 48 p.  $21.54 each. Gr. 5-8.
Skog, Jason. Photography for Teens. 978-0-7565-4491-1.
—.Setting up the shot. 978-07565-4489-8.
—.Taking the shot. 978-0-7565-4490-4.
This series will help students develop their photography skills. Topics in the books include finding the right light, trick photography tips, photographing architecture, special effects, framing tips and special modes.  Each novel is three chapters with a glossary, further reading, information on the web, selected bibliography and an index. I have selected this series as a selection for the best of the best in children’s literature list for linking to the novel The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing. In this book Mo is suggested a hobby of photography. She is given a very old camera and learns how to develop pictures in a dark room. Mo hopes to capture the ghost using the camera. Now, many children and teens have access to or may own their own digital camera.
770  Photography, Digital Cameras                       Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Lewis, Anna. Women of Steel and Stone:  22 Inspiration Architects, Engineers & Landscape Designers. Chicago: Chicago Review Press, 2014.  978-1-6137-4508-3. 272p. $19.95. Gr. 4+.
This book can be used as a companion book to Doll Bones when identifying the aspects of imagination and creativity and how when combined with innovation can create great contributions to science and technology.  Combined with STEM lessons and Common Core for Science and Writing this book can introduce a variety of successful women that overcame many barriers to reach their potential and develop their ideas through ingenuity.  The connections through these lessons can develop skills and thoughts for all students to create from their own imaginations and ideas.
920 Collective  Biography                      Denise Naumann, Eisenhower Elementary

Jackson, Donna. Every Body’s Talking: What We Say Without Words. Connecticut: Twenty-first Century Books, 2014.  978-1-4677-0858-6. 64p. $23.69. Gr. 4+.
Throughout the book, The Boy on the Porch, Jacob never speaks.  Everything that he conveys is through motions, drawings, nonverbal communication and his body language.  As humans we convey more through our body and facial expressions than we do through our words.  This book can provide connections in many common core areas of writing, reading, and speaking and listening.   Every Body’s Talking, helps students identify what they are conveying and how to read the body language of others, it also addresses taboos in other cultures.  By providing information by scientific experts combined with every day experiences the reader is able to identify and utilize the information.  The connections between these two books can stimulate discussion and writing projects that connect cultures, communication venues and evaluating what we communicate and write to others.
153.6 Sociology/Cultures                                     Denise Naumann, Eisenhower Elementary

Bekkering, Annalise. Rabbits. New York: AV2 by Weigl, 2013.  978-1-6191-3068-5. 24p. $19.04. Gr. K-3.
This book is part of the Backyard Animals series, and provides early readers with engaging photographs along with easy to understand text.  The book, Rabbits, provides information regarding the animal, the habitat, its characteristics, life cycle and behavior.  Common core connections can be made with both science and writing.  Students can make connections to this animal that is common in almost everyone’s yard and can make connections from the book in how we impact our environment and can change the story by what we do in our own backyard.  Perfect discussion starts for ecology, habitat protection and Earth Day.
599.32 Rabbits                                    Denise Naumann, Eisenhower Elementary

Ganeri, Anita. Writing Stories Fairy Tales. Chicago: Heinemann Library, 2013.  978-1-4329-7531-9. 32p. $20.04. Gr. 1-4.
This book is part of the Writing Stories Series and combined with common core standards for writing provides a map for how to create a fairy tale.  By providing easy to understand definitions and examples of plot, setting, and character and story development while defining fairy tale characteristics this resources provides excellent guidance for the young writer.  Easy to follow examples and questions at the end of every section to make the writer/reader ponder the concepts provide discussion starters and enrichment for writers that want to pursue this form of writing.  The Glossary utilizes definitions that are easily understood and connections to information outside of the book are found in the Find Out More section.  Young writers will be drawn to the format, the colorful pages and the text layout and varying fonts.
808.06 Writing/Creative Writing                 Denise Naumann, Eisenhower Elementary

Stone, Tanya Lee. Who Says Women Can’t be Doctors? The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell. New York: Henry Holt and Compan, 2013.   978-0-8050-9048-2. 39 p. $17.99. Gr. 2-5.
This non-fiction book is inspiring to women everywhere. It tells the story of Elizabeth Blackwell who was the first woman to be accepted to medical school to become a doctor. She overcame all fears and criticism and graduated the top of her class. It was a long and rough journey she had to take but she never gave up. A perfect read to the beginning of a biography lesson or women rights.
921 BLA; Biography             Jenn Roth, Lincoln Elementary (Gettysburg Areas School District)

Bryant, Jenn. A Splah of Red; the Life and Art of Horace Pippin. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2013. 978-0-375-86712-5. 34 p. $17.00. Gr. 3-5.
This non-fiction book is inspiring to readers everywhere. Horace Pippin was a young boy who loved to draw. Even he drew in school next to his spelling words. Horace’s drawing became well loved by everyone in the community and he drew until he joined the army. During World War I, Horace was shot in the shoulder and lost feeling in his arm. He was devastated for years that he couldn’t draw anymore until one day he picked up the iron poker and taught himself to draw again by having his left arm guide his right one. Horace’s paintings became a big hit with the community once again. This book shows readers powers to overcome obstacles in life and to never give up on their dreams.
921 PIP; Biography                 Jenn Roth, Lincoln Elementary (Gettysburg Areas School District)

 

Park, Linda Sue. Xander’s Panda Party. Illustrated by Matt Phelan.  Boston: Clarion, 2013. ISBN. 978-0547-55865-3 40 p. $16.99. Gr. K-3.
Xander is planning a party for the bears in the zoo. When Xander invites the koala bear, he learns that the koala is not a bear so the invitation list grows to include mammals. The rhinoceros will not attend the party without his bird so the party list expands to include birds. Next, the crocodiles and reptiles wish to attend. Can Xander plan a party that pleases all of these guests?  The story is told lyrically as the illustrations show charm. The author’s note further describes the issue of animal extinction and classification. With the link to these topics this picture book can be shared with middle school students learning about vertebrates or conservation. This picture book has earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, The Horn Book, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books and School Library Journal in addition to being a Junior Library Guild selection. Due to the great rhyming tale with a theme of inclusivity and phenomenal artwork found in Xander’s Panda Party, I have selected this novel to be part of the best of the best in children’s literature list.
 Fiction picture book, zoos                                  Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Willems, Mo. That is Not a Good Idea! New York: Harper Collins Publisher, 2013.   978-0-06-220309-0.  42 p. $17.99. Gr. K-3.
This is another creative piece of work by Mo Willems. It is creative, humorous, and keeps readers wanting more. There is repetitive text which makes the book interactive since readers will start to participate while you read. It is a twist to the classic story, “The Three Little Pigs.” Instead, the characters in the story are a wolf, duck, and her little chicks. By the end of the story, readers will think they know the ending but then a sweet surprise happens which creates laughter.
Picture Book                              Jenn Roth, Lincoln Elementary (Gettysburg Areas School District)

 

Park, Linda Sue. Xander’s Panda Party. Illustrated by Matt Phelan.  Boston: Clarion, 2013. ISBN. 978-0547-55865-3 40 p. $16.99. Gr. K-3.

Xander is planning a party for the bears in the zoo. When Xander invites the koala bear, he learns that the koala is not a bear so the invitation list grows to include mammals. The rhinoceros will not attend the party without his bird so the party list expands to include birds. Next, the crocodiles and reptiles wish to attend. Can Xander plan a party that pleases all of these guests?  The story is told lyrically as the illustrations show charm. The author’s note further describes the issue of animal extinction and classification. With the link to these topics this picture book can be shared with middle school students learning about vertebrates or conservation.

This picture book has earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, The Horn Book, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books and School Library Journal in addition to being a Junior Library Guild selection. Due to the great rhyming tale with a theme of inclusivity and phenomenal artwork found in Xander’s Panda Party, I have selected this novel to be part of the best of the best in children’s literature list.

For tie into the common core I suggest the book Pandas (National Geographic Readers Series) by Anne Schreiber (National Geographic Society, 2010). By linking this book to the story, students will see photographs of the images that can compare to the artwork while learning additional information about pandas.

Suggested nonfiction pairing:

Schreiber, Anne. Pandas (National Geographic Readers Series). Washington, DC: National Geographic Society, 2010. ISBN 978-1-4263-0610-5. 32 p. $3.99 Gr. K-3.

 Fiction picture book, zoos                                  Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

 

Becker, Aaron.  Journey.  Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2013.  978-1-489-81936-9.  $15.99.  Unpaged.  Grades K-3.
Review: What does a creative and bored girl do when no one will play and things seem drab and dull at home?  In the case of Aaron Becker’s wordless picture book, she grabs a red marker and takes a cue from Harold and his purple crayon by drawing a door into a world of adventure.  As she journeys by boat and balloon through exotic lands, the reader realizes that she is choosing her actions from page to page and inviting us to do the same.  As a purple bird becomes an ally following a daring rescue, we also realize she may find that which she most seeks: companionship for her adventure.  Becker’s debut work has all the artistry and imagination that make a successful wordless book.  The color splashes with pen and ink and watercolor detail make it visually absorbing and enticing for rereading.  Plus, the ending has the reader imagining where they could go on their next journey! As with the best of David Wiesner or Anno’s work, a great wordless book like this leaves enough room for wonder and interpretation to go with story and direction.  Likewise, Journey is easy to enjoy and hard to resist.  I first saw this in a bookstore, and wanted it immediately- mostly because I am a sucker for child led adventure stories and also for amazingly illustrated wordless books.  The extensions through this book are easy to pick from, whether analyzing the plot, predicting, inferencing, or sequencing.  Best of all, of course, could be a writing exercise in adding a voice and text to the illustrations.
Fiction: Wordless Picture book, Fantasy Dustin Brackbill State College Area School District

 

Snicket, Lemony. The Dark. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2013. 978-0-316-18748-0 [32 p.] $16.99.  Ages 3-6 (and up.)
As it says in the book, Laszlo is afraid of the dark. It never says why or how: just that he is. The dark comes and goes but never appears to be afraid of Laszlo.  Then one night the dark visits Laszlo and something happens that Laszlo is never afraid of the dark again.  Even my second and third graders enjoyed this story as they remembered what it was like to be in the dark!
Picture Book                 Lourie Stewart Dunbar Township/Dunbar Borough Elementary Schools

Wiesner, David. Mr. Wuffles!. New York: Clarion Books, 2013. 978-0-618-75661-2 [32 p.] $17.99. Gr. K-2.
A 2014 Caldecott Honor Book
Almost wordless, much like a cat, this story is wound around what really matters without regard to what others think. Because Mr. Wuffles has found something! Aliens: not just aliens, but a whole way of doing things. A wonderful collaboration and communication leads to the Aliens escaping in the end and Mr. Wuffles with just another toy.  This book can be used so many different ways and with so many different outcomes it is almost out of this world!
Picture Book                     Lourie Stewart Dunbar Township/Dunbar Borough Elementary Schools

 

Scieszka, Jon & Barnett, Mac. Battle Bunny.  New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2013.  978-1-4424-4673-1. 32p.  $14.99. Gr. K-2.
A humorous spin for a picture book.  Alex receives a book from his “Gran Gran” for his birthday, which is sweet, kind and compassionate.  Alex uses his imagination and his pencil to create an entirely different story.  Each time you look through the book and read the additions you find more to the story.  Readers are drawn to the changes to the text and the illustrations.  What boy hasn’t received a book that he thought would be so much better with a few changes.  For the book to have it’s full effect the reader/listener has to view all the images and changes, unless using a document camera, not recommended as a read aloud for a group.  Although a book that can be read purely for enjoyment, it can also stimulate discussions regarding habitat, ecology and animals, as well as creative writing prompts.  The white space and combination of illustrations are engaging for young readers, however all the changes could be a distraction for struggling readers.
Fantasy/Humor                  Denise Naumann, Eisenhower Elementary                                                 

Holub, Joan, and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Little Red Writing. San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2013. 978-0-8118-7869-2. 31 p.  $16.99. Gr. K-3.
Little Red Writing   is a story about Little Red in Pencil School, where Ms. 2 her teacher instructs the class on how to write a story. The other pencils; birthday pencil, state pencil, and basketball pencil can’t wait to write their happy, nonfiction “Great State of Pencilvania,” and sports stories. Ambitious Little Red truly wants to write an adventure story about a brave and courageous character, who journeys through the school, fighting evil to “save the day.”  Little Red begins by traipsing through the gym, bouncing, boogieing, and finally cartwheeling   into the “deep, dark, descriptive forest,” the school library on the next page. Full of sophisticated  adjectives such as deciduous, verdant, and bosky,  the reader  itches for a dictionary to find their meaning, as they admire Melissa Sweet’s sumptuous watercolor, pencil and collage illustrations of a library nestled in the woods with book shelves, lush fauna, fresh soft flowers, trees, and tiny animals peeking through. Hearing growling, the suspense intensifies as she spots a tail, and follows it into Principal Granny’s office, where Little Red meets Wolf 3000, showing his big sharp teeth, instead of her Principal. Big Red musters her courage and bravery, to combat the fierce pencil sharpener, and save Principal Granny, now a short stub of a pencil, before it’s too late. Full of helpful tips on parts of a story, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions and “sticking to your story path,” this clever version of Little Red Riding Hood leaves the audience inspired and ready to create their own. Little Red Writing makes a perfect read aloud, especially as an introduction to a story writing project. Team this up with Little Red Pen by Janet Stevens, another clever tail also starring characters from the school supply closet.
Picture Book                                Martha Lambertsen, Wallingford Elementary School

Fera, Doreen. Rodney Robin’s Fabulous Adventure. Turnersville, NJ: Rittenhouse Publishing, 2013. 978-0-9911449-0-7. 32p. $16.99. Gr. PreK – 2.
“One summer day, young Rodney Robin spread his little wings and flew far, far from home. He wanted an adventure! He wanted to explore!” Rodney goes too far, of course, and now it’s dark. He hears strange noises and sees creatures of the night and is afraid! But through a series of fun encounters with fearsome animals Rodney learns to confront his fears, make new friends, and slowly make his way back home safely. This wonderful little picture book is brightly illustrated and sure to engage your young read-aloud audience eager to hear about other little ones who can overcome the fears we all face. Recommended.
Picture Book              Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Elliot, David. Henry’s Map. New York: Penguin, 2013. 978-0-399-16072-1. 32 p. $16.99. Gr. K-2. Henry is a neatnik pig who likes “everything in its place”.  He looks out his window at the farm and decides he needs to organize the mess he sees. He makes a map to make sure all the animals find their proper places. The idyllic watercolor illustrations and the stick figure map drawn by ‘Henry’ create a warm and loving story which will be enjoyed alone or as an ideal introduction to a map lesson/study for grades K-2.
Picture Book                 Robin Bartley, Davis Elementary

 

Jones, Christine Brodien. The Glass Puzzle. New York: Delacorte Books, 2013.  978-0385742979. 336p. $14.00. Gr 3-7
11 year old Zoé and her cousin Ian are spending the summer with Grandad in Tenby, Wales, a mystical coastal town with secret tunnels, tales of pirates. An ancient island, Wythernsea, disappeared off the coast in 1349. When Zoe finds an old piece of glass and looks at some of the villagers through it, they become three-eyed monsters!  She and Ian discover that the glass is part of a puzzle that connects their world to Wynthernsea. The portal allows them to visit the lost island but also allows monsters through who then inhabit the villagers. The two must find the Scraven leader and the rune stone in time to close the portal and save the town.
Fantasy                           Robin Bartley, Davis Elementary

 Seven, John . The Time-tripping Faradays (series). Mankato: Capstone, 2013. 160p. Grades 4-8.
            __.The Alchemist War. 978-1623700119.
            __.The Dragon of Rome. 978-1623700126.
            __.Terror of Tengu. 978-1434291752.
            __.The Outlaw of Sherwood Forest. 978-1434291769.
Dawk and Hypes’ get to travel with their parents for work. Their parents are 25th century researchers who document lost moments in history. The cool part is that they actually go back in time to witness it first hand! In the future, world knowledge is accessed through the NeuroNet and people can communicate instantly via the Link. Their adventures include nearly derailing Hannibal’s march across the Alps, finding a man in ancient Prague who claims he can turn metal into goal, and discovering that mythological dragons may actually be real?? Readers of Magic Tree House, Time Warp Trio and Infinity Ring will enjoy this series.
Science Fiction/Historical                     Robin Bartley, Davis Elementary

Troupe, Thomas Kingsley. Furry and Flo (series). Mankato: Capstone, 2013. 128p. $9.00. Grades 3-4.
            __. The Big Hairy Secret. 978-1623700331.
            __. Problems with Goblins. 978-1623700348.
            __. The Misplaced Mummy. 978-1623700478.
            __. The Skeletons in City Park. 978-1623700485.
Fourth grader, Flo Gardner, has moved a lot with her mom since her dad died. She is tired of moving and isn’t exactly thrilled with Corman Towers, a giant apartment building in the middle of the city. She is calm and cool while her friend, Ferdinand, better known as Furry, is a nervous sidekick. The book contains a mix of spot and full page cartoon style illustrations. An interesting mix of realism as well as the paranormal creates a rather creepy adventure.
Fantasy                             Robin Bartley, Davis Elementary

Jakubowski, Michelle. Sydney & Sidney (series). Mankato: Capstone, 2013. 128 p. $10.00. Grades 1-3.
            __. Third Grade Mix-Up. 978-1404881044.
            __. Dodgeball, Drama and other Dilemmas. 978-1479521166.
This series is narrated in alternating chapters by two third graders, a boy and a girl, whose names are nearly identical. Sidney just moved to Oak Grove. On the first day of school, things get kind of awkward when Sydney accidentally sits in his seat and even more weird when her mother invites him and his mom for dinner. The two classmates, one- a fashionista, the other a world traveler, find out they actually have a lot in common, including a game called Galaxy Quest. In the second book in the series, their adventures continue as the two, now fast friends, tackle dodge ball, the spelling bee, and the school play!
Realistic                                   Robin Bartley, Davis Elementary

Dana, Reinhardt. Odessa Again. New York: Wendy Lamb Books, 2013. 978-0385739566. 208p. $12.00. Grades 3-7.
Fourth grader Odessa Green-Light’s parents are divorced. She lives with her mom and her little brother, Oliver. Her dad is getting remarried. Odessa moves into the attic room of their new house and one day when she gets mad at Oliver and stomps on the floor, she spirals through time going back an entire day! With her new power she decides to fix things – embarrassing moments, big mistakes, especially reuniting her Mom and Dad.
Odessa matures as she makes discoveries about her relationships with friends and family through the use of her new power.
Science Fiction                     Robin Bartley, Davis Elementary

Kelly, Katy. Melonhead and the We-Fix-It-Company (Melonhead series). New York: Delacorte, 2013. 978-0385-74165-1. 232p. $14.99. Gr. 3-6.
Author Kelly gives us the 5^th installment in the hilarious and breezy Melonhead series. Adam Melon, also known as Melonhead, and his best friend Sam have a penchant for daring deeds such as drinking each other’s disgusting concoctions (“the Beast”), getting into “situations,” and breaking things. The problem is that neither Sam nor Melonhead receive an allowance so how can they afford to make things right when they go wrong? You guessed it, their newly formed We-Fix-It-Company. Kelly nails the dialog and inner voice of active, imaginative boys of a certain age and delivers belly laughs a la Judy Blume books. Highly recommended.
Humorous Realistic Fiction Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

McClimans, Todd.  Time Traitor (American Epochs). Charleston: Northampton House Press, 2014.         978-1-937997-36-6. 182 p.  $11.95. Gr. 5-8.
Author Todd McClimans is a Pennsylvanian elementary school principal. His first book in the American Epochs series, Time Traitor, was published by Northampton House Press, a company who publishes works by writers who are just breaking on to the literary scene. It’s available for purchase on the Northampton House Press website or through e-book via Amazon. I will admit, I often judge a book by its cover, and the poor quality artwork on the front cover does nothing for the fantastic story inside. Time Traitor follows two young students from George Washington Prep named Kristi Connors and Ty Jordan. They’ve both been sent there because of family issues (Kristi’s parents are separating, Ty’s mother has just died and his step-father wants rid of him) so neither is happy to be at GWP. The school isn’t exactly welcoming—Ty is constantly followed by bullies and history teacher Dr. Xavier Arnold seems to have it in for class-clown Kristi. Things really pick up in the story when Kristi discovers that Dr. Arnold has built a working time machine, and he whisks her and Ty back to Colonial America so that they can’t spill his secret. Arnold is the distant relative of General Benedict Arnold and is determined to change history so that Benedict Arnold is remembered as a great hero.  Things go from bad to worse when Arnold sells Ty to a farmer as a laborer and puts African American Kristi in a slave auction. Luckily, someone knows their secret and offers to help. Ty and Kristi spend the next few months back in Colonial America, developing a plan to stop Arnold from altering the course of history. The ending wraps up neatly but McClimans has a planned sequel called Time Underground so apparently the story’s not over! I think that this would work very well as a read-aloud in a fifth or sixth grade classroom, or put it in the hands of kids who like the time-travel/historical fiction combo (I’m thinking of my Infinity Ring fans).
Fiction                                             Lindsey Long, Nye Elementary School

 

Isaacs, Anne. Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2014. 978-0-375-86745-3.              50 p. $17.99. Gr. K-3.

One of my favorite books this year! In the tradition of Swamp Angel and Dust Devil, Anne Isaacs has created another great over the top tale. I’m planning to read this story aloud to my students as soon as possible. Kevin Hawkes’ colorful illustrations are full of fun and compliment the story.

In 1870, a rich British widow named Tulip Jones inherits a Texas ranch named By-Golly Gully. She promptly moves there with three maids and a year’s worth of tortoises (named January, February, etc.). Tulip soon discovers that things really are bigger in Texas, and everything from her tomatoes to her tortoises grow to enormous proportions.  As soon as word gets around that a rich widow is living there, suitors line up to win the widow’s hand. Tulip, however, is perfectly happy living with her maids and baker Charlie Doughpuncher (who is hired to feed all the suitors).  After several crazy contests, the widow finally outsmarts the suitors and discovers her one true love—none other than Charlie Doughpuncher.

A few of the exaggerations? Chickens laying hard-boiled eggs, tortoises the size and speed of horses, and a wedding cake to feed thousands that’s baked in a crater after the ingredients are mixed by paddling around in a canoe.

This is one of my picks for this year’s Best of the Best. A must read!

Easy Fiction                                                                                        Lindsey Long, Nye Elementary School

 

 

 

 

 

Fullerton, Alma. A Good Trade. Toronto: Pajama Press, 2013.  978-0-9869495-9-3. 32 p. $19.95. Gr. K-3.

Kato, a young Ugandan boy, has a typical day.  He walks a long distance to fill two containers with a day’s supply of water for his family, and heads home to do the rest of his chores. He goes a bit faster than usual, however, because he saw an aid worker’s truck in the village. Before he rushes back to the village, he picks one perfect white poppy from his family’s garden to make a “good trade”—he receives a pair of new sneakers in return.

Karen Patkau’s illustrations are just lovely. She uses beautiful colors and lots of patterns to create pictures that really make Kato’s village come to life. They highlight this sweet story and help show how a new pair of shoes can mean so much to a boy like Kato.

I’m looking forward to sharing this story with my students—I think that a lot of them will be very surprised at how different their lives are from Kato’s, and I know that it will inspire some good discussion.

Easy Fiction                                                                                        Lindsey Long, Nye Elementary School

 

Rosenthal, Amy Krouse.  Exclamation Mark. New York: Scholastic Press, 2013. 978-0-545-43679-3. Unpaged.   $16.00. Gr. K-3.

I love, love, love this story! Poor exclamation mark doesn’t fit in among a crowd of periods. He knows that he’s different and starts to get down on himself until he meets a question mark. This spirited question mark is a bit overwhelming for exclamation mark until he finds his “voice” (!) and gains confidence in himself and his ability.  Not only is the writing comically perfect, the illustrations really make the story. Tom Lichtenheld uses a backdrop of notebook paper to make the punctuation marks look right at home.

This book is perfect for use in grammar lessons, language arts classrooms, or just as a fun shared story.

This is one of my picks for Best of the Best this year. It’s a winner!

Easy Fiction                                                                            Lindsey Long, Nye Elementary School  

 

      

O’Ryan, Ellie. Jasmine: The Jewel Orchard (Disney Princess Chapter Books). Minneapolis: Spotlight, 2014.  978-1-61479-213-0.  90 p.      $16.95. Gr. K-3.

Richards, Kitty. Cinderella: The Lost Tiara (Disney Princess Chapter Books). Minneapolis: Spotlight, 2014.  978-1-61479-212-3.  93 p.      $16.05. Gr. K-3.

These easy fiction chapter books are sure to be popular with second grade girls. Both books have a reading level around low fourth grade, so they will likely be too difficult for younger students, but the short chapters and familiar characters will engage early chapter books readers who love princesses.

Jasmine: The Jewel Orchard finds Jasmine and Abu venturing to the market to find out why no fruit is available in Agrabah. They return home late that night with no answers, but Jasmine discovers that Abu has a satchel full of amethysts that look exactly like grapes. A ride over the Royal Orchard on Magic Carpet helps Jasmine and Aladdin discover that a spell has transformed all the fruit in the orchard into gemstones. Jasmine, Aladdin, and Abu help the orchard keeper reverse the spell and save the orchard.

Cinderella: The Lost Tiara sees Cinderella expecting a visit from the Prince’s grandmother. Cinderella wants to wear her wedding gift from Grandmama, a beautiful tiara, but realizes that it’s missing! After a thorough hunt of the Palace, she thinks that it’s lost forever. The ladies are sent on a wild goose chase and after lots of confusion Grandmama admits that she went to the jeweler too late for the real tiara to be ready by the wedding. The lost tiara was a fake—she has the real one in her bag. All is saved!

Easy Fiction/Fiction                                                                                     Lindsey Long, Nye Elementary School

 

     

Thaler, Mike.  The Custodian from the Black Lagoon. New York: Spotlight, 2014.  978-1-61479-196-6. 32 p.       $15.95. Gr. K-3.

Thaler, Mike.  The Dentist from the Black Lagoon.  New York: Spotlight, 2014. 978-1-61479-197-3. 32 p.     $15.95. Gr. K-3.

Mike Thaler is at it again with the two newest installments in the “Black Lagoon” series. Both titles feature Jared Lee’s clever, detailed illustrations and Thaler’s usual mix of punny jokes and occupational clichés.

The Custodian from the Black Lagoon tells the tale of Fester Smudge, the school custodian, whose creepy underground office is said to house a pet dragon. The tales of his failed attempts to fix and clean the school are legendary. One day the narrator needs his locker opened, at which time the real Mr. Smudge, a kindly man with a large ring of keys, opens the jammed locker and makes a friend.

The Dentist from the Black Lagoon takes place during Dental Health Month. The school nurse tells the kids that Dr. B. N. Payne, a dentist, will visit the school to check everyone’s teeth. (I find this concept a bit far-fetched but perhaps this does happen in some areas.) Our narrator runs through a slew of dental-themed puns with accompanying illustrations, such as his Aunt Penny with a mouth full of crowns and an illustration showing an older lady with mini royal crowns atop all her teeth. Dr. Payne, of course, turns out to be a nice man who gives the boy a new toothbrush and sends him on his way.

While not my favorite books in the series, fans of Thaler’s work will surely enjoy these titles.

Easy                                                                                         Lindsey Long, Nye Elementary School

 

Hoffman, Sarah. Jacob’s New Dress. Park Ridge, IL: Albert Whitman & Company, 2013. 978-0807563731. 32p. $16.99. Gr. Prek-2.
Jacob loves to dress up, as a firefighter, a knight, a princess, and a witch. When Jacob asks to wear a dress to school, mom and dad are unsure, so Jacob fashions a dress out of a towel, and gets teased by the boys at school. Jacob’s teacher is supportive and tells the other kids that Jacob should be allowed to wear what makes him comfortable, as well as informing the students that not long ago, women could not wear pants, “Can you imagine that?” Jacob convinces mom to help him sew a dress, and dad gets on board too, admitting “there are all sorts of ways to be a boy.” This is a sweet and unaffected tale that I consider a MUST READ at home and at school! As a teacher who has worked with a number of “gender fluid” children, I would love for them to all feel comfortable being who they are.
Picture Book, Gender Roles and Stereotyping        Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Pringle, Laurence. The Secret Life of the Woolly Bear Caterpillar. 978-1620910009.  Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press, 2014. Prek-2.  $16.95 . 32p.
Gorgeously illustrated story of the life cycle of our beloved Woolly Bear Caterpillar. Younger children (preK – K) may enjoy having this read aloud however scientific vocabulary, such as mandibles and stemmata are introduced, which keeps this book relevant for your nature-loving readers up to grade 3 or beyond. Pringle is the author of 100+ children’s books, and gives us an informative section at the back that tells more about the caterpillar and gives a glossary and anatomical diagram. Highly recommended.
Picture Book / Nature          Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Helakoski, Leslie. Big Pigs. 978-1620910238. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press, 2014. Prek-2. $16.95 . 32p.
Mama pig has to go out and tells her three boys, “Be good little pigs.” Determined to prove they are BIG pigs, not little, the three brothers get into a series of competitions that involve stuffing themselves, slopping in the mud, and other antics. This fun picture book contains fun illustrations, lots of onomatopoeia, rhyming, and sing-songy refrains that little ones are sure to enjoy.
Picture Book / Pigs / Humor          Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Reid, Aimee. Mama’s Day with Little Gray. 978-0449810835. New York: Random House, 2014. Prek-2. $16.99 . 32p.
This beautiful little book begins with Little Gray asking Mama Elephant: “When I grow up, will you grow down?” What follows are a number of wonderful imagined role reversals, as Little Gray plans what she would do if SHE were the Mama, and Mama was her calf. Any elephant lover or child who wonders what it will be like to be a grownup will love this book!
Picture Book           Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Lloyd-Jones, Sally. Poor Doreen: A Fishy Tale. 978-0375869181. New York: Schwartz & Wade, 2014. Prek-2. $17.99 . 40p.
Doreen the little fish is about to be caught by a fly fisherman when a Great Blue Heron snatches her from the net for a snack, Oh No! But Doreen the Ample Roundy Fish is unfailingly optimistic, and believes all the perils that befall her are part of a wonderful adventure. Very cute, whimsical story that weaves words in verse with some alphabet learning. Recommended.
Picture Book           Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Rosenstock, Barb. The Streak: How Joe DiMaggio Became America’s Hero. 978-1590789926. Honesdale, PA: Calkins Creek, 2014. Grade 3+. $16.95 . 32p.
Fabulous read-aloud picture book about Joe Di Maggio’s hitting streak of 1941. Contains background on DiMaggio’s life, suspenseful summaries of the games that summer, and news clippings and player quotes. The Author’s Note at the end gives fabulous background, stats on DiMaggio and the Top Ten MLB hitting streaks, followed by a bibliography, websites and additional suggested reading. I can’t wait to use this for my grade 2 – 4 read-aloud biography lessons as well as to share this with any age sports fans.
Picture Book / Nonfiction: Sports           Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Lodding, Linda Ravin. A Gift for Mama. 978-0385753319. New York: Knopf, 2014. Prek-2. $17.99 . 32p.
Set in Vienna, Oskar wants to buy Mama the perfect gift but he only has one coin, just enough for a single, perfect yellow rose. Through a series of chance meetings Oskar trades the yellow Rose for other treasures that are to be Mama’s gift, but as the story proceeds, the reader suspects this is not going to end well. But it does! Sweet and engaging read aloud with gorgeous illustrations, you will immediately recognize the style of the artist from The Cloud Spinner.
Picture Book           Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Sheehan, Kevin. The Dandelion’s Tale.  978-0375870323. New York: Schwartz & Wade, 2014. Prek-2. $16.99 . 40p.
Sparrow is flying along when she hears Dandelion crying: “A short while ago, I was so strong, and the brightest yellow you’ve ever seen. Now I’m white and fuzzy and I’ve lost most of my seedpods.” Sparrow agrees to fly Dandelion to all her friends to tell them about herself, and in so doing spreads Dandelion’s seeds far and wide. A great tale about the circle of life; I’d read this aloud to Pre-K and Kindergartners asking them to predict what will happen next.
Picture Book / Nature          Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Donofrio, Beverly. Where’s Mommy? (Mary and the Mouse series). 978-0375844232. New York: Schwartz & Wade, 2014. Prek-2   .  $17.99 . 32p.
Maria and Mouse Mouse are secret friends: If Maria’s mom knew about Mouse Mouse, she’d get a cat. If Mouse Mouse’s mom knew about Maria, they would hide in a hole. So they keep their friendship secret until one night at bedtime, the mothers of both these friends disappear, and it starts to get scary! You will never guess where they are and what they are doing. Very cute story, gorgeous illustrations.
Picture Book / Mice           Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Reagan, Jean. How to Babysit a Grandma. 978-0385753845. New York: Knopf, 2014. Prek-2.  $16.99 . 32p.
Step-by-step instructions for little ones who LOVE sleepovers at Grandma’s! A loving, delightful and funny role-reversal tale of a little girl babysitting her Grandma. Highly recommended.
Picture Book / Humor          Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Offill, Jenny. Sparky!. 978-0375870231. New York: Schwartz & Wade, 2014. Prek-2. $16.99 . 40p.
The girl who speaks first person in this book asks her mom for a pet. Mom says no to a bird, bunny, a seal….and finally agrees that the girl can get any pet that doesn’t need to be walked, bathed or fed. So the girl visits the school librarian (“who knows everything in the world”), who gives her the Animal Encyclopedia., and she opens to “S” and you guessed it, orders a sloth. Hilarity ensues. By the authors of one of my favorite picture books of 2012, “11 Experiments that Failed.” Highly recommended.
Picture Book / Sloths / Humor           Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Brown, Marc. In New York. 978-0375864544. New York: Knopf, 2014. Prek-2.  $17.99 . 40p.
From the author of the beloved Arthur series, this is a wonderful New York travel guide for kiddies! Brown succinctly tells about all the major attractions as well as food, culture and some history, beautifully illustrated to tempt both the little ones and the readers to visit NYC very soon. Arthur the aardvark even makes a cameo appearance as a balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Highly recommended.
Picture Book           Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Fitzhugh, Louise. Harriet the Spy. New York: Delacourte Press, 2014. 978-0-385-37610-5. 328 p.   $17.99. Gr. 3-6.

It’s hard to believe, but this year marks the 50^th anniversary of Louise Fitzhugh’s Harriet the Spy! The story is the same but the special anniversary edition includes a map of Harriet’s neighborhood and spy route, as well as tributes to Louise Fitzhugh and Harriet by many famous authors including Judy Blume, Lois Lowry, Patricia Reilly Giff, and Rebecca Stead, among others.

I’m sure that most of us know the story of Harriet, but if not, now is the time to discover it. Harriet keeps a secret notebook and spies on her friends and neighbors. She’s brutally honest in her notebook, saying things like “Pinky Whitehead will never change. Does his mother hate him? If I had him, I’d hate him.” Things go awry, however, when she loses her notebook and many of the people mentioned inside read the things that she has written about them. Harriet must find a way to mend all these broken relationships in her life.

While some kids might struggle with a few outdated references and ways of life, find those good readers who will stick with Harriet during her struggle—they will be amply rewarded.

Fiction                             Lindsey Long, Nye Elementary School

 

Litwin, Mike. Lost in Bermooda. Chicago: Albert Whitman & Company, 2014. 978-0-8075-8718-8. 140 p. $14.99. Gr. 2-6.

How many cow puns and plays on words can one author fit into a book? I have a feeling that Mike Litwin would get the record for Lost in Bermooda!

Chuck Porter’s cow family lives peacefully on the island of Bermooda along with lots of other animals. A shipwreck hundreds of years ago yielded enough artifacts for these animals to learn to speak, read and write, and create a society. It seems like an animal’s slice of paradise, but little Chuck is full of questions and just wants to know more about these fabled “hu’mans” that he hears about.

When he meets a young boy named Dakota who has washed up on shore, they form a quick bond, and Chuck disguises Dakota in “cowmaflauge” and takes him home. Chuck and Dakota hatch several plans to get Dakota home, and in the process discover that Wilhelm Wellington, a power-hungry cow, is trying to fool the other Bermoodians into electing him as leader. Chuck and Dakota save the day and everything is peaceful once again.

Places are named things like Cowabunga Falls, and cow puns abound, but overall it’s a quick, comical read for boys and girls alike.

Fiction                           Lindsey Long, Nye Elementary School

 

McKay, Hilary.  Lulu and the Cat in the Bag.  Chicago: Albert Whitman & Company, 2013.  978-0-8075-4804-2. 83p.  $10.93. Gr. 1-2
For every reader that loves animals there is a Lulu book. This book is an addition to a great series of books for those emerging readers getting ready for chapter books.  The text is double-spaced and there is white space and occasional illustrations to break up the text.  Lulu is an engaging character that has a love for all animals.  Each book takes the reader on an adventure to help save and care for the animal.  In Lulu and the Cat in the Bag, Lulu is faced with the dilemma of how to care for an animal when they already have so many.  Reader’s will fall in love with these books and want the entire series.
Some others in the series:
McKay, Hilary.  Lulu and the Dog From the Sea.  Chicago: Albert Whitman & Company, 2013.  978-0-8075-4820-2.
__.  Lulu and the Duck in the Park. 978-0-8075-4808-0.
__.  Lulu and the Hamster in the Night.  978-1-4071-3201-3.
__.  Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain.   978-1-4071-1320-6.
Realistic Fiction                      Denise Naumann, Eisenhower Elementary

Vanderpool, Clare. Navigating Early. New York: Delacorte, 2013. 978-0385742092. 320p. $16.99. Gr. 5+.
Awarded the Newbery for her first novel, Moon Over Manifest, Vanderpool again brings us an engaging story with rich, varied characters and more than a few plot surprises. The life of our narrator Jackie, a 13-year-old boy from Kansas, has just been turned upside down. His dad left 4 years ago to join the Navy as a WWII ship navigator, and his mother just passed away from a brain hemorrhage. Dad uproots Jackie and enrolls him a boys’ boarding school in coastal Maine, close to dad’s Naval base. Depressed, lost in this new place, and naturally shy, Jackie finds his sole friend in Early, an orphan who everyone considers odd. Early is a math savant – numbers tell him a very real story – and when Jackie and Early set out on an adventure, Navigating Early takes on many characteristics of Homer’s Odyssey. Vanderpool deftly alternates the tale from realistic, historical fiction back and forth to magical realism. While there is nothing objectionable or overly mature about this book, readers grade 7+ are likely to most appreciate the life experiences portrayed in this book. Highly recommended.
Historical Fiction/Magical Realism           Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Asquith, Ross. Letters from an alien schoolboy. New York: Sky Pony Press, 2013. 978-1-62087-536-0.
192 p. $12.95. Gr. 3-6.
Flowkwee will go to planet earth disguised as a human and be called Nigel. Their mission is to improve upon the Earthlings. Nigel needs to learn about all of the habits of children and help convince the children to enter the improving machine. From the fear or toilets and the shock at women being allowed to have the same opportunities as men, Nigel learns that he actually likes being on earth. Will the humans be improved or will those in search of spinach, the Threggs, take over? Illustrations accompany the novel.
Fiction (humorous, science fiction)        Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School 

Angus, Jennifer. In Search of Goliathus Hercules. Chicago: Albert Whitman, 2013. 978-0-8075-2990-4. 350 p. $17.99. Gr. 3-6.
Henri moves in with his Great Aunt Georgie in The United States of America as his mother searches for his missing father. While at his great Aunt’s, Henri surrounded by her collection of buttons and the unsettling neighbor Mrs. Black. Shortly later, Henri communicates with a fly and decides to join the circus and trains a successful flea show. He contacts a well-renowned entomologist and works to arrange an expedition to locate the elusive Goliathus Hercules with the hopes to also find his father.  At the same time, something is not natural with Henri’s ability to communicate with insects, being attacked by a Venus Fly-trap or his changing appearance. Will they be successful in the search for the creature and Henri’s father?
Fiction (fantasy, animals)                Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Dahl, Michael.  The trouble with Abracadabra (Hocus Pocus Hotel series).  North Mankato, MN: Stone Arch Books, 2013.  978-1-4342-4102-3. 104p.  $23.99.  Grades 3-5.Abracadabra is a famous magician who owns a hotel for other magic lovers, though he poses as a humble elevator operator named Brack.  He has made friends with two young boys who know his secret and often help him out of tough problems with their brains and a little magic.  All their skills are needed when a powerful and harsh magician named Theopolis challenges Abracadabra to replicate one of his tricks or lose the rights to the hotel.  Can the team solve the mystery and save the hotel so that Brack can retire happily?  Read and see – Presto!  Recommended for mystery and magic lovers of all ages.
Fiction; Mystery and Magic    Dustin Brackbill State College Area School District

Jennings, Patrick.  Odd Weird & Little.  New York: Egmont, 2014.  978-1-600684-374-1. 149p.  $15.99. Gr 2-4
Another great book by Patrick Jennings and it is sure to stimulate discussion on friendship, bullies and school behavior.  Toulouse is a new student; he is small, dresses like a grandpa, carriers a briefcase and doesn’t speak English.  He is an instant target for the bullies in the school, but a great friend for one of their past targets.  When he speaks it is insightful, his actions thoughtful and he doesn’t let others get under his skin, or feathers.  It is amazing that no one notices he is an owl.  Toulouse is an endearing character that changes the lives of those around him.  This is a great read aloud to assist with discussion in the classroom regarding bullies, and a book that stays with you long after you are finished reading it.
Fiction                            Denise Naumann, Eisenhower Elementary

NONFICTION:

       

Hamilton, John. Choppers (Xtreme Motorcycles series). North Mankato: ABDO Publishing, 2014.  978-1-62403-217-2. 32 p.       $18.95. Gr. 5-8.

Hamilton, John. Pro Stock (Xtreme Motorcycles series). North Mankato: ABDO Publishing, 2014.  978-1-62403-221-9. 32 p.       $18.95. Gr. 5-8.

These titles provide a brief look at two kinds of motorcycles, choppers and pro stock. Choppers details the history of “chopped” motorcycles, from beginnings in the 1940’s and 1950’s when WWII vets (and trained mechanics) began chopping extra military motorcycles to the recent trend fueled by Discovery Channel’s American Chopper series. Typical styling is also explained.

Pro Stock focuses on the construction of these unique drag racing motorcycles, and goes on to explain the facts behind pro stock racing. There’s also a short section on top racers, both male and female.

These titles are serviceable choices for students interested in motorcycles or racing. While some comments seem unnecessary, like “It signals that the owner is cool, tough, and maybe a little crazy,” in discussing how a chopper owner’s personality is reflected by their choice of cycle, kids will like the colorful illustrations and basic information.

Each title includes a table of contents, glossary, and index.

629.227                                Lindsey Long, Nye Elementary School

 

Smolka, Bo.  The Best MLB Catchers of All Time.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing, 2014.  978-1-62403-113-7. 64p.  $22.95. Gr. 3-5.
This book is part of the Major League Baseballs Best Ever Series.  It includes all the greats, all the legends and a plethora of information.    The photographs move from black and white to color when moved from past to present and they are engaging and the students are instantly drawn to all the statistics.  The Honorable Mentions, Glossary and Index at the back of the book are intuitive and thorough. A great resource for baseball fans and reluctant readers, and encourages further exploration through the For More Information section. This book and others in this series are on ABDO Publishing’s Reading level 4.  Other books in this series are also of high quality and equally engaging:
Graves, Will.  The Best MLB Hitters of All Time.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing, 2014.  978-1-62403-114-4. 64p.  $22.95. Gr. 3-5
–. The Best MLB Pitchers of All Time.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing, 2014. 978-1-62403-117-5. 64p.  $22.95. Gr. 3-5
Monnig, Alex.  The Best MLB Infielders of All Time.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing, 2014. 978-1-62403-115-1. 64p.  $22.95. Gr. 3-5
–. The Best MLB Teams of All Time.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing, 2014. 978-1-62403-118-2. 64p.  $22.95. Gr. 3-5
Smolka, Bo.  The Best MLB Outfielders of All Time.  Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing, 2014. 978-1-62403-116-8. 64p.  $22.95. Gr. 3-5
796.357: Sports/Baseball               Denise Naumann, Eisenhower Elementary

Barry, Holly M.  Helen Keller’s Best Friend Belle.  Chicago: Albert Whitman & Company, 2013.  978-0-8075-3198-3. 32p.  $12.75. Gr. 1-2
This book provides a different look at what we know about Helen Keller and her love for animals, especially her dog Belle.  With engaging illustrations and a balance of text and white space the youngest child will quickly be drawn into the story.  By providing a connection to a dog, the character of Helen Keller provides a text-to-self connection to students with pets.   The final two pages provide a deeper story that can be shared between the adult and child, including interesting facts about other dog breeds that she had and other animals that were her companions.  The author is able to provide another perspective to a famous person that has had much written about her.
92 Biography                          Denise Naumann, Eisenhower Elementary

Phelan, Matt. Bluffton: My Summers with Buster. Somerville: Candlewick Press, 2013. 978-0-7636-5079-7. 223 p. $23.00. Gr. 3-6.

I discovered Matt Phelan at last year’s PSLA Conference and I’ve been hooked on his graphic novels every since (Bluffton, Around the World, The Storm in the Barn).  Bluffton tells the story of Henry, a fictional narrator, who spends his summers playing baseball with friends in the sleepy town of Muskegon, Michigan. Things get much more exciting in 1908 when a vaudeville troupe decides to summer in the nearby community of Bluffton. Henry ventures to Bluffton and meets Buster Keaton, childhood slapstick actor, who just wants a “normal” childhood. Henry, on the other hand, is fascinated with Buster’s life in showbiz, and wants to learn more about Buster’s life. I won’t spoil the ending for you—pick it up, it’s worth it.

Phelan’s artwork is lovely and helps set the tone for the story. Many of my students have read and enjoyed this book, graphic novel lovers and history fans alike. If you’re not a fan of graphic novels, give Phelan’s work a try. He really brings history to life.

This is one of my picks for Best of the Best this year!

741.5: Graphic Novel                                                                                       Lindsey Long, Nye Elementary School

 

Mulder, Michelle. Pedal It! How Bicycles are Changing the World. Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2013.  978-1-4598-0219-3.  48 p. $19.95. Gr. 3-6.

This book celebrates all things bicycle. Author Michelle Mulder is a bicycle lover, and it shows in the enthusiastic and interesting way she presents information. The book starts by covering the invention of the bike, and the many changes that improved it over the years, and moves on to cover bicycle mechanics, learning to ride, and how bicycles are used globally for different purposes.  I was astounded by the (many) colorful photographs that show how different people around the world use bicycles to transport huge loads of goods and people. One photo features a “bicycle bus” carrying nine preschoolers on a field trip in Amsterdam; another photo shows an Indian man posing next to a bicycle piled high with at least 20 duffel bags and suitcases. Talk about a balancing act!

Hand this book to students who love interesting and slightly unusual nonfiction, or a student who loves to ride a bicycle.

629.227                                                                                   Lindsey Long, Nye Elementary School

 

Lawrence, Ellen. Motion (FUNdamental Experiments). New York: Bearport Publishing, 2013.  978-1-61772-739-9.    24 p. $18.00. Gr. K-3.

Motion is a great science book for students who are interested in the topic, or for teachers who want a step-by-step approach to introducing the concept through experiments. Seven questions, such as “What is friction?” and “Why do objects fall to the ground?” help demonstrate each concept. For example, friction is defined and an example is given; the pages contain a list of necessary experiment supplies, and five easy steps to complete the experiment. A section in the back of the book illustrates expected results.

I think that this could have great use in an early elementary science lesson because kids can easily (with adult help) complete each experiment. I’m definitely interested in purchasing the rest of the series!

This title includes a table of contents, glossary, index, and “Read More” section.

152.3                                                                                       Lindsey Long, Nye Elementary School

 

    

Goodwin, Vincent. The Adventure of the Priory School (The Graphic Novel Adventures of Sherlock Holmes). North Mankato: Magic Wagon, 2014.         978-1-61641-973-8.  48 p. $20.95. Gr. 3-6.

Goodwin, Vincent. The Adventure of the Red Circle (The Graphic Novel Adventures of Sherlock Holmes). North Mankato: Magic Wagon, 2014.         978-1-61641-974-5.  48 p. $20.95. Gr. 3-6.

These books serve as a good introduction to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes novels. The graphic novel format has bright colors and easy to read dialogue. The adaptor has done a good job of selecting main points, often action-packed, to tell the story. I have a loyal pack of graphic-novel lovers at my school and I’m sure that these titles will be the next addition to their “must read” list!

In addition to the story, each title includes a table of contents, cast, “How to Draw” section, glossary, websites, and information about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the adaptors (author Vincent Goodwin, illustrator Ben Dunn).

741.5                                                                                       Lindsey Long, Nye Elementary School

 

    

Bussiere, Desirée. Bowling By the Numbers (Sports By the Numbers). North Mankato: ABDO Publishing,              2014.    978-1-61783-842-2. 24 p.      $15.95. Gr. K-2.

Bussiere, Desirée. Golf By the Numbers (Sports By the Numbers). North Mankato: ABDO Publishing, 2014.                978-1-61783-843-9. 24 p.       $15.95. Gr. K-2.

This series combines beginning math and number concepts with an introduction to sports. The introduction states, “Numbers are used all the time in golf. A golf course has either 9 or 18 holes,” and “There are 3 basic kinds of gold strokes. They are drive, chip, and putt.” As the book introduces the basics of a sport, math problems are included. “Logan plays on a golf team. He is playing in a tournament,” with an accompanying math problem like “There are 7 tournaments each year. Logan’s team has played in 6. How many more are there?”

I think that these books serve as a better sport introduction than math tool, but they might work well in centers or small group work with math students.

794.6: Bowling, 796.352: Golf                                                                       Lindsey Long, Nye Elementary School

 

 

I Know Sports (series). Ann Arbor, MI: Cherry Lake Publishing, 2014. 24p. (each book). Col.ill., glossary, index, and other resources listed. $95.70 set. $15.95 each, Reading Level: 1.8, Interest Level: K-3, Accelerated Reader Quizzes available. Other availability: paperback, epub, PDF, and hosted ebook.
Mattern, Joanne. I Know Baseball. 9781624313974.
__. I Know Football. 9781624313998.
__. I Know Hockey. 9781624314018.
__. I Know Soccer. 9781624314025.
Tometich, Annabelle. I Know Basketball. 9781624313981.
__. I Know Gymnastics. 9781624314001.
These six books are part of Cherry Lake’s 21^st Century Basic Skills Library series. There is a public acknowledgement of the work of the Partnership for 21^st Century Skills in the verso. It is a very basic knowledge of the sport book with plenty of photographs to support the sport skill being discussed. For an elementary library or even learning support this series is a winner.
790’s nonfiction sports.     Lourie Stewart, Dunbar Township/Dunbar Borough Elementary Schools

Boswell, Kelly. Displaying Information (series). North Mankato: Capstone, 2014. 32 p. $21.00 Grade 1-2.
__.  Graphs, graphs, graphs! 978-1476502595.
__.  Diagrams. 978-1476533377.
__.  Maps. 978-1476533391.
__.  Timelines. 978-1476502618.
Bright colorful photos of children depicting real life examples to explain various ways of displaying information. Excellent series for primary grades uses bold, simple text. It could be used as an introduction to a unit on graphs, diagrams, maps or timelines or to offer real life examples. The book includes a Table of Contents, Glossary, and Index as well as additional  books and internet sites for further reading. For teachers, common core critical thinking questions are included as well!
513; Mathematics Information                                                            Robin Bartley, Davis Elementary

Questions You Never Thought you’d Ask (series). Chicago: Raintree, 2014. 32 p. $12.00ea. Gr.3-5.
            Mason, Paul. Can You Lick your own Elbow? and other questions about the human body. 978-1410952073.
            Barnham, Kay. Could a Robot make my Dinner? and other questions about technology. 978-1410952004.
Mason, Paul. Could a Walrus play a Saxophone? and other questions about animals. 978-1410952035.
Barnham, Kay. Could I sit on a Cloud? and other questions about science. 978-1410952059.
Mason, Paul. Did the Romans Eat Chips? And other questions about history. 978-1410951984.
Primarily a recreational read, this book offers amusing and fascinating facts about the human body, technology, animals, science, and history. Students will be entertained by the questions, dialog boxes, scenarios and colorful photographs of real kids exploring thought provoking questions.  Additional features include a Table of Contents, Glossary, Index and additional resources: books and websites.
612; Human Body, 600; Technology           Robin Bartley, Davis Elementary
590; Animals, 507; Science, 909; History

 

Baby Animals (series). Minneapolis: Sandcastle books, 2013. 24 p. $7.00 K-Grade 2.
            Kuskowski, Alex. Foals 978-1617838378.
            Doudna, Kelly. Bunnies. 978-1577651840.
            Doudna, Kelly. Calves. 978-1577651864.
            Doudna, Kelly. Kittens. 978-1577651826.
            Doudna, Kelly. Piglets. 978-1577651857.
            Kuskowski, Alex. Puppies. 978-1617838408.
Very simplistic series for primary grades. Featured sections include: Did You Know?, Further Fun Facts, a True/False Quiz and a glossary including all bolded words in the text. The text is simple, personable and clear with bold, bright photos. It includes enough information to peek the beginning reader’s interest, but is not substantial enough for research purposes.
590; Baby Animals            Robin Bartley, Davis Elementary

 War Vehicles (series). North Mankato: Capstone, 2014. 32 p. $21.00ea. Grade 3-6.
            Delmar, Pete. Civil War. 978-1429699129.
            Fishkin, Rebecca Love. Iraq War. 978-1429699143.
            Levine, Michelle. Vietnam War. 978-1429699136.
            Schaub, Michelle. World War I. 978-1429699112.
            Fein, Eric. Vehicles of World War II. 978-1-4296-9915-0.
Includes authentic wartime photos, captions and “war facts” text boxes to describe the vehicles used by all parties in the conflict, their uses, unique advantages and pitfalls. Included is a glossary and an index. Enjoyed by the young military and wartime history buffs.
355; Military Vehicles             Robin Bartley, Davis Elementary

Information Explorer (series). Ann Arbor: Cherry Lake, 2014. 32 p. $19.95. Gr. 3-6.
Fontichiaro, Kristin. Understanding and creating infographics. 978-1-62431-126-0.
Matteson, Adrienne. Using digital maps. 978-1-62431-129-1.
Newman, Heather. Creating digital brochures. 978-1-62431-128-4.
Truesdell, Ann. How to handle cyberbullies. 978-1-62431-127-7.
Both political and physical features are detailed in the book Using digital maps. What is cyberbullying? You may not realize but the term distinguishes that cyberbullying involves two minors. The book How to handle cyberbullying suggests that students search to locate their name online and see what information they can find. “Did you know this” or “FYI” boxes are strategically scattered to give the books a hip scrapbook feel with tape holding images in place.  For all of the books you can obtain a copy of the activities online.
[note there are books in this set with copydates of 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 not included in this review]
Maps (910.285), Cyberbullying (302.34); Nonfiction       Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School 

Information Explorer Junior. (series) Ann Arbor: Cherry Lake, 2014. 24 p. $19.95 each. Gr. K-3.
Fontichiaro, Kristin. Starting your own blog. 978-1-62431-133-8.
Harner, Jennifer L. Reading and learning from informational text. 978-1-62431-134-5.
Truesdell, Ann. Being respectful online. 978-1-62431-131-4.
—. Learning and sharing a wiki. 978-1-62431-132-1.
The layout of these books looks like a spiral notebook filled with colorful facts and images. When starting a blog, children are encouraged to think about layout, the url, blog body and comment section. Reading and Learning provides numerous charts and methods of organization for the reader. Try activities provided in the book and see the answers printed upside down. The activities can also be printed from cherrylakepublishing.com/activities.
[note there are books in this series with a 2012 and 2013 publication not included in this review]
Reading (372.4), Blog (006.7); Nonfiction         Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Inside College Basketball (series)  North Mankato: ABDO, 2014. 48 p. $21.95 each. Gr 3-6.
 Gitlin, Marty. Louisville Cardinals. 978-1-61783-916-0.
 Howell, Brian. Florida Gators. 978-1-61783-914-6.
 Silvermann, Drew. Indiana Hoosiers. 978-1-61783-915-3.
 —. Syracuse Orange. 978-1-61783-917-7.
Each book is divided into five chapters. Creative banner size text boxes add additional information. A timeline is included in addition to quick stats, quotes and anecdotes, glossary, for more information including reading, web links and places to visit. The origins of the sport at the college are discussed such as 1915 starting basketball at Florida Gators or 1912 for Louisville Cardinals.
796.323; Sports/Basketball             Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

NFL’s Best Ever. (series) North Mankato: ABDO, 2014. 64 p. $22.95 each, Gr. 3-6
Graves, Will. The best NFL defense of all time. 978-1-61783-907-8.
 —. The best NFL offensives of all time. 978-1-61783-909-2.
Scheff, Matt. The best NFL running backs of all time. 978-1-61783-912-2.
—. The best NFL quarterbacks of all time. 978-1-61783-910-8.
Wilner, Barry. The best NFL receivers of all time. 978-1-61783-911-5.
—. The best NFL defensive players of all time. 978-1-61783-908-5.
Each player selected as the best of each respective football skill has a large picture of their likeness. Flashy display of facts and accomplishments are included. These players also have a profile of information including hometown, college, height, weight, birth date, team, All-Pro and Pro-Bowl statistics. Honorable mentions do not have much space but include a few key facts. The books have a glossary, a section for more information, further reading, web links and index.
796.332, Football players           Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Perspectives Library. (series) Ann Arbor: Cherry Lake, 2014. 32 p.  $19.95 each. Gr 3-6.
Bailey, Rachel. The Japanese Internment Camps: a historical perspectives book. 978-1-62431-666-1.
Baxter, Roberta. The Battle of Gettysburg: a historical perspectives book. 978-1-62431-415-5.
 —. The Dropping of the Atomic Bombs: a historical perspectives book. 978-1-62431-665-4.
Brennan, Linda Crotta. The Boston Tea Party: a historical perspectives book. 978-1-62431-492-6.
Caravantes, Peggy. The Battle of the Alamo: a historical perspectives book. 978-1-62431-664-7.
—. The Orphan Trains: a historical perspectives book. 978-1-62431-420-9.
Gitlin, Marty. The Montgomery bus boycott: a historical perspectives book. 978-1-62431-418-6.
 —. The 1980 U.S. Olympic Boycott: a historical perspectives book. 978-1-62431-663-0.
Halls, Kelly Milner. The Story of the Hoover Dam: a historical perspectives book. 978-1-62431-668-5.
Krieg, Katherine. The Attack on Pearl Harbor: a historical perspectives book. 978-1-62431-413-1.
Llanas, Shelia Griffin. The Underground Railroad: a historical perspectives book. 978-1-62431-423-0.
Lusted, Marcia Amidon. The Battle of Bunker Hill: a historical perspective book. 978-1-62431-414-8.
 —. The Sinking of the Titanic: a historical perspectives book. 978-1-62431-421-6.
Marciniak, Kristin. The Oregon Trail and westward expansion: a historical perspectives book. 978-1-62431-419-3.
—. The Salem Witch Trials: a historical perspective books book. 978-1-62431-667-8.
Qaiser, Annie. The Story of the Statue of Liberty: a historical perspectives book. 978-1-62431-422-3.
                Zuchora-Walske, Christine. The Dust Bowl: a historical perspectives book. 978-1-62431-417-9.
It is one thing for a student to imagine how they would react during a major historical event and it is another to share with the students multiple perspectives during the same event. For example, with the Montgomery Bus Boycott see the events unfold through the eyes of a church leader, an opponent to the boycott and a civil rights activist. In the books terms are placed in bold font. Though boxes are spread out in each book. These boxes relate to the common core catapulting readers to think, analyze and see another source. The “Look, Look Again” section provides with thought providing questions to further thought and discussion in the classroom. For example, there is an artist’s image of Breed’s Hill during fighting. Students are asked to imagine how it would be to be a minuteman, British soldier or inn keeper in Boston during this time. While the statue of liberty was to represent the Roman goddess of freedom the struggle and varying opinions to raise money for the pedestal are detailed as the varying viewpoints during the Battle of Bunker Hill are fleshed out in a book, too.  The books include a glossary, learn more sections and index.
323.1196 Montgomery Bus Boycott, 973.3 Bunker Hill, 974.7 Statue of liberty; History/Nonfiction
Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Pro Wrestling Superstars (series) North Mankato: ABDO, 2014. 32 p. $18.95 each. Gr. 3-6
Scheff, Matt. CM Punk. 978-1-62403-135-9
—. John Cena. 978-1-62403-134-2
—. Kofi Kingston.978-1-62403-136-6
—. Randy Orton. 978-1-62403-138-0
—. Rey Mysterio. 978-1-62403-137-3
—. The Rock. 978-1-62403-139-7
—.Triple H. 978-1-62403-140-3
—.Undertaker. 978-1-62403-141-0
Shattering text through glass creates a visual layout for the books. Captions are written in a rope like box and fast facts are displayed in a neon green box. Each book has a time line, glossary and index. Readers will learn the meaning of CM Punk’s Straight Edge tattoo in addition to his famous move Go To Sleep (GTS). The signature move called the Pedigree of Triple H is detailed. A long history of characters portrayed by Triple H is recorded in addition to his competition history and current involvement with the WWE.
796.812 (Sports and recreation)/biography      Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Core Library: The Science of Life. (series) North Mankato: ABDO, 2014. 48 p. $22.95 each. Gr. 3-6
Duke, Shirley Smith. Cells. 978-1-62403-158-8.
Fretland Van Voorst, Jenny. Animal Classification. 978-1-62403-157-1.
—. Ecosystems.  978-1-62403-159-5
Petersen, Christine. Genetics.  978-1-62403-161-8
Surges, Carol. Food chains. 978-1-62403-160-1
Zuchora-Walske. Photosynthesis. 978-1-62403-162-5
Four chapters make the structure of the book with colorful illustrations and diagrams. The topics are in green font colors with captions in blue font. Students are encouraged to write a blog post in response after reading a section written by Linnaeus. Questions are posed throughout the book and the answers are not provided rather students are to visit the library or search online for the answers. “Further evidence” sections prompt readers to visit a website to gather additional information and in one case benefits and concerns of stem cell research and having students analyze their viewpoint. Each book has a spread regarding scientist in the related field, stop and think section, learn more section, glossary  and index.
Animal (590.1), Cells (571.6); Nonfiction, Science and Nature              Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Core Library: The Story of The United States (series). Minneapolis: ABDO, 2014. 48 p. $22.95 each. Gr. 3-6.
                Fromowitz, Lori. World War I and Modern America: 1800-1930. 978-1-62403-177-9
                Hamen, Susan. The Great Depression and WWII: 1929-1945. 978-1-62403-178-6
                Krieg, Katherine. The Postwar era: 1945-early 1970s. 978-1-62403-179-3
                —.The United States today: 1968-present. 978-1-62403-180-9
                McCarthy, Pat. Colonization and settlement in the new world: 1585-1763. 978-1-62403-172-4
                Sepahban, Lois. A nation is born: 1754-1820s. 978-1-62403-173-1
                Terp, Gail. Worlds collide in early America: beginnings through 1620.  978-1-62403-171-7
                Van Zee, Amy. Civil war and reconstruction: 1850-1877. 978-1-62403-175-5
                —.The Rise of Industry: 1870-1900. 978-1-62403-176-2
                Yasuda, Anita. Westward expansion of the United States: 1801-1861. 978-1-62403-174-8
Large segments of American history are divided into ten volumes in this set. Each book contains five chapters, a timeline, glossary and suggestions to learn more through books and websites. Images and maps are in full color. Captions under maps encourage higher level thinking skills such as looking at the good elements of the location of the Jamestown settlement and also the drawbacks. Books have sections that have readers compare and contrast content from the book to that of the content at the specific my core library website. Primary sources are included in the “straight from the source” section, such as one from a soldier from the US Army during the Trail of Tears and then encourages students to consider viewpoints from the Cherokee’s and compose a letter.
973.5 (Westward expansion)   973.2 (Colonization) Nonfiction             Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

 Short tales. Chinese myths. (series) North Mankato: Magic Wagon, 2014. 32 p. $16.95 each. Gr. K-6.
Yasuda, Anita. The dragon, the phoenix, and the beautiful pearl: a Chinese dragon spirit myth.           978-1-62402-030-8.
—. The Jade Emperor: a Chinese zodiac myth.  978-1-62402-031-5
—. The Monkey King: a Chinese monkey spirit myth.  978-1-62402-032-2.
—. Nu Gua mends the sky: a Chinese flood myth.  978-1-62402-035-3
—. Pangu separates the sky from the earth: a Chinese creation myth. 978-1-62402-034-6
—. Yu the Great conquers the flood: a Chinese nature myth.  978-1-62402-035-3
Each myth book begins with a pictorial view cast of characters and an introduction of the characters and origins of the tale. Tales are told with full color illustrations accompanied with narrative in text boxes. The books are delightful while providing the perfect springboard to explore topics of friendship and qualities of a hero with students. The series provides additional perspective for continuing to offer a wide diversity of myths for students to read and view.
398.2; Legends, Myths, Fables       Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School