November books read

Where did this month go?


NOVEMBER 2011 BOOKS READ

585. BOY AND BOT
586. NURSERY RHYME COMICS
587. 10 HUNGRY RABBITS
588. THE SMILEY BOOK OF COLORS
589. HOUSE AT THE END OF LADYBUG LANE
590. SUPPOSE YOU MET A DINOSAUR , A FIRST BOOK OF MANNERS
591. KALI’S SONG
592. GOOD NIGHT, LAILA TOV
593. 10 VALENTINE FRIENDS
594. HOW TO BABYSIT A GRANDPA
595. FRANCIS SCOTT KEYS’ STAR SPANGLED BANNER
596. CLOUD SPINNER
597. FALCON
598. MRS. HARKNESS AND THE PANDA
599. GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY
600. IT’S MILKING TIME
601. DUDE: FUN WITH DUDE AND BETTY
602. PUMPKIN CAT
603. I’M A SHARK
604. THAT’S HOW
605. PUMPKIN TROUBLE
606. TEACH YOUR BUFFALO TO PLAY DRUMS
607. 13 NIGHTS OF HALLOWEEN
608. PURPLE LITTLE BIRD
609. HOORAY FOR AMANDA AND HER ALLIGATOR
610. SPLISH SPLASH SPLAT
611. BECAUSE
612. MAX’S CASTLE
613. CONSTRUCTION CREW
614. THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS
615. SEA OF DREAMS
616. THE NEXT DOOR BEAR
617. GEEK FANTASY NOVEL
618. PETE THE CAT ROCKING IN MY SCHOOL SHOES
619. SCHOOL FOR BANDITS
620. HANDS OFF HARRY
621. CHARLIE THE RANCH DOG
622. HAMPIRE
623. NO DOGS ALLOWED
624. THIS PLUS THAT
625. FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
626. PROBABILITY OF MIRACLES
627. IF WAFFLES WERE LIKE BOYS
628. THE BELLY BOOK
629. E-MERGENCY
630. IF YOU GIVE A DOG A DONUT
631. LEGEND
632. VIRTUOSITY
633. HOMER
634. SPLISH SPLAT
635. STAY
636. DEAR CINDERELLA
637. BLUE SKY
638. IN THE NAME OF THE STAR (AUDIO)
639. CURVEBALL: THE YEAR I LOST MY GRIP
640. BALTHAZAR

Competition

VIRTUOSITY by Jessica Martinez (Simon Pulse 2011) invites readers into the world of musical prodigies Carmen and Jeremy who are both vying for the prestigious Guarneri Prize, an award that carries with it concerts, money, and the label of being the best in the world of the violin. Carmen and Jeremy are both curious about the other; after all, they are the top two contenders for this competition. Curiosity leads to a chance encounter and then more time together. Before long, Carmen and Jeremy realize that they have feelings for one another. However, feelings in this competitive world are always to be questioned. Are the emotions real or some ploy on the part of one to best the other? Martinez does not provide easy answers but allows Carmen and Jeremy to navigate the complex music of adolescence. Pair this with IF I STAY and THE MOZART SEASON. <622>

The Silence of our Friends

THE SILENCE OF OUR FRIENDS by Mark Long, Jim Demonakos, and Nate Powell (First Second 2012) is a graphic novel about the struggle for civil rights in Houston in the late 60s. Jack is a reporter for a local TV station in Houston and Larry is is a resident of one of the poor wards in the city. He and his neighbors are protesting the presence of the Klan and the lack of rights for Blacks. Somehow, Jack and Larry manage to overcome the intense hatred of racism become friends. However, Houston is not tolerant of interracial friends and this relationship places Jack and Larry and their families in harm's way. Nate Powell's powerful illustrations (Swallow Me Whole) and the terse narrative by Long and Demonakos propel readers into this epoch of American history. Hand this GN to your history teachers as a "text" that will bring to life the struggle for human and civil rights that continues here and abroad. <621>

The geek shall inherit the earth

Trying my best to catch up on posting all of the books read this month has been daunting to say the least. But I hope to finish out November with a handful of new YA like GEEK FANTASY NOVEL by E. Archer (pseudonym) (Scholastic 2011). Ralph is spending the summer with his cousins in England ostensibly to set up a wi-fi network in their rather strange home. Ralph discovers that there is more to life than meets the eye. He also comes to understand why his parents have been a tad overprotective when it comes to making wishes and meeting the relatives. Quick as a wink he is involved in an action packed quest to assist his cousins and defeat the "monsters" that would make mincemeat of the family. Metafiction at its finest, this story is hilarious and unpredictable. Pair this with A TALE DARK AND GRIMM.
<620>

pICTURE bOOK mONTH cONTINUES

IF YOU GIVE A DOG A DONUT by Laura Numeroff with illustrations by Felicia Bond (Harper 2011) brings back one of my favorite circle stories. You know the routine. If you give a dog a donut, chances are he will want some juice to go with it. These books are fun and give a terrific example of a mentor text for young writers. <616>



IF WAFFLES WERE LIKE BOYS by Charise Mericle Harper and illustrations by Scott Magoon (Balzer and Bray 2011)offers readers a wacky way of looking at how things might change if socks and shopping carts and even hot dogs were like boys. Kids could offer some guesses before the turn of the pages or simply write their own "if boys were ____________, then ____________" scenarios. And don't forget to try out "if girls were ________" scenarios as well. <617>



E-MERGENCY by Tom Lichtenfeld and Ezra Fields-Meyer (Chronicle 2011)has the alphabet living all under one roof. One day, E trips while running down the stairs. Letters are sent to fetch numbers (9-1-1) and punctuation (especially exclamation marks). While E is resting p in the hospital, everyone is prohibited from using her in any word. Hilarity and definitely some confusion ensue. Pair this with THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH and THE WONDERFUL O. <618>



THE BELLY BOOK by Fran Manushkin with illustrations by Dan Yaccarino (Feiwel and Friends 2011) looks not just at belly buttons but also at lint (where does that come from) and belly flops and belly dancing and all things belly. <619>

ALAN 2011

The first day of the ALAN 2011 workshop began for ALAN BOD folks at 6:30 am. We headed down to the ballroom where flats of books awaited us. I had brought 8 box cutters along (in checked luggage) and markers and ALAN postcards as well. So, off we all went, supervised by President Wendy Glenn and Book Maven Walter Mayes. By the time registrants began showing up at 7-ish, we were pretty much organized. I worked registration until the local folks showed up, so I had the chance to greet one of the Gallo Grant recipients, Elizabeth Sturgis, whose registration was paid by the grant (I later met Marsha Boyd the other Gallo Grant winner). Visit our web site for forms and information (www.alan-ya.org).

The day opened with the brilliant Tobin (M. T.) Anderson who made us laugh and made us think with his keynote.



Laurie Halse Anderson brought the day to a stunning and stunned close as she delivered her presentation from the floor of the stage. I am happy to report that Laurie is now recovered (mostly) from her food poisoning, but we were one quiet audience as she was transported to the hospital.

The luminaries for the workshop are numerous. Carolyn Mackler and Jay Asher spoke about THE FUTURE OF US:



David Levithan called for us to be an Army of Empathy as ALAN ended for another year.



If you are on Twitter, you can search using the #ALAN11 hashtag to see some of the highlights from the presentations. It was a fast paced and wonderful 2 days. Make plans now to join us in Las Vegas for ALAN 2012. Breakfast speaker will be Scott Westerfeld!

Blaikus for some picture books

Laughter plus keeping
Secrets plus sharing equals best friend
Math: never better.

THIS PLUS THAT: LIFE'S LITTLE SECRETS by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Illustrations by Jen Corace. Harper 2011. <612>



Niceness not allowed.
This school is for naughtiness.
Unless you're clever.

SCHOOL FOR BANDITS by Hannah Shaw. Knopf 2011. <613>



Pete the cat rocks out
Ready for school and much more.
You can sing along.

PETE THE CAT ROCKING IN MY SCHOOL SHOES by Eric Litwin. Illustrations by James Dean. Harper 2011. <614>



Dogs are not allowed.
But cats make room for just one
Rewarded with kiss.

NO DOGS ALLOWED by Anne Davis. Harper 2011. <615>

NCTE recap Part IV: Sunday

By Sunday, I was in full conference mode and in a haze as well. Lots of presentations and meetings and running to and fro. Sunday was actually rather calm in comparison. I chaired my first ever ALAN Board of Directors meeting. From the BOD to the ALAN Reception next.



Met Kristen Chandler and Francisco Stork there and renewed talk to Rita Williams-Garcia, Coe Booth, and many more.

Having survived that, I headed out to dinner with the amazing and talented Victoria Stapleton from Little Brown. Dinner was with AS King, Matthew Quick, and Sara Zarr. I got to sit next to Donalyn and Victoria. There was never a dull moment.







Back to the hotel for in the morning, the #alan11 WORKSHOP WOULD BEGIN.

NCTE recap Part III: Saturday

Saturday was like a roller coaster ride. Fast, furious, lots of curves, screaming, laughing, and finally relief to have survived. it began at 6 am when I headed down to help set up for the ALAN Breakfast. This was my first breakfast as the ALAN Executive Secretary, and I was so nervous even though all I had to do was make a few announcements.

Gary Salvner received the Hipple Award for his considerable contributions to ALAN and gave the most stirring speech I can recall hearing in some time. I do hope THE ALAN REVIEW sees fit to publish it. Sharon Draper received the ALAN Award for her contributions to YA literature and was equally eloquent and moving. And then, Jacqueline Woodson delivered the after breakfast speech. Wowwza! Triple whammy.

Here is a photo done with Toon Paint showing James Dashner, Marshall George, and the lovely Adrienne Waintraub at breakfast courtesy of Random House. I did tweet out from the breakfast as well. If you search Twitter, use #alan11 hashtag and username @ProfessorNana.



I did a quick tour of the exhibits that grew lengthier as I kept running into folks. I also had a meeting with my editor at Stenhouse about a couple of projects. Then, onto the shuttle to the Palmer House for the Middle Mosaic where I spoke along with Kate Messner, Janet Allen, and Gordon Korman. My presentation (all of them) are at Slideshare.net/ProfessorNana.

After I spoke, I went up two floors to join Donalyn Miller, Franki Sibberson, and Sara Kajder for a session on engaging readers with digital texts and tools. Of course we experienced some technical issues. Sara had to use my dongle (there was much hilarity about my magic dongle), my own connections had to be held so they did not slip, etc. However, as Donalyn observed when it was all over, each of us was tweeting, buying apps, and tools as the others were speaking. When is the last time that happened? it was a whirlwind 75 minutes. I learned a LOT!

Dinner that evening was courtesy of Candlewick. Katherine Paterson, Laura Amy Schlitz, Chris Crowe, MT Anderson, Allan Wolf, Abby MacDonald. Great food and fun and conversation ranging from zombies to Common Core to books (of course). Thanks Jenny and Sharon and Liz for a delightful evening.

NCTE recap Part II: Friday

Friday's first session was STOP THE BULLYING! Kylene Beers put together an incredible array of speakers including Judy Shepard:



Keynoters included Kevin Jennings, coordinator of the Safe Schools movement who talked about the heart and soul matters: the kids who are harassed and bullied. Round tables featured Linda, Rief, Michael Cart, and cj Bott among others. Handouts and presentations should be up at the NCTE Connected Communities.

In the afternoon, I presented a round table at Joan Kaywell's session on the history of YA literature and the Commission on the Teaching of YA Literature. It was a small audience (the exhibits were now open and the feeding frenzy had begun) but the table talk was invaluable.

Then it was on to dinner with Lois Buckman, my roommate, and Suzanne Metcalfe, my good friend from Alaska. We returned to Italian Village and ate ourselves into a giddiness. The maitre d came over to share some stories with us as well. What a lovely day.

NCTE recap Part I

I arrived in Chicago Wednesday afternoon. After I checked in at the hotel (that will be a separate post as I had issues with this hotel), I donned some extra layers and walked down the street to grab an Italian beef sandwich. I returned to the room and finished reading SEE YOU AT HARRY'S by Jo Knowles (Separate blog posting to follow on this remarkable post) and BALTHAZAR, part of the Evernight series by Claudia Gray. Dinner was at Italian Village with Donalyn Miller, Mindi Rench, and Kellee Moye. We talked policy, books, and basically shut down the restaurant. Much laughter, much tweeting! While I hate that I have to travel long distances to see folks from my own backyard (Donalyn), I so love being in the company of passionate readers and writers and thinkers. These three are remarkable teachers who just inspire me.

Thursday morning was quiet so I read about half of Jordan Sonnenblick's forthcoming CURVEBALL: THE YEAR I LOST MY GRIP. In the afternoon, I chaired my final Standing Committee Against Censorship Committee meeting. ReLeah Lent is now the chair, and I know she will do a bang-up job! We dealt with several perennial issues and had a lengthy discussion about the new NCTE Connected Communities and their moderation of posts. More on this to come from the committee.

I dashed from that meeting to the Middle Level Get Together where I received the lovely plaque (below)and some bear hugs from Jim Johnson and Dick Halle and a few other colleagues. My late friend Martha Magner had received this award, and I felt her absence as I stepped to the podium. I had written out my thanks as I knew I would be a bit overwhelmed.



After the award, I stayed to listen to James Dashner (his power point was entitled THE MOST BORING NCTE PRESENTATION EVER, it was not) and Don Gallo. Then, it was off to dinner with my roommie who had arrived in time for the section get together. We actually went to the room and ordered in as we were tired and the hotel restaurant was packed.

Picture Books Worth Celebrating

HANDS OFF HARRY by Rosemary Wells (Kathleen Tegen Books 2011) is the first book in her new series: Kindergators. Yes, the class is alligators. In Book #1 Harry learns about personal space and that hands are for holding and helping but not for pushing and shoving. <607>



HAMPIRE by Sudipta Bardham-Quallen with illustrations by Howard Fine (Harper 2011) is the story of a pig who is rumored to be a vampire. Hampire prowls the night. One evening, a hapless duck is followed by Hampire. Duck takes refuge with some other farm animals in an old shed. There, they make an interesting discovery about Hampire. <608>



Anne Rockwell gives readers a glimpse into the preparations for FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Harper 2011, illustrations by Lizzy Rockwell). Haircuts, new shoes, backpacks, supplies: there is much to do to get ready for that all important first day. <609>



CHARLIE THE RANCH DOG by Ree Drummond (Harper 2011) is a humorous look at the life of a working dog named Charlie. There is a new dog on the ranch, and Charlie wants to show her the ropes. Sometimes, though, Charlie finds himself being helped more by Suzie. Great illustrations and a glimpse into what "chores" dogs can perform on the ranch. <610>



BECAUSE by Richard Torrey (Harper 2011) visits that age old answer "WHY?" with that less than informative "BECAUSE." Why is Jack covered in band-aids? Why are there handprints of mud all over the door? Jack has an answer that extends beyond because. Warmly funny. <611>

Celebrate Picture Books All Year: Nonfiction Selections

SECRETS OF THE GARDEN by Kathleen Zoehfeld with illustrations by Priscilla Lamont (Knopf) is subtitled FOOD CHAINS AND THE FOOD WEB IN OUR BACKYARD. Science teachers will appreciate this examination of how the food chain works as well as the information on things kids can do in their own backyards. Though a fictional story, there is plenty of fact here. <599>



Ruth Kaiser's THE SMILEY BOOK OF COLORS (Golden Books) takes ordinary objects and looks at them from a different perspective. See, on the cover, how a handbag, an electrical strip, and other objects become smiley faces. Pair this one with Arlene Alda's ABCs and some of Tana Hoban's work such as LOOK AGAIN for good ways to show kids how to look at things and see more than meets the eye initially. <600>



MRS. HARKNESS AND HER PANDA by Alicia Potter with illustrations by Melissa Sweet (Knopf) is the true story of a woman whose husband died while on a trip to China to bring a panda back to America. And so she decided to complete his expedition at a time (1936) when women most decidedly did not do that sort of thing. Harkness was successful in her quest and returned to America with Su Lin (a little bit of something cute). <601>



GEORGE WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY is billed as a MOSTLY TRUE STORY by Margaret McNamara with illustrations by Barry Blitt (Schwartz and Wade). In a book that is story with factual notes on the pages as well (at the bottom of the page in different type face and in a box), readers will learn about young George and his adventures and dreams. An afterword by George himself will delight readers. <602>



Journey back in time to meet A BOY CALLED DICKENS by Deborah Hopkinson with illustrations by John Hendrix (Schwartz and Wade). Here is a perfect book to let kids know about an author whose work came from his own childhood experiences as a street urchin of sorts while the rest of his family languished in debtor's prison. Later, introduce readers to Diane Stanley's biography of Charles Dickens, DICKENS: THE MAN WHO HAD GREAT EXPECTATIONS. <603>



10 VALENTINE FRIENDS by Janet Schulman with illustrations by Linda Davick (Knopf) is a counting book perfect for sharing at Valentine's Day (of course). Rhyming couplets explain the card choices made by each of the ten friends. <604>



Anita Lobel tackies colors and numbers in 10 HUNGRY RABBITS (Knopf). Join the rabbit family as they gather yellow peppers, red tomatoes, blue blueberries and other veggies and then wait for Mama Rabbit to make a delicious meal from their harvest. <605>



Set in Africa during the Great Depression here in the US, MY HEART WILL NOT SIT DOWN by Mara Rockliff with illustrations by Ann Tanksley (Knopf) is the story of a young student who is distressed when her teacher talks about how so many people in America are going without food and shelter in the tough economic times. Though her own village has little, she manages to convince everyone to donate what they can to send to America to help. Until she does this, her heart will not sit down. Based on a true story. <606>

Nursery Rhymes Reimagined

What happens when 50 cartoonists take on Mother Goose? NURSERY RHYME COMICS (First Second 2011) is what happens. See how 50 graphic artists/cartoonists interpret old rhymes with new eyes and new illustrations. Gene Yang reinvents Pat-a-Cake and gives us all an explanation why it is marked with a B. You will never hear Hickory Dickory Dock and not see the totally new concept developed in Stephanie Yue's illustrations. Dave Roman, Jules Feiffer, Raina Telgemeier, Sara Varon, and David Macaluay are among this stellar group of artists who have reconceptualized the rhymes for a new audience. <598>

Celebrate Picture Book Month

If you think you are seeing a lot of picture books of late, it is because November is Picture Book Month. I enjoy having time to plow through all of these lovely books for children. They are quick reads but extremely satisfying, too. Hope you enjoy looking at the incredible work of artist and author. And, once again, I am writing short blog haikus for each book: blaikus.



How do these things work?
Little imagination
Goes a long, long way!

THAT'S HOW by Christoph Niemann. Greenwillow, 2011. <592>



Teach your buffalo
To play drums. You will enjoy
Others' reactions.

TEACH YOUR BUFFALO TO PLAY DRUMS by Audrey Vernick with illustrations by Daniel Jennewein. Balzer and Bray, 2011. <593>



Cats and swimming pools?
You gotta be kidding me.
Splat hates the water.

SPLISH, SPLASH, SPLAT! by Rob Scotton. Harper, 2011. <594>



A textless voyage,
Residents of sand castle
Have an adventure.

SEA OF DREAMS by Dennis Nolan. Roaring Brook, 2011. <595>



A perfect Christmas:
Two families celebrate
Their won traditions.

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS by Eileen Spinelli with illustrations by John Adinolfi. Holt, 2011. <596>



New to neighborhood,
Looking for friends. Meets bear.
Joins in all the fun.

THE NEXT DOOR BEAR by Mary Kuryla and Eugene Yelchin. Harper, 2011. <597>

More bl-aikus, blog haikus about picture books

Here are some more haikus for the blog or, as I call them, blaikus. Enjoy!



Purple little bird
Needs a change of scenery.
Heads out into world.

PURPLE LITTLE BIRD by Greg Foley. Balzer and Bray, 2011. <588>



Duck has a pumpkin.
He wants to surprise his friends.
His plans go awry.

PUMPKIN TROUBLE by Jan Thomas. Harper, 29011. <589>



Mouse plants a pumpkin.
He and cat tend to its needs.
Happy Halloween.

PUMPKIN CAT by Anne Mortimer. Katherine Tegen Books, 2011. <590>



Max builds a castle.
Using letter blocks. Switch some
And watch what happens.

MAX'S CASTLE by Kate Banks with illustrations by Boris Kulikov. FSG, 2011. <591>

quick bl-aikus (blog haikus)

Here are some bl-aikus, or blog haikus, for some fabulous new picture books. Enjoy.



I'm a shark, you know.
Not afraid of anything.
Well, except spiders!

I'M A SHARK by Bob Shea. Balzer and Bray, 2011. <583>



Amanda has an
Alligator, her friend.
He cost seven cents!

HOORAY FOR AMANDA AND HER ALLIGATOR by Mo Willems. Balzer and Bray, 2011. <584>



Fun with Dude and friends
In a parody you'll love.
Basals move over.

DUDE: FUN WITH DUDE AND BETTY by Lisa Pliscou with illustrations by Tom Dunne. Harper, 2011. <585>



Construction crew here
Making room for a new house.
Maybe it is yours?

CONSTRUCTION CREW by Lynn Meltzer with illustrations by Carrie Eko-Burgess. Holt, 2011. <586>



Thirteen nights of fun
And some scary stuff mixed in
Great for sing alongs.

13 NIGHTS OF HALLOWEEN by Guy Vasilovich. Harper, 2011. <587>