February Books Read

Here is the list of the books I read this month.

FEBRUARY 2012 BOOKS READ


86. JASPER JONES
87. CINDER (AUDIO)
88. BOOK OF BLOOD
89. SCORPIO RACES
90. CINDER
91. FOX TAILS
92. WILL PRINCESS ISABELEVER SAY PLEASE?
93. COCK A DOODLE DOO. CREAK POP POP MOO
94. KINDRED SOULS
95. JINX
96. LEGEND OF DIAMOND LIL
97. MY SISTER’S STALKER
98. THE WILD BOOK
99. ZIG AND WIKKI IN THE COW
100. I WILL TRY
101. ZACHARY’S BALL
102. FISH HAD A WISH
103. CHICK AND CHICKIE PLAY ALL DAY
104. LATE NATE IN A RACE
105. LISTEN TO MY TRUMPET
106. OTTO BOOK BEAR
107. I'M A BIG BOY NOW
108. YUMI
109. AOKI
110. TRAINS GO
111. ANIMALS 1, 2, 3
112. ANIMALS SPOTS AND STRIPES
113. CHLOE INSTEAD
114. CHESHIRE CHEESE CAT (AUDIO)
115. CHOPSTICKS, A NOVEL
116. STOP THIEF
117. KNUCKLE AND POTTY DESTROY HAPPY WORLD
118. SUMMER DAYS AND NIGHTS
119. RED WHITE AND BOOM
120. AWESOME AUTUMN
121. PLANT A LITTLE SEED
122. CARL AT THE DOG SHOW
123. IT’S A DOG’S LIFE
124. BEST SHOT IN THE WEST
125. CRAZY CONCOCTIONS
126. EMILY AND CARLO
127. DINOSAUR PET
128. LOOKING AT LINCOLN
129. WAITING FOR ICE
130. EARWIG AND THE WITCH
131. ODDER AND OTTER
132. WONDER
133. DANCING WITH THE DINOSAURS
134. FARM DRAWING BOOK
135. FANCY NANCY AND THE MERMAID BALLET
136. A PATH OF STARS
137. LOLA READS TO LEO
138. BAMBINO AND MR. TWAIN
139. PERCY LISTENS
140. LEFT RIGHT EMMA
141. PIG PIG MEETS THE LION
142. CAN I BRING WOOLLY TO THE LIBRARY MS. REEDER
143. INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN
144. CITIZEN SCIENTISTS
145. BIRD AND SQUIRREL
146. HOW TO SURVIVE EVERYTHING FOR BOYS ONLY
147. THE BIG SOMETHING
148. RAISIN IN THE SUN (AUDIO)
149. BRUISER (AUDIO)
150. ROCKET WRITES A STORY
151. BINK AND GOLLIE: TWO FOR ONE
152. YOKO LEARNS TO READ
153. WHAT WILL I BE?
154. UP TALL AND HIGH BUT NOT NECESSARILY IN THAT ORDER
155. I'M FAST
156. THE CIRCUS
157. ABCs OF BASEBALL
158. THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND
159. EARTHLING
160. WATCH THAT ENDS THE NIGHT (AUDIO)
161. JEFFERSON’S SONS (AUDIO)
162. ABCs OF BASEBALL

Barron Prize for Young Heroes

Nominate a Young Leader for a $2,500 Barron Prize!

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes invites nominations for its 2012 awards. The Barron Prize, founded by author T.A. Barron in honor of his mother, celebrates outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet. Ten winners each receive $2,500 to support their service work or higher education. Nomination deadline is April 30. For more information and to nominate, visit http://www.barronprize.org/

the picture books come marching...

In SOME CAT (FSG, June 2012), Mary Casanova and illustrator Ard Hoyt introduce us to Violet, a shelter cat brought to a new home where she terrorizes the other pets, slinks and hides, and basically wants to be left alone. And then one afternoon, a pack of dogs chase Violet and cause her to reconsider her actions. <82>



MY SNAKE BLAKE by Randy Siegel with illustrations by Serge Bloch (Roaring Brook Press, June 2012) is about Blake, the remarkable snake. Blake can spell out words using his long green body. He is helpful around the house, too. Simple illustrations with the large splash of green that is Blake make this a book that is interesting in its design and execution. <83>




PEEPSQUEAK by Leslie Ann Clark (Harper 2012) is determined to fly. He is not built for flying, of course, and all of the other animals make fun of his dogged determination. One day, the solution to Peepsqueak's problems presents itself in the form of a helpful goose. Dreams can come true! <84>




HORESEFLY AND HONEYBEE by Randy Cecil (Holt, May 2012) finds horsefly disturbed by honeybee as he is sleeping inside a flower. The two argue about who should have the rights to the flower. Their fight leaves them both with only one wing. This means they are vulnerable to predators, and a big bullfrog captures them both and prepares to eat them for dinner. How can they escape? <85>




Vernon the toad is set on finding A HOME FOR BIRD by Philip C. Stead (Roaring Brook, June 2012). Bird is not much help as he is silent and does not move. But Vernon is committed to finding bird's home. Finally, within a clock inside a home, Vernon discovers the right home for Bird. <86>





Skunk is THE EASTER BUNNY'S ASSISTANT in this new book by Jan Thomas (Harper 2012). Unfortunately, every time the skunk becomes excited about helping in the Easter preparations, he emits a noxious odor. Will it be possible for skunk to help the Easter Bunny? <86>

Gimme an "M"

THE MONSTER WHO LOST HIS MEAN by Tiffany Strelitz Haber with illustrations by Kirstie Edmunds (Holt, July 2012) opens by telling readers that monsters are Mean, Observant, Noisy, Super Strong, Tough to please, Envious, and Remarkable. One of the monsters loses his Mean one day, and disaster befalls him. Now is is in "onster." He is made fun of and picked on and ostracized. How can he ever hope to be a monster again? In rhythmic text, Haber lets readers know it is OK to be different. <81>

Parody

FRANKENSTEIN: A MONSTROUS PARODY by Ludworst Bemonster (Feiwel and Friends, July 2012) pairs the two most unlikely stories in a mash-up: Frankenstein and Madeleine by Ludwig Bemelmans. Even the sticker you can see on the cover says: A CaldeNOT Horror Book. Older readers who know what is being parodied will love the story of twelve ugly monsters who live together in an old castle covered in spines. They wet their beds and bonk their heads and pull their teeth over the dinner table. And then one of the monsters' heads go missing. Perfect skewer, perfect parody. <80>

Moonlight

MOONLIGHT by Helen Griffith with illustrations by Laura Dronzek (Greenwillow 2012) is a lush reading experience both in text and pictures. A rabbit settles down to sleep as the moon rises. The moon bathes everything it touches in a buttery yellow light. The text is exquisite, not one extra word or syllable. The painting that illuminate the text are rich in tone and all swathed in the buttery light of the moon. <79>

Pardon Me, Please

Gail Carson Levine's newest book, FORGIVE ME, I MEANT TO DO IT: FALSE APOLOGY POEMS (Harper 2012) with illustrations by Matthew Cordell, is a collection of original poems that take off from the William Carlos Williams' poem "This Is Just to Say." It also has a bit of the Stinky Cheese Man's playing with book parts to it as well. Simply, it is hugely funny and incredibly playful. There are apology poems (false apology poems)from characters in nursery rhymes and fairy tales in addition to selections from naughty children and aliens. High school teachers will find this incredibly useful. Middle school teachers might read some aloud as mentor texts for writing, too. And all of us will thoroughly enjoy the reading. <78>

Raise a Joyful Noise

FREEDOM SONG: THE STORY OF HENRY "BOX" BROWN by Sally M. Walker with illustrations by Sean Qualls (Harper 2012)is based on the story of Henry Brown who literally mailed himself to freedom. Walker tells of Henry's love of song, from the songs he sang in the fields where he was a slave to the love songs he sang to his wife to the songs he shared with his family. When his family is taken from him and sold, Henry ships himself to Pennsylvania and freedom. Walker's rhythmic language and Qualls' collage paintings combine to make this a terrific read aloud experience. <77>

Time is running out to volunteer for YALSA Process Committees

There's still time for you to get involved in YALSA this spring! Volunteer for YALSA's Process Committees, Juries, Advisory Boards and Taskforces between now and March 1 by completing the following form:

http://yalsa.ala.org/forms/process_com.php

These committees are 100% virtual and require no conference attendance. They start their work on July 1, 2012. You can find a list of process committees, juries, advisory boards and taskforces here:

http://www.ala.org/yalsa/workingwithyalsa/yalsacommittee

If you have any questions about committees, contact YALSA President Elect Jack Martin, jackmartin@nypl.org. Or, if you have questions about your eligibility, you can reach out to Letitia Smith, lsmith@ala.org.

Freedom!

FREEDOM'S A CALLIN ME by Ntozake Shange with illustrations by Rod Brown (Amistad 2012) is a collection of poems Shange wrote in response to Brown's paintings. They tell the story of slaves who are longing for freedom, for escape from the harsh reality of their lives. The poems begin in the fields and move slowly along the Underground Railroad and, ultimately, to freedom. Beatings, being hunted by dogs, running away, losing family: Shange and Brown do not shy away from the difficult truths. <76>

Breaking Stalin's Nose

Here is a Newbery Honor Medal book, BREAKING STALIN'S NOSE by Eugene Yelchin (Holt 2011).



Sasha is so excited he can hardly wait for his father to come home from work. He is finally old enough to become a member of the Young Pioneers, youth dedicated to their beloved leader and teacher, Stalin. When his father returns to the commune that evening, he gives Sasha the red neckerchief he will be awarded in tomorrow's ceremony at school. However, before morning, the secret police come and arrest Sasha's father. Quickly, Sasha is homeless. He is certain that there has been a huge error and is determined to get word to Stalin who will fix everything. But by school time, Sasha has been unable to do anything. Events conspire at the school to take Sasha from a favorite student to an outcast. What is the truth about his own father? And the mother who died years earlier? Who can Sasha trust? Velchin has created a tale that is chilling as readers come to understand how repressive this society is. Short chapters, illustrations, and a driving story line makes this an ideal book for reading aloud and for sharing with reluctant readers, too. <75>

Counting Book

The Associate Dean of our College of Education has produced, aling with some colleagues, a counting book entitled THE CIRCUS (Xlibris 2011). The book moves from 1 to 10, each page noting that the items themselves do not make a circus. For example, "One tent does not make a circus." However, all the acts and the audience combined do make for a fun day at the circus. The book is also available in a Spanish language edition. Some discussion questions follow the text of the book.

Bewitching Tale

BEWITCHING by Alex Flinn (HarperCollins 2012) combines the tales of The Princess and the Pea, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Hansel and Gretel, and the Titanic and King Louis. What's that, you say? Trust me. This book manages to jump centuries with ease and move from the archetypes of fairy tales to historical fiction with ease. All that is due to the skill with which Flinn takes the reader from the beginning of the Kendra's life as a witch to her latest incarnation in the lives of Emma and Lisette, newly introduced step-sisters. Along the way,we have flashbacks that put us on the Titanic, take us under the sea with The Little Mermaid, and then to the Court of Versailles. The novel is bewitching and thoroughly absorbing with more than a few surprises along the way. <74>

Cat, Dog, Cow

Here are some forthcoming picture books I picked up at ALA Midwinter at the HarperCollins breakfast (thanks, Patty!).



I love Pete the Cat and how he rocks his new school shoes. Pete is back on PETE THE CAT AND HIS FOUR GROOVY BUTTONS by Eric Litwin and James Dean (HarperCollins 2012). As before, there is a link to the free song (www.harpercollinschildrens.com/petethecat) so you can listen as well as read. Pete has a terrific shirt with four buttons. But one by one, the buttons pop off. Time to mourn the loss of a button? Not if you are Pete the Cat. Nice little side lesson on subtraction in addition to the ever-so-cool Pete the Cat. <71>




HOMER by Elisha Cooper (HarperCollins 2012) is a wonderfully quiet book about Homer the dog and his life at home. Does he want to go to the beach? Nope, he wants to sit on the porch. Chase balls with the puppies? Sitting on the porch is just fine with him. The text is spare, the colors are gentle perfectly complementing this story of a dog who loves a family who, in tun, love him.A special treat are the textless double page spreads near the end of the book. <72>




CINDY MOO by Lori Mortensen with illustrations by Jeff Mack (HarperCollins 2012) is about a determined cow who, once she hears the rhyme about the cow jumping over the moon, sets her mind to do the same. The task is not as simple as Cindy Moo had imagined, however, but the solution will delight readers. <73>

Introducing Precious

Fans of the No. 1 LADIES' DETECTIVE AGENCY will adore this chapter book that introduces readers to Precious Ramotswe. THE GREAT CAKE MYSTERY by Alexander McCall Smith (Anchor Books, a division of Random House, April 2012) introduces Precious as a young school girl who hopes to solve a mystery involving purloined pastries. There are many suspects but little evidence until Precious decides to investigate. Short, easy to read, funny, poignant: there is much here to enjoy. The illustrations by Iain McIntosh are also a lovely addition, providing some break in the text and using colors to suggest mood and tone as well. <70>

Plant a Kiss

If you PLANT A KISS who knows what might grow? Amy Krouse Rosenthal has some ideas about what to expect in her new book, PLANT A KISS (Harper 2012). Little Miss plants a kiss and then waits (less than patiently) for something to happen. When the kiss sprouts, she sets off to share what she has reaped. The text is bare bones as are the illustrations, but the meaning is crystal clear to all who read. <69>

critter stories

THE YIPPY, YAPPY YORKIE IN THE GREEN DOGGY SWEATER by Debbie Macomber and Mary Lou Carney with illustrations by Sally Anne Lambert (Harper 2012) is about moving to a new place. Ellen has just moved to a new neighborhood and is not sure she likes the change. Her dog, Baxter, manages to escape from the yard and off Ellen goes with her mother to find him. Along the way, Ellen discovers that there are some nice people to come to know in her new neighborhood. <67>




LITTLE BEA AND THE SNOWY DAY by Daniel Roode (Greenwillow 2012) is about Bea and her friends and making snow angels and drinking hot chocolate, and generallyy having fun in the snow. <68>

little loved ones

How much love do we shower on our children? Here are two books that demonstrate a parent's love for a child in quite different ways.




JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE by Sally Lloyd-Jones with illustrations by Frank Endersby (Harper 2012) follows a father and son red squirrel over the course of their day. The little squirrel asks Dad constantly do you love me because...I am a good climber, I am handsome, I can find berries? Each time Dad replies that while son is good at lots of things those are not the reason he is loved. This book so reminds me of SAY IT! and would be a perfect companion to it. <65>





WHEN MY BABY DREAMS by Adele Enersen (Balzer and Bray 2012) is a photographic essay from a mother who wonders what her infant daughter dreams about. Photos show the sleeping infant riding an elephant (fashioned from a grey sweatshirt) or soaring through the air to a soft landing (hanging from clothespins on a clothesline). Fanciful illustration and wonderful text make this a good one to share with small children before bed. Sweet dreams. <66>

Citizen Scientists

Loree Griffin Burns' CITIZEN SCIENTISTS: BE A PART OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY FROM YOUR OWN BACKYARD (Holt 2012) is a prime example of the power of narrative nonfiction. Burns explains how ordinary people, including children and teens, can play an essential role in the study of nature and the environment. From bird watching (and counting) to tagging butterflies, to tracking ladybugs, we can all help scientists by providing much needed data. Data about migration, about species variation, and other factors might assist scientists in their studies of species and their habitats. Burns accomplishes all this in a straightforward narrative that describes the efforts of these citizen scientists and then offers suggestions to readers about how to become involved. Detailed appendices provide more information as well. <163>

The music in our hearts

Here are two books about family and music. They could not be more different. However, I find sometimes that pairing two dissimilar books gives kids a chance to make some new connections, fire some new synapses.




WHEN GRANDMAMA SANG pairs author Margaree King Mitchell and illustrator James Ransome (Amistad/HarperCollins 2012). A young girl gets the chance to accompany her grandmother and a small band as they perform in small venues in the South during Jim Crow days. Grandmama has a voice that manages to bring people together, to make them forget their differences. It is an important lesson for all of us to learn: persistence and faith are essential components of being able to love one's dream. Mitchell's text is not preachy or laden with heaviness. Instead, it glows rather like the paintings from Ransome, letting readers know about the joy in the hearts of the musicians and their family. <63>





WILLIE AND UNCLE BILL by Amy Schwartz (Holiday House 2012) is a picture book with chapters or several stories if you prefer. In each case, Uncle Bill comes to babysit Willie. And in each story, there is an adventure involved. Willie is a willing accomplice to Uncle Bill's plans though it sometimes seems as if Willie's mother is not quite as thrilled. <64>

wild and wonderful

I have been reading up a storm this year (about 150 books so far, many of them picture books). And I have been scheduling my blog posts trying to get about a month in advance so that I can "catch up" with some other projects. However, I wanted to get word out on these two books ASAP. They need to be on your radar and in your TBR stacks (IMHO).




THE WILD BOOK by Margarita Engle (Harcourt, March 2012) is a novel in verse based loosely on Engle's grandmother. Fefa struggles with reading. Words are like puzzles that refuse to give up their secrets. Her mother is told that Fefa might never learn to read or write. But her mother gives Fefa a blank book and instructs her to plant a garden of words in it. As Fefa struggles, the blank book begins to fill with words and images and lovely new growth. THE WILD BOOK explores what it is like to struggle with comprehension and how patience and care can help a budding reader and writer plant those important early seeds. <152>




WONDER by R J Palacio (Knopf 2012) draws readers in from the opening sentence where August announces that he knows he is not your ordinary 10 year old. For one thing, this will be the first year Auggie will attend school. He has been home schooled until now. His medical condition has meant frequent surgeries, and his mother has been his instructor to date. But now Auggie will face the other students in school. That is no simple thing when your appearance is beyond description. Even Auggie admits that whatever you are thinking, it is probably worse. The Principal of the school invites Auggie to come visit the school before it opens. He entrusts three other students to sort of watch out for Auggie, to be the compassionate friend Auggie will need. This is not an easy request for the three, either. Auggie begins school, open to the slings and barbs of his classmates. It is a year that will be brim full of learning experiences, not all of them about reading and math. Palacio has explored what it means to be accepted and rejected, what it means to be human and thus to be open to hurt and also to wonder. The possible ladder rungs for this book are wide ranging: from FREAK THE MIGHTY to THE FAULT IN OUR STARS and so many more. <153>

Love for Books

A confession first. I love John Green. I downloaded THE FAULT IN OUR STARS on its publication date (Penguin 2012) and read it "cover to cover" on the iPad. I then read it again within a week so I could participate in an online chat on the book. And now that I won a hard copy, I suspect i will read it at least one or two more times. That was some time ago, and I have been mulling just what I wanted to post about this book. Others have written about it eloquently. I have little to add to the myriad of starred reviews. But I do have something I need to add to the discussion.

This was a tough book for me to read. I lost my mother and daughter to cancer. Losing my daughter was, as everyone will tell you, difficult. We are not meant to survive our children. I sat with my daughter for the last 36 hours or so of her life. I spent her last night alone in the room with her. I talked to her about all manner of things. So, when it comes to a book about losing someone you love, watching them die, I know more than I want to know about the subject. Critical eye, indeed. I read Green's book with some trepidation. Don't get this wrong, John, I thought. This is so important. it has to be right.

Green gets it right. From the dark humor to the whispered conversations to so much more, he knows this terrain and explores it fearlessly. It would have been all too easy to descend into pathos or even worse sentimentality. This novel rises above that. It celebrates the life of the mind even when the body is in decline (and that is a comfort for older readers like me, intentional or not).

I am not retelling plot here. I will leave that to the reviewers. Instead I am celebrating this smart, funny, and touching exploration of how human we all are, how wonderfully and fully human. <149>

Nonfiction Strikes Again

OCEAN AND SEA is one of Scholastic's Discover More series. Steve Parker includes a lot of information in this book about the oceans and seas of the world. However, the organization of each double page spread and initiating questions at the outset of each chapter will permit readers either to browse for interesting facts or to locate specific information more readily. As is the case with all the books in the series, there is a free digitally downloaded companion book for this title. <60>




Learn all about THE ELEMENTS by Dan Green (Scholastic 2012). How wonderful it would have been to have had this book as I struggles with some of my science classes. Information in presented both graphically and in the text. Each page's layout has items such as call out boxes, diagrams, interesting facts, and much more. Part of the Discover More series, there is a digitally download able book to accompany this traditional text. <61>

using nonfiction

In the preceding blog, I talk about PLANETS, one of the new books in Scholastic's Discover More series. I was thrilled to see national Geographic also had a new book on the planets. 13 PLANETS: THE LATEST VIEW OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM by David Aguilar (National Geographic 2011). However, two things troubled me in the foreword to this book. One was the use of the word "hoards" when the author should have used "hordes." More troubling, though, was a reference to Copernicus as the person who "invented" the solar system. I think the author means that Copernicus might have coined the term solar system or perhaps introduced the concept of the solar system. I am fairly certain, though, that Copernicus did not "invent" said system. Since this is in the foreword, most kids will never even see it, but it did give me pause. The remainder of the book seems to be accurate and, like its counterpart from Scholastic, contains great photos, drawings, and text. But one of the things I demand of nonfiction is accuracy. I have seen errors in otherwise wonderful books, errors that have prevented those books from becoming part of my recommended lists. And I am not someone with a huge breadth of knowledge.

I would give students both books and see what they can find in terms of similarities and differences. Let them evaluate the books. See what happens. Here is a real world activity. <59>

Planets

Another entry in Scholastic's "Discover More" series is PLANETS by Penelope Arlon (Scholastic 2012). Each title in the series has a free digital book which can be downloaded. In this case, the accompanying digital book is AMAZING SPACE MACHINE. This series includes terrific photographs (some of them new due to space exploration, the Hubble, etc.), text boxes, and other means of conveying information that will be of interest to those hoping to teach readers more about reading and responding to nonfiction. <58>

photojournalism

BEYOND BULLETS: A PHOTO JOURNAL OF AFGHANISTAN by Rafal Gerszak with Dawn Hunter (Annick Press 2011) looks very much like a journal with type face in plain print. Journalist Gerszak spent several months embedded with troops in Afghanistan to begin his piece on the war and the country that is torn apart by it. He returned to live among the citizens as well in an attempt to get their perspective on the war and its toll on their lives. While the information is not in depth, this would serve as a good beginning for those who wish to know more about the war in Afghanistan and the various players. <57>

Poetry for the young reader

THE LITTLE BITTY MAN AND OTHER POEMS FOR THE VERY YOUNG by Halfdan Rasmussen, translated by Marilyn Nelson and Pamela Espeland and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes (Candlewick Press 2011) is a perfect collection of poems for very young readers. They are meant to to be read aloud and shared aloud (IMHO), too. Most poems are humorous but some have a little nudge as 'THOSE FIERCE GROWN UP SOLDIERS' who could learn quite a bit about how to fight from taking their cues from children. Follow up with poems by J. Patrick Lewis, Jack Prelutsky, and other writers of humorous poems for kids. And check out Sylvia Vardell's blog dedicated to poetry: www.poetryforchildren.blogspot.com. <56>

encyclopedic knowledge

From Disney/Hyperion comes DISNEY JUNIOR: FUN FACTS TO UNDERSTAND OUR WORLD, a terrific browsing book with chapters that highlight the planets, animals, bodies of water, nature, and more. Each fact (and there may be from 5-10 facts per double page spread) is a few sentences long with just enough detail to set kids asking questions for more information. This is a good starting point for young readers. follow up with other encyclopedic books such as DK's FIRST ENCYCLOPEDIA or CAN IT RAIN CATS AND DOGS? <55>

inventive

WHAT COLOR IS MY WORLD? THE LOST HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN INVENTORS by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld with illustrations by Ben Boos and A. G. Ford (Candlewick Press 2012) is a large format informational book with a narrative to go along with the informational text. Flaps on many pages fold out to give more biographical information about forgotten inventors such as Dr. Valerie Thomas, George Crum, Daniel Hale Williams, and many others. The informational text is framed in a story about two children who are assisting a handyman in getting their new home in shape for some much needed repairs. As they work, the handyman tells the children stories of inventors who worked to develop all manner of inventions including potato chips, the super soaker, and ice cream scoops (to name a few that will delight young readers) as well as those who worked with Edison and Bell on inventions. <54>

looking at history through picture books

Based upon the experience of the author's family, I WILL COME BACK FOR YOU: A FAMILY IN HIDING DURING WORLD WAR II by Marisabina Russo (Schwartz and Wade 2011) opens with a granddaughter asking her grandmother about the charm bracelet she always wears. Grandmother relates the meaning of each of the charms as she tells the story of having to go into hiding during World War II in Italy as anti-Semitism sentiments ran high. The endpapers are photos from the author's childhood from WWII era. <51>




BORN AND BRED IN THE GREAT DEPRESSION by Jonah Winter and Kimberly Bulcken root (Schwartz and Wade 2011) is a memoir of sorts. A young boy tells the story of his father's childhood growing up in east Texas during the Great Depression. End papers also feature photographs of the author's family from the era of the Depression.
<52>





BETSY ROSS by Becky White with illustrations by Megan Lloyd (Holiday House 2011) shows readers the design and execution of the flag by Betsy Ross in simple poetic language. "Betsy ripped/Rip/Rip/Seven rich/Crimson strips." Few words make this a terrific choice for young readers. Illustrations are done in applique, fitting for the subject of this biography. <53>

new nonfiction series

Scholastic has a new series of nonfiction books for young readers entitled "Discover More." In addition to the individual titles in the series, each book also has a free digital book download that extends the contents of the traditional book itself. Here are three titles from the series.



SEE ME GROW by Penelope Arlon (Scholastic 2012) looks at various species and how they grow. Sharks, rabbits, bees, alligators, and more are in separate "chapters" accompanied by clear, detailed photographs and other visuals. The free download for this book is called SEE ME GROW FUN! A code is provided within the book for the download. <48>



PENGUINS by Penelope Arlon (Scholastic 2012) examines the lives of penguins. Chapters are devoted to the different species of penguins and their habitats and habits. The photography in incredible in each of the books in this series. <49>



FARM by Penelope Arlon (Scholastic 2012) looks at life on farms of many types. Farm equipment, machines, animals, and much more fill the chapters in this book intended for very young readers. <50>

some picture books for watch for in 2012

Loreen Leedy gives readers SEEING SYMMETRY (Holiday House 2012), a fascinating examination of symmetry in the world around us. Letters, numbers, animals, plants: many of these have symmetry. Different types of symmetry are clearly delineated and explained. if you have not had the chance to have read any of Leedy's other books, find MESSAGES IN THE MAILBOX, THE EDIBLE PYRAMID, and CRAZY LIKE A FOX among other terrific nonfiction titles. <44>




LADYBUGS by Gail Gibbons (Holiday House 2012) gives readers plenty of useful information about the various types of this beetle common to North America. From egg to pupa to beetle, Gibbons shows readers how ladybugs grow. Their role in helping farmers is also explored. <45>




THE ELIJAH DOOR by Linda Leopold Strauss with illustrations by Alexi Natchev (Holiday House 2012) is a Passover tale about two families that had been friends for a long time. The daughter of one family was even engaged to a son of the neighboring family. And then something happened. Who can remember what it was, but now the families are not speaking to one another. The engaged couple, with the help of their rabbi and the neighbors, devise a way to bring the two feuding families back together. <46>





BALLERINA SWAN by Allegra Kent with illustrations by Emily Arnold McCully (Holiday House 2012) is the story of Bella, a swan who longs to dance. One day she is invited to join the dance class and learn how to a ballerina. She even receives a special role in the class' performance of Swan Lake. <47>

Glory Be

GLORY BE by Augusta Scattergood (Scholastic, January 2012) examines the vestiges of racism in the South in the 1960s. Gloriana, Glory, is just shy of her 12th birthday which happens to fall on the Fourth of July. She hopes to be able to celebrate it at the community pool as she has in the past. However, some of the town leaders have decided to close the pool in order to avoid allowing Negroes to swim there. Some of the town residents resent the Freedom workers who have come to Hanging Moss, Mississippi, to help Negroes register to vote. There is palpable tension in the air. Glory writes a heartfelt letter to the editor of the local paper decrying the narrowmindedness that is keeping the pool closed and minds closed as well. Glory does not see herself as an activist, but that is indeed what she is becoming. Of course, she is also preoccupied with her older sister's sneaky visits out at night, with her own relationship with a lifelong friend, and with the other usual troubles and triumphs of being on the verge of young adulthood. Team this book up with A THOUSAND NEVER EVERS by Shauna Berg and A SUMMER OF KINGS by Han Nolan to name just a couple of other excellent books set in this era. <43>

Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore

This is one of the nominees for an Academy Award this year. If you have already seen it, you know its power. If you have not seen it yet, please take the time to view it. It is worth the time.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore from Moonbot Studios on Vimeo.

learning about money

PRETTY PENNY CLEANS UP by Devon Kinch (Random House 2012) is a terrific book about money (hard to tell from the cover I know). Penny's best friend Emma wants to go to a concert but has no money. So, she and Penny set up a business taking care of pets. Before they open, though, Penny explains to Emma that there are three things that need to be done with money earned. One is to SAVE money. The second is to SHARE money with a chariry. Then, it is fine to SPEND money. This lesson is conveyed simply but forcefully. It is never too soon to get the message across, though. <42>