Edison and his life altering inventions

TIMELESS THOMAS: HOW THOMAS EDISON CHANGED OUR LIVES by Gene Barretta. Holt, 2012.

The demand for narrative nonfiction makes this a picture book that should be in demand. Tie it into social studies classes to demonstrate how inventions can change the landscape of a society. Include it in a unit on how to write biographical reports. Read it to see how Edison affected how we view and hear the world around us today. <471>

Other books and pieces to tie in (for those dealing with CCSS):

Dan Gutman's BACK IN TIME WITH THOMAS EDISON
THOMAS EDISON: IN THEIR OWN WORDS
EDISON'S GOLD
THOMAS EDISON: 10 DAYS
BEN FRANKLIN MEETS THOMAS DEADISON
THE WIZARD OF MENLO PARK
EDISON THE MAN (movie)
YOUNG TOM EDISON (movie)
THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET

August Books Read

Might fit in one more today, but since time keeps slipping through my fingers, here is the list of books read in August.

AUGUST 2012 BOOKS READ


493. DEADLY: THE TRUTH ABOUT THE MOST DANGEROUS CREATURES ON EARTH
494. ISLAND: A STORY OF THE GALAPAGOS
495. THE QUIET PLACE
496. THE FORGIVENESS GARDEN
497. PHOEBE AND DIGGER
498. ROSIE’S MAGIC HORSE
499. ADAPTATION
500. PURITY
501. POTTERWOOKIE
502. THE TEMPLETON TWINS HAVE AN IDEA
503. CHARLIE JOE JACKSON’S GUIDE TO EXTRA CREDIT
504. CODE NAME VERITY
505. HIDDEN
506. HOW TO STEAL A DOG
507. PEPPA PIG AND THE MUDDY PUDDLES
508. DINOSAUR ZOOM
509. PIP AND POSY: THE RED BALLOON
510. MONKEY AND ELEPHANT GET BETTER
511. BRAMBLE AND MAGGIE: GIVE AND TAKE
512. MATILDA AND HANS
513. HORRAY FOR BREAD
514. THE MATCHBOOK DIARY
515. MAISY LEARNS TO SWIM
516. PEEP AND DUCKY
517. OPEN VERY CAREFULLY: A BOOK WITH BITE
518. TOY DANCE PARTY
519. FAKE MUSTACHE
520. BREAKING STALIN’S NOSE
521. DUCKLING GETS A COOKIE
522. WITCHES
523. MARY BLAIR TREASURY OF GOLDEN BOOKS
524. EIGHTH GRADE IS MAKING ME SICK
525. MSB IN THE TIME OF THE DINOSAURS
526. MSB AND CLIMATE CHANGE
527. MSB INSIDE THE EARTH
528. ZEN GHOSTS
529. HOW TO ROCK BRACES AND GLASSES
530. JUNIE B, FIRST GRADER: TURKEYS WE HAVE LOVED AND EATEN
531. THE OTHER NORMALS
532. FITZ
533. MAYBELLE AND THE HAUNTED CUPCAKE
534. GHOSTS IN THE HOUSE
535. THOSE DARN SQUIRRELS FLY SOUTH
536. THE SCHMUTZY FAMILY
537. OLYMPIG
538. TIMELESS THOMAS
539. DRUMMER BOY OF JOHN JOHN
540. BUILDING UP
541. DOGS AND CATS
542. WHEELS OF CHANGE
543. ZERO TO HERO, GHOST BUDDY
544. HAUNTED HISTORIES
545. MONSIEUR MARCEAU
546. KATE AND NATE ARE RUNNING LATE
547. TUMFORD’S RUDE NOISES
548. AVA AND THE REAL LUCILLE
549. COOL CASTLES
550. WHO HAS THIS TAIL?
551. THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER
552. LITTLE TUG
553. SNOWBOY 1, 2, 3
554. AS THE CROW FLIES
555. LENORE FINDS A FRIEND
556. MISS LINA’S BALLERINAS AND THE WICKED WISH
557. SWEET BABY FEET
558. SEAHORSES
559. FROM THE GOOD MOUNTAIN
560. IF YOU SPENT A DAY WITH THOREAU AT WALDEN POND
561. IN A GLASS GRIMMLY
562. THE SECRET OF THE FORTUNE WOOKIE
563. GERONIMO STILTON, MUMMY CAPER
564. IN THE LAND OF THE STORIES
565. VICTORY, RESISTANCE BOOK 3
566. SERAPHINA
567. THERE IS NO DOG
568. A STRANGE PLACE TO CALL HOME
569. WHO COULD THAT BE AT THIS HOUR?
570. A ROCK IS LIVELY
571. CROUCHING TIGER
572. SEYMOUR SIMON’S EXTREME EARTH RECORDS

Haunted Cupcakes?

MAYBELLE AND THE HAUNTED CUPCAKE by Katie Speck with illustrations by Paul Ratz de Tagyos. Holt, 2012.

Maybelle the cockroach
Rescues an ant from the cat
And a clever trap.

<470>

Boo!

GHOSTS IN THE HOUSE by Kazuno Kohara. Roaring Brook, 2008.

Ghosts are in the house
Whatever can a witch do?
Wash and dry and hang?

<469>

The Other Normals

THE OTHER NORMALS by Ned Vizzini. Balzer and Bray, September 2012.

Perry (short for Peregrine) has been exiled to summer camp. His parents are concerned about his lack of friends and his seeming obsession with an RPG (role playing game) called Creatures and Caverns. At first, camp seems to be everything Perry has feared: bullies, cliques, threats. However, Perry soon discovers there is much more to this camp than meets the eyes. When he is transported to the World of the Other Normals, he meets Mortin Enaw, one of the creators of his favorite RPG. Now Peregrine is involved in an ultimate battle of good versus evil. He must help rescue the proverbial damsel in distress from villains who heretofore have exited only in his fantasy. As he has done in previous works (BE MORE CHILL, IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY), Vizzini knows how to create eccentric characters who are self deprecating but, ultimately, come to find their own way in life. Kids who are fans of RPGs will find this book. Help other readers, those kids who feel that they do not fit in (and is that not most adolescents) find this funny, fast moving, other normal novel. <468>

Be very careful with this book: it bites!

OPEN VERY CAREFULLY: A BOOK WITH BITE by Nick Bromley with illustrations by Nicola O'Byrne. Nosy Crow, 2012.

The Ugly Duckling
Has much to fear from creatures
That can bite and snap!

<467>

matchless

THE MATCHBOX DIARY by Paul Flesichman with illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline. Candlewick Press, 2012.

Matchbox history
Each one containing treasure
Passed down through the years.

<466>

Picture This

HOORAY FOR BREAD by Allan Ahlberg with illustrations by Bruce Ingham. Candlewick Press, 2012.

What is that you say?
An entire book on bread?
Kids, fish, birds say YES!

<465>

A year in the life

EIGHTH GRADE IS MAKING ME SICK by Jennifer Holm with illustrations by Elicia Castaldi. Random House, 2012.

Ginny Davis' year as an 8th grader is replete with changes: a stepfather (Step-Bob), a pregnant mother, a new house, and a brother who gets into serious trouble. All this and more is delivered through a novel that is a hybrid of graphic novel, realia, picture book, and more. Lists, emails, screenshots, post-its, and other ways of transmitting the text make this a book that will attract a wide range of readers. Ginny is a fully developed character: we come to know her from this snippets of insight into her life, her thoughts, her feelings. This is the mark of an incredibly talented duo whose combined efforts have created a unique whole. <464>

Fun Times

DINOSAUR ZOOM by Penny dale. Candlewick Press, 2012.

Dinosaurs in cars
Race all around the country
enjoying the zoom.

<462>




PIP AND POSY: THE BIG BALLOON by Axel Scheffler. Candlewick Press, 2012.

Pip and Posy play
With the pretty red balloon
But then it goes POP.

<463>

I Heart Picture Books

MATILDA AND HANS by Yokococo. Candlewick Press/Templar Books, 2012.

Matilda and Hans
Could not be more different.
Or are they the same?

<458>



PEPPA PIG AND THE MUDDY PUDDLES. Candlewick Press, 2012.

Peppa Pig wants rain
So she can play in puddles
Careful with wishes.

<459>



PEEP AND DUCKY by David martin with illustrations by David Walker. Candlewick Press, 2012.

Friends Peep and Ducky
Do everything together
That's what friends are for.

<460>



MAISY LEARNS TO SWIM by Lucy Cousins. Candlewick Press, 2012.

Maisy wants to swim
She and her friends take lessons
Swim lessons are fun.

<461>

easy peasy chapter books

MONKEY AND ELEPHANT GET BETTER by Carole Lexa Schaefer with illustrations by Galia Bernstein. Candlewick Press, 2012.

At first, Monkey thinks Elephant is dong nothing more than copying him when he sneezes. But Elephant is getting sick. Monkey needs to take care of him, bringing him water and hay. Then, when elephant is better, Monkey gets sick. Now it is time for Elephant to care for Monkey, too. Great easy reader with chapters about bring a good friend. <456>




BRAMBLE AND MAGGIE: GIVE AND TAKE by Jessie Haas with illustrations by Alison Friend. Candlewick Press, 2012.

Maggie loves her horse, Bramble. She does have to persuade Bramble though to allow her to saddle and ride him from time to time. It is all part of the give and take, though. When Maggie goes back to school, Bramble misses having company. How Maggie and Bramble solve this problem is funny. Short chapters make this very reader friendly. <457>

not your average airplane book

ADAPTATION by Malinda Lo. Little Brown, 2012.

Reese and David are returning from a debate tournament, one that did not go well, when they are stranded along with their coach in the airport. Reports of flocks of birds bringing down airplanes in a couple of locations have brought things to a grinding ground stop. However, Reese and David think there is more to the story. Along with their coach, they rent a car and attempt to drive back to San Francisco. When their teacher is murdered during an attempted car jacking, Reese and David are on their own. A car crash in the deserted desert will change their lives in ways they could never have predicted. Mystery, conspiracy, government collusion, and more are effortlessly woven into this novel that explores humanity from all angles. Creepy and frightening, this is classic science fiction. <455>

Light Bulb Time

THE TEMPLETON TWINS HAVE AN IDEA by Ellis Weiner with illustrations by Jeremy Holmes. Chronicle Books, September 2012.

Meet Abigail and John Templeton and their father, the prototypical absent-minded professor, Professor Templeton, an inveterate inventor. As the novel opens, the narrator gives readers a 2 word prologue and then poses two questions. This conceit will be repeated throughout the novel, amping up the humor in this mystery that pits the clever children against some foes who are a tad threatening but not as smart of the twins themselves. Interrupted narrative, precocious children, and Rube Goldberg inventions combine to make this a funny and challenging read for middle grade kids. <454>

What lurks in your closet?

POTTERWOOKIE: THE CREATURE FROM MY CLOSET by Obert Skye. Henry Holt, September 2012.

In the first book in this new series, the creature that emerged from Robert's closet was part Willy Wonka and part Frankenstein (Wonkenstein). Now Harry Potter meets Star Wars to produce Potterwookie, a furry little thing with a magic wand. of course, there will be some complications with his family and friends. Spells will be cast, bullies might just be defeated, and there may even be some new adventures. Kids who love DIARY OF A WIMPY KID will gravitate toward Robert and his incredible closet creations. <453>

What's your credit score?

CHARLIE JOE JACKSON'S GUIDE TO EXTRA CREDIT by Tommy Greenwald. Roaring Brook, 2012.

Charlie Joe Jackson appears destined to attend Camp Ritukbukke (read a book) due to his poor grades. He makes a deal with his parents and the school counselor: if he gets As in most of his classes, he can stay home and sleep late and enjoy the same summer plans as his pals. How to get the grades up? Extra credit is the answer. Before long, Charlie Joe is posing for the art teacher and serving on student council and even helping out on the school play. Wouldn't it have been easier simply to study and help his grades the old fashioned way? Not if you are Charlie Joe. This hilarious sequel to CHARLIE JOE JACKSON'S GUIDE TO NOT READING will be wildly popular. <452>

Pure joy

Shelby made three promises to her mother when she was only 10: to listen to her father and love him, to live without restraint, and to love as much as possible. These have not been easy promises to keep over the years, but Shelby is doing her level best to honor them. Now that she is 16, though, there are some conflicts. If she listens to her father, she will attend the princess ball where the teen girls pledge abstinence from drugs and drinking and sex. How can she live without restraint if she is trapped by these pledges. And so Shelby decides that if she breaks these pledges before the ball, she is still technically following her commitment to her mother's wishes. Pearce is straightforward in her treatment of teen thinking about issues including religion, sexuality, and the like. This fresh and honest exploration of various relationships prevents this novel from being in the mode of an after school special. Instead, it is a thoughtful and thought-provoking examination of growing up, making decisions, and living with the consequences. <451>

It is golden! Stay golden!

THE MARY BLAIR TREASURY OF GOLDEN BOOKS. Golden Books/Random House, 2012.

How lovely it is to take a trip down Memory Lane in this collection of some of the Golden Books designed by Mary Blair. Concepts such as up and down, songs, carols, hymns, stories: they are all here lovingly reproduced for parents to share with a new generation of children. <450>

Verily

CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein. Disney/Hyperion, 2012.

Warning: do not open the pages of this book unless you have hours to spend absorbed in the story. It is NOT a book one can put down after starting. The year is 1943. A plane crashes in France, currently a stronghold of the Nazis. The passenger escapes but is quickly captured by the Nazis. The pilot's whereabouts are unknown as the novel begins. Verity (only one of the many names by which she is known) is imprisoned and tortured. Surely she has much to offer the Nazis in terms of codes and other information. To prolong her life, Verity writes page after page telling the story of her involvement in the war and her close friendship with the pilot known as Maddie. In gut-wrenching detail, Verity writes the story of her life, her imprisonment, and her hope that somehow escape might be possible. The story is rife with twists and turns, unexpected joys and sorrows. running through it all, though, is the tale of the relationships that form during war, friendships that are more powerful than any army or weapon. <449>

MONSTER MASH by David Catrow. Scholastic 2012.

Do you know this song?
Join in the fun sing along.
Do the monster mash. <442>

PHOEBE AND DIGGER by Tricia Springstubb with illustrations by Jeff Newman. Candlewick Press, 2012.

Mama and baby
Make Phoebe feel all left out
Digger understands. <443>

ROSIE'S MAGIC HORSE by Russell Hoban and Quentin Blake. Walker, 2012.

Can Rosie's stick horse
Help her find treasure
And save her parents? <444>

THE QUIET PLACE by Sarah Stewart with illustrations by David Small. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2012.

Isabel misses
Her old home and family
Her quiet place helps. <445>

DEADLY! THE TRUTH ABOUT THE MOST DANGEROUS CREATURES ON EARTH by Nicola Davies with illustrations by Neal Layton. Walker, 2013

Beware these creatures
As they can kill with weapons
Never imagined. <446>

THE FORGIVENESS GARDEN by Lauren Thompson with illustrations by Christy Hale. Feiwel and Friends, October 2012.

Towns always at war
Come to understand that peace
Is something to share. <447>

ISLAND: A STORY OF THE GALAPAGOS by Jason Chin. Roaring Brook, September 2012.

Islands rise from sea
Become home to animals
Then begin descent. <448>

Picture Book Blaikus Redux

THE BLACK RABBIT by Philippa Leathers. Candlewick Press, 2012.

Black rabbit threatens
But he comes to the rescue
Only in daylight. <439>

SLOW SNAIL by Mary Murphy. Candlewick Press, 2013.

The snail is so slow
But he can go anywhere
Long as he has time. <440>

QUICK DUCK by Mary Murphy. Candlewick Press, 2013.



Why is duck going
Lickety-split everywhere?
It must be some fun. <441>

Catching up on the PB deluge

ZOE GETS READY by Bethanie Deeney Murgvia. Arthur A Levine, 2012.

It takes much longer
For Zoe to get ready
When she gets to choose. <436>




I DARE YOU NOT TO YAWN by Helene Boudreau with illustrations by Serge Bloch. Candlewick, 2012.

It's hard not to yawn
When everyone else yawns too
Now it's off to bed. <437>





NURSE CLEMENTINE by Simon James. Walker Books, 2012.

Clementine can help
When you are injured or sick
Best of all: band aids! <438>

Picture Books Galore!

THE JUNGLE RUN by Tony Mitton with illustrations by Guy Parker-Rees. Orchard, 2012.

The smallest can win
With determination and
Lucky accidents. <433>




A STAR FOR ZOG by Julia Donaldson with illustrations by Axel Scheffler. Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, 2012.

Zog wants to succeed
And get that elusive star
A princess might help. <434>




DINOSAUR THUNDER by Marion Dane Bauer with illustrations by Margaret Chodos-Irvine. Scholastic 2012.

Thunder frightens kids
Until dinosaur thunder
Makes them laugh and dance. <435>

Narrative Nonfiction Takes It Up a Notch

PLUTO VISITS EARTH by Steve Metzger with illustrations by Jared Lee. Scholastic/Orchard Book, 2012.

When Pluto is downgraded to a dwarf planet, it heads down to earth to file a complaint with the astronomers. Along with the humorous look at why the other planets will not accompany Pluto on his mission, readers will gain some knowledge about planets and now they are classified. <429>





OCEAN SUNLIGHT: HOW TINY PLANTS FEED THE SEAS by Molly Bang and Penny Chisholm with illustrations by Molly Bang. Blue Sky Press/Scholastic, 2012.

Breathtaking illustrations in various shades of blue show how the food chain operates in the ocean and how it depends on sunlight to work. <430>




FARM FRIENDS by Wendell Minor. Putnam, 2012.

In short verses, Minor takes readers through the farm introducing them to the farm animals. Cows, pigs, cats, turkeys, and lambs seem to jump right off the page.
<431>




APPLES A TO Z by Margaret McNamara with illustrations by Jake Parker. Scholastic, 2012.

This alphabet book includes various aspects of the apple including where they are grown (in all 50 states) and how they can be used. <432>

reporting out: books read in July

July Books Read

429. GRIN AND BEAR IT
430. THE OTHER SIDE
431. A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE
432. THE RED HEN
433. BLOODY CHESTER
434. PETRONELLA SAVES NEARLY THE ENTIRE WORLD
435. BABY MOUSE FOR PRESIDENT
436. JUDY MOODY MD
437. JUDY MOODY SAVES THE WORLD
438. THE RISE AND FALL OF SENATOR JOE MCCARTHY
439. JUDY MOODY PREDICTS THE FUTURE
440. MUDSHARK
441. FRIEND IS NOT A VERB
442. SECRETS FROM THE SLEEPING BAG
443. ROLLER COASTER
444. WITHERING TIGHTS
445. FAULT IN OUR STARS
446. COLORASAURUS
447. ALPHASAURUS
448. THE NUTCRACKER: A MAGIC THEATER BOOK
449. PRESIO AQUI
450. APPLE PIE ABC
451. A IS FOR MUSK OX
452. GANESHA’S SWEET TOOTH
453. BEAR HAS A STORY TO TELL
454. MAURICE SENDAK
455. DON’T SQUISH THE SASQUATCH
456. EAGLE SONG
457. SUMMER ON WHEELS
458. SHARK WARS 3
459. DRAMA GN
460. LITTLE PIG JOINS THE BAND
461. MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF JACK
462. BOOK OF BLOOD AND SHADOW
463. SATCHEL PAIGE
464. WOMBAT CHRISTMAS
465. JACK AND THE BAKED BEANSTALK
466. HOW THE CAMEL GOT HIS HUMP
467. BREADCRUMBS
468. THE LAST DRAGON SLAYER
469. TIMMY FAILURE: MISTAKES WERE MADE
470. BINK AND GOLLIE
471. FANTASTIC FLYING MACHINES OF ALBERTO SANTO DUMONT
472. PETER NIMBLE AND HIS REMARKABLE EYES
473. CHAIN REACTION
474. NOTORIOUS BENEDICT ARNOLD
475. WIZARD OF OZ
476. EVERY DAY
477. ALMOST HOME
478. ONE FOR THE MURPHYS
479. PLUTO VISITS EARTH
480. A GOLD STAR FOR ZOG
481. ZOE GETS READY
482. MONSTER MASH
483. APPLES A TO Z
484. THE JUNGLE RUN
485. DINOSAUR THUNDER
486. NORA’S CHICKS
487. NURSE C;LEMENTINE
488. I DARE YOU NOT TO YAWN
489. SLOW SNAIL
490. QUICK DUCK
491. THE BLACK RABBIT
492. OCEAN SUNLIGHT

We are off to see the wizard (and listen, too)...

About 5 minutes into the listening of THE WIZARD OF OZ by L. Frank Baum (Listening Library, 2012), I became acutely aware that I had somehow missed reading the original classic as a child. I do remember the first time I saw the movie. I also confess that each time it is on TV, I watch it again. I love the music and the colors and the spectacle. How, I wondered, would I react to this story that was a tad familiar but veered off in unexpected directions? As it turned out, I adored the audiobook as well. I understand why decisions were made for the movie version, but children do deserve to hear the original as well. Rich with motifs and archetypes, Baum knew how to tell a story that would not only entertain children but adults as well. Brooke Shields is the narrator for this audio version. Next road trip with the family, load this one up and enjoy the adventure. <428>

Every Day

A (that is the only name he has) wakes up each morning in a different body. The premise of David Levithan's newest YA novel, EVERY DAY (Knopf, August 2012) centers on the question: what would happen if you woke up in a different body each and every day of your life. This has been A's life for the past 16 years: every day a new body. Sometimes a girl, sometimes a boy, sometimes a kid from a nuclear family, sometimes a kid from a different kind of family. Rich, poor, gay, straight, black, Hispanic, Asian, smart, not so smart, stoner, suicidal: A has had tons of experience navigating his 24 hours. And then he meets Rhiannnon, girlfriend of Justin, A's host for the day. And he falls in love. How can A convince Rhiannon of his singularly strange existence? How can they hold on to love? Levithan explores some deeply philosophical territory here. <427>

Narrative Nonfiction Par Excellence

Generally speaking, I gravitate toward fiction if given the choice. However, after years of working with kids of all ages and a stint on the YALSA EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS COMMITTEE plus having encountered more than a few terrific examples of nonfiction, I am a convert. The 2012 winner of the YALSA EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION AWARD is THE NOTORIOUS BENEDICT ARNOLD by Steve Sheinkin (Roaring Brook, 2011). I knew little about the life of Benedict Arnold. Most of what I knew was that his name was synonymous with treason and traitorous actions. What I learned in the reading, though, was the backstory, the important details that compelled Arnold to act as he did. And is that not the power of nonfiction: to give us the big picture instead of the snippet that goes into the history books in this case? Thanks Jennifer Huber Swan and committee for selecting this incredible book as your winning title. <426>

The Last Dragonslayer

I have been a HUGE fan of Jasper Fforde. Love the Thursday Next series (Well of Lost Plots, Eyre Affair, etc.) and the Nursery Crimes series (Big Over easy, Fourth Bear). And now Fforde enters the YA market with THE LAST DRAGONSLAYER (Harcourt, September 2012).

Jennifer Strange is a foundling who has been promised in service to Kazam, a magic agency (not magical agency, an agency of magicians who hire themselves out). Magic is strictly regulated, and Kazam is having its share of difficulties paying the bills. But things are about to change for Jennifer as she learns that she is the LAST dragonslayer and that the dragon appears to be violating the Dragon pact. She might have to face the dragon and slay him. Jennifer is reluctant to kill the dragon and believes that there are others who are manipulating events for their personal gain. Farcical at times, but always with a heart, Fforde's foray into YA is indeed welcome. <424>

Redefining Home

Carley is sent to live with the Murphys, a foster family, while her mother is recovering in the hospitalin ONE FOR THE MURPHYS (pENGUIN/nANCY pAULSEN bOOKS, 2012). All Charley can recall from the night she and her mother were injured is her stepfather coming after her and her own mother grabbing Carley's foot to hold her down. And now Carley has landed in the middle of the Murphys. This warm and caring family is unlike anything Carley has ever encountered, and she is reluctant to open herself to their affection and concern. She must maintain a tough exterior; it is the only way she knows to survive.



Lynda Mulally Hunt does not skirt the tough topics and issues: abuse, self-centerdness, foster care, bullies: they are all here, but always with hope hanging like an invisible knife, slowly peeling away the armor Carley has built around herself. <423>

Home is not a place

In ALMOST HOME by Joan Bauer (Viking 2012), Sugar Mae Cole is 12 and newly homeless. But Sugar knows a thing or two about tough times thanks to her grandfather, King Cole, who left her his musings in a journal. Sugar's mother, Reba, has taught her a ting to two as well, especially about gratitude. Sugar will need all the help she can get as she and her mother leave their home and head to Chicago hoping for better. Somehow, Sugar is managing with the help of her dog, Shush, who needs lots of her assistance in dealing with the noise and bustle of the big city. And then the unimaginable happens, and Sugar lands in a foster home. Suddenly, her world is stable and safe. She has friends and a job. Could she be almost home? Joan Bauer, as always, creates memorable characters who manage to survive in seemingly overwhelming circumstances. Gentle good humor, nurturing adults (best.teacher.ever) and common sense advice arm Bauer's characters and permit them to confront demons with strength and courage and conviction. <422>

plethora of picture book blaikus

TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR by Jane Cabrera. Holiday House, 2012.

Twinkle, little star
Mother and baby gazing
At the evening sky.

<416>



RAILROAD HANK by Lisa Moser with illustrations by Benji Davies. Random House, 2012.

Railroad Hank can help
At least when he understands
What you are asking.

<417>



MAIA AND THE MONSTER BABY by Elizabeth Winthrop with illustrations by Amanda Haley. Holiday House, 2012.

Maia will be a
Big sister despite the fact
She does not want to.

<418>



BUS DRIVER by Nancy Poydar. Holiday House, 2012.

A boy and a toy
Are often separated
Until they find bus.

<419>




WHAT CAN A CRANE PICK UP? by Rebecca Kai Dotlich with illustrations by Mike Lowery. Knopf, 2012.

Cranes can do a lot
Like pick up wood, cars, and planes.
And even children.

<420>



BODY ACTIONS by Shelley Rotner with illustrations by David White. Holiday House, 2012.

Bones, muscles, and lungs
Can assist us as we ride.
Bodies in action.

<421>