The Teacher's Funeral, A Comedy in Three Parts, by Richard Peck

Set in rural Indiana in the 1900's, this historical fiction book tells the story of a one room school house and the eight children who attend school there against their will. After the current school teacher dies at the ripe young age of 42, Russell Culver thinks his schooling is over, and makes his plan to head to the Dakotas. Little does he know the next school teacher is close at hand...closer than he thinks. When his mean-spirited older sister is named the new school teacher, his plans to leave home accelerate. Through the help of his sister, a few friends and his father, Russell learns that an education might not be such a bad thing after all.

Richard Peck expertly weaves history with fiction in this believable account of rural Indiana farm life in the early 1900's. As the author of more than 30 books, many of which are multiple award winners, Peck has surely become a legend in this genre. The introduction of the automobile is woven seamlessly into the storyline, as well as how life in a one room school room really was. The characters all act appropriate for the time period, and today's young reader might find it hard to believe that school teachers actually whipped their students in class for misbehaving, but the older readers will confirm this occurrence as true to the time period. Peck does an impeccable job of capturing the language of uneducated children running barefoot in the town, and by using the characters in the book to become famous characters in real life at the end of the book, Peck artfully blends fact and fiction. This book is appropriate for readers in the 4th-8th grade.

What I loved most about this book, is that I started out bored by it. What in the world would I be able to learn from a rural town in Indiana in the 1900's? I was turning pages quicker than I ever would have thought possible, in a manner of a few chapters. This was my first book to read from Peck, and I quickly became a fan! The characters are all so different, and believable, and funny, and silly all at the same time. I believe this book would have made an excellent television series, much like the Beverly Hillbillies or Gunsmoke did. Told through the eyes of a fifteen year old farm boy, the story comes alive by Peck's dialogue and detail. I spent a few summers on my grandparents' farm, and I remember the snakes and vultures my cousins and I encountered. We also had our share of run-ins with leeches while swimming in the creek. This book brought back fond memories of my farm-filled summers.

Key Words
cockle burs, writhing, gaped, banshee, drone, cacophony, charred, recitation, elocution, carcasses, desolation,

Because of Winn Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo

Ten year old India Opal Buloni finds herself in a Winn-Dixie store in Naomi, Florida watching a big ugly stray dog terrorize the staff and patrons. Just as the dog is about to meet a dog catcher's fate, Opal speaks up and claims him as her dog. Quick thinking leads her to name him "Winn-Dixie" and a friendship is born. Winn-Dixie quickly steals the hearts of all he meets, and spreads love and happiness along the way. Opal's secret desire is to find her mother who left when she was a little girl, but when she loses Winn-Dixie, all she can think about is her cherished pet.

DiCamillo is at her best painting the picture of a small Florida town in this novel. She artfully describes a myriad of characters from the "witch" to the "convict" and a host of others in between. A child reader can easily relate to Opal and her love for her dog, and her wistfulness in wanting her mom to return. Readers can easily gain insights and understanding into Opal's challenges. One such challenge is wanting a new collar and leash for Winn-Dixie, but not having any money to pay for them. Opal quickly decides to barter her cleaning services for the leash and collar, and a friendship with the pet store clerk is born. Even the crabby old parrot likes Winn-Dixie, as she always lands on the dog's head and screeches, "Dog". DiCamillo gives us hope throughout the book that Opal will either find her mom, or at least be at peace with why her mom left. The quality of writing in the novel is superb and is a definite must read for grades 4th-6th. Because of Winn-Dixie is a recipient of the Bluebonnet Book Award.

I loved this book! I fell in love with Winn-Dixie just as everyone else in the book did. I loved how the author described Winn-Dixie's smile, and the writing was so descriptive I could just see that dog smiling! Each character in the book is so well-developed, and one of my favorite characters was Opal's daddy, the preacher. I loved how he let Opal bring the dog into church, and I loved the image of Opal and her dog sitting there listening to their dad preach. For me, it was a "Kodak moment." This book reminded me of how important pets are to children, and how much joy they can bring to everyone they meet. I wish there was a sequel to this book! I so very much want for Opal's mom to return and for them to be a happy family.

Key Words
distracted, palmetto trees, ignoring, terrorized, retarded, typhoid fever, tragedy,

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Melinda is troubled. She is a freshman, all of her old friends no longer speak to her or will be seen with her, and she belongs to no social group. Her parents are on the verge of divorce, which makes Melinda's home life as equally unbearable as her school life. Melinda has a terrible secret. Something happened last summer and the secret is literally silencing her from speaking. Through a friendship with a new student, a re-kindled friendship with an old friend, and a special relationship with her art teacher, Melinda finally learns how to speak again.

Laurie Halse Anderson uses vivid imagery and lyrical prose to bring the characters in this book to life. Anderson uses both narration and character action to build multi dimensions to these characters. The book is told through Melinda's point of view, and Anderson perfectly captures the mean-spirited and ambivalent teenage personality in a believable high school setting. Any reader who has been to high school can easily find themselves lost in this book. The main character's voice is so perfectly penned by Anderson, that the reader would not be surprised to if Anderson herself was a 9th grade student.Anderson takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride right up until the climatic moment in the janitor's closet which is a scene so expertly written, the reader will get chills just imagining what it would be fighting off "The Beast". This book is appropriate for 7th graders and up, and is a Michael L. Printz honor award recipient, as well as a National Book Finalist, An ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and a Booklist Editor's Choice.

This might be one of the best books I have ever read. Even though the subject matter is so very uncomfortable, and even though re-living high school through Melinda's eyes is often painful, this novel is incredible. I got chills up and down my spine several times during the book, cried and laughed out loud. The art teacher, Mr. Freeman, is an excellent teacher who is patient with Melinda, and offers help throughout the book. I loved the metaphor of the tree throughout the book, and when her dad cuts the dead parts off the tree in the front of the yard so that the tree will grow better, Melinda starts to realize she must too do some emotional pruning. In the end, I found Melinda's journey uplifting and motivating.

Key Words
obscene, patrons, probation, hypothalamus, symbolism, misdemeanor, pate, suffragette

Cinderella or The Little Glass Slipper, translated and illustrated by Marcia Brown

Summary
This text is an excellent translation of the much loved French version of Cinderella by Charles Perrault. Marcia Brown's whimsical illustrations add to the magic of the story, and provide a beautiful backdrop for this classic tale.

Analysis
Marcia Brown does an excellent job of preserving the story of Cinderella that children all over know and love. She also maintains the flavor of the time that Charles Perault's version was written by including phrases such as "bedchamber" (page 1), "elder" (page 6), and "looking glass" (page 7). Her illustrations complement the tone of the text and her rendition of Cinderella is both beautiful and magical. The step-sisters are drawn appropriately gaudy, and the fairy godmother's beauty is portrayed expertly. This book is the recipient of the Caldecott Medal Award, and is appropriate for 3rd graders and up.

It's been quite a while since I have read Cinderella. I found this version interesting, as it differs from the version I remember reading and having read to me. Since this book is based on a French version, and was published so long ago (1954) I found the language charming and quaint. The illustrations are so very different from the illustrations of today's children's books, and I found them to add charm to this translation. I was surprised to read that Cinderella forgives her two mean step-sisters, finds husbands for them, and allows them to live in the palace with her! I think I prefer the version I remember in which they are banished and get what they deserve!

Key Words
haughtiest, bedchamber, garret, petticoat, corset, courtesies, personage

Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn

Summary
Heather is not an easy stepsister to live with. She lies, tattles, and is downright mean. Molly and Michael's mom has a new husband Dave, and things go from bad to worse when the adults move the family to a refurbished church in the middle of nowhere. Heather becomes obsessed with a tombstone in the way-too-close-for-comfort graveyard behind the church where they live. Heather befriends the ghost of a small child whose mother died in a fire, just as Heather's did, and Molly must make a tough choice: save the girl who she despises, or let the ghost lead Heather to her death.

Analysis
Mary Downing Hahn has created an ideal and believable setting for a ghost story. The setting for this book is an abandoned church, with a graveyard in the backyard, and a half-burned dilapidated house down the street. These are the perfect places for a ghost to be, and the reader easily becomes one with Molly the narrator. Hahn's choice of words to describe the setting adds credibility to the story and she does an excellent job of blending fantasy with reality.

For example, when Hahn is describing the destruction that the ghost Helen has done to the house, Molly notices a message scrawled on the wall. As soon as Molly reads the message, "I have come. H.E.H." the words fade away into nothing. (page 128) At this point in the story the ghost has yet to actually show itself, so even though the reader has no proof that the ghost exists, the reader believes Helen exists and never questions Molly's sightings.

Hahn's plot is made more credible and believable by the the mystery surrounding the death of Helen's mother. The reader comes to despise Heather, just as Hahn wants us to, and she creates a common thread between Heather and Helen by way of how they lost their mothers. Hahn successfully keeps the reader guessing as to how Heather's mother really died, and leads the reader on a journey of discovery throughout the book. By revealing the details of Heather's mom's death in the way that she does, Hahn gives the reader new insight and empathy for Heather's behavior.(page 163)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It's been a long time since I have read a mystery, and this book kept me turning the pages very quickly! I hated Heather right along with Molly and Michael, and hated how they were both blamed for everything Heather ever did! I grew angry at the mother in the book for not sticking up for her own two children more often and telling her husband, Dave, to back off! But just like Molly, I end up feeling sorry for Heather in the end of the book, and was glad that Molly saved her.

This book is appropriate for 5th graders and up.

Key Words
misunderstanding, trespassing, cherub, exasperated, poltergeist, extrasensory perception

The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen and adapted by Jerry Pinkey

Summary
The timeless tale of the ugly duckling comes alive in this beautifully illustrated adaptation by Jerry Pinkey. This story serves as a reminder that beauty is more than skin deep, and patience can bring acceptance and beauty when one least expects it.

Analysis
Jerry Pinkey's illustrations perfectly parallel the story that he tells. The language in this fable is rich and expressive, just as his watercolor illustrations are. When he writes about the dog's great "chasm" of a mouth about to close on the duckling, the accompanying watercolored illustration of the dog matches the tone exactly. Each two page spread in this book consists of a full page illustration and a page with text. Don't miss the end papers of the book, as they show the Ugly Ducking as just that, and the last end paper shows the duckling as a beautiful swan.

Pinkey's message clearly implies that we are not to judge a book by it's cover, and simultaneously manages to encourage us to be patient with any physical flaws or inadequacies that we feel we might have. The plot is brief, as the entire first year of a duckling's life is told in under thirty pages. Pinkey does an excellent job of personifying the ugly duckling, especially when the ducking is alone and freezing, and realizes he would rather be killed by the beautiful swans than die alone and freezing. His descriptive text takes the reader inside the heart of this lonely and unloved creature, and all readers no matter what their age can identify with the Ugly Ducking's strife.

Among Jerry Pinkey's accomplishments are three Caldecott Honor Medals, four Corette Scott King Awards, and he was also nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award.

This book is appropriate for grades 3 and up.

I haven't read this story in so very long, and this version was a refreshing re-introduction to this timeless classic. My wish is for all students going through puberty to pick this book up and read it. I love how the ugly duckling is greeted by children on the last page of the book who say, "The new one is the best." After the kids say this, the Ugly Ducking realizes that all that he went through was worth it, because now he knew how it felt to be happy. I truly believe that it takes suffering to appreciate true happiness.

Key Words
secluded, steadily, monstrous, moor, chasm, looming, bewilderment

Neighborhood Odes

Summary
In this poetry anthology Gary Soto provides twenty-one glimpses into the lives of ordinary objects such as pomegranates, pinatas, and sprinklers. Through his conversational tone, Soto brings a new understanding to the lifestyle of the Hispanic population.

Analysis
The poems in this anthology are filled with rhythmic and thoughtful prose. Each poem contains at least one Spanish word, and the English/Spanish glossary in the back help the non-native Spanish speakers engage with and understand the poems. Soto steers clear of any racial stereotyping, and portrays the Hispanic lifestyle beautifully, accurately and authentically. Diaz' woodcut illustrations in this book are unique and interesting, and seem to be stories waiting to be told themselves. This book is appropriate for 4th graders and up, and has won the following awards: An ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, a Horn Book Fanfare Selection, a NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, a Parenting Magic Award Winner.

This book was a little difficult for me to read, mainly because of the binding. The sewn binding was either too tight, or not done correctly which made the book difficult to open. I also grew a little tired of the ode style of poetry. I would have preferred it if Soto had mixed up the style of poems in this anthology. The odes are interesting and well done, and oftentimes made me laugh, I just wish for a little more variety. Of the odes, the Ode to the Mayor (page 64) is a delightful and accurate portrayal of a jealous sibling complaining about his showboating brother. There are other gems to not be missed in this anthology, and this book does provide the reader with a glimpse into a lifestyle that they may not be familiar with, and perhaps that was Mr. Soto's plan all along. If that's the case, then he accomplished this goal with this anthology.

Key Words:
eggplants, chihuahua, pomegranate, briquets, abandoned, taunting

China the people by Bobbie Kalman

Summary
China is a country that has one billion people and is bustling with life. With over fifty-six national groups, China's people have had a difficult time communicating with each other, but Bobbie Kalman weaves their stories together effortlessly. He takes the reader on a complete tour of China from the school system, to the housing choices, and provides detailed descriptions and poignant photographs along the way.

Analysis
The publication of this book is 1989, and much has changed in the world since then. Although there is much to be learned from any non-fiction book, an eighteen year old text such as this one might not be ideal for a research report. This text does, however, discuss the major and relevant categories about China, and the information is presented in a non biased manner. Even controversial topics, such as the limit of one child per family is presented in a neutral tone. All of the pictures include detailed captions are labeled completely, and help tell the story of the Chinese people. Although I wouldn't necessarily describe the text as compelling, it is written in a straightforward and easy to read manner. This book is appropriate for 4th graders up to high school.

Key Words
ancestors, dialects, artisans, autonomous, matchmakers, pictographs,

Cleopatra By Diane Stanley and Peter Vennema

Summary
Ahead of her time, Cleopatra served as a conquering queen in 51 BC. She became Queen of Egypt at age 18, and by 20 years of age had been driven off of the throne. For such a young woman, she accomplished much, including loving two men who were killed (one murdered, one suicide) and acquiring quite a stockpile of riches and treasures. Who knows what the world would be like today if she had succeeded in conquering the world.

Analysis
It is important to note that all historical accounts of Cleopatra were written by her enemies. All literature that portrayed her any differently than a conniving, deceitful, and immoral, was destroyed and most likely the authors of those works were destroyed too. (Notes on Ancient Sources) It must also be noted that no one truly knows what Cleopatra looked like since all statues of her were destroyed. (Notes on Ancient Sources) These facts make this book by Stanley and Vennema even more impressive in that it takes a one-sided view of history and presents Cleopatra’s life story evenly and unbiased, and in an engaging manner. The authors present both her shortcomings and strengths equally, and through their descriptions provide a glimpse into the life of a famous woman from a very long time ago. This book is appropriate for 5th-12th graders.


Learning about Cleopatra was a fascination experience for me. I knew very little about her, and certainly everything I did know was biased against her. It never occurred to me what an accomplishment she had made just becoming a ruler in a time where women were not highly valued! I can’t imagine having your brother out to get you, which was the case for Cleopatra. The illustrations in the book are beautiful, and compliment the biography nicely. The mosaic tiles give the text an “authentic” feel and make this book appear more like a picture book than a biography book.

Key Words
ambitious, grandeur,scandalized, conspiracy, assaains, supremacy, beacon

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni

In this re-telling of a historic moment in the Civil Rights Movement, poet Nikki Grimes brings Rosa Parks to life by showing the reader what happens prior to and after the famous bus ride. On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks completed her work early, and was given permission by her gracious boss to leave work early. Everyone knows what happens next, but all readers might not know that Rosa Parks did not set out to be an activist. She just wasn’t in the mood to move to the back of the bus that day. And aren’t we all glad that she didn’t!

Award winning illustrator Bryan Collier remarks in the book that to prepare for this project, he took a trip to Montgomery, Alabama, the site of the Rosa Parks bus ride. The one thing he remembers most about the city is the oppressing heat. He expertly captures this heat by the color palette that he chooses for his illustrations. The tones are hot, and fiery, much like the climate of the weather, as well as the climate in the bus. Collier’s use of light is artistic and purposeful, as Rosa Parks seems to be emanating light in each illustration. The artist clearly wants the reader to see her powerful spirit shining through. He also makes use of collages for his illustrations. Actually items are in the illustrations, including newspapers from the time and fabric swatches for the clothing. An interesting gold collage is behind Martin Luther King in an illustration, and the same gold collage appears behind Rosa Parks on the cover, and in another illustration inside the book. This collage gives them vibrancy and spirit, and is a beautiful was to artistically depict their passion for their quest.

I had no idea that Rosa Parks was sitting in the middle of the bus, not the front, like I think I had learned in school. When I asked my kids and husband what Rosa Parks is best known for they said, “Sitting in the white section of the bus and not giving up her seat.” Well, now that I think about that, I think that makes her out to be quite a rebel. And that’s not what this story depicts at all. According to Nikki Grimes, Rosa was sitting in the neutral section, and was asked to move to accommodate a white guest. That makes the significance of her violation even more significant. I loved the use of collage in this picture book, and thought it was a perfect way to depict the feelings of the time. This book would be a good choice to read from 3rd graders and on up.

Key Words:
Seamstress, anticipation, recited, trespassing, concentration, intoned

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

This enchanting book takes the reader on a journey of a most prized china rabbit, Edward Tulane. Edward is a pampered rabbit, with his reserved spot at the dining room table, and his handmade silk clothes. He even sports his own gold pocket watch. All is fine, except for the boredom he feels when his owner loves and talks to him. When he finds himself at the bottom of the ocean, Edward's cold heart begins to melt, just a little bit, and that's when his true journey begins.

Kate DiCamillo is a well-known author and has published several award winning books. Most noteworthy are The Tale of Despereaux, Because of Winn-Dixie, and The Tiger Rising. She skillfully weaves the stories of the characters in this novel, and through her descriptive prose takes the reader right along with Edward to the bottom of the ocean, all the way to a poor child's home in Tennessee. Although there are only a handful of illustrations in this book, they are not to be missed. Bagram Ibatoulline perfectly foreshadows the chapter's content with a chapter opening, albeit small, illustration. Ibatoulline masterfully uses tone and shadows to portray action and emotion. The eyes of Edward Tulane alone are worth studying, as they come to life throughout his journey. A special note must be made about the full page illustration in between page 112 and 113. Edward Tulane has been tied to a post to be a scarecrow in the garden, and the post resembles a cross, and Edward Tulane resembles Christ during the crucifixion. This illustration is powerful, and coincides with a dark time in the rabbit's life. And although there are only a handful of full page illustrations in the book, the illustrator chooses the perfect moments to bring to life for the reader.

I read this book in one session, and the pages literally flew through my fingers. I kept wanting Edward Tulane to stand up and walk. He could think and he could feel, but he couldn't do anything else. He couldn't seek revenge on the villains in his life, and he couldn't tell his new friends where his old home was. I was struck by the sadness in his eyes throughout the book, and how he went from a well-polished rabbit to a broken rabbit with tattered clothes. I felt that this book was strongly telling the reader that pretty and expensive is not always best, and sometimes you have to be broken in order to truly experience love and life. This is a definite must read for 4th graders and up!

Key Words: unraveled, ragged, regretted, bewitched, oblivion, lurched

Mudball by Matt Tavares

Mudball recounts one of baseball's legendary stories of Andy Oyler, the smallest baseball player on the 1903 Minneapolis Miller team. It's crunch time, and Andy comes up to bat just as a thunderstorm hits the field. What happens next is pure baseball magic.

Matt Tavares both wrote and illustrated this picture book, and the story and pictures match beautifully. As the field and fans get wetter and wetter, so do the pages. Tavares uses his artistic talent to bring the water out onto the pages by staining the text with water spots. The color palette in the book resembles a gray, sunshine-less day, and the colors of the players and crowd are also dark, with an exception here and there of a hint of color. A special treat is the epilogue and author's note at the end of the book, where Tavares' voice ring loud and clear. Also, don't miss the self portrait of the author on the back book flap, drawn to fit the theme of the book.

What I loved most about this book is that it was the story of an underdog, who caught a break and became a hero. And his big day came during a downpour. Rain is something that we typically associate with unhappiness, which made his victory even sweeter. How many adults love rain during a ballgame? Not many that I know. For that matter, I don't know many ballplayers who like to play in the rain. But in the book, the rain actually becomes Andy Oyler's ally, and allows him to triumph over his failures at the plate, and bring him his fifteen minutes of fame.

Key Words:
moaned, tagged, thief, umpire, arguing

Handsprings by Douglas Florian

Handsprings is a delightfully breezy look at the season of Spring. This brightly illustrated anthology of 29 poems easily evokes the feelings and activities associated with Spring. The title of the book itself is a play on words, as are the author's other anthologies devoted to the seasons: "Winterize", "Summersaults", and "Autumnblings". As with his other anthologies, Douglas Florian has illustrated the book, which gives him the opportunity to connect the pictures and poems more completely.

This poetry anthology is comprised of many different types of poetry. There are many instances of end rhyme and alliteration, which makes theses poems a perfect choice for out-loud reading. The meter of the poems differ, and meter is used expertly to reinforce the meaning of the poem. There are only a few free verse poems in the anthology, which makes for more appropriate reading to a younger audience, and several visual poems that are appealing to the eye. The illustrations extend the poem's meaning, and should not be missed!

I like the easiness of these poems. This was my first Douglas Florian book to read, and I am anxious to read the other volumes in his seasons anthologies. His poems have breezy rhythm, and roll off the tongue when read aloud. I devoured this book in a matter of minutes, and would like to have seen him double the amount of poems in this book. The book went by too fast! This book is appropriate for Kindergartner's through adults.

Key Words:
frigid, plentiful, centigrade, larches, musty, daydreaming, chartreuse

Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson

Locomotion is an anthology of free verse poetry written by a troubled youth. Lonnie's life is changed forever at the young age of seven, when his parents are tragically killed. He and his sister are sent to separate foster homes, and much of Lonnie's poems are written about wanting to be reunited with her. Thank goodness for Mrs. Marcus, his teacher, who takes him under her wing and plays the part of surrogate mother with love and tenderness. In fact, this novel wouldn't exist, if Mrs. Marcus hadn't encouraged Lonnie to write his feelings down on paper.

Jaqueline Woodson's poetic voice is heard throughout this free verse novel. She makes excellent use of the white space by carefully spacing her poems, and manages to throw in a haiku poem now and then to mix up the free verse entries. The poems are all written in the first person, and are so convincing that they read more like historical fiction than poetry. Like most free verse novels, the action in the book centers around an emotional event, and the event in this book is that of the death of Lonnie's parents, and the subsequent separation of he and his sister. Ms. Woodson is a believable voice of a troubled eleven year old, and this book is suitable for 6th grade readers. This book is a must read in today's intermediate and middle classrooms.

What I liked most about this book is how Lonnie's struggles were told so completely through poems. This book would have been totally different written as a novel, rather than an anthology of poetry. I loved how he does seem to get reunited with his sister in the end. The author did not have to provide that happy ending, but I sure am glad she did! I also noticed the theme of the Bible throughout the anthology, and I think it was a clever and effective literary tool that helped portray the characters' thoughts even more.

Key words: sickle cell, cowry, vaporize, epistle poem, occasional poem

Dark Sons by Nikki Grimes

If you are a hesitant poetry reader, start with this book! Nikki Grimes will astound you with her free verse novel written about two boys from two different time periods who both have issues with their fathers. Ishmael, from Genesis, the first book of the bible, grapples with the truth of his place in the pecking order of the clan, and Sam, a modern day boy struggles when his father decides the grass is greener over at another woman's house. Both boys desperately want their father's love and attention, and at times the poems are almost too raw to read. This was my first experience with poetry in a long time, and I am now in love with this genre!

This book has received the Coretta Scott King Award, and is suitable for 6-9 grade readers. This would be an excellent book to read out loud to your class, and stimulate their thinking for journal writing. As most free verse novels are, this book is written in the first person, which helps the reader bond with the two main characters. This book will leave you hungering for more poetry, and if Nikki Grimes would continue to compare and contrast biblical characters to modern day characters, she would be an even more successful poet! Be sure and pay attention to the titles of the poems, as these are important literary elements in this anthology. Ms. Grimes' careful choice of fonts also lend themselves to helping the reader grasp the difference in time periods of the two boys.

I loved this book, for its simple raw look into adolescent life. Divorce and illegitimacy are two topics that teens face often these days, and Nikki Grimes expertly portrays their emotions. After reading about Ishmael, Sarah and Abraham, three characters that I have heard a lot about in Sunday School, I feel like I know them now more than ever. I would love for Nikki Grimes to re-write the entire bible in free verse, and you will too after you read this book.

Key Words: mediate,inheritance,revelation,mantra,furrowed,enlightenment

Talking With Artists Volume 3 by Pat Cummings

This book contains interviews with thirteen successful illustrators. What’s nice about this book is that the same questions are asked of each illustrator, so the reader has an easy time of comparing and contrasting the illustrator’s style, method, and medium. Each interview includes a drawing or painting from their childhood, as well as a picture of their pet or of themselves. Also included in each interview is one of their illustrations from one of their books. Through these simple literary elements, the reader learns where these artists work, what inspires them, and how they got their break in the business.

This book is appropriate for 4th grade readers on up to high school. Pat Cummings let’s the artists tell their story in the “My Story” section in first person, which gives the reader a personal glimpse into their lives. Also, this book used white borders on each page, which makes the text-laden pages easier to read as well as effectively using text wrapped around pictures mimicking the style of a good picture book. Perhaps the most exciting feature of this book is the Secret Techniques section where each featured artists shares a design secret that is appropriate for any level artist.

My favorite part of these interviews was the artists answer to, “How did you get to do your first book?” Several of the artists’ first big break came when they were least expecting it, or after failing several times. I love their stories of perseverance! I was a little jealous of the fact that most of the male artists seem to be very helpful with getting their children to and from school, as my husband works over an hour away, so he’s not able to help take of pick up the kids from school. I also was impressed with how many of the artists credited their getting started to their parents’ support. Peter Catalanotto mentioned that his parents let him and his brothers and sisters paint on a wall in the basement, and when the wall filled up, his parents would paint the wall white and they would fill it up again!

Key Words:
transparent, illustration board, editorial cartoons, scratcher, collage, portfolio, gouache, preparatory sketch, freelancer,

For You are a Kenyan Child by Kelly Cunnane Illustrated by Ana Juan

In this delightfully illustrated book, we see a typical day in Kenya through a child’s eyes. We follow him through his chores and meals, and watch him as he plays and snacks on an unusual item. Children of all races will relate to the trouble he finds himself in, and realize that children all over the world share many common traits.

I found it comforting to realize that it wasn’t only my kids who don’t always listen to their parents! I also felt a lucky that my children don’t have to be in charge of something as important as minding a herd of cows, which is the food and milk source for this family. I also can’t imagine my children running barefoot all day. I keep thinking about how dirty their feet would get, and how they might step on something and cut their feet.

The illustrator uses the eyes in this book to tell a story. The eyes of the African people as well as the eyes of the cows are more almond shaped then American people. Ana Juan’s use of this artistic design adds a bit of mischievousness to the characters. Also, the end papers and jackets flaps of the book are illustrated with the cows from the story, and this also adds whimsy and color to the book. The font end papers are brown cows with their eyes open, and on the front flap there is a single brown cow with his eyes shut, and the back end paper had several white cows with their eyes shut and the back flap has a single white cow with its eyes open. It’s a clever way to emphasize the importance of the cows to the Kenyan people, but also the cows serve as the most evident way that all children are alike: children don’t always do what their parent tell them to do! Also, worth mentioning is Ana Juan use of paint splatters to depict motion and energy.

Key Words: Hodi (Anybody home?), Karibou (Welcome!), chepati (chay-PAH-tee), kabisa (kah-BEE-sah), maziwa lala (mah-ZEE-wah la-la), mzee (mmm-ZAY), rungu (RUN-goo), sasa (SAH-sah), eucalyptus,maize, porridge, charcoal

Move Over Rover! By Karen Beaumont Illustrated by Jane Dyer

The dog in this book is illustrated so well, it looks real! Just staring at the cover of this book was almost enough to make me head to the pound and find a dog like him to adopt! This picture book tells the story of what happens in a backyard when a thunderstorm hits, and the only dry place is Rover’s dog house. One by one the animals in the backyard say, “Move Over Rover!” and nudge poor Rover into the corner of his dog house. Six animals crowd into Rover’s dog house until the skunk decides she’s had enough and finds a way to clear all the animals out!

As is critical in all picture books, the illustrations play an important role in this story. Jane Dyer hides all of the animals on the first two page spread of the book, and these weren’t noticeable to me until I went back through the book and analyzed each page. Some of the animals are more obviously placed, but some are very subtly hidden in the picture. Dyer makes expert use of dark hues and colors which make the rainstorm so realistic that one might find themselves reaching out to touch Rover to see if he really is wet! Be sure and pay attention to the sides of the dog house as all animals crowd in, as that tells the story as well as the text does. The author’s use of rhyme throughout the book gives the text a nice sing song rhythm that begs to be read out loud. The rhythm of the text will definitely make the reader smile. This book is appropriate for K-adults.

I love the expressions of the animals’ faces in this book. I love how the cat is eyeing Rover sleeping peacefully in his doghouse, and the cat is trying to decide if he trusts the dog or not. When the blue jay is eyeing the cat in the doghouse, he also has to make the same decision, “That’s my natural predator in there…should I go in or not?” And obviously, there’s no carnage in this picture book, but I was charmed by how there were several natural predators sharing a dry spot peacefully.

Key Words:
Romp, squirrel, squeeze, whiff, sopping

kira-kira, by Cynthia Kadohata

This is a story of a Japanese family trying to make a living in America. Katie, Lynn, and Sam are the three children of parents who work very hard to provide for their children. When their dreams of owning and operating their own Japanese grocery store fall flat, they pack up and move with the children’s often comical uncle and head to Atlanta. Both parents work two jobs to save for the house of their dreams, and those dreams are quickly dashed when their oldest daughter falls ill. Bills have to be paid, the mortgage company won’t wait, and the parents almost work themselves to death to keep the sky blue house they have bought to help heal their daughter Lynn. In the end, it is Lynn herself who heals the family.

This book is the recipient of The Newberry Award, and is appropriate for sixth grader readers and up. The small size of the book makes it a very manageable read, and the story is told from the viewpoint of Katie, the middle child, which also makes this book an easy read. Keep a box of tissues close by near the end of the book!

I was envious of the close ties this family had. They stopped at nothing to do anything for each other, and I don’t know a family that even closely resembles their dedication to each other. I can’t imagine needing to have my children sleep in my car in the parking lot of my workplace, so that I can keep paying my bills. I am so blessed.


Keywords: kira-kira, sweltering, onogiri, chronicled, authenticity, bristly, anemia, lymphoma, obstinate, fatigue, repertoire

My Friend Rabbit, by Eric Rohmann

Rabbit and mouse are friends, and as mouse puts it, “My friend rabbit means well. But whatever he does, wherever he goes, trouble follows.” And when the toy airplane that they are playing with gets stuck in a tree, well, that’s when the fun begins! The illustrations in the book are whimsical, and detailed. Be sure and look at the animals eyes when they realize that things might not be going as planned. Their eyes alone were enough to make me giggle out loud.

This book is the recipient of a Caldecott Award, and is Eric Rohmann’s third book to both write and illustrate. My Friend Rabbit is appropriate for beginning readers through adult readers. There are very few words on each page, and some pages have no words at all.

What I love most about this book, is that I am a “rabbit”. I am the friend that pushes the envelope, disregards what “might” go wrong, and jumps in a toy airplane to fly straight up to the sky. My very best friend is a “mouse” named Allie, and she goes along for the ride with me every time, even though we often do end up in the trees. I adore her for that, and according to her, she adores me for planning the adventures.

Other books authored by Eric Rohmann: The Cinder-Eyed Cats, Time Flies
Other books illustrated by Eric Rohmann: The Prairie Train

Key Words: idea, reach, friend

The SOS File, by Betsy Byars, Betsy Duffey, and Laurie Myers

Mr. Magro is a teacher who has devised a way for his students to practice their writing skills by submitting a story about an emergency they have had. In return for their submission to the "SOS" file, they will receive extra credit. The twelve stories that follow are both humorous and heartwarming. Mr. Magro's statement that all but one of the stories will receive extra credit keeps the reader motivated to read each and every story. This book is aimed at grades 3-5, and younger readers would enjoy having these stories read out loud to them

I love the SOS file idea, and plan to incorporate the assignment into my classroom. I plan to teacher middle schoolers, and I think their emergencies might be very entertaining. Maybe we'll publish a book of them and the book will end up on the assignment list for this class!

Key Words: vehicle,enthusiastic,opportunities,Weight Watchers,Gettysburg Address, resuscitation,disqualified,apparatus, flailing, cellophane,Benadryl, dyslexic

The Toughest Cowboy, by John Frank

Grizz Brickbottom wakes up one day at his "home on the range" and realizes his fellow cow wranglers are disgusting and no longer fit to be around. Believing a dog's company is just what the gang is in need of to return them to a more civilized manner, Grizz sets off in search of a dog. The dog he finds is a bit of a surprise to Grizz's friends, and that makes for some funny discussion, as well as a bit of a better life for all of them. Beware: this book is filled with several puns, that might lead to some out loud laughing.

The illustrations in this book are unusual, and make this book worth picking up. This is the first book illustrated by Zachary Pullen, who has illustrated for Sports Illustrated, the New York Times Book Review, and the Wall Street Journal.

This book is also a recipient of the 2006-2007 Texas Bluebonnet Award.

My favorite part of this book is reading it out loud. I had the opportunity to hear our Intermediate School librarian read it out loud, and she really got into character with her twangy cowboy accent.I have since read this book to several groups of students, and every time I read the book I grin from ear to ear as I put on my best twang!

Keywords: bedroll, reckoned, companionship, ornery, saloon, gourmet

What Presidents Are Made Of, by Hanoch Piven

This book contains unique vignettes of seventeen presidents. What makes this book unusual is how the author includes both whimsy and fact. Each president has a portrait, and a paragraph detailing a few interesting facts about the president. For example, George W. Bush was the first president to ever have owned a baseball team, and his portrait has eyebrows made out of hotdog buns, and a nose made out of a hot dog. Very clever! The choice of objects in the portrait is often a puzzle in need of solving.

This book is appropriate for all levels of readers, as kids are never too young (or too old!) to learn about our presidents. An added bonus is the chronological listing of all the presidents with their real portraits in the back of the book. This book received the Parents Choice Foundation Award.

What I love most about this book is the whimsy. I love imagining how in the world the author decided what to write about the president, and how he went about choosing the items. When I think of how many autobiographies there are about each president, I wonder how Mr. Piven managed to cull through them all and choose his trivia facts to include in the book, as well as how to choose which presidents to include!

Keywords: World War II, involuntary, Habitat for Humanity, embarassed, flaunt, Supreme Court

Introduction

Hi there!
I'm Krisanne Stewart, and this is my book blog. Please visit often, as I will be reviewing books that I have read. This blog is a requirement for my summer graduate class, and I would love your feedback!