Hello children's literature fans! I've added four new sections to the Kiddosphere (look to the right of your screen): Caldecott 2012 Reads, Newbery 2012 Reads, Printz 2012 Reads, and Sibert 2012 Reads. Whenever I read a 2011 book that I think could be in the running for these three reads, I will add it to the appropriate list.
Caldecott Terms and Criteria
Newbery Terms and Criteria
Printz Terms and Criteria
Sibert Terms and Criteria
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Recent Reads Roundup
I'm planning a change to the ol' blog. Instead of having individual reviews for each book I read, I'm going to group them together in "Recent Reads Roundup." So, onward we go!
The Romeo and Juliet Code
Oh, THAT COVER. It's received quite a bit of talk in the blogosphere and on Goodreads. Looks like a light little YA summer romance book, eh? Wrongo. It's a mystery-ish novel set in Maine during World War II. Surprise!
But to paraphrase Marc Antony (not the singer; he's an Anthony), I come to praise The Romeo and Juliet Code, not to trash the cover. Covers can be changed. Let's deal with the story.
For it is a lovely story. It's very much a homage to The Secret Garden. There's a little bedridden (sort of) boy, a young girl sent to live with her mysterious uncle, etc. There's spy intrigue (well, that part not so much a homage), humor, and NO CUDDLING ON A BLANKET (sorry....that cover!).
There's also a huge reveal that I figured out fairly quickly, and kept waiting for it to surface. If I have one criticism, it's that Felicity deals with this reveal awfully, awfully well.
Bitter Melon
Warning: This is an emotionally difficult read. A worthwhile read, but an emotionally difficult read. Nothing Frances does is ever good enough for her mother. If she gets an A-, her mother scolds for not getting an A+. Her SAT scores aren't good enough. If she wants to get into the Ivy League or Berkeley, she needs to take calculus.
A scheduling mixup lands Frances in speech class instead of calculus; finding that she enjoys the class, she joins the speech team. Knowing that her mother would never approve, she keeps her speech activities a secret for as long as possible.
Frances's mother is a hard, mean, and occasionally abusive mother. There's no huge happy ending here, even though Frances manages to find freedom. It's an intriguing read, but a depressing read.
Camo Girl
Ella is the only African-American girl in her suburban Las Vegas high school. Cruely called "Camo Girl" due to her vitiligo and distant from her best friend from elementary school, Ella's main friendship is with Zachariah, who usually lives in his own little fantasy world. Everything changes when Bailey James comes to town; Bailey is also African-American, but he's charismatic and instantly popular. Moreover, he forms a friendship with Ella, which complicates her friendship with Zachariah.
This is an outstanding read; it's emotionally difficult at times, but there's humor and hope as well. Kekla Magoon understands high school culture very well (do you go with the popular crowd or not?); many teens will be able to identify with Ella, regardless of their background.
Honda: The Boy Who Dreamed of Cars
This has been quietly popular among patrons, and I'm so pleased; biographies don't always circulate very quickly, yet this comes and goes fairly regularly. Young car enthusiasts enjoy this; it's also a story of persistence, perseverance, and good work.
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave
Dave the Potter is one of the 2011 Caldecott Honor books; it certainly deserves the honor. This gorgeously illustrated and beautifully written picture book tells the story of an enslaved potter named Dave. Dave often inscribed bits of poetry on his creations; his artistry and literacy made him unique among slaves, for most slaves often worked in the fields or in the house, and were illiterate. Appendages to the story include photographs of Dave's pottery and an essay further explaining what we know of his life. A stunning contribution to picture book biographies.
The Secret River
Aaaand here's my first pick for the 2012 Caldecott. Oh, this is SUBLIME. It is beautiful. And it is absolutely eligible for the Caldecott, even though it was first published in 1955 (the artwork is new). Calpurnia is worried about her family; it's the Depression, and times are hard. There's not much food, not much money, and not much catfish for her father to catch and sell. A secret river produces a magnitude of fish, but when Calpurnia returns a second time, she finds that it's not there anymore. This is a lovely story, both in words and illustrations, of family and hope. I love it, love it, love it.
Medikidz Explain Autism
I'm so happy I finally bit the bullet and ordered this; it's a kid-friendly and interesting way to explain autism. Each Medikidz specializes in a different part of the human body; together, they explain the situation at hand. In Medikidz Explain Autism, the Medikidz help a young girl understand her younger brother's autism. Happily, there are a ton of Medikidz titles; from depression, breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, even H1N1, the Medikidz have it covered.
Ballet for Martha
Ballet for Martha is one of the 2011 Sibert Honor books, and a brilliant choice at that! Ballet for Martha tells the creation of Martha Graham's most famous piece, Appalachian Spring, composed by Aaron Copeland. Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan briefly explain Graham's background and her unique choreography (which wasn't initially popular). As Graham explained to Copeland and her set designer, Isamu Noguchi, she wanted Appalachian Spring to be an homage to the American pioneers.
We see the strenuous rehearsals and the creative process of all three artists; finally, we see the ballet, which is set at a pioneer wedding. Brian Floca's illustrations perfectly capture the dancers' movements and each aspect of the ballet story. We also see a multicultural dance troupe performing the ballet, which is cool. Photographs and further explanation of the ballet and the creative team round out this fantastic nonfiction picture book. This has also circulated quite well in our libraries.
Do you love Youtube? I do. You can watch Martha Graham dance the part of the pioneer bride (she was 65 when this was filmed) in these clips:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Part 4:
Happy reading!
The Romeo and Juliet Code
Oh, THAT COVER. It's received quite a bit of talk in the blogosphere and on Goodreads. Looks like a light little YA summer romance book, eh? Wrongo. It's a mystery-ish novel set in Maine during World War II. Surprise!
But to paraphrase Marc Antony (not the singer; he's an Anthony), I come to praise The Romeo and Juliet Code, not to trash the cover. Covers can be changed. Let's deal with the story.
For it is a lovely story. It's very much a homage to The Secret Garden. There's a little bedridden (sort of) boy, a young girl sent to live with her mysterious uncle, etc. There's spy intrigue (well, that part not so much a homage), humor, and NO CUDDLING ON A BLANKET (sorry....that cover!).
There's also a huge reveal that I figured out fairly quickly, and kept waiting for it to surface. If I have one criticism, it's that Felicity deals with this reveal awfully, awfully well.
Bitter Melon
Warning: This is an emotionally difficult read. A worthwhile read, but an emotionally difficult read. Nothing Frances does is ever good enough for her mother. If she gets an A-, her mother scolds for not getting an A+. Her SAT scores aren't good enough. If she wants to get into the Ivy League or Berkeley, she needs to take calculus.
A scheduling mixup lands Frances in speech class instead of calculus; finding that she enjoys the class, she joins the speech team. Knowing that her mother would never approve, she keeps her speech activities a secret for as long as possible.
Frances's mother is a hard, mean, and occasionally abusive mother. There's no huge happy ending here, even though Frances manages to find freedom. It's an intriguing read, but a depressing read.
Camo Girl
Ella is the only African-American girl in her suburban Las Vegas high school. Cruely called "Camo Girl" due to her vitiligo and distant from her best friend from elementary school, Ella's main friendship is with Zachariah, who usually lives in his own little fantasy world. Everything changes when Bailey James comes to town; Bailey is also African-American, but he's charismatic and instantly popular. Moreover, he forms a friendship with Ella, which complicates her friendship with Zachariah.
This is an outstanding read; it's emotionally difficult at times, but there's humor and hope as well. Kekla Magoon understands high school culture very well (do you go with the popular crowd or not?); many teens will be able to identify with Ella, regardless of their background.
Honda: The Boy Who Dreamed of Cars
This has been quietly popular among patrons, and I'm so pleased; biographies don't always circulate very quickly, yet this comes and goes fairly regularly. Young car enthusiasts enjoy this; it's also a story of persistence, perseverance, and good work.
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave
Dave the Potter is one of the 2011 Caldecott Honor books; it certainly deserves the honor. This gorgeously illustrated and beautifully written picture book tells the story of an enslaved potter named Dave. Dave often inscribed bits of poetry on his creations; his artistry and literacy made him unique among slaves, for most slaves often worked in the fields or in the house, and were illiterate. Appendages to the story include photographs of Dave's pottery and an essay further explaining what we know of his life. A stunning contribution to picture book biographies.
The Secret River
Aaaand here's my first pick for the 2012 Caldecott. Oh, this is SUBLIME. It is beautiful. And it is absolutely eligible for the Caldecott, even though it was first published in 1955 (the artwork is new). Calpurnia is worried about her family; it's the Depression, and times are hard. There's not much food, not much money, and not much catfish for her father to catch and sell. A secret river produces a magnitude of fish, but when Calpurnia returns a second time, she finds that it's not there anymore. This is a lovely story, both in words and illustrations, of family and hope. I love it, love it, love it.
Medikidz Explain Autism
I'm so happy I finally bit the bullet and ordered this; it's a kid-friendly and interesting way to explain autism. Each Medikidz specializes in a different part of the human body; together, they explain the situation at hand. In Medikidz Explain Autism, the Medikidz help a young girl understand her younger brother's autism. Happily, there are a ton of Medikidz titles; from depression, breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, even H1N1, the Medikidz have it covered.
Ballet for Martha
Ballet for Martha is one of the 2011 Sibert Honor books, and a brilliant choice at that! Ballet for Martha tells the creation of Martha Graham's most famous piece, Appalachian Spring, composed by Aaron Copeland. Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan briefly explain Graham's background and her unique choreography (which wasn't initially popular). As Graham explained to Copeland and her set designer, Isamu Noguchi, she wanted Appalachian Spring to be an homage to the American pioneers.
We see the strenuous rehearsals and the creative process of all three artists; finally, we see the ballet, which is set at a pioneer wedding. Brian Floca's illustrations perfectly capture the dancers' movements and each aspect of the ballet story. We also see a multicultural dance troupe performing the ballet, which is cool. Photographs and further explanation of the ballet and the creative team round out this fantastic nonfiction picture book. This has also circulated quite well in our libraries.
Do you love Youtube? I do. You can watch Martha Graham dance the part of the pioneer bride (she was 65 when this was filmed) in these clips:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Part 4:
Happy reading!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Audiobook(s) of the Week: The Diary of a Young Girl and The Dollhouse Murders
This week's Audiobook of the Week (although I finished it two weeks ago) is The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. I've read the book many times, but the idea of listening to it on CD intrigued me. Would it be jarring to hear diary entries read aloud?
Luckily, I settled into the recording very quickly. No doubt due to the gifts of the narrator, Susan Adams. Her young, girlish voice (though not high pitched) was a terrific choice to bring Anne's diary to life. She brilliantly captures Anne's self-centeredness and giddiness at the beginning of the diary, which eventually transpires into a more shaken and mature point of view. It's a phenomenal performance.
Books about dolls usually creep me out, and not in a good way! However, The Dollhouse Murders is creepy in a very delicious way. It also has a touching message about loving family members, even when it can be a challenge, and letting go of the past.
Amy loves her sister, but having to constantly watch out for her gets tiring. Louann is brain damaged. Her family situation has cost her friendships, so when a new friendship also seems threatened, Amy explodes with frustration. Amy is allowed to stay with her Aunt Claire for a week in order to get a break, where she discovers an unusual dollhouse that holds clues to her family's past.
The Dollhouse Murders is exceptionally narrated by Carole Jordan Stewart. She creates a satisfyingly creepy atmosphere, while giving great warmth to Aunt Claire and a perfect 12 year old girl's sensibility to Amy.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
New February Books
It's time for a new books roundup!
Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart
Finally! I've been dying to read this for over a year, ever since I heard that it was Candace Fleming's next project. Fleming is a tremendously gifted author of picture books and novels, but her inventive biographies are her claim to fame. Amelia Earhart has been a fascination of mine since childhood, so I am really excited about this book. Stellar reviews are pouring in, with Kirkus Reviews declaring it "[A] stunning look at a stunning lady" and Publishers Weekly anointing it as an "honest" and "stirring" portrayal.
The Best Birthday Ever! By Me (Lanie Kittie)
Birthday parties are fun, but we all know that the excitement and stimulation can get to be too much for the birthday girl/boy. The fact that lying and learning about the consequences of lying are major developmental milestones in early childhood means young children don't initially understand that we expect them to be grateful about a present that they don't like or already have. Lanie Kittie, younger sister of Fashion Kitty, is here to help. Lanie demonstrates how to welcome guests ("This is not a good way to welcome a party guest: 'Oh, good, you brought a present. Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie!") and other party etiquette tips. Lanie Kitty tells us that it's very important to make the guests feel happy about their gifts: "Good: Wow! Underpants! I love underpants. I wear them everyday. Bad: Yuck! Underpants! That's the worst present ever! I already have a million of those." We have several manners books, but none are specifically about birthday parties, which are typically huge deals in young children's lives.
Bongo Fishing
Now, here's a story you don't read everyday: a middle-school boy is invited by an alien to go fishing...in space. OK, so nothing could go wrong, right? Wrong! Jason's cat disappears, which is just the first of unusual things (well, other than going fishing with an alien) that happen.
A Call for a New Alphabet
X is tired of being at the end of the alphabet, so he organizes a letter placement revolution. X whips up the other letters into a frenzy ("Q, aren't you bored to tears being stuck next to U? You two have to share nearly every word that you're in."). Kirkus Reviews calls this "[A] clever use of a familiar but not stale premise to clue new readers in to some of our written language's little foibles." Sounds like fun!
Close to Famous
Joan Bauer is one of my favorite YA authors; I can't name one of her books that I didn't like. Her latest covers a lot of issues, including mental illness and domestic abuse (Foster and her mother leave her mother's abusive boyfriend at the beginning of the novel), but Publisher Weekly reports that "[T]he characters' eventual triumphs are the type that the author's fans eat up" and Kirkus Reviews praises Bauer for balancing "these grim realities with Foster's ebullient personality and spunk."
If You're Hoppy
Oh, the eternal "If You're Happy and You Know It." Kids love it, and you can easily adapt it to holidays or other seasonal events (I just used a Valentine's version for my toddler story time and my Sunday School 3 years old class). School Library Journal says this is a "fresh spin" and "sure to be a storytime staple." Sign me up!
The Latte Rebellion
When Asha is called a "towel head" at a party, she organizes other biracial students into a "Latte Rebellion" to raise awareness of students with multicultural racial heritage. Kirkus calls this "compellingly original," while Publishers Weekly hails this as a "thought-provoking account of a girl's search for identity." We're seeing more YA books centered around biracial characters (I'm looking forward to reading Camo Girl very soon).
Mini Racer
We can't have enough good racing books. We just can't! This one looks like a winner; Kirkus says it's "full of zooming action and fender-bender drama." I'm all for that.
Pick a Pup
Aaaaand we can't have enough good dog books. Sam and his grandmother go to the animal shelter to find a forever friend. Publishers Weekly enthused over the illustrations' "sturdy, boyish energy" and Marsha Wilson Chall's "spot-on" characterizations. Looking forward to adding this to a dog-themed story time!
Small Persons With Wings
HOLD UP, ladies and gentlemen. Starred reviews in School Library Journal, Kirkus, AND Publishers Weekly. Terrific review in The Horn Book Magazine. If that doesn't make you sit up and notice, I don't know what will. Mellie adores fairies. She's teased for believing in fairies. Imagine her surprise when she learns that her family has a long-standing history of being fairy guardians. Trouble comes when the fairies want a very special ring return. Ruh roh.
Take Me to the River
Hobbs ventures into white-water rafting in his latest nature-themed adventure novel. Thank goodness for Will Hobbs; as Kirkus Reviews notes, "readers who want to avoid the current paranormal or dystopian action-adventure trends can take comfort in a simple man-vs.-nature tale."
Trapped
Now, *that's* what I call a good cover! Scholastic is advertising this as "The Breakfast Club meets The Blizzard of the Century." Hel-lo! Seven high school students are trapped in their high school during a New England blizzard. The power's down, cell phones are dead, heat's down, pipes are frozen....and not everyone makes it out alive. Eeek! Reviews have been excellent: "solid storytelling" according to Publishers Weekly and "gripping" according to Kirkus Reviews.
Young Fredle
If Trapped is too intensely YA for you, then maybe Young Fredle is more your speed. Fredle is a young mouse cast out of his home, after which he must navigate the big scary outside world. But, as Kirkus Reviews tells us, "he discovers the world's an amazing place." Whew! Cynthia Voigt is a legend in children's literature and has won the Newbery Medal (Dicey's Song) and a Newbery Honor (A Solitary Blue). She won a Margaret Edwards Award for excellence in young adult literature. She's been around a long time and has won the most prestigious awards for her amazing books. Here's what The Horn Book Magazine has to say about her latest: "This is a writer at the top of her form, warm without sentimentality, wise without pretension. The territory here lies alongside Charlotte's Web, The Borrowers, and Watership Down, but it is a country all its own." Wow, wow, WOW.
Zita the Spacegirl
Zita's best friend has been abducted by aliens. She must save the day! Kirkus calls this graphic novel "truly out of this world." Very cool.
Whoa! Lots of terrific books there, and it's only February. 2011 looks to be another great year for children's/YA literature. There are so many talented people working in this field!
Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart
Finally! I've been dying to read this for over a year, ever since I heard that it was Candace Fleming's next project. Fleming is a tremendously gifted author of picture books and novels, but her inventive biographies are her claim to fame. Amelia Earhart has been a fascination of mine since childhood, so I am really excited about this book. Stellar reviews are pouring in, with Kirkus Reviews declaring it "[A] stunning look at a stunning lady" and Publishers Weekly anointing it as an "honest" and "stirring" portrayal.
The Best Birthday Ever! By Me (Lanie Kittie)
Birthday parties are fun, but we all know that the excitement and stimulation can get to be too much for the birthday girl/boy. The fact that lying and learning about the consequences of lying are major developmental milestones in early childhood means young children don't initially understand that we expect them to be grateful about a present that they don't like or already have. Lanie Kittie, younger sister of Fashion Kitty, is here to help. Lanie demonstrates how to welcome guests ("This is not a good way to welcome a party guest: 'Oh, good, you brought a present. Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie!") and other party etiquette tips. Lanie Kitty tells us that it's very important to make the guests feel happy about their gifts: "Good: Wow! Underpants! I love underpants. I wear them everyday. Bad: Yuck! Underpants! That's the worst present ever! I already have a million of those." We have several manners books, but none are specifically about birthday parties, which are typically huge deals in young children's lives.
Bongo Fishing
Now, here's a story you don't read everyday: a middle-school boy is invited by an alien to go fishing...in space. OK, so nothing could go wrong, right? Wrong! Jason's cat disappears, which is just the first of unusual things (well, other than going fishing with an alien) that happen.
A Call for a New Alphabet
X is tired of being at the end of the alphabet, so he organizes a letter placement revolution. X whips up the other letters into a frenzy ("Q, aren't you bored to tears being stuck next to U? You two have to share nearly every word that you're in."). Kirkus Reviews calls this "[A] clever use of a familiar but not stale premise to clue new readers in to some of our written language's little foibles." Sounds like fun!
Close to Famous
Joan Bauer is one of my favorite YA authors; I can't name one of her books that I didn't like. Her latest covers a lot of issues, including mental illness and domestic abuse (Foster and her mother leave her mother's abusive boyfriend at the beginning of the novel), but Publisher Weekly reports that "[T]he characters' eventual triumphs are the type that the author's fans eat up" and Kirkus Reviews praises Bauer for balancing "these grim realities with Foster's ebullient personality and spunk."
If You're Hoppy
Oh, the eternal "If You're Happy and You Know It." Kids love it, and you can easily adapt it to holidays or other seasonal events (I just used a Valentine's version for my toddler story time and my Sunday School 3 years old class). School Library Journal says this is a "fresh spin" and "sure to be a storytime staple." Sign me up!
The Latte Rebellion
When Asha is called a "towel head" at a party, she organizes other biracial students into a "Latte Rebellion" to raise awareness of students with multicultural racial heritage. Kirkus calls this "compellingly original," while Publishers Weekly hails this as a "thought-provoking account of a girl's search for identity." We're seeing more YA books centered around biracial characters (I'm looking forward to reading Camo Girl very soon).
Mini Racer
We can't have enough good racing books. We just can't! This one looks like a winner; Kirkus says it's "full of zooming action and fender-bender drama." I'm all for that.
Pick a Pup
Aaaaand we can't have enough good dog books. Sam and his grandmother go to the animal shelter to find a forever friend. Publishers Weekly enthused over the illustrations' "sturdy, boyish energy" and Marsha Wilson Chall's "spot-on" characterizations. Looking forward to adding this to a dog-themed story time!
Small Persons With Wings
HOLD UP, ladies and gentlemen. Starred reviews in School Library Journal, Kirkus, AND Publishers Weekly. Terrific review in The Horn Book Magazine. If that doesn't make you sit up and notice, I don't know what will. Mellie adores fairies. She's teased for believing in fairies. Imagine her surprise when she learns that her family has a long-standing history of being fairy guardians. Trouble comes when the fairies want a very special ring return. Ruh roh.
Take Me to the River
Hobbs ventures into white-water rafting in his latest nature-themed adventure novel. Thank goodness for Will Hobbs; as Kirkus Reviews notes, "readers who want to avoid the current paranormal or dystopian action-adventure trends can take comfort in a simple man-vs.-nature tale."
Trapped
Now, *that's* what I call a good cover! Scholastic is advertising this as "The Breakfast Club meets The Blizzard of the Century." Hel-lo! Seven high school students are trapped in their high school during a New England blizzard. The power's down, cell phones are dead, heat's down, pipes are frozen....and not everyone makes it out alive. Eeek! Reviews have been excellent: "solid storytelling" according to Publishers Weekly and "gripping" according to Kirkus Reviews.
Young Fredle
If Trapped is too intensely YA for you, then maybe Young Fredle is more your speed. Fredle is a young mouse cast out of his home, after which he must navigate the big scary outside world. But, as Kirkus Reviews tells us, "he discovers the world's an amazing place." Whew! Cynthia Voigt is a legend in children's literature and has won the Newbery Medal (Dicey's Song) and a Newbery Honor (A Solitary Blue). She won a Margaret Edwards Award for excellence in young adult literature. She's been around a long time and has won the most prestigious awards for her amazing books. Here's what The Horn Book Magazine has to say about her latest: "This is a writer at the top of her form, warm without sentimentality, wise without pretension. The territory here lies alongside Charlotte's Web, The Borrowers, and Watership Down, but it is a country all its own." Wow, wow, WOW.
Zita the Spacegirl
Zita's best friend has been abducted by aliens. She must save the day! Kirkus calls this graphic novel "truly out of this world." Very cool.
Whoa! Lots of terrific books there, and it's only February. 2011 looks to be another great year for children's/YA literature. There are so many talented people working in this field!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Catching Up
While I don't have the time or inclination to do individual posts of my recent reads, I do want to highlight them on this blog. So, without further ado:
Shine, Coconut Moon
Sam doesn't have much connection with her Indian heritage. Her mother doesn't make a big deal out of it, and she doesn't even hang with the other Indians in her New Jersey high school. All that changes after 9/11, when her uncle reconnects with his sister and his niece. Sam's uncle wears a turban, which attracts stares and unwanted attention. Although resistant to learning more about her heritage, Sam is drawn to the idea of community and extended family, none of which she has experienced due to her mother's estrangement from her family. Called a "coconut" by another Indian student, Sam's confusion over how to unite her American and Indian heritages is heightened when her uncle is attacked and called "Osama."
Shine, Coconut Moon is an excellent coming of age novel set against the immense tensions and fears felt immediately after September 11, 2001. Sam is a realistic and empathetic character who can appeal to all readers, regardless of their background.
Taking Off
I impatiently waited for this book, and I'm so happy that it is as compelling and gripping as I had hoped it would be. Annie is a poet among a town full of astronauts; living in Clear Lake, TX means that you are surrounded by NASA families. Annie has no interest in the space program until she meets Christa McAuliffe, the energetic and friendly high school teacher selected to be the first "Teacher in Space." Although Annie is a high school senior, she is unsure of her future, whether it is to join her best friend at UT-Austin or to stay in Clear Lake with her boyfriend, where everything is familiar and comfortable. McAuliffe encourages her to follow her dreams; Annie is so inspired and taken with Christa that she begs her parents (who are divorced) to take her to see the Challenger liftoff.
Devastated by the Challenger disaster, Annie is even more bewildered about her future. Finally, she summons the courage to take heed of Christa's message and pursue her love of poetry.
I love, love, love this book, for many reasons, small and large. Small reasons: being familiar with the area, I got a kick out of recognizing the little geographic details sprinkled throughout the story (Kemah Bridge, Seabrook, etc), especially when the group was driving along I-10 from Clear Lake to Florida (although I was a bit amazed at how quickly they reached the Louisiana swamps! But maybe I'm just a slower driver.).
Big reasons: Although the disaster is incredibly sad (I could actually feel my nerves on edge when I was reading the shuttle countdown), this is a positive and hopeful book. It is not a downer at all, which surprised me. There are also key facts about the Challenger that are incorporated into the story rather seamlessly. The frustration over the multiple delays and the all-too brief elation over the launch is palpable.
Moss knows her subject extremely well; she trained several Challenger crew members (not McAuliffe) for their mission. Her knowledge of the disaster and of space flight in general never overwhelms the story; it only enhances it and makes it richer.
Across Five Aprils
This was assigned reading in my elementary school, yet I know I missed much of the maturity and quality of this Newbery Medal winner. Over a period of five years, in which the United States is plunged into the Civil War, Jethro's family experiences the trauma and tragedies that befall many families on the homefront. This is a mature and thoughtful read; the writing is dense at times with historical facts. Across Five Aprils is unique in that it is set neither in the South or the North; it is set in Southern Illinois, which felt the pull of both the South and the North.
Up a Road Slowly
Confession: I enjoyed this book until the very end, which is unfortunate. The book becomes quite dated and obviously 1960s (when it was written as a contemporary novel). Yes, I know it's a Newbery Medal book.
Five Flavors of Dumb
This is a great read. Piper is the manager of local teen indie band Dumb, even though she is deaf. Piper fits in as normally as she can despite her deafness, although there are instances in which it does cause issues with friends and everyday life (not to mention the fact that although she prefers to communicate through sign language, her parents have never really bothered to learn to sign, which is not uncommon among deaf children of hearing parents). Her younger sister, Grace, has just been fitted with a cochlear implant, which also causes strain within the family.
Deaf issues do surround the story, but they never overwhelm the overall plot or become preachy. Those looking for an honest characterization of a deaf teen should definitely read this. Fans of the Seattle music scene, especially the 90s grunge era, will also enjoy this.
Sugar and Ice
Claire is offered the opportunity of a lifetime when she wins a scholarship to train with a prestigious Russian skating coach. Her training schedule puts strain on her closest friendship and denies her the opportunity to participate in other fun after school activities, but it's all worth it, right? Skating fans will love this; it's a fun tween read.
Milo: Sticky Notes and Brain Freeze
Milo is only twelve, yet he's had a lot to deal with recently, namely the death of his mother and moving into a new home and starting a new school. Milo deals with the everyday happenings of seventh grade life, including his first major crush, in a believable and endearing way. Milo's grief over his mother's death is rendered tenderly and truthfully; it's a sensitive portrayal, yet never maudlin. Interspersed throughout the narrative are funny and moving cartoons. A real winner.
I need to post about our new books soon! Look for it in a few days.
Shine, Coconut Moon
Sam doesn't have much connection with her Indian heritage. Her mother doesn't make a big deal out of it, and she doesn't even hang with the other Indians in her New Jersey high school. All that changes after 9/11, when her uncle reconnects with his sister and his niece. Sam's uncle wears a turban, which attracts stares and unwanted attention. Although resistant to learning more about her heritage, Sam is drawn to the idea of community and extended family, none of which she has experienced due to her mother's estrangement from her family. Called a "coconut" by another Indian student, Sam's confusion over how to unite her American and Indian heritages is heightened when her uncle is attacked and called "Osama."
Shine, Coconut Moon is an excellent coming of age novel set against the immense tensions and fears felt immediately after September 11, 2001. Sam is a realistic and empathetic character who can appeal to all readers, regardless of their background.
Taking Off
I impatiently waited for this book, and I'm so happy that it is as compelling and gripping as I had hoped it would be. Annie is a poet among a town full of astronauts; living in Clear Lake, TX means that you are surrounded by NASA families. Annie has no interest in the space program until she meets Christa McAuliffe, the energetic and friendly high school teacher selected to be the first "Teacher in Space." Although Annie is a high school senior, she is unsure of her future, whether it is to join her best friend at UT-Austin or to stay in Clear Lake with her boyfriend, where everything is familiar and comfortable. McAuliffe encourages her to follow her dreams; Annie is so inspired and taken with Christa that she begs her parents (who are divorced) to take her to see the Challenger liftoff.
Devastated by the Challenger disaster, Annie is even more bewildered about her future. Finally, she summons the courage to take heed of Christa's message and pursue her love of poetry.
I love, love, love this book, for many reasons, small and large. Small reasons: being familiar with the area, I got a kick out of recognizing the little geographic details sprinkled throughout the story (Kemah Bridge, Seabrook, etc), especially when the group was driving along I-10 from Clear Lake to Florida (although I was a bit amazed at how quickly they reached the Louisiana swamps! But maybe I'm just a slower driver.).
Big reasons: Although the disaster is incredibly sad (I could actually feel my nerves on edge when I was reading the shuttle countdown), this is a positive and hopeful book. It is not a downer at all, which surprised me. There are also key facts about the Challenger that are incorporated into the story rather seamlessly. The frustration over the multiple delays and the all-too brief elation over the launch is palpable.
Moss knows her subject extremely well; she trained several Challenger crew members (not McAuliffe) for their mission. Her knowledge of the disaster and of space flight in general never overwhelms the story; it only enhances it and makes it richer.
Across Five Aprils
This was assigned reading in my elementary school, yet I know I missed much of the maturity and quality of this Newbery Medal winner. Over a period of five years, in which the United States is plunged into the Civil War, Jethro's family experiences the trauma and tragedies that befall many families on the homefront. This is a mature and thoughtful read; the writing is dense at times with historical facts. Across Five Aprils is unique in that it is set neither in the South or the North; it is set in Southern Illinois, which felt the pull of both the South and the North.
Up a Road Slowly
Confession: I enjoyed this book until the very end, which is unfortunate. The book becomes quite dated and obviously 1960s (when it was written as a contemporary novel). Yes, I know it's a Newbery Medal book.
Five Flavors of Dumb
This is a great read. Piper is the manager of local teen indie band Dumb, even though she is deaf. Piper fits in as normally as she can despite her deafness, although there are instances in which it does cause issues with friends and everyday life (not to mention the fact that although she prefers to communicate through sign language, her parents have never really bothered to learn to sign, which is not uncommon among deaf children of hearing parents). Her younger sister, Grace, has just been fitted with a cochlear implant, which also causes strain within the family.
Deaf issues do surround the story, but they never overwhelm the overall plot or become preachy. Those looking for an honest characterization of a deaf teen should definitely read this. Fans of the Seattle music scene, especially the 90s grunge era, will also enjoy this.
Sugar and Ice
Claire is offered the opportunity of a lifetime when she wins a scholarship to train with a prestigious Russian skating coach. Her training schedule puts strain on her closest friendship and denies her the opportunity to participate in other fun after school activities, but it's all worth it, right? Skating fans will love this; it's a fun tween read.
Milo: Sticky Notes and Brain Freeze
Milo is only twelve, yet he's had a lot to deal with recently, namely the death of his mother and moving into a new home and starting a new school. Milo deals with the everyday happenings of seventh grade life, including his first major crush, in a believable and endearing way. Milo's grief over his mother's death is rendered tenderly and truthfully; it's a sensitive portrayal, yet never maudlin. Interspersed throughout the narrative are funny and moving cartoons. A real winner.
I need to post about our new books soon! Look for it in a few days.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Boarding School Book Bonanza
I never knew anyone who went to boarding school. Actually, I knew *of* people who went to boarding school. A few boys were sent (or so it was rumored) to a Catholic boys' boarding school in another state. And one girl went to a magnet students' boarding school when we were in high school, but that was about it. Boarding school was a mysterious thing that I usually only encountered in chapter books or in news items about the British royals. Reading The Reinvention of Moxie Roosevelt made me think of other children's books that take place at boarding school:
Madeline
First published in 1939, the Madeline stories continue to charm and delight young readers.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
I couldn't do a boarding school post without mentioning Hogwarts School for Wizards and Witches.
Bloomability
Sharon Creech's story of a troubled thirteen year old girl is a poignant friendship story set at an exclusive Swiss boarding school.
A Little Princess
Truth be told, I love A Little Princess more than The Secret Garden. The most recent film version is markedly different from the book; it's such a beautiful movie that I really don't mind.
The Reinvention of Moxie Roosevelt
Moxie decides to reinvent herself at her new boarding school, to disastrous effects. This is a funny and sweet story about being true to yourself (without being preachy).
The Secret Language
I loved this book when I was a child. Loved the idea of secret languages and impromptu midnight feasts. It's a shame that it's out of print.
The Mysterious Benedict Society
This series of books about students at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened is incredibly popular with our patrons. A very fun series!
We have some terrific books heading our way! I'll blog about upcoming books in an upcoming post.
Madeline
First published in 1939, the Madeline stories continue to charm and delight young readers.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
I couldn't do a boarding school post without mentioning Hogwarts School for Wizards and Witches.
Bloomability
Sharon Creech's story of a troubled thirteen year old girl is a poignant friendship story set at an exclusive Swiss boarding school.
A Little Princess
Truth be told, I love A Little Princess more than The Secret Garden. The most recent film version is markedly different from the book; it's such a beautiful movie that I really don't mind.
The Reinvention of Moxie Roosevelt
Moxie decides to reinvent herself at her new boarding school, to disastrous effects. This is a funny and sweet story about being true to yourself (without being preachy).
The Secret Language
I loved this book when I was a child. Loved the idea of secret languages and impromptu midnight feasts. It's a shame that it's out of print.
The Mysterious Benedict Society
This series of books about students at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened is incredibly popular with our patrons. A very fun series!
We have some terrific books heading our way! I'll blog about upcoming books in an upcoming post.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Audiobook of the Week: Millicent Min, Girl Genius
This week's Audiobook of the Week is Lisa Yee's Millicent Min, Girl Genius. Millicent is not your typical 11 year old. Most 11 year olds don't attend high school. She doesn't fit in with her fellow high school students, nor does she fit in with other 11 year olds. And if things aren't difficult enough, she's spending the summer tutoring a very ungrateful Stanford Wong. Things change when she meets Emily; Emily doesn't know that she's a child genius. Not wanting Emily to think she's weird, Millicent hides her achievements and her giftedness, until the inevitable discovery threatens to shatter their friendship.
The reader, Keiko Agena, is a perfect fit for the story. Her young-sounding voice brings Millicent's diary entries alive and makes them believable. Millicent is very socially immature, which can make her quite exasperating at times; Yee's masterful characterization and Agena's charmingly honest reading allow the reader to root for Millicent, even when she is being hopelessly clueless. An excellent recording!
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