GreatSchools Book Nook Experts recommend these great books for your
fourth-grader.
Crickwing by Janell Cannon (Voyager Books, 2005).
This is the story of an unfortunate cockroach named Crickwing, called
this because of a twisted wing earned when fleeing a predator. Crickwing
finds he has a talent for food presentation: He is a food sculptor! He
builds his creations out of roots, leaves and petals, and then eats
them...when he can. Crickwing is constantly thwarted by lizards, ocelots
and food-stealing monkeys. As he watches thousands of busy leaf-cutting
ants, he wonders, "Why isn't anyone bothering these little twerps?"
Thus, a bully is born. Crickwing harasses the ants until their Queen
orders him to be captured and offered as a sacrifice to the army ants.
Luckily, kind leaf-cutters set him free, and he redeems himself by using
his special talents to rid the leaf-cutters of the army ants once and
for all. Cannon's illustrations are lush and invigorating, guaranteed to
enrapture the most reluctant reader. 48 pages.
Pauline Harris
2030: A Day in the Life of Tomorrow's Kids by Amy Zuckerman
and Jim Daly, illustrated by John Manders (Dutton, 2009).
A talking dog, a housecleaning robot and a three-dimensional "data orb"
are among the many cool features that kids might enjoy in the future,
according to this lighthearted look at 2030. The breezy narrative
follows one boy through a typical day, highlighting many interesting
aspects of his world. Fanciful cartoon drawings show a lively and
appealing world full of new and intriguing activities that correspond
neatly to modern equivalents. Schools are now made from plasticized
blocks that snap together, for example, while recess features virtual
batting practice and a "smart trampoline."
Recreational activities include magnetized hovering skateboards and a virtual-reality
"Fanta-trek Center." Some social changes are briefly noted, such as new
career paths and the increase of marriages between different
ethnicities. Interaction with the natural world is not mentioned,
although many of the new technologies have eco-friendly components and
the food is all meatless and delicious. 32 pages.
Steven Engelfried, School Library Journal
Fiction
Adventure Stories
The Contest: Everest #1 by Gordon Korman (Scholastic,
2002).
In The Contest, the first installment of
Gordon Korman's Everest trilogy, 20 young
mountaineers vie for four spots on Summit Quest — the world's
youngest team to ascend Mt. Everest. As climbers are cut from the
team, tensions build, personalities clash and the remaining hopefuls
struggle to deal with their own fears and weaknesses. This gripping
story will have readers holding their breath — especially since we
know from the prologue that one of the climbers doesn't make it off
the mountain. 138 pages.
Click here to buy the book on Powells.com.
Sheila Ashdown and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden (Square Fish,
2008).
The Cricket in Times Square has been
initiating bookworms since 1960 and shows no sign of stopping. These
days, fantasy-series books rule the bookshelves, yet this quiet tale
of friendship endures. Chester Cricket, Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat
meet at a newsstand in a New York subway station when a lonely little
boy, Mario Bellini, finds the cricket in a pile of trash. He decides
to keep Chester as a pet, and a series of adventures follow. Perfect
for a quiet read on a long trip this summer. 144 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
The Misadventures of Maude March by Audrey Couloumbis
(Yearling, 2007).
The Misadventures of Maude March is a
Wild West story about two orphan girls who become outlaws. Set within
the historical context of prairie life, 11-year-old tomboy Sallie
March is a lover of dime-store novels. She and her sister become the
main characters of their own "real-life" story when they escape their
guardians and encounter rattlesnakes, cougars, an unsavory gang and a
blizzard. The pages practically turn themselves in this roller-coaster
ride of a book. 295 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Pirateology by Dugald A. Steer, illustrated by Anne Yvonne
Gilbert, Ian Andrew and Helen Ward (Candlewick Press, 2006). The
richly detailed Pirateology (the latest of the popular 'Ology books)
is a standout among pirate merchandise, and a treat for both children
and adults. This hefty volume centers on the search for treasure left
by the "notorious" (i.e., fictional) pirate Arabella Drummond and
comes with a host of pirate gear: a compass, maps and scraps of flags,
among others. Pirateology is loaded with envelopes to be opened,
journals and letters to pore over, and codes to be deciphered. Along
the way, children learn about navigation, history, zoology and more.
Real pirate lore is seamlessly blended with fictional narrative (even
the publishing credits are disguised so as not to break the mood), and
the old-fashioned illustrations are top notch. Another notable feature
is that the pirate pursued here is female, making this book appeal to
readers of both genders. ... 32 pages.
© Parents' Choice
The Quest Begins: Seekers #1 by Erin Hunter
(HarperCollins, 2008).
Erin Hunter, author of the popular Warriors
series, brings us a new series to love. The
Quest Begins follows three young bears — a polar bear named
Kallik, a black bear named Lusa and a grizzly named Toklo — whose
stories begin to connect when they're all separated from their
families. This first Seekers book is a
compelling read. Hunter has definitely started enough threads to
weave a richly detailed, adventurous series. 293 pages.
Click here to buy the book on Powells.com.
Sheila Ashdown and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Chronicles of Prydain #01: The Book of Three
by Lloyd Alexander (Henry Holt, 2006, originally published in 1964).
Ah, the fantasy series, how we love thee. For children today, there
is no higher praise than to compare a book to the
Harry Potter series. The
Book of Three is the first of the
fabulous Chronicles of Prydain series and
has Taran and his Psychic pig, Henwyn, taking on the evil Horned
King. This is a great "under the covers, past your bedtime,
flashlight" read. Most highly recommended. 224 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
The Great Brain by John D.
Fitzgerald, illustrated by Mercer Mayer (Puffin, 2004).
Set in the early 1900s, Tom Fitzgerald, aka "The Great Brain," is of
the "Tom Sawyer" ilk. He is a shrewd and wily kid with a keen
ability to earn a penny. Nevertheless, his intelligence ends up
saving the day when he and his younger brother get lost in Skeleton
Cave. I challenge you to try to pry this out of the hands of your
fourth-grade adventure lover. 175 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
James and the Giant Peach by Roald
Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake (Puffin, 2007).
James Henry Trotter leads a happy life until his parents are eaten
by an escaped rhinoceros and he is thrust into the world of his
nasty aunts, Sponge and Spiker. Then he becomes "the saddest and
loneliest boy you could find." When a little man in a dark green
suit gives James a bag of magic crystals, the story takes off. James
finds an "ancient peach tree that never gave any peaches," but with
the magic crystals, it suddenly does! A single peach grows and keeps
growing until James can climb inside and roll away from his horrible
aunts to a whole new life. James befriends overgrown garden
dwellers, Grasshopper, Earthworm, Miss Spider and Centipede. James
and the Giant Peach is considered by many to be one of the finest
children's books ever written. 126 pages.
Pauline Harris
Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
(Houghton Mifflin,1981).
Judy and Peter's parents go to the opera, leaving them with
instructions "to keep the house neat." The children soon find
themselves bored with their toys, after making a mess with them as
soon as Mom and Dad have walked out the door. They go to the park,
where they find a board game and bring it home only to discover that
it is not the usual run-of-the-mill game. With a roll of the dice, a
real lion may appear or an erupting volcano, and of course, let's
not forget the monkeys. Boredom is no longer an issue! Van
Allsburg's artistry is top notch as the children's predicament gets
more and more fantastic. The sculptured drawings and play between
shadow and light demonstrate how a regular house can transform into
a raging jungle. Jumanji was a New York Times Best Illustrated Book
and winner of the 1982 Caldecott Medal. 32 pages.
Pauline Harris
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
by Eleanor Coerr, illustrated by Ronald Himler (Putnam, 1999,
originally published in 1977).
This is a book to teach your child about the horrors of war and
illness, but most importantly about hope. Based on a true story set
in World War II Japan, Sadako attempts to carry out the legend that
the crafting of 1,000 paper cranes would heal her disease. Young
readers learn indelible lessons that will stay with them for life.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is a
stunning portrait of life, death and the power of courage. 80 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
(Simon and Schuster, 1991).
Nothing is simple in this taut, unforgettable drama. Kids love this
edge-of-the-seat story of a boy going up against a really scary mean
man to protect an abused dog. 144 pages. Newbery Medal Award.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 9+. Read Alone: Ages 9+.
Common Sense Media
The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico
(Knopf, 1941)
In Paul Gallico's classic tale, the appearance of an injured snow
goose fosters an unexpected friendship between a girl and her
neighbor — a hunchbacked artist who has retreated from society.
Their friendship develops over the years into love, but their
romance is cut short when he is killed during wartime. Though the
language and story are a bit dated (it was written in 1941),
The Snow Goose is a wonderful start for
the next generation's fans of classic, star-crossed romances.
Click here to buy the book on Powells.com.
Sheila Ashdown and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
The Boy Who Painted Dragons by
Demi (Simon & Schuster, 2007).
Author/artist Demi has created another stunningly illustrated
children's book, The Boy Who Painted
Dragons. It's the story of Ping, a talented young boy who
secretly fears the dragons whose images he paints. As he attempts
to hide his fear, he covers every possible surface with brilliant
golden dragons. When asked why he paints them, Ping lies and says,
"Because I love dragons! ... He is the spirit of life. He is the
secret force in nature." The book reads like an ancient folktale,
carrying timeless spiritual messages about inner strength and
facing one's fears. It also puts a literal spin on the expression
"pearls of wisdom" — the dragons live in heaven and collect pearls
carved with words such as "Seek your heart," or "Dare to be
great." Demi's gold-tinged illustrations are dramatically
beautiful, combining paint and ink with Chinese silk brocade. ...
52 pages. © Parents' Choice
The Dark Is Rising by Susan
Cooper (Simon and Schuster, 1973.
This is the second book in a five-book series and actually the
best one to start with. Cooper convincingly combines fantasy
elements with folklore and mythology. Events coincide with
significant dates, such as Will's birthday, which is close to
Christmas and Twelfth Night, and the use of circles to create a
link between the Six Signs and the power of the Light add to this
story's mystical aura. Will Stanton meets his destiny on his 11th
birthday. He is the Sign-Seeker, last of the immortal Old Ones,
who must find and guard the six great Signs of the Light that will
overcome the ancient evil that is overpowering the land. This
classic fantasy is a bit slow, but enthralling. 224 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 8-9. Read Alone: Ages 9-12.
Common Sense Media
The Gruesome Guide to World Monsters
by Judy Sierra, illustrated by Henrik Drescher (Candlewick Press,
2005).
How do you protect yourself from a sisiutl? Read this book to be
safe! Based on monster folklore around the world, it shares a
gruesomeness rating, description and survival tip for encounters
with 63 monsters. Short passages will hook readers. 64 pages.
Children's Choices
Magyk: Septimus Heap Book One by
Angie Sage (HarperCollins, 2005).
This story of babies switched at birth is complete with midwives,
wizards, witches, spells and mischief. It is a fun read full of
imagination and intrigue. Students will enjoy getting to know
Sage's characters. 576 pages.
Children's Choices
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline (Candlewick
Press, 2006).
Parents need to know that this is a melancholy little story, in
which there is cruelty and misery, including a little girl who
dies of consumption. Most readers, child and adult, will cry while
reading it, but some very sensitive kids might find it disturbing.
Families who read this book could discuss the path of growth and
understanding that Edward follows. What does he learn about love?
Why does he try, for awhile, to avoid it? Why is it so important?
198 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 7-10. Read Alone: 8.
Common Sense Media
The Mistmantle Chronicles Book One: Urchin
of the Riding Stars by M.I. McAllister, illustrated by
Omar Ryann (Miramax Books, an imprint of Hyperion Books for
Children, 2005).
Urchin, a foundling, was found on the shore of Mistmantle Island.
Leaving the peaceful life of his adopted parents, Urchin is caught
in the intrigue of the court when the king's son is murdered. 282
pages. Children's Choices
The Trouble With Wishes by Diane
Stanley (HarperCollins, 2007).
Noted writer Diane Stanley's newest picture book is a humorous
take on both the Greek myth "Pygmalion," and the old adage "Be
careful what you wish for." Set in ancient Greece, the story
follows a young sculptor named Pyg and his quest to win the heart
of a stone goddess. Observing the action is a real flesh-and-blood
girl named Jane, whose own desire (to become a renowned sculptor)
is far more attainable than Pyg's. The stone goddess comes to life
thanks to Pyg's artistic talents, but his ideas of perfect beauty
are severely challenged as he learns the woman is as cold and
disdainful as she is lovely. Stanley's colorful illustrations
depict ancient Greece with a folk-art flair and a great eye for
detail. This story teaches valuable lessons about appearances and
relationships in a non-preachy manner, and even young readers can
identify with Jane, recognizing before Pyg does that true beauty
comes from the inside. 32 pages.©
Parents' Choice
Walter the Giant Storyteller's Giant Book
of Giant Stories by Walter M. Mayes, illustrated by
Kevin O'Malley. (Walker Books for Young Readers, 2005).
Using both tall-tale and fairy-tale giants, this book tells short
stories from each giant's point of view. The author provides
personality and humor for each of the characters as they plead
their case to the readers. 48 pages.
Children's Choices
Walter, the Story of a Rat by
Barbara Wersba, illustrated by Donna Diamond (Front Street Books,
2005).
Walter is a lonely but literate rat. He lives in the home of Miss
Pomeroy, an elderly, reclusive children's book author. A quiet
friendship develops between the writer and this furry reader as
they pen notes back and forth. 64 pages.
Children's Choices
Porch Lies: Tales of Slicksters,
Tricksters, and Other Wily Characters by Patricia C.
McKissack, illustrated by Andre Carrilho (Random House, 2006).
Pour the lemonade, climb aboard the porch swing and prepare to
pass the time listening to these nine original stories hung on the
bones of the "slicksters, tricksters and other wily characters"
the author came to know and love as a child growing up in the
rural south. The storytelling cadence is just right; the
characters are a colorful mix of guile and gumption; and the
lessons vary from laugh-out-loud funny to touching. ... A
thoroughly engaging collection handsomely presented: what more can
you ask? 160 pages. ©
Parents' Choice
Math Curse by Jon Scieszka,
illustrated by Lane Smith (Viking, 1995).
Jon Scieszka, a former teacher and a popular author for boys,
presents a hilarious read for anyone who suffers from a math
phobia. Imagine how you would feel if your math teacher told you,
"You can think of everything as a math problem." Would your head
immediately start hurting? Would your heart start to race? Spend
the day with a girl who wakes up one morning to find that every
event in her life has been reduced to some sort of math problem.
Have fun solving the problems she encounters, and see if you agree
that she has been cursed! 32 pages.
Jennifer Thompson
The Earth Dragon Awakes by
Laurence Yep (HarperCollins Publishers, 2006).
This story is a short, powerful example of historical fiction.
Readers see the experiences of a wealthy white family and an
immigrant Chinese family at the time of the 1906 San Francisco
earthquake. A subplot describes discrimination that is experienced
and overcome. 128 pages.
Children's Choices
Homesick by Jean Fritz (Puffin,
reissue edition, 2007).
Celebrated children's author Jean Fritz turns her eye on her own
childhood. Born in China of American parents, young Jean feels
torn between her homesickness for the America of her grandmother's
letters and the devout love she feels for the Chinese people and
their culture. 176 pages.
Krisha Roach
Journey to Jo'burg: A South African Story
by Beverly Naidoo, illustrated by Eric Velasquez (Harper Trophy,
1988).
During the time of apartheid in South Africa, a brother and
sister, Naledi and Tiro, travel from their small village to bring
back their "Mma" from her job in the city because their baby
sister is very ill. 96 pages.
Krisha Roach
Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park
(Clarion Books, 2008).
Linda Sue Park is familiar to readers as the winner of the 2002
Newbery Medal for her book, A Single Shard.
A daughter of Korean immigrants, Linda grew up outside of Chicago
as an avid baseball fan. She wrote Keeping
Score, about a girl living in Brooklyn during the Korean War,
combining her passion for baseball with her own family's past.
Being a Brooklyn Dodgers fan in the early 1950s meant season after
season of dashed hopes, but main character Maggie goes on rooting
for the Dodgers. Against a background of major league baseball and
the Korean War on the home front, Maggie looks for, and finds, a
way to make a difference. A wonderful, heartwarming story that
harkens back to the greatest children's literature. 208 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary
Blackwood (Dutton Children's Books, 1998).
This book has found a ready audience among the upper-elementary
and middle-school set. With a little luck, children may want to
know more about the Shakespearean plays mentioned here, as well as
the period. Also worth discussing is the ethical dilemma Widge is
in: to risk his life or betray his new friends. 216 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 9+. Read Alone: Ages 10+.
Common Sense Media
Circle of Doom by Tim Kennemore
(Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2006).
The Sharp children live in Cleve Cottage at the end of Cleve Road.
Lizzie, the eldest, is 13, Dan is 10, and Max is 7. When their
only neighbors, the ancient Potwards, complain and ruin her
birthday party, Lizzie decides to become a witch and cast a spell
on them. When Lizzie agrees to let younger brother Max be the
"witch's assistant," he is ecstatic to be playing with his sister
instead of his imaginary friends. With coincidences piling up on
top of spells, Lizzie begins to believe in her own power, Dan
becomes uneasy and Max is absolutely positive that Lizzie can work
magic and that magic runs in the family. This book is a wonderful
combination - ludicrously funny and touching. 208 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff
Kinney (Abrams Books, 2007).
The main character Greg is a kid who usually doesn't do the right
thing the first time around. His cluelessness about what would
keep him out of trouble and why parents, teachers and friends are
upset with him is part of the book's humor, which leads the reader
to any lesson Greg should be learning. Parents will appreciate
that his friend's dad looks up video games on a parent Web site to
see if they have too much violence. Also, you can tell that Greg's
mom is working hard to raise respectful sons. When a bikini
picture from her oldest son Rodrick's heavy metal magazine ends up
in her youngest son's hands for show-and-tell, she makes Rodrick
apologize to all women on paper. Parents will also be thrilled to
know that despite the fact that the book is written in less-formal
journal style with fun cartoons, everything is spelled correctly
(i.e., no texting slang in sight!). 244 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 9+. Read Alone: Ages 9+.
Common Sense Media
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
by Jeff Kinney (Amulet Books, 2008).
This book has sibling rivalry, one wild party and some scheming to
cheat on tests and get out of chores. The great thing is, like
most middle school kids, the characters get caught and are
punished. Families can talk about lying and friendship. Why was
Greg's mother more upset when she found out he lied? How would you
feel if your friends treated you like Greg did Chirag? Have you
ever done something in school that made other people feel bad, but
made you feel cool and popular? 224 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 8+. Read Alone: 8+.
Common Sense Media
The Not-Just-Anybody Family by
Betsy Byars (Yearling, 1987).
The Blossoms are not an ordinary family. With a mother who is a
rodeo trick rider, a grandfather who innocently manages to scare
the local citizenry and get himself arrested, and a dog who wears
a red bandana - not to mention a boy who thinks he can fly - it is
not surprising that the Blossoms attract misadventures. 160 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Sideways Stories from Wayside School
by Louis Sachar, illustrated by Julie Brinckloe (HarperTrophy,
2004).
On the 30th floor of the wacky Wayside School is Mrs. Jewl's
class. Sharie falls asleep and rolls out the window. Joe counts
all wrong and gets the right answer. Calvin is sent to the 19th
floor to deliver a note, but there is no 19th floor - the builder
forgot it. This nutty world is built on the sort of playful twists
of logic that kids love. 128 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Edgar & Ellen Under Town by
Charles Ogden, illustrated by Rick Carton (Tricycle Press/Star
Farm Productions, 2004).
The cover art on this book immediately draws children's attention.
The concept of twins and the mystery of a prankster draw students
into the story plot. 140 pages.
Children's Choices
Framed by Frank Boyce
(HarperCollins Children's Books, 2006).
The story is told by a young boy who is endearingly naive and who
understands less than the reader about what is really going on. He
is missing a parent and doing the best he can with his limited
understanding to make things better for everyone. And his
well-meaning but clueless actions change not only his family, but
his town. Dylan lives with his sisters and parents, and is the
only boy in a small, rainy town in Wales. They run a small garage,
the Snowdonia Oasis Auto Marvel, on the brink of insolvency. Dylan
is obsessed with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as is Tom, the
man who tried to rob them and whom they hire instead. Then a
series of seemingly unrelated events starts to change things in
their lives and community. 306 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Age 9. Read Alone: Age 10.
Common Sense Media
Jim Ugly by Sid Fleischman
(Harper, 1992).
The year is 1894. Jake Bannock and his father Sam are on the run
and hiding out in Blowfly, Nevada. When Sam unexpectedly
disappears and is presumed dead, it's up to Jake and Sam's dog,
Jim Ugly, (who is part wolf and part dog) to get to the bottom of
the mystery. 131 pages.
Krisha Roach
The Missing 'Gator of Gumbo Limbo: An Eco
Mystery by Jean Craighead George (Harper, 1992).
Liza and her mother are seeking refuge in Gumbo Limbo, a lush
hammock of trees in the Florida Everglades. Also in residence is
Dajun the alligator, caretaker of this precious ecosystem. When
Dajun is seen as a threat to the nearby condos in development, he
is ordered killed and Liza becomes determined to keep him safe at
any cost. 144 pages. Krisha
Roach
Murder, My Tweet: A Chet Gecko Mystery by Bruce Hale, illustrated by the author and Brad Weinman
(Harcourt Children's Books, 2004).
Chet Gecko plunges into another troublesome case when his
mockingbird sidekick, Natalie, is suspended for a crime she didn't
commit. Bullying, blackmail, and tongue-in-cheek humor run rampant
at Emerson Hickey Elementary in this 10th installment of these
private-eye mysteries. 136 pages.
Children's Choices
Do the Funky Pickle
by Jerry Spinelli (Scholastic, 1992).
Eddie Mott has been in love with his friend Sunny from the first
time he met her. The school dance is coming up and he has asked
his friends Pickles and Salem for help. This hilarious story
describes Eddie's varied and unsuccessful attempts to get Sunny to
notice him, while avoiding Angelpuss and her boyfriend Weasel, a
tough and nasty eighth-grader, whose attention Eddie's antics has
attracted. 133 pages. Mindy
Thuna
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
(HarperCollins Children's Books, 2003).
A terrific book for reluctant readers and discussion groups, it
packs a load of emotional and intellectual depth into a very
accessible package. 95 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 8+. Read Alone: Ages 8+.
Common Sense Media
Lunch Money by Andrew Clements,
illustrated by Brian Selznick (Simon and Schuster, 2005).
Parents should know that this is exactly the kind of book you hope
your kids will find and love — showing the best examples of kids
and adults behaving in caring, intelligent and positive ways. 222
pages.
To read the complete Common Sense Media review
click here.
Read Aloud: Ages 8+. Read Alone: Ages 9+.
Common Sense Media
No Talking by Andrew Clements,
illustrated by Mark Elliott (Simon and Schuster, 2007).
While studying about India, fifth-grader Dave Packer discovers
that Gandhi did not speak for one day every week to bring order to
his mind. This amazes Dave, as he and his friends are all so vocal
they are called the Unshushables. Dave tries to stay quiet for a
whole day. But when a girl at the table next to him just won't
keep quiet, he can't resist and breaks his silence with an insult.
This leads to a challenge: Which group, the boys or the girls, can
be quieter for two days? How does this contest affect the
fifth-graders, their teachers and their principal? What do they
learn about language and the power of words? This is a very funny
book that will make everyone think about how much we talk and all
those wasted words. It is also the perfect choice for a book group
or for a literature circle. 146 pages.
Kepler's Books
Picklemania by Jerry Spinelli
(Scholastic, 1993).
Eddie, Sunny, Salem and Pickles are now in the sixth grade and
their adventures are still going strong. Eddie wants to bulk up,
Sunny desperately wants to take karate and Salem is trying to
figure out who sent her a mysterious Valentine's Day message in
the school newspaper. And Pickles? Well, he just finished building
a new invention, but he won't unveil it until it starts snowing.
132 pages. Mindy Thuna
Prizefighter en mi Casa by e. E.
Charlton-Trujillo (Random House, 2006).
Chula Sanchez wished her parents hadn't decided against naming her
Esperanza. "Cause Chula means pretty and there ain't nothing
pretty 'bout me now." Pape was driving drunk when he and Chula
crashed. With the head of the household now paralyzed and unable
to work, and Chula scarred with a disfigured face and the onset of
epilepsy, the Sanchez family is struggling to make ends meet.
Humiliated but still determined, Pape is convinced that El Jefe,
the most revered prizefighter in Mexico, is their ticket to
financial salvation. ... As readers will learn, neither El Jefe,
nor Chula are who or what they appear to be. 224 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Sahara Special by Esme Codell
(Hyperion Books for Children, 2003).
Esme 'aji Codell's first novel for children is not a new story:
Unconventional Teacher Bucks Authority, Changes Student Lives. It
has a noble pedigree, from Goodbye, Mr.
Chips to Conrack to
Miss Nelson is Missing. But Codell's
lyrical take on it is sharply observed and poignantly funny. This
is a lovely, moving book. 175 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 9+. Read Alone: Ages 9+.
Common Sense Media
The School Story by Andrew
Clements (Simon & Schuster, 2001).
Readers will grin from beginning to end of this enchanting story.
A kid getting a novel published — too ridiculous to be believable,
right? Just ask Gordon Korman, whose first novel, which he wrote
as a seventh-grade English project, was published when he was 12.
It sold very well, and he had five more published before he
graduated from high school. Publishers are looking for good school
stories — who better to write one than a kid? This book should
prompt many fruitful family discussions, and inspire young authors
to reach for their dreams. 196 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 9+. Read Alone: Ages 9+.
Common Sense Media
There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom
by Louis Sachar (Scholastic, 1987).
This book tells the story of Bradley Chalkers, a boy who tells
enormous lies, picks fights with girls, spits on people and is
considered by his teachers to have behavioral issues. Bradley has
no friends, is disliked by all the students and teachers in the
school and, always sits by himself in the last seat, last row.
Things start to change when Jeff Fishkin, a new student, arrives
and is placed in the only empty seat left in the room, right next
to Bradley. The school hires a new counselor, Carla, who sees
potential in Bradley and works with him to make him see the
potential in himself, a difficult task for a boy who sees himself
as a monster. 195 pages.
Mindy Thuna
Waiting for Normal by Leslie
Connor (Katherine Tegen Books, 2008).
Sixth-grader Addie's life is complicated. Her "Mommers" is given
to long absences and immature outbursts. Addie has dyslexia, so
learning is an act of will and persistence. Her father died when
she was small, but her stepfather, Dwight, now divorced from her
mom, cares deeply for her and the couple's other two natural
children. The court awards him custody of the younger girls, but
not of Addie, because he is not her "real" dad. As Mommers
falters, he continues to support them, but the only home he can
purchase for them is a small trailer parked across from a
mini-mart. Addie attempts to "normalize" her life around meals,
learning pieces on her flute and visiting her beloved "neighbors"
at the convenience store. I found it impossible to leave Addie
until I had finished. This book will force you to think about
"normal" - about what you, and all of us, really desire and where
to find joy. 290 pages.
Kepler's Books
Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan
(Puffin, 2006).
Ever dream of saving the world by sled? During World War II and
the German occupation of Norway, children in a small Norwegian
town prevented $9 million worth of gold from reaching their
captors by smuggling it on their sleds in the form of bricks. This
suspenseful tale is based on a true story and makes for an amazing
read. 208 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
William Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale
by Bruce Coville, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Dial, 2007).
Shakespeare's classic play is masterfully retold in narrative
form. Full of romance, redemption and the strength of friendship
and true love, Shakespeare's work is born again for a new
audience. This is a brilliant introduction to the Bard, with
beautiful watercolor illustrations that capture the cold nature of
the setting. 40 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Extreme Animals: The Toughest Creatures on
Earth by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Neal Layton
(Candlewick Press, 2006).
A book to engender a lot of "Did you know...?" conversations,
Extreme Animals will amaze readers with facts about animals that
withstand earth's extreme conditions. The most amazing animal of
all can live through all of the extremes scientists can produce.
64 pages. Children's
Choices
Oh, Rats! The Story of Rats and People
by Albert Marrin (Dutton, 2006).
The life-like picture of a rat on the cover of this book will be
enough to pique the interest of many kids. "Revolting, revealing,
and riveting," says the book's back cover, and it's an apt
description of the nine fact-filled chapters about these
"champions of survival." The author provides information about
rats' habits and intelligence, as well as their role as disease
carriers, lab animals, predators, pests, pets and even as food.
The gross-out factor alone will make this a must-read for many
kids. 48 pages.
Reading grade level: 5, Interest grade level: 5-8.
Ellen Phillips
Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship
by Isabella and Craig Hatkoff and Paula Kuhumbu, illustrated by
Peter Greste (Scholastic Press, 2007).
This book tells the true story of the friendship that developed at
a Kenyan wildlife sanctuary between Owen, a baby hippopotamus
orphaned by the 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami, and Mzee, a
130-year-old giant Aldabra tortoise. The authors detail the
animals' system of communication (nudges, nips and a special
call), how they play together and how Owen acts more like a
tortoise than a hippo. The text is clearly written and accompanied
by full-color photos of this unique pair. 40 pages.
Reading grade level: 6, Interest grade level: 3-6.
Ellen Phillips
Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition
to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea by Sy Montgomery,
photographs by Nic Bishop (Houghton Mifflin, 2006).
The author and photographer accompanied scientist Lisa Dabek and
her team on a trek through the remote forests of Papua New Guinea
in search of the elusive Matschie's tree kangaroo. Little is known
about this rare animal that looks like a bear, has a pocket like a
kangaroo and lives in trees. The book is filled with wonderful
photographs of the tree kangaroos, their lush forest habitat, and
other exotic plants and animals. Information included about
Dabek's background may be of special interest to aspiring young
naturalists and biologists. None of her friends, family or
teachers encouraged her in her passionate interest in animals when
she was growing up, thinking it was strange, and she struggled
with the challenge of asthma. This book provides fascinating
information about a little-known place on Earth, a newly
discovered species and how one woman overcame the odds to follow
her dreams. 79 pages.
Interest grade level: 4-6.
Ellen Phillips
The World Record Paper Airplane Book
by Ken Blackburn and Jeff Lammers (Workman Publishing, 2006).
This revised new edition of the popular paper-airplane book soars
with 112 ready—to—crease airplanes based on 20 very cool and
colorful designs — all of them easy enough for young paper—plane
pilots to cut out of the book, fold according to directions and
toss into the air. The co-authors are gurus in the world of
amateur aerodynamics. Aerospace engineer Blackburn holds the
Guinness World Record for paper airplane tossing "time aloft," and
Lammers is an engineer and part-time pilot. Together they share
folding and tossing secrets that will make anyone into a
paper—airplane connoisseur. ... But this book isn't about
educational text; it's about educational experience and the thrill
of flight. The real stars here are the paper airplanes themselves.
From the Stunt plane to the Eagle, and the Space Shuttle replica
to a Hammerhead, this book is fueled by science and fun. ... 256
pages. © Parents' Choice
Fooled You! Fakes and Hoaxes Through the
Years by Elaine Pascoe (Henry Holt and Co., 2005).
This book outlines over a dozen famous frauds from the 1800s to
the present, including P.T. Barnum's bogus Fejee mermaid, the
Piltdown Man fossil fraud, Bigfoot film footage and the discovery
of "mysterious" crop circles in England. The author begins and
ends the book with familiar examples of present-day Internet
hoaxes and encourages healthy skepticism by urging readers to ask
themselves, "Would I have been fooled?" Kids will enjoy reading
about how people were so easily fooled, and the resource list at
the back of the book will encourage further research. 87 pages.
Interest grade level: 4-6.
Ellen Phillips
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a
Medieval Village by Laura Schlitz, illustrated by
Robert Byrd (Candlewick Press, 2007).
The book will appeal to many kids, including those who don't
usually choose nonfiction, and will be useful for history classes
and drama productions and workshops. Even reluctant readers will
enjoy the clear, direct text, short length, and dramatic content.
We can even hope that this brilliant book, with its awards and
attendant success, may lead to a renaissance of books for kids
that make history come alive. In 19 monologues and two dialogs in
verse and prose, the lives of a cast of characters from a medieval
village — nobles and peasants, but all children — are illuminated.
Through them, along with margin notes and periodic background
sections, a portrait of life in the Middle Ages is created. 85
pages. Newbery Award winner.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Age 9. Read Alone: Age 10.
Common Sense Media
On Board the Titanic: What It Was Like When
the Great Liner Sank by Shelley Tanaka, illustrated by
Ken Marschall (Disney Publishing, 1996).
One of the book's diagrams depicts the number of survivors
according to their station on the boat. It's tragic - although no
shock - that the higher one's class, the higher one's chance of
survival. You may want to discuss the concept of class differences
with your kids. 48 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 9-12, Read Aloud: 9+, Read
Alone: 9+. Common Sense Media
The Contest: Everest #1 by Gordon Korman (Scholastic,
2002).
In The Contest, the first installment of
Gordon Korman's Everest trilogy, 20 young
mountaineers vie for four spots on Summit Quest — the world's
youngest team to ascend Mt. Everest. As climbers are cut from the
team, tensions build, personalities clash and the remaining hopefuls
struggle to deal with their own fears and weaknesses. This gripping
story will have readers holding their breath — especially since we
know from the prologue that one of the climbers doesn't make it off
the mountain. 138 pages.
Click here to buy the book on Powells.com.
Sheila Ashdown and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden (Square Fish,
2008).
The Cricket in Times Square has been
initiating bookworms since 1960 and shows no sign of stopping. These
days, fantasy-series books rule the bookshelves, yet this quiet tale
of friendship endures. Chester Cricket, Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat
meet at a newsstand in a New York subway station when a lonely little
boy, Mario Bellini, finds the cricket in a pile of trash. He decides
to keep Chester as a pet, and a series of adventures follow. Perfect
for a quiet read on a long trip this summer. 144 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
The Misadventures of Maude March by Audrey Couloumbis
(Yearling, 2007).
The Misadventures of Maude March is a
Wild West story about two orphan girls who become outlaws. Set within
the historical context of prairie life, 11-year-old tomboy Sallie
March is a lover of dime-store novels. She and her sister become the
main characters of their own "real-life" story when they escape their
guardians and encounter rattlesnakes, cougars, an unsavory gang and a
blizzard. The pages practically turn themselves in this roller-coaster
ride of a book. 295 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Pirateology by Dugald A. Steer, illustrated by Anne Yvonne
Gilbert, Ian Andrew and Helen Ward (Candlewick Press, 2006). The
richly detailed Pirateology (the latest of the popular 'Ology books)
is a standout among pirate merchandise, and a treat for both children
and adults. This hefty volume centers on the search for treasure left
by the "notorious" (i.e., fictional) pirate Arabella Drummond and
comes with a host of pirate gear: a compass, maps and scraps of flags,
among others. Pirateology is loaded with envelopes to be opened,
journals and letters to pore over, and codes to be deciphered. Along
the way, children learn about navigation, history, zoology and more.
Real pirate lore is seamlessly blended with fictional narrative (even
the publishing credits are disguised so as not to break the mood), and
the old-fashioned illustrations are top notch. Another notable feature
is that the pirate pursued here is female, making this book appeal to
readers of both genders. ... 32 pages.
© Parents' Choice
The Quest Begins: Seekers #1 by Erin Hunter
(HarperCollins, 2008).
Erin Hunter, author of the popular Warriors
series, brings us a new series to love. The
Quest Begins follows three young bears — a polar bear named
Kallik, a black bear named Lusa and a grizzly named Toklo — whose
stories begin to connect when they're all separated from their
families. This first Seekers book is a
compelling read. Hunter has definitely started enough threads to
weave a richly detailed, adventurous series. 293 pages.
Click here to buy the book on Powells.com.
Sheila Ashdown and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Classic Childhood Favorites
Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by
Arthur Dorros, Tracy Dockray (HarperCollins Children's Books, 2006).
The first Ramona book is a treat for all ages. Despite being more
than 50 years old, Beezus and Ramona has lost none of its charm for
this generation of young readers. While there is no Internet,
PlayStation or cable television in the Quimby world, the
frustrations of being an older sibling to a rambunctious preschooler
are the same no matter what the era. Kids will still sympathize with
gentle Beezus as she struggles with little sister Ramona. 176 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 9-12, Read Aloud: 9+, Read
Alone: 12+. Common Sense Media
Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by
Arthur Dorros, Tracy Dockray (HarperCollins Children's Books, 2006).
The first Ramona book is a treat for all ages. Despite being more
than 50 years old, Beezus and Ramona has lost none of its charm for
this generation of young readers. While there is no Internet,
PlayStation or cable television in the Quimby world, the
frustrations of being an older sibling to a rambunctious preschooler
are the same no matter what the era. Kids will still sympathize with
gentle Beezus as she struggles with little sister Ramona. 176 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 9-12, Read Aloud: 9+, Read
Alone: 12+. Common Sense Media
Chronicles of Prydain #01: The Book of Three
by Lloyd Alexander (Henry Holt, 2006, originally published in 1964).
Ah, the fantasy series, how we love thee. For children today, there
is no higher praise than to compare a book to the
Harry Potter series. The
Book of Three is the first of the
fabulous Chronicles of Prydain series and
has Taran and his Psychic pig, Henwyn, taking on the evil Horned
King. This is a great "under the covers, past your bedtime,
flashlight" read. Most highly recommended. 224 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
The Great Brain by John D.
Fitzgerald, illustrated by Mercer Mayer (Puffin, 2004).
Set in the early 1900s, Tom Fitzgerald, aka "The Great Brain," is of
the "Tom Sawyer" ilk. He is a shrewd and wily kid with a keen
ability to earn a penny. Nevertheless, his intelligence ends up
saving the day when he and his younger brother get lost in Skeleton
Cave. I challenge you to try to pry this out of the hands of your
fourth-grade adventure lover. 175 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
James and the Giant Peach by Roald
Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake (Puffin, 2007).
James Henry Trotter leads a happy life until his parents are eaten
by an escaped rhinoceros and he is thrust into the world of his
nasty aunts, Sponge and Spiker. Then he becomes "the saddest and
loneliest boy you could find." When a little man in a dark green
suit gives James a bag of magic crystals, the story takes off. James
finds an "ancient peach tree that never gave any peaches," but with
the magic crystals, it suddenly does! A single peach grows and keeps
growing until James can climb inside and roll away from his horrible
aunts to a whole new life. James befriends overgrown garden
dwellers, Grasshopper, Earthworm, Miss Spider and Centipede. James
and the Giant Peach is considered by many to be one of the finest
children's books ever written. 126 pages.
Pauline Harris
Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
(Houghton Mifflin,1981).
Judy and Peter's parents go to the opera, leaving them with
instructions "to keep the house neat." The children soon find
themselves bored with their toys, after making a mess with them as
soon as Mom and Dad have walked out the door. They go to the park,
where they find a board game and bring it home only to discover that
it is not the usual run-of-the-mill game. With a roll of the dice, a
real lion may appear or an erupting volcano, and of course, let's
not forget the monkeys. Boredom is no longer an issue! Van
Allsburg's artistry is top notch as the children's predicament gets
more and more fantastic. The sculptured drawings and play between
shadow and light demonstrate how a regular house can transform into
a raging jungle. Jumanji was a New York Times Best Illustrated Book
and winner of the 1982 Caldecott Medal. 32 pages.
Pauline Harris
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
by Eleanor Coerr, illustrated by Ronald Himler (Putnam, 1999,
originally published in 1977).
This is a book to teach your child about the horrors of war and
illness, but most importantly about hope. Based on a true story set
in World War II Japan, Sadako attempts to carry out the legend that
the crafting of 1,000 paper cranes would heal her disease. Young
readers learn indelible lessons that will stay with them for life.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is a
stunning portrait of life, death and the power of courage. 80 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
(Simon and Schuster, 1991).
Nothing is simple in this taut, unforgettable drama. Kids love this
edge-of-the-seat story of a boy going up against a really scary mean
man to protect an abused dog. 144 pages. Newbery Medal Award.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 9+. Read Alone: Ages 9+.
Common Sense Media
The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico
(Knopf, 1941)
In Paul Gallico's classic tale, the appearance of an injured snow
goose fosters an unexpected friendship between a girl and her
neighbor — a hunchbacked artist who has retreated from society.
Their friendship develops over the years into love, but their
romance is cut short when he is killed during wartime. Though the
language and story are a bit dated (it was written in 1941),
The Snow Goose is a wonderful start for
the next generation's fans of classic, star-crossed romances.
Click here to buy the book on Powells.com.
Sheila Ashdown and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Fantasy
Bone #1: Out From Boneville by
Jeff Smith (Scholastic, 2005).
The first book of this humorous full-color graphic novel series
describes the misadventures of the three Bone cousins as they
explore a forested valley populated with frightening creatures. As
the plot unfolds, the Bones meet strange characters and forces of
evil. 138 pages.
Children's Choices
Bone #1: Out From Boneville by
Jeff Smith (Scholastic, 2005).
The first book of this humorous full-color graphic novel series
describes the misadventures of the three Bone cousins as they
explore a forested valley populated with frightening creatures. As
the plot unfolds, the Bones meet strange characters and forces of
evil. 138 pages.
Children's Choices
The Boy Who Painted Dragons by
Demi (Simon & Schuster, 2007).
Author/artist Demi has created another stunningly illustrated
children's book, The Boy Who Painted
Dragons. It's the story of Ping, a talented young boy who
secretly fears the dragons whose images he paints. As he attempts
to hide his fear, he covers every possible surface with brilliant
golden dragons. When asked why he paints them, Ping lies and says,
"Because I love dragons! ... He is the spirit of life. He is the
secret force in nature." The book reads like an ancient folktale,
carrying timeless spiritual messages about inner strength and
facing one's fears. It also puts a literal spin on the expression
"pearls of wisdom" — the dragons live in heaven and collect pearls
carved with words such as "Seek your heart," or "Dare to be
great." Demi's gold-tinged illustrations are dramatically
beautiful, combining paint and ink with Chinese silk brocade. ...
52 pages. © Parents' Choice
The Dark Is Rising by Susan
Cooper (Simon and Schuster, 1973.
This is the second book in a five-book series and actually the
best one to start with. Cooper convincingly combines fantasy
elements with folklore and mythology. Events coincide with
significant dates, such as Will's birthday, which is close to
Christmas and Twelfth Night, and the use of circles to create a
link between the Six Signs and the power of the Light add to this
story's mystical aura. Will Stanton meets his destiny on his 11th
birthday. He is the Sign-Seeker, last of the immortal Old Ones,
who must find and guard the six great Signs of the Light that will
overcome the ancient evil that is overpowering the land. This
classic fantasy is a bit slow, but enthralling. 224 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 8-9. Read Alone: Ages 9-12.
Common Sense Media
The Gruesome Guide to World Monsters
by Judy Sierra, illustrated by Henrik Drescher (Candlewick Press,
2005).
How do you protect yourself from a sisiutl? Read this book to be
safe! Based on monster folklore around the world, it shares a
gruesomeness rating, description and survival tip for encounters
with 63 monsters. Short passages will hook readers. 64 pages.
Children's Choices
Magyk: Septimus Heap Book One by
Angie Sage (HarperCollins, 2005).
This story of babies switched at birth is complete with midwives,
wizards, witches, spells and mischief. It is a fun read full of
imagination and intrigue. Students will enjoy getting to know
Sage's characters. 576 pages.
Children's Choices
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline (Candlewick
Press, 2006).
Parents need to know that this is a melancholy little story, in
which there is cruelty and misery, including a little girl who
dies of consumption. Most readers, child and adult, will cry while
reading it, but some very sensitive kids might find it disturbing.
Families who read this book could discuss the path of growth and
understanding that Edward follows. What does he learn about love?
Why does he try, for awhile, to avoid it? Why is it so important?
198 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 7-10. Read Alone: 8.
Common Sense Media
The Mistmantle Chronicles Book One: Urchin
of the Riding Stars by M.I. McAllister, illustrated by
Omar Ryann (Miramax Books, an imprint of Hyperion Books for
Children, 2005).
Urchin, a foundling, was found on the shore of Mistmantle Island.
Leaving the peaceful life of his adopted parents, Urchin is caught
in the intrigue of the court when the king's son is murdered. 282
pages. Children's Choices
The Trouble With Wishes by Diane
Stanley (HarperCollins, 2007).
Noted writer Diane Stanley's newest picture book is a humorous
take on both the Greek myth "Pygmalion," and the old adage "Be
careful what you wish for." Set in ancient Greece, the story
follows a young sculptor named Pyg and his quest to win the heart
of a stone goddess. Observing the action is a real flesh-and-blood
girl named Jane, whose own desire (to become a renowned sculptor)
is far more attainable than Pyg's. The stone goddess comes to life
thanks to Pyg's artistic talents, but his ideas of perfect beauty
are severely challenged as he learns the woman is as cold and
disdainful as she is lovely. Stanley's colorful illustrations
depict ancient Greece with a folk-art flair and a great eye for
detail. This story teaches valuable lessons about appearances and
relationships in a non-preachy manner, and even young readers can
identify with Jane, recognizing before Pyg does that true beauty
comes from the inside. 32 pages.©
Parents' Choice
Walter the Giant Storyteller's Giant Book
of Giant Stories by Walter M. Mayes, illustrated by
Kevin O'Malley. (Walker Books for Young Readers, 2005).
Using both tall-tale and fairy-tale giants, this book tells short
stories from each giant's point of view. The author provides
personality and humor for each of the characters as they plead
their case to the readers. 48 pages.
Children's Choices
Walter, the Story of a Rat by
Barbara Wersba, illustrated by Donna Diamond (Front Street Books,
2005).
Walter is a lonely but literate rat. He lives in the home of Miss
Pomeroy, an elderly, reclusive children's book author. A quiet
friendship develops between the writer and this furry reader as
they pen notes back and forth. 64 pages.
Children's Choices
Folktales
Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican
Folktales by Neil Philip, illustrated by Jacqueline
Mair (Clarion Books, 2003).
Alternately funny, spooky, thought-provoking and magical, this is
a vividly illustrated and accessible collection of Mexican
folktales. 83 pages. Krisha
Roach
Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican
Folktales by Neil Philip, illustrated by Jacqueline
Mair (Clarion Books, 2003).
Alternately funny, spooky, thought-provoking and magical, this is
a vividly illustrated and accessible collection of Mexican
folktales. 83 pages. Krisha
Roach
Porch Lies: Tales of Slicksters,
Tricksters, and Other Wily Characters by Patricia C.
McKissack, illustrated by Andre Carrilho (Random House, 2006).
Pour the lemonade, climb aboard the porch swing and prepare to
pass the time listening to these nine original stories hung on the
bones of the "slicksters, tricksters and other wily characters"
the author came to know and love as a child growing up in the
rural south. The storytelling cadence is just right; the
characters are a colorful mix of guile and gumption; and the
lessons vary from laugh-out-loud funny to touching. ... A
thoroughly engaging collection handsomely presented: what more can
you ask? 160 pages. ©
Parents' Choice
Fun (Yes, Fun) Books
About Math
How Much Is a Million? by David
Schwartz, illustrated by Steven Kellogg (HarperTrophy, 2004).
David Schwartz offers the perfect read-aloud for the child who has
difficulty conceptualizing a million. Join a magician who
specializes in mathematics, as he reveals that it would take a
fishbowl the size of a city's harbor to hold a million goldfish!
Steven Kellogg's illustrations help readers visualize the enormity
of this number in an entertaining way. This book will surely
tickle your funny bone. 40 pages.
Jennifer Thompson
About Math
How Much Is a Million? by David
Schwartz, illustrated by Steven Kellogg (HarperTrophy, 2004).
David Schwartz offers the perfect read-aloud for the child who has
difficulty conceptualizing a million. Join a magician who
specializes in mathematics, as he reveals that it would take a
fishbowl the size of a city's harbor to hold a million goldfish!
Steven Kellogg's illustrations help readers visualize the enormity
of this number in an entertaining way. This book will surely
tickle your funny bone. 40 pages.
Jennifer Thompson
Math Curse by Jon Scieszka,
illustrated by Lane Smith (Viking, 1995).
Jon Scieszka, a former teacher and a popular author for boys,
presents a hilarious read for anyone who suffers from a math
phobia. Imagine how you would feel if your math teacher told you,
"You can think of everything as a math problem." Would your head
immediately start hurting? Would your heart start to race? Spend
the day with a girl who wakes up one morning to find that every
event in her life has been reduced to some sort of math problem.
Have fun solving the problems she encounters, and see if you agree
that she has been cursed! 32 pages.
Jennifer Thompson
Historical Fiction
Day of Tears : A Novel in Dialogue
by Julius Lester (Hyperion Books for Children, 2006).
A prize-winning story of the biggest slave auction in history.
Parents need to know that the way slaves are treated is disturbing
- they are beaten into unconsciousness, treated like animals with
no feelings and separated from their families. Readers will
encounter the whipping of slaves, a forced fight in which a slave
loses an eye, the death of a baby in a rainstorm and a suicide.
Families who read this book could discuss the historical
background of the American slave system. How could people who
considered themselves to be good, decent people have treated
others in this way? How could the slaves endure it? How could
Sampson, a slave, come to identify so strongly with being a slave
that he resisted freedom? 177 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 9+. Read Alone: Ages 10+.
Common Sense Media
Day of Tears : A Novel in Dialogue
by Julius Lester (Hyperion Books for Children, 2006).
A prize-winning story of the biggest slave auction in history.
Parents need to know that the way slaves are treated is disturbing
- they are beaten into unconsciousness, treated like animals with
no feelings and separated from their families. Readers will
encounter the whipping of slaves, a forced fight in which a slave
loses an eye, the death of a baby in a rainstorm and a suicide.
Families who read this book could discuss the historical
background of the American slave system. How could people who
considered themselves to be good, decent people have treated
others in this way? How could the slaves endure it? How could
Sampson, a slave, come to identify so strongly with being a slave
that he resisted freedom? 177 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 9+. Read Alone: Ages 10+.
Common Sense Media
The Earth Dragon Awakes by
Laurence Yep (HarperCollins Publishers, 2006).
This story is a short, powerful example of historical fiction.
Readers see the experiences of a wealthy white family and an
immigrant Chinese family at the time of the 1906 San Francisco
earthquake. A subplot describes discrimination that is experienced
and overcome. 128 pages.
Children's Choices
Homesick by Jean Fritz (Puffin,
reissue edition, 2007).
Celebrated children's author Jean Fritz turns her eye on her own
childhood. Born in China of American parents, young Jean feels
torn between her homesickness for the America of her grandmother's
letters and the devout love she feels for the Chinese people and
their culture. 176 pages.
Krisha Roach
Journey to Jo'burg: A South African Story
by Beverly Naidoo, illustrated by Eric Velasquez (Harper Trophy,
1988).
During the time of apartheid in South Africa, a brother and
sister, Naledi and Tiro, travel from their small village to bring
back their "Mma" from her job in the city because their baby
sister is very ill. 96 pages.
Krisha Roach
Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park
(Clarion Books, 2008).
Linda Sue Park is familiar to readers as the winner of the 2002
Newbery Medal for her book, A Single Shard.
A daughter of Korean immigrants, Linda grew up outside of Chicago
as an avid baseball fan. She wrote Keeping
Score, about a girl living in Brooklyn during the Korean War,
combining her passion for baseball with her own family's past.
Being a Brooklyn Dodgers fan in the early 1950s meant season after
season of dashed hopes, but main character Maggie goes on rooting
for the Dodgers. Against a background of major league baseball and
the Korean War on the home front, Maggie looks for, and finds, a
way to make a difference. A wonderful, heartwarming story that
harkens back to the greatest children's literature. 208 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary
Blackwood (Dutton Children's Books, 1998).
This book has found a ready audience among the upper-elementary
and middle-school set. With a little luck, children may want to
know more about the Shakespearean plays mentioned here, as well as
the period. Also worth discussing is the ethical dilemma Widge is
in: to risk his life or betray his new friends. 216 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 9+. Read Alone: Ages 10+.
Common Sense Media
Humor
Bunnicula Meets Edgar Allan Crow
by James Howe, illustrated by Eric Fortune (Atheneum, 2006).
The Monroe family is visited by the famous author of the
FleshCrawlers books. When the author and his crow show an unusual
interest in Bunnicula, the Monroe pets are sure that their
favorite rabbit is in danger. 160 pages.
Children's Choices
Bunnicula Meets Edgar Allan Crow
by James Howe, illustrated by Eric Fortune (Atheneum, 2006).
The Monroe family is visited by the famous author of the
FleshCrawlers books. When the author and his crow show an unusual
interest in Bunnicula, the Monroe pets are sure that their
favorite rabbit is in danger. 160 pages.
Children's Choices
Circle of Doom by Tim Kennemore
(Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2006).
The Sharp children live in Cleve Cottage at the end of Cleve Road.
Lizzie, the eldest, is 13, Dan is 10, and Max is 7. When their
only neighbors, the ancient Potwards, complain and ruin her
birthday party, Lizzie decides to become a witch and cast a spell
on them. When Lizzie agrees to let younger brother Max be the
"witch's assistant," he is ecstatic to be playing with his sister
instead of his imaginary friends. With coincidences piling up on
top of spells, Lizzie begins to believe in her own power, Dan
becomes uneasy and Max is absolutely positive that Lizzie can work
magic and that magic runs in the family. This book is a wonderful
combination - ludicrously funny and touching. 208 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff
Kinney (Abrams Books, 2007).
The main character Greg is a kid who usually doesn't do the right
thing the first time around. His cluelessness about what would
keep him out of trouble and why parents, teachers and friends are
upset with him is part of the book's humor, which leads the reader
to any lesson Greg should be learning. Parents will appreciate
that his friend's dad looks up video games on a parent Web site to
see if they have too much violence. Also, you can tell that Greg's
mom is working hard to raise respectful sons. When a bikini
picture from her oldest son Rodrick's heavy metal magazine ends up
in her youngest son's hands for show-and-tell, she makes Rodrick
apologize to all women on paper. Parents will also be thrilled to
know that despite the fact that the book is written in less-formal
journal style with fun cartoons, everything is spelled correctly
(i.e., no texting slang in sight!). 244 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 9+. Read Alone: Ages 9+.
Common Sense Media
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
by Jeff Kinney (Amulet Books, 2008).
This book has sibling rivalry, one wild party and some scheming to
cheat on tests and get out of chores. The great thing is, like
most middle school kids, the characters get caught and are
punished. Families can talk about lying and friendship. Why was
Greg's mother more upset when she found out he lied? How would you
feel if your friends treated you like Greg did Chirag? Have you
ever done something in school that made other people feel bad, but
made you feel cool and popular? 224 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 8+. Read Alone: 8+.
Common Sense Media
The Not-Just-Anybody Family by
Betsy Byars (Yearling, 1987).
The Blossoms are not an ordinary family. With a mother who is a
rodeo trick rider, a grandfather who innocently manages to scare
the local citizenry and get himself arrested, and a dog who wears
a red bandana - not to mention a boy who thinks he can fly - it is
not surprising that the Blossoms attract misadventures. 160 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Sideways Stories from Wayside School
by Louis Sachar, illustrated by Julie Brinckloe (HarperTrophy,
2004).
On the 30th floor of the wacky Wayside School is Mrs. Jewl's
class. Sharie falls asleep and rolls out the window. Joe counts
all wrong and gets the right answer. Calvin is sent to the 19th
floor to deliver a note, but there is no 19th floor - the builder
forgot it. This nutty world is built on the sort of playful twists
of logic that kids love. 128 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Mysteries
Boy of a Thousand Faces by Brian
Selznick (Harper, 2000).
Ten-year-old Alonzo King is an expert about monster movies. He
spends hours with Scotch tape and makeup trying to master his
beloved monster faces in the mirror. When a mysterious beast is
rumored to be stomping on flower beds and scratching up cars,
Alonzo is called on for his monster expertise. 48 pages.
Krisha Roach
Boy of a Thousand Faces by Brian
Selznick (Harper, 2000).
Ten-year-old Alonzo King is an expert about monster movies. He
spends hours with Scotch tape and makeup trying to master his
beloved monster faces in the mirror. When a mysterious beast is
rumored to be stomping on flower beds and scratching up cars,
Alonzo is called on for his monster expertise. 48 pages.
Krisha Roach
Edgar & Ellen Under Town by
Charles Ogden, illustrated by Rick Carton (Tricycle Press/Star
Farm Productions, 2004).
The cover art on this book immediately draws children's attention.
The concept of twins and the mystery of a prankster draw students
into the story plot. 140 pages.
Children's Choices
Framed by Frank Boyce
(HarperCollins Children's Books, 2006).
The story is told by a young boy who is endearingly naive and who
understands less than the reader about what is really going on. He
is missing a parent and doing the best he can with his limited
understanding to make things better for everyone. And his
well-meaning but clueless actions change not only his family, but
his town. Dylan lives with his sisters and parents, and is the
only boy in a small, rainy town in Wales. They run a small garage,
the Snowdonia Oasis Auto Marvel, on the brink of insolvency. Dylan
is obsessed with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as is Tom, the
man who tried to rob them and whom they hire instead. Then a
series of seemingly unrelated events starts to change things in
their lives and community. 306 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Age 9. Read Alone: Age 10.
Common Sense Media
Jim Ugly by Sid Fleischman
(Harper, 1992).
The year is 1894. Jake Bannock and his father Sam are on the run
and hiding out in Blowfly, Nevada. When Sam unexpectedly
disappears and is presumed dead, it's up to Jake and Sam's dog,
Jim Ugly, (who is part wolf and part dog) to get to the bottom of
the mystery. 131 pages.
Krisha Roach
The Missing 'Gator of Gumbo Limbo: An Eco
Mystery by Jean Craighead George (Harper, 1992).
Liza and her mother are seeking refuge in Gumbo Limbo, a lush
hammock of trees in the Florida Everglades. Also in residence is
Dajun the alligator, caretaker of this precious ecosystem. When
Dajun is seen as a threat to the nearby condos in development, he
is ordered killed and Liza becomes determined to keep him safe at
any cost. 144 pages. Krisha
Roach
Murder, My Tweet: A Chet Gecko Mystery by Bruce Hale, illustrated by the author and Brad Weinman
(Harcourt Children's Books, 2004).
Chet Gecko plunges into another troublesome case when his
mockingbird sidekick, Natalie, is suspended for a crime she didn't
commit. Bullying, blackmail, and tongue-in-cheek humor run rampant
at Emerson Hickey Elementary in this 10th installment of these
private-eye mysteries. 136 pages.
Children's Choices
Realism
Atherton Book 1: The House of Power
by Patrick Carman (Little, Brown Young Readers, 2007).
While this is a pertinent title for the San Francisco Peninsula,
this book has nothing to do with the small, affluent town just
north of Kepler's Books! It is, however, a fantastic adventure
based in a three-tiered world. As the Earth begins to shake, the
residents of Atherton wonder what is happening to their world and
their societies as the upper echelon begins to sink into the lower
tier. How will the inhabitants overcome the rules of their
existence and work together to face down the unthinkable? The
first in a series, this installment will leave the reader
clamoring for more. 330 pages.
Kepler's Books
Atherton Book 1: The House of Power
by Patrick Carman (Little, Brown Young Readers, 2007).
While this is a pertinent title for the San Francisco Peninsula,
this book has nothing to do with the small, affluent town just
north of Kepler's Books! It is, however, a fantastic adventure
based in a three-tiered world. As the Earth begins to shake, the
residents of Atherton wonder what is happening to their world and
their societies as the upper echelon begins to sink into the lower
tier. How will the inhabitants overcome the rules of their
existence and work together to face down the unthinkable? The
first in a series, this installment will leave the reader
clamoring for more. 330 pages.
Kepler's Books
Do the Funky Pickle
by Jerry Spinelli (Scholastic, 1992).
Eddie Mott has been in love with his friend Sunny from the first
time he met her. The school dance is coming up and he has asked
his friends Pickles and Salem for help. This hilarious story
describes Eddie's varied and unsuccessful attempts to get Sunny to
notice him, while avoiding Angelpuss and her boyfriend Weasel, a
tough and nasty eighth-grader, whose attention Eddie's antics has
attracted. 133 pages. Mindy
Thuna
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
(HarperCollins Children's Books, 2003).
A terrific book for reluctant readers and discussion groups, it
packs a load of emotional and intellectual depth into a very
accessible package. 95 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 8+. Read Alone: Ages 8+.
Common Sense Media
Lunch Money by Andrew Clements,
illustrated by Brian Selznick (Simon and Schuster, 2005).
Parents should know that this is exactly the kind of book you hope
your kids will find and love — showing the best examples of kids
and adults behaving in caring, intelligent and positive ways. 222
pages.
To read the complete Common Sense Media review
click here.
Read Aloud: Ages 8+. Read Alone: Ages 9+.
Common Sense Media
No Talking by Andrew Clements,
illustrated by Mark Elliott (Simon and Schuster, 2007).
While studying about India, fifth-grader Dave Packer discovers
that Gandhi did not speak for one day every week to bring order to
his mind. This amazes Dave, as he and his friends are all so vocal
they are called the Unshushables. Dave tries to stay quiet for a
whole day. But when a girl at the table next to him just won't
keep quiet, he can't resist and breaks his silence with an insult.
This leads to a challenge: Which group, the boys or the girls, can
be quieter for two days? How does this contest affect the
fifth-graders, their teachers and their principal? What do they
learn about language and the power of words? This is a very funny
book that will make everyone think about how much we talk and all
those wasted words. It is also the perfect choice for a book group
or for a literature circle. 146 pages.
Kepler's Books
Picklemania by Jerry Spinelli
(Scholastic, 1993).
Eddie, Sunny, Salem and Pickles are now in the sixth grade and
their adventures are still going strong. Eddie wants to bulk up,
Sunny desperately wants to take karate and Salem is trying to
figure out who sent her a mysterious Valentine's Day message in
the school newspaper. And Pickles? Well, he just finished building
a new invention, but he won't unveil it until it starts snowing.
132 pages. Mindy Thuna
Prizefighter en mi Casa by e. E.
Charlton-Trujillo (Random House, 2006).
Chula Sanchez wished her parents hadn't decided against naming her
Esperanza. "Cause Chula means pretty and there ain't nothing
pretty 'bout me now." Pape was driving drunk when he and Chula
crashed. With the head of the household now paralyzed and unable
to work, and Chula scarred with a disfigured face and the onset of
epilepsy, the Sanchez family is struggling to make ends meet.
Humiliated but still determined, Pape is convinced that El Jefe,
the most revered prizefighter in Mexico, is their ticket to
financial salvation. ... As readers will learn, neither El Jefe,
nor Chula are who or what they appear to be. 224 pages.
© Parents' Choice
Sahara Special by Esme Codell
(Hyperion Books for Children, 2003).
Esme 'aji Codell's first novel for children is not a new story:
Unconventional Teacher Bucks Authority, Changes Student Lives. It
has a noble pedigree, from Goodbye, Mr.
Chips to Conrack to
Miss Nelson is Missing. But Codell's
lyrical take on it is sharply observed and poignantly funny. This
is a lovely, moving book. 175 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 9+. Read Alone: Ages 9+.
Common Sense Media
The School Story by Andrew
Clements (Simon & Schuster, 2001).
Readers will grin from beginning to end of this enchanting story.
A kid getting a novel published — too ridiculous to be believable,
right? Just ask Gordon Korman, whose first novel, which he wrote
as a seventh-grade English project, was published when he was 12.
It sold very well, and he had five more published before he
graduated from high school. Publishers are looking for good school
stories — who better to write one than a kid? This book should
prompt many fruitful family discussions, and inspire young authors
to reach for their dreams. 196 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Ages 9+. Read Alone: Ages 9+.
Common Sense Media
There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom
by Louis Sachar (Scholastic, 1987).
This book tells the story of Bradley Chalkers, a boy who tells
enormous lies, picks fights with girls, spits on people and is
considered by his teachers to have behavioral issues. Bradley has
no friends, is disliked by all the students and teachers in the
school and, always sits by himself in the last seat, last row.
Things start to change when Jeff Fishkin, a new student, arrives
and is placed in the only empty seat left in the room, right next
to Bradley. The school hires a new counselor, Carla, who sees
potential in Bradley and works with him to make him see the
potential in himself, a difficult task for a boy who sees himself
as a monster. 195 pages.
Mindy Thuna
Waiting for Normal by Leslie
Connor (Katherine Tegen Books, 2008).
Sixth-grader Addie's life is complicated. Her "Mommers" is given
to long absences and immature outbursts. Addie has dyslexia, so
learning is an act of will and persistence. Her father died when
she was small, but her stepfather, Dwight, now divorced from her
mom, cares deeply for her and the couple's other two natural
children. The court awards him custody of the younger girls, but
not of Addie, because he is not her "real" dad. As Mommers
falters, he continues to support them, but the only home he can
purchase for them is a small trailer parked across from a
mini-mart. Addie attempts to "normalize" her life around meals,
learning pieces on her flute and visiting her beloved "neighbors"
at the convenience store. I found it impossible to leave Addie
until I had finished. This book will force you to think about
"normal" - about what you, and all of us, really desire and where
to find joy. 290 pages.
Kepler's Books
Seasonal Stories
Brian's Winter by Gary Paulsen
(Laurel Leaf, 1998).
In the Newbery Honor book, Hatchet,
13-year-old Brian Robeson learned to survive alone in the Canadian
wilderness, armed only with his hatchet. As millions of readers
know, he was finally rescued at the end of the summer. In this
sequel to Hachet, Paulsen imagines our
hero as if he hadn't been rescued, revisiting Brian at the onset
of a punishing Canadian winter and portraying him surviving a
winter in the wilderness. This book easily stands alone; one need
not read Hatchet first, although it
does make for an interesting discussion. Full of cliffhangers and
tension, this is the perfect winter read for the adventurous child
in your life. 144 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Brian's Winter by Gary Paulsen
(Laurel Leaf, 1998).
In the Newbery Honor book, Hatchet,
13-year-old Brian Robeson learned to survive alone in the Canadian
wilderness, armed only with his hatchet. As millions of readers
know, he was finally rescued at the end of the summer. In this
sequel to Hachet, Paulsen imagines our
hero as if he hadn't been rescued, revisiting Brian at the onset
of a punishing Canadian winter and portraying him surviving a
winter in the wilderness. This book easily stands alone; one need
not read Hatchet first, although it
does make for an interesting discussion. Full of cliffhangers and
tension, this is the perfect winter read for the adventurous child
in your life. 144 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan
(Puffin, 2006).
Ever dream of saving the world by sled? During World War II and
the German occupation of Norway, children in a small Norwegian
town prevented $9 million worth of gold from reaching their
captors by smuggling it on their sleds in the form of bricks. This
suspenseful tale is based on a true story and makes for an amazing
read. 208 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
William Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale
by Bruce Coville, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Dial, 2007).
Shakespeare's classic play is masterfully retold in narrative
form. Full of romance, redemption and the strength of friendship
and true love, Shakespeare's work is born again for a new
audience. This is a brilliant introduction to the Bard, with
beautiful watercolor illustrations that capture the cold nature of
the setting. 40 pages.
Danielle Marshall and the Kids' Team at
Powells.com
Nonfiction
Animals
Deep in the Swamp by Donna M.
Bateman, illustrated by Brian Lies (Charlesbridge, 2007).
Young readers engage with poetry, information and counting
practice as they learn about swamps and the animals that live
there. Illustrations are bright and entertaining. 32 pages.
Children's Choices
Deep in the Swamp by Donna M.
Bateman, illustrated by Brian Lies (Charlesbridge, 2007).
Young readers engage with poetry, information and counting
practice as they learn about swamps and the animals that live
there. Illustrations are bright and entertaining. 32 pages.
Children's Choices
Extreme Animals: The Toughest Creatures on
Earth by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Neal Layton
(Candlewick Press, 2006).
A book to engender a lot of "Did you know...?" conversations,
Extreme Animals will amaze readers with facts about animals that
withstand earth's extreme conditions. The most amazing animal of
all can live through all of the extremes scientists can produce.
64 pages. Children's
Choices
Oh, Rats! The Story of Rats and People
by Albert Marrin (Dutton, 2006).
The life-like picture of a rat on the cover of this book will be
enough to pique the interest of many kids. "Revolting, revealing,
and riveting," says the book's back cover, and it's an apt
description of the nine fact-filled chapters about these
"champions of survival." The author provides information about
rats' habits and intelligence, as well as their role as disease
carriers, lab animals, predators, pests, pets and even as food.
The gross-out factor alone will make this a must-read for many
kids. 48 pages.
Reading grade level: 5, Interest grade level: 5-8.
Ellen Phillips
Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship
by Isabella and Craig Hatkoff and Paula Kuhumbu, illustrated by
Peter Greste (Scholastic Press, 2007).
This book tells the true story of the friendship that developed at
a Kenyan wildlife sanctuary between Owen, a baby hippopotamus
orphaned by the 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami, and Mzee, a
130-year-old giant Aldabra tortoise. The authors detail the
animals' system of communication (nudges, nips and a special
call), how they play together and how Owen acts more like a
tortoise than a hippo. The text is clearly written and accompanied
by full-color photos of this unique pair. 40 pages.
Reading grade level: 6, Interest grade level: 3-6.
Ellen Phillips
Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition
to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea by Sy Montgomery,
photographs by Nic Bishop (Houghton Mifflin, 2006).
The author and photographer accompanied scientist Lisa Dabek and
her team on a trek through the remote forests of Papua New Guinea
in search of the elusive Matschie's tree kangaroo. Little is known
about this rare animal that looks like a bear, has a pocket like a
kangaroo and lives in trees. The book is filled with wonderful
photographs of the tree kangaroos, their lush forest habitat, and
other exotic plants and animals. Information included about
Dabek's background may be of special interest to aspiring young
naturalists and biologists. None of her friends, family or
teachers encouraged her in her passionate interest in animals when
she was growing up, thinking it was strange, and she struggled
with the challenge of asthma. This book provides fascinating
information about a little-known place on Earth, a newly
discovered species and how one woman overcame the odds to follow
her dreams. 79 pages.
Interest grade level: 4-6.
Ellen Phillips
Crafts
The Book Club Kit by Patti
Kelley Criswell, illustrated by Ali Douglass (American Girl
Publishing, 2007).
This kit contains helpful directions for starting a book club and
includes question cards, bookmarks and activity cards. Suggestions
for being a good listener and participant are also included to
encourage children to talk about what they are reading. 56 pages.
Children's Choices
The Book Club Kit by Patti
Kelley Criswell, illustrated by Ali Douglass (American Girl
Publishing, 2007).
This kit contains helpful directions for starting a book club and
includes question cards, bookmarks and activity cards. Suggestions
for being a good listener and participant are also included to
encourage children to talk about what they are reading. 56 pages.
Children's Choices
The World Record Paper Airplane Book
by Ken Blackburn and Jeff Lammers (Workman Publishing, 2006).
This revised new edition of the popular paper-airplane book soars
with 112 ready—to—crease airplanes based on 20 very cool and
colorful designs — all of them easy enough for young paper—plane
pilots to cut out of the book, fold according to directions and
toss into the air. The co-authors are gurus in the world of
amateur aerodynamics. Aerospace engineer Blackburn holds the
Guinness World Record for paper airplane tossing "time aloft," and
Lammers is an engineer and part-time pilot. Together they share
folding and tossing secrets that will make anyone into a
paper—airplane connoisseur. ... But this book isn't about
educational text; it's about educational experience and the thrill
of flight. The real stars here are the paper airplanes themselves.
From the Stunt plane to the Eagle, and the Space Shuttle replica
to a Hammerhead, this book is fueled by science and fun. ... 256
pages. © Parents' Choice
Friendship
Friends: Making Them and Keeping Them
by Patty Kelley Criswell, illustrated by Stacy Peterson (American
Girl Publishing, 2006).
Making friends isn't always easy. In this book, girls learn the
importance of friends and making a friendship work. These
real-life stories, activities and quizzes can be read alone or
with a friend. 80 pages.
Children's Choices
Friends: Making Them and Keeping Them
by Patty Kelley Criswell, illustrated by Stacy Peterson (American
Girl Publishing, 2006).
Making friends isn't always easy. In this book, girls learn the
importance of friends and making a friendship work. These
real-life stories, activities and quizzes can be read alone or
with a friend. 80 pages.
Children's Choices
Fun Books About Math
The Best of Times: Math Strategies That
Multiply by Gregory Tang, illustrated by Harry Briggs
(Scholastic, 2002).
Does the thought of memorizing your multiplication facts drive you
crazy? Are you tired of those pesky speed drills in math class? If
you want a fun way to learn how to multiply, you must read this
clever picture book. Tang uses simple rhymes and puzzles to help
students understand the concept of multiplication. Today's kids
are mesmerized by rap and rhyme, so this book is sure to motivate
as well as encourage children to use different strategies to solve
multiplication problems. 32 pages.
Jennifer Thompson
The Best of Times: Math Strategies That
Multiply by Gregory Tang, illustrated by Harry Briggs
(Scholastic, 2002).
Does the thought of memorizing your multiplication facts drive you
crazy? Are you tired of those pesky speed drills in math class? If
you want a fun way to learn how to multiply, you must read this
clever picture book. Tang uses simple rhymes and puzzles to help
students understand the concept of multiplication. Today's kids
are mesmerized by rap and rhyme, so this book is sure to motivate
as well as encourage children to use different strategies to solve
multiplication problems. 32 pages.
Jennifer Thompson
History
Crazy Cars by Matt Doeden
(Lerner, 2007).
From Henry Ford's Quadricycle to the fastest dragster, the most
unique cars of all time are spotlighted in this captivating book
that enthralls young readers as they learn about the history of
and continuing fascination with the automobile. 48 pages.
Children's Choices
Crazy Cars by Matt Doeden
(Lerner, 2007).
From Henry Ford's Quadricycle to the fastest dragster, the most
unique cars of all time are spotlighted in this captivating book
that enthralls young readers as they learn about the history of
and continuing fascination with the automobile. 48 pages.
Children's Choices
Fooled You! Fakes and Hoaxes Through the
Years by Elaine Pascoe (Henry Holt and Co., 2005).
This book outlines over a dozen famous frauds from the 1800s to
the present, including P.T. Barnum's bogus Fejee mermaid, the
Piltdown Man fossil fraud, Bigfoot film footage and the discovery
of "mysterious" crop circles in England. The author begins and
ends the book with familiar examples of present-day Internet
hoaxes and encourages healthy skepticism by urging readers to ask
themselves, "Would I have been fooled?" Kids will enjoy reading
about how people were so easily fooled, and the resource list at
the back of the book will encourage further research. 87 pages.
Interest grade level: 4-6.
Ellen Phillips
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a
Medieval Village by Laura Schlitz, illustrated by
Robert Byrd (Candlewick Press, 2007).
The book will appeal to many kids, including those who don't
usually choose nonfiction, and will be useful for history classes
and drama productions and workshops. Even reluctant readers will
enjoy the clear, direct text, short length, and dramatic content.
We can even hope that this brilliant book, with its awards and
attendant success, may lead to a renaissance of books for kids
that make history come alive. In 19 monologues and two dialogs in
verse and prose, the lives of a cast of characters from a medieval
village — nobles and peasants, but all children — are illuminated.
Through them, along with margin notes and periodic background
sections, a portrait of life in the Middle Ages is created. 85
pages. Newbery Award winner.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Read Aloud: Age 9. Read Alone: Age 10.
Common Sense Media
On Board the Titanic: What It Was Like When
the Great Liner Sank by Shelley Tanaka, illustrated by
Ken Marschall (Disney Publishing, 1996).
One of the book's diagrams depicts the number of survivors
according to their station on the boat. It's tragic - although no
shock - that the higher one's class, the higher one's chance of
survival. You may want to discuss the concept of class differences
with your kids. 48 pages.
Read the
complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site.
Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 9-12, Read Aloud: 9+, Read
Alone: 9+. Common Sense Media
Science and Nature
The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global
Warming by Laurie David and Cambria Gordon (Orchard
Books, 2007).
Laurie David and Cambria Gordon's
Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming makes a concept as
complicated as global warming easy to understand. With the first
half devoted to the science behind climate change, it's still
relevant and enjoyable for kids. Visuals abound and the book
concludes with some significant ways for kids to make a
difference. This guide will educate and empower young readers,
leaving them with the knowledge they need to understand this
problem and a sense of hope to inspire them into action. 128
pages. Danielle Marshall
50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the
Earth by the EarthWorks Group (Andrews McMeel
Publishing, 1990).
A practical guide to conserving resources and protecting the
environment, each brief chapter of 50
Simple Things provides information and tips designed to
inspire ideas and action. Statistics and measurements are
translated into age-appropriate terms, such as comparing
children's weight to the amount of garbage thrown away in a
year. The book also explains how everyday items — like a light
switch or a toilet — are connected to the rest of the world. Fun
ideas for the whole family to discuss and implement!
Danielle Marshall
Gaia Girls: Enter
the Earth by Lee Welles (Daisyworld Press, 2007).
Like eco—Nancy Drews, the characters of the Gaia Girls series
will appeal to girls ready to take on modern-day environmental
challenges. Gaia Girls: Enter the Earth
is the first in the series and introduces Elizabeth, who
possesses the power of "earth" — the ability to work with and
command soil, trees and creatures in the soil. Illustrated
throughout, this chapter book is for more mature fourth-grade
readers, as it does not pull any punches when taking on subjects
like factory farming. Highly recommended for its compelling
story and sensitivity to current issues. 336 pages.
Danielle Marshall
Natural Disasters by Claire
Watts, illustrated by Trevor Day (DK Publishing, 2006).
With many natural disasters in the news recently, this book should
answer questions that kids might have. Part of the Eyewitness
Books series, it presents an overview of a wide variety of
disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, volcanoes,
landslides, hurricanes, tornadoes and epidemics. Written in plain
language and illustrated with spectacular photos, maps and
diagrams, there is a wealth of valuable information contained
here. The book includes a timeline of major disasters throughout
history, a glossary of technical terms, an index and a "Find Out
More" page that directs readers to useful Web sites and places to
visit to learn more (in this case, natural history and science
museums). There are more than 100 titles in this series, from
Amphibian to World War II--something for every reader. 72 pages.
Reading grade level: 6, Interest grade level: 3-8.
Ellen Phillips
The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global
Warming by Laurie David and Cambria Gordon (Orchard
Books, 2007).
Laurie David and Cambria Gordon's
Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming makes a concept as
complicated as global warming easy to understand. With the first
half devoted to the science behind climate change, it's still
relevant and enjoyable for kids. Visuals abound and the book
concludes with some significant ways for kids to make a
difference. This guide will educate and empower young readers,
leaving them with the knowledge they need to understand this
problem and a sense of hope to inspire them into action. 128
pages. Danielle Marshall
50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the
Earth by the EarthWorks Group (Andrews McMeel
Publishing, 1990).
A practical guide to conserving resources and protecting the
environment, each brief chapter of 50
Simple Things provides information and tips designed to
inspire ideas and action. Statistics and measurements are
translated into age-appropriate terms, such as comparing
children's weight to the amount of garbage thrown away in a
year. The book also explains how everyday items — like a light
switch or a toilet — are connected to the rest of the world. Fun
ideas for the whole family to discuss and implement!
Danielle Marshall
Gaia Girls: Enter
the Earth by Lee Welles (Daisyworld Press, 2007).
Like eco—Nancy Drews, the characters of the Gaia Girls series
will appeal to girls ready to take on modern-day environmental
challenges. Gaia Girls: Enter the Earth
is the first in the series and introduces Elizabeth, who
possesses the power of "earth" — the ability to work with and
command soil, trees and creatures in the soil. Illustrated
throughout, this chapter book is for more mature fourth-grade
readers, as it does not pull any punches when taking on subjects
like factory farming. Highly recommended for its compelling
story and sensitivity to current issues. 336 pages.
Danielle Marshall
Natural Disasters by Claire
Watts, illustrated by Trevor Day (DK Publishing, 2006).
With many natural disasters in the news recently, this book should
answer questions that kids might have. Part of the Eyewitness
Books series, it presents an overview of a wide variety of
disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, volcanoes,
landslides, hurricanes, tornadoes and epidemics. Written in plain
language and illustrated with spectacular photos, maps and
diagrams, there is a wealth of valuable information contained
here. The book includes a timeline of major disasters throughout
history, a glossary of technical terms, an index and a "Find Out
More" page that directs readers to useful Web sites and places to
visit to learn more (in this case, natural history and science
museums). There are more than 100 titles in this series, from
Amphibian to World War II--something for every reader. 72 pages.
Reading grade level: 6, Interest grade level: 3-8.
Ellen Phillips
Secret Codes
Top Secret: A Handbook of Codes, Ciphers,
and Secret Writing by Paul B. Janeczko, illustrated by
Jenna LaReau (Candlewick Press, 2004).
This book has everything a budding spy or cryptographer wants to
know about creating codes, ciphers, and the methods of
concealment. An answer key provides a great opportunity to
practice new skills from pictographs to Igpay Atinlay. 144 pages.
Children's Choices
Top Secret: A Handbook of Codes, Ciphers,
and Secret Writing by Paul B. Janeczko, illustrated by
Jenna LaReau (Candlewick Press, 2004).
This book has everything a budding spy or cryptographer wants to
know about creating codes, ciphers, and the methods of
concealment. An answer key provides a great opportunity to
practice new skills from pictographs to Igpay Atinlay. 144 pages.
Children's Choices
1 comment:
Such a great list! Thanks! I will link this post to my blog!
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