 |
Book
Reviews,
Book Lover Resources, Advice for Writers and Publishers |
| Home / Children's
Bookwatch |
Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Why Are You So Sad?
Beth Andrews & Nicole Wong
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242
www.apa.org/books
1557988870 $8.95 1-800-368-5777
Superbly written by family therapist Beth Andrews, and enhanced with the artwork of freelance
illustrator Nicole Wong, Why Are You So Sad?: A Child's Book About Depression is an
interactive
picture book approach to explaining depression and its treatment in terms and images that kids
can
readily understand. Why Are You So Sad? will reassure children that their parents suffering from
depression can get better and explores the many feelings such children usually experience. Why
Are
You So Sad? will help children ages 3 to 8 understand and express their feelings and provides
them
with practical tips for coping with their parent's depression. In addition to showing children how
they can feel better too, Why Are You So Sad? is further enhanced with the addition of a
comprehensive note to parents by therapists from the disciplines of clinical social work and
clinical
psychologist. Why Are You So Sad? is an ideal addition to community library collections and
would
make an excellent supplemental resource for child counselors and family therapists.
Taking Depression To School
Kathy Khalsa & Tom Dineen
JayJo Books
PO Box 760, Plainview, NY 11803-0760
www.guidancechannel.com
1891383221 $11.95 1-800-999-6884
Developed and written for children ages 5 to 10 by Kathy Khalsa, Taking Depression To School
is
part of the JayJo Books' "Special Kids in School" series and brightly illustrated by Tom Dineen.
Emily is a little girl who became depressed and needed help in overcoming her chronic sadness.
Children will easily relate to this "kid friendly" approach to explaining a common childhood
condition. Parents, teachers, and librarians will appreciate "The Kids' Quiz" which helps young
readers review what they've learned about depression. Enhanced with "The Ten Tips for
Teachers"
and "Additional Resources" sections, Taking Depression To School is an ideal acquisition for
school
and community libraries, as well as Child & Family Therapy Clinic resources.
Charlie Who Couldn't Say His Name
Davene Fahy & Carol Inouye
Limerock Books
15 Mechanic Str., Thomaston, ME 04861
0974658901 $12.95 limebks@midcoast.com
Charlie Who Couldn't Say His Name by ASHA certified speech therapist Davene Fahy is the story
of
a little five year old boy whose inability to pronounce his name is a source of constant frustration.
When playground bullies tease Charlie, he bursts into tears. But then, with help from a speech
therapy program at school, Charlie learns to speak clearly. A "must" addition for school and
community library collections, and quite appropriately illustrated by Carol Inouye, Charlie Who
Couldn't Say His Name is the perfect picture book choice for children ages 4 to 8, especially those
who, like Charlie, are involved in speech therapy too.
Hamlet Goes To School
Garolyn Ashcraft
Wordseed Publishing
650 NE 2nd Street, Hermiston, OR 97838
hashcrafts1@charter.net
0975523201 $5.99 1-541-567-0886
Kirby Piper is starting a new school year in the fourth grade. That's when and where he
encounters
books that are fatter and words that are longer. Kirby's Uncle send him a free spirited hamster
named Hamlet to save Kirby from the anxiety of his predicament with the new books in general
and
reading them in particular. What ensues is a series of hair (and fur!) raising adventures in his
school.
Very highly recommended, especially for school and community library young reader collections,
Hamlet Goes To School was written by retired teacher Carolyn Ashcraft as a chapter book that
even
the "book haters" will enjoy reading.
Hydro's Adventure Through The Water Cycle
Randi Goodrich & Michael Goodrich
GeoQuest Publications
KSB Promotions (publicity)
Box 1665, Lake Oswego, OR 97035-1212
096511015X $17.95 www.geoquest.net
Hydro's Adventure Through The Water Cycle by Randi and Michael Goodrich, is the story of
Hydro, a wise and whimsical water molecule who travels through a never-ending water cycle
crisscrossing the skies, sliding down mountains, and evaporating into a cloudy mist. This
fact-based
picture book science story is quite nicely illustrated for young readers ages 7 to 12 by Michele
Han.
Deftly embedded within the text of a charmingly told tale is basic information on how the earth's
water cycle works; who is affected by the earth's water cycle; and the challenges that confront the
water cycle. Also available in a hardcover edition (0965110168, $24.95), Hydro's Adventure
Through The Water Cycle is an excellent and very highly recommended grade school through
junior
high science class curriculum supplement reading list addition.
Max's Rules
Sandra J. Philipson
Chagrin River Publishing Company
PO Box 173, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
www.voiceofkids.com
1929821107 $9.95 1-888-299-8728
Max is a dog who was adopted by a very nice family and who, along with another dog named
Annie
thought things were just fine -- until the family brings home a puppy called Tak! An unhappy Max
lays down a lot of rules to young Tak, rules that don't permit any fun stuff to happen. Until Tak
shows Max that the two of them can be friends and have a great deal of rather messy fun together.
Charmingly written in a rhyming text by reading specialist Sandra J. Philipson and profusely
illustrated by syndicated cartoonist and children's magazine and book illustrator Jenny Campbell,
Max's Rules is specifically recommended reading for anyone having a new baby added to their
family, those families who are adopting a baby, and those families who are bringing an adopted
animal into their home. The additions of enrichment activities including a Readers' Theater, word
and vocabulary builders, and writing suggestions, make Max's Rules a particularly appropriate
acquisition for school library collections as well.
How To Train Your Dragon
Cressuda Cowell
Little, Brown
1271 Avenue of Americas, NY, NY 10020
www.lb-kids.com
0316737372 $10.95 1-800-759-0190
In this first volume of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III's memoirs, How To Train Your Dragon
will
impart funny adventures of heroes-in-training, tell of giant sneezes and ocean deeps, and will
attract
many a reluctant reader who will instantly be drawn by the zany adventures, humor, and black and
white whimsical drawings peppered within.
How Sweet It Is (And Was)
Ruth Freeman Swain
Holiday House
425 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10017
0823417123 $16.95 holidayhouse.com
What would the holidays be without candy Valentine's Day without the hearts, Hanukkah
without
chocolate coins? Candy wasn't always part of our lives, explains Ruth Swain in How Sweet It Is
And Was: chapters provide a lively and intriguing history of candy production from the first
accidental discovery of fudge at Vassar to Hersey's mechanization of the chocolate-making
process.
Kids in grades 2-4 will love How Sweet It Is And Was.
Words Are Not For Hurting
Elizabeth Verdick & Marieka Heinlen
Free Spirit Publishing
217 Fifth Avenue North, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1299
1575421569 $11.95 www.freespirit.com
Written by parenting columnist Elizabeth Verdick with an age-appropriate vocabulary, and
illustrated by Marieka Heinlen, Words Are Not For Hurting was designed especially for children
ages 4 to 7, a time of growing vocabularies and increasing social interaction with peers and
others.
The simple, positive message is think before speaking, and choosing not only what to say but how
to
say it. Young readers will also learn of the power in saying "I'm sorry" when the speak words that
hurt the feelings of others. Enhanced with a special section at the end that includes activities and
discussion starters, Words Are Not For Hurting is confidently recommended for home, school,
and
childcare center early childhood library resources and character education reading lists.
Selavi: A Haitian Story of Hope
Youme
Cinco Puntos Press
701 Texas Avenue, El Paso, TX 79901
0938317849 $17.95 www.amazon.com
Selavi: A Haitian Story of Hope is the story of a homeless child befriended by other street children
living in Haiti, who all look out for one another sharing food and companionship. Together they
find
a caring community and a voice to create a radio station run by and for children. A true story with
a
positive message, that vividly presents the poignant difficulties street children face in daily
life.
The Activities Shelf
Recycled Crafts Box
Laura C. Martin
Storey Books
210 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
1580175228 $10.95 storeybooks.com
Laura Martin's Recycled Crafts Box is a compilation of forty ecologically-friendly projects and
activities that can be done cheaply from old things, from crafting sock puppets and cardboard
castles
to rag coasters and colorful picnic plate flowers. A delightful resource for rainy-day fun, artistic
stimulation, and stimulating quality time to be shared with young ones. Also a highly
recommended
creative diversion, especially as an alternative to the ever-present press of television and other
passive media.
The Picturebook Shelf
Don't Play With Your Food!
Brian Rock & John Moerner
First Light Publishing
14402 Twickenham Place, Chesterfield, VA 23832
0975441108 $14.99 1-804-639-0659
The collaborative work of author Brian Rock and illustrator John Moerner, Don't Play With Your
Food! is a cheery children's picturebook of fun food-related rhymes that just begs to be read out
loud. The freestyle color illustrations offer exaggerated humor and good clean fun and
complement
the sometimes tongue-twisting, always sing-song delightful verses. TV Dinner: I bought a TV
dinner
/ And brought it home to heat it. / But no matter how I tried, / My TV wouldn't eat it!
Papa's Latkes
Michelle Edwards
www.michelledwards.com
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
0763607797 $15.99 www.amazon.com
Stacey Schuett provides the warm, realistic drawings to this picturebook story of a family facing
their first Chanukah without their mother. When their father comes home with a bag of potatoes
for
latkes, Selma is worried: Mama always made the Chanukah latkes: how can they make them
without
her? Papa's Latkes is a gently told and highly recommended tale of family, loss and moving
on.
Pumpkin Cat
Ann Turner
Hyperion
114 5th Ave., New York NY 10011
www.hyperionchildrensbooks.com
0786804947 $15.99 www.amazon.com
On a stormy night just before Halloween a soaked cat finds shelter in a library and the
welcoming
librarians soon realize her value as she entertains patrons and kids. Yet Pumpkin Cat isn't satisfied
with her home it's too empty at night when everyone goes home: something is missing. Pumpkin
Cat is a warm and recommended story of rescue, friendship and home.
There's A Dachshund In My Bed
Paul Epner & Bill Reed
Imaginative Publishing
PO Box 150008, Fort Worth, TX 76108
www.imaginativepublishing.com
0974333581 $16.95 1-877-246-6436
An interactive picture book specifically written in rhyming narrative couplets by Paul Epner and
lively illustrated by Bill Reed for children ages 6 to 10, There's A Dachshund In My Bed! is the
story
of a dachshund puppy who is trying to get to sleep by creatively counting animals using different
mathematical operations. Children are introduced to the names given to groups of different
animals
as well as learning how to work on the math problems that are interwoven into the engaging and
thoroughly entertaining story. The vocabulary enhances the young reader's understanding of math
operations in words. The math problems are sequential and each builds upon the answer from the
previous page. A clear pictorial summation of the math solutions is provided at the end of this
enthusiastically recommended picture book which is an ideal addition to homeschool, community
library, and grade school library collections.
A Confused Hanukkah
Jon Koons
Dutton
345 Hudson, New York NY 10014
0525469699 $16.99 www.amazon.com
Hanukkah is fast approaching the village of Chelm, but the Rabbi has disappeared and nobody
else
remembers the rituals for celebrating Hanukkah. It's up to Yossel to journey to another village to
learn how to celebrate but he's a simple person and may not find the right place in time. An
original story based on the town of fools' idea brings Hanukkah to life.
Carla's Sandwich
Debbie herman & Sheila Bailey
Flash Light Press
c/o Independent Publishers Group
814 N. Franklink St., Chicago, IL 60610
FlashlightPress.com www.ipgbook.com
0972922520 $15.95 1-800-888-4741
Imaginatively written by Debbie Herman and nicely illustrated by Sheila Bailey for young readers
ages 4 to 8, Carla's Sandwich has a subtle message about the joy of being different woven into an
original story of a little girl who brings weird sandwiches to her school and how her classmates
respond to her oddly original sandwiches. After considerable ridicule Carla is able to turn her
teasers
into tasters and then everyone is into creative sandwich making too! Carla's Sandwich would
make a
popular and "kid friendly" addition to any school or community library picture book
collection!
The Clockmaker Of Mullen
Jamison Escott & Esther Escott
Papillon Publishing
PO Box 8, Nevada City, CA 95959
bluedolphinpublishing.com/Papillon/
1577331273 $16.95 1-800-643-0765
Mullen is a quaint little village set deep in the forests of the Old World and nestled up against
high,
snow-capped mountains. With its cobblestone streets and brightly painted houses, the villagers
should have been happy. But singing, laughter, or any other kind of merriment was rarely heard. It
seems the people of Mullen were sad and worried. Even the wise Clockmaker couldn't seem to
help
them -- until one night, when the clock didn't chime. A memorable and entertaining story penned
by
Jamison Escott and charmingly illustrated by Esther Escott, The Clockmaker Of Mullen is
imaginative, charming, and an enthusiastically recommended picture book story for children of all
ages -- and many a parent as well!
Ancient Rhymes: A Dolphin's Lullaby
John Denver & Christopher Canyon
Dawn Publications
12402 Bitney Way, Nevada City, CA 95959
www.dawnpub.com
1584690658 $8.95 1-800-545-7475
Deftly adapted and beautifully illustrated by Christopher Canyon, Ancient Rhymes: A Dolphin's
Lullaby showcases singer/songwriter John Denver's song "Ancient Rhymes" which he composed
in
1991 after the experience of swimming with dolphins. Also available in a hardcover edition
(158469064X, $19.95) which includes an accompanying CD and Score, Ancient Rhymes: A
Dolphin's Lullaby is confidently commended to the attention of school and community librarians,
and
anyone of any age who admires John Denver's music or who has ever wanted to swim with the
dolphins themselves!
DreddieLocks & The Three Slugs
Margaret E. Hyde
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster St., Gretna, LA 70053
1589802314 $16.95 1-800-843-1724
When a very tired ant named DreddieLocks visits the very slimy home of three banana slugs, a
very
sticky situation ensues. The mischievous ant samples the absent slugs' gruel, tries out their beds,
and
in the process because very sticky with more and more slug stuff adhering to him with the ultra
sticky nature of banana-slug slime coming up against an ant's incredible strength. A whimsical and
highly recommended addition to school and community library picture book collections for young
readers ages 5 to 8, Dreddielocks & The Three Slugs is author Margaret E. Hyde's debut picture
book ans was inspired while taking long strolls through the redwoods with her children in Santa
Cruz, California. It is also the picturebook debut of illustrator Curtis Parker.
Molly Meets Mona And Friends
Denise B. Minnerly & Gladys Walker
Crystal Productions
PO Box 2159, Glenview, IL 60025-6159
www.crystalproductions.com
1562903241 $17.95 1-800-255-8629
Molly likes to visit the art museum because she always has so much fun. From the moment she
arrives at the museum's great marble staircase, Molly begins a magical journey that transports her
into the works of some of the world's greatest artists. She chases Constable's rainbow, dances
with
Degas' ballerina, doges Turner's train, plays guitar with Picasso's musicians, and even floats on
Monet's lily pad. With the story and illustrations by Denise Bennett Minnerly and the text by poet
and freelance writer Gladys Walker, Molly Meets Mona And Friends: A Magical Day In The
Museum is an unusually effective collaboration that introduces painting and sculpture to young
readers, and is a welcome addition to any school or community library children's picture book
collection.
The Biography Shelf
Versatile Tractors: A Farm Boy's Dream
Jarrod Pakosh
Boston Mills Press/Firefly Books
155 East 34th Street, #5B, NY, NY 10016
1550464167 $29.95 fireflybooks.com
In 1993 the Equipment Manufacturers Institute honored author Peter Pakosh for his contributions
toward the manufacture of forestry and farm equipment: Versatile Tractors: A Farm Boy's Dream
traces his life and achievements. Peter was born in 1911 on a farm in eastern Canada, and became
an
engineer denied the change to design equipment for a large farm equipment manufacturer.
Undaunted, Pakosh built his first machine at home and founded his own line of products. All
ages
will find his story involving and a solid story of achievement under the worst of odds.
Morgan Reynolds
620 South Elm Street #223, Greensboro, NC 27406
$21.95 Each www.morganreynolds.com
These new biographical sketches of key literary figures for readers in grades 5-8 each provide a
little
over a hundred pages of information and vintage photos peppering basic biographical detail.
Roger
leslie's Isak Dinesen: Gothic Storyteller (19-31798176) tells of a girl who grew up in Denmark
listening to her father's stories of travels until his sudden death, which sparked a desire in his
daughter to see the world. Her move to Africa led to stories which made her a Nobel Prize
nominee.
William Schoell's Mystery And Terror (1931798397) tells the story of Edgar Allan Poe: itself one
of
high drama, twists, and not a small degree of terror in itself. Poe's life was a struggle in many
ways,
from early feuds with a stepfather to failures at military academy and work; but his short horror
stories and poems have endured to this day despite his early demise. Virginia Brackett's Restless
Genius (193-1798370) recounts the dramatic life of London writer Virginia Woolf, whose
association with the famous Bloomsbury art group would lead to works revolutionizing how
fiction
was written. Always struggling with mental illness, Woolf served as an inspiration to all around
her.
The World History Shelf
History Of Our World
Steck-Vaughn
PO Box 26015, Austin, TX 78755
0739860879 $41.95 steck-vaughn.com
The bright inlay pictures and colorful cover of History Of Our World enhance an imposing
historical
reference book for young readers comprised of almost six hundred pages of history and is
enhanced
with color contemporary photos and illustrations so important to making a classroom discussion
of
people, places and ideas inviting as possible. Ideal as a reference for homeschooled students
engaged
in independent studies, History Of Our World is expertly designed as a textbook for traditional
classroom curriculums and is just as readily a library reference recommendation for middle school
levels collections.
The Beginning
Peter Ackroyd
DK Publishing
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
0789498367 $19.99 www.dk.co
Ages 8 and older will relish this first addition to DK's projected Voyages Through Time' series
telling of life from prehistoric to modern times. Here life begins with the Big Bang and evolves to
the emergence of Homo spiens in The Beginning, using a lively format and eye-catching
illustrations
throughout. It's this color and detail which makes The Beginning as recommendable for leisure
browsing as for classroom discussion and research.
The Geography Shelf
Atlas Of The World
Gareth Stevens Inc.
330 West Olive Street, Suite 100, Milwaukee, WI 53212
www.garethstevens.com
0836840917 $29.95 1-800-542-2595
In order for an atlas to be useful for middle school grades, it should be easy to read with the latest
world changes reflected, color maps, legends, and charts which are not daunting. Gareth Stevens'
Atlas Of The World fits the bill in all cases: the latest statistics are used to reflect map contents,
grades 4 and up will find it easy to consult, and individual countries of the world receive clear
embellishment. As a non-imposing, even inviting package, it's a recommended pick.
The Genealogy Shelf
Ancestor Hunt
Nancy Shepherdson
Franklin Watts
90 Old Sherman Turnpark, Danbury CT 06816
0531154548 $29.50 www.scholastic.com
Plenty of genealogy titles are written with adult searchers in mind, but few provide the middle
school
child with tips on how to trace a family ancestry. Start a family tree easily with Nancy
Shepherdson's
Ancestor Hunt: Finding Your Family Online, which begins with online Internet basics on how to
search web sites, uncover links, and analyze information for accuracy. Hints tell how to avoid
common research mistakes, with chapters blending charts and black and white illustrations with a
dose of humor.
The Nature Shelf
Forest Explorer
Nic Bishop
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
0439174805 $17.95 www.scholastic.com
This slightly oversized field guide may prove a shelving challenge but its bright color and
encouragement to kids to explore their world can't be overlooked The chapters comprising Forest
Explorer are simply packed with field notes help young naturalists identify common insects, birds,
and mammals to be located in the usual backyard world. What sets this apart from others is its
focus
on very bright full-page photos packed with supplemental detail. Very highly recommended.
Saving The Rain Forest With Cammie And Cooper
Toni Albert & Carol Bowles
Trickle Creek Books
500 Andersontown Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
www.TrickleCreekBooks.com
192943202X $7.95 1-800-353-2791
Can Seven-year-old Cammie and her little brother Cooper find a wave to save the rain forests?
With
the help of a parrot named Sunflower, these two children embark upon an informative and
inspiring
adventure that will engage the rapt attention and enthusiasm of children ages 2 to 7. Saving The
Rain Forest With Cammie And Cooper is written by Toni Albert and illustrated by Carol Bowle
specifically for the purpose of engaging the imagination of children who want to experience
adventure while doing important good in a world that needs its rainforests with their myriad
wildlife
and plant growths. Also very highly recommended is Toni Albert's companion title The
Remarkable
Rainforest: An Active-Learning Book For Kids (1929432046, $10.95).
The Social Issues Shelf
To Establish Justice
Patricia McKissack & Arlene Zarembka
Knopf
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
0679893083 $18.95 www.amazon.com
The pairing of Newbery Honor winning author McKissack with attorney Arlene Zarembka lends
to a
title essential for any middle school collection concerned with representing the history and
operations of the American justice system: To Establish Justice examines the role the Supreme
Court has played in civil rights issues. Chapters use easily understood examples and language to
examine civil rights struggles, from the efforts of Native Americans to reclaim native lands to
women's efforts to vote. To Establish Justice would be a fine guide in any year; but in an election
year it holds particular relevance.
The Fiction Shelf
Horrible Harry And The Locked Closet
Suzy Kline
Viking Children's Books
345 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
www.penguin.com
0670059447 $13.99 1-800-847-5515
After four days of indoor recess Miss Mackle's students are bored and focus on the long-going
mystery of a locked closet to keep them interested. Harry decides to solve the mystery, and their
search reveals totally unexpected, mysterious results in Suzy Kline's winning Horrible Harry And
The Locked Closet.
Delacorte Press
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
Three excellent new titles are fun leisure choices for kids in grades 4-6. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's
girls against boys' series returns with the new Girls Rule! (0385-731396, $15.95): with summer
just
around the corner, the rivalry between the Malloy sisters and the Hatford brothers comes alive
with
a fund-raising contest. The focus on earning evokes creative methods and some disasters. Katy
Kelly's Lucy Rose: Here's The Thing About Me (038-5732031, $12.95) presents Lucy Rose, a
clever third grader handling divorced parents, a move to Washington DC and a new school, and a
new enemy. But Lucy's clever and her resourcefulness shines in this appealing story. Miranda
Jones'
Little Genie: Castle Magic (0385731655, $8.95) presents a spooky adventure of a lava lamp genie
who goes on a class trip to a chance. Genie tries to behave and avoid making magic; but her
encounter with a castle ghost brings too much temptation in this hilarious ghostly story. All are
delightful tales.
The Empty Mirror
James Lincoln Collier
Bloomsbury
175 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
1582349495 $16.95 bloomsburyusa.com
Nick Hodges grew up an orphan in his uncle's care in a small town and has always spelled trouble,
but when he begins to be sighted miles from where he's at, and faces incrimination for a series of
incidents not his fault, Nick decides to investigate why he's being built up to be a scapegoat with
frightening results. James Lincoln Collier is best known for his Newbery winner My Brother Sam
Is
Dead, and The Empty Mirror is no less compelling.
Putnam/Philomel
345 Hudson, New York NY 10014
www.penguin.com
When G.P. Taylor's Shadowmancer was first published in England, it rose quickly to best-seller
lists
and received critical acclaim, reaching to young audiences who were fans of Rowe's Harry Potter
stories, and to older readers seeking more depth. Now Wormwood (0399242570, $17.99) joins
its
predecessor: set in 1756 London when the city spins out of control and faces a supernatural
darkness, a young housemaid of a scientist overhears her master's prophecy for disaster, and finds
herself equally bound up in the conflict over dreaded power's dangerous attraction. Dr. Blake
faces
both a comet and the evil underlying London itself, and soon Agetta finds herself seduced by an
evil
which will determine all their fates in the classic good/evil conflict story Wormwood. Cathy
Cassidy's original novel Dizzy (067005-9366, $15.99) tells of a girl who longs for an absent
mother.
Each year on her birthday Dizzy receives something special and memorable from her absent mom
and she's kept everything. Now it's her 12th birthday and Dizzy will receive something from her
mother which will change her life. Cathy Cassidy has been writing all her life and her affection for
British teens shows in a novel which reaches out. Brian Jacques' novel Rakkety Tam
(0399237-259,
$23.99) returns to provide another Redwall tale to the expanding collection of rodent hero
stories.
Meet Gulo the Savage, a new threat to the Abbey of Redwall who has killed his own brother to
seize a fabled Walking Stone of conquest. Only Redwall can stand before his mercenary raids on
the
kingdom and only mercenary warrior Rakkety Tam MacBural is a brave enough squirrel to defy
him. In true Jacques form a tale of battles and conflict provides another epic story of war, unlikely
bravery and achievement.
Random Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
These powerful new novels are recommended picks for advanced middle school through high
school
grade levels: all over leisure reading with a touch of class. Kelly McWilliams' novel Doormat
(0385731-68X, $15.95) tells Jamie's discovery of her best friend's pregnancy. How can Jamie help
Melissa, who wanted to be model, and who seeks Jamie's help when she discovers her pregnancy?
There's not much Jamie can do: Melissa refuses to tell her parents, and Jamie refuses to be used.
A
realistic story of a changing friendship faced with trouble. Tamora Pierce's Trickster's Queen
(0375814671, $17.95) provides an inspiring sequel to her Trickster's Choice fantasy and is a
recommended pick for high school readers and above. Familiarity with Trickster's Choice will lend
a
background making it easy to appreciate Trickster's Queen: here Aly Homewood is now a slave in
a
foreign land and her new people's only hope for surviving a visit by their trickster god. Aly is
also
the leader in an underground movement to put a new queen on the throne, so she has her hands
full
when the queen-to-be- is lost and adversity arises from other arenas as well. A gripping fantasy,
Trickster's Queen is hard to put down. Meg Rosoff's How I Live Now (0385746776, $16.95) is
predicted to be an award-winning novel: it's that good. It's rare that a first novel provides the
magic
and compelling voice that wins over more experienced writers' productions, but How I Live Now
more than accomplishes this, telling of Elizabeth, caught in a war in England which changes
society
and life as she knows it. Elizabeth's struggle to cope with changes involving loss of home,
freedom,
and basic societal structure and communications is nothing short of riveting, and How I Live Now
is
a thought-provoking pick hard to put down. Grace Cavendish's Lady Grace Mysteries' is an
absorbing new series blending a classic mystery format with historical insights. Assassin
(03-85731513, $6.95) provides the first book in the series: set at Queen Elizabeth's court, spunky
and rebelliou girl sleuth Lady Grace, amateur detective and 13-year-old lady-in-waiting to Queen
Elizabeth, is recovering from her mother's untimely death and the proposition of marriage from
three suitors. On the eve of her formal ball, murder changes the mix and sets Grace to an
investigation holding few clues and much danger Betrayal (0385-731523, $6.95) has Lady Grace
in
a new title reserved for those who pursue wrongdoers of the Crown, thanks to her success in
ASSASSIN: when a fellow lady-in-waiting vanishes, it's up to Grace to hone her detective skills
to
find out why. The blend of historical adventure and action makes these leisure reads compelling.
Gary Paulsen's Molly Mcginty Has A Really Good Day (0385325886, $12.95) presents the trials
of
a middle school girl in revealing Molly, the most organized sixth grader at Our Lady of Mercy
Middle School. It's a binder which holds the key to her skills as Molly keeps everything in order in
her life until it disappears and throws her world into chaos.
11,000 Years Lost
Peni R. Griffin
Amulet/Abrams Books
100 5th Avenue, New York NY 10011
0810948222 $18.95 abramsbooks.com
Texas history, time travel, and lessons on family trees blend in the engrossing novel by Penni R.
Griffin 11,000 Years Lost. Pre-teen Ester discovers an 11,000 year old spearhead once used by
mammoth hunters during an archaeological dig: an artifact when opens a time portal and lands
Esther in Ice Age Texas. Adopted by a group of mammoth hunters, she must learn to survive in a
very different society and find a way home simultaneous in a gripping story testing her survival
skills. Two of Peni R. Griffin's previous books have been nominees for Edgar Awards and 11,000
Years Lost joins their gripping action.
Mildew On The Wall
Suzanna E. Henshon
Royal Fireworks Printing Company
First Avenue, Unionville, NY 10988
0880924845 $9.99 1-845-726-4444
Mildew On The Wall by Suzanna E. Henshon is the story of Millie, a fifth grader with a very
messy
bedroom. Her mother wants her to clean up the mess, but she is reluctant because she identifies
herself with the disaster area. When she becomes famous for her disorganized room, in defiance to
what her mother feels is best, it sets the stage for a difficult conflict and some soul-searching
questions. A thoughtful novel about the dilemmas of growing up, intended especially for young
adult
readers.
Owen Foote, Mighty Scientist
Stephanie Greene
Clarion Books
215 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10003
www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com
0618430164 $14.00 www.amazon.com
Owen wants to be a real scientist and has high hopes of getting into the top science class in
school:
the best way is for him to win first prize in a school science fair, but their project lizard is
uncooperative and so is his helper friend. How will Owen become successful if even his
experiments
go wrong? A funny story of goals and achievements and friendship.
Judy Moody, MD: The Doctor is In!
Megan McDonald
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
www.candlewick.com
0763620246 $15.99 1-800-526-0275
Peter Reynolds' engaging cartoon drawings once again embellish the return of Megan McDonald's
Judy Moody' protagonist for grades 4-5: this time Judy is in a medical mood' and, inspired by a
class in anatomy, Judy learns about a woman doctor and decides to embark on medical world
adventures involving a gooey operation and a cloning experiment. As usual, hilarious comedy
invites
even the most reluctant reader with a set of zany adventures.
The American History Shelf
Abolitionists And Slave Resistance
Judith Edwards
Enslow Publishers, Inc.
PO Box 398, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
www.enslow.com
0766021556 $20.95 1-800-398-2504
Grades 6 and up will find Judith Edwards' Abolitionists And Slave Resistance a most accessible
history, providing over a hundred pages of detail on underground movements to break the chains
of
slavery. From war's new opportunities for African-Americans to different ways in which slaves
resisted and how abolitionists organized, Abolitionists And Slave Resistance offers the specifics
missing in more general titles.
Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish
99 Whiet Plains Rd, Tarrytown NY 10591
$23.95 Each marshallcavendish.com
The American Voices' series from Benchmark Books gathers real voices' from primary source
materials to bring history alive for grades 5-7, providing a lively and growing set of references
spiced with vintage photos and illustrations throughout. New arrivals to the series include Adriane
Ruggiero's The Great Depression (076141696X), covering the experiences of those who lived
through America's worst downturn; Elizabeth Sirimarco's The Civil Rights Movement
(076-1416978), charting the roots of the movement and the experiences of activists who took
part in
the struggle for civil liberties; Rebecca Stefoff's The New Republic 1783-1830 (0761416951),
covering the social and political struggles of an emerging society; Elizabeth Sirimarco's The Cold
War (0761416943), exploring the events of the cold war with a focus on its perceptions both
politically and within both societies involved; and Virginia Schomp's The Vietnam Era
(0761416935), gathering voices from America's longest war. All are recommended picks for
middle
school history collections.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Animal Predators
Sandra Markle
Lerner Publications
1251 Washington Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1036
www.lernerbooks.com
1575050210 $176.82 1-800-328-4929
With Animal Predators, science writer nd wildlife expert Sandra Markle has written a superb
seven
volume series highlighting some of the most skillful and successful hunters in the animal kingdom.
Each volume is impressively enhanced with full color photography throughout, combining with an
informative, engaging text revealing to young readers how these carnivores track and bring down
their prey. The individual titles comprising this truly outstanding and strongly recommended series
includes Crocodiles (1575057263); Owls (1575057298); Great White Sharks (157-505731X);
Killer
Whales (157505728X); Lions (1575057-271); Polar Bears (1575-057301); and Wolves
(1575057328). Animal Predators is an ideal and strongly recommended series for school and
community library wildlife reference collections, each individual title also features a glossary,
index,
and bibliography for further reading.
The Kids' Guide To Zoo Animals
Michelle Gilders
Red Deer Press
Mackimmie Library Tower, Room 813
2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 1N4
www.reddeerpress.com
0889953015 $12.95 1-800-663-5714
The Kids' Guide To Zoo Animals is a simple field guide featuring 200 popular zoo animals.
Though
intended for young adults, it is a reference that, although brief in descriptive information on each
species, does not talk down to the reader and will appeal to all ages. Each animal listing covers
one
page and includes color photographs, and information concerning the animal's description, diet,
habitat, behavior, IUCN status, and threats to the species' survival. An enjoyable exploration of
the
wondrous diversity of nature.
Baby Seal
Aubrey Lang & Wayne Lynch
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
121 Harvard Avenue, Suite 2, Allston, MA 02134
1550417266 $5.95 www.fitzhenry.ca
Baby Seal by author Aubrey Lang and photographer Wayne Lynch is the story of a baby harp seal
who is born on the frozen Arctic Ocean, cared for by a loving mother, but who in just twelve
short
days, will be left alone with no one to feed or protect her. The little harp seal must learn how to
care
for herself or perish. Part of the superbly produced "Nature Babies" series by Fitzhenry &
Whiteside
for children preschool through second grade, this is a simple, informative story enhanced with
photographs taken in the wild. Of special note for school and community librarians is the presence
of
an Index and a "Did You Know?" section of unusual seal facts.
Take A Walk With Butterflies And Dragonflies
Jane Kirkland
Stillwater Enterprises
PO Box 500, Lionville, PA 19353
0970975422 $9.95 www.takeawalk.com
The third book in the outstanding Stillwater Enterprises "Take A Walk Books" series, Take A
Walk
With Butterflies And Dragonflies by Jane Kirkland is an ideal reference guide for children ages 8
and
above to finding, observing, identifying, and understanding butterflies and dragonflies. Enhanced
with beautiful color photography, Take A Walk With Butterflies And Dragonflies will enlighten
young readers where to look for eggs and chrysalises and turn an outdoor excursion into an
exciting,
"low impact", do-it-yourself adventure! Also very highly recommended are the two other titles in
this unique series: Take A Backyard Bird Walk (09709-75406, $9.95) and Take A Tree Walk
(0970975414, $9.95).
Books in Series
Creative Education
125 South Broad St., Mankato, MN 56001
1-800-445-6209; Fax 1-507-388-2746
Two gorgeous books are part of the Creative Education series Natural Wonders of the World'
are
specifically designed and published for grades 2-4, to provide kids with a stunningly effective
visual
attraction which lend to browsing and learning. Anne Fizpatrick's Amazon River (15834-13227)
holds about 30 pages of bright contemporary color photos and facts about the Amazon, while Jill
Kalz's Mount Everest (1583413251) charts the geology of the mountain and the numerous
attempts
to scale it. Both are outstanding displays.
Chelsea House Publishers
1974 Sproul Road, Suite 400, Broomall, PA 19008-0914
1-800-848-2665 www.chelseahouse.com
Four new titles in the "American Mosaic: African-American Contributions" series from Chelsea
House Publishers are devoted to rich history of African-American achievements should not be
overlooked for readers in grades 5-8: the inclusion of popular topics makes these fine possibilities
for leisure browsing. Sandy Asirvatham's History Of Jazz (0791072657) considers a unique
musical
style with roots in Afro-American history and contributions. From the pioneering musicians who
broke social and culture barriers to present their music to the public to its incorporation into other
music worlds, History Of Jazz considers both achievement and controversy. Judy Hasday's The
Tuskegee Airmen (0791072673) tells of African-American struggles to fight for their country in
times of war and of Alabama's Tuskagee Institute, who trained pilots to serve during the second
world war against bigotry and prejudice. The Tuskagee force has rarely received more than
mention
for this grade level, making Hasday's history unique. Cookie Lommel's African Americans In Film
And Television (0791072681) examines African-American struggles in entertainment, with
chapters
considering both achievement and film and TV politics which went on behind the scenes. History
Of
The Blues by Sandy Asirvatham (079-1072665) is another analysis of music history which traces
the
roots of the blues and how the Mississippi Delta blues legends made names for themselves against
all
odds. Chapters delve into men and women who broke the chains of racism to make names for
themselves.
Thomson-Gale
274500 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3535
www.gale.com
Thompson/Gale has a number of imprints readers in grades 6-9 will find important, and these are
some of the historical overviews particularly recommended from their latest achievements. Robert
H. Mayer edits The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 (0737723041), part of the'Opposing Viewpoints'
history series covering controversial historical events through reading a selection of primary
materials on both sides. Debates about education, fair employment and more provide arguments
on
each side of civil rights issues from the 1960s. Donald Murphy's America's Entry Into World War
I
(0737717912) covers the debates and controversy surrounding American involvement in the first
world war. Chapters discuss American neutrality concerns, arguments for and against the decision
for war, and all the discussions surrounding American participation overseas. Dianne Zarlengo's
Living In The Middle Ages (0737720921) joins others in the Exploring Cultural History' series,
providing an important overview of cultural highlights on the Middle Ages. Domestic life,
community and work, and everyday issues are revealed. James Barter's Life In A Medieval Village
(1590182669, $27.5) joins The Way People Live' series in providing a focus on Medieval daily
life,
from the village marketplace's importance to marriage and family life. Collections typically don't
have much on the Korean War, so Michael J. Martin's Life As A POW (159018260X, $27.45) is a
particularly important addition to Korean wartime history, considering the experiences of military
men in the war and their struggle to stay alive in inhumane conditions. Barter's A Medieval Monk
(1590184785, $27.45) joins The Working Life' series in showing how Medieval people worked.
From the daily practice of running a monastery to scholars, teachers, farmers and traveling monks,
Barter's book displays a monk's life as more than isolation and devotion. Kids at the middle to
high
school levels studying social issues would do no better than to consult the Opposing Viewpoints'
series: using source materals as a foundation and a pro/con format lending to understanding both
sides, this series holds continued and ongoing meaning for all ages. Terrorism (0737722460)
outlines common misperceptions of what makes terrorism, presents contrasting arguments over
courses of action which will make America a safer place, and is packed with articles covering all
sides of the issue. Civil Liberties (0737716754) considers the very documents and foundations of
democracy, analyzing issues involving the separation of church and state, faith-based charities,
and
first amendment rights. The War On Drugs (0737722843) analyzes the basics of the war', from
links between drugs and terrorism to which policies do and don't work in the war on drugs, from
courts and mandatory sentences to education programs.
The Folktale/Fairytale Shelf
Tibetan Tales For Little Buddhas
Naomi C. Rose
Clear Light Publishing Corporation
823 Don Diego, Santa Fe, NM 87508
www.clearlightbooks.com
1574160818 $16.95 1-505-989-9590
Featuring a brief foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetan Tales For Little Buddhas is
both
an engaging children's picturebook and a fascinating introduction to another culture. The three
tales,
"Yeshi's Luck", "Jomo and the Dakini Queen", and "Chunda's Wisdom Quest" are presented in
Tibetan and English. Warm color illustrations help display a picture of Tibetan daily life in this un
ique folklore treasury recommended for family, school, and community library collections. Tibetan
Tales For Little Buddhas will prove to be as enjoyable for parents as it is for their little ones.
Djomi Dream Child
Christopher Fry
Delphine Sarago-Kendrick
Magabala Books/ISBS
920 Northeast 58th Avenue, Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213
www.isbscatalog.com
1875641823 $17.00 1-800-944-6190
Djomi Dream Child is the folk tale story of a little aboriginal spirit child whose grandfather
dreams
of an island where she can find her real life parents. So she places herself on a giant coneshell and
floats downstream towards the coast of Maningrida, past the sacred Dreaming waterhole called
Djomi. It is in this sacred place that her destiny lays, and where all her dreams would become
reality.
The narrative story by Christopher Fry (who is from Maningrida, a remote town on the coast of
central Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory and whose tribal group is Burarra) is perfectly
enhanced with the heart-felt artwork of Delphine Sarago-Kendrick, a descendant of the Yidinji
and
Jirrbal people of far north Queensland.
The Geography Shelf
Letters From Around The World: Pakistan
David Cumming
Cherrytree Books
1980 Lookout Dr., N. Mankato, MN 56001
www.nutshellmedialtd.co.uk
1842342436 $27.10 www.amazon.com
Meet Tunweer: he's eight and lives in a Pakistan village. Follow him in David Cumming's Letters
From Around The World: Pakistan as he leads his life, and use his letters as an introduction to his
daily activities and culture. Cumming brings the country alive like no other nonfiction title, so if
it's
attractive adventure you seek, look no further than this educational survey.
Smart Apple Media
1980 Lookout Dr., N. Mankato MN 56003
$27.10 each www.amazon.com
Two fine new additions to the eye-catching Country File' series from Smart Apple Media are
anything but ordinary geography titles: the covers of even the most common-sounding countries
invite interest, books highlight internet sites where more country facts can be located, and fine
photos, maps, graphs and statistical tables abound in the 30-page coverages. Italy (158340497X)
and Bangladesh (15-83404961) each provide the perfect blend of eye-catching color illustration
and
facts so essential to a well-rounded geography guide that would be valued additions to any school
or
community library reference collection..
Travel Through India
Elaine Jackson
QEB Publishing
23062 La Canda Drive, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
1595660607 $27.10 www.amazon.com
Any child who has wondered what it's like to live in India now has an answer with Elaine
Jackson's
Travel Through India: an exploration-oriented geography guide which not only covers the usual
geography and culture, but which suggests activities encouraging kids to develop critical thinking
skills, plus an interdisciplinary approach linking geography to language arts and history. Add more
than a small dose of inviting color photos and you have a compelling winner here.
Children's Press
$35.00 Each www.scholastic.com
The gorgeous Enchantment of the World' series from Children's Press is a winner in more than
one
way: each book holds well over a hundred pages of facts, each provides a focus on a country
often
passed over in similar single-country geography titles for grades 4-6, and each includes
eye-catching
covers and contemporary photos, bibliographies including web sites, organizations and books, and
a
handy index. New to the series are Terri Willis' Qatar (0516242547), Patricia Kummer's Korea
(0516242500), JoAnn Milivojevic's Czech Republic (0516242555), Kummer's Cameroon
(0516242563), Martin Hintz'sd Armenia (0516242571), Milivojevic's Bosnia And Herzegovina
(0516242474), Hintz's Croatia (0516242539), Willis' Democratic Republic Of The Congo
(05-16242504), Ann Heinrichs' Pakistan (05-1622482), Hintz's United States Of America
(0516242466), Hintz's Monaco (0516-242512) and Tamra Orr's Slovenia (0516-242490). Each
packs in the maps, sidebars of facts, and enough brightness to make them appealing for both
leisure
browsing and study.
Crabtree Publishing
350 5th Ave. #3308, New York NY 10118
$16.95 Each 1-800-387-7650
Crabtree typically produces three books per country for added emphasis on the different topics:
thus
Jamaica for example receives separate books for The Culture', The Land' and The People', and
librarians can obtain all three for in-depth coverage or choose the geographic approach best suited
to
their collection. Amber Wilson's Jamaica: The Culture (0778793-32X), The Land (0778793303)
and The People (0778793311) each provide 32 pages of bright eye-catching covers and
contemporary photos to match report material; Erinn Banting's England: The People
(0778793220),
The Land (0778793-214) and The Culture (0778793230) each cover aspects of English life; April
Fast and Susan Hughes' Cuba: The Land (07-78793240), The People (0778793257) and The
Culture (0778793265) covers a land and people led by a dictator, and their Sweden: The People
(0778793281), The Land (0778793273) and The Culture (07-7879329X) each provide plenty of
background on Swedish living. All are most suited to research and classroom use, and are highly
recommended picks.
A free public library is the very heart of our civilization!
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
Copyright ©2001
Site design by Williams Writing, Editing &
Design