Literacy Now

In a perfect world, there would be no need to worry about whether books might be challenged or eventually banned by concerned community members. Ours, of course, is a democracy, which means many citizens have opinions on a wide variety of topics, including whether a book is appropriate for a class or student.

 Rather than focus on those who would censor certain passages and reading materials, the book community established a week in which booklovers celebrate the freedom to read whatever they wish. Initiated in 1982 as a reaction to a surge in book challenges, Banned Books Week, celebrated this year from Sept. 21-27, reminds readers of the freedom to read that they enjoy. This year, Banned Books runs from Sept. 21-27. The American Library Association reports that during the past decade, from 2000 to 2009, 5,099 challenges were reported to the Office for Intellectual Freedom. Among those challenges, the Office for Intellectual Freedom reports that 1,577 were challenges due to "sexually explicit" material, 1,291 were challenged due to "offensive language," 989 were challenged due to materials deemed "unsuited to age group," 619 were challenged due to "violence,” and 361 were challenged due to "homosexuality." Additionally, 274 materials were challenged due to "occult" or "Satanic" themes, 291 were challenged due to their "religious viewpoint," and 119 because they were "anti-family."

In honor of Banned Books Week and our right to read, the Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group takes a look at some of the challenged books during the past year. Rather than highlight the reasons behind the books’ being challenged, we prefer to celebrate the insight and unique stories these tell. We hope you will support this week by reading a challenged or banned book. The right to read is a precious one we must protect.

Grades K-3

Winter, Jeanette. (2005). The Librarian of Basra: A True Story From Iraq. New York, NY:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers.

Set in Basra, Iraq, this picture book celebrates the heroism of one librarian, Alia Muhammad Baker, who saves many of the volumes in her library with the help of other members of the community. Not only do they smuggle the books out in the midst of conflict, but they find a place to hide them until peacetime returns. It’s hard to think of many acts more daring than hers. Once a new library has been built, the books are returned to their home. The text and acrylic and ink illustrations are poignant reminders of the importance of books, libraries, and discourse as well as serving as a tribute to the readers who took action to save their irreplaceable literary treasures.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Winter, Jeanette. (2009). Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story From Afghanistan. New York, NY: Beach Lane Books.

After the disappearance of her parents, Nasreen is silent and withdrawn. In a risky act, her grandmother secretly takes her to school right under the noses of the Taliban who are controlling their village. The school offers her an outlet as well as a place where she can acquire the literacy skills that may bring her a much brighter future and an avenue to freedom. The book’s acrylic illustrations and simple story attest to the determination of one elderly woman who is intent on having more for her granddaughter. Heroism and acts of courage sometimes come from surprising places and in unexpected sizes.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 4-6

Ignatow, Amy. (2010). The Popularity Papers: Research for the Social Improvement and General Betterment of Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang. New York, NY: Amulet.

Told in alternating voices that feature different fonts and colors of ink representing the characters’ different personalities, this book centers on two girls intent on figuring out exactly what makes someone popular in their middle school. As the girls pass the field notes in their journal back and forth, they come to some alarming conclusions about their peers and about themselves. Most interesting of all, though, they must contend with what to do with the information they glean. Young readers will relate to the girls’ desire for popularity but also understand that it often comes with a price. As fascinatingly unique as the protagonists are, the secondary characters are also interesting. Lydia has an older sister going through a Goth phase, and the two girls live with their single mother while Julie lives with her two fathers. The author handles the family dynamics in a matter-of-fact manner, and although the parents’ patience is strained at times, clearly, these two girls are loved and supported in exploring their own identities. There are seven titles in this deservedly-popular series.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 7-8

Frank, Anne. (1993). Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. New York, NY: Bantam.

Originally published in 1947, this classic has stood the test of time and continues to appeal to a new generation of readers, many of whom have only a vague awareness of what the Holocaust actually was. The book is Anne’s diary, maintained by the 13-year-old girl while her family hid for several months in a secret portion of an old office building in Amsterdam. She describes her family and the other residents of the hiding place as well as the steps necessary to keep their existence secret from the Gestapo. Anne was an astute observer of those around her, and she makes several scathing but accurate observations on the small dramas she observes being played out in the secret spot. Since the diary covers the two years she was in hiding, she matured over the course of that time and even fell in love, evidence of which is found in the lines she wrote. Young readers are typically taken aback when they realize the Franks were eventually discovered, and Anne died in a concentration camp.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 9-12

Green, John. (2005). Looking for Alaska. New York, NY: Dutton Books.

Recipient of the Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature in 2006, this novel highlights the coming of age of protagonist Miles Halter. Bored with his life in Florida and looking for possibilities and experience, the 16-year-old enrolls in a boarding school in Florida where he finds some of what he’s been looking for. Readers will be intrigued by Chip, his new roommate, and Alaska Young, a girl who fascinates every male at the boarding school and whose misery quickly becomes obvious through the many late night conversations shared with Halter. As happens in these situations, his new friends introduce Miles to new experiences, some hilarious and some painful. The philosophical and sexual explorations resonate with authenticity and earnestness as Miles tries his best to seize life. Some have compared this title with the classic A Separate Peace by John Knowles because the narrators in both books struggle with telling the truth about themselves. Teen readers will be reminded of the joys and sorrows that lie ahead, and that life is brimming with possibilities and chances to reinvent oneself. Perhaps in looking for the Alaskas in their lives, they will ultimately find themselves.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Lyga, Barry. (2012). I Hunt Killers. New York, NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

The charming Jasper Dent is the son of notorious serial killer, Billy Dent. Although his father is now imprisoned, Jasper is haunted by his upbringing and has flashbacks of scenes during which the man initiated him into aspects of his particular calling—murder with a side dish of torture. As Jazz wrestles with his past and his possible future, he has a few individuals who help keep him on the straight and narrow: G. William, the policeman who brought his father in, his best friend Howie who always has his back and with whom he might seem to have little in common, and his girlfriend Connie who knows about the dark urges with which he struggles. Add to that his eccentric and perhaps mentally ill grandmother, and it’s pretty clear Jazz leads a complicated life. When a new serial killer starts operating close to home, Jazz volunteers his help since he’s convinced that living with his father provided insights into the mind of a serial killer. Older teen readers will be drawn to Jazz and his struggles while also being horrified at the savagery of the killings described in blood-soaked detail. This is the first in a series of three titles focusing on Jazz, with the third one due out soon. These are emotionally-wrenching reads, and readers will feel wrung out emotionally at the books’ conclusions.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Myers, Walter Dean. (1988). Fallen Angels. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Winner of the Coretta Scott King Award, this book is required reading for anyone trying to make sense of the Vietnam War and the events that swirled around it. At the center is Richard Perry, a Harlem teen who volunteers for military service when his college plans don’t work out. Perry and his platoon are sent to the front lines of battle in Vietnam, and he comes of age amid scenes of racism, violence, death, compassion, and confusion. Myers describes in moving detail Perry’s thoughts of home that keep him as grounded as he can be, given his situation. The vivid descriptions of combat are contrasted with some of the humor and camaraderie between the military personnel, and the philosophical ponderings over the purposes of the war and Perry’s part in it show that the waging of war is far from a simple thing. It seems almost impossible to understand unless you’ve been there on the battle fields. As close as it is possible to do, Myers puts his readers there. Even though it’s clear this is a fictional account, most readers will be glad to come home again.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Satrapi, Marjane. (2003). Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood. New York, NY: Pantheon.

This graphic novel examines the formative years of the author as she grew up in Tehran during the revolution in Iran. A second, companion volume, Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return (Pantheon, 2005) provides additional insight into the author’s world. Having a glimpse into her experiences from six to fourteen provides a young insider’s version of a world with which most of them are unfamiliar other than from newspaper accounts. She describes the challenges of everyday events and the contrast between her life at home and her life in public as well as public whippings and repressive acts. Learning about her family and its own history allows readers to see how historical events are intertwined with personal experiences. It’s hard not to be drawn to Marjane and her story, which offers a unique perspective because of the innocence of the storyteller. Still, the heavy price of change, repression, and war is counted here amid the charm of the narrator. Young teen readers especially will enjoy this one with its colorful illustrations.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Stone, Tanya Lee. (2007). A Bad Boy Can Be Good for a Girl. New York, NY: Random House.

This novel in verse is told from multiple perspectives, following the misadventures of three girls who become enraptured by the same Lothario, a senior jock whose goal seems to be to have sex with as many girls as he can during his high school years.  While he is never named, Josie, Nicolette, and Aviva are the girls with whom he toys, and each girl is quite memorable. Older teen readers will be able to relate to at least one of the girls. Josie is a self-confident, self-assured freshman who finds the boy’s attentions surprising but pleasing. Before she realizes it, she is turned on and doing things she never dreamed of doing. When her would-be boyfriend drops her, she is at first perplexed, then angry, then intent on warning other girls about this jerk. The worldly and experienced Nicolette uses sex as power, and even she thinks that what they share is love. The third girl, Aviva, an artistic high school senior with a great sense of humor, has sex with him too, but finds it (and him) rather disappointing. All three girls—and others—record their feelings about the boy and his use of them in a library copy of Judy Blume’s Forever, a warning to stay away from him unless you want your heart broken. This cautionary tale is told with humor, insight, and intensity. It should be required reading in junior high and high school.

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online. 

Across the borders of many countries, several possible friends and millions of neighbors live their lives in complete anonymity—until we meet them, that is. This week’s books contain stories of humor, hope and happiness from across national borders. There are humorous books from Mexico, serious books from Canada, and nail-biting escapes from a border in Germany where a wall that separated a nation finally fell. This week’s book reviews from the Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) invite readers to learn about the journeys of our nearest neighbors and others who broke the walls and boundaries that confined them.

Grades K-3

Finch, Mary. (2013). La Gallinita Roja. Illus. by Kate Slater. Cambridge, MA: Barefoot Books.

Many readers are familiar with, The Little Red Hen, and this book provides an alternative for those who love the classic. La Gallinita Roja tells the same story in Spanish. Since all of the text is in Spanish, the book provides a good resource for beginning Spanish Language Learners. The illustrations are made of paper crafts and collage, which add another dimension to the reading experience. At the end of the book, there is a recipe included to teach readers how to make their own bread—in Spanish.

—Ying-Husan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Cottin, Menena. (2013). Doble Doble. Col. San Miguel Chapultepec, Mexico: Ediciones Tecolote.

This clever book introduces Spanish vocabulary for earliest readers and language learners. The colored pages of the book have two words in every spread. Bold illustrations present 30 vocabulary words in black and white. The words are presented on either the edge of a page, encouraging the readers to flip over the book and examine the illustration and words closely. Advanced vocabulary includes words such as Otoño, derecha, and hundir are clearly illustrated. This book is a great addition for any classroom or school library.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Weill, Cynthia. (2013). Mi Familia Calaca: My Skeleton Family. El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press. 

Come and meet a special big family with grandparents, parents, two children, and a baby. What is so special about this family is that everyone is a skeleton—even the family pets. As pages are turned, readers are able to see bilingual texts, English and Spanish, to present simple ways to introduce family members as well as paper mache illustrations, an important art form in Mexico. Moreover, instead of being scary, the skeleton is a lovely and humorous figure in Mexican culture. This is an entertaining book for children to learn both English and Spanish while also learning about an important part of one culture.

—Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Wheeler, Lisa. (2013). Dino-Wrestling. Illus. by Barry Gott. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books. 

Dinosaurs line up in front of a massive tent, and everyone looks extremely exciting. Yes, it is about time for the Dino-Wrestling Jamboree. All dinosaur athletes can choose to compete in different wrestling styles, including Folkstyle, Luche Libre, Greco-Roman style, Sumo, and Free-Style. Are you ready for the wrestling matches? This is an informative book with cultural elements sprinkled throughout the text. By introducing different styles of wrestling with eye-catching dinosaur characters, the author also presents specific cultures aligned with wrestling styles. For example, Luche Libre is a Mexican style of wrestling with competitors wearing bright-colored masks and tights during the match, while Sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling derived from the Shinto religion. This informative text is presented with vibrant illustrations of wrestling dinosaurs, which will attract many young readers.

—Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 4-6

McIssac, M. J. (2014). Underhand. Victoria, Canada: Orca Books.

Markus is the star of the household. Nick, his younger brother, is just tired of being second best. It is sibling rivalry at its bitterest. When Markus wins a scholarship for a prestigious private school to play lacrosse, Nick can take it no more. He does his best to ruin the game for Markus, but being excellent at the sport, Markus has no trouble tackling his brother’s moodiness. Lindy, the dynamic young lady Nick wishes to date, has eyes only for Markus. Nick’s only solace is his best friend Kevin who supports his attempts to work out the sibling rivalry. Everything seems to be against Nick until Markus loses his offer due to allegations of cheating. When Nick and his friends receive a call from the recruitment coach of the private school, Nick cannot believe his luck. But he is also deeply affected by his brother’s moodiness and loss of morale. Nick is determined to use this opportunity to find out who made the allegations of cheating and why the coach was listening to him. Nick’s determination to find the culprit helps him find allies in unexpected places. Could sibling rivalry be more important than opportunity and honesty? Nick has to make some tough decisions and change his life and learn a few lessons in the process.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 9-12

Farrell, Mary Cronk. (2014). Pure Grit: How American World War II Nurses Survived Battle And Prison Camps In The Pacific. New York, NY: Abrams.

When Mildred Dalton Manning died on March 8, 2013, she was 98 years old. She was also the last of the surviving POW nurses. Nurses were held as Prisoners Of War (POW) the Philippines and nearby territories during WW II. This title brings to light the valuable contributions of 67 POW nurses. The group was finally honored for their contribution by President Ronald Regan in 1983. In 2001, the Commander of POW nurses, Major Maude Campbell Davison was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.  This impressive volume has 21 chapters, beginning with the motivations for these nurses to join the army or navy and serve in the pacific islands. At that time, they were young and were looking for adventure and romance and a chance to visit some exotic, tropical places when they enlisted in the army. However, the attack on Pearl Harbor, changed not only the events of the history, it also changed the lives of all Americans stationed on foreign soil of Philippines and surrounding regions. The nurses quickly adapted to the conditions and learned to continue their work even as bombs were exploding around them. As Japanese invasion progressed, the hospitals were moved into jungles and underground, and the nurses were rounded up and assigned to a POW camp. For the next three years, they worked under constant starvation, suffered diseases, and worked under the constant supervision of the Japanese soldiers. The author’s website features more information about her books and work.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Smith, Lindsay. (2014). Sekret. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press.

Set in the 1960s when the Cold War between Russian and the United States was at its peak, this story follows Yulia, a girl with psychic power, as she tries to survive and learn the ropes of working in the active espionage scene. After her family has been kidnapped, she is recruited by Russia’s spy agency, the KGB, to protect its space program from American CIA spies. Yulia meets other teens with other psychic powers, some more frightening than hers, to participate in a special mission. The mysterious espionage is intertwined with  music and romance, offering some hope to Yulia and letting her have a taste of  the world outside of Russia. This book invites readers to be in Yulia’s shoes as she starts falling in love under extremely dangerous conditions and take a look at what it might have been like to live during the Communist Russia. At first, Yuli goes along with the plans of the KGB, however she and her other friends are determined to break free. Readers will be drawn to the story of Yuli and cheer for her freedom.

—Ying-Hsusan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online. 

Much of the best children’s literature portrays characters as they face significant barriers or challenges. Teachers may be familiar with Newbery winning books featuring characters with autism, deafness, and stuttering. In addition, the Schneider Family Book Award presented by ALA, seeks to honor the best books that portray the “disability experience.” This column does not present solely books with disability as a theme, but instead includes books where young people struggle with physical or mental health, including the health of loved ones. While there remains a great need to provide our readers with even more exemplary realistic fiction that presents characters who fearlessly tackle a variety of threats to their healthy development, their overall livelihood, and the survival of their community, we believe these books are exemplary in how they present these aspects of the human condition. The members of the Children’s Literature and Special Interest Group provide the following recent selections showing children and adolescents who thrive in the face of health challenges of all sorts.

Grades K-2

Leronimo, Christine. (2014). A Thirst for Hope. Illus. by Eric Velasquez. New York, NY:       Walker Books for Young Readers (Bloomsbury Publishing).

In this emotional picture book, readers will meet a young Ethiopian girl named Alemitu, her name means “world.”  In her small village, she and her mother must walk many miles to access water. Her mother explains how precious a natural resource water is for survival. In the face of hunger and a depleted food supply, Alemitu’s mother makes a heart-wrenching and difficult decision to put her daughter up for adoption. The latter part of the story shows Alemitu (now named Eva, meaning life) with her adopted family. Alemitu’s descriptions of the world around here signify an appreciation for the simple gifts of her new surroundings. There is a brief author’s note at the back of the book with links to web resources about the number of Ethiopian families who have limited access to clean and safe drinking water. The author mentions that due to increased poverty and lack of education, many women are unable to provide the essential necessities to raise their children. Though the reader is left with questions about whether or not Alemitu communicates with her mother again, this picture book raises awareness about the hardships faced by many people in our world. The depth of emotion is richly captured by Velasquez’s luminous illustrations.

—Mary Napoli, Penn State Harrisburg

Napoli, Donna Jo. (2014). Hands and Hearts. Illus. by Amy Bates. New York, NY: Abrams   Books for Young Readers.

A beautiful message is found within the pages of this delightful simple story—love. The gentle pencil and watercolor illustrations wash the pages as a young daughter communicates the utter joy and delight of a beach outing. “Build a tower/shape a wall/press on shells/to make it shine.” Mother and daughter make many new memories as they build a sandcastle, dance, laugh, and play at the beach. Throughout the pages, readers will find one word highlighted in red along with sign language illustrations. Every illustration shows the characters communicating the message through American Sign Language. This is a touching story about the special bond between mother and daughter. The author includes a letter to the reader with further information about her background and interest in learning more and writing stories about deaf culture.

—Mary Napoli, Penn State Harrisburg

Grades 3-5

Palacio, R.J. (2014). 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts. New York, NY:     Random House.

Marketed as a “companion” to Palacio’s well-received novel Wonder, this unique book takes off where Auggie’s Pullman’s story left off. In the novel, Auggie enters fifth grade after being home-schooled due to a facial abnormality. Readers meet his fifth grade English teacher, Mr. Browne, whose daily “precepts” help Auggie and his classmates as they grapple with issues of bullying, self-acceptance, and true friendship. 365 Days of Wonder is a compilation of the teacher’s favorite quotes, also called “maxims” and described as “principals to live by.” Each quote gets its own dedicated page with offerings from varied sources—from Pythagoras to John Lennon to Jimmy Johnson. In addition, Palacio included artwork and precepts from readers of Wonder. The book mostly functions as a compendium of quotes, but readers will also get to hear from characters form Wonder through letters and emails interspersed throughout the calendar year that organizes the book. 365 Days of Wonder has great potential as a classroom tool within the writing curriculum.

—Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Holm, Jennifer. (2014). The Fourteenth Goldfish. New York, NY: Random House Books for             Young Readers.

This story carefully balances between contemporary realistic fiction and fantasy. Readers are introduced to Ellie and get to know her as a typical tween struggling with friendship, family dynamics, and a possible first romance. However, all of these experiences are heightened (and ultimately brightened) by the fact that Ellie’s scientist grandfather has turned up at her house as a 13-year-old boy. Melvin is in a teenager’s body but he maintains the perspective of an old man. Ellie gets to know her grandfather and finds herself inspired by the scientists he loves. In turn, Melvin has a lesson to learn from his granddaughter about aging and science. Ellie’s story stands out because of the positive portrayal of her family, her parents are divorced and she has a healthy relationship with both her father and her mother’s boyfriend. The Fourteenth Goldfish features a female character discovering her love of science and gaining a strong sense of self.

—Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Grades 6-8

Holczer, Tracy (2014). The Secret Hum of a Daisy. New York, NY: GP Putnam and Sons.

After the death of her mother, 12-year-old Grace finds herself living with her previously estranged grandmother. The story chronicles how Grace copes with her grief and functions as a story of self-discovery and coming of age. Grace is a writer, a reader, and an artist. Unfortunately, she places a moratorium on her writing as a way of avoiding accepting her mother’s death, stating “as long as I didn’t write the after, anything was possible.” Grace finds that, despite her best efforts, she needs to write, and she soon finds herself growing to like her grandmother and becoming invested in her new community. This poetic story alternates between heart-wrenching and heartwarming, but the emphasis on books (particularly the poetry of Robert Frost), the portrayal of school, and the coming of age elements come together for a very satisfying read.

—Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Harrington, Karen. (2014). Courage for Beginners. New York, NY: Little, Brown and           Company.

Entering the seventh grade is certainly a challenging time for anyone, including Mysti Murphy. Mysti is self-reliant and extremely resilient in the face of adversity. Her natural storytelling abilities arm her with adventures that provide her with courage and intrinsic understanding. Her mother has severe agoraphobia, which means that she is fearful of enclosed spaces and does not leave the house. The household responsibilities of going grocery shopping or driving Mysti and her sister to school are left to her father. However, when her father suffers a head injury and must be hospitalized, Mysti summons the courage to resume the home responsibilities. At school, her best friend Anibal Gomez, decides to ignore her for his social experiment. Though they communicate via text message, the one precursor to his anticipated popularity is to not associate with her at lunch. Throughout the story, Mysti learns much more about his character and questionable friendship.  She does meet a quirky new friend, Rama Khan, whose integrity and strong sense of justice fuels Mysti’s strength.  Mysti navigates the constant challenges with courage and determination.  The author’s rich sense of character development, humor, and content truly makes this an inspirational story.

—Mary Napoli, Penn State Harrisburg

Grades 9-12

Anderson, Laurie Halse. (2014). Impossible Knife of Memory. New York, NY: Penguin           Group.

As readers have come to expect from Anderson, this book takes on a difficult topic without sugarcoating the harsh realities. Seventeen-year-old Hayley lives with her father, who is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. She watches as her father deals with flashbacks he can’t control and attempts to cope with the help of drugs and alcohol. Hayley takes care of her father the best she can while struggling with her own past. Through an engaging and straightforward narrative, the author gives plenty of dimension to both Hayley and her father. Hayley’s school experiences and her relationship with her boyfriend play an important role in the resolution in this excellent piece of young adult literature showing hope while realistically portraying challenges most of us will never have to endure.

—Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

McGovern, Cammie. (2014). Say What You Will. New York, NY: HarperCollins.

After hearing Cammie McGovern talk about her debut young adult novel on NPR, I was immediately drawn to its storyline. The novel is beautifully written and navigates the challenges of two incredible characters as they enter their senior year. Amy has severe cerebral palsy and needs to use a walker to get around. She uses a special machine to communicate and performs exceedingly well in all of her classes. In an effort to make the most of her senior year, Amy convinces her mother to hire peer helpers. After carefully screening the applicants, her mother selects a group of her classmates, including Matthew. Matthew is different from her other peer helpers. Not only is he attentive and caring, but he has his own set of issues to overcome. He has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and is often teased for being different. Throughout the novel, they overcome complicated and emotional challenges. As they spend more and more time together, their friendship strengthens and eventually blossoms into love. With interesting characters, real issues, and gentle humor, McGovern affords young adult readers with a touching and compelling story.

—Mary Napoli, Penn State Harrisburg

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online. 

The annual ritual of getting ready to go back to school is a transitional time to focus students and their families on formal learning for the rest of the academic year. Starting school is often filled with dread for young scholars, but scaffolding summer memories into learning moments during the first days of school could be a great way to enter the new period of learning and growing. This week the members of the Children’s Literature SIG present books encompassing diverse life experiences for students of all ages. Some of these experiences are familiar, but many are novel and enriching, encouraging more learning moments for the students as they return to school.

Grades K-2

Brown, Peter. (2014). My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.). New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.

Many children fear the first day of school with separation anxiety or the fear of strangers, including new teachers. Robert thinks his teacher, Ms. Kirby, is a monster because in her classroom she yells and is strict. Robert likes to go to the park during his free time to relax, but to his surprise he meets Ms. Kirby there. When he does a favor for her, it breaks the awkwardness between the two and they share their favorite parts of the park with one another. The illustrations show that Ms. Kirby changes with Robert’s mood and feelings about her.

—Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Fern, Tracey. (2014). Dare the Wind: The Record-Breaking Voyage of Eleanor Prentiss and the Flying Cloud. Illus. by Emily Arnold McCully. New York, NY: Margaret Ferguson Books (Farrar Straus Giroux Books).

Many students returning to school might have just visited the beach or seen the sea for the first time. This story of Ellen Prentiss is a perfect way to scaffold those experiences into lessons on American history and the oceans. Young Ellen loved the seas. Her father recognized this and taught her how to sail his schooner across the Massachusetts Bay. She learned how to handle the instruments, and her skills were so great that she married a sailor and together they sailed an extreme clipper, Flying Cloud, to bring passengers from New York to San Francisco and from Cape Horn to California during The Gold Rush. The journey of 15,000 miles was completed in 89 days. The feat was accomplished using wind and ocean power alone. Readers are treated to drama on the high seas and Ellen’s courage. An author’s note provides more background information on Ellen and sailing. Teachers may want to visit the excellent author website and read the illustrator interview.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Gaiman, Neil. (2014). Chu’s First Day of School. Illus. by Adam Rex. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.

A young panda, Chu, is worried about his first day of school even though his parents comfort him. Chu’s worries are still there when he goes to school and meets his classmates. In his first class, his friendly teacher has all the students introduce themselves with their names and one of their habits. Jengo, a giraffe, likes to reach things in high places, Pablo, a monkey, likes to climb up something, Robin, a robin, likes to sing, Tiny, a snail, likes to stay in his room. When it is Chu’s turn, Chu gives a huge sneeze that blows away everything in the classroom including the desks, chairs, classmates, and the teacher, as a way to introduce himself. Such improvisation makes Chu feel safe and dispels his worries. Told in a relaxing and funny way, this story portrays many young readers’ worries on their first day of school. With vivid and vibrant illustrations, this book may help young readers laugh instead of worry about the first day of school.

—Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Kenfack, Gladys. (2014). Mambo Goes to School. Illus. by Hertzy Vital Ole Tsimi. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

In a small village of Cameroon lives a young boy, Mambo, who is excited about his first day to school. After taking a bath in the river, having homemade donuts and porridge as breakfast, and packing bananas as the snack, Mambo goes to school with his friend. The school day starts with a flag-raising ceremony while all the students sing the national anthem. Then students head to their assigned classrooms to meet with their new classmates and teachers. On this very first day of school, Mambo learns about all the body parts along with a song, which piques his interests in learning. Of course, playing with other children during the break and sharing snacks with friends are the part of the school day that Mambo enjoys the most. With so many interesting events happening on the first day of school, Mambo goes home with his heart contented. This is a special book to invite children to see what the first-day-of-school experience looks like for students from other cultures. From the school routine to Mambo’s way to address teachers and other classmates, teachers can use this book to engage students in a discussion about cultural differences in school experiences.

—Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Myracle, Lauren. (2014). The Life of Ty: Non-Random Acts of Kindness. New York, NY: Dutton Children’s Books.

When students return to school, it is not always clear to them that they have to face higher expectations and that life can get a tad busy trying to keep up with new work. Ty has just entered second grade, and his brain is filled with many thoughts. On the homefront his pre-occupation is to find a pet for his baby sister Maggie (he secretly hopes she will like the monkey he has selected), and at school he is busy hatching schemes to avoid the dreaded neck-pinch-of-death. All these challenges pale when he has to present an act of kindness as indicated by Mrs. Webber, his teacher. Towards the end of the book, Ty is desperate to do his good deed, and he does so in a simple way.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 3-5

Cheng, Andrea. (2014). The Year of the Fortune Cookie. Illus. by Partice Barton. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

In this sequel to The Year of the Baby (2013), Anna has been waiting for eight months to hear about the status of adoption of a baby from China for her former teacher, Mrs. Sylvester. Anna hopes to visit the orphanage her sister was adopted from in China. Her friends hold a bake sale to collect money and knit hats for every child in the orphanage (about 50 in all) and, finally, while completing her assignments in China, Anna begins to examine what it means to be Chinese. In China, nobody stares at her or makes comments such as “ching-ching.” However, they speak to her in Chinese, and Anna finds it tiring to speak in Chinese all the time. Her vocabulary words are limited. Anna becomes friends with Fan, a young girl working in a restaurant, while waiting for the baby to be delivered to Mrs. Sylvester. Their trip is short, for just 12 days, and Baby Jing is finally delivered two days before they leave for United States. And Anna is thrilled to be permitted to visit the orphanage. The book has a useful list of Chinese words and is a welcome inclusion for bilingual students. As classrooms become more diverse, teachers might like to look for books that reflect cultural composition in the classroom and include them in lessons.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Gutman, Dan. (2014). My Weird School Special: Back to School, Weird Kids Rule! Illus. by Jim Paillot. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.

While Andrea is excited about going back to school, A.J. is quite reluctant to let summer vacation go. Being forced to come home early from their vacation in Bermuda due to a hurricane, A.J. and his family must stay in Andrea’s home for one week before school starts. To prepare for the new semester, the two complete their back-to-school shopping and purchase new clothes and stationary. As Andrea and A.J. are always fighting with each other and making noises during the shopping time and at home, their parents decide to send them to Camp Ockatollyquay. While Andrea and A.J. are dreaming about singing songs and playing sports in the camp, it turns out that Camp Ockatollyquay is to prepare children for school. Quick-witted Andrea knows how to turn tedious days at camp into an unforgettable summer experience. This short chapter book flavored with humor is quite entertaining for readers. Along with the amusing storyline are some highlights of what students usually do to get ready for school. Also, readers may identify with Andrea’s reasons for loving school.

—Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 6-8

Carson, Mary Kay. (2014). Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears in America’s Own Backyard. Photos by Tom Uhlman. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Camping is a favorite activity of many Americans during breaks from school and national parks are favorite destinations for millions of visitors every year. But park visitors only get to see a small section of the forest. Vast areas are also visited by scientists who make scientific discoveries of the plants, animals, and geological marvels. Because of this, national parks are also called living laboratories. This book begins with a brief introduction to the natural laboratories and living museums. The first chapter introduces the wonders of water and heat, the second introduces Yellowstone’s biggest bears. The third chapter is about scientists tracking the Gila monsters and counting cacti at the Saguaro National Park. The study of salamanders and the fire flies in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park are also presented here. This book offers interviews, close-up views of scientists at work and provides a great number of facts and interesting information about the research scientists are undertaking in the national parks. If you are looking for an engaging book with accurate pictures to introduce scientific methodology, this book should not be missed. Teachers may want to visit the author page for more information about the other works by the author, or visit the photographer’s page for more information about his work with children’s books.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Nelson, Marilyn. (2014). How I Discovered Poetry. Illus. by Hadley Hooper. NewYork, NY: Dial Books.

Some students may have discovered poetry during the summer vacation. They and other students will find several treasures in this wonderful collection of poems by Newberry Honor Winner, Marilyn Nelson. The 50 poems in this slim volume range from the earliest memories of the poet as a 4-year-old child giggling in the church to her 14th year during a tumultuous time when Civil Rights, feminism, and living in the shadow of missiles and the atomic bomb. The poems were written from various Air Force bases as the poet’s family traveled all over the country. In the poem “Career Girl,” she pays tribute to her mother and her unique ways, comparing her with other mothers by saying, “They don’t care about Making History.” She also makes note of her skin color with humor and courage when she says, people with dark skins have “…shine-in-the-dark white eyes and teeth…” Filled with gentle humor, this book is a great companion for students learning about the Civil Rights Movement, budding poets, or about racism and the lives of women during that time. Teachers can learn more about the author by visiting her wonderful website and the feature on American Academy of Poets. An interview of the poet regarding the book and her life is also available on NPR.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Rubin, Susan Goldman. (2014). Everybody Paints: The Lives and Art of the Wyeth Family. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.

For students interested in art, and for teachers to connect art with history and real life, this book provides a wonderful opportunity. Featured in this single volume are the works and times of a family of artists of world renown who upheld art when the world was being conquered by photography, television and movies. The three generations of gifted painters-N.C., Andrew, and Jamie, form the ‘first family’ of American art. Beginning with the birth of N.C. Wyeth, the author takes the readers through the trials, times, and tribulations of their times and how it influenced their art. Stunning color reproductions of their art work enlivens the page and invites the readers to pause and examine the details of the art. Determined to show what American life was about, N.C. and Andrew painted until almost the very last day in their lives. To gain the best benefits from this book, students should be given time to read, reflect on the images in the book, and make personal connections. The Andrew Wyeth website is still active and provides pictures of numerous images and exhibits teachers can visit the author’s website for recent information regarding the book and related events. The National Art Gallery in Washington D.C. also houses some of the wonderful images.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 9-12

Schroeder, Lisa. (2014). The Bridge From Me to You. New York, NY: Point.

Lauren has a fight with her mother and is forced to move from Seattle to attend high school in a small town in Oregon, where she meets the town’s high school football star, Colby. Their first encounter at the local Jiffy Mart fosters a quick connection. However, their shared bonds over passions for birds and bridges are not enough to surmount the secrets both of them are guarding. After Colby’s friend is injured, the teens find ways to help each other deal with life’s challenges. The romance between them develops slowly as the story progresses.

—Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University,Pullman

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online. 

Just as multicultural literature for children and young adults allows readers to understand and appreciate the world around them, international and global books can help them understand the history, languages, and culture of nations around the world. The authors of Children’s Literature, Briefly (Pearson, 2012) remind us that while many international books are written in English and first published in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, others must be translated into English from their original language. Many countries in addition to the United States also have their own children’s book awards. For this week’s book reviews, members of the International Reading Association’s Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) examine some recent international and global favorites that caught their attention.

Grades K-2

Adderson, Caroline. (2014). Norman, Speak! Illus. by Qin Leng. Toronto, ON: Groundwood Books.

It’s love at first sight for a boy and his dog. After the family brings the canine home from the animal shelter, the boy and Norman quickly bond. Despite his friendliness, though, Norman clearly isn’t smart enough to respond to any of their commands. Once they realize why the dog has been ignoring them, Norman's human companions are the ones that don't feel very smart. The text and the illustrations, drawn in ink and digitally colored, may cause readers to question their own assumptions not only about how animals communicate and whether humans are smarter than animals but also their assumptions about those who speak a language other than English.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Campbell, K.G. (2014). The Mermaid and the Shoe. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press.

K.G. Campbell is best known for illustrating Kate DiCamillo’s 2014 Newbery-winning Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures. In this original tale, King Neptune’s pride and joy are his 50 beautiful mermaid daughters. Each possesses a remarkable ability except for Minnow, the youngest, who asks annoying questions that no one can answer. For instance, she wants to know where bubbles go, why crabs have no fins, and what lies beyond their kingdom. One day something new and lovely drifts into Minnow’s life. She and her sisters have no idea what this strange object could be. As she travels to learn more about the object, she discovers many beautiful and interesting things in her journey to the ocean’s surface, including the answers to many of her questions. While there, she learns where bubbles go, why crabs have no fins, and what lies beyond their marine kingdom. She also discovered a “landmaid” wearing not one, but two of her remarkable discoveries—shoes on her “leg-hands they were made to hide” (unpaged).  This journey enables Minnow to discover her dual talents as an explorer and storyteller.

—Terrell A. Young, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

Goble, Paul. (2014). Horse Raid: The Making of a Warrior. Foreword by Joseph Bruchac. Bloomington, IN: Wisdom Tales.

This is a revised and updated version of Lone Bull’s Horse Raid published in 1973. In the forward, Joseph Bruchac notes that Paul Goble’s writing “is as clear as a Lakota elder recounting the tale to his grandchildren. The story moves at a pace as rapid and exciting as the horse raid it describes” (unpaged). Lone Bull, a 14-year-old Oglala Sioux boy, wants nothing more than to make a name for himself by capturing horses from the Crows, an enemy tribe. He and a friend are disappointed when his father tells them that they cannot go on the horse raid. With the help of his grandfather, Lone Bull and his friend Charging Bear follow and eventually join the warriors. The danger and intrigue of the horse raid make for great reading. Likewise, in a palette of brilliant earth tones, Paul Goble’s paintings capture the detail of the Native American clothing, customs, and surroundings, greatly enhancing the compelling text.

—Terrell A. Young, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

Trochatos, Litsa. (2014). Don’t. Illus. by Virginia Johnson. Toronto, ON: Groundwood Books.

After providing a list of don’ts and giving suggestions for things you should never, ever do, the author/illustrator offers one very important piece of advice about playing with a hippopotamus whose weight just might cause a dangerous imbalance on the seesaw. The scenarios are outlandish but also make sense in a lot of ways; for instance, it would be challenging to try to find a creature that can assume the colors of its surroundings so "Don't play hide-and-seek with a chameleon" (unpaged). Additionally, the watercolor illustrations are delightful, and the last page with its rear view of all the animals encountered in the book is amusing. Perfect for sharing with youngsters, this book will have many of them and their adult companions giggling all the way through. While there are many things you shouldn’t do, laughing is not one of them.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Yamada, Kazuaki. (2014). My Red Balloon. Hong Kong, China: Minedition.

Balloons, especially red ones tied to a string and floating in the air, have a universal charm, and there’s nothing quite as fun as sharing the joy a balloon brings with friends. In this endearing story of unexpected friendships, a girl proudly carries her balloon onto a bus. Somehow, she accidentally lets go of its string when she is showing it to one of the other passengers. As the bus driver picks up new passengers, it also follows the path of the balloon. The animal passengers are every bit as eager to make sure the balloon is returned to the little girl as she is to have it back. Although their rescue mission fails, they come upon a different sort of red balloon, one that is even better than the original balloon. Filled with all sorts of colors and whimsical touches, the illustrations are simply lovely.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 3-5

Pittau, Francesco. (2014). The Open Ocean. Illus. by Bernadette Gervais. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.

More than 50 exquisitely detailed shells and sea inhabitants fill the pages of this stunning and cleverly-engineered book. On some of the oversize pages, readers lift up black flaps with white cut outs to reveal colorful images of creatures such as a moray eel or a swordfish. On others, the lift-up flaps contain close ups of other marine life such as sea urchins that are revealed in their entirety when the flap is lifted. The final pages consist of four rows with three layers of flaps that show an orca and a Bluefin tuna, among other marine animals. Figuring out exactly how to manipulate those flaps may be a bit challenging at first, but the result proves worth the effort as these extraordinary animals are revealed in their natural beauty and wonder. This is another exceptional title from the creative team responsible for Birds of a Feather (2012) and Out of Sight (2010), both of which also offer equally fascinating glimpses of the natural world. It may be hard for teachers to tear themselves away from this book long enough to share it with their students.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Saumande, Juliette. (2014). In Search of Happiness. Illus. by Eric Puybaret. Paris, France: Auzou.

Kalim is bored with the safe life he lives with his grandfather and longs for a life of adventure. Despite his grandfather's caution, he leaves his home behind and embarks on a series of adventures. A songbird guides him along his journey and watches as he samples the candy that grows from trees and turns rocks into gold. Some of his decisions introduced him to new pleasures while others aren’t all that satisfying. Throughout his travels, though, as he searches for the Land of Happiness, he never forgets his grandfather and sends him a series of postcards chronicling his journeys. Interestingly, by the time he returns home, his grandfather is no longer so reluctant to take a risk and seems ready for an adventure of his own. Filled with sumptuous artwork and reminders that being too cautious may be just as bad as always seeking the next adventure, this picture book reminds readers that there is no place like home. It’s especially welcome at the conclusion of a long journey, no matter where you’ve been. 

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 6-8

Abirached, Zeina. (2014). I Remember Beirut. New York, NY: Lerner Publishing Group/Graphic Universe.

Following up on her moving graphic novel A Game for Swallows: To Die, to Leave, to Return (Graphic Universe, 2012),  the author/illustrator returns to Beirut, Lebanon, to share personal remembrances from the war that raged in its city streets during the 1980s when she was growing up. She relies on stark black and white colors to depict vividly the daily tolls war takes on someone’s life. Sometimes it’s not only the violence and deaths that cause problems during a conflict such as this one but the lack of conveniences and the constant noises. While war rages between the Christians and Muslims in Beirut, she and her family must deal with the lack of running water, no bus transportation to school, and constantly replacing the windshield in her mother’s car. Trying to leave town for even a brief period means dealing with endless traffic jams and little movement from one spot to the next. Once things have become more normal, she realizes that her street actually continues on into the rest of the city where she has not ventured. Interestingly, this take on war is quite personal since readers only occasionally see the effects of the conflict in a once-bustling market whose shops have been destroyed.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Goble, Paul. (2013). Custer’s Last Battle: Red Hawk’s Account of the Battle of Little Bighorn. Foreword by Joe Medicine Crow. Bloomington, IN: Wisdom Tales.

Based upon accounts by actual survivors of the battle, Goble retells this historic event from a Native American perspective through the eyes of Red Hawk, a fifteen-year-old Oglala Sioux warrior. On June 25, 1876, General George Armstrong Custer led 700 soldiers as they attacked an Indian encampment near the Little Big Horn River. Custer was unaware that he was leading his soldiers against the combined forces of the Sioux, Arapaho, and Cheyenne tribes. Even though his Indian scouts advised him not to attack, still he led his troops onward and suffered a severe defeat. Throughout the book Goble provides “explanatory passages in italics to give the reader an overview of what might have taken place” (unpaged). Joe Medicine Crow, the former Crow tribal historian whose grandfather was one of Custer’s own scouts, offers this observation about Goble’s ledger-book artwork: “His paintings are accurate in all the details. They bring the story of the Custer battle to life” (unpaged).
—Terrell A. Young, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

Gregg, Stacy. (2014). The Princess and the Foal. New York, NY: Philomel.

Readers shouldn’t be fooled into thinking this is a sweet fairy tale from the book’s title or cover. While it is a story about a princess and her horse, it is also a tale of adventure, survival, and determination. It’s a reminder that it is possible to heal from great losses. Based on the life story of the real Jordanian Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, the book describes her childhood and the loss of her mother when she was very young. Determined and independent-minded, Haya has a special bond with horses, and raises an orphan Arabian that she names Bree. As she battles with her strict governess Frances, who wants her to behave in a ladylike fashion as a princess should, she also conquers her own fears and teaches her horse how to race and jump over obstacles. Readers' hearts will first swell in sympathy as the mischievous little princess copes with heartache, and then they will applaud her determination to break the gender barrier in becoming the first female to compete in the King's Cup. The photograph in the back matter of the seemingly-fearless Haya and Bree flying over barriers, including an expensive car, has to be seen to be believed. The book’s unique protagonist is a superb role model for all the possibilities that await young girls.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Grill, William. (2014). Shackleton's Journey. London, England: Nobrow Press/Flying Eye Books.

Although Ernest Shackleton and his crew attempted to explore the southern regions of the Earth more than a century ago, his story of grace under pressure and determination to insure the entire crew’s survival still fascinates many young readers. Even from the perspective of modern times, traveling across the frozen ice seems daunting, especially when one considers how quickly the ice packs could form. With detailed colored pencil illustrations set up against a backdrop of white, this book is visually appealing while telling a true story of determination and heroism against great odds. As the men on the Endurance battle nature and the ice creeps closer to the ship, applying considerable pressure, readers know that the ship cannot survive against Nature’s relentless force for long. Readers will surely wonder once the ship has been lost, how the men will ever go back home. The book is readily accessible to younger readers because of its abundant drawings and the brief descriptions of how the men amused themselves as well as their bonds with the dogs that accompanied them. The inclusion of information about the Ross Sea Party whose job was to leave supplies for Shackleton's crew along the path they planned to take is a bonus since that part of the story is often omitted in most accounts of Shackleton’s journey.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 9-12

Bass, Karen. (2013). Graffiti Knight. Toronto, ON: Pajama Press.

Sixteen-year-old Wilm is fed up with how the Soviets and some of the locals treat the German citizens of his hometown, Leipzig. Embarrassed by his father’s helplessness and frustrated with life after WWII, he starts quietly with silly pranks and graffiti messages that escalate to missions that become increasingly more daring and that ultimately necessitate that Wilm and his friends must flee the city. The author makes palpable the slowly simmering hatred building in Wilm toward his country's oppressors as well as toward Ernst, someone he once admired but now a puppet of those oppressors. An unlikely friendship with Otto, an engineer who points Wilm in a more positive direction, offers him hope and a possible way out of the mind-numbing existence he is leading. The book makes it clear how war and its aftermath touch everyone, even his sister. Incidents such as the Soviets’ allowing much-needed butter to spoil in the sun due to incompetence or a lack of concern help readers understand Wilm's anger. The book offers a fresh perspective on life for the Germans after WWII.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Ellis, Sarah. Outside In. Toronto, ON: Groundwood Books. 

If it weren’t for her supportive two best friends, Lynn isn’t sure what she’d do. Once again, her free-spirited mother fails to consider the consequences of her actions, and Lynn becomes angry and impatient with her mother's choices. After Blossom, a girl whose family lives off the grid, saves her life, Lynn is drawn increasingly to the world where Blossom lives. Their friendship causes her to question what really matters and her own conspicuous consumption. The book makes readers think about their own values while glimpsing the lives of those who live and think outside of the boxes prescribed by society. Sometimes red tape seems to complicate things, but at the same time rules and conditions are intended to protect those who need protecting. While Blossom's family has everything worked out, that might not be the case for everyone in their particular situation. They come perilously close to losing everything through the thoughtlessness of Lynn’s mother.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Lindelauf, Benny. (2014). Nine Open Arms. Trans. by John Niewenhuizen. Brooklyn, NY: Enchanted Lion Books.

Originally published in Dutch a decade ago, this story revolves around one family and its trials and tribulations. Since there are nine members in the family—four older brothers, three sisters, a father, and a grandmother—they name the odd house in which they settle after moving several times as "Nine Open Arms." The three girls hope that this is the last move for them. After all, their well-meaning father is known for dreaming up moneymaking schemes, and they have moved countless times. As is the case for all families, theirs takes comfort from following traditions and rituals; for instance, their grandmother has packed away several family photos in an old suitcase they call the Crocodile, and every now and then, she takes out a photograph and tells a story about the individuals in the photo. It turns out that there are truths (but also some lies) hidden within the stories she tells, and the "tragical tragedy" that one of the girls always imagines to be happening turns out to be closer to home than they had ever imagined. Ultimately, readers will appreciate the skillfulness with which the author weaves into the narrative stories from different time periods and characters that seem to have nothing in common but turn out to be pivotal in the end. The book is filled with humor but also with deep sadness and will encourage readers to reflect on how long love can last.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Rae, Andrew. (2014). Moonhead and the Music Machine. London, England: Nobrow Press.

Joey Moonhead is like most other teens in every respect but one. For reasons that are never explained, the teen has a moon for a head. He longs to attract the attention of Melissa, the hot girl at school, ignores his real friend, Sockets, contends with bullies who belittle him and tease him about his imperfections, and dreams of someday becoming a rock star. When the mysterious Ghostboy decides to help him build an amazing musical instrument and perform in the school talent show, Moonhead is thrilled. Suddenly, everyone notices him—in a good way—and the music has an unusual effect on some classmates. At its heart, of course, this graphic novel about bullying and having faith in oneself tackles some familiar themes, but it does so in a uniquely humorous way. And oh, how sweet is the revenge dished out to those that would wrong this musical soul! This might be the perfect book to discuss with students on the first day of class since it addresses several self-esteem issues.

—Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online.