Literacy Now

Just like food, stories from around the world have a special flavor. They introduce us to culture, celebrations, festivities, and some wisdom. They introduce us to humor, fun, and most of all to the human experience that unites us. We present stories for all ages from a spectrum of experiences mirrored by fellow beings.  Join the International Reading Association’s Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) for a week of globetrotting as we gather books and stories from around the world.

Grade K-2 readers

Bebe, Katy. (2014). Brother Hugo and the Bear. Illus. by S. D. Schindler. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

Set in Medieval times, the story recounts the adventures of Brother Hugo, who lives in a monastery and has just lost a library book—to a bear. The precious book with the letters of St. Augustine has to be replaced. The abbot assigns Brother Hugo the task of going to another monastery where there is another copy. When he has the book in hand, Hugo starts for home again, just to be chased by the bear again! Brother Hugo speeds through the fields, orchards, gardens, and buildings. Back home, Brother Hugo thinks it would be impossible to copy the entire book all by himself, but his fellow brothers help him to make the parchment, ink, and light. Every day, Brother Hugo sits for long hours copying the book—line by line, page by page. Hugo knows the bear will chase him again when he returns the book, but his brothers in the Abbey have a trick up their sleeve. Who will win, the bear or brother Hugo? This is an excellent book to discuss history, humor, and talk about how people live different lives even today.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Dumont, Jean-Francois. (2014). The Geese March in Step. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

This charming picture book from French author Jean-Francois reassures young readers about the importance of being oneself. Led by fellow goose Igor, the geese on the farm march down to the pond every day in great precision. One-two, one-two, one-two, they march in perfect time. Nobody remembers why they do this anymore, not even the geese, but they do it anyway. One day, Igor hear the rhythm of the perfect march ruined by tap…tap. Igor stops the marching geese and spots Zita, a goose who cannot march in synch with the parade. Zita has to go. But Zita’s sniffles and tears make a great rhythm. Woodpecker picks up the tune and joins Zita. The rooster, donkey, cow, and sheep all follow Zita, adding to the tune. When Zita returns to the pond, the geese are stunned to see the unusual parade behind her. Everyone stops following Igor, waiting instead for Zita to lead the march to the pond. This heartwarming tale is perfect for read-aloud and for young readers to join the marching song, each student or group making their own tunes. Teachers can build many class activities around this book.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Lo, Rich. (2014). Father’s Chinese Opera. New York, NY: Sky Pony Press.

As the son of a bandleader and composer of the Chinese Opera, a little boy usually goes to the theater with his father for the opera rehearsals and performances.  Mesmerized by various well-executed acrobatic moves, such as martial arts feats, flips, and somersaults, the boy asks a master of acrobatics, Gai Chui, to teach him all the moves and promises to be a hard-working student. Gai Chui consents, and the boy’s training starts. The more the boy practices, the more he feels he could be part of the opera. As the boy proposes the idea of performing on the stage to Gai Chui, he receives nothing but ridicule from his teacher and other performers. Feeling hurt by the mocking at first, the boy finally realizes it takes many efforts and repeated practice for an actor to perform onstage. Based on his personal experience, Rich Lo has told this story to embody an old Chinese proverb that is still used frequently today:  One minute’s performance on the stage takes 10 years of practicing off the stage. The colorful watercolor illustrations correspond to the multiple hues in costumes and make-up Chinese Opera actors wear. This is an introductory book for everyone to get to know a Chinese work of art.

—Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Senior, Olive. (2014). Anna Carries Water. Illus. by Laura James. Vancouver, Canada: Tradewind Books.

The simple, yet heartwarming story is set in Caribbean islands. Anna’s family gets water from the nearby river for drinking and cooking. Children walk through Farmer Johnson’s fields, amidst the cows, to fetch the water. Anna is scared of the cows and she cannot balance the coffee can on her head, spilling water and drenching herself. Doris, her sister, helps her dry up and assures her that one day she will carry the pot on her head. Like any other day, Anna fills her can, but is slow to follow her siblings. When she crosses the farmer’s field, she is alone. The cows look at her and Anna runs all the way home. Her delighted family celebrates Anna’s trip without spilling a drop of water. This is a good book to introduce how children live across the world. It is also a great book to start the conversation about how children have overcome their own limitations successfully.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 3-5

Jiang, Emily. (2014). Summoning the Phoenix: Poems and Prose about Chinese Musical Instruments. Illus. by April Chu. New York, NY: Shen’s Books.

 

Composed of several poems and prose, this book introduces readers to Chinese musical instruments and Chinese orchestras. As readers turn the page, they read how each child learns and practices to play a Chinese musical instrument as well as rehearses for an upcoming concert. Being a part of a Chinese orchestra, these children relate their enjoyment and frustration with mastering their instrument. On each double-spread page, there is a brief explanation of an instrument and within the explanation is a comparison to Western instruments (e.g. Erhu to the violin and Dizi to the bamboo flute) to help readers imagine the sound of each instrument. The illustrations provide not only more details about how Chinese instruments look, but also some objects prominent in Chinese culture, such as Chinese knots, lotuses, cranes, and cheongsams. Be sure to read the author’s note on the last page to learn more about Chinese music!

 

—Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Raschka, Chris. (2014). The Cosmobiography of Sun Ra: The Sound of Joy is Enlightening. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Sun Ra always believes he is from Saturn. Since his landing on Earth in 1910s, his curiosity has driven him to explore everything, including nature, human beings, philosophy, food, etc. But music is his favorite. As a talented musician, Sun Ra masters the piano at the age of 11 and becomes a professional pianist before leaving high school.  Besides his love for music, Sun Ra is also a keen observer who is aware of what is happening around him and in the world at large. He notices people separate one from another due to skin colors, and people fight with each other in great wars. To cope with such harshness in reality, Sun Ra decides to use music to bring people together. As a pioneer of using electric devices, Sun Ra forms a band, tours and performs in different cities and countries, meeting many talented musicians along the way. Until the day he returns to Saturn, Sun Ra still believes music can hold everyone together! Chris Raschka tells a story of an extraordinary African-American musician with his distinguished watercolor illustrations. The use of colors, strokes, and lines add a feel of flowing music. This is a biography to introducing readers to an outstanding musician who devoted his life to music and peace.

—Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 6-8

Jones, Kari. (2014). So Much for Democracy. Custer, WA: Orca Book Publishers. 

During its annual conference in New Orleans, the International Reading Association announced the 2014 winners of the IRA Children’s and Young Adult Book Awards. This prestigious award focuses on promising debut authors; only first and second books by an author are considered by the book awards committee. The winning 2014 authors certainly show early and “unusual promise in the children’s and young adults’ book field.” Check out these titles for exciting summer reads that would make great additions to your classroom next year! Thanks to the members of the IRA Children’s and Young Adult Book Awards Committee for this week’s reviews.

Primary Fiction Winner:

McAnulty, Stacy. (2013). Dear Santasaurus. Illustrated by Jef Kaminsky. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press.

Ernest B. Spinosaurus desperately wants to stay on Santasaurus’ nice list all year in order to receive the Jurassic Turbo Scooter X9 with the working headlight, racing fin, and secret compartment that he has on his Christmas list. Alas, Ernest is full of energy, ideas, and mischief, which assist in creating situations that are challenge his good behavior. McAnulty’s use of humor through letter-writing makes this book an interesting and educational read for all children who eagerly anticipate Christmas morning.

- Amy Ruddy, South Abington Elementary School, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania 

Primary Fiction Honor Books:

Grossinger, Tania. (2013). Jackie and me: A very special friendship. New York, NY: Skyhorse Publishing/Sky Pony Press.

This historical fiction story describes the unlikely friendship between baseball legend Jackie Robinson and thirteen-year-old Tania Grossinger. Young Tania lives in the famous Grossinger Hotel in New York's Catskill Mountains. Many celebrities visit Grossinger's, but Tania really only wants to meet one man: Jackie Robinson. Their friendship first forms over a game of ping-pong, but their friendship and the life lessons Tania learns from Jackie last a lifetime. Readers learn about feeling different, building character, overcoming obstacles, and believing in oneself from this book, narrated by Tania. This engaging story of friendship will appeal to girls and boys, parents, baseball enthusiasts, and educators alike.

- Leslie Fisher, Hamilton Southeastern School District, Fishers, IN

Klausmeier, Jesse. (2013). Open this little book. Illus. by Suzy Lee. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.

When readers open this book, they will find one surprise after another. Not only does the physical book grow smaller and smaller and then bigger and bigger, but the animals, colors, and objects in the illustrations connect in complex ways too. Watch that rabbit, for instance, and you will notice inter-textual references to the pocket watch in Alice in Wonderland. The bear in this story has an umbrella, just like Winnie the Pooh in Milne’s first book. This cumulative tale grows dramatically towards the middle of the book as readers enjoy a rainbow of collaboration, color, and the actual reading of the Little Rainbow Book, and then begins to enlarge toward the end of book where we find animals and humans alike happily reading. Expect the unexpected when you open this little book.                                                                                                 

- Renita Schmidt, The University of Iowa

Koch, Miriam. (2013). Digby differs. Translated from German by Ann Garlid. White Plains, NY: Peter Pauper Press.

Digby Differs is a different kind of book in that it is 18 inches long and only 7 inches tall. Clad in a shirt of red and white stripes, Digby is a sheep who feels that he does not fit in. "Digby was different. He sensed it...and it made him feel very alone" (unpaged). Consequently, he sets off to find his place in the world. Along his travels readers will notice red and white things that stand out in the pen and ink illustrations. Children will love spotting them. This helps students build visual awareness as they search for visual clues for where Digby is heading. We all feel more comfortable when we notice things that look familiar. Digby finds those and feels happier as a result. Difference can be a good thing. Digby is different but embraces his differences.

- Deb Marciano, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA

Primary Nonfiction Winner:

Selbert, Kathryn. (2013). War dogs: Churchill & Rufus. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge.

Poodles are known for their loyalty to their owners, just as Rufus was a loyal companion to Winston Churchill during World War II. In her first picture book, Kathryn Selbert depicts Churchill’s friendship with Rufus, his loyal miniature poodle, through the major events of the war. Churchill’s home was under attack, and he took shelter in a bunker while Rufus stayed by his side. When Churchill proclaimed that the war had ended and that the invasion of Normandy was a success, Rufus barked and howled. The text includes quotes from Churchill, a list of recommended resources, and an author’s note about Churchill’s pets, a short biography, and beautifully illustrated pages that bring the story to life.

- Wendy A. Ellis, Harding University, Searcy, AR

Intermediate Fiction Winner:

Shurtliff, Liesl. (2013). Rump: The true story of Rumpelstiltskin. New York, NY: Knopf.

Shurtliff’s novelization of the classic fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin adds a new dimension to the traditional tale by telling the story from Rumpelstiltskin’s point of view and making him a positive character. Rump’s mother died in the process of naming him. As a result, his partial name “Rump” has made him the victim of endless teasing and bullying. Now twelve-year-old Rump is on a double quest: First, he wants to unlock his destiny by discovering his full name. And second, he wants to learn how to break a long-standing curse so that he can help those who pay a huge price when they use his “gifts” to reach their goals. Will he be successful as he defends himself against trolls, pixies, poison apples, dangerous magic, and an evil queen?

- Terrell A. Young, Brigham Young University

Intermediate Fiction Honor Books:

Blakemore, Megan Frazer. (2013). The Water Castle. New York, NY: Walker.

After his father suffers a stroke, Ephraim Appledore-Smith and his family move to the Water Castle, their mother’s ancestral home in Maine. According to local legend, the water in the area has special powers. Ephraim is quick to dismiss the notion until his athletic brother’s swimming abilities improve dramatically shortly after moving in to their new home. Ephraim and two unlikely friends seek to solve the mystery of the Water Castle and whether the Fountain of Youth exists on the estate. The book’s narration alternates between Ephraim, and his unlikely friends: Mallory whose family has been the caretakers of the estate for generations, and Will whose family has a long-held dispute with the Appledores. Ephraim is determined to find something either magical or scientific that can help his father regain his health.

- Terrell A. Young, Brigham Young University

Vawter, Vince. (2013). Paperboy. New York, NY: Delacorte Press.

“I’m typing about the stabbing for a good reason. I can’t talk. Without the stuttering” (p. 1). From the very opening lines of Paperboy, readers are hooked by this coming-of-age story of Victor, an eleven-year-old boy growing up in Memphis in 1959. Victor is known around town for his wicked fastball and his debilitating stutter. As the narrator, Victor tells us his first-hand account of the month he takes over his best friend’s paper route. This month unexpectedly changes his life as he meets a series of people that open his eyes to real-world issues and give him the confidence to overcome his stutter. Paperboy is beautifully crafted and precisely captures the thoughts and feelings of the main character, so the reader begins to have an understanding of how stuttering affects a person’s ability to communicate. This book would make an excellent addition to any personal or classroom library.

- Allyson Hauptman, Lipscomb University

Intermediate Nonfiction Winner:

McLachlan, Brian. (2013). Draw out the story: Ten secrets to creating your own comic. Berkeley, CA: Owlkids Books.

Draw Out the Story: Ten Secrets to Creating Your Own Comics is fascinating. From the Table of Contents, written as a comic, to the “Your Turn” sections, in which readers are invited to try out the ideas from the chapter, readers will be captivated by this unique how-to text. Brian McLachlan uses his considerable drawing and storytelling talents to guide readers through a step-by-step process for creating their own comics. Special consideration is given to important aspects of creating comics such as style considerations, genre, formatting ideas, the use of icons and shapes, and the fine art of creating details. The author wows his audience with a combination of visually stunning comics and traditional text. He draws and writes this book in such a way that anyone will feel confident in being able to create an engaging comic book story. This is a book that kids will love and teachers will love to use.

- Allyson Hauptman, Lipscomb University

Young Adult Fiction Winner:

Rowell, Rainbow. (2013). Eleanor & Park. New York, NY: Macmillan/St. Martin’s Griffin.

There is substance and hope in Rowell’s realistic fiction novel Eleanor & Park. Eleanor shows readers how to get out of an impossible situation by reaching out and asking for help. The book also explores issues of class, peer pressure and gender expectations. Park grapples with “pockets of shallow inside himself” (178) that cause him to betray Eleanor in order to face the peer pressure that comes from loving a misfit. Eleanor and Park both find ways to overcome the bullying and negativity that erupts from the class and gender expectations of peers and parents in response to things like “girls shouldn’t wear men’s clothes” and “boys shouldn’t wear eyeliner.” There is also joy that is so compelling readers will identify with these two sixteen-years-olds and stand at the cusp of first love with all its massive, complex tangles and shivers.

- Janice Strop, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, WI

Young Adult Fiction Honor Books:

Laban, Elizabeth. (2013). The Tragedy Paper. New York, NY: Knopf. 

Excitement mixed with dread fills Duncan Meade as he returns to the prestigious Irving School to finish his final year of boarding school. Nervously anticipating his room assignment and the gift bequeathed him by its previous inhabitant, he tries to smother his anxiety about the unavoidable senior year assignment: the tragedy paper. A stack of CDs left by Tim Macbeth, the albino transfer student whose room Duncan inherits, provides unlikely answers to a host of Duncan’s concerns. Although disappointed with his gift, Duncan reluctantly begins listening, but quickly becomes absorbed in Tim’s narrative of his own senior year, his unlikely romance with popular Vanessa Sheller, the senior games accident, and Duncan’s involvement in the tragedy. Readers will enjoy suspenseful chapters that alternate seamlessly between Tim and Duncan’s perspectives, weaving together two teens’ stories in surprising ways that raise significant questions concerning secrets, romance, and friendship.

- Dawan Coombs, Brigham Young University

Williams, Katie. (2013). Absent. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.

Whether one believes in ghosts or not, Absent is a touching and serious look at perceptions, friendships, and truth. Students forever bound by the walls of their school through death continue to watch their living classmates every day, discovering that things are never what they seem, even in their own minds. This book gives readers a look at many characters’ points of view with twists and turns continuously changing what appears to be the truth. Young adults who read this book will see there is no one obvious answer, no one way to grieve, and no one way to express feelings during one of the most emotional times in their lives.

- Debby Addison, Schreiner University, Kerrville, TX

Weekly book reviews on Reading Today Online are coordinated by the International Reading Association’s Children’s Literature and Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG). These reviews were submitted by members of the IRA Children's and Young Adults' Book Awards Committee. 

Feeling good about oneself is not something that always comes naturally. After all, each day may be filled with challenges and trying times as well as joyous moments. Still, if one has the right kind of perspective on life’s ups and downs and a solid set of coping skills, even the most difficult times can be navigated smoothly. This week’s reviews from the International Reading Association’s Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) focus on books that boost self-esteem. After all, everyone needs a good shot of positivity every now and then.

 

Grades K–3

Arnold, Tedd. (2014). A pet for Fly Guy. New York, NY: Scholastic/Orchard Books.

Fans of the earlier books featuring Buzz and his friend Fly Guy are sure to enjoy this one a great deal. After all, what human wouldn’t love to have a fly for his companion? As best friends do, the two spend time together each day, playing games, hanging out, and watching others. But the fly in the ointment comes when Buzz decides that Fly Guy needs a pet of his own. The two valiantly search for the perfect pet, but they have little success. A puppy licks him, a kitty swipes at him, and a frog chases him. Eventually, Fly Guy realizes that the right pet has been there all along—Buzz. Together, the two walk off into the sunset, arguing about who is the best pet. The book’s last page with its repeated argument and shrinking illustrations is particularly appealing and sums up the relationship between a boy and his fly. The digital illustrations created using Photoshop really make Buzz and Fly Guy come alive.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Flory, Neil. (2014). The short giraffe. Illus. by Mark Cleary. Park Ridge, IL: Albert Whitman & Company.

All the other giraffes are so very tall compared to diminutive Geri that taking a group picture poses a problem. After considering several ways for Geri to rise to their heights without much success, the giraffes finally listen to the suggestion of a wise caterpillar, and they make the right move that allows her to be included comfortably in the photograph. The text and the soft colors in this picture book are gentle reminder that sometimes we need to bend a little bit to accommodate the needs of others and that being different, even in stature, is not necessarily a bad thing.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Graves, Keith. (2014). Chicken Big. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.

When an enormous egg hatches into a very large chick, all the other chickens are convinced that this larger than normal chick cannot possibly be a chicken. They misidentify him as a squirrel, a sweater, and even an umbrella because of his actions. But after he rescues the eggs stolen by a fox, the chickens decide that he is simply a very, very large chicken, and they’re glad to have him around. Created with pencils and pixels, the illustrations are lively and will keep readers engaged. This is a wonderfully delightful read aloud title, filled with humorous details and witty observations about the intelligence of the chickens who make plenty of assumptions based on what they are observing about that big chick.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Krensky, Stephen. (2014). I am so brave! Illus. by Sara Gillingham. New York, NY: Abrams/Abrams Appleseed.

Part of the Abrams Appleseed series on empowerment, this title describes various situations that might cause a youngster to feel anxious. The facing page reveals how fears about something in particular may be eased by trying something new. The appealing illustrations are bright and simple. One of the elements that is most appealing involves how the little boy in the illustrations always seems to have something nearby to provide reassurance. For instance, his mother or a stuffed animal provide quiet support as he works through his fears.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Murguia, Bethanie Deenie. (2014). Zoe’s jungle. New York, NY: Scholastic.

Imaginative Zoe and her sister Addie don’t waste any chance to play, and when their mother pauses at a playground on their way to story time, they make the most of their opportunity to explore. They quickly begin—or continue—a game of chase in which Zoe is a renowned explorer and Addie is a stealthy beast eluding her grasp in the jungle of the playground. Young readers will relate to the move from reality to fantasy through Zoe’s imagination of how the adventure is occurring and her mother's calls to come now. Paying tribute to the imagination of children, the text and pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations showing the beast Addie turns into are lively and appealing. Clearly, Zoe is a born storyteller with many adventures in her future.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 4–6

Martin, Ann. M. (2014). Family tree: Best kept secret. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

The family at the heart of the Family Tree series is a lot like most families. They have their struggles and successes, and they have secrets that they keep. The third title focuses on Dana's daughter Francie, who has a comfortable life despite the challenges with reading caused by her dyslexia. She loves her Princeton, New Jersey, home and has supportive parents and friends. When a stranger almost lures her into his car to see his puppy and later, another neighbor girl disappears, Francie is convinced that her keeping the occurrence a secret resulted in the girl's likely death and that her parents will blame her. The secret changes her, making her less trusting and even more secretive. As her family dynamics change due to births, deaths, and new relationships, Francie continues to excel as a writer. Fans of this series will appreciate the insight that perspective brings on events from the previous books; for instance, it is now easier to understand how Dana's decision to move to New York and live with her aunt Adele affected her mother, Abby. The author spends most of her time on Francie’s formative years, only briefly touching on her move to college. This series is charming and provides insight into its characters and the times in which they are growing up.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Mlynowski, Sarah. (2014). Whatever after: Bad hair day. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

It's hard not to fall happily ever after in love with the Whatever After series with its deft blending of the modern world and the world of fairy tales. In this, the fifth title in the series, fifth grader Abby and her younger brother Jonah travel through the looking glass in their basement and into the well-known fairy tale featuring she of the long locks of hair perfect for climbing—Rapunzel. As usual, they must take care not to make too many changes during their visit or else the fairy tale itself will be forever changed. This Rapunzel is practically paralyzed with low self-esteem. She is convinced that the only positive thing about herself is her abundant locks, and when Jonah inadvertently ruins those, Rapunzel is distraught. Things go from bad to worse when Abby trims her hair. The shorter cut does not suit Rapunzel, and she is furious about having what little she had going for her ruined. When the two siblings finally coax Rapunzel from her tower, she is disappointed in the real world and prefers returning to her tower prison. The book contains a positive message for all readers since both Abby and Rapunzel realize that self-esteem should not be measured by how well one does a particular task or one aspect about oneself. With all the fairy tales available to her, this author should keep fracturing more of them, using her own trademark humor and proving that fairy tales are just as relevant today as when they were first written.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 7–8

Harrington, Karen. (2014). Courage for beginners. New York, NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Seventh-grader Mysti Murphy wishes that life were as predictable as the books she loves to read. Maybe then she would be able to figure out what to do and how to handle life’s challenges. Not only is her mother severely agoraphobic and her father in the hospital with a head injury, but her best friend Anibal Gomez has deserted her. As part of his bid to become popular and change his image, he ignores Mysti and makes her the butt of a series of jokes while remaining secret friends. Were it not for the friendship offered by Rama Khan [Mysti thinks of her as Girl with Scarf], school would be even worse for Mysti. But Mysti's main concerns revolve around the situation at home. Since her mother refuses to leave the house to get groceries or ask for the help of others, the family's food supply dwindles, and they are subsisting on meager sustenance. Even her dog Larry is losing weight. Can Mysti find the courage to take the risks her own mother cannot? Readers will fall in love with the quirky yet charming girl and root for her to make the changes she needs to make in order to take charge of her life. Acts of bravery happen, step by step, and risk by risk. This is another winner by the author of Sure Signs of Crazy (Little Brown Books for Children, 2013).

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Tashjian, Janet. (2014). My life as a joke. Illus. by Jake Tashjian. New York, NY: Henry Holt & Company.

Twelve-year-old Derek Fallon is determined to make this year different. His goal is to make sure that his classmates take him seriously. But the best laid plans of twelve-year-olds don't always turn out the way they might hope, and through a series of mishaps, Derek ends up being viewed as something of a joke. Even his delight at being invited to a cool new neighbor's party wanes once he realizes he was invited, not as a guest but as a babysitter for the host's younger sibling. As he moves from misstep to misstep, Derek finds some satisfaction in collecting donations for other children. But he somehow manages to make a big mistake doing so. Even when he messes up that community service project, he figures a way to atone for his mistakes, earning a better reward than he could ever have imagined. Like its predecessors, this series tackles many issues faced by middle graders, prompting them to consider their actions, their consequences, and their own culpability. Readers will also enjoy the illustrations of words provided by the author's son. Fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series are likely to enjoy this one partly because of its humorous elements, but also because it is honest in its treatment of family dynamics and school.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 9–12

Cotugno, Katie. (2013). How to love. New York, NY: HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray.

Many readers may have had the experience of falling helplessly and hopelessly in love with the guy of their dreams only to have him disappear, and then, after working hard to heal that broken heart, have him reappear once again. While it might be hoped that the connection is gone, in the case of Reena Montero, this book's protagonist, the connection is still very much alive. Reena has never really believed that she was good enough for Sawyer LeGrande or that she was his type when the truth is a lot more complicated than that. The author alternates Before and After chapters describing how Reena first fell for Sawyer, and then detailing what happens once he returns after a two year absence. As a high school teen, Reena had ambitions of leaving her Florida town and traveling the world, but when she becomes pregnant, her priorities change. The rocky romance takes all sorts of twists and turns, and it isn't clear that things will work out in the end, but teen readers will come to care deeply about Reena and Sawyer. Many readers may ponder the ineffable power of mutual attraction and why, oh, why, so many women are attracted to the wrong kinds of men. As a side note, it bears mentioning that Reena's best friend Shelby is particularly noteworthy for her own honesty and loyalty to Reena even while Reena’s first best friend Allie forsakes Reena once a cooler crowd takes her in. It can be hard to keep your own footing when those around you are losing theirs.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Giles, Gail. (2014). Girls like us. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

This book follows Biddy and Quincy, two teens with their own particular challenges or dysfunctions, after their graduation. As students, their school mates called them "Speddies" because they received special services. Upon graduation, the two share an apartment and given jobs that draw on their particular strengths. But both keep parts of themselves hidden and have secrets that begin to be revealed over time. Because the book alternates between the two voices, readers are able to eavesdrop on both girls' fears as well as notice how they are changing and growing stronger and more confident. While many might think that girls like the two of them don't matter, the truth is that their stories and their resiliency against almost impossible odds is worth celebrating. Although things are resolved in a satisfactory fashion, the book does not end with the surety of everyone living happily ever after. But at least readers are reminded that these two count just as much as their more affluent counterparts. This book is brimming with truth, some of it painfully unpalatable and some of it worth repeating. The truth of the matter is that much of life is not fair, and it isn't easy to bloom where you are planted. A little bit of nurturing can go a long, long way, though.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Nelson, Blake. (2014). The prince of Venice Beach. New York, NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Nebraska is far behind Robert (Cali) Callahan now that he lives in Venice Beach, California. Although he is practically homeless, Cali has a lot more going for him than most teens on the local streets. After all, he has a tree house where he sleeps, and because he knows the streets and its inhabitants pretty well, others trust him. Then, too, Cali dreams of possibly becoming a private investigator and even keeps a self-improvement list. Although he has some success and makes some money, ethical questions assail him. When he meets Reese Abernathy, another troubled runaway, he isn't sure how much of her story to believe. The author does a marvelous job of portraying Cali and his gullibility. Readers will race through this page-turner with its in-depth character study to see what happens to Cali, Reese, and Ailis, Cali's business partner and possible romantic interest. Because the large and small tragedies of the lives of these individuals are only hinted at, they seem even more complex than they would otherwise. Readers will miss the ambitious Cali’s noble spirit, princely ways, and desire to help others.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Smith, Jennifer E. (2014). The geography of you and me. New York, NY: Little, Brown/Poppy.

Although this is familiar territory—boy and girl from different socioeconomic classes meet, spend time together and form a bond that might lead to something more but alas, they go their different ways—readers will enjoy thinking about the possibilities of love and the mysteries of the universe that make love stay or go. When a citywide blackout in New York City causes the elevator in which Owen and Lucy are riding to stop, they strike up a conversation, and against all odds, end up exploring the city and the stars from the building's rooftop. Both feel a strong connection and sense of possibility, but circumstances prevent anything further happening. They agree to keep in touch through postcards, something of a private joke about wishing the addressee were with the sender. Circumstances take Lucy to Europe and Owen across the United States, moving ever-westward. Both meet other possible love interests, and their parents move from job to job, city to city, increasing the physical distance but perhaps not the emotional distance. Naysayers will list all the reasons that long distance relationships won't work, but this book provides some arguments about how theirs just might.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

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

How we treat children and others often influences how they feel about themselves. Teachers face classrooms daily that are filled with children with a variety of backgrounds and needs. Some young learners have very special needs. As educators we need to create classrooms that are inclusive and provide an atmosphere of acceptance and sensitivity that will maximize the success of all students. This week’s book review column from the International Reading Association’s Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) deals with the theme Embracing Disabilities and Differences. Autism, Tourette’s, diabetes, leukemia, accident injury, dyslexia, and multiple sclerosis are just a few of the illnesses or disabilities included in the book reviews.

Two awards that are noteworthy that deal with books on the topic of children with special needs are:

Schneider Family Book Award:
http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/schneider-family-book-award
Last year’s winners: Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein (Teen Book); Handbooks for Dradon Slayers by Merrie Haskell (Middle School); and A Splash of Red; The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant (Children’s Book).

The Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award:
http://www.cec.sped.org/News/CEC-Today/Updates/DADD-Book-Award-Promotes-Understanding-and-Acceptance-of-Developmental-Disabilities

 

ReadWriteThink has collected a group of lesson plans and classroom activities centering on disabilities. A few of these lessons are Inclusive Stories: Teaching about Disabilities with Picture Books and Exploring Disability Using Multimedia and the B-D-A reading Strategy.

Grades K–2

Dudley, Blanche R. (2014). Siggy’s parade; helping kids with disabilities find their strengths. Illus. by John Hazard. Liberty Corner, NJ: New Horizons Press.

Siggy’s Parade isthe second in a series of books about Siggy, a mockingbird with only one wing. The series addresses tolerance, diversity, and self-esteem. Siggy was rescued and cared for by Mama Sparrow in the first Siggy book, and now he makes his home with the Sparrow family. Encouraged by his new family, Siggy learns to march since he is not able to fly and gains respect from others as well as himself for his accomplishments. All is going well until the blue jay twins, Vickie and Ickie, tease and bully Siggy because he cannot fly. Siggy’s response is to sponsor a parade and invite all his friends who have disabilities, too. Ruthie Raccoon comes in her wheelchair, Tall Paul arrives as the bear that is taller and skinnier than all other bears, and Penelope Pig marches with her hearing aids in place. The author spins a tale of characters that demonstrate self-respect and resourcefulness as they step to the beat of life’s parade. Visit the author’s website for more background information.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Dumont, Francois. (2014). The geese march in step. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

Though this book is not specifically about disabilities, it does celebrate uniqueness and difference. Young Zita cannot (or desires not) to keep step in time to the goose-stepping march of Igor, the head goose, as he marches all the farmyard geese to the pond each morning. Zita creates a beat of her own. Soon the other geese begin to follow Zita’s lead and create an entirely new rhythm for the jaunt to the pond. Joyously sharing in the freedom of being different, young readers will relish the spunk and individuality represented by Zita.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Levy, Debbie. (2014). Dozer’s run; a true story of a dog and his race. Sleeping Bear Press. (coming in July)

This book is based on the true story of Dozer, the Highland, Maryland Goldendoodle who unknowingly ran in a race to support cancer research in May of 2011. Dozer was a very happy and contented family pet, but one day as he saw runners whizzing past his yard he decided to join them. As Dozer continued to run along the entered participants in the 13-mile Half Marathon sponsored by the University of Maryland’s Greenebaum Cancer Center, Dozer joined over 2,000 runners that day. Cheered along the way, Dozer was the special feature of the marathon and succeeded in increasing the number of pledges. Reunited with his family when the day was done, Dozer and family were proud of the dog’s and all the runners’ accomplishment. Used as a read aloud for young children this story will inspire altruistic and community spirited support for worthy fund-raising.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Napoli, Donna Jo. (2014). Hands & Hearts with 15 words in American Sign Language. Illus. by Amy Bates. New York, NY: Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Watercolor and pencil illustrations create a beautiful beach day for mother and daughter as they romp along in the sand and the water. Inviting readers into the play, the mother and daughter communicate through American Sign Language. The text has highlighted words in red and using sidebar illustrations, the ASL finger language is demonstrated. By the end of the book, young readers will see 15 different words told in ASL. This story is a real-world look at using sign language to communicate and express the joys of a splash day at the beach.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Powers, J. L. (2014). Colors of the Wind: The Story of Blind Artist and Champion Runner. George Mendoza, paintings by George Mendoza, drawings by Hayley Margan-Sanders. Cynthiana, KY: Purple House Press, 2014.

Seventeen full page, full color reproductions of George Mendoza’s paintings steal the attention of the reader, while Powers’ words tell the amazing story of his life and how he became a painter even after losing most of his eyesight due to fundus flavimaculatus, which he has renamed “Kaleidoscope eyes.” Margan-Sanders’s line drawings anchor the text with bits of colors stolen from the colorful page facing it. As a healthy and active child, Mendoza had planned to become a basketball player, but by the age of fifteen, he was legally blind. Later he became a competitive runner and competed in two Olympics for the Disabled in 1980 and 1984.  He did not start painting until his thirties. Readers of all ages will enjoy this inspirational book that not only presents Mendoza’s vivid, colorful paintings, but also the story of his life and how his blindness and spirit helped him to excel.

- cj Bott, Ohio Author and Reading Consultant

Walters, Eric. (2013). My name is Blessing. Illus. by Eugenie Fernandes. Toronto, ON: Tundra Books.

Based on the life of a real boy in Kenya, Muthini (whose name means "suffering") is one of several grandchildren living with his grandmother, Grace. He has a disability that makes it more difficult to care for his needs and so grandmother and Muthini journey to the orphanage where Grace tearfully relinquishes custody of Muthini. He begins a new life with a new name, Baraka that means “blessing.” This poignant story is beautifully and briefly told in an atmosphere of poverty yet filled with love and the sacrifice and desire for a better life. Teachers might like to use this short book trailer to introduce the book or watch this excellent TED talk from the author that provides the background for this book, especially describing his social work background. Visit the author’s website where he talks about creating global citizens and his involvement with Creation of Hope as he works with the orphans of Kenya. A Notable Book for a Global Society winner.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Grades 3–5

Davies, Nicola. (2014). The lion who stole my arm. Illus. by Annabel Wright. Candlewick Press.

From the Publisher: “Zoologist Nicola Davies presents an illustrated novel for young readers that proves you don’t need two arms to be strong.” Set in a village in East Africa, young Pedru loses his arm in a lion attack as he returns from a fishing trip. He vows revenge on the lion as he only has one arm now and will never become the great hunter like his father. When a lion kills another villager, Pedru wants to accompany his father to go after the lion and kill it. When they kill a lion that is tagged from the Madune Carnivore Research Center, Pedru learns of the research being conducted at the Center and begins to rethink his revenge. Later in the story, Pedru does confront the lion that took his arm but he reconsiders the hateful revenge that had filled him before learning about lions and their own survival. Fact-filled notes are included from the author at the end of the book. An action adventure story as well as an ethical environmental lesson, this illustrated novel will appeal to intermediate readers. Visit the author’s webpage for more about her books, her writing, her workshops and blog.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Green, Sara. (2014). Service Dogs. Minneapolis, MN: Bellweather Media.

Though we love dogs for their companionship or sometimes their “cuddliness,” dogs are also trained as service dogs to assist people who need an extra helping hand…or paw. Written for younger readers, this introduction to the history and training of service dogs will be of interest to children. These dogs are trained specifically for the type of disability that their owner’s have and the dogs will provide assistance in just the right ways to make everyday life easier to handle. From the hearing impaired, to pulling wheelchairs or carrying equipment, these dogs provide loving and useful services for handicapped folks of all ages.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Kumin, Maxine. (2014). Lizzie. New York, NY: Triangle Square.

At age nine, Lizzie was injured in a diving accident, and now her life goes on but in a wheelchair. At age eleven, precocious and undaunted, she and her mother are starting a new life in a small town in Florida. Her old friend Trippy comes to visit and encourages her to write her autobiography starting with her accident and resulting injury. Lizzie and Tippy enjoy visiting a nearby petting zoo, but they discover a shack full of screaming tamarin monkeys. They soon suspect that the owner, Henry, or possibly young Julian might be involved in smuggling endangered animals into the country. A quick action story where Lizzie’s wheelchair is but a minor part, this adventure brings to light an international animal rights mystery.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Lloyd, Natalie. (2014). A snicker of magic. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

The setting is Midnight Gulch, Tennessee, and legend has it that it was once a magical place. Felicity Pickle and her wandering mother have moved back to Midnight Gulch, where Felicity’s mother grew up. Living with her Mama’s sister, Felicity, little sister Frannie Jo, and their dog Biscuit settle in. Felicity always hates the first day of entering her new schools which she has done more times than she can count as her mother’s wanderlust keeps them on the move. However, this time she meets Jonah. Jonah is in a wheelchair and seems to have a finger on everything that happens in Midnight Gulch. Felicity and Jonah become instant friends and set about to discover where the magic has gone in Midnight Gulch. As the title suggests, this story is truly magical in so many ways. Debut author Natalie Lloyd has provided a wonderfully intriguing story and the fact that Jonah is in a wheelchair is embedded but subliminal to the story line. Teachers will enjoy the fact that Felicity loves to “discover” words, which she keeps track of and plays with them in her writing. Download a detailed Teacher’s Guide here but also visit the publisher’s website for more information.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Rose, Lisa Otter. (2014) You’ve got verve, Jamie Ireland! Create Space Independent Publishing Platform/Amazon Publishing Group.

Ten-year old Jamie Ireland seems alone now that her best friend has moved away. Jamie struggles with reading, and writing makes her hand cramp, and spelling is just a jumble of letters. Readers later find out that she is dyslexic. School is a lonely place and full of bullies especially without her old friend. One night during a strange dream Jamie wakes up and goes in search of the book she just dreamt about that pictured a book with a grease-strain shaped like a heart on the cover. She discovers her grandmother’s old cookbook in the attic. Though cooking, especially her grandmother’s apple pie recipe becomes her new interest, her troubles at school continue and even get her suspended for a short time. The guidance counselor suggests she keep a book of quotes each day to give her some inspiration that might guide her thinking. Readers will be anxious to see who wins the baking contest.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Sovern, Megan Jean. (2014). The meaning of Maggie. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.

Written through the voice of the author who lived this experience, Maggie Mayfield is an 11-year old writing the memoir of her life during the past year. Defending Science Fair Champion, Student of the Month most months and future President of the United States Maggie is starting into middle school. Life seems to be going well for Maggie, and then the family watches her wheel-chair bound father’s health begin to deteriorate as the MS he is battling takes a turn for the worse. Maggie becomes determined to find a scientific cure for this debilitating disease. Told through Maggie’s humorous memoir journal readers will become engaged with the Mayfield family. Though her father’s health is on a downward slide throughout the book, this story of a family working together to deal with the daily presence and hardships of disease is handled carefully and without over sentimentalizing. Visit the publisher’s website for a book trailer, teacher’s guide and more details about the book. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Van Vleet, Carmella. (2014). Eliza Bing (is not) a big fat quitter. New York, NY: Holiday House.

Eliza Bing LOVES cake decorating! She would like to take a class in cake decorating with her best friend Tony, but her parents don’t think she will stick with it because of her ADHD. They financially cannot afford to pay for something they do no believe she will complete. Instead she takes her brother’s spot in the summer tae kwon do session when he drops out and sets out to prove to her parents that she can in fact, complete something. Unfortunately, she quickly learns that you have to really concentrate to learn all the moves and to make matters even more challenging, beautiful cheerleader Madison is in the class. Mean girl Madison has made life tormented for Eliza at school. As her yellow-belt exam approaches and an injury makes it difficult to keep going, Eliza and her family support her as she strives to achieve her goal and move on to cake decorating class. Click here for an extensive teacher’s guide.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Grades 6–8

Best, Laura. (2014). Flying with a broken wing. Halifax, NS: Nimbus Publishing.

Set near Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the late 1940s and early 1950s, this story deals with Cammie Deveau who is visually impaired. Life has dealt Cammie some very tough hands. Her father was killed in World War II, and her mother abandoned her at birth. She has been left with the questionable Aunt Millie, who is a bootlegger. Ten-year old Cammie decides her life has to change. With the help of her friend Evelyn, Cammie embarks on an adventure that will lead her to Halifax in search of a school for the visually impaired to start a new life that she knows will offer more than her small town. Teachers might like to introduce the books with a book trailer. Check in with the author at her website/blog.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Rodger, Marguerite. (2014). Autism spectrum disorder. New York, NY: Crabtree Publishing.

From the Understanding Mental Health series, this book describes and explains autism, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, and more. Children and adults struggle with the social interaction and communication that often accompany these illnesses. Diagnosis can often be difficult. Next steps after diagnosis and learning to live with the illness are also discussed as the caretakers involved in the care of the people and loved ones diagnosed reach for understanding and acceptance. How these conditions affect family and friends is explained. Chapter titles include: On the spectrum; What is ASD?; Diagnosis and treatment; Dealing with stigma; Managing behavior; Making friends; Family ties; ASD toolbox.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Grades 9–12

Aslan, Austin. (2014). Islands at the end of the world. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books. (coming in August)

Set against the backdrop of Hawaiian history and mythology, Leilani (Lei) and her father begin a journey from the Big Island of Hawaii to Oahu. They are trying to find a cure for the epilepsy that grips Lei and causes her to lose control of her world. The fast-paced adventure of the story takes over when a meteor strike causes the shutdown of all electrical devices, limiting communications. As chaos reigns around them, her supply of medicine to keep the epilepsy in check is running low. Another subplot enters as nationalist forces gain militant strength and try to restore the islands to their indigenous rule. During one of Lei’s seizures she appears to have a vision of the Green Orchid. She does not understand what this vision means but feels it has a message for her to decipher. This is the first of two novels from the author, who has a master’s degree in tropical conservation biology from the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Conaghan, Brian. (2014). When Mr. Dog bites. New York, NY: Bloomsbury.

British author Brian Conaghan makes his U.S. debut with the character of 16-year-old Dylan Mint who has Tourette’s syndrome. This story rings true as the author has Tourette’s and the voice of Dylan reflects the experiences of the author. When Dylan overhears a conversation at his doctor’s office, he learns that he has only eight months to live. Deciding to make the best of it he creates a list entitled “Cool Things to Do Before I Cack It.” Filled with British and Scottish slang and abundant use of 4-letter swear words and more, Dylan proceeds to conquer his to-do list. Just to name a few at the top are: to have sex, to find a new best friend for his best friend Amir, and to get his father home from Afghanistan. Though the ending may seem a bit pat and the language comes with an R-rating (as is often the case with Tourette’s syndrome), this inside look at this very difficult illness will ring true to readers. Visit the publisher’s website and listen to the author discuss this book.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Kehoe, Stasia Ward. (2014). The sound of letting go. New York, NY: Viking/Penguin.

Writing in the novel in verse format, this is the story of Daisy Meehan and her family’s dealing with the everyday existence of her brother Steven’s autism. Daisy has always been the good daughter, especially enjoying playing the trumpet in her high school jazz band. When her parents’ finances and emotions are drained, they decide to send the often-violent Steven to a group home. Daisy is furious at the decision and especially that she was not given any voice in the decision. Her reaction is to become that “bad girl.” As Daisy is conflicted about her parents, her brother and her life in general, music is a constant that seems to bring a little peace to her. Friendships and romances are shifting, as are her family dynamics. This offers a harsh but realistic look at one family’s struggle to try to find normalcy. Read an interview with the author at Autism Speaks.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

McNeese, Tim. (2014). Disability rights movement. ABDO Publishing Company.

From the Essential Library of Social Change series, this volume presents the social history of disability rights. It focuses on the history of the movement and its struggle for recognition until the actual legislation in 1990 that created the Americans with Disabilities Act. The book develops chronologically and features a few institutions and their rules and guidelines for people with disabilities even to the point of banning people with disabilities from specific places. An example discussed was the number of maimed soldiers returning from the Civil War and the passage of “ugly laws” to keep these disabled veterans away from certain establishments. Great strides were made in the 20th Century, particularly under the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Photographs, sidebars, timelines, bibliographies, and a glossary are included.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Murphy, Julie. (2014). Side effects may vary. New York, NY: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins.

The publisher’s blurb reads: “The Fault in Our Stars meets Sarah Dessen in this lyrical novel about a girl with cancer who creates a take-no-prisoners bucket list that sets off a war at school—only to discover she has gone into remission.” Sixteen-year-old Alice has just finished a grueling year of chemo to treat her acute lymphocytic leukemia. Knowing she had no future, she created her Just Dying To-Do List. She engages the help of her lifelong friend, Harvey, who is in love with her. Told in alternating chapters between Alice and Harvey, they plot all the revenge that Alice needs to complete. Suddenly, Alice finds out her cancer is in remission and she has a future after all. Now she has to live with all the cruel things she did on her bucket list. This debut author creates an interesting juxtaposition of cancer and death and then life after all.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Perry, Jolene. (2014). The summer I found you. Chicago: Albert Whitman.

Kate, recently dumped by her dream boyfriend, has just been diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. A few weeks later, she meets Aidan who has recently returned from Afghanistan where his arm was blown off. He had intended to make the army his career. As their life plans change, they become a romantic couple, though Kate has not yet confided to Aidan that she is diabetic. Told in alternating voice chapters and their romance evolves, they tell their stories of living with their recent life-changing disabilities.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Struyk-Bonn, Christina. (2014). Whisper. Toronto: Orca Book Publishers.

Sixteen-year-old Whisper is born with a cleft palate in a future dystopian society. Living in a society that rejects those born with imperfections, she is abandoned by her parents and now lives in an encampment with other societal rejects. Nathaniel is their caregiver and runs their part of the camp. Whisper’s mother visits once a year, and when she dies she leaves Whisper a violin and she learns to play while in the camp. Eventually her father comes for her, and she works in his household under cover of a veil. She is nothing more than a servant, and her rebellious spirit forces her to leave this household. She lives among a community of rebels and misfits and begins to suspect that the SWINC corporation could be responsible for the many birth defects that seem far too frequent in their community. Questions abound as medical and geophysical forces come into play with Whisper at the center of it all.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Venkatraman, Padma. (2014). A time to dance. New York: Nancy Paulsen Books.

Using the novel in verse format, this is a story of India, of smells and scents, of dance and determination. Veda is a classical dance prodigy of the bharatanatyam dance form. Sadly, following a terrible accident on the very day she won first place in her cherished dance contest, her leg is amputated below the knee. At first despondent in the hospital, an American doctor gives her new hope that her dance career is not over. She is now learning to walk on a prosthetic leg. Refusing to let this keep her from her love of dance, she enrolls in beginner dance lessons to relearn how to dance on her new prosthesis. Govinda is her new dance instructor, and before long they fall in love. Govinda encourages her that dancers have ten talents. She has lost three, but only for a while. Infused with pieces of Hinduism and Buddhism, Veda struggles back to the dance. The struggle also takes her to a new place within herself with an awakening about who she is and the future ahead. Backstory at the author’s website www.padmasbooks.com/todanceagain.html.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Watch for in December

Sundquist, Josh. (2014). We  should hang out sometime: Embarrassingly, a true story. New York, NY: Little Brown. Paralympic skier Josh Sundquist’s memoir of coming of age as an amputee cancer survivor. 

Additional Resources

Bookshare
www.bookshare.org

Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
www.christopherreeve.org/atf/cf/%7B173bca02-3665-49ab-9378-be009c58a5d3%7D/CHILDREN'S%20AND%20TEEN%20BOOKS.VIDEOS%20ON%20DISABILITY%203-11.PDF

Teacher’s Books on Disablities
http://blanchedudley.com/siggys-parade/

Books on the Disability Experience
www.nlcdd.org/resources-books-movies-disability.html

Children with Disabilities: Bibliography and Teacher’s Guide
www.state.nj.us/humanservices/documents/ChildrensBiblioDisabilityBooks.pdf

Jessica Kingsley Publishers
www.jkp.com/

IBBY
www.ibby.org/index.php?id=271

National Center for Learning Disabilities
www.ncld.org/parents-child-disabilities/family-coping-ld/recommended-reading-children-ld

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
www.specialneedsalliance.org/march-is-developmental-disabilities-awareness-month/

Facebook: Embracing Disabilities
www.facebook.com/embracingdisabilities

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

The International Reading Association partners with the National Council of Teachers of English and Verizon Thinkfinity to produce ReadWriteThink.org, a website devoted to providing literacy instruction and interactive resources for Grades K–12.

For many educators, the end of the school year is quickly approaching and stories about summer quickly fill their classroom library shelves. Summer is a wonderful time to set personal reading goals and to find additional titles to build text sets. It is also the perfect time to visit the public library, bookstore, and online professional resources about literacy and books, such as Summer Reading (2013) edited by Richard Allington and Anne McGill-Franzen. Also consider joining a special interest group, like the Children’s Literature and Reading (CL/R) SIG that produces these weekly sets of book reviews! 

As you prepare your end of the year letter to families, you will want to share the Reading Today Online link for recommended books from the CL/R SIG. We hope that the following book suggestions will keep your students motivated to read during the summertime. Another resource to share is the Children’s Choices Reading List. The Children’s Choices is a project cosponsored by the International Reading Association and the Children’s Book Council. Readwritethink.org has several tips and interactive tools to support summer reading this summer, such as Summer Reading Calendar, Poetic Memories of Summer, Summer Trading Cards, or Summer Superheroes.

 

Grades K-2

 

Burningham, J. (2014). Picnic. Somerville, MA: Candlewick.

This charming book functions as an easy reader, picture book, and interactive story book. The black-outlined sketch-like illustrations introduce the characters from the first page then a cumulative style is used to add characters at an accessible pace for new readers. The font is large and clearly placed on white background. The oversized format of the book ensures that readers will not get overwhelmed and will be able to use picture clues. The interactive pages involve directly searching the pictures: “Can you find sheep’s hat?” and “Who is sleeping in which bed?” The child-like drawings have a messy feel to them that will add to reader’s enjoyment of this book. The book mostly consists of double-page spreads with a wordless scene while they eat lunch. The animal characters and playful tone make this a charming read aloud for summer or for any bedtime ritual.

- Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

 

Malnor, Carol. (2014). On Kiki’s Reef. Illus. by Trina Hunter. Nevada City, CA: Dawn Publications.

Formerly a teacher, now a writer and blogger, Malnor shares information about a sea turtle’s journey. Kiki, a tiny green sea turtle safely makes it to the ocean to find her home. Eventually, she finds the coral reef and encounters many new inhabitants, such as the clownfish, anemones, grouper, and barracuda. The text contains a brief narrative and a rhyming couplet that provides a brief summary. The beautiful watercolor illustrations provide detailed pictures about the sea life and Kiki’s journey. The sea turtle returns to the beach where she was born to lay eggs. The back matter contains information about the life cycle of a sea turtle as well as information about corals and the other animals featured throughout the text. In addition, the author provides teaching suggestions and resource materials. Teachers will definitely want to partner this book with Into the Sea (1996) by Brenda Guiberson, One Tiny Turtle (2001) by Nicola Davies, Sea Turtles (1995) by Gail Gibbons, Turtle Tide: The ways of Sea Turtles (2005) and Sea Turtle Scientist (2014) by Stephen Swinburne.

- Mary Napoli, Penn State Harrisburg

 

Tan, S. (2014). Rules of Summer.  New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine Books.

The somewhat strange “rules” compiled in this picture book will mesmerize readers as they try to figure out both the pictures and the story. The book begins on the end pages as two boys, alone on a desolate gray street, exchange a secret. The pictures continue to tell the story as the younger boy shares what he learned last summer. The rules may not make sense at first read, but the haunting, surreal pictures will stick with readers in a way that makes the rules unforgettable. Some rules are obviously true, “never give your keys to a stranger,” but complicated by the bizarre picture accompanying them (an oversized cat taking the younger boy’s spot in the house). Other rules are silly or even creepy; “never eat the last olive at a party,” “always bring bolt cutters.” The climax of the vague storyline occurs during a series of wordless double-page spreads, but this is one of those books that truly allows readers to use their imagination to make meaning.

- Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

 

Amstutz, L.J. (2014). Bike safety: A crash course. North Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

This simple guide to bike safety is perfect for share with young children learning to ride a bike this summer. Most pages contain full-color photographs of cyclists—young and old, parents and children, in neighborhoods and on trails. A broad range of diversity is represented in the photographs. One page contains an illustration of turn signals. The text is straightforward and easy to read. The effective use of headings helps set the tone for the safety advice that is conveyed in each section. The format is consistent throughout the book and the text contains basic language and sentence structure. Back matter includes a glossary, additional resources (books and web-based), and an index.

- Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

 

Grades 3-5

 

Javaherbin, Mina. (2014). Soccer Star. Illus. by Renato Alarcão. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

In this beautifully illustrated story, readers meet Paul Marcelo Feliciano (Felino) who likes to play soccer on the beach with his friends in Brazil. He dreams of a day when he will be a famous soccer player and will earn enough money so his mother would not have to work long hours. Felino and his friends sometimes miss school to help earn money for the family. Many of the families live in poverty and must work to help buy basic necessities. Soccer is a sport that instills hope, joy, and togetherness. Each page shows Felino visiting one of his friends where he envisions them flying, soaring, or climbing to success. Felino’s sister Maria practices soccer with him even though girls are not allowed on the soccer team. However, on the day of the big game, one of the team members is injured and Maria is allowed to substitute. This symbolizes potential change in the traditions, and Maria scores a goal! This is a gentle yet powerful story about hope, community, and perseverance. Post-reading conversations about poverty, gender, class, and justice will certainly empower readers to think critically about their world. Teachers will want to visit the author’s blog at http://minajavaherbin.com/  and share her earlier work, Goal! (2010).

- Mary Napoli, Penn State Harrisburg

 

Khan, R. (2014). King for a day. Illus. by Christiane Kromer. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books.

Set in Pakistan, King for a Day tells the story of Malik who plans to capture the most kites during the festival of Basant. Malik works with his brother and sister to battle a bully using Falcon, the kite he made which is “built for speed.” Themes of family, friendship, and bullying are woven together in this believable story that features a variety of multicultural elements, notably the main character’s use of a wheelchair. Often books featuring characters with disabilities fail to allow the character to fully develop; Malik is a realistic, likable character who solves his own problem and makes a difference for others. Interested readers can learn more about the festival in the author’s note at the end of the book. The mixed-media collages add to the authenticity of this multicultural piece.

- Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

 

Raczka, Bob. (2014). Joy in Mudville. Illus. by Glin Dibley. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books.

The Mudville Nine baseball team needs a victory. Unfortunately, the Mighty Casey didn’t have an impressive game the day before, so the coach is trying a new relief pitcher. The pitcher, Joy, happens to be a “she” (p. 8). She proves that anyone with some skill can play sports when given the chance. Through short stanzas, the story follows Joy through her unique pitching style as she helps the Mudville team win the game. The illustrations capture the characters’ expressions and Joy’s various pitching styles. The back matter includes the original poem, “Casey at Bat” by Ernest Thayer. Partner with Thayer’s Casey at Bat: A Ballad of the Republic Sung in the Year 1888 (2000), David Adler’s Mama Played Baseball (2003), Audrey Vernick’s She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story (2010), Shana Corey’s Players in Pigtails (2003), Angela Johnson’s Just like Josh Gibson (2004), and Deborah Hopkinson’s Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine Innings (2003).

- Mary Napoli, Penn State Harrisburg

 

Ross, Catherine Sheldrick. (2014). Shapes in math, science, and nature: Squares, triangles, and circles. Illus. by Bill Slavin. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press.

Fight the summer slide for reading and math! This impressive concept book is ideal for intermediate readers. It discusses the three basic shapes and their significance in math and science. The author provides simple definitions with real life applications to the world. Each section contains puzzles and hands-on activities to invite readers to explore and discover new information. A few of the activities include making a cube, pentominoes, a moebius strip, circle prints, and triangle trees. There is also information about the history of the shape, shape-related games, and interdisciplinary connections for home or classroom. The back matter with mathematical formulas, a glossary, and index makes this an outstanding resource to support content area connections.

- Mary Napoli, Penn State Harrisburg

 

Grades 6-8

 

Cervantes, Jennifer. (2014). Tortilla Sun. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.

Tortilla Sun is a beautifully written story of a young girl’s search for answers and of her learning to appreciate her family’s culture. When we meet 12-year-old Izzy, we learn that she loves to write stories and that her teacher encouraged her to record her ideas using story cards. One day, while rummaging through boxes, she finds a baseball with a faded message. She knows that this belonged to her father who died when she was very young, but every time she asks questions about her father’s character, her mother changes the subject. Izzy is sent to spend the summer with her grandmother (Nana) in a small village in New Mexico, where she was born. It is here where she discovers the beauty of her culture, forms new friendships, learns about loss, death, acceptance, and forgiveness. Through the help of clues and trusting her surroundings, she learns the truth about her father and uncovers the mystery behind the “love is magic” message. Each new discovery provides new opportunities for Izzy’s writing. Her story is inspired by new understandings about life and friendship. Author Jennifer Cervantes weaves magical realism and rich visual descriptions that take readers on Izzy’s journey. She includes an author’s note further describing her rich Hispanic culture. She also shares her Nana’s flour tortilla recipe and a glossary. The author provides a video demonstration of making the tortillas and includes a reader’s guide at her website www.jennifercervantes.com.

- Mary Napoli, Penn State Harrisburg

 

Hurwitz, Michele Weber. (2014). The summer I saved the world…in 65 days. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books.

What would happen if you tried to change the world in 65 days? In this wonderful middle-grade novel, readers meet Nina, a thirteen year-old girl who is still mourning the loss of her grandmother. Her parents are occupied with their jobs as high-profile lawyers, and her older brother is busy working. She is also drifting apart from her best friend, Jorie, who is now interested in make-up, clothes, and boys, specifically her neighbor Eli. Nina remembers the advice of her eighth grade teacher, “It is very often the ordinary things go unnoticed that end up making a big difference. As you embark upon your high school careers, be unnoticed, but be remarkable” (p. 6). She gets the idea to do one nice thing every single day during the summer. She starts by planting marigolds in Mrs. Chung’s garden since she is walking around in a cast. On a daily basis, Nina demonstrates simple acts of kindness for her neighbors and family in her suburban cul-de-sac community. Throughout this experience, she discovers feelings for Eli and learns that even other families have problems of their own. She also develops a better understanding about herself, her parents and her brother. The novel is punctuated with her grandmother’s simple truths (ST), things that happen when they are meant to happen. Nina’s good deeds help to bring the community together in an inspirational way. The publisher includes an excellent book trailer to share with readers before reading, and the author includes an interactive map of Nina’s neighborhood on her web site.

- Mary Napoli, Penn State Harrisburg

 

Grades 9-12

 

Lockhart, E. (2014). We Were Liars. New York, NY: Delacorte Press.

This young adult novel will leave have readers clinging to every word and holding their breath as they turn the pages. Candace Sinclair Eastman spends her summers with family on a Massachusetts island owned by her grandfather. Candace’s summers are marked by long days at the beach with her age-mate cousins, Mirren and Johnny; short boats trips to the mainland for fudge; family dinners with the younger cousins; and a romance with Gat, the nephew of Aunt Carrie’s boyfriend. After the death of her grandmother, fighting breaks out among the three daughters in this “old money” family. This conflict leads to series of events that leave Candace questioning her privilege and confused about her own values and experience. Lockhart’s prose from Candace’s perspective is hard hitting so the intermingled fairy tale vignettes are a welcome relief as readers await the climactic ending.

- Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

 

Tamaki, M. & Tamaki, J. (2014). This one summer. New York, NY: First Second.

Set during summer vacation at Awago Beach, this coming-of-age story in graphic novel format features blue-toned illustrations and authentic dialogue. Rose and Windy have been “summer cottage friends” since they were five years old and the story begins with them reuniting, picking up where they left off for care-free summer fun. As the story unfolds, conflict within Rose’s family and Rose’s own internal conflicts related to her burgeoning adolescence shift the theme from lazy days of summer to the difficulties teens face as they begin to see their parents and themselves from new, often painful, perspectives. Readers will find the dialogue engaging and realistic (“Soooooo, do you have a boyfriend? Do you like anybody? Like seriously like anybody?”) while both the paneled pages and the quieter double-page spreads will keep their attention focused on the plot.

- Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

 

Rubin, S.G. (2014). Freedom summer: The 1964 struggle for civil rights in Mississippi. New York, NY: Holiday House.

This book takes a chronological approach to the content with some chapters treating the daily unfolding of events such as, “Chapter Three: June 21, 1964, Afternoon” to others providing a weekly perspective such as “Chapter Eleven: July and early August, 1964.” The book tells the story of the activism and struggle that led to the 1965’s Voting Rights Act. Readers will learn about the murders of three civil rights field workers, voter registration campaigns, and the role of the freedom schools within the movement. The voice of Fannie Lou Hamer and images of everyday life and everyday people are emphasized in a memorable way. The back matter begins with a section titled “The Story Continues…” and includes websites, places to visit, a timeline, appendices with archival material, meticulous source notes and picture credits, and a bibliography and index.

- Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

 

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

The International Reading Association partners with the National Council of Teachers of English and Verizon Thinkfinity to produce ReadWriteThink.org, a website devoted to providing literacy instruction and interactive resources for Grades K–12.