Literacy Now

The nation’s celebration of Black History Month is the perfect time to remember and celebrate those individuals who bore their trials and stations in life with dignity and courage while looking for ways to make changes in the world. Their personal journeys may remind readers of similar journeys for equality in making sure that opportunities for better lives exist for everyone. Inspired by these journeys, several youth build upon what others have left behind. As Charlayne Hunter-Gault writes in To the Mountain Top: My Journey through the Civil Rights Movement (2014), “Barack Obama does indeed stand on the shoulders of the giants—thousands of determined men, women, and young people who blazed a trail for him, just as our generation stood on the shoulders of the giants who, from the day they were brought to these shores in chains, never accepted the denial of their full humanity, freedom, justice, and rights” (p. 5).

This week’s column captures snapshots of ten such people, each telling their stories from different stations and times, but all of these narratives are reminders of human journeys. These reviews, written by members of the International Reading Association’s Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG), salute the human spirit and the courage in these stories.

Grades K–3

Dempsey, Kristy. (2014). A dance like starlight: One ballerina’s dream. Illus. by Floyd Cooper. New York, NY: Philomel Books.

An old adage tells us that if we wish upon a star, our dreams may come true. But, what if no stars can be found in the sky? One little African-American girl living in 1960s New York City searches for stars night after night, but none can be found. She dreams of one day wearing the ballet costumes, twirling, swinging, swaying onstage in front of the crowd. Though she finds no stars in the New York City skyline, she is found by the Ballet Master of the ballet school. Thanks to the master, the young girl joins dance lessons every day, although she cannot perform with the White girls onstage. A visit to the Metropolitan Opera House and seeing the performance of Miss Janet Collins, the first African American performing there under a contract with Metropolitan Opera undoubtedly plants a seed of hope for the little girl to dream of becoming a ballerina. The illustrator’s use of pink and brown colors as well as the contrast effect between yellow and brown reinforces the dream and the hope of this young girl whose facial expressions are pictured vividly and realistically.

- Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Woelfle, Gretchen. (2014). Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence. Illus. by Alix Delinois. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books.

Mumbet, a slave in Massachusetts, did not even know her real name. She and her daughter Lizzy were owned by Mr. and Mrs. Ashley in Berkshire County. He also owned iron mine, a forge, a sawmill, a gristmill, a general store, and three thousand acres of farm and woodland. Mumbet longed to be free, while Mrs. Ashley made Mumbet’s life miserable, calling her spiteful names. One day, when she served the men who are writing the freedom charter, she heard words that set her heart soaring. But “All men are born free and equal” did not seem to include her. Eventually, though, Mumbet does find a way to her freedom. Simple and elegant narration coupled with bold illustration will capture the hearts of the readers who can learn more about Mumbet at www.mumbet.com. This is an excellent book for any classroom or school library.

- Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 4–6

Higgins, Nadia. (2014). The split history of the Civil Rights Movement: A perspectives flip book. North Mankato, MN: Compass Point Books.

Emmett Till was beaten to death after allegedly flirting with a White cashier; Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat for Whites and was arrested; nine Black teenagers from Little Rock, Arkansas—also known as the Little Rock Nine—were escorted to attend an all-White high school while onlookers yelled and spat upon them; four Black college students sat at a Whites-Only lunch counter, which gave rise a series of protests. All of these incidents happened during the 1950s and 1960s when African Americans in the South wanted to stop segregation. From nonviolence to violence, from street and school to jail, and from children to adults, African Americans devoted themselves to a meaningful movement that offered a brighter future for their children. After learning about the civil rights movement from the activists’ perspective in this book, readers can flip the book to read the perspective of segregationists. The book offers stories about Ku Klux Klan rallies and information about the social, political, and economic motives behind the movement. This book surely provides a succinct but rich accounting of the history of Civil Right Movement.

- Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Kanefield, Teri. (2014). The girl from the tar paper school: Barbara Rose Johns and the advent of the Civil Rights Movement. New York, NY: Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Picture this: A classroom built from wood, a heavy tar paper roof, umbrellas, buckets, and shivering students with heavy winter clothes. This image is not something imaginary; it is the classroom of the Robert R. Moton High School, which Barbara Rose Johns attended in 1950. It was the time when school segregation existed, when White students attended schools with superior modern facilities and Black students often learned in tar paper shacks. Having had enough of learning in such an environment, Barbara Johns, then a 16-year-old, secretly planned a peaceful strike in 1951 to make inequality have no place in education. With the support of local churches, she did not fight alone, for similar movements against inequality also happened in Kansas, South Carolina, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. It was not until Johns was in college that the Supreme Court declared that school segregation was unconstitutional. This book provides a mix of biography and historical archives, which invites readers to learn about one of the pioneers in Civil Rights Movements as well as understand how a small, simple wish can make a significant change in society.

- Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Shabazz, Ilyasah. (2014). Malcolm Little: The boy who grew up to become Malcom X. Illus. by Ag Ford. New York, NY: Athenum.

El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, better known as. Malcolm X, had a tumultuous childhood. His lessons in faith and courage were earned from his parents early in life. When his father purchased six acres of land in Lansing, Michigan, Malcolm watched his father build the house by himself. Malcolm cherished his father’s optimism and faith. His mother home-schooled the kids and taught them all they knew. But his carefree childhood ended when his father was lynched by the KKK, leaving his mother to manage the farm, children, and household. Soon, the local officials separated the children from Louise, for reasons nobody would explain. All the challenges faced by the boy who grew up to become Malcolm X are narrated with his daughter’s deep insider knowledge to present the real Malcolm X to a young audience. There are plenty of online resources available to bring his story to today’s young readers, including this example of Malcolm talking about slavery.

- Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 7–8

Bolden, Tonya. (2014). Searching for Sarah Rector: The richest Black girl in America. New York, NY: Abrams Books for Young Readers.

This excellent nonfiction narrative looks at the mystery of wealthy Sarah Rector. Born in 1902 as a freedwoman in the Creek, Indian Territory, Sarah was not destined for any great fortune or wealth. Her parents were farmers and grew corn and cotton. The family acquired a land allotment for the members of the Creek Nation, but the land was rough, full of rocks, and required payment of about $30 in taxes. Fed up with the useless land, Sarah’s father leased the land to an oil drilling company. By 1913, the well on Sarah’s land began to yield dividends. Newspapers estimated the output to be about 105,000 gallons a day and predicted that Sarah would soon become a “Plute,” slang for plutocrat or a very wealthy person. When a child went from poor to plute, the courts insisted on appointing a guardian for managing the minor’s affairs. The story pieces together the oil boom and what it meant to people around the country. The life of Sarah Rector has often been compared to the story of Cinderella. Learn more in this excellent author interview regarding the project.

- Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Moses, Shelia. (2014). The sittin’ up. New York, NY: Putnam & Sons.

The story begins in the summer of 1940 when the very last slave man, Mr. Bro. Wiley has died of old age. He had lived with twelve-year-old Bean for many years now, and was like an adopted grandfather to him. The entire family grieves about the death, and the community mourns. Bean, certain that his grandfather deserves special respect for being the last slave man alive, writes to the President with the news of his death. Besides grief, the death also brings responsibilities for Bean. He now needs to join his very first sittin’ up—a wake for the dead—with all the adults. He and Pole, his best friend, are both sad and excited about it the same. The setting and characters in the book show the interconnectedness of the people with the land and with each other. In the end, it is not the life of a single person but the community that is skillfully presented. This is a portrait of a close-knit community where everyone knows each other very well, the good and bad. The sense of community leaves readers enrapt and provides an excellent context for the readers to explore their feelings of belonging to the community. The book is also rich in language with melodic dialect and a rhythm that is out of synch with the modern patterns of speech. Learn more in this interview with the author.

- Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Woods, Brenda. (2014). The blossoming universe of Violet Diamond. New York, NY: Nancy Paulsen Books.

11-year-old Violet Diamond is very sensitive about her biracial identity—her mom being White, and her dad Black. Since her dad died two months before she was born, the brown-eyed and brown-haired girl spends most of her life with her maternal side of the family and lives in a White neighborhood. Although Violet is close to her family, and her friends accept her, sometimes she feels that she is “a single fallen brown leaf atop a blanket of fresh snow” (p. 18). In order to know more about her Black side of the family, Violet determines to meet her paternal grandmother, Bibi, whom she has never met before. Violet’s first meeting with Bibi is filled with tension and not as happy as she expects. However, as she spends more time with Bibi, both of them become closer. This heartwarming story shows a young girl’s exploration of her identity and family history as well as allowing readers insight into the idea that the concept of family goes beyond race.

- Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 9–12

Hunter-Gault, Charlayne. (2014). To the mountain top: My journey through the Civil Rights Movement. Reprint Edition. New York, NY: Square Fish.

The author, who grew up as a high school student in segregated Atlanta, describes how every aspect of her daily life was controlled by segregation. The emotionally enriched, engaging narrative will shock some teen readers. Told in engaging tone and voice, the historical memoir illustrates the context of the Civil Rights Movement from the perspective of equal education. Educated in a series of second-class schools, the author longed for equal treatment. As her educational possibilities opened up once the idea of separate but equal institutions was challenged, Hunter-Gault attended the University of Georgia where she faced systematic harassment and threats. Her personal narrative coupled with information about various civil rights groups such as NAACP, SCLC, and SNCC shows that change came from many different directions. The book has excellent timelines that can be used both by students and teachers.

- Rani Iyer, 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. 

The CL/R SIG is accepting submissions to the fall 2014 edition of their journal, The Dragon Lode, through April 15, 2014. There is an open theme, and they invite manuscripts that explore contemporary issues and questions, genre study, literary theory, and research related to children's literature and reading. Manuscripts should be no longer than 20 double-spaced, typed pages. Use APA (6th edition) formatting. Author's name, affiliation, mailing address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address should be on a separate cover page. Photos and illustrations should be sent as a separate jpeg file. Any reference to the author that would enable the reviewer to know the author's identity should not appear in the manuscript. Submit all manuscripts to: Dr. Ruth McKoy Lowery, Co-editor. 

Presidents Day in 2014 is on Monday, February 17. Celebratory events will take place across the nation to honor the many accomplishments of our country’s leaders. It is a day to appreciate the rich history of our nation by exploring the past, appreciating the present, and constructing new understandings of our collective and diverse cultural heritage to inform our future. 

As teachers incorporate both digital and print resources about different presidents, the IRA Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (SIG) offers several recommendations for the K–12 classroom. The featured biographies contain fun facts about our nation’s leaders while situating significant events that shaped our history. The life stories also serve as building blocks to deepen understandings of the past and broaden discussions about tolerance, remind us of our rights and freedom, and encourage a “call to action” to serve our communities.

Since the biographies span various reading levels, teachers and students can use close and critical reading strategies to analyze and compare texts. More importantly, reading books about our presidents can launch critical conversations about free democracy, citizenry, and social action and change. There are also many ways to respond to biographies from using bio-cubes, researching and writing biographies, hosting “talk shows,” and writing letters, digital timelines, and bio-poems. ReadWriteThink has many lesson plans that can be adapted when using biographies.

Grades K-3

Meltzer, Brad. (2014). I am Abraham Lincoln. Illus. by Christopher Eliopoulos. New York: Dial.

I Am Abraham Lincoln introduces readers to a young Lincoln, standing up against acts of intolerance, and remaining steadfast in his pursuit to read and write. As Abe said, “When it comes to learning, my best teachers were simply…books” (11). The message of speaking up for others is woven throughout: “The hardest fights don’t reveal a winner-but they do reveal character” (20). This biography focuses on Lincoln’s journey toward justice from his childhood to his Presidency. For instance, Lincoln’s commitment toward fairness led the country to abolish slavery. Through speech bubbles, comic-book style illustrations, and simple facts, this biography for “little hands” is a very good introduction into Lincoln’s life and contributions. The last two pages include one of Lincoln’s famous quotes and historical illustrations/photographs. Teachers will want to partner this biography with Abe’s Honest Words (2008) by Doreen Rappaport (Disney Hyperion) or Abe Lincoln: The Boy who loved books (2006) by Kay Winters (Scholastic).

- Mary Napoli, Penn State Harrisburg

Winter, Jonah. (2013). JFK. Illus. by AG Ford. New York: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins.

This informative picture book biography chronicles significant moments of John F. Kennedy’s life. The author adds a personal connection to the story by explaining that he was a little boy, sitting on his father’s shoulders, when he saw Kennedy and his wife pass by during the 1963 Dallas motorcade. Then, within hours, JFK was dead. Winter offers readers with encouraging words: “It’s a story of hope and courage. It’s a story about the power of words” (4). The author provides readers with a glimpse into JFK’s upbringing, sickly childhood, unspoken competition with his older brother, and his passion with books. Information about JFK’s belief in public service and his presidential victory are highlighted with a quote from his famous inauguration speech: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” This biography pays tribute to JFK’s courage and how the power of words contributed to his service.

- Mary Napoli, Penn State Harrisburg

Grades 4-5

Rappaport, Doreen. (2013). To dare mighty things: The life of Theodore Roosevelt. Illus. by C.F. Payne. New York: Disney Hyperion.

This exquisite picture book biography captures the exuberance of Teddy Roosevelt’s youth and his commitment to service. Roosevelt’s convictions and vision for the country were tested by numerous challenges. Did you know that that he was the first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize? As the twenty-sixth President, he worked tirelessly to make the country a better place (i.e. protecting the nation’s natural resources). The illustrations add life and warmth to punctuate Roosevelt’s robust personality. The timeline and related digital and print resources will undoubtedly guide readers toward further research into Roosevelt’s life.

- Mary Napoli, Penn State Harrisburg

Kalman, Maira. (2014). Thomas Jefferson: Life, liberty and the pursuit of everything. New York: Nancy Paulsen Books.

The picture book format of this book is deceiving. The bright colors, stylized art, and even the playful title may indicate a light style. However, the content of the book is thorough, honest, and quite sophisticated. The author does not shy away from presenting the difficult parts of Jefferson’s legacy (such as his attitude towards Native American and his views on slavery), but does so in a way that fosters critical inquiry. The informal style is highly accessible and the source notes contain plenty of invitations for further research. This biography stands out for showing a renowned leader as a complicated human being. Readers may walk away with more questions than answers, not only about Jefferson but about our country.

- Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University

Castrovilla, Selene. (2013). Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. Illus. by Drazen Kozjan, Honesdale, PA: Calkins Creek.

This little known story from Revolutionary times shows George Washington as a compassionate father figure and the young Marquis de Lafayette as both his protégée and a hero in his own right. The book functions as biography as readers get to know both Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette, Their voices and personalities come through even as the conflicts of the time period are highlighted. The book begins with a story format then transitions into more narrative nonfiction with timelines, primary source documents (Lafayette’s letters, etc.) and sidebars.  The endnotes go above and beyond offering not only a bibliography but also a glossary of French words and information about related historical sites. This is a unique piece of nonfiction that varies in style throughout while playing on familiar elements of friendship during a time of war.

- Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University

Grades 6-8

Chew, Elizabeth. (2014). Thomas Jefferson: A day at Monticello. Illus. by Mark Elliott. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers.

A former curator at the Monticello historical site, Chew presents a biography that celebrates and somewhat idealizes Jefferson. A strong artistic sensibility pervades the book and brings the setting alive with both archival images and new paintings. There is a personal feel to the story, which may the result of the time the author’s familiarity with the place. The text is highly detailed and offers an intimate portrayal of Jefferson’s daily activities, passions, and past-times. The issue of slavery is avoided by being embedded into a look at the plantation’s workings. Ultimately, this book might be ideal for President’s Day because it highlight only the positive but it certainly should be complemented with more balanced portraits of the Jefferson. The book could extend any study of Monticello, especially in conjunction with a field trip.

- Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University

Delano, M. F. (2013). Master George’s People: George Washington, his slaves, and his revolutionary transformation. Illus. by Lori Epstein. Washington DC: National Geographic.  

This books deals forthrightly with the first president’s experience with slavery. The information is contextualized through images of archival material and detailed descriptions of daily life during the time. The paintings do not quite mesh with the historical material at times but the large format and engaging endpapers (including excerpts from Washington’s will) add to the overall appeal. The author’s voice is of particular significance in this book because of her connection to Mt. Vernon. She is able to bring an intimate feel to the setting and sets up a great opportunity to talk to readers about objectivity and balance in nonfiction writing.

- Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University

Singer, M. (2013). Rutherford B., who was he? Poems about our President. Illus. by John Hendrix. NY: Disney Hyperion.

Playful cartoon-style illustrations set the tone for this romp through all 43 presidents. Each president has his own poem introduced with his own party and years of office; many are accompanied by a quote as well. The illustration for each poem connects to a big event during that presidency (GW Bush stands atop 9/11 rubble, Nixon in front of the Watergate building), attempts to personify a character trait (Ford sits in a sinking boat, Taft in a bathtub), or identifies an iconic symbol (Lincoln’s hat, a hoe for Carter). The content of the illustrations offer plenty of opportunity for inquiry and further research. The poems themselves offer a unique balance between a silly rhythmic style with lots of rhyme and factual, historical information. There is ample back matter to substantiate the biographical elements and further contextualize the history.  Readers may want to partner this text with Basher History: US Presidents: Oval Office All-Stars (2013) created/illustrated by Simon Basher and written by Dan Green, published by Kingfisher Children’s Books.

- Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University

Grades 9-12

Freedman, Russell. (2013). Becoming Ben Franklin: How a candle-maker’s son helped light the flame of Liberty. New York: Holiday House.

In this extraordinary biography, Freedman provides readers with insights into Benjamin Franklin’s early life. In nine accessible and informative chapters, readers learn about Franklin’s apprenticeship in Philadelphia, his generous spirit, robust energy, and friendly disposition. Readers will be interested to know that Franklin’s business acumen and civic engagements eventually launched his political career. Information about Franklin’s inventions and political contributions is included. Moreover, students with a penchant for research will find the additional source notes, timeline, and bibliography of particular interest. Freedman brings history to life and includes archival illustrations, portraits, and almanac and newspaper pages.  

- Mary Napoli, Penn State Harrisburg

Bolden, Tonya. (2013). Emancipation Proclamation: Lincoln and the dawn of liberty. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Bolden’s stellar research and personal writing style sheds light into the tensions surrounding Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, his attitudes toward the nation’s free and enslaved, and whether the proclamation actually freed anyone. The book is organized into three sections, each providing the reader with various perspectives: the political pressures and arguments that Lincoln faced leading up to the Emancipation and the voices from African-American and Abolitionist communities. Archival photographs, illustrations, documents, political cartoons, an annotated timeline, source notes, index, and selected bibliography illuminate this powerful text. Bolden’s writing coupled with historical research and new insights will support content area instruction. 

- Mary Napoli, Penn State Harrisburg

Swanson, J.L. (2013). The President has been shot: The assassination of John F. Kennedy. NY: Scholastic Press.

This book focuses on the assassination rather than the presidency of John F. Kennedy. The author is a historian whose past work for adults and young people has featured similar topics (Chasing Lincoln’s Killer in 2009 and Bloody Times in 2011). The lives of both Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald are both profiled to provide background information, but the heart of the story is the assassination itself. Readers are taken right to the day, really the moment the shooting occurred. The “true crime” feel of this portion of the book is followed by a more reverent exploration of the aftermath, including the funeral and the death of Oswald. The author does not equivocate regarding conspiracy theories. He makes his position clear, substantiating this stance by making his thinking and research process concrete and accessible to young readers. 

- Lesley Colabucci, Millersville University

Digital Connection: Websites and Related Apps

Teaching History Clearinghouse

Smithsonian National Portraits of the Presidents

Smithsonian Idea Lab

American Presidents App ($3.99)

The White House App (free)

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 CL/R SIG is accepting submissions to the fall 2014 edition of their journal, The Dragon Lode, through April 15, 2014. There is an open theme, and they invite manuscripts that explore contemporary issues and questions, genre study, literary theory, and research related to children's literature and reading. Manuscripts should be no longer than 20 double-spaced, typed pages. Use APA (6th edition) formatting. Author's name, affiliation, mailing address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address should be on a separate cover page. Photos and illustrations should be sent as a separate jpeg file. Any reference to the author that would enable the reviewer to know the author's identity should not appear in the manuscript. Submit all manuscripts to: Dr. Ruth McKoy Lowery, Co-editor.

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.

The 2014 Digital Learning Day is February 5. The event’s coordinators say, “Digital Learning Day is about giving every child the opportunity to learn in a robust digital environment every day, with the goal of success in college and career. We urge you to make a difference with digital learning in America’s schools and take the pledge to support the effective use of technology to improve education for all students.”

To celebrate this special day, the IRA Children’s Literature and Reading SIG brings ideas for incorporating books and technology into the K–12 classroom environment. Some books are lighthearted and fun and full of robotics where others present the latest uses of technology from drones to medical technology to the possibilities offered through science fiction. The potential of technology is endless, and this week’s column will share with teachers a few of the new books based on ideas from recent developments in the digital world.

ReadWriteThink has over 100 lesson plans dealing with digital learning ideas and integrated learning through print and digital media.

GRADES K-2

Arnold, Tedd. (2014). Fix this mess. New York: Holiday House.

Robug (short for: remote operating basic utility gizmo) arrives at Jake the dog’s house to clean up all the messes Jake has left lying everywhere. Robug gets busy flying around the house in Arnold’s signature hub bub of activity and colorful illustrations. As Jake watches Robug do his cleaning regime and dust, dirt and objects are flying. The debris just seems to settle in new places but nothing much has really changed—the place is still a mess with all the messes in new places! Maybe technology is not the answer, but better for Jake to do the clean-up…himself!

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Austin, Mike. (2014). Junkyard. New York: Beach Lane Books/Simon and Schuster Publishers.

Written in short, rhymed text and colored with vibrant illustrations, two trash-eating monsters are devouring all the trash lying around in the junkyard. Eating their way through broken toys and discarded household items and more, the two robots begin to clear the space into and around the junk heap while scampering mice run through the debris. Young listeners will enjoy the huge “Burp!” that comes from the robots after they have eaten tons of junk. As the space is cleared a new task begins, and the junk-eating monsters now turn the empty space into a playground, create a garden, and plant trees and flowers. Soon a lake and mountains appear. If young readers look closely they might spy some of the old junk recycled in ways that help create the new environment. This is a perfect read aloud for Earth Day or other spring or gardening moments.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant 

Brown, Sam. (2013). Sometimes I forget you’re a robot. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Group. 

A young boy is yearning for a robot to take him on grand adventures, flying to places eager for discovery and play. One night, hearing a “beep, beep, beep” coming from right outside his window, the young boy gets his wish. Standing right there is a huge red robot. As the young boy and the robot become friends, however, the boy learns his robot can’t really do much. He can’t fly, or swim, or explore new places. Though disappointed at first, when the boy and his robot friend begin to build a tree house, the boy discovers his new friend has other talents like construction sense and strength when it comes to pounding nails and lifting boards as the progress on their tree house gets completed. The young boy learns that sometimes you can value people, or robots, for unexpected things. Debut author Sam Brown has produced child-friendly box and stick people illustrations with a gentle and subtle story about friendship.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Luthardt, Kevin. (2013). When Edgar met Cecil. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers.

Edgar and his family have just moved, leaving his best friend, Quincy, behind, and now he is the new kid in school of extraterrestrials. Everything at the new school seems weird to Edgar including the strange food, their bizarre clothes, and the weird music they like. Edgar is always alone at recess. He notices one big kid named Cecil is always staring at him, until one day the big kid comes over to him and tells Edgar that Edgar scares him. The two ETs get to know each other and discover they are not so different after all. Not mentioned in the text but told through the pictures is that when Edgar and his family move they leave in a spaceship and travel to an entirely new planet. Their sleek silver appearance is quite different from the creatures on the new planet that are colorful and shaped very differently from Edgar and his family. This is truly a picture book where text and pictures work together to let the story unfold. Teachers might like to tap into this 2-minute video created by the author/illustrator showing how he illustrated one of the pictures. It could be fun to use as a prewriting experience before reading the book.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

GRADES 3-5

Barnham, Kay. (2014). Could a robot make my dinner? and other questions about technology. Chicago: Heinemann/Raintree Publishers. Capstone Group.

A fun and recreational look at history and technology joining forces, this is one book in the series, “Read Me! Questions You Never Thought You’d Ask.” Full of illustrations and text boxes and factoids, this volume takes a hilarious look at things like, “Who was the first queen to use a toilet?” or from the title, “Could a robot make my dinner?” Other off-the wall observations question why cranes don’t fall over when standing on one leg or how do we really travel into outer space? These are questions that only the technology can answer. Colorful photographs add to the interesting though whimsical subject matter. This will be a great book for browsing or attracting reluctant readers with fun facts.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Mattheson, Adrienne. (2014). Using digital maps. North Mankato, MN: Cherry Lake Publishing. 

In this book, the author explains what digital maps really are. Researchers collect data and transform the data into a virtual image on a map that is “clickable” and interactive. These maps give accurate and up-to-date information about a particular region or area. GPS is becoming a household term and new cars come loaded with a GPS system so young readers will grow up knowing these digital maps are only but a finger tap away. Online map software has made it easy to move from the map/location to more detailed information about the identified area.  Mattheson discusses some of the special features with a variety of kinds of digital maps. Large color photos, diagrams, text boxes, font sizes and types enhance the information included in the text.  Teachers might like to check out the digital map available at the Digital Learning Day website. Listen to this NPR “All Things Considered” episode entitled: “For Kids of Cartographers, Digital Mapping Class Is In.” From the series “Information Explorer.”

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Rowell, Rebecca. (2014). Energy and waves through infographics. Graphics by Alex Sciuto. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications. 

An old saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Apply that old adage to today’s technology and you have an infographic. Visual images are used to chart or diagram information and/or data in a way that can be interpreted easily to viewers. A plethora of information is included in this book in the forms of charts, maps, illustrations, timelines, bibliographic references and index. The infographics contain facts about energy and waves, discussing energy sources, the power grid, splitting atoms, sound waves, energy use, and saving energy. The visual graphics make it easier to understand some of the huge concepts and numbers behind some of these energy facts. For example in 2011, the United States consumed 35.3 quadrillion BTUs of petroleum or the fact that it took 300 million years for our fossil fuels to be created.
For teachers who would like to learn to create infographics with their students, visit the Teacher Tech Workshop website. In addition, the publisher, Lerner Publications has created a teaching guide to infographics in this series.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Ventura, Marne. (2014). Google Glass and robotics innovator Sebastian Thrun. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications. 

Born in Solingen, Germany, in 1967, Sebastian Thrun is an educator, programmer, robotics developer, and computer scientist. From the time he was a teenager he wanted to build machines that would help people. After attending the University of Bonn and the University of Hildesheim in Germany, he came to the United States. He was a professor at Stanford University for a number of years and out of those years and association he created Udacity, a new online higher education learning environment. He has built robots that include self-driving cars, robots that help trapped miners, and NurseBots that assist in the medical field. Strun also worked with Google where he founded Google X and most recently Google Glass. Google Glass is a new kind of eyewear that works as a computer. Visit Sebastian Thrun’s webpage for further background on this innovator.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

GRADES 6-12

Anniss, Matt. (2014). How does WiFi work? New York: Gareth Stevens Publishing. 

Would you believe that the basic technology behind WiFi has been around for over 100 years? Though that seems hard to believe, WiFi uses radio wave technology to send and receive data. WiFi has become such a part of our lives and many (most?) people use it everyday. This book takes a look at the history and development of this technology including beginnings that date back to Nikola Tesla and other electronics innovators. Schools, restaurants, hotels, some airports, coffee shops, bookstores, and more offer Wifi service so that people can stay connected through their smartphones, tablets and computers. From the Gareth Stevens HighTech Science series.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Harmon, Daniel. (2014). Publishing your e-book. Rosen Central. 

Specifically written for teens that are interested in publishing their writing, how to get started in the e-book publishing world is outlined by the author. Once young writers have their stories written, now they need to know the steps toward electronic publishing. Guidelines for launching an e-book include choosing the platform and the platform-specific formatting required. Marketing their e-book is a critical next step. Author Daniel Harmon presents the actual experiences of a few teens that have published in the e-book market and explains their reasons for wanting to publish. In addition to offering helpful publishing information, this also serves as a writing guide suggesting tips and hints to improve and edit the writing before it goes to a reading audience. From the publisher’s Digital and Information Literacy, Set 6.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

More about Digital Learning:

Alliance for Excellent Education
http://all4ed.org/issues/digital-learning/

History and digital learning at the Library of Congress:
http://digitallearningday.org/learn-and-explore/digital-learning-tools/library-congress-toolkit/

PBS Learning Media
http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/innovation/

21 Literacy Resources for the Digital Teacher
http://www.teachthought.com/featured/21-literacy-resources-for-the-digital-teacher/

Skype an Author Network
http://skypeanauthor.wikifoundry.com/

Digital Tools for Teachers
http://digitaltoolsforteachers.blogspot.com/

Digital Storytelling in the Classroom
http://digitaltoolsforteachers.blogspot.com/

Edutopia/ Tech2Learn
http://www.edutopia.org/tech-to-learn-classroom-technology-resources

Discovery Education resources
http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/

Best Websites for Teaching and Learning, 2013. AASL
http://www.ala.org/aasl/standards-guidelines/best-websites/2013

Thinkfinity
http://www.thinkfinity.org/welcome

Mobile Apps for Learning
http://www.thinkfinity.org/docs/DOC-11693

eClassroom News
http://www.eclassroomnews.com/

Apps in Education
http://appsineducation.blogspot.com/

Technology Integration for Teachers
http://www.techforteachers.net/

Tech & Learning
http://www.techlearning.com/index

Udacity
https://www.udacity.com/

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 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.

Members of the Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group continue to savor their favorite chapter books from 2013. If you haven’t read these titles, you might want to add them to your to-read pile. 

Carson, Rae. (2013). The bitter kingdom. New York: Greenwillow Books.

In this third and final volume in The Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy, Rae Carson has concluded the series most satisfactorily. Her strong female lead character, Queen Elisa, learns more about the power of her God-stone and how to wield this power for her country. Fraught with adventure and danger, Elisa faces off with the evil sorcery of the Invierne and travels deep into their enemy territory to save, Hector, the man she loves. Political allegiances are not what they seem so Elisa has to sort out just whom she can trust along the journey. Readers will find a compelling multi-layered story under the strong leadership of Elisa and her band of friends and companions for the arduous travel. Visit the author’s website for more information about the trilogy.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

DiCamillo, Kate. (2013). Flora & Ulysses; the illuminated adventures. Illus. by K.G.Campbell. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Using an interesting illustration style, the author and illustrator work together to create this novel that includes the graphic novel style interspersed throughout this tale of a squirrel that is sucked into the Ulysses Super Suction Multi-Terrain 2000x vacuum cleaner and comes out a different person, rather, squirrel. Next-door-neighbor Flora, a natural-born cynic, rescues the squirrel using CPR, and when he comes around, she names him Ulysses. Comic-book loving Flora soon notices that Ulysses has developed super powers, and the two become friends in spite of the fact that her mother dislikes squirrels and is trying to get rid of Ulysses. Flora and Ulysses embark on adventures as they discover the power of friendship. Teachers can download this conversation with the author about the “story behind the story” at the author’s website.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Engle, Margarita. (2013). The lightning dreamer: Cuba’s greatest abolitionist. New York: Harcourt.

As only Margarita Engle can do, writing in her popular free verse form, this author brings another cultural hero from Cuban history to readers in the United States. Using the voice and life of Gertrudis Gomez de Avellaneda (1814-1873), the author presents thirteen-year-old Tula, as Gertrudis is known, disagreeing with her Mama’s decision to have her enter into a prearranged marriage and settling into a life as wife to a slave owner. Rebelling against this decision as well as the entire concept of slavery, she runs off to the protection of a convent. There, the nuns shelter her and she discovers the writings of the rebel poet Jose Maria de Heredia. She finds within herself that these words have deep meaning and she begins the yearning to become a writer, too. Her mother and grandfather treat her as if she as lost her mind but through a few relationships she builds at this point in her life, including the family house servant, Ceridad, and her love interest, Sab, a former slave, Tula discovers who she really is. Working as a writer, a feminist and an abolitionist, Engle has loosely based this novel in verse on the life of this brave Cuban woman.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Frost, Helen. (2013). Salt: A story of friendship in time of war. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux/Macmillan.  

From master novel-in-verse author, Helen Frost, this novel delves into the friendship of two twelve-year old boys in 1812 Indiana Territory. Anikwa is Native American of the Miami tribe, and James Gray is a white settler and the son of a trader. The two boys alternate the poetic narration as the War of 1812 approaches and the Native Americans plan to join with the British forces to fight against the newly organized Americans. The boys’ friendship is strained as the two sides line up against each other. James’ family is dependent on both factions as a trader and supplier of local settlers but trade goods with the local tribes, especially the precious commodity of salt. Entwined between the two boys’ thoughts and fears about the coming war are poems about salt, the necessary substance that both the Miami and the settlers have come to depend upon. In Frost’s unique style of poems take meaningful shape within the story line. Anikwa’s story unfolds through verses in the shape of patterns based on Miami ribbon work while James’ story is told in a more linear style fashioned after the stars and stripes of the American flag. This sensitive and beautifully written story about cross-cultural similarities and differences is an outstanding contribution to this period of history. The author’s website offers more information on the book including a link to the Online Myaamia Dictionary which offers pronunciation help with the Native American words.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Hughes, Shirley. (2013). Hero on a bicycle. Somerville, MA:  Candlewick Press.

Picture book author Shirley Hughes has ventured into her first novel for middle grade readers. Set in 1944 against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Florence, Italy, teenage brother and sister Paolo and Costanza Crivelli want to do something to assist the resistance movement. Their father is away working with the Partisans, and their English-born mother is under suspicion by occupying German forces. Violating curfew, Paolo often sneaks out at night to ride through the streets of Florence to seek out adventure as well as information, always careful to avoid the soldiers guarding the city. He dreams of ways to become a hero as so many aspects of war surround him. He soon discovers that his mother is aiding the Partisans by hiding Allied POWs in their cellar. As the suspense mounts and the small family group is unsure whom to trust, the realities of war are exposed. The narration moves from one family member to the other so readers discover how each character feels and reacts to the clandestine operations they find themselves a part. This excellent presentation of World War II and the efforts of people involved in resistance is an exciting addition to the list of books during this period of world history.  The author has created a wonderful website devoted to the background of this story that includes photos, video, sketches and detailed information.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Kadohata, Cynthia. (2013). The thing about luck. New York: Atheneum.

Careers and jobs start with a work ethic, and Newbery author Cynthia Kadohata has written about just how those ethics are established in children. Set in Kansas, Summer and her Japanese American family have had a year of bad luck. First, Summer comes in contact with a diseased mosquito and contracts malaria. Recovering from that, her parents are called away to Japan to assist with elderly family members. On top of that, Summer’s younger brother, Jaz, has personality problems of his own that include no friends. Summer and Jaz have been sent to live with their grandparents, Obaa-chan and Jii-chan who are forced to come out of retirement to work for the custom harvesting company in order to make their mortgage payment. Summer narrates the story through journal entries, diagrams, and often humorous dialogue with her grandparents. Hard work and love of family are strong themes in this new book from an award-winning author. Visit the author’s website for more information and background on her writing.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Larson, Kirby. (2013). Hattie ever after. New York: Delacorte Press/ Random House.

The sequel to Newbery Honor Book, Hattie Big Sky (2006),Larson’s new book continues Hattie’s story in 1919 as she leaves the Montana homestead to travel to San Francisco. Kirby Larson’s research into the politics and fashions of the time set the tone as Hattie tries to become a newspaper reporter, a job that traditionally has not been for women. Hattie is willing to work her way up to reporter and that includes cleaning the offices at the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper office, which leads to becoming a researcher and a stringer before getting to actual reporting. She is on the search for a big story that will establish her career. With nods to the fame of Nellie Bly and Ida Tarbell, Hattie has her mind made up. She also wants to find out more about her deceased and mysterious Uncle Chester. Though she still questions whether she made the right decision to come to San Francisco and especially her decision to postpone thinking about Charlie Hawley’s marriage proposal and moving to Seattle to settle down with him, she is determined to have a career in journalism. Hattie experiences both the ups and downs of big city life, and her small-town adjustments and interpretations of urban life as she is swindled by a con artist and jostled by the crowds of people. On the other hand, opportunities wait, especially when she is trapped on an elevator with President Woodrow Wilson. For fans of the first Hattie adventure, readers will enjoy reading about Hattie’s next steps. Read more about author Kirby Larson in ""Digging for Details that Make Historical Fiction Delicious".

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Littlewood, Kathryn. (2013).  A dash of magic: a Bliss novel. New York: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins.

It’s all about the Bliss Cookery Booke as book two in the Bliss series takes off where book one (Bliss, 2012) ended when Rosemary’s (aka Rose) evil Aunt Lily Le Fey steals the magical cookbook. In this new volume, Rose and her eccentric family dash off to Paris where Rose has challenged Aunt Lily to a bake-off known as the Gala des Greaux Grand and the winner gets the Cookery Book. The trick is that Rose and her family must find all the magical ingredients to make the special recipes. This leads them on a romp around Paris visiting such world famous sites as the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Art Museum, the Catacombs, and more. After the bake-off, conditions are ripe for Book 3.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

McMann, Lisa. (2013). Crash. New York: Simon Pulse/Simon and Schuster.

From the author of the popular Wake trilogy, Crash is Book #1 in her new series titled Visions. This first volume introduces readers to Jules and the DeMarco family. They own an Italian restaurant, and Jules is resigned to the fact that if she wants to drive to school she has to take the double-meatball-shaped food truck. Jules is starting to have visions, and everywhere she turns she is picturing a terrible crash with a snowplow hurtling toward a building; an explosion follows and nine body bags result. Finally, after one vision she recognizes the face on one of the bodies and it is someone she knows and cares about deeply, Sawyer Angotti. With a history of mental illness in her family, Jules is reluctant to tell anyone about her visions. Though the visions are appearing everywhere—billboards, road signs, and television—she has to figure out a way to prevent this horrible accident from happening. McMann adds a bit of levity throughout this suspense-filled action novel as Jules is always creating her lists of five – things she needs to think about and maybe act upon. This supernatural thriller is a great way to begin her new series.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Nazario, Sonia. (2013). Enrique’s journey; the true story of a boy determined to reunite with his mother. New York: Delacorte Press.

This adapted edition from the author’s adult book, Enrique’s Journey (2006), brings the story of a young teen from Honduras as his immigrant journey to the United States to find is mother comes to fruition. Enrique’s mother went to the U.S. to find work, and she left her young son to travel unencumbered because of the many dangers in making her way across the border. Now 17 years old, he wants to find his mother. Mostly traveling on the rooftops of trains, his journey takes four months to cover the 12,000 miles to reunite with his mother. Detailing the dangers from smugglers or gangs and the drug business particularly in Mexico, there are also people who offer kindness, food, and water for illegal immigrants knowing they are trying to find family. Nazario is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and her journalistic quick style of writing provides the fast pace of Enrique’s narrative. Endnotes provide current information about illegal immigration dangers, statistics and legislation that will offer information for compelling discussions in classrooms today.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Parry, Roseanne. (2013). Written in stone. New York: Random House. 

As the story opens in 1999, the old Makah Indian woman named Pearl recalls her childhood and the tragedies that sent her life in an unplanned direction. Living on the coast of the Pacific Northwest, it was the flu pandemic of 1918 that took her mother and sister when Pearl was five years old. She and her father survived through his whaling trade. A final whale hunt ended his life when Pearl was thirteen, so she went to live with members of the tribe as her extended family. Difficult times were ahead for the Native Americans as modern technology harvested the whales with steam-powered harpoon cannons, leaving little for the canoe whalers of the Makah. One day a New Yorker arrives at the tribe and wants to purchase Native artifacts and artwork. Pearl is immediately suspicious of this man and discovers that his real agenda is to obtain the mineral rights of their rich oil deposits on Native land. Pearl struggles without her family for guidance and turns to her Aunt Susi who has adopted some of the ways of the new century like driving a car and working at the post office. The author taught school on the Quinault Indian reservation and developed a sincere appreciation of the customs, traditions, and art of the natives of the northwest. A coming of age novel set against an actual historical event will bring this part of the country to readers not familiar with this group of Native Americans. From the author’s website, she links readers to her Pinterest board that extends many of the concepts in her new book.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Phelan, Matt. (2013). Bluffton. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Scott O’Dell Award-winning author (The Storm in the Barn) Matt Phelan brings another historically significant era to the graphic novel format. The star of his new book is Buster Keaton. It opens in the town of Muskegon, Michigan, in 1908 when young Henry Harrison learns that a troupe of vaudeville performers is spending the summer in the small town of Bluffton, just outside of Muskegon. Henry is enthralled with the idea of performing and is in awe of the actors. When he happens to meet young Buster when Buster and his brothers and sisters tumble out of a window, Henry begins a friendship that places him in baseball games, fishing antics, and more trouble and fun than he ever imagined. Buster’s fame is growing, and his nickname “the human mop” comes from the fact he can do the most amazing slapstick routines as his body bends and twists and tumbles in all directions. Phelan’s soft watercolor illustrations, inspired by Winslow Homer and Carl Larsson, make shining in the summer sun and warmth of budding friendships come to life. Read more about the graphic artist and his work at My3Books. Teachers might also like to download this Q & A with creator Matt Phelan for more background information.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Rhodes, Jewell Parker. (2013). Sugar. Little, Brown and Company.

Sugar is a 10-year old girl living on a sugar cane plantation in 1870 Louisiana during post Civil War Reconstruction. Her father was sold away while he was a slave, and her mother died two years ago. The community of former slaves, now sharecroppers living on the same River Road Plantation where they worked as slaves before the war, are now the village that looks after Sugar. She hates her name as it represents too many of the awful aspects of sugar cane work including the razor-sharp leaves that cut and leave scars. As more and more of the sharecropper families move north to find a life in their newly found freedom after the Emancipation Proclamation, Sugar finds herself without young people to play with and loneliness. Though she has been forbidden to play with Billy, the plantation owner’s son, the two become good friends in spite of the ban on their friendship. From Billy, Sugar learns about the new workers that are coming to the plantation to work the cane. They are Chinese immigrants, and author Jewell Parker Rhodes has brought a little-known piece of American history to light as these workers were encouraged to come to America to help with the labor shortages in the South as a result of the freed slaves. Sugar is the one to reach out to these newly arrived people and learn about their seemingly strange customs yet offer friendship and understanding. The author’s website offers numerous resources to accompany the book.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Sheinkin, Steve. (2013). Lincoln’s grave robbers. New York: Scholastic Press.

Author Steve Sheinkin, award-winning author of Bomb (2012), brings another little-known piece of history to intermediate readers. He writes about the 1876 plot to steal President Abraham Lincoln’s body from his burial site in Springfield, Illinois. The facts unfold as a counterfeit ring under the leadership of James Kennally plan to steal Lincoln’s body and hold it for $200,000 ransom and the release of their partner in crime and skilled engraver, Ben Boyd. Counterfeiting is big business after the Civil War, and Sheinkin’s research points out that half the money in circulation at the time was counterfeit. He also discusses how the Secret Service is created and becomes involved, more to capture the counterfeiters than the realization of the grave robbers’ plan. Written as a fast-paced crime thriller, Sheinkin has brought to life an interesting piece of criminal history. A very detailed index and source notes are found at the end of the book. Download this discussion guide from the Scholastic website, and read more about the author in this interview.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Stiefvater, Maggie. (2013). The dream thieves. New York: Scholastic Press.

Ronan, Gansey, Noah, Adam, and Blue are back in the second volume of The Raven Boys story by Maggie Stiefvater. The mysterious energy of the ley line discovered in the first volume is back to haunt the troubled boys, each with their own demons. In this rural Virginia setting of a school for privileged boys, townie Blue has added her mystical presence to their obsessions. Now the Cabeswater forest has disappeared. A strange character they call the Gray Man appears to be stalking them as he searches for the Greywaren, an object of magical power that can steal from dreams. Although their search for the Welsh king Glendower continues, more dark secrets and foreboding accompany the search as the electricity in the community plays havoc with their lives. Ronan’s dark and violent character brings tension to the friendship in this volume. Intriguing and foreboding, this will leave readers hanging as they await the final volume. Visit the author’s website for her playlist and a video on how to graffiti a car.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Vanderpool, Claire. (2013). Navigating Early. New York: Delacorte Press.

World War II has just ended, and thirteen year-old Jack Baker’s mother has recently died. His Navy captain father has to return to service, and so he places Jack in a boarding school in Maine, far from their home in Kansas. Jack has a very rough time accepting all that has happened in addition to the adjustment of boarding school. Early on at Morton Hill Academy for Boys, Jack meets another new misfit named Early Auden. Early is a savant and fascinated with numbers and especially the infinite possibilities of pi. Early is in mourning, too, as his older brother Fisher was reported dead from a battle during the war. Early convinces Jack to leave school and embark on a journey on the Appalachian Trail and the Kennebec River. Their escapade has the boys encounter a great white whale, a volcano, a 100-year-old woman, pirates, caves, bears, and rattlesnakes. The detailed descriptions of Maine in addition to the ways the boys work through their grief and emerging friendship is an adventure that middle readers will enjoy. Enjoy more about the book at this Newbery Award winning (Moon Over Manifest, 2010) author’s website or read an interview with her.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

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

It is the summer of 1959 in Memphis, Tennessee. Eleven-year-old Little Man has agreed to take over his friend’s paper route for the month of July. This is a brave thing for him to do because he does not talk to people because of his severe stutter. Debut author Vince Vawter tells this story from his own experience and writes directly from the heart as he presents the narrator/character of Little Man. The month of this paper route presents challenges as he has to ask his customers for payment. He meets Mrs. Worthington, who drinks too much, and Mr. Spiro, a retired seaman who likes to talk and ask questions, but Little Man also encounters the scary junk man Ara T, who is also a thief and a bully. Little Man’s parents are often out of town, and so he is left in the care of his beloved housekeeper, Mam. Little Man and Ara T have a confrontation, and both he and Mam are in a position of potential danger. Through his stuttered speech Little Man, who readers find out at the end of the book is Vincent Vollmer III, readers will anguish over this young man and take great pride at how he stands up for Mam and himself. An interesting book trailer is available along with a discussion guide for teachers at the author’s website.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

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.