Literacy Now

Books that are published in countries other than the United States often provide insight into a wider world for readers. Although these publications may address some of the same themes and issues, they also may address other topics with which U.S. audiences aren’t familiar or explore familiar topics from a fresh perspective. They allow all of us to expand our worldview and become familiar with ways of looking at the world that may at first seem a little bit uncomfortable. Just like trying on a new pair of shoes or a piece of clothing, sometimes it takes a little bit of time before the newness and unfamiliarity wears off, and we become more comfortable with different types of humor and different means of self-expression. This week’s book reviews from the Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group examine international books. Get your passport ready as we travel to different parts of the world.

Ages 4–8

Astrid the Fly. Maria Jönsson. 2015. Holiday House.

In this picture book published originally in Sweden, Astrid the fly relates a cautionary tale. Although she’s heard many a story from her relatives about the perils of flyswatters and vacuums and the mysterious disappearance of her uncle, her own experience is enough to keep a fly from wandering very far from home. After overindulging in Danish salami, Astrid experiences ghastly side effects, including vision loss and a low body temperature. Amusingly, her problems were not related to the food but to having been trapped in a refrigerator when someone moved the salami there. Her experience causes her to forego meat. The brightly colored watercolor and ink illustrations enhance the message that healthy lifestyle changes can occur, even on the basis of false evidence. The book is wryly funny because it is told from Astrid's misguided perspective and she ends up avoiding salami for the wrong reasons.

My Two Blankets. Irena Kobald. Illus. by Freya Blackwood. 2015. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers.

Cartwheel and her aunt flee the violence in their homeland. Their physical journey to safety is long and tiring, but the emotional journey is even more trying. Although they are safe in their new home, everything is unfamiliar and confusing, and Cartwheel feels disoriented and lonely until another girl in the park befriends her. Over time, she learns the language and is able to read, surrounding herself with a word blanket that is every bit as comforting as the blanket she uses to fend off the cold. The watercolor and oil paint illustrations and the text perfectly depict her feelings of isolation and uncertainty in a new place with unfamiliar words and practices; for instance, "When I went out, it was like standing under a waterfall of strange sounds. The waterfall was cold. It made me feel alone" (unpaged). This picture book, originally published in Australia, reminds readers eloquently of the power words have to diminish or enhance distance.

The White Book: A Minibombo Book. Silvia Borando, Elisabetta Pica, & Lorenzo Clerici. 2015. Candlewick.

Originally published in Italy, this amusing wordless picture book shows a small boy busily painting the white walls of someone’s room in bright colors. Each time, as he deftly rolls the paint onto the left-hand page, to his delight, various animals emerge. Unfortunately, they seem to come to life only to disappear as they travel off the right-hand page. He's thrilled to see birds, fish, a dinosaur, an elephant, a giraffe, an anteater, and a dog and eagerly anticipates the fun they will bring into his world. By the time he sees a dog appear beneath the paint with which he is coating the walls, he knows not to expect too much. But this time, the dog decides to brighten his world by staying with him. Providing some humor to readers while also encouraging reflection, this picture book is funny and creative, and encourages readers to read between the lines to figure out what might be happening.

Ages 9–11

Our Heroes: How Kids Are Making a Difference. Janet Wilson. 2014. Second Story.

This inspiring Canadian book profiling 10 youngsters from across the globe who are making a difference in the world dispels the myth that the current generation lacks compassion or a desire to change the world. Not only may it prompt others to do their share to right some wrongs, but it also may remind many children to be grateful for what they have. Some of the projects involved raising money for the education of females, lobbying for a Children's Peace Forest, raising funds for soccer equipment, uniforms, and fields, aiding the homeless, and collecting donations to eradicate hunger. The issues these youngsters are tackling are not trivial matters but important ones. The book also contains several quotes about changing the world from these young world-changers as well as from famous men and women who also changed the world. In addition to the brief stories about these social activists, there are even more thumbnail sketches describing additional ways the next generation is making a difference before they’re even old enough to vote. This book would be a wonderful introduction to community service or to teach students empathy as well as encouraging them to feel empowered and able to make a change in their own small corners of the world.

The World in a Second. Isabel Minhós Martins. (2015). Illus. by Bernardo Carvalho. Enchanted Lion.

Thoughtful and thought-provoking text and large, colorful illustrations sprawling two pages take readers to 23 different stops throughout the world in one-second pauses. Beginning in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and ending in Florianopolis, Brazil, readers have the chance to see what is happening at the exact same point in time. There are moments of anxiety as a ship fights its way through treacherous waves, annoyance as a driver waits impatiently for a long line of traffic to move, loneliness as an elderly woman falls asleep in her bed, and even closure as a reader comes to the final pages of a book. Readers will be intrigued by the choice of seconds that are depicted here and fascinated by the stories hidden within each second. Because the last two pages show a woman flipping through the pages of this very book, teachers may want to explore metafictive techniques that question the line between the observer and the observed. Readers can use clues from the illustrations or the map to figure out exactly where each scene takes place. Originally published in Portugal, the book encourages reflection about the importance of a second in someone’s life.

A Year in the Life of a Total and Complete Genius. Stacey Matson. 2015. Scholastic.

Seventh grader Arthur Bean has a lot more than school on his mind, and this book, published originally in Canada, provides insight into his unique way of thinking. A series of letters, e-mails, and journal entries written from October to June reveal both how Arthur is coping with the unexpected death of his mother and his inflated sense of self. There is little doubt in his mind that one day his writing will be just as celebrated as the works of Stephen King. But his overconfidence and arrogance mask deep pain and insecurity as well as the extreme writer’s block that prevents him from writing a story that will claim first prize in the school contest. His frustration leads to his making a very bad decision. Although parts of the book are hilarious, the humor masks the heavy issues with which Arthur and others are contending. The notes detailing Arthur’s unwilling tutoring sessions with the hated Robbie Zack, those from Ms. Whitehead, and e-mails from a female classmate interested in writing will prompt readers to shake their heads in dismay as they watch Arthur paint himself into a corner more than once. What remains to be seen is whether he can paint himself out of a mess of his own making.

Ages 12­–14

Moletown. Torben Kuhlmann. 2015. NorthSouth.

This talented author/illustrator from Germany impressed critics and readers alike with Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse (2014), and this follow-up is equally impressive. In this almost-wordless picture book, one mole moves underground, leaving the lush greenery of the outside world behind, and then slowly, things get out of hand. Industrialization, progress, and damaging environmental practices eventually take their toll on Moletown, leaving its residents with only a very small patch of land that has not spoiled by the land’s exploitation. Clearly, while progress has its place, it also comes with a price, making this a humorous but stark reminder of what may lie ahead for all of us. The illustrations are filled with exhausted workers, congested streets, and air that has become increasingly hard to breathe. This book should surely serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of careful stewardship toward the good, green Earth and a consideration of the environmental choices being made. If this and his earlier publication are any indication of this artist’s potential, waiting to see more will be hard.

Some Things I’ve Lost. Cybele Young. 2015. Groundwood.

Although it is short in length, this very different book from Canada is not short in ideas. Without a doubt, it will encourage readers to reconsider how they regard commonplace objects in their lives or even their reaction to losing something. Although it is frustrating to lose or temporarily misplace objects, the author/illustrator wonders what might happen to them after they’re lost. With complicated and extraordinarily detailed paper sculptures, she unravels the 12 different objects in the book to reveal what might be hiding inside an umbrella, a wristwatch, and a lawn chair, among others, as well as relating where they were last seen. The book’s pages unfold to show what this visual artist sees within each of those common objects, objects to which most individuals would never give a second thought. Perhaps there is more to each of them than is visible to the naked eye, and perhaps we should look more closely and more imaginatively to the world around us. This book would provide marvelous inspiration for a creative writing or an art class, as the illustrations are incredibly detailed and move out in many different directions.

Ages 15+

A Prince Without a Kingdom. Timothee de Fombelle. 2015. Candlewick.

Fans of this book’s predecessor, Vango: Between Sky and Earth (2014), will find that it shines even more brilliantly paired with this concluding volume. The same elements that made the first title so appealing are here: espionage, a dash of romance, intrigue, complicated characters, exotic locations, misplaced loyalty, revenge, heroics, and travel from one continent to another. The list of characters provided at the start of the book is helpful because there are several characters in the books who appear briefly, disappear, and then appear again. Although the first book offered only shadowy hints of Vango’s past and his identity, this one solves that mystery satisfactorily and places it within the context of the Russian Revolution and the Holocaust. Teen readers will be mesmerized by the intrigue while rooting for true love to find a way and a happy ending for several of the characters. Often, only the barest of margins separates the characters from joy or disaster. Clearly, desperate times call for desperate actions and force otherwise good individuals to behave in ways they wouldn’t have otherwise. Originally published in France, this book certainly gives a whole new meaning to the term "breathless" as Vango zips from place to place and one dangerous situation after another and his desire for revenge and some answers about his past have been satisfied.

Speak a Word for Freedom: Women Against Slavery. Janet Willen & Marjorie Gann. 2015. Random House/Tundra.

Relying on primary documentation when available in addition to secondary sources and interviews, the authors have assembled an impressive collection of 14 female abolitionists who dared to call to question the continued use of slaves to perform tasks as well as reminding those around them of the immorality of owning another person. Starting in 1781 with Elizabeth Freeman, who sued her master on the grounds that slavery was illegal in Massachusetts, and concluding with Nina Smith, the director of GoodWeave, who works to end child slavery and ensure ethical trade, the book provides information about each woman and her work to eradicate slavery. Although some of these activists such as Harriet Tubman and Harriet Beecher Stowe will be familiar figures, others who are less famous have still cut a mighty swath for equity and against slavery and deserve acknowledgment.

Strange Light Afar: Tales of the Supernatural From Old Japan. Rui Umezawa. 2015. Illus. by Mikiko Fujita. Groundwood.

Eight beautifully written stories filled with supernatural elements and in-depth character development are contained in this book. Based on familiar Japanese folk tales, the kernels of the stories are simplified into one-word titles for each story and enable readers to explore themes concerning greed, desire, honor, and betrayal, and the reasons for the foolish actions of humans. Choosing favorites out of such an outstanding collection isn’t easy, but many readers will be horrified by "Envy," in which a brother who is jealous of the fortunes of his own brother shows just how envious he is and what that envy brings him to do in chilling fashion. Also notable is "Betrayal," in which new bridegroom Tamiya isn’t content with his lovely bride Oiwa but wants even more than what he has and plots to kill her. Perfect for a Halloween night or an evening spent by a campfire, these stories are captivating. There isn't a single one that will fail to hold readers’ interests.

Barbara A. Ward teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in literacy at Washington State University, Pullman. She spent 25 years teaching in the public schools of New Orleans, where she worked with students at every grade level, from kindergarten through high school as well as several ability levels. She is certified in elementary education, English education, and gifted education. She holds a bachelor's in communications and a master's in English Education from the University of Tennessee and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of New Orleans.

Summer weather always brings out all sorts of fascinating critters, and along with the delicious fresh produce that fills gardens and grocery shelves at this time of the year, there is a bumper crop of marvelous books dedicated to critters from pests to pets. As most teachers know, fiction books featuring animals tend to be popular with elementary and middle school readers, and readers of all ages gravitate to nonfiction titles featuring strange insects and ocean dwellers—and if the photos in those books are large and contain close-ups, so much the better. This week’s book reviews from the Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group focus on books containing animals of all sorts, some contributing in immeasurable ways to our lives and some simply oddly fascinating.

Ages 4–8

Cicada. Michael Shoulders. 2015. Cherry Lake.

What first seem like perfectly preserved insect carcasses to observant youngsters in the warm summer months are soon discovered to be the crunchy, translucent shells of cicadas found on the ground or attached to trees. This species seems to have a hard life, and  not just because they shed their outer surface as they grow. Along with photos of cicadas at different life stages in, this well-written, entertaining, and informative book describes the mating habits of cicadas and how, after hatching on a tree leaf and dropping to the ground, the cicada nymphs must tunnel to the surface of the earth and lie buried for long periods of time. There are plenty of intriguing facts on this interesting species, about which much is still unknown. Other titles in this series feature the ant, grasshopper, honeybee, and katydid. 

Guess What: Twisty Tails. Kelly Calhoun. 2015. Cherry Lake.

With carefully chosen vocabulary perfect for beginning readers yet interesting enough to keep them engaged, this book is essentially an animal guessing game. Readers examine textual and visual hints through text and photographs that allow them to figure out what the animal is. The clues become easier throughout the book, and it concludes with five interesting facts about the animal as well as a brief glossary. The title cleverly informs readers about one of the characteristics for which the animal is best known. This, and all the titles in this series, would be excellent introductory animal books for an elementary science classroom or a home library. Additional titles in the Guess What series are Guess What: Fast and Flightless, Guess What: Feathered and Fierce, Guess What: Fiercely Feline, Guess What: Flashy Feathers, Guess What: High-Speed Hoppers, Guess What: Majestic Manes, Guess What: Poised and Pink, Guess What: Scaly Swimmers, Guess What: Slinky Sliders, Guess What: Sneaky Snouts, and Guess What: Spotted Singers (all written by Kelly Calhoun).

My Dog, Bob. Richard Torrey. 2015. Holiday House.

Anyone who spends time with a dog knows just how smart, clever, and obedient this family pet is. But sometimes the talents of a canine are not meant for public display. In the case of Jeff's extraordinary dog Bob, Bob is completely disinterested in fetching a stick, sitting on command, or speaking when told to do so. To his master’s dismay, he ignored the challenges laid down by Mimi, a neighbor, who shows off her dog Truffles while Bob merely watches. But as readers realize at the story’s conclusion, Bob can do so much more that. After all, he can easily prepare delicious meals for the family, but that can be their secret. The watercolor and oil pencil illustrations and the sparse text will warm the hearts of dog lovers who know just how exceptional their dogs are.

Over in the Wetlands: A Hurricane-on-the-Bayou Story. Caroline Starr Rose. Ill. Rob Dunlavy. 2015. Schwartz & Wade.

Natural disasters such as hurricanes often bring to mind the destruction they wreak on manmade structures, but as this nonfiction title vividly illustrates, they also affect nature in many ways. Filled with stunning images, created with watercolor, ink, pencil, paint, collage, and Adobe Photoshop, this book provides readers with a ringside seat on nature’s fierceness. Just as humans place plywood boards on their windows and stock up on supplies, so do the denizens of the wetlands: Pelicans, alligators, fish, and turtles prepare for the onslaught of the storm’s fierce winds and waves. The rhyming text evokes the hurricane wind: “Pounding,/wailing,/hours endless./Blasting,/breaking/storm's relentless.” Readers may be mesmerized by the winds’ brutal power followed by a calm aftermath. An afterword describes the importance of the U.S. wetlands and the challenges that lie ahead for the Louisiana region because of the encroachment of humans on this natural resource. This title might be worth sharing on this, the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the destruction it brought to the Gulf Coast and New Orleans.

Playful Pigs From A to Z. Anita Lobel. 2015. Knopf Books for Young Readers.

Twenty-six handsome and playful pigs scamper through the letters of the alphabet in this ABC book illustrated beautifully with gouache and watercolor scenes. After slipping out of their pigpen and sauntering through the countryside, they have no trouble finding adventures aplenty. As might be expected, each of these porcine individuals has a name, starting with Amanda Pig and ending with Zeke Pig, appropriately. Alongside each pig, the author has placed a short sentence containing a word that starts with the pig’s particular letter of the alphabet. Including the entire alphabet at the bottom of each page allows beginning readers to consider the placement of each featured alphabetical letter on the book’s pages. Delightful and creative, there is no doubt that title will keep emergent readers engaged and learning for long periods of time.

Ages 9–11

From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess. Meg Cabot. 2015. Feiwel & Friends.

Fans of the Princess Diaries are sure to love this title, part of a new series about a New Jersey middle school princess who has no idea that she has royal connections. While Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison has no idea how to handle Annabelle, a school bully who is jealous of her, she clearly has a way with dogs. In fact, once she is swept up by a limousine and brought to a swanky New York City hotel, she quickly befriends the royal pets, Snowball, who becomes hers, and Rommel, who never likes anyone, but does like the princess. The youngster has never met her father and had no clue that she is related to someone royal. Except for her talent in art, Olivia really isn’t all that different from her classmates at Cranbrook Middle School. Still, she is simply endearing, making the best of her lonely existence and second-class status with her aunt’s family, and then grateful at the good fortune that comes her way once her true identity is revealed. The wonder of it all is that she is thankful to have a loving family, not that she’s so glad to have all that wealth and privilege. As most dog lovers can tell you, dogs are good judges of character, and they don’t miss in assessing Olivia’s worthiness.

Unleashed. Gordon Korman. 2015. Scholastic.

In this seventh title in the Swindle series, Griffin Bing and his friends are divided suddenly in a gender war, boys against girls. The rift results from the pressure Griffin feels to win the school’s competition for best invention. He’s pitted against arch-enemy Darren Vader and his good friend Melissa. As Griffin and his crew experiment with ways to muffle the sound of a vacuum cleaner, Melissa crafts an invention that will prevent Luthor, Savannah’s beloved and reformed attack dog, from chasing after the exterminator’s truck. There are plenty of hair-raising adventures, some questionable activities, and close calls within the book’s pages. Fans of this series will not be disappointed, as each character has a chance to shine. As always, the author hooks readers until the very last page, when Luthor’s reasons for chasing the truck become all too clear. There’s no one better at coming up with interesting plots, terrific characters, and authentic dialogue, all wrapped in a layer of sophisticated humor and canine affection than Korman. It’s a dog lovers’ delight.

Ages 12–14

Close to the Wind. Jon Walter. 2015. David Fickling.

Although this book brings to mind the Holocaust and Nazi Germany, the author never specifies the story’s setting, which makes its appeal more wide reaching. Ten-year-old Malik and his grandfather are waiting to board a ship that will bring them to sanctuary. Ticket costs are quite steep, but the grandfather has hidden resources—a large diamond secreted in a tooth in his mouth. When two men with whom Papa is acquainted betray the old man, he scrambles to get his grandson on that ship. Malik constantly annoys his grandfather with questions and his interest in a stray cat he befriends. Once Malik and the cat, eventually named Booty by the purser, are on board the ship, he is placed with other orphans who offer survival tips. A chance encounter with the sons of the men who betrayed his grandfather leads to his agreeing to a trade, and Malik is torn between his conflicting thoughts about what he values. The affection he has for Booty, the only thing from his former life, is quite understandable and moving for readers. The book is compelling, heartrending, and ends on the perfect note. Clearly, access to money can make life much easier, but it isn’t what matters. A fantastic debut that will stay with readers long after they have reached the last page, the book explores loyalty, compassion, generosity, and treachery, encouraging readers to explore what they might have done had they been in the characters’ shoes.

Stormstruck! John Macfarlane. 2015. Holiday House.

Twelve-year-old Sam hasn’t really processed the death of his brother Steve who was killed in military service. But he takes seriously his promise to take care of Steve’s Labrador, Pogo. After overhearing his parents discussing putting Pogo, who has cancer, to sleep, Sam decides to head out to a nearby island. His plans are vague, but he has the good fortune to meet Magnus, a retired ornithologist, and his crippled bird. After sharing a meal and a chat, he tries to go home but is delayed by dense fog and a series of accidents and mistakes. Through it all, Steve is with him in the form of survival tips he shared with his brother. The author piles on the suspense, providing riveting details of how helpless Sam feels when he is unable to see where the boat is going and his wariness of the shark nearby. This adventure story featuring one boy against the elements will appeal to animal lovers and anyone with a tender place in the heart for seemingly hopeless causes. As sick and frail as Pogo is, he still keeps watch over Sam, often with no concern about his own welfare. To entice readers to give this action-filled survival story a try, teachers should read aloud one of the compelling passages with which it is filled.

Survival Strategies of the Almost Brave. Jen White. 2015. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

This book scared me to death! Not in a Stephen King–horror way, but in an edge-of-the seat-worry-about-what-might-happen way for the two sisters at the story’s heart. I kept thinking about all the terrible individuals they could have encountered and keeping my fingers crossed they would be OK. After the death of their mother, 12-year-old Liberty and her 8-year-old sister Billie stay with their mother’s friend Julie until some sort of arrangement can be sorted out. Although they’ve hardly had contact with their father, he agrees to take responsibility for them, and they spend the summer roaming the Southwest. But he isn’t up to the task, and the girls find themselves left behind at a gas station. With a little luck and a lot of pluck, they take matters into their own hands and do what they have to do as they try to find a way back to San Diego. Middle-grade readers will find Liberty’s notebook filled with animal facts and the way she sees the world in terms of predators and prey and survival fascinating. It’s hard to resist some of their benefactors, most of whom have no idea that they’re helping the girls. In the end, as Liberty realizes that she has plenty of folks who care about her, she also decides that she can form her own pod, as whales do, and surround herself with supportive individuals—a good reminder for all readers. This is a fine authorial debut, filled with strong writing and vivid word paintings that make her characters unforgettable. I love the book cover, too.

Won Ton and Chopstick: A Cat and Dog Tale Told in Haiku. Lee Wardlaw. Ill. Eugene Yelchin. 2015. Henry Holt.

A series of Japanese Senryu poems highlights the relationship between a cat and a dog. Readers of Won Ton (2011), the book’s predecessor, will recognize the independent—and possessive—feline from that earlier charming poetry book. From his first sighting of the interloper, “My eyes full of doom” to their initial uneasy encounters and all the way to their collective morning assault on their boy as two “furry alarm clocks!” the verses honor a feline, an only child, who learns to coexist peacefully with a dog. Created with graphite and gouache, the illustrations feature winsome facial expressions and body language. This book is perfect for teaching students about voice in writing because of Won Ton’s distinctive feline voice. Every word captures Won Ton’s dismay at being possibly supplanted in the family hierarchy.

Ages 15+

The Dogs. Allan Stratton. 2015. Anderson.

On the run from his abusive father, Cameron and his mother settle into a remote town far from his reach—or so they believe. Just as they think that their five years of avoiding him may be over and that they’re safe, Cameron makes a mistake, contacts his father, and sets into motion a frightening chain of events. If that were all that the book was about, it would be engaging. But its additional layers of suspense and the hints dropped about Cam’s own mental health and the bullies he faces at school make it even more intriguing. Teen readers won’t be sure what to believe or who to trust. It seems that the old house in which Cam and his mother are living has secrets about its previous inhabitants, and Cam may—or may not—be seeing and hearing things, including barking, growling, snarling dogs.  Watching the author unspool this story and then reel in his readers was a compelling experience since it skirts so closely to madness before dipping back to reality time and again. Be careful not to read this as dusk is falling or while you are alone because it may send chills down your spine every time you hear the neighborhood dogs howling or feel their breaths at your back.

Last of the Sandwalkers. Jay Hosler. 2015. First Second.

It might be a stretch for most of us to envision a complicated insect world where a group of explorers boldly go where no one else has gone before. But the book’s creator has done just that in a way that makes the insects themselves come to life in believable ways. Not only do Lucy, the scientist who is leading the expedition beyond these insects’ known world, and her companions have personality quirks and habits that make them seem real, but also they are imperfect and splendid in their wonder at the things they are stumbling upon. Readers can certainly enjoy the book just for its story or to see similarities between these beetles and we humans as they realize that they are not the only living things found on earth while navigating complicated family dynamics and dealing with political intrigue and treachery. Hmm...it sounds like higher education and academia, doesn’t it? The annotations at the end of the title add plenty of interesting science to an already fascinating book. I hope there will be more forthcoming.

Barbara A. Ward teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in literacy at Washington State University, Pullman. She spent 25 years teaching in the public schools of New Orleans, where she worked with students at every grade level, from kindergarten through high school as well as several ability levels. She is certified in elementary education, English education, and gifted education. She holds a bachelor's in communications and a master's in English Education from the University of Tennessee and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of New Orleans.

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 Literacy Daily.

Are you ready to go back to school? Build excitement for learning and new school-year adventures with these books—perfect to kick the year off to a great start!

Ages 4–8

ABC School’s For Me! Susan B. Katz. Ill. Lynn Munsinger. 2015. Scholastic.

A perfect ABC book, especially for preschoolers who are heading to school for the first time. Katz’s ABC book features an adorable class of bear cubs who are ready to learn their alphabet, read books, and color with new crayons. Read this rhyming picture book to find out what else they do during their busy school day!

Daddy’s Back-to-School Shopping Adventure. Alan Lawrence Sitomer. Ill. Abby Carter. 2015. Disney-Hyperion.

What happens when Dad takes the kids for school supplies? He’s likely to go OFF THE LIST! How can anyone resist such temptations as glow-in-the-dark glue sticks or sparkly purple wet wipes? Check out this picture book to see if Dad gives in to the kids’ wishes or if he sticks to the list!

Ollie’s Class Trip: A YES-and-NO Book. Stephanie Calmenson. Ill. Abby Carter. 2015. Holiday House.

Encourage shared reading with this book that invites new readers into the story by having them respond with YES or NO to the questions posed along the way. Will Ollie’s class go to the moon? NO! Will they visit the aquarium? YES! Complete with a Class Trip YES list at the end of the story, this book is perfect to prepare for the first field trip of the year.

Ready for School, Murphy? Brendan Murphy. 2015. Disney-Hyperion.

Murphy’s got a bad case of butterflies-in-his tummy. Or is it the heebie-jeebies? Or maybe it’s—OH NO—a computer virus?! Whatever it is, he’s pretty sure he’s too sick to go to school today. Will Murphy be able to convince his dad to let him stay home? Read this book to find out what happens!

Ages 9–11

Ginny Louise and the School Showdown.Tammi Sauer. Ill. Lynn Munsinger. 2015. Disney-Hyperion.

Dagnabbit! There’s some rowdy rule breakers at Truman Elementary, like Make-My-Day May, Destructo Dude, and Cap’n Catastrophe. These pint-sized bandits rule the school with their rule-breaking ways until Ginny Louise moves in and starts turning things around. Filled with lots of alliteration, this picture book is perfect for teaching figurative language and for getting the school year off on the right foot.

Ruby on the Outside. Nora Raleigh Baskin. 2015. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Eleven-year-old Ruby has a pretty big secret—her mom is in jail. This is an important topic in the lives of children that is often overlooked or not discussed. Ruby’s inner struggle with whether to tell her friends the truth about her mom is at the heart of this novel about family and friendship.

Rufus the Writer. Elizabeth Bram. Ill. Chuck Groenink. 2015. Schwartz & Wade.

Build excitement for writing with this picture book about Rufus, who created his own Story Stand! Young writers might be inspired to make their own Story Stand in the classroom and create stories for their friends. This is a wonderful book to create a community of writers.

Ages 12–14

After the Bell Rings: Poems About After-School Time. Carol Diggory Shields. Ill. Paul Meisel. 2015. Dial Books for Young Readers.

Fans of Shields’s other poems about school will enjoy this new collection that features verses about common after-school activities like homework, snacks, car pools, and text messaging. Great for using as a mentor text to have middle-level learners write their own after-school poems.

Saving Mr. Terupt. Rob Buyea. 2015. Delacorte.

The kids from the first two Mr. Terupt books are getting ready to start middle school. Fans of Buyea’s series who may also be starting middle school themselves will enjoy this book that captures each character’s story through alternating chapters.

We Are All Made of Molecules. Susin Nielsen. 2015. Wendy Lamb.

When popular girl Ashley and nerdy science geek Stewart suddenly find themselves living in the same household, how will they possibly survive middle school? This novel about compromises and seeing each other’s strengths is a great way to challenge the cliques that inevitably form in middle and high schools.

Ages 15+

Galgorithm. Aaron Kato. 2015. Simon Pulse.

High school student Shane Chambliss has finally done it—he’s figured out the secret formula for dating success that he names “the Galgorithm.” Word travels quickly, and Shane becomes the unofficial “dating guru” of Kingsview High. Filled with both hilarious and poignant moments, this book will appeal to teens experiencing their first foray into romance.

Sophomore Year Is Greek to Me. Meredith Zeitlin. 2015. G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.

The author of Freshman Year & Other Natural Disasters is back with a new book aimed at the high school crowd. In this story, main character Zona finds herself unexpectedly spending her sophomore year of high school in Greece when her journalist dad announces that they will be living there for 6 months while he finishes a story he is writing. This book about being brave, facing new challenges, and the power of family will resonate with teen readers.

Why’d They Wear That? Fashion as the Mirror of History. Sarah Albee. 2015. National Geographic.

Nothing says “back to school” like a new outfit! This nonfiction book shows how “what people wore” was also a reflection of the era in which they lived. Filled with drawings, photos, and infographics, this is a great way to get teens excited for research.

Jennifer W. Shettel is an associate professor at Millersville University of PA, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in literacy for preservice and practicing teachers. Prior to joining the faculty at Millersville, she spent 16 years as both an elementary classroom teacher and a reading specialist.

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 Literacy Daily.

Teachers recognize the importance of reading aloud to their students. Reading aloud to students on a daily basis continues to have a significant impact on students’ literacy development. As members of the Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group, we considered new releases that would generate appeal and interest across genres for readers. 

Ages 4–8

Bee Dance. Rick Chrustowski. 2015. Henry Holt.

This basic informational book features a playful tone and inviting illustrations. The text has poetic appeal (Now the bees know just where to fly/Soon they see flowers reaching toward the sky), but also is heavy on content. Readers may not even realize the facts and terms (e.g., scout, forager, waggle run) they are learning about bees and their behavior. The book functions well as a picture book because of the bright collage artwork, but the text is set in a large size and printed in either black or white, so it stands out against the colorful backgrounds, making it suitable for young readers to navigate on their own. Ample back matter is provided to help readers gain a better understanding of the tidbits of information shared in the story.  
—LC

A Chicken Followed Me Home! Robin Page. 2015. Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster.

What would you do if a chicken followed you home?  How would you know what kind of chicken you have? How would you feed it? These are just some of the questions posed by the unnamed narrator in this nonfiction picture book for young readers. Using a question-and-answer format, this selection offers concise facts about what chickens eat, their life cycle, and other interesting information. Each page offers visually attractive illustrations, boldfaced questions, and boldfaced key words (e.g., chick, egg). The back matter includes additional questions about chickens.

—MN

Dory and the Real True Friend. Abby Hanlon. 2015. Penguin.

Dory from Dory Fantasmagory is back to celebrate the playful moments of childhood. In this second book, Dory is determined to make a friend. Her siblings remind her that if she wants to make new friends, she should leave her ‘imaginary’ ones at home. Dory’s free-spirited character and quest to find a like-minded friend is told with both sensitivity and gentle humor. Readers will enjoy learning more about Dory’s new REAL friend, Rosabelle, as they embark on “imaginative” outings. The return of Mrs. Gobble Gracker and Mr. Nuggey along with the amusing illustrations will leave readers giggling for more.

—MN

How to Read a Story. Kate Messner. Ill. Mark Siegel. 2015. Chronicle.

Kate Messner’s latest picture book is organized into 10 easy-to-follow steps that encourage budding readers to enjoy reading. Upon opening the first double-page spread, readers meet a young boy surrounded by books of all genres and formats. As the story continues, each step serves as a “guide” to enjoy the gift of reading. Messner offers tips, such as varying inflection for different characters, pausing to think about what is happening in the story, and reading with expression. Mark Siegel’s illustrations provide visual cues to support the text. (Hint: Look closely at the book underneath the boy’s dog.) The message that reading is personal and enjoyable resounds across the pages.

—MN

Vincent Paints His House. Tedd Arnold. 2015. Holiday House.

The endpapers, full of tubes of colored paint, immediately introduce the story told in this clever picture book featuring, but never naming, Vincent van Gogh. Vincent begins by painting his house white, but his companions (from the spider to the bat) all have an opinion. The repetitive pattern of Vincent choosing a color and then being interrupted will make for a dynamic read-aloud. The last page nods to van Gogh’s Starry Night painting, with a picture of the colorful house set against swirls of blue and yellow. Readers will want to see the real painting as well as images of van Gogh’s house at Arles.
—LC

Ages 9–11

Circus Mirandus. Cassie Beasley. 2015. Dial Books for Young Readers.

The book opens with a letter addressed to The Lightbender, reminding him that “you promised me a miracle.” The letter is from Micah Tuttle’s Grandpa Ephraim, who is dying. The two have lived together since Micah’s parents died. Now his very unsympathetic Aunt Gertrudis has moved in to help, but Micah knows the magical circus from his grandfather’s stories is the key to making thing better. When Micah and his friend Jenny meet Chintzy, the messenger (mail parrot) from Circus Mirandus, the question moves from the existence of the circus to the real power of The Lightbender. Brief chapters and intermittent illustrations make this an ideal read-aloud for a wide range of grades.

—LC

The Stars of Summer. Tara Dairman. 2015. G.P. Putnam.

Fans of Tara Dairman All Four Stars (2014) featuring pint-size chef and (secret) restaurant reviewer, Gladys Gatsby will be delighted with her new adventures. The Stars of Summer opens with Gladys’s birthday celebration dinner with her family and friends and sprinkles just the right balance of backstory to reacquaint readers with its protagonist. Her circle of friends know about her secret and assist her in any way to help her accomplish her reviewing assignments for The Standard’s restaurant review column. But how will Gladys continue to keep this secret from her parents? How will she be able to fulfill her latest assignment of finding the best hot dog in New York City while attending summer camp? Throughout this action-packed novel, Gladys’s ingenuity, resourcefulness, love of food, wit, and determination rise to the occasion as she learns important lessons about friendship and life.

—MN

Ages 12–14

All the Answers. Kate Messner. 2015. Bloomsbury.

Twelve-year-old Ava Anderson, like many girls her age, worries a lot about her friends and family. While rummaging through some drawers, Ava comes across an ordinary-looking pencil—a pencil that could talk! Ava uses the magical pencil to ask questions. For example, her best friend Sophie wants to know what a popular celebrity is doing that very minute! However, after each use, the pencil has to be sharpened and becomes smaller. Soon, Ava recognizes that she needs to ask the questions more wisely to prolong its use. Throughout the novel, Ava grapples with serious concerns about those around her, including her mom’s breast cancer and the death of a loved one. This beautifully written story, with its magical realism, will certainly appeal to readers.

—MN

The Sign of the Cat. Lynne Jonell. 2015. Christy Ottaviano/Henry Holt.

Full of mystery and adventure, this animal fantasy with a royal context will keep readers guessing and rooting for the hero. Duncan McKay can speak cat and has been told by his mother not ever to be the best or to come in first. Both of these aspects of Duncan’s life are clues to his real identity. The book is perfectly paced to scaffold readers as they put the pieces of history together. You certainly don’t have to be a cat lover to fall in love with Duncan’s cat companions, Fia and Brig. Each of the 28 chapters features a sketch with clues about the story. Teachers could use the pictures and chapter titles to invite predictions.

—LC

Ages 15 +

Audacity. Melanie Crowder. 2015. Philomel.

Based on the true story of Clara Lemlich, this powerful novel in verse captures her emotions, strong will, and social activism for improved labor regulations in factories. Organized by the significant time periods of Clara’s life, author Melanie Crowder carefully weaves poignant details about Clara and her family’s immigration to the United States to Clara’s stance for equal rights. With ample use of white space, strong characterization, intense emotion, and imagery, readers glimpse into Clara’s deepest thoughts, convictions, doubts, and victories. Lemlich, determined to receive an education, attended classes after arduous work days and frequently visited the library: “I will come here after work/after my English classes/when I can/a book for dessert/after the long, hard days.” Historical notes, glossary, and an interview with Clara Lemlich’s living relatives is included. This is an outstanding selection to launch interdisciplinary subject area connections.

—MN

Please Excuse This Poem: 100 New Poets for the Next Generation. Brett Fletcher Lauer & Lynn Melnick (Eds.). 2015. Viking.

This collection of poetry is a great find for any high school teacher. Choosing poems to share daily with classes, for enjoyment or for further study, would be easy. The collection features a wide range of topics and poets from diverse backgrounds. Readers should be prepared for the treatment of challenging subjects, as exemplified by Thomas Sayers Ellis’s “Race Change Operation,” Prageeta Sharma’s “On Immigration,” and Patricia Lockwood’s “Rape Joke.” Only one poem by each writer is shared, and the collection seems meant to browse. Aspiring writers will be interested in the “about the poets” section, which contains biographical information as well as a selected set of questions and answers (e.g., first poem you loved, your idea of misery, natural talent you would most like to have).

—LC

Additional resources about reading aloud:

• Dynamic Read-Aloud Strategies for English Learners: Building Language and Literacy in the Primary Grades. Peggy Hickman and Sharolyn D. Pollard-Durodola. 2009. International Reading Association.
•  In Defense of Read-Aloud: Sustaining Best Practice. Steven Layne. 2015. Stenhouse.
• The Read-Aloud Handbook (7th ed.). Jim Trelease. 2013. Penguin.

Lesley Colabucci is an associate professor at Millersville University in Pennsylvania, where she teaches courses in children’s/adolescent literature. Mary Napoli is an associate professor of reading at Penn State Harrisburg, where she teaches literacy courses.
The review contributions are provided by members of the International Literacy Association’s Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group.

There are ways in which roller derby is a lot like life. It moves fast, it can be slippery, sometimes you get a little bruised—physically and emotionally.

When Victoria Jamieson saw those connections, she turned it into Roller Girl, her latest graphic novel. In it she also follows the theme of many of her other books: Sometimes no matter how hard you try, you still fail. And that’s OK. Jamieson knows that’s a hard lesson to learn, even for adults, but she keeps reinforcing it for her readers.

In Olympig! and Roller Girl, you aren’t afraid to show that sometimes, even when you tried really hard, you can fail. Do you think students are told enough that failing IS an option?

I know it was a tough lesson for me to learn as a kid. Instead of being told that failure is an option, I was more likely to hear, “If you try really hard, you can do anything you put your mind to.” That’s an important sentiment, but sometimes when the big game, test, or competition comes around, you try really hard and still fail. For example, Olympig! was born out of the memory of a Kid Olympics we had on my block when I was 6 years old. I was obsessed with Mary Lou Retton and was determined to win the gold medal (tin foil) in gymnastics. I practiced for weeks, tried really hard and—lost. I was devastated, because I wasn’t prepared for the fact that I could practice hard, try my best, and still lose. As an adult, this still happens of course, and I don’t think the pain gets any easier to bear! As an author, I think this is great fodder for stories—how do you rebound from crushing defeat? It’s a real test of character.

You are a roller girl yourself. How far were you into roller derby before you thought, “This would be a great book concept for kids”?

I first learned about roller derby through a YA novel (Derby Girl, by Shauna Cross; later renamed Whip It after it was turned into a movie). At first, I was not thinking at all about writing a book about derby; it was a new and exciting obsession, but it took all my energy just to learn how to skate. As time went on and derby became more integrated into my daily life, I began to see how “real life” and roller derby intersected and informed one another. I began making little “mini-comics” about my personal trials and tribulations with the sport. At the same time, junior roller derby for skaters ages 12–17 was becoming more and more popular. I finally felt ready to write a longer story about roller derby, and a story about junior derby told as a graphic novel seemed like a perfect match.

I’m sure you’ve been asked this a million times, but… What is it like as a woman creating graphic novels, and has that changed since you began in picture books?

I am very lucky that my book came out in the PRT (Post–Raina Telegemeier) age. I am not even sure that I would have considered a graphic novel format if I had not read Smile and thought, “Yes! This is the type of book for older readers I want to write!” And of course, the month before Roller Girl was published, Cece Bell won the Newbery Honor for her graphic novel El Deafo. So I am very lucky and grateful for the achievements of these trailblazing women. Honestly, when I decided to write a graphic novel I was less concerned about being a woman, and more concerned with not knowing very much about the comics industry. I didn’t read comic books growing up, I wasn’t interested in superheroes, and I wasn’t aware of anything beyond that in comics. I loved comic strips like “For Better or For Worse” and “Calvin and Hobbes,” but that was about the extent of my knowledge. In that respect, I am also thankful to the work of Matt Phelan and Jarrett J. Krosoczka; I watched as they transitioned from picture books to graphic novels, and it gave me the courage to try it too.

What’s your process for picture books compared with graphic novels?

The process for writing both is actually quite similar! I tend to spend a lot of time thinking about my characters first. I doodle, draw, and daydream for quite some time before worrying too much about the details of the plot. As I get to know the characters more, I can start to think more concretely about the story. For both picture books and graphic novels, I like to think of the story as an arc. Who is the character at the beginning of the story? What is his or her struggle? What is the emotional climax of the story? How has the character changed by the end of the book? The transition from picture book to graphic novel was actually much smoother than I had envisioned, because I could apply this same “formula” to both.

Recently, William Joyce released Billy’s Booger, a revision of the very first book he wrote in elementary school. You’ve mentioned Super Cow! as your first book. Would you ever go back and revise that?

I didn’t know Billy’s Booger was a revision of a childhood book! I also love No, David! which, as David Shannon explains in the author’s note, is a revision of the first book he wrote as a child. So maybe you’re on to something! I know my mom would be thrilled; I think it is still her favorite book that I’ve written. I’ll need to revisit the ending, because if I remember correctly, Super Cow! ends with the statement, “… and it was all a dream!”. I’m not sure if that ending will “fly”—har har!

April Hall is editor of Literacy Daily. A journalist for about 20 years, she has specialized in education, writing and editing for newspapers, websites, and magazines.