Literacy Now

Spring is in the air and it’s National Poetry Month again. The Children’s Literature and Reading SIG features here new poetry books that start with the very youngest listener/learners to serious novels in verse for older readers. A noticeable feature of these books is the many different forms poetry can take including tanka, haiku, clerihew, and novels in verse. A special feature is the newest addition in the Sylvia Vardel and Janet Wong collection of wonderful anthologies for teachers and classrooms.

All Ages

Vardell, Sylvia, and Janet Wong. (2015). The Poetry Friday Anthology for Celebrations.  Princeton, NJ: Pomelo Books.

This is the fourth collection in the popular and classroom-friendly anthologies recently created by the poetry team Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong. This latest anthology comes in two editions, one for students and “Teacher/Librarian” edition. The Teacher/Librarian edition contains a plethora of ideas and activities called “Take 5!” for teachers to use which are directly keyed into the student edition. The pair of books is ideal for the first-year to the veteran teacher because it is loaded with resources and ideas to make poetry enjoyable and inviting with the added bonus of poems in Spanish. In addition, the anthology suggests picture books to use with the poems and poetry themes included.  Opening with calendar offerings for everything from National Soup Day in January to National Flashlight Day in December, teachers will find their favorite poets and may discover a few new poets among the 115 poets included in the verses. This anthology is currently being featured on the Poetry for Children blog where additional ideas for teachers and the use of poetry can be found.

Ages 4–8

Burgess, Matthew. (2015). Enormous Smallness, the Story of E.E. Cummings. New York: Enchanted Lion Books.

Illustrated with unusual multi-media illustrations, this fascinating picture book tells of the life of poet E.E. (Edward Estlin) Cummings, his childhood in New England and later life in Greenwich Village. Playing with words from the time he was a small child his parents always encouraged his outside-the-box poetry that broke the rules and forms of conventional poetry. Several poems are shared and this is the book that could lead young readers to explore the poetic world of e.e. cummings.

Coat, Janik. (2015). Rhymoceros. New York: Abrams Press.
This new board book for beginning readers is the companion to the 2012  Hippopposites from the author Janik Coat. A blue rhinoceros tromps through each page book sharing 16 pairs of rhyming words. Using bright white backgrounds, bold colors, goldfoil applications and textured formats, this initial look at rhyming words is inviting and playful for young children.

Engle, Margarita. (2015). Orangutanka: A Story in Poems. Illus. by Renee Kurilla. New York: Henry Holt/Macmillan.

Award-winning poet Margarita Engle brings a new format to poetry for young readers. Tanka is a Japanese form of poetry, also known as waka or uta, and is similar to haiku but has two additional lines and 31 syllables.  Readers will travel to an animal preserve in Borneo to observe through vivid illustrations and lively wordplay the playful antics of an orangutan family. At the end, Engle has provided information on the tanka form of poetry, facts about orangutans and an invitation to children to write some of their own poems. Teachers might like to try some tanka poetry with their students and can get a few resources and ideas at the Poetry4Kids website.

Hopkins, Lee Bennett. (2015). Lullaby and Kisses Sweet: Poems to Love With Your Baby (board book). New York: Abrams Appleseed.
Whether reading to a small child on your lap or wrapping it up as a baby gift, this board book collection of over 100 poems is the first that noted anthologist Lee Bennett Hopkins has compiled for very young children. Celebrated poets like Jane Yolen, J. Patrick Lewis, Marilyn Singer and more award-winning poets have contributed original poems and as well as favorite older verses. Five themes are organized within this volume including Family, Food, Firsts, Playtime, and Bedtime. This cuddly book will make a wonderful introduction to poetry for young children.

McNamara, Margaret. (2015). A Poem in Your Pocket. Illus. G. Brian Karas. New York: Schwartz and Wade.
Returning from her How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? and The Apple Orchard Riddle, author Margaret McNamara has written a picture book about the approach of Poetry Month where Mr. Tiffin has asked his students to write a poem in preparation for the classroom visit of a noted poet. Elinor commiserates over writing the perfect poem. Slipping in a variety of formats of poetry, this is an appropriate read aloud for National Poetry Month to foster the enjoyment of poetry.

Ruddell, Deborah. (2015). The Popcorn Astronauts: And Other Biteable Rhymes. Illus. by Joan Rankin. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Organized by season but maintaining a food theme throughout, these bite-sized poems are perfect for reading aloud. The poems range from The Strawberry Queen, The Smoothie Supreme, Only Guacamole, to The Picky Ogre and Welcome to Watermelon Lake to mention a few. Watercolor illustrations set the mood for each poem as the seasons come and go.

Zolotow, Charlotte. (2015). Changes: A Child’s First Poetry Collection. Illus. by Tiphanie Beeke. New York: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky.

Acclaimed children’s author Charlotte Zolotow would have been 100 years old this year, but she passed in 2013. This collection of seasonal poetry is a tribute to Zolotow and her exemplary work in children’s literature. This volume includes 28 of her poems originally published from 1960 through 1980 but have all new illustrations that realize the simple but beautiful spirit of nature, the seasons and words. This is a special collection of poetry for young children and family reading.

Ages 9–11

Hammill, Elizabeth (ed). (2015). Over the Hills and Far Away: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes. Illus. by more than 70 celebrated artists. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Importing verses from all over the world and from a wide variety of cultures enhanced by beautifully illustrated pages by over 70 celebrated artists, this handsome anthology provides a diverse collection of poems that is a visual and literary delight. Some poems have a folkloric tone while others are playful, fun and childlike. The title is especially appropriate as the verses present a global look at poetry. Use this collection in the classroom or as a family-sharing read aloud.

Janeczko, Paul B. (2015). The Death of the Hat: A Brief History of Poetry in 50 Objects. Illus. by Chris Raschka. New York: Candlewick Press.

This collection marks the 50th book by Paul Janeczko. He teams up once again with artist Chris Raschka whose characteristic watercolor and ink illustrations bring vitality to every page. Janeczko has compiled a chronological look at poetry beginning with the Early Middle Ages (400–1000) and chronicling objects that have inspired poetry through modern times. From the “Midnight Frost” of Basho during the early Renaissance to the “Snow-Flacks” of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in the late 1800’s to “The Death of the Hat” from former Poet Laureate (2001-2003) Billy Collins just a few years ago, this historical approach to poetry and poets through the ages is a wonderful addition to poetry collections.

Lewis, J. Patrick and Kenn Nesbitt. (2015). Bigfoot is Missing. Illus. by MinaLima Designs. San Francisco: Chronicle Books. 

"Crytpozoology is the study of hidden animals, or those whose real existence has not yet been proven." The opening line of this new book from Children's Poet Laureates J. Patrick Lewis and Kenn Nesbitt is sure to get kids involved in the mystery and poetry within these pages. And if that isn't enough, the bold illustrations capture hints of these mysterious cryptids lurking in the pictures. From end paper to end paper, scary fun with monsters and poetry will be a huge success with middle readers. Who isn't intrigued by the Loch Ness Monster, the Beast of Bodmin Moor, Bigfoot, Dingonek, Chupacabra, the Mongolian Death Worm, Mothman, and more?

Raczka, Bob. (2015). Presidential Misadventures: Poems That Poke Fun at the Man in Charge.  New York: Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan.

The publisher says this “collection of presidential poems is historical and hysterical.” The poems are written in the clerihew form of poetry that was invented to make fun of people, so be ready for the humorous but slightly irreverent jibes at the presidents. Raczka explains the clerihew form at the beginning of the book so readers are ready for what is to come. An appendix at the end of the book adds a few more historical facts to the poetry and the presidents. A quick sample of one of the poems tells about the time Thomas Jefferson “went to town to buy bananas/and came home with Louisiana.” A bit of sarcasm, a bit of factual information, a bit of droll humor but a fun read for all.

Rosen, Michael J. (2015). The Maine Coon’s Haiku: And Other Poems for Cat Lovers. Illus. by Lee White. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Indoor cats, outside cats, exotic cats, or the cat next door—Michael Rosen presents 20 different breeds of cat through haiku. Catching the spirit of feline affection and attitude as well as habitats, artist Lee White uses digital illustration to provide backdrops for each cat. Rosen’s other collections of pet and animal books have been popular with young readers and this adds another volume to the shelf of favorite animal poetry. Four pages at the end of the book are devoted to additional facts about each of the cat breeds depicted in the poetry.

Ages 12–14

Bulion, Leslie. (2015). Random Body Parts: Gross Anatomy Riddles in Verse.
Illus. by Mike Lowery. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree.

“Riddle Me This: Of course you have a body/But do you have a clue/Where all the body parts you’ve got are found/ And what they do?” This opening verse sets the tone for this humorous book of poetry where each poem is a body part riddle paired with explanatory text boxes giving a scientific explanation of that body part. A cleverly contrived collection of poems tied to real information gives this “Random Body Parts” group of poems a unique place on poetry shelves. Teachers will enjoy some of the backstory and interview with the author at the Poetry for Children blog.

Sonnichsen, A.L. (2015). Red Butterfly. Illus. by Amy June Bates. New York: Simon and Schuster.

Debut author A.L. Sonnichsen brings to middle readers a powerful novel in verse in China with one-child-only policy. When infant Kara is left in a basket and found by an American woman living and hiding in China (her visa expired), she raises Kara as best as her poor and secret existence allows. When their secret is discovered, Kara is sent to live in an orphanage. She is placed with special needs children because she was born with deformed hand. Kara is eventually adopted by a couple from Florida and begins a journey not only in miles but in learning to trust. Pair this with Inside Out and Back Again (Thanhha Lai, 2011) or Red Thread Sisters (Carol Peacock, 2012) to look at immigrant/adoption experiences.

Ages 15+

Lauer, Brett Fletcher and Lynn Melnick. (2015). Please Excuse This Poem: 100 New Poets for the Next Generation. New York: Viking Juvenile/Penguin Group.

A cutting edge look at poetry from contemporary young poets from a cross-section of American lifestyles and points of view, this poetry has appeared anywhere, from Twitter to The New Yorker. All forms of poetry are part of this collection and told in voices with opinions and experiences not often discussed in poetry for young people. AIDS, sex, war, anti-war, drugs, racism, suicide, love, heartbreak and so many more topics covered in these 100 poems that express the feelings of young people today. Provocative and heartfelt, this collection is sure to spawn discussion and perhaps lead budding poets to express their ideas in a new way.

Karen Hildebrand is retired library media specialist and library director for Delaware City Schools in Delaware, Ohio. She is currently an adjunct professor at Ashland University in Ohio, a reading consultant, and a Holocaust Fellow at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. She also chairs the Education Curriculum Committee for the Delaware County Historical Society.

Our society celebrates the varied configurations, beliefs, cultures, and values that are unique to the ever-changing family unit. The International Literacy Association’s Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group presents new titles featuring characters from various family structures as they appreciate their relationships. The characters learn to value and respect traditions and forge a richer understanding about their lives. These literature selections can be woven across the curriculum to broaden students’ sense of self and understanding of others.
                                            
Ages 4–8

de la Peña, Matt. (2015). Last Stop on Market Street. Illus. by Christian Robinson. New York, NY: Putnam.

This picture book appears to be about riding the bus, city life, and intergenerational connections. It is indeed about all those themes, but it’s also about issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, and community involvement. The book opens with a cityscape as CJ and his Nana leave church and wait for the bus “in all this wet.” CJ seems to be complaining, but Nana reminds him they “got a bus that breathes fire.” Throughout the bus ride, Nana finds similarly poetic and philosophical ways to respond to CJ’s questions and concerns as they encounter a diverse array of riders. In the end, CJ and Nana arrive at their destination, making their way past the men, women, and children in line for a meal. The art and text in this book develop the relationship between CJ and Nana to highlight connections between city life and the natural world.

—LC

Jenkins, Emily. (2015). A Fine Dessert: Four Centuries, Four Families, One Delicious Treat. Illus. by Sophie Blackwell. New York, NY: Schwartz & Wade/Random House. 

Children and adults alive with an interest in baking or a love of dessert will be drawn to this delightful book. Curricular connections related to history, nature, and science abound in this book about four parent–child pairs making blackberry fool. The repetition of the ingredients and the process crosses generations, but characters, interactions, and tools change along the way. The soft but detailed watercolor and ink (and blackberry juice!) illustrations contribute to the intimacy between parent and child that comes through in each vignette, with the father and son at the end offering a modern and endearing scene. A Fine Dessert would function well as a read-aloud or could be used as part of an inquiry-based unit. Both the author and illustrator provide notes, and the end matter also contains sources and a recipe for blackberry fool.

—LC

Rotner, Shelley. (2015). Families. Photographs by Sheila Kelly. New York, NY: Holiday House.

In this nonfiction photo essay selection, simple text is coupled with outstanding photographs. The authors encourage readers to “engage in conversations about their families” to learn more about their backgrounds, traditions, and history. Photographs of diverse families are represented throughout the text. This book considers family makeup, structure, celebrations, and activities of different families and backgrounds. The last page includes the question “What about yours?” as a way to foster conversation and dialogue.

—MN

Ages 9–11

Hautala, Beth. (2015). Waiting for Unicorns. New York, NY: Philomel/Penguin.

The family in this book faces a wide array of challenges as they find themselves coping with loss and transitions. After the death of her mother, 12-year-old Talia finds herself in Churchill (in Manitoba, Canada) with her father who is doing research on beluga whales on the Arctic ice. Talia finds comfort by focusing on searching for a Narwhal (unicorn whale), collecting wishes in a secret jar, and reading fairy tales she shared with her mother. Her father’s research keeps him away for months at a time and now instead of spending that time with her mom, Talia is living with an Inuit woman named Sura. Sura is a storyteller who helps Talia as she grieves, reconnects with her father, and acclimates to her surroundings.

—LC

Raidt, Gerda. (2015). In the New World: A Family in Two Centuries. Illus. by Christa Holtei.
Trans. by Suzi Woofter. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge.

In this well-written informational book, readers go to the 19th century where Peter’s family decides to leave Germany for the United States. After a long and arduous journey, the family settles and turns their land into a prosperous farm that thrives and supports the family for many generations. The author provides a great deal of factual information to underscore both the difficulties and rewards of their necessary journey. The present-day family, now 150 years later, wants to discover more information about their family heritage and background. They travel to Germany to locate the family’s original village and piece together parts of the puzzle to appreciate their history. Through well-crafted language, organization, and beautiful detailed illustrations, this book will enhance social studies explorations about immigration and family history.

—MN

Ages 12–14

Rhodes, Jewell Parker. (2015). Bayou Magic. New York, NY: Little, Brown.

In this beautifully crafted novel, readers meet Maddy, the youngest of the siblings who take turns spending the summer with her Grandmère Lavalier. As Maddy prepares for her first summer visit, she does so with both excitement and trepidation.

At the onset of her journey, Maddy’s inner senses are beginning to awaken. Upon meeting her Grandmère, she notices her quiet sadness and worries, but over the summer, she learns about healing herbs and listens to tales about her family heritage. She meets a local boy named Bear who takes her on numerous adventures to explore the area. Not far from the bayou is a large oil rig where some men work. After an unfortunate oil explosion kills Bear’s father and harms some of the bayou animals, Maddy’s courage and selfless acts of kindness (along with her special gifts) help to bring the community together to save the landscape. Middle-grade readers will certainly enjoy the blend of folklore magic and lyrical storytelling. The novel provides opportunities to discuss themes of empowerment, community, death, and environmentalism.

—MN

Yeh, Kat. (2015). The Truth About Twinkie Pie. New York, NY: Little, Brown. 

As sisters, GiGi and DiDi struggle with typical issues of getting along, but in this story they are also facing larger challenges related to social status and family secrets. After DiDi wins a million dollars on a cooking show contest, GiGi finds herself moving from a trailer park in South Carolina to a prep school in Long Island, NY. This transition is not easy for the obvious reasons and GiGi falls into the usual traps, making enemies of a popular girl by making friends with the coolest guy in school. The charm of this book lies in the recipes sprinkled throughout, both “recipes for success” and cooking recipes. These elements add humor and playfulness to a story that also features quite a bit of mystery and conflict as GiGi discovers her mother is not dead (as she was told). This book offers a lovely reflection on the meaning of family, how food traditions connect us, and why we search for the truth.

—LC

Ages 15 +

Coyle, Katie. (2014). Vivian Apple at the End of the World. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Originally published in England, this book is set in Pittsburgh, PA as Rapture Day approaches.

Vivian and her best friend, Harp, are nonbelievers who do not conform to the fundamentalism of the Church of America. Their parents, however, do, and have disappeared according to the church leader’s prophecy—along with several thousand others. Vivian is a good-natured teenager, struggling with the most typical dilemmas of friendship, crushes, and family. When she is thrown into a dangerous and mysterious situation, she remains hopeful that her parents have not disappeared, and readers travel with her as she investigates possible alternatives to the Rapture. This engaging novel reads as much like a coming-of-age story with a political twist as it does like an apocalyptic tale.

—LC

Mary Napoli is an associate professor of Reading and Children's Literature. She received her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Language and Literacy Education with a minor in women's studies from The Pennsylvania State University. She has published numerous books, articles, book chapters, and professional resource materials pertaining to children's literature. She is a former kindergarten and first grade teacher. Lesley Colabucci is an associate professor of early childhood and special education at Millersville University in Pennsylvania. Her research work includes children’s literature and elementary education.

It’s time to let off some STEAM! If the weather is keeping your students inside, why not check out these excellent new series and titles that introduce students of all ages to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math topics through plenty of hands-on projects. Reading books that encourage learners of all ages to engage in hands-on, minds-on learning is a perfect springboard to having students write “how-to” texts of their own.

Ages 4–8

Lawrence, Ellen. (2015). Liquids and Solids (Science Slam: Fun-Damental Experiments). New York, NY: Bearport Publishing Company.

It’s never too early to introduce young children to the amazing world of science. Building interest in STEM-focused careers starts with our earliest learners! This book is the latest in the Bearport Science Slam series and is an excellent read-aloud with plenty of mini-science experiments to try on every page. Something this series does especially well is  introduce young scientists to the idea of keeping a science notebook. Writing prompts are included throughout the book to instruct readers when to record, sketch, and jot in their journal. Each book in the series provides additional resources including books as well as a publisher-sponsored website to learn more about the topic.

Ventura, Marne. (2015). Fun Things to Do With Milk Jugs. North Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

Start planting the seeds of a sustainable future by introducing young children to craft projects that upcycle trash into treasures! An excellent new series to check out is the Fun Things to Do with… collection. This book has easy-to-follow directions and clear photographs showing young readers how to create a bird feeder, mini garden, games, and more out of plastic drink jugs. Other books in the series follow a similar format with egg cartons, cardboard tubes, paper plates, and cups.

Ages 9–11

Hewitt, Sally. (2014). Hands-On! Art Projects. Nashville, TN: Flowerpot Press.

This beautiful paperback book is designed to introduce young artists to great masters and encourage them to use art as a new kind of mentor text. Organized into five subject-based chapters, this comprehensive text is packed with projects that show the reader how to sketch like Leonardo, see the world like Dali, and paint like Monet, to name just a few. Written by an elementary art teacher, this book introduces children to the language and literacy of art.

Hildyard, Anne; Rupert Matthews; James Mitchem; Sue Unstead (Eds.) (2014). Children’s Book of Magic. New York, NY: DK Publishing.

Great magicians know how to use their hands to distract and create illusions for their audiences. This beautiful, oversized book published by DK includes easy-to-follow directions and large, clear photographs for performing some basic tricks, as well as plenty of “insider tips” all budding magicians should know in order to hone their craft. In typical DK style, this book is meant to be a dual reading and viewing experience.

Ages 12–14

Claybourne, Anna. (2015). Make it Glow. Chicago, IL: Raintree Press.

In the Whiz Kid Science series, author Anna Claybourne introduces young scientists to a variety of scientific concepts. In Make it Glow, Claybourne focuses on the science of light to show readers how things like glow-in-the-dark stickers work, and then encourages them to create their own light-based science projects. Well-structured directions and clearly drawn diagrams guide young readers through the various experiments in the book. Other books in the series focus on different topics like the science of sound, liquids, color, and more.

Murphy, Maggie. (2015). High-Tech DIY Projects With Robotics. NY: Rosen Publishing Group.

Anyone familiar with the Maker Movement will appreciate this new series called Maker Kids in which young inventors are introduced to high-tech projects that involve electronics, microcontrollers, 3-D printing, and more. In this book focused on robotics, Murphy explains robotics in a kid-friendly way that doesn’t shy away from high-tech vocabulary, and then walks readers through their very own robot-building projects. These books would work well for an after-school engineering club for elementary students.

Ages 15+

Kuskowski, Alex. (2015). Cool Knitting for Kids. Minneapolis, MN: Abdo Publishing.

Teens are crafty, too! Knitting and other “retro” crafts are making a comeback with kids of all ages. This book offers beginners an easy-to-follow introduction to knitting. Teens could also use this small book filled with close-up photographs to teach younger children how to get started with knitting. Also included are directions for dyeing your own yarn as well as some basic projects like knitting a scarf and a small purse.

Nagle, Jeanne. (2015). Getting to Know Scratch. New York, NY: Rosen Central.

A popular initiative in schools is Hour of Code. Designed to give students of all ages an opportunity to learn how computer coding works, this event drew more than 15 million users in one week!

Pair your coding lessons with the Code Power: A Teen Programmer’s Guide series. This book tells the story behind Scratch, one of the many “languages” in the computer coding world. Written to familiarize students with the vocabulary of coding in Scratch, this book provides an interesting history of the programming code as well as real-life examples of other teens actively using the code to design computer programs. Other books in this series introduce students to additional coding programs including Alice, Hackety Hack, and Python, among others.

Jennifer W. Shettel is an associate professor at Millersville University in Pennsylvania, 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 an elementary classroom teacher and reading specialist. These reviews are submitted by members of the International Literacy Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG)and are published weekly on Literacy Daily.

The contributions of women today and throughout history have had an impact on every corner of society, from family life to politics and so much more. International Literacy Association’s Children’s Literature and Reading SIG presents new titles featuring the memorable contributions made by women both historical and contemporary. More resources are available at the Women’s History Month website, including material from The Library of Congress, National Archives, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and National Endowment for the Humanities.

Ages 4–8

Deans, Karen. (2015). Swing Sisters: The Story of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm. Illus. by Joe Cepeda. New York, NY: Holiday House.

This informational picture book tells the background and history of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm all-girl interracial swing band of the mid-1940s. Dr. Laurence Clifton Jones founded the Piney Woods Country Life School, a home for African American orphans, in Jackson, MS, in 1909. Dr. Jones creates the band in 1939, and the girls enthusiastically make the band a part of their lives. They first travel to local churches and school performance venues but later expand their travel tour to include music halls across the United States and Europe. When the band takes on new members from other races and nationalities, problems arise in the Jim Crow south where mixed race groups are not allowed to perform in certain establishments. Joe Cepeda’s oil and acrylic paint illustrations bring vibrancy to the text, making the music and rhythm of the story come alive. Though this book is intended for a younger audience, Marilyn Nelson’s The Sweethearts of Rhythm is a wonderful companion book for ages 10 and up. The publisher has created an educator guide with Common Core alignments for the book.

—KH

Krull, Kathleen. (2015). Women Who Broke the Rules: Dolley Madison. Illus. by Steve Johnson. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Children’s. (Release date June 9)

As is Kathleen Krull’s style, she combines humor and fact to bring the life of First Lady Dolley Madison, wife of James Madison, to young readers. Dolley, one of the most memorable among the First Ladies, is known especially for her Wednesday night parties—she believes politics and social activity are a needed partnership in Washington, DC. Her most famous daring act is often considered to be saving the portrait of George Washington before the burning of the White House by the British troops during the War of 1812. This enjoyable and informative biography is just right for early readers. Other titles in the Women Who Broke the Rules series include Sonia Stomayor, Sacajawea, and Judy Blume.

—KH

McCully, Emily Arnold. (2015). The Queen of the Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story. New York, NY: Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers.

Born in 1894, Lizzie Murphy is told baseball is a game for boys, yet she plays better than most of them. Despite her mother’s protests, her father and brother encourage her to develop her natural talents. Murphy is signed to play semiprofessional baseball at age 18, but when the men are paid and she is passed over, she refuses to play unless she receives equal pay. Murphy spends the next 17 years of her life playing baseball, and she becomes the first person to play on the National and the American Leagues’ all-star teams. The author’s lively illustrations allow young readers to see Murphy grow from a 6-year-old to a young woman of 18, and they effectively convey both the action of the game and the characters’ emotions. An author’s note provides information about Murphy’s life beyond what is portrayed in the picture book. This is an excellent introduction to an important, yet relatively unknown, pioneering woman athlete.

—LP

Turner, Ann. (2015). My Name Is Truth: The Life of Sojourner Truth. Illus. by James Ransome. New York, NY: HarperCollins.

Born a slave named Isabella Baumfree, as a young girl she is sold several times to various plantation owners. As told through the free-verse form of author Ann Turner, Isabella narrates her story and changes her name to Sojourner Truth. She becomes a preacher and advocate for freedom and women’s rights at a time when very few people shared these beliefs. James Ransome’s bold illustrations for this picture book biography represent the outspoken courage of this woman as she pursues the abolitionist movement and becomes the voice of the enslaved. Written as a first-person narrative rather than an autobiography, quotes from Sojourner are used throughout the book though the sources for these quotes are not given. This is a strong, beautifully written and illustrated book but will be best used with other factual accounts of this extraordinary woman.

—KH

Ages 9–11

Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. (2015). The War That Saved My Life. New York, NY: Dial.

Imprisoned by Mam in their one-room flat because of her untreated clubfoot, Ada knows love only from her younger brother, Jamie. When he is evacuated from World War II London, Ada secretly goes with him. Arriving in Kent malnourished and filthy, Ada and Jamie are reluctantly taken in by Susan, who deems herself “not a nice person.” Yet Susan and the children come to trust and rely on each other as the months pass. Ada heals emotionally and physically from the trauma of abuse as she learns to ride and care for Butter, Susan’s pony, and as she enters the world for the first time. There is much Ada doesn’t understand, but Susan patiently teaches her and, despite Ada’s mistakes, assures her she “will not hit her.” Ada narrates her story, and her naïve voice adds poignancy to her growing awareness that she is more than her disability. This is a gentle story of finding love, family, and home amid the uncertainty of war.

—LP

Doak, Robin S. (2015). Malala Yousafzai. New York, NY: Children’s Press.

History continues to be made when young girls like Malala Yousafzai speak out about human and civil rights or the rights of girls to seek an education. This biography tells the story of 11-year old Malala growing up in Pakistan. When Malala’s blog about girls needing an education becomes popular and she is invited to meet the chief minister of Punjab and the media, religious extremists find her words to be rebellious. In October 2012, Taliban forces attempt to quiet this outspoken young girl and shoot her as she boards the bus to school. Fighting for her life, Malala is sent to England to receive medical treatment and a haven in which to recover. This book details the path Malala has chosen to fight for the rights of oppressed girls and women living under terrorist demands. To extend the story of Malala’s life, visit her website or share the content of her Nobel Prize lecture.

—KH

Grimes, Nikki. (2015). Chasing Freedom: The Life Journeys of Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony.New York, NY: Orchard.

What if Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony had sat down together over a cup of tea? To share their life experiences? Coretta Scott King Award winning author/poet Nikki Grimes begins her book with this premise, and the two women relate the many happenings during their lives as they both worked for civil rights—from slavery to women’s rights. Michele Wood’s beautiful illustrations drawn from African American folk art quilts add to the background of each woman’s experiences and stories. This book begs to be read aloud and gives students an opportunity to discuss not only the content but also the writing style.

—KH

Hannigan, Kate. (2015). The Detective’s Assistant. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company. (Release date April 7)

Eleven-year-old Nell Warne arrives at Aunt Kitty’s doorstep orphaned and unwelcomed. In danger of being placed in the Home for the Friendless, Nell determines to become indispensible to her aunt. Although she begins with chores for the landlady, Nell soon steps in to help Aunt Kitty with her work as the first female detective employed by the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Mr. Pinkerton discovers that Nell’s courage, initiative, determination, and intelligence are exactly what he needs in a detective’s assistant. In addition to helping solve cases for the agency, Nell solves a long-standing mystery about her father. Set against the backdrop of Civil War era America and Abraham Lincoln’s election to the presidency, this fast-paced adventure is based on the life of Kate Warne. At the end of the book, an author’s note gives information about the real Kate Warne, answers to ciphers embedded in the novel are revealed, and budding detectives are given resources for additional reading.

—LP

Hile, Lori. (2014). Rachel Carson: Environmental Pioneer. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library.

This addition to the Women in Conservation series profiles Rachel Carson: scientist, writer, and reformer. Photographs document Carson’s life from early childhood through adulthood in personal as well as professional settings. “Did you know?” and “In her own words” sidebars supplement the main text, which begins with Carson’s childhood, focuses on her career (including roadblocks she encountered as a woman), and ends with her legacy. Hile explains how Carson’s early interest in writing and her subsequent switch to biology prepares Carson to write about scientific concepts for the general public. She explores the chemical companies’ anger and outrage after the publication of Silent Spring, Carson’s groundbreaking book about the dangers of the pesticide DDT. The back matter contains a timeline, glossary, additional references, and an index. Middle-grade conservationists will be inspired by Carson’s story and will learn specific things they can do to protect the planet.

—LP

Schatz, Kate. (2015). Rad American Women A-Z. Illus. by Miriam Klein Stahl. San Francisco, CA: City Lights. (Release date April 7)

The introduction to this abecedary asks what it means to be rad, and then explores the many ways women have been radical throughout history: from the Latin meaning “from the root” to being something out of the ordinary. The book features a multicultural cast of women from Angela Davis to Dolores Huerta to Maya Lin and Wilma Mankiller in careers as varied as comedy, athletics, dance, aviation, ecology, and law. The 26 one-page biographies are well written, readable introductions to these women and how they made an impact on the world. The book ends with an alphabet of 26 things readers can do to be rad, and a resource guide lists books, websites, and organizations of interest to readers who want more information or who want to start making a difference now.

—LP

Ages 12–14

Crowder, Melanie. (2015). Audacity. New York, NY: Philomel.

This powerful novel in verse is inspired by Clara Lemlich’s life story. The only girl in an Orthodox Jewish family, Clara is forbidden to speak or read Russian, yet she defies her father and trades work for words and books. When her family emigrates to escape the pogroms, Clara finds no more freedom in America than in Russia. As her father and brothers study the Torah, she works in a sweatshop where the girls work long hours in unsafe conditions and are sexually harassed. Despite all this, Clara finds the public library and the free school, where she pursues her dream of an education. Clara cannot remain silent, however, and gives up her dream of an education for another dream: to stand up for the rights of the girls in the sweatshops. Although she is beaten by thugs and strikebreakers, jailed repeatedly, and blacklisted, she persists in her fight and ultimately leads the Uprising of the 20,000. A historical note gives context to the novel, and an interview with the author and Lemlich’s children and grandchildren provides a personal glimpse into how this remarkable woman lived out her life. Teachers might like to open this book with the picture book biography by Michelle Markel entitled, Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909.

—LP

Langley, Andrew. (2015). Stories of Women in World War II: We Can Do It! Mankato, MN: Heinemann/Raintree.

Though Rosie the Riveter has become the iconic figure of women doing the work of men during World War II, there were other real women doing dangerous and heroic jobs as well. This book features four of these women and details their contributions to life during the war. Red Harrington is a nurse who is captured by the Japanese. Red and her fellow nurses establish a hospital to care for prisoners of war. Nancy Love is a pilot who proves that young women can step into the cockpits of a plane as well as a man. The photograph of Ruby Loftus operating large machinery is often used in textbooks and other books on World War II and the home front. Anne-Marie Walters is a secret agent working behind enemy lines in France. Other books in this series include Stories of Women During the Industrial Revolution, Stories of Women in the 1960s, and Stories of Women’s Suffrage.

—KH

Ages 15+

Caravantes, Peggy. (2015). The Many Faces of Josephine Baker: Dancer, Singer, Activist, Spy. Chicago, IL: Chicago Review Press.

Author Peggy Caravantes worked through many challenges as she researched the life of the flamboyant and controversial Josephine Baker. Baker’s early life in the 1900s is one of poverty and few recorded facts. Her mother pushes her to work at an extremely early age. Josephine marries Willie Baker as a teen, and though she leaves Willie she kept his name her entire life. Starting in vaudeville, she becomes quite popular as a comedic entertainer and demonstrates talent in singing and dancing as well. As her fame grows, she eventually leaves for France and starts a life in Paris. Her popularity continues, and she acquires her fortune at the time. In addition to her stage life, she also works for the French Resistance as a spy for the Allies during World War II, which earns her the French War Cross. Along the way, she adopts 12 children from various races, religions, and ethnicities, known as her Rainbow Tribe. During these years, Baker also becomes an outspoken advocate for civil rights, demanding that integrated audiences be allowed into her shows—something that isn’t allowed in the United States. This well-researched biography for teen readers also includes photographs, chapter notes, and an excellent bibliography.

—KH

Conkling, Winifred. (2015). Passenger on the Pearl: The True Story of Emily Edmonson’s Flight From Slavery. New York, NY: Algonquin/Workman.

Set in 1848, the author presents a detailed account of one of the greatest escape attempts from slavery ever made in the pre–Civil War era. Emily Edmonson and her five siblings board The Pearl on the Potomac River near Washington, DC and try to find freedom as the ship is scheduled to sail north. Sadly, the ship is captured shortly after departure, and Emily, her siblings and the 70 other escaping slaves are halted, imprisoned, and sent to New Orleans to be sold again. A variety of primary source material including archival photographs and sidebars provides additional information that extends the narrative to give context for the time period. This escape attempt, though failed, gains national attention in the United States and abolitionists use the incident to rally their cause. Northern sympathizers are able to buy the freedom of Emily and Mary Edmonson, who are then educated to become teachers. It is this incident from history that inspires the writer Harriet Beecher Stowe to pen the classic book Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The book concludes with a timeline, family tree, source notes, bibliography, and index.

—KH

Karen Hildebrand is a retired library media specialist anad reading consultant in Ohio. Linda T. Parsons is a Linda T. Parsons is an associate professor at the School for Teaching and Learning at Ohio State University and holds a PhD in Language, Literacy, and Culture. She is an experienced classroom teacher and her research interests include children’s engagement during aesthetic reading and the impact of gender on literacy. 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. 

Sharing books with classroom read-alouds is an important part of learning. It doesn’t take long to find great titles, not only for students, but to guide teachers on how to effectively use the strategy in the classroom. Last week was part one of the best read-alouds around, this week is part two.

Trelease, Jim. (2013). The Read Aloud Handbook. (7th Ed.). New York, NY: Penguin Books.

First published in 1982, this title is a must-have for novice and experienced teachers at every grade level. Not only does the author provide numerous reasons for reading aloud to children, extolling the benefits passionately and enthusiastically, but he also gives suggestions for how to make reading aloud more effective. While literacy experts continue to tout the value of starting to read aloud to children at an early age, the practice often seems ignored in today’s busy world and in many classrooms. Kindling a love for reading early on can point youngsters on the road to reading for the rest of their lives. Anyone at a loss for where to start may use this user-friendly book, which is brimming with books that are excellent read-aloud titles. How can a book that has been printed in seven different editions steer anyone in the wrong direction?

Ages 4–8

Miller, Pat Zietlow. (2015). Wherever You Go. New York, NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Starting off on a new path or life adventure can be a mingled blessing, promising many new experiences but also feeling somewhat intimidating because of its unfamiliarity. In this picture book a rabbit and his friends set off on a series of adventures that take them along all sorts of paths. Their cheerful attitudes serve as good models for us all about embracing whatever lies ahead. The illustrations, created with dip pens and India inks and colored with watercolor and gouaches, are filled with light and color. Hearers will enjoy the skillful use of repetition concerning what roads do. For instance, not only do “Roads...merge,” but “Roads...remember,” and in the end, as often happens, many roads lead right back to where we started. Likely to remind readers of Dr. Seuss’s classic Oh, the Places You’ll Go! (Random House, 1990), this picture gently delivers an important lesson about life.

Yuly, Toni. (2015). Night Owl. New York, NY: Feiwel & Friends.

Readers will enjoy sharing the strikingly colorful illustrations of a young owl as he tries to figure out just who is making all those sounds around him. Although he’s not all that scared and enjoys listening to nature’s sounds, Night Owl wonders when his mother will return, and with each sound he feels a little more urgent about a reunion. Even through a fierce storm, he feels safe and sound because he knows Mommy Owl is nearby—and of course, she is! This one is perfect for sharing with youngsters since it reassures them that they might be alone for a little while, but there is nothing to fear, even from unfamiliar sounds. Youngsters will enjoy hearing the same sounds Night Owl hears and will probably repeat them for themselves.

Ages 9–11

Polacco, Patricia. (1992). Chicken Sunday. New York, NY: Philomel Books.

After the narrator's beloved grandmother dies, her friends’ grandmother steps in, treating her like one of her own grandchildren and sharing food, music, and fellowship. The youngsters enjoy Sunday outings when they attend church with Miss Eula who sings in the choir. When her boys, Stewart and Winston, and the narrator notice how much Miss Eula longs for a beautiful hat in a store window, they plan to buy it for her. But before they can earn enough money for it, they are accused by the storekeeper, Mr. Kodinski, of playing pranks. After seeing the beautiful Ukrainian eggs the youngsters paint, he realizes they are blameless and the much-wanted hat becomes his gift to Miss Eula. Young readers will delight in the facial expressions, the beams of delight on the children's faces, and the joy in simple pleasures depicted here in the exquisite drawings. Close observers will certainly note the concentration camp number tattooed on Mr. Kodinski's arm and Miss Eula's admonition that he suffered a great deal in the past, a reminder of the Holocaust’s horrors. Perfect for sharing and discussing how families come in different shapes and sizes as well as having to sometimes prove ourselves to others, this is another memorable picture book drawn from the author/illustrator's treasure trove of family stories. It's just as fresh, lively, and appealing today as when it was first published.

Ylvisaker, Anne. (2014). The Curse of the Buttons. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Once war breaks out between the North and the South, all the men in the Button family volunteer to do their part. Those too young for combat volunteer as drummers. Although 11-year-old Ike is too young to go, the youngster is bound and determined to figure out a way to join them. But all of his plans are thwarted by two tricky neighbor boys and he’s stuck at home. Surprisingly, Ike and his best friend Albirdie end up aiding the escape of a family of runaway slaves passing through Keokuk, IA, on their way to freedom in Canada. Filled with all sorts of eccentric characters and adventures, this is a fascinating story, filled with all sorts of eccentric characters and adventures. Fans of the other two books (The Luck of the Buttons, 2011, and Button Down, 2012) will relish seeing what Granddaddy Ike was like as a child. Told engagingly and perfect for sharing aloud with all its amusing scenes and fascinating characters, this story is filled with humor and pathos as the town’s two feuding families briefly, but only briefly, set aside their differences for a good cause. The author introduces complex twists of history and law through her story, pointing out that although Iowa was a free state, it was illegal to help fleeing slaves. This skillful storyteller easily keeps readers’ attention while making it clear that war was being fought on various fronts, even at home.

Ages 12–14

Poblocki, Dan. (2014). The Book of Bad Things. New York, NY: Scholastic.

When 13-year-old Cassidy Bean arrives for her usual summer away from Brooklyn, she finds many changes in her host family, particularly her friend Joey. Whitechapel, the town where she is staying, has always seemed safe to her, but not this summer. After the death of elderly Ursula Chambers, very odd things start to happen. Not only was the eccentric recluse a hoarder, but she had good reasons to be one. As the town's citizens start to plunder some of the stuff secreted in the house, the house wants the stuff back. Against her will, Cassidy is drawn into a fight to the death with a mysterious evil force. Cassidy's fears and her reasons for writing in her own Book of Bad Things will resonate with readers. There is a mysterious, eerie quality about even the most mundane moments in this book, which is best read aloud with all the lights blazing. Readers who like this sort of thing—thrills, chills, zombies, houses built on ley lines—will gobble it up while also shuddering in horror.

Ages 15+

Yansky, Brian. (2015). Utopia, Iowa. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Aspiring screenwriter Jack Bell sees dead people, a talent that is not all that unusual for someone living in Utopia, IA. Many of his counterparts have their own strange gifts, after all. As Jack sleepwalks through his senior year and deals with his long-standing—but unrequited—crush on his best friend, Ash, teenage girls start dying in mysterious ways and then seek Jack’s help in solving their murders. Before he knows it, Jack is on a journey to another time and place to bring back his grandmother who also has special powers. The author blends into the modern story the saga of a queen who betrays her king with a mortal and spends centuries looking for a way out of her lonely existence. Readers won't see the connection between the two stories until near the end. Readers will particularly enjoy the parts of the book in which Jack draws connections between current events and a famous film, complete with its writers and main actors. The inclusion of the troubles between Jack's parents allows readers to be reminded that keeping love alive can be a lot of work, even in a town called Utopia where things aren’t quite as perfect as they might seem.

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 bachelors in Communications and a masters 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.