Literacy Now

Many students write for the first time in schools. Every writer needs an inspiration. Every story needs a reader. When students find a book they like or love, their life opens and their world grows and extends beyond the known and the obvious. Teachers, librarians and parents strive to ensure students encounter such books. Writing is fun for young children because they have a riot of imagination. Their interests are wide and varied. This week’s book reviews from International Reading Association’s Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) provide inspiration from varied genres and themes. Using some of these books in the classroom will help students gain a clearer understanding of the issues, think more deeply and establish a better understanding of the world around them.

Grade K-3 readers

Goldman, Marcia. (2014). Lola Goes to the Doctor. Berkeley, CA: Creston Books.

This story focuses on the feelings of a dog, Lola, who is visiting a doctor. The volume is especially designed for teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The words in the text convey emotions, while pictures show what happens. The visit begins with Lola in the waiting room. She sees many new faces and new animals. She needs to wait for her turn and uses the time to investigate the chicken, the pig, and other big dogs. Lola is nervous. When the nurse calls her name, she goes in, all by herself. She is big and getting brave. The book goes through the routine of doctor exam. Readers will love when Lola gets a treat for being brave.  There is a little bit of humor in the story too. This is a great book for inclusive classrooms or for a reading specialist. A discussion guide is provided in the back of the book.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Kalz, Jill. (2014). Trust, Truth, and Ridiculous Goofs: Reading and Writing Friendship Poems. North Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

Poetry is one of the best ways for young students to express themselves. This slim volume uses a wide variety of poems to introduce readers to rhymes, haiku, an acrostic poem, a cinquain, stanza, limerick, and many more. A wonderful example of concrete poem is provided in the form of a swing. The introduction and tips for practice are highly valuable for all students. Activities such as journaling, free write, and other activities are presented in a student-friendly way. The strategies in this book can be applied in science, mathematics, and language arts class. The book is laid out in soft colors with great illustrations. The title is a valuable addition to any classroom or school.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

O’Connor, Geroge. (2014). If I Had a Raptor. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Somewhat reminiscent of If You Give the Mouse a Cookie and other similar books, this title explores what to expect when you bring a baby raptor home. The child wants to get the raptor when it’s a tiny, funny, and fluffy baby. Because a tiny raptor could easily get lost, you will have to tie a bell. Let it snuggle on clean laundry or bask in a sunny windowsill. Practical problems including clipping claws and how to ensure proper raptor-habits are encouraged and thoughtfully expressed in this story. This is a great mentor text for students to write about both fantasy and real pets.
—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Polacco, Patricia. (2014). Clara and Davie: The True Story of Young Clara Barton Founder of the American Red Cross. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Born on Christmas Day in 1821, Clarrisa Barton was a special child. Her mother was sick and weak. Clara, as her family called her, was always with her brother, Davie. He taught her to ride a horse bareback before she could walk. He taught her to climb trees, chase fireflies, and jump deep furrows. The flowers, nature, and animals loved Clara as much as she loved them. However, she struggled to speak. Her classmates teased her. Davie, upset by this, suggested the family school her at home. Soon, the entire family taught her to read, write, and do her arithmetic. But, it was her reputation for healing that brought neighbors from all over. Her happy days ended when Davie falls from the barn roof and breaks his legs. Three springs came and went, but Davie could barely manage to move. Clara brought flowers for her brother and encouraged him. One day, in distress, she cried in front of him. Davie made the effort and walked to greet Clara. He told her that one day, she would be a great lady. The book will inspire students to seek great human stories from their own family and it will help them celebrate who they are.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Rhatigan, Joseph. (2014). People You Gotta Meet Before You Grow Up: Get to Know the Movers and Shakers, Heroes and Hotshots in Your Hometown. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge Publishing.

Sometimes for inspiration, children need not look far beyond their neighborhood and surroundings. This book introduces children to the people who quietly offering their skills for the benefit of the community . This is a great book that can be tied to curriculum or when parents are invited to classroom to speak about their careers. Students will be inspired and begin choosing role models. Beyond the movers and shakers, there are also other people who might seem strange in the community—the immigrants. For a career as a writer, the book features the famous Kelly Milner Halls and her dinosaur books. Other unusual careers listed are animal rescuer, environmentalist, CEO, and historical reenactor. This is a wonderful book for any classroom or library.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 4-6

Muten, Burleigh. (2014). Miss Emily. Illus. by Matt Phelan. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

This splendid, delightful novel shares the tale of a group of children’s adventures with the great poet Emily Dickinson. In this book, although she is largely a recluse, “Miss Emily” joins children in their games. One day, Emily forms a pact with four kids to go on a night of adventure to see the circus animals as they come to Amherst by train, the train usually arrives in the dead of the night. Emily, who never attended the circus or other social events, wants to see the wonderful creatures and observe the people who were a part of the circus. Ned, Sally, and Mac, along with Emily and her spirited dog, sneak out of their homes at midnight and go the railroad station to watch the great circus unload. Emily dresses up as a gypsy with a turban and they wait the arrival of the train. When it does, they are delighted to see lions, an elephant, and a series of animals that will perform in the circus. They are even more delighted to be greeted by the circus people. Alas, it was time to run when they are spotted by a familiar doctor. Mac falls and sprains his ankle and howEmily takes responsibility for the incident is vividly presented. Told in lean and effective free verse, supported by apt pencil drawings, this book presents a fascinating way to explore a great American female poet. Students might also like to visit the Emily Dickinson museum: https://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Young, Judy, Mackall, Dandi & Levitin, Sonia. (2014). American Adventures: Troubled Times—The Great Depression. Illus. by Chris Ellison & Guy Porfirio. Ann Arbor, MI: Sleeping Bear Press.

The title is a compilation of three children’s experiences during the Great American Depression. The first story, “The Lucky Star,” portrays the life of Ruth who can no longer go through school due to the Depression. Her parents are working and Ruth takes care of the home and her sister. Ruth begins to teach neighborhood children how to read and write. She inspires both them and herself. The middle story, “Rudy Rides the Rails,” is about the 13-year old Rudy who wants to help his family during the Great Depression. He realizes that if he leaves home, there would be one mouth less to feed. Rudy boarded a train to go to California, to find a job and send money home. He becomes a hobo, hopping trains and working as a drifter. The touching story ends when he returns home and etches a cat on the door- a sign indicating all hobos are welcome to share the food they have. The last story, “Junk Man’s Daughter,” tells the experience of Hanna, an immigrant, who landed in America during the Great Depression. When her father could not find a job, the children join him in collecting and selling junk. During the Depression, many people bought the bottles, tins, and other scraps they sold. The family earned enough to first buy a cart, then a truck. The stories are supported by excellent, photo-like illustrations. These stories are great inspiration for children today. This excellent title will be a great addition to any library.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 7-9

Montgomery, Sy. (2014). Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa’s Fastest Cats. Photographs by Nic Bishop. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Every child is inspired by the sight of animalsand large, wild cats, are often one of their favorites. The nine chapters in this wonderfully illustrated book talk about the challenges and struggles to save one of these big cats, the cheetah. Dr. Laurie Baker is an American living in Namibia working to save the cheetahs from extinction. The narrative is engaging and interspersed with the sights in the field”A tall, smiling woman dressed in black, her curly salt-and pepper hair flowing like a mane, is striding towards us—with a ninety-pound black and gold spotted cat at her side...”
Although Laurie has been honored as a “Hero of The Planet,” by Time Magazine, her work to save the cheetahs is ongoing. Laurie, who always wanted to be a veterinarian, bought a grape farm and worked in a winery. It was here that she came in close contact with a cheetah cub for the first time. At a time when modern human way of living was slowly squeezing the wild animals out of their homes, Laurie started the Cheetah Conservation Fund to save the cheetahs and invited others to work with her. One of their unique programs is the “Dog for Cats Program.”. Guard dogs provide the warning to the cattle or sheep when cheetahs are in vicinity. This warning system keeps farmers from killing cheetahs and, instead, participating in conservation efforts. There are many ways for students and families to be involved in saving the cheetahs. Classrooms can raise money to buy a guard dog or families can volunteer in Namibia. The excellent book will inspire budding writers to take a look at creatures that are almost extinct and seek out stories to tell about it. Find more information about CCF here http://cheetah.org/.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Price, Jane. (2014). Underworld: Exploring the Secret World Beneath Your Feet. Illus. by James Gulliver Hancock. Ontorio, Canada: Kids Can Press Ltd.

This wonderful book is filled with information that will keep students completely occupied for weeks and months. The book is divided into nine chapters and each chapter not only has detailed illustrations by the talented James Hancock, it also has wonderful and relevant writing, delivering short informative bites of information inviting readers to explore more on their own. The first chapter, “Earth’s Crust and Below,” includes information about the crust, volcanos, continental plates, and dinosaurs. Chapter 3 deals with animals that live underground. Details about bats, dens and burrows, and a spread about naked mole rats form this chapter. All the nine chapters are presented in an interesting manner for young readers. The illustrations are accurate and suitably labeled. This is a great book for any library and classroom.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 9-12

Kuklin, Susan. (2014). Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Many teenagers are undergoing serious changes in their lives. In our dichotomous world, many of us are aware of only male and female. But, there are people among us who live in the flux of identity experiencing maleness in their bodies when they are legally female, or the opposite. In this book, Susan interviewed and photographed six teens who are members of the transgender community. This book encourages teenagers to accept and embrace their true biological natures by providing in-depth coverage of their experiences. Every writer is inspired by personal experiences that bring about a shift in their cognition and frames the perspective of life. The collection of experiences in this book are from the participants’ perspective. Not all of them had the support of their families, though many did. Not all of them know how to define themselves, but they have a support system helping them through the process. Told in a clear voice, this book will be an inspiration for the teenagers to write about their experiences with gender. This is a wonderful book for any language arts class and school library. Find out more about the author and explore her work at: http://www.susankuklin.net/

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

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

On July 4 in the United States, we celebrate Independence Day and independence is an important characteristic of some of the great characters in children’s books. To round out Fourth of July barbeques, I’ve chosen a dozen picture books, novels, and works of nonfiction that celebrate individuals who know what it means to stand on their own.

Picture Books

MISS RUMPHIUS written and illustrated by Barbara Cooney

“What makes Miss Rumphius memorable for many young readers, however, is the exquisite artwork, executed in the purples, pinks, and blues of the lupines—breathtaking landscapes marked by their beauty and soft color. With its positive and idealistic message of making the world a more beautiful place, this book has captivated both young readers and the parents and teachers who share the book with them. It reminds all of us that with just a little effort we can add beauty to our world.”

IMOGEN’S LAST STAND written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

“As Imogene works to have the house declared a national landmark, the book emphasizes that important events in history often occur in the smallest of towns. Although it addresses the serious topic of historical preservation, the book is executed with humor and panache. This picture book combines a delicious text made even funnier by Nancy Carpenter’s energetic pen-and-ink illustrations. She expands the role of Imogene’s father—we see him supporting his daughter, taking her on motorcycle trips, up in an airplane, and finally putting himself in stocks along with her to keep the house from being demolished.”

SNOWFLAKE BENTLEY written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and illustrated by Mary Azarian

“Fortunately, Ann Rider of Houghton Mifflin had read the text again and again and believed it would make a fine picture book, one that she felt would be perfect for Vermont artist Mary Azarian. Hence Ann sent it to me, the Publisher, for approval. I still remember the first moment I encountered this text typed on a few pages. I was sitting in my office at Houghton. Fortunately, I had closed the door to read, because when I came to the page toward the end when Bentley dies, I began to sob. If this manuscript, with no adornment, only words, could make me cry, I knew that it had to be published. After a lot of work on the part of Ann, Jackie Martin, Mary Azarian, and designer Bob Kosturko, Snowflake Bentley became one of those books where everything comes together in a superb package. The text was beautifully paced and written; Mary Azarian’s woodcuts provided an extension of the words; Bob’s design was understated and elegant. When the book won the Caldecott Medal, the committee praised all three elements. Great picture books never belong only to the artist or to the writer—they always combine art, text, and design.”

Novels

MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN written by Jean Craighead George

“At first Jean’s publisher balked at the idea of the novel. They were afraid that it might encourage young readers to flee their families for the nearest hemlock tree. However, when the book was finally released in 1959, it merely caused children to read the novel, cover to cover, because of the satisfying story. Because of Sam’s resilience and ingenuity, he remains one of the best-remembered children’s book characters of the twentieth century.”

ALABAMA MOON written by Watt Key

“In a very satisfying way, young Moon changes in the course of the narrative. He begins to understand that his father may not have had all the right opinions and answers.  Like most readers, I found him so appealing as a character that I read breathlessly until the close of the book. Packaged in paperback with an attractive cover drawn from the movie, Alabama Moon belongs on the shelf of anyone who loves adventure and survival fiction.”

PIPPI LONGSTOCKING by Astrid Lindgren  

“Lindgren—and Pippi—became a celebrity in Sweden. A theme park in Lindgren’s hometown celebrates Pippi Longstocking and its characters. In her lifetime, Lindgren was consistently mentioned as a contender for the Nobel Prize in Literature, an honor never yet bestowed on a children’s book writer. In recent years, another one of her characters, Kalle Blomkvist, a fictional boy detective, is frequently mentioned in the Swedish international bestseller series that began with The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Author Stieg Larsson believed that his protagonist Lisbeth Salander was simply a grown-up version of Pippi Longstocking.”

CURSE OF THE BLUE TATTOO by L. A. Meyer

“If you fall in love with Jacky there are many other volumes of her tale. What I particularly love about Curse of the Blue Tattoo is the way Meyer skillfully weaves together American, British, and Boston history. It never overwhelms the story but certainly inspired me to read about the post-Colonial history of Boston. I hope it does the same for some inquiring young readers. All readers can certainly go along for the ride, enjoying the high jinx of an extremely attractive protagonist.”

ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS by Scott O’Dell

“Born in Los Angeles in 1898, Scott attended a number of colleges and eventually worked in the motion picture industry. He was on set for the first filming of Ben Hur. Eventually he became the book review editor for the Lost Angeles Daily News and wrote some books for adults. But a true story that he had encountered always haunted him, about a young Native American who spent eighteen years alone on an island off the California coast. There was no record of how she spoke, and because Scott wanted to give this character, Karana, great dignity, he wrote in iambic pentameter, the language of Shakespeare. He had no idea who might want to read this story—and entrusted a copy to his friend Hardwick Mosley, West Coast sales representative for Houghton Mifflin. Houghton thought Island of the Blue Dolphins a children’s story, published it in 1960, and Scott won the Newbery Award for his first book.”

HATCHET by Gary Paulsen

“Gary Paulsen actually dedicated Hatchet “To the students of the Hershey [Pennsylvania] Middle School.” While on a visit there, the young people encouraged him to write this story—one he had wanted to create all his life. An outdoorsman with a love of nature, Paulsen drew on his own experiences as he crafted the story of thirteen-year-old Brian, a city boy who finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Fortunately, Brian brought along a hatchet, his only tool to use in this hostile landscape.”

THE (MOSTLY) TRUE ADVENTURES OF HOMER P. FIGG by Rodman Philbrick

“Philbrick, a genius at creating child-friendly books such as Freak the Mighty and The Last Book in the Universe, has accomplished something extraordinary in his saga of two Maine boys, who inadvertently become soldiers in the Civil War. He has fashioned a tall tale that allows readers to turn the pages breathlessly as they absorb Civil War history. Homer, as the title suggests, has a tendency to dissemble a bit, even though he tells us at the beginning, “My name is Homer P. Figg and these are my true adventures.” Like many unreliable narrators, Homer never allows the truth to stand in the way of a good story. When his brother Harold is sold by a villainous uncle to fight in the Civil War, Homer heads out to save Harold from the clutches of the Union. Abduction, robbery, and espionage in a hydrogen balloon are just a few of our hero’s adventures before he and his brother end up with Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and the 20th Maine at Little Round Top, winning the Civil War for the brave boys in blue. Or so Homer would have us believe.”

Nonfiction

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT by Russell Freedman

“Of all of Russell’s biographies, I have always loved his Eleanor Roosevelt the best. Perfect for 10- to 14-year-olds—I needed this book as a child myself. I once made a fool of myself in class because I thought that “FDR” was a swear word—so vehemently was it used at home. Imagine my surprise to find out these initials acknowledged a president of the United States. Russell has always admitted that he loved FDR’s wife a bit more than he loved the president, and the resulting tribute to her certainly shows his enthusiasm.”

CARVER by Marilyn Nelson

“Carver combines many elements in a slim volume of just over 100 pages. Lyrical poems form the bulk of the book, but they have been illuminated with archival photographs and clear and concise footnotes that provide background for the poems. Nelson moves with ease through the dramatic events of Carver’s life. When Carver was only one week old, he, his mother, and sister were kidnapped. Their owner Moses Carter hired John Bentley to rescue them.  Nelson showcases Bentley in the first poem, describing his search for and recovery of a “puny black baby.” She highlights George Washington Carver’s drive to become educated and shows him as a washboard wizard, cleaning clothes in Kansas for a living. Then in 1896 Carver accepts Booker T. Washington’s invitation to head up the Agricultural Department at Tuskegee Institute. He remains there for 47 years, inventing new crops and training generations of blacks to become self-sufficient farmers.”

With a unique career in children's books, Anita Silvey has served both as the editor of The Horn Book Magazine and publisher of a major children's book imprint. She is the author of several books, including Henry Knox: Bookseller, Soldier Patriot and I’ll Pass For Comrade: Women Soldiers in the Civil War. Her latest project, The Children’s Book-a-Day Almanac, is an interactive website she describes as a "daily love letter to a book or author," with each entry offering a glimpse into the story behind the story.

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

Grade K-2 readers

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

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

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

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

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

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

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

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

—Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

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

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

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 3-5

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

 

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

 

—Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

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

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

—Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 6-8

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

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

Primary Fiction Winner:

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

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

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

Primary Fiction Honor Books:

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

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

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

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

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

- Renita Schmidt, The University of Iowa

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

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

- Deb Marciano, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA

Primary Nonfiction Winner:

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

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

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

Intermediate Fiction Winner:

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

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

- Terrell A. Young, Brigham Young University

Intermediate Fiction Honor Books:

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

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

- Terrell A. Young, Brigham Young University

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

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

- Allyson Hauptman, Lipscomb University

Intermediate Nonfiction Winner:

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

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

- Allyson Hauptman, Lipscomb University

Young Adult Fiction Winner:

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

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

- Janice Strop, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, WI

Young Adult Fiction Honor Books:

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

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

- Dawan Coombs, Brigham Young University

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

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

- Debby Addison, Schreiner University, Kerrville, TX

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

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

 

Grades K–3

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

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

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

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

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

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

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

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

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

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

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

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

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

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

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 4–6

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

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

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

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

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

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 7–8

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

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

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

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

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

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 9–12

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

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

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

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

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

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

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

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

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

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

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

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

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