When I Was Your Age edited by Amy Erlich - ADVISABLE

Ehrlich, Amy When I Was Your Age-Original Stories About Growing Up, 341 pgs. Candlewick Press, 2012. $14.99 Language-G, (0 swears, 0 “f”) Sexual Content-G; Violence- G; 

There is nothing I love more than when my Dad would tell me stories of his childhood.  This is a collection of stories from famous authors including Avi, Francesca Lia Block, Joseph Bruchac, Susan Cooper, Paul Fleischman, Karen Hesse, James Howe, E. L. Konigsburg, Reeve LIndbergh, Norma Fox Mazer, Nicholasa Mohr, Kyoko Mori, Walter Dean Myers, Howard Norman, Mary Pope Osborne, Katherine Paterson, Michael J. Rosen, Rita Williams-Garcia, Laurence Yep, Jane Yolen.  I love the story that Avi tells of his scout trip in heart of New York City.  It's hilarious.  It wonderful to hear authors tell their stories from one wishing she had a dog so she could feed her mother's horrible cooking to the poor canine to growing up in World War II where bomb shelters on the playground were a way of life.  Fun read. 

EL, MS, HS, – ADVISABLE. Emilee, Teacher Librarian

After the River the Sun by Dia Calhoun - ESSENTIAL

Calhoun, Dia  After the River the Sun, 347 pgs. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2013. $16. Language: 0 swears; Mature Content: G; Violence: G. 

A book in verse written from the perspective of a young boy who has lost his parents in a tragic rafting accident. This story begins as Eckhart is travelling by bus to meet his uncle after living in foster homes for four months. His uncle has agreed to take him in for a trial period.  Eckhart is recovering from pneumonia and the hard work of the farm is difficult and hateful to him.  Eckhart meets Eva who has a wild imagination about the Knights of the Round Table and she shares her special places, the Chapel Perilous, with him.  Through his imaginary life as a knight and with Eva help, he tries to conquer his fears through trials and quests. 

From the moment I read this story I was hooked into the description that captivated each scene.   The shared story between the reality of Uncle Al and the Green Knight were fascinating and made me ponder about our trials in life and how relating them to a quest was a phenomenal idea .  

EL/MS/HS ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Library Media Specialist, RJH Library.

Finding Bigfoot: Everything you need to know by Martha Brockenbrough –ADVISABLE

Brockenbrough, Martha Finding Bigfoot: Everything you need to know 160 pgs. Feiwel & Friends, 2013. $14.99.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

This giant book is literally everything a student might want to know about Bigfoot, from its name in other countries, very current sighting counts, experts in the field, major and minor sightings, and much more. It is based on the Animal Planet TV show called Finding Bigfoot. Bright and full of colorful pictures.

Although this book is pretty large, it contains simplified scientific techniques and wonderful explanations (In some cases they were very careful to be G rated). It can easily work for upper elementary or higher. My only complaint is that specific photographic sightings are talked about, but not shown. There was also some repetitive imagery, which could fail to keeps students attention. The publishing house should have helped this author get more image permissions. I thought this book was really interesting and fun and I think students will too!!

EL, MS –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

The Kingfisher Encyclopedia of Life - ESSENTIAL

Banes, Graham L.  The Kingfisher Encyclopedia of Life, 160 p. Kingfisher, 2012.  $20.  Content: G.  NON-FICTION.  

This is a pretty interesting way to look at life and creatures around the world.  The book is divided up into five sections by how long the species lives – from a day up to thousands of years.  Each species is then identified by its general group (vertebrates, invertebrates, Plants/fungi, microorganisms).  It is full of fascinating information that will keep kids riveted long past the book’s due date.  I will be showing this to my science teachers ASAP.  

EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher.

No God But God, The Origins and Evolution of Islam - ESSENTIAL

Aslan, Resa No God But God, The Origins and Evolution of Islam, 151 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2005. $16.99. Content: G. NON-FICTION

This nonfiction book presents the history of Islam in chronological order. Most of the book is focused on the life of Muhammad and his teachings. Then, there a short briefs on each of the successors and the following splinter groups.  The final chapters deal with three current issues in Islam: the meaning of Jihad, Islam- Jewish relations, and women in Islam. Aslan writes a clear and concise history on Islam. He clarifies the word, Jihad, and the correct role of Jews and women in Islamic society. This book is an abridged version of his adult book entitled “No God  But God”, which was listed as one of the hundred most important books of the past decade. 

EL, MS, HS- ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: MOMMC

Curse of the Thirteenth Fey by Jane Yolen -

Yolen, Jane Curse of the Thirteenth Fey: The true tale of Sleeping Beauty, 290 p. Philomel (Penguin), 2012.  $17.  Content: G.  

Gorse’s family of Fey are required by oath to do whatever they are Bid by a member of royalty.  On the new princess’s christening day, Gorse is sick, but she is still required to attend and in her race to the palace, she finds herself somewhere very different indeed.  Now she is stuck underground with two stranger Fae, but their strange demands may actually be the key to the family problem.  

The reference to Sleeping Beauty on the cover of the book is really misleading and completely unnecessary. This story is a stand alone home run all by itself and doesn't need the fairy tale reference.  Yolen's tale brings familiar and brand new tale elements together into a wonderful tale.  Yes, you know I am partial to fairy tales, but you can not deny Yolen's magic!  

EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher.

The Odyssey by Gillian Cross - ESSENTIAL

Cross, Gillian The Odyssey, illustrated by Neil Packer, 170 p. Candlewick, 2012.  $20.  Violence: G (mentioned, never described).  

Cross and Packer have combined to created a super edition of The Odyssey that will engage readers on many levels.  While all of the action is there, neither the words nor the illustrations add gratuitous violence or other content, allowing the reader to become familiar with all of the characters and action of Homer’s epic.  I would strongly suggest this book to any teacher who wants to familiarize their students to the story before they delve into the rich language of the original.  What a great way to be introduced to a classic.  

This would be a great version to use for a variety of class activities.

EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher 

I Have a Dream by King and Kadir Nelson - ESSENTIAL

King, Martin Luther Jr. I Have A Dream, 32 pgs, Random House Children’s Books, 2012. $18.99. Language G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G. PICTURE BOOK.  

This picture book is a short synopsis of the talk by Martin Luther King Jr. as painted by the artist, Kadir Nelson.  The treat in this book is not only the photos, but a CD of the entire speech by Martin Luther King Jr. The last two pages of the book is a copy of his entire speech.  Nelson has created a must have children’s book.  It is a beautiful rendition, on the level of a child, of this world changing speech given so many years ago. 

EL, MS, HS- ESSENTIAL. Reveiwer: MOMMC

Come August, Come Freedom by Gigi Amateau - ESSENTIAL

Amateau, Gigi Come August, Come Freedom: the Bellows, the Gallows, and the Black General Gabriel, 231 pgs. Candlewick Press, 2012. $16.99. Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature  Content: PG; Violence: PG.  

This is the true story of Gabriel Prosser, a man born into slavery in 1776 in Virginia.  He is brought up as a playmate to his master’s son.  Thus, he learns to read and write along with the white boy. As a young man, he is sent to Richmond with his brother to learn blacksmithing from Jacob Kent.  Because he is educated, he understands all the talk of liberty and what “all men are created equal” means.  His soul yearns to be free.  With the blessing of his strong wife, Nanny, he prepares to lead a rebellion against the white slave owners under the inspiration of Toussaint’s successful rebellion in Haiti. 

The title of the book leaves no surprise how his story ends. The man, Gabriel, becomes real with the skillful writing of Amateau. The book inspires one to learn more about the life of this obscure hero.  The author enriched this story by adding in real document s of this era pertaining to the slave, Gabriel. It would be a great read for any history class or for discussions on slavery, courage, injustice, treachery, etc. 

EL, MS, HS- ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: MOMMC.

Nightsong by Ari Berk –ESSENTIAL

Berk, Ari and Illustrated by Long, Loren, Nightsong 48 pgs. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012. $12.23.  (Rating: G)

Chiro is a baby bat. When his mother sends him outside by himself, to find dinner, he is afraid. His mother has some advice to offer and sends him on his way. As he flies through the darkness, he is able to find his “good sense” and not only see in the darkness but navigate the world around him, and most importantly –find his way home again.

This is the one of the best children’s books I have ever read. The artwork is unique, creative, and stunning. The story is truly wonderful on many levels, easy for all ages to find something to relate to –younger students appreciating the brave first flight of the little bat, which older readers will see how magical believing in yourself can be. This is the kind of book you buy for your school, yourself, and as gifts. Did I mention that Chiro is the cutest bat I could ever imagine!!?

EL –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

Fire in the Streets by Kekla Magoon - ESSENTIAL

Magoon, Kekla Fire in the Streets, 321 pgs.Aladdin,2012. $15.99. Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence PG.

Maxie, a fourteen year old black girl who lives in the ghetto of Chicago, experiences the fear that pervades the city during a riot in Grant Park. The occasion was the Democratic Convention of 1968, just 5 short weeks after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Although the title of this book describes the unrest in the Chicago streets, there is fire burning elsewhere in many hearts, including Maxies’.  Maxie aches to belong to the Black Panthers, where she feels protected from all the evil in the world.  Maxie soon discovers a traitor in the group and has to decide between her loyalties.  

This book is an immensely satisfying read.  The history of the Black Panthers is outlined somewhat.  But, most of all, one will sense the feelings brewing deep in the hearts of those involved in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Kekla  Magoon captured that spirit in the first person account of Maxie.   

EL, MS, HS-ESSENTIAL. MOMMC

October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard - ESSENTIAL

Newman, Leslea October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard, 85 p. Candlewick, 2012.  $16.  Violence: G (stated, not graphic); Language: R (0 'f', 15+ swears, many gay slurs); Mature Content: PG-13 (one mention).  POETRY

Through simple, evocative poems, Leslea Newman has written an elegy for Matthew Shepard, the Wyoming college student who was beaten, tied to a fence, and left for dead in 1998.  Through created perspectives from wide ranging characters, human, animal and inanimate, Newman will make you cry as you read.  Every high school student, every adult should have to read this - should want to read this.

HS, ADULT, GIFT - ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Vote for Me! by Ben Clanton - ADVISABLE

Clanton, Ben  Vote for Me!  Kids Can Press, 2012.  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.  

This is a simply drawn book about two candidates that want your vote.  A donkey and an elephant do all of the same things that politicians do when trying to get our vote: they bribe the reader with treats, compliment the reader, make fun of the opposition, and list reasons they are best qualified for the job.  As the donkey and elephant both present their sides, they get upset and start to fling mud at each other, and escalate to saying unkind things about each other, which eventually leads to an apology.  Then the votes come in the independent mouse wins the race and both the donkey and elephant are back at each other’s throats again.  

This is a creative way to show young readers how politicians debate with each other.  It’s simple and funny while demonstrating what is said during a political race.  

EL (K-3), EL (4-6), MS, HS-ADVISABLE.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

The Serpent’s Shadow by Rick Riordan - ESSENTIAL

Riordan, Rick  The Serpent’s Shadow, 406 p. Disney/Hyperion, 2012. $20.  Content: PG (LOTS of danger). 

The Kane siblings are in trouble.  Not only is Aphosis determined to plunge the entire world into darkness, but there is major dissension among the House of Life magicians – in fact, there may be treason.  The siblings best bet, besides their trustworthy friends, is a ancient, evil magician, who has ulterior motives for helping them.  And we can’t forget, Sadie Kane is faced with major heartbreak – no matter whether she chooses the god or the boy, someone will probably get hurt.  The Kanes have TWO days to save the world.  Riordan manages to weave danger, suspense and humor together into a rollicking ride.  My favorite is the giant hippo tossing, however, I snorted out loud many times during the reading.  Sadie is not nearly as insufferable as she was at the beginning and there are lots of great surprises. 

EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher