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    Look What Hands Can Do

    by JENNIFER SHETTEL
     | Mar 23, 2015

    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.

     
    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...Read More
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    Her Stories: Women in History and Fiction

    By LINDA PARSONS and KAREN HILDEBRAND
     | Mar 16, 2015

    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

     
    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...Read More
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    More Read-Alouds for Classroom Sharing

    by Barbara A. Ward
     | Mar 09, 2015

    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.

    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...Read More
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    Share Stories With These Great Read-Alouds

    by Barbara A. Ward
     | Mar 02, 2015

    Despite the ubiquity of the Common Core State Standards and high-stakes test preparation, effective teachers know it’s important to make time for shared reading in the classroom. There are many wonderful titles to share with students (so many, in fact, that we’ll be running a second installment next week!), who can use them to model their own thinking and enjoyment of the books, and building community since the class is often held spellbound, enraptured by the sound of well-chosen words, and curious about what will happen next. This week’s book reviews from the Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group focus on some marvelous read alouds and advice on reading aloud to youngsters.

    Codell, Esme Raji. (2003). How to Get Your Child to Love Reading. New York, NY: Algonquin Books. 

    The author’s enthusiasm for all things book-related does not go unremarked in this comprehensive compendium of awesome ideas to get youngsters excited about reading. Not only does she provide various books lists, some related to assorted content or subject areas, but she also offers ideas for birthday parties based on books, book parades, book festivals, radio broadcasts, and reader’s theater, all designed to get reluctant readers reading. While the lists are a bit dated and could use some updating with recent publications, parents and teachers will find plenty of helpful suggestions and support in this sizeable resource. It’s hard to resist the author’s zest for the printed word and all the pleasures it brings to life.

    Ages 4-8

    Bruel, Nick. (2015). Bad Kitty: Puppy’s Big Day. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press.

    Even on a good day, Bad Kitty is rarely the most tolerant of felines. But for reasons unknown to those around her, on this particular day, a very, very, very bad day, she wreaks havoc in her home and sends poor Puppy cowering behind the furniture. While her human companions try to console Kitty, Uncle Murray is enlisted to walk Puppy. Their trip is not without its challenges. Even though he's glad to spend time with the friendly dog, Uncle Murray receives citations for various offenses, including not having her on a leash, not picking up after her, and not having a license. An encounter with a bulldog results in both dogs being put in the city pound. When Uncle Murray arrives to claim Puppy, he is unable to resist those pleading eyes and leaves with more than Puppy. It’s fun to read the story in all those animal voices. Once they arrive home, the reason for Bad Kitty's terrible mood will be made clear. Readers will adore Puppy's unflappable nature and sweet-natured Uncle Murray. Many cat-loving readers will recognize their own felines in Bad Kitty who, when she is good, she is very, very good, and when she is horrid ... well, you’d better look out.

    Mader, C. Roger. (2014). Tiptop Cat. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers.

    When a handsome black and white tuxedo cat comes into the life of a Parisian family, he is pampered and treated just the way one might expect a favorite present to be treated. Allowed to rule the roost in his home on the sixth floor of a Parisian apartment, he longs to go higher, ever higher. As cats will do, his exploration of his domain leads him to the apartment’s balcony, a perch which allows him to leap to the rooftop and survey the city. When he somehow survives a fall from the balcony while leaping into midair after a pigeon, he returns home a bit sheepish and fearful. Eventually, this feline with a need for lofty spaces slips out to the balcony once more and scampers onto the rooftop. The story’s reminder not to allow fear to keep readers from doing what they want to do is a bit heavy-handed, but it’s hard to resist the cat’s irrepressibly curious and determined nature. Readers will be enraptured by the stunning pastel illustrations that capture the cat's personality and the beauty of Paris, a visual feast spread out at his feet.

    Ages 9-11

    Danneberg, Julie. (2015). John Muir Wrestles a Waterfall. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge.

    For readers unfamiliar with conservationist John Muir's love for the wilderness, especially the Yosemite area, this slice of his life’s story may entice them to read more. Muir seemed to need to get as close to nature as possible, and this picture book recounts how that inclination almost cost him his life. Drawing from an essay about the incident that was published in 1890 and 1912, the author describes how the conservationist left his cabin near Yosemite Falls with its 2,425-foot drop, walked up a trail, and then slipped behind the falls when the wind moved the water just enough for him to do so. Enchanted by the majesty of the water, Muir relished this first-hand experience directly beneath the falls. But when the wind blew the water against him again in its natural pattern, he was barely able to hold on. Eventually, he made his way out from under the water, but fully aware of how close he came to death and mindful of nature's savage majesty. The handsome illustrations, created with Prismacolor and pastel pencils, pay tribute to this determined man and the wild world that tempted him to take risks. Although the book celebrates nature's beauty, it is also a cautionary tale, and a firm reminder that some things are meant to be appreciated from a distance.

    Lumbard, Alexis York. (2015). Pine and the Winter Sparrow. Illus. by Beatriz Vidal. Bloomington, IN: Wisdom Tales.

    While there are many legends explaining why pine trees retain their greenery during the winter months, this one, attributed to the Cherokees, is satisfying since it also teaches compassion. Grounded with an injured wing, Sparrow cannot migrate as the air turns colder, and his family starts their long journey to warmer climes. Looking for compassion, he seeks shelter from several different trees. Despite their abundant leaves, they all turn him down. Finally, when Sparrow is almost too cold and exhausted to continue, Pine offers a place to stay. The Creator rewards the tree for its generosity to the bird, and proclaims that the pine will remain evergreen. Filled with soft, lovely illustrations, the book strongly exemplifies kindness to others in need, making it an especially appealing read aloud.

    Ages 12-14

    Keyes, Morgan. (2013). Dark Beast Rebellion. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books/Margaret A. McElderry Books.

    Picking up right where its predecessor, Darkbeast (Simon & Schuster, 2012), left off, this title follows Keara, her friend Goran, and their mentor Taggart as they seek shelter. Having defied their community’s laws by not killing their darkbeasts once they come of age, they must find someplace where they and their animal companions can be safe. Just when they are ready to give into the fierce coldness around them, they are rescued by what seems to be a friendly band who share their affection for the darkbeasts who serve to soothe their negative emotions. But all is not as it seems, and the little band finds itself betrayed. Still, even amid that treachery, there is hope that arrives from a most unlikely source. Readers will surely enjoy the creation of this world and its characters, especially the imperfect but somehow likeable Keara and her darkbeast Caw and those brave enough to defy tradition.

    Ages 15+

    Johannsson, J. R. (2015). Cut Me Free. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.

    Certainly not for the faint-hearted, this book follows 17-year-old Piper after she's escaped from an abusive home life and traveled to Philadelphia. Glimpses of the horrors that she and her younger brother Sam have endured are enough to evoke sympathy from readers since she's clearly lived a hellish life. In order to have some semblance of a regular life, she's convinced that she needs a new identity and hires Cam to create it for her. When she happens to see Sanda, another young girl, in the clutches of an abusive man, Piper decides to save the girl. The two begin a new life and start to heal slowly. Their healing process is interrupted when Piper starts receiving threatening messages and is sure someone is watching her. But despite her best instincts, Piper comes to trust Cam. For someone who provides his particular services to maintain contact with a client seems pretty unlikely, but for some reason, Cam is drawn to Piper. Readers may wonder who has time or the inclination for romance when one's very survival is threatened. Still, there were several well-written passages, and it's dismaying to think that men and women like those described in this book actually live—and practice their cruel deeds—right beneath our noses sometimes. Piper is a gutsy heroine trying to move past the horrors that lie behind her. She can only do so but cutting through those emotional ties that bind her to the past.

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

     

     
    Despite the ubiquity of the Common Core State Standards and high-stakes test preparation, effective teachers know it’s important to make time for shared reading in the classroom. There are many wonderful titles to share with students (so many,...Read More
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    2015 Award-Winning Books

    by Karen Hildebrand
     | Feb 16, 2015

    ‘Tis the season for book awards! All year educators, librarians, publishers, booksellers, and students wait to hear about the best of the best from the previous publishing year. Various organizations and journals compile their “bests” and share them with readers. Libraries hold “mock” Newbery and Caldecott elections to allow local readers to have a vote for their favorites. Here are some of the most recent award winners, all published in 2014. Annotations are provided from publisher notes. Honor book selections can be seen by clicking on the link for each book award.

    Caldecott Medal Winner 2015
     
    Santat, Dan. The Adventures of Beekle. Boston, MA: Little Brown and Company.

    This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and—at long last—is given his special name: Beekle.

    Newbery Medal Award 2015

    Alexander, Kwame. The Crossover. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

    "With a bolt of lightning on my kicks… The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. Cuz tonight I’m delivering," announces dread-locked, 12-year-old Josh Bell. He and his twin brother Jordan are awesome on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood, he's got mad beats, too, that tell his family's story in verse, in this fast and furious middle grade novel of family and brotherhood from Kwame Alexander.

    Coretta Scott King Awards 2015

    Woodson, Jacqueline. Brown Girl Dreaming. New York, NY: Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Group.

    Jacqueline Woodson won Best Author (in addition to a number of other accolades) for her memoir in free verse poetry. From an earlier CLR review, “Woodson’s memoir is a testament to the power of family connections, hope in the face of tragedy and the liberating force of writing.”

    Copeland, Misty. Firebird. Illus. by Chrisopher Myers. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam/Penguin Group.
     
    In her debut picture book, Misty Copeland’s debut book won Best Illustrator for Christopher Myers. The story tells of a young girl—an every girl—whose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own ability to reach the heights that Misty has reached. Misty encourages this young girl's faith in herself and shows her exactly how, through hard work and dedication, she too can become Firebird.

    John Steptoe New Talent Award 2015

    Reynolds, Jason. When I Was the Greatest.  New York, NY: Atheneum Books/Simon & Schuster.

    Ali lives in Bed-Stuy, a Brooklyn neighborhood known for guns and drugs, but he and his sister, Jazz, and their neighbors, Needles and Noodles, stay out of trouble until they go to the wrong party, where one gets badly hurt and another leaves with a target on his back.

    Michael L. Printz Award 2015

    Nelson, Jandy. I’ll Give You the Sun. New York, NY: Dial Books/Penguin Group.

    "A story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal told from different points in time, and in separate voices, by artists Jude and her twin brother Noah."

    Schneider Family Book Award 2015

    Rabinowitz, Alan. A Boy and a Jaguar.  Illus. by Catia Chien. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

    Alan loves animals, but the great cat house at the Bronx Zoo makes him sad. Why are they all alone in empty cages? Are they being punished? More than anything, he wants to be their champion—their voice—but he stutters uncontrollably. Except when he talks to animals, then he is fluent. Follow the life of the man Time Magazine calls, "the Indiana Jones of wildlife conservation" as he searches for his voice and fulfills a promise to speak for animals, and people, who cannot speak for themelves.

    Mildred L. Bachelder Award 2015

    Tak, Bibi Dumon. Mikis and the Donkey. Illus. by Philip Hopman. Translated by Laura Watkinson. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

    One day, Mikis's grandfather has a surprise for him: a new donkey. Mikis falls in love with the creature, but his grandparents tell him the donkey is a working animal, not a pet. However, they still let Mikis choose her name—Tsaki—and allow the two of them to spend their Sundays together. Mikis and Tsaki soon become fast friends, and together the two have some grand adventures. Eventually, both Mikis and his grandfather learn a bit more about what exactly it means to care for another creature.

    Pura Belpré Award 2015

    Morales, Yuyi. Viva Frida. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press/Neal Porter.

    These book garnered a best illustrator prize. Frida Kahlo, one of the world's most famous and unusual artists is revered around the world. Her life was filled with laughter, love, and tragedy, all of which influenced what she painted on her canvases.  

    Agosin, Marjorie. I Lived on Butterfly Hill. Illus. by Lee White. New York, NY: Atheneum Books/Simon & Schuster.

    Agosin received the best author award for I Lived on Butterfly Hill. When her beloved country, Chile, is taken over by a militaristic, sadistic government, Celeste is sent to America for her safety and her parents must go into hiding before they "disappear."

    Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award 2015

    Bryant, Jen. The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus. Illus. by Melissa Sweet. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

    For shy young Peter Mark Roget, books were the best companions—and it wasn't long before Peter began writing his own book. But he didn't write stories; he wrote lists. Peter took his love for words and turned it to organizing ideas and finding exactly the right word to express just what he thought. His lists grew and grew, eventually turning into one of the most important reference books of all time. Readers of all ages will marvel at Roget's life, depicted through lyrical text and brilliantly detailed illustrations. 

    Stonewall Book Award 2015

    Pitman, Gayle E. This Day in June. Illus. by Kristyna Litten. Washington, DC: Magination Press/American Psychological Association.

    “In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBT community, this title welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united. Also included is a reading guide chock-full of facts about LGBT history and culture, as well as the 'Note to Parents and Caregivers' with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways.”

    Theodor Seuss Geisel Award 2015

    Kang, Anna. You Are (Not) Small. Illus. by Christopher Weyant. New York, NY: Two Lions, New York.

    Two fuzzy creatures can't agree on who is small and who is big, until a couple of surprise guests show up, settling it once and for all! The simple text of Anna Kang and bold illustrations of New Yorker cartoonist Christopher Weyant tell an original and very funny story about size—it all depends on who is standing next to you.

    William C. Morris Award 2015

    Quintero, Isabel. Gabi, a Girl in Pieces.  El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press.

    From an earlier CLR review: California high school senior Gabriella (Gabi Hernanadez) is caught between not being Mexican enough and gravitating toward the things white girls do—at least according to her mother. To make sense of her world, she keeps a journal about her own struggles with self-esteem and related weight issues, also writing about her best friend Cindy’s pregnancy and her other best friend Sebastian’s coming out to his family.

    YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction 2015

    Van Wagenen, Maya. Popular, a Memoir: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek.  New York, NY: Dutton/Penguin Young Readers Group.

    The memoir of a one-year social experiment in which teen author Maya Van Wagenen followed a 1950's popularity guide, written by former teen model Betty Cornell.

    The Scott O’Dell Award

    Larson, Kirby. Dash. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

    When her family is forced into an internment camp, Mitsi Kashino is separated from her home, her classmates, and her beloved dog Dash; and as her family begins to come apart around her, Mitsi clings to her one connection to the outer world—the letters from the kindly neighbor who is caring for Dash.

     

    Karen Hildebrand is an Ohio library and reading consultant. These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Literacy Daily.

    ‘Tis the season for book awards! All year educators, librarians, publishers, booksellers, and students wait to hear about the best of the best from the previous publishing year. Various organizations and journals compile their “bests” and share...Read More
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