Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds by David A. Adler
Summary: Cam is on vacation, when suddenly some
diamonds disappear! Cam is on the prowl
to find the diamonds and the thieves!
Citation: Adler, D. A.
(2004). Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen
Diamonds. New York:
Puffin Books.
Impressions: I enjoyed thus young
mystery.
Reviews: Booklist
What wrongdoer
is any match for Cam Jansen, the girl with the amazing photographic
memory?"
McGarth, J. (2004). Cam Jansen
and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds [Review of the book Cam Jansen
and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds, by
Kevin Henkes]. Booklist.
Use in Library Setting: This book could serve as a recommendation to
a young reader transitioning into chapter books.
Where’s the Big Bad
Wolf by Eileen Christelow
Summary: This book is a fractured fairytale of the “Three
Little Pigs.” The story adds a twist
because as the pig is in the hospital someone is destroying the pigs’
home. Who can it be?
Citation: Christelow, E. (2002).
Where’s the big
bad wolf. New York: Clarion Books.
Impressions: I enjoyed a twist to
the classic. The illustrations are
colorful and can be enjoyed by a crowd.
Reviews: School Library Journal
Grade 1-2-A
determined Detective Doggedly pursues the elusive BBW (Big Bad Wolf) in a
delicious parody of the traditional tale. Three dim-witted and naive pigs, a
wolf with a taste for unusual costuming, and three sharp-eyed residents of the
nearby "Home for Elderly Cows" create a mystery worthy of the
slightly befuddled detective: who is destroying the pigs' houses, when the wolf
is currently hospitalized with mysterious flulike symptoms? Doggedly catches
the culprit, but one doubts that this "egg-snatching, pie-pinching,
chicken-chasing, pig-poaching" villain is ready to change his habits when
released. Christelow's pen-and-ink and gouache cartoons show sticks and straw
flying across pages, the not-too-bright protagonist, and a hilarious wolf in
sheep's clothing. Characters comment on all the goings-on in dialogue balloons
that add to the fun and humor. Pair this book with Jon Scieszka's True Story of
the Three Little Pigs (Viking, 1989), another choice for lovers of fractured
tales.
Elam, M. (2002). Where’s the big bad wolf [Review of the book Where’s the
big bad wolf,
by Eileen Christelow]. School Library Journal.
Use in Library Setting: The illustrations in this book are big and
make it a great read aloud. A lesson in
fractured fairytales should accompany it.
Actual Size by Steve
Jenkins
Summary: This book is about large animals of all
types. It gives facts and measurements
of the animals.
Citation: Jenkins, S. (2011).
Actual size. Boston,
MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Impressions: I enjoyed this book
because it gives a good perspective on animal sizes.
Reviews: School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade
5–In striking torn-and-cut paper collages, Jenkins depicts 18 animals and
insects–or a part of their body–in actual size. One illustration compares an
atlas moth with a 12-inch wingspan to a dwarf goby fish, which is 1/3-inch
long. The eye of a giant squid, at a foot across, occupies a spread to terrific
effect; only the snout and tongue–curling its two-foot length across two pages
and littered with termites–are visible in the picture of the giant anteater.
The hand of a gorilla fills a page opposite the entire pygmy mouse lemur with
its tiny human-fingertip-sized palm. The saltwater crocodile grows to 23 feet,
so tremendous that its head occupies a three-page foldout. On the reverse side
is the rat-eating Goliath frog, a staggering 36 inches long in full hop. One or
two lines of text briefly introduce each animal and give specific measurements,
e.g., the gorilla stands 5 ½ feet tall and weighs 600 pounds, while the mouse
lemur is 2 ½ inches tall and weighs 1 ounce. The end matter offers full
pictures of the creatures and more details about their habitats and habits.
Mixing deceptive simplicity with absolute clarity, this beautiful book is an
enticing way to introduce children to the glorious diversity of our natural
world, or to illustrate to budding scientists the importance of comparison,
measurement, observation, and record keeping. A thoroughly engaging read-aloud
and a must-have for any collection.
Ratterree, D. (2011). Actual Size [Review of the book Actusl size, by Steve
Jenkins]. School Library Journal.
Use in Library Setting: This book would be a great resource when
teaching students about measurement.
An Egg is Quiet by Dianna
Hutts Aston
Summary: This book is a wonderful presentation of
different types of eggs.
Citation: Aston, D. A. (2006).
An egg is quiet.
New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Impressions: I never thought eggs could be so interesting! Over 60
different eggs are presented with facts.
Reviews: School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade
2–An exceptionally handsome book on eggs, from the delicate ova of the green
lacewing to the rosy roe of the Atlantic salmon to the mammoth bulk of an
ostrich egg. Aston's simple, readable text celebrates their marvelous
diversity, commenting on size, shape, coloration, and where they might be
found. The author occasionally attributes sensibilities to eggs (An egg is
clever, for example). Still, her quiet descriptions of egg engineering and
embryo development (no mention of mating) are on the mark, and are beautifully
supported by Long's splendid watercolor depictions of a wide variety of eggs.
(One teeny carp–Steller's jays are not spelled with an ar, though they are
stellar performers when wheedling for your lunch at a campsite!) A beautiful
guide to the unexpected panoply of the egg.
Manning, P. (2010). An egg is quiet [Review of the book An egg is quiet, by Dianna
Hutts Aston]. School Library Journal.
Use in Library Setting: This could be used as a research tool for
young readers. Readers wanting to
discover more about eggs will certainly enjoy this book.
Goin’ Someplace Specia
by Patricia McKissack
Summary: ‘Tricia Ann allows viewers to be first hand
spectators of the time of segregation. ‘Tricia
Ann takes a ride to the library all along being a victim of injustice until she
finally arrives to a place where nothing matters.
Citation: McKissack, P. (2008).
Goin’ someplace
special. New York: Aladdin.
Impressions: I was sad to know about
the discriminations a little girl suffered although she was a child. The ending was especially special because she
arrives at the library.
Reviews: School Library Journal
Gr 3-5-'Tricia
Ann's first solo trip out of her neighborhood reveals the segregation of 1950s'
Nashville and the pride a young African-American girl takes in her heritage and
her sense of self-worth. In an eye-opening journey, McKissack takes the child
through an experience based upon her own personal history and the multiple
indignities of the period. She experiences a city bus ride and segregated
parks, restaurants, hotels, and theaters and travels toward "Someplace
Special." In the end, readers see that 'Tricia Ann's destination is the
integrated public library, a haven for all in a historical era of courage and
change. Dialogue illustrates her confidence and intelligence as she bravely
searches for truth in a city of Jim Crow signs. Pinkney re-creates the city in
detailed pencil-and-watercolor art angled over full-page spreads, highlighting
the young girl with vibrant color in each illustration. A thought-provoking
story for group sharing and independent readers.
Elam, M. (2001). Goin’ Someplace Special [Review of the book Goin’ Someplace Special,
by Patricia McKissack]. School Library Journal.
Use in Library Setting: This is a great book to read aloud during
Black History Month.
Ron’s Big Mission by Rose
Blue & Corinne Naden
Summary: This story is about Ron McNair (astronaunt)
and how he challenges the rules during times of segregation. Ron wants a library card but is not allowed
because of the laws. Using peaceful ways, Ron manages to get a library card.
Citation: Blue, R., Naden,
C. (2009). Ron’s big mission.
New York: The Penguin Group.
Impressions: This story is very
inspiring. Although it was against the
law to acquire a library card, Ron perceives and obtains one.
Reviews: Booklist
In this story
based on an incident from the life of astronaut Ron McNair, nine-year-old Ron
walks into his local public library with a mission—to secure a library card for
himself so that he can take books home to read. Because it’s 1959 and
segregation laws prohibit African Americans from borrowing books, Ron is at
first declined. The police arrive, but Ron refuses to be deterred; finally the
head librarian agrees to bend the rules—Ron is her best patron, after all—and a
very happy Ron leaves, books in hand. Based on interviews with Ron’s mother and
a South Carolinian librarian, the story emphasizes McNair’s focus and
determination to succeed, even if it means pointing out injustices along the
way. Vibrant illustrations portray a cozy small town where rules are obeyed,
mostly without thinking. Tate’s figures feature oversized heads with very
expressive faces that vividly convey well-meant kindness and the frustrations
of injustice. Appended with a note on McNair’s adult life, this will make a
good choice for reading aloud and discussing.
Weisman, K. (2009). Ron’s big mission [Review of the book Ron’s big mission, by Rose
Blue Corinne Naden]. Booklist.
Use in Library Setting: This book would also make a great addition to
lessons on Black History Month.
The Coming of the Dragon (Legacy of Beowulf) by
Rebecca Barnhouse
Summary: This story is about who is absolutely alone and
turns up from the sea. Rune is a curse
to his people and is despised. King
Beowulf looks after him gives him to a wise woman to raise. Suddenly, a dragon is awakened and Rune wants
to prove everyone wrong by defeating him.
Citation: Barnhouse, R. (2010).
The coming of the dragon (Legacy of
Beowulf). New York: Bluefire.
Impressions: The book is well
written with great historical insights.
Reviews: Booklist
Rune has never
known his parents, and the villagers who raised him are not completely
convinced he isn’t cursed by the gods. But when King Beowulf is in direst need,
only Rune stands by his side, finally able to claim his destiny. Barnhouse
takes the final section of Beowulf, which focuses on the story of young Wiglaf,
and weaves an absorbing tale of a young man finding his courage. Told as a
straight narrative, descriptions of settings and plot elements reflect back to
the epic itself. Although few characters are fully developed, Rune and the
woman who raised him—as well as King Beowulf—emerge as rounded characters. This
is a great bridge book to use in a classroom either before or after broaching
the Beowulf story. An author’s note clearly indicates which bits of the novel
have been fabricated and which are drawn directly from the poem. This novel
would also appeal to those who enjoy Norse mythology in general and to readers
of Judson Roberts’ Strongbow Saga.
Welch, C. (2010). The coming of
the dragon (Legacy of Beowulf) [Review of the book The coming of
the dragon (Legacy of Beowulf), by Rebecca
Barnhouse]. Booklist.
Use in Library Setting: This would serve as a great recommendation of
anyone looking for their next dragon adventure.
Entwined by Heather
Dixon
Summary: After he mother passes, Azalea, the heir to
the throne is lured to a hidden passageway.
In this secret lair, Azalea and his sister are happy but if comes with a
hefty price. Someone wants something from
Azalea.
Citation: Dixon, H. (2011).
Entwined. New
York: HarperCollins Children’s Books.
Impressions: I enjoyed this book for
all the descriptions included. The
dances the hidden passageway are alluring.
Reviews: Booklist
*Starred
Review* In the half-magical world of Eathesbury, Azalea is the oldest of 12
daughters and heir to her father’s throne. When the sisters’ mother dies after a long illness, the siblings find a hidden
passageway to an enchanted pavilion under the castle where they can dance all
night, secretly breaking the rules of mourning. The mysterious and alluring
Keeper makes this possible, but he also seems to have less-than-honorable plans
for the girls, especially Azalea. The tale’s atmosphere becomes increasingly dark and brooding as the truth
from ages past comes out, and Azalea realizes just what evil they are pitted
against. With several unexpected twists, the story, based on the original
Grimms’ tale. The Worn-Out Dancing Shoes, plunges toward a
harrowing conclusion. This first novel is richly imagined with a gothic feel,
and Dixon’s descriptions of the
many dances are thrilling. Although the general story line will be familiar to
readers of Jessica Day George’s Princess of the Midnight Ball (2009), this romantic fantasy is
darker in tone, and the villain resembles the faeries in Nancy Werlin’s Impossible (2008) and
O. R. Melling’s The Hunter’s Moon (2005). The
story gracefully explores significant themes of grief and loss, mercy and love.
Full of mystery, lush settings, and fully orbed characters, Dixon’s debut is both
suspenseful and rewarding. Grades 7-10.
Moore, M. (2010). Julius, baby of the world [Review of the book Entwined, by Heather
Dixon]. Booklist.
Use in Library Setting: This book would add to a display of
fairytales for older students.
