The Little Red Hen by Jerry Pinkney

Pinkney, Jerry. The Little Red Hen. New York: The Penguin Group, 2006.

In this classic tale of helping others out, Pinkney does a terrific job of using animals to get a positive message across. Four animals, a dog, pig, rat, and goat are offered several chances to help out a hen who finds some seeds to make bread. When they all decline every time the hen must tend and harvest the seeds with just the help of her chicks. When the bread is finally done the animals jump right in to have a chance to share, but soon learn the hen will not share anything since they decided not help. Each animal is written in its color which really brings the words out and allows word recognition amongst younger children. The illustrations are done in earthy tones with some bright colors on each page like the red hen or yellow flowers. They are created in full page art that is eye catching and artistic. The story is fun with a good valuable lesson at the end that children will enjoy.

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Game by Yuyi Morales

Morales, Yuyi. Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Game. San Francisco: Chronicle Books LLG, 2003.

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Game is a fun read for all ages. As Grandma Beetle is visited by Senor Calavera who beckons her to “come along,” she will keep telling him just a minute because there is something she needs to do. As she continues to do each chore that is linked from numbers one to ten, the skeleton just continues to wait. Morales use the numbers in both Spanish and English which is a great way to teach young readers how to spell in both ways, and simply adds to this wonderful book. Now, as she reaches number nine, there are nine children that show up for Grandma’s birthday party, but guess who is surprised to find out they are number ten. When Grandma Beetle is finally ready to go, she soon finds a note with a surprising ending that will have everyone smiling from ear to ear. The illustrations throughout the book are bright, full pages using colors like orange and pink that just grabs the eye. The skeleton, Senor Calavera, on each page is a treat alone to look at with his expressions and body language. This book is a true deserver of the Pura Belpre Award/Honor and I feel a must read for all ages.

Noah's Ark by Jerry Pinkney

Pinkney, Jerry. Noah's Ark. New York: SeaStar Books, 2002.

Jerry Pinkney, Caldecott Honor Book, Noah’s Ark is a story that interprets the Old Testament story of Noah’s Ark. Pinkney tells the story of how God approached Noah to build an Ark as he is going to flood the land, because he is not pleased with the people on earth. The illustrations done in an earthy tone with pencil and watercolor are full paged with much detail. Using the majority of earthy tones allows the occasional use of color, like the bright red apple, to stand out even more. The recreation of this story and the full page art will allow children to get a true understanding of the story’s message.

Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales by Neil Philip

Philip, Neil. Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales. New York: Clarion Books, 2003.


Illustrator – Jacqueline Mair

Neil Philip does an incredible job of picking out folktales and retelling them in simple versions that are about an average of five pages long. The stories are entertaining and fun to read that all will quite enjoy. This is a great book to read all at once or in sections. For example, a teacher or parent could pick one story a day or week to read out loud. The illustrations created by Jacqueline Mair are done in bright colors like red and orange, and each illustration gives a drawing of the person they are talking about. For example, the story called Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet about the prettiest girl whose feet were of a chicken. The illustration shows a couple dancing, but the girl actually has chicken feet. A red pepper can be found on almost every page which adds to the creativity of the book. The book has an interesting collection and ends with detailed notes of each story to give more of a background.

Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

Chodos-Irvine, Margaret. Ella Sarah Gets Dressed. New York: Harcourt, Inc., 2003.

Ella Sarah has one outfit that she wants to wear and she tells her family it is, “My pink polka-dot pants, my dress with orange-and-green flowers, my purple-and-blue striped socks, my yellow shoes, and my red hat.” As each of her family members try to talk her into wearing something else, she will not hear of it, because she has picked out the perfect outfit. The pictures are simple, but rewarding. The use of bold and bright illustrations helps bring much creativity to this book that just adds the perfect touch. The ending will have everyone laughing; especially those who love to play dress up. The creation of both the illustrations and storyline make this a perfect choice for a Caldecott Medal Honor book.

Show Way

Woodson, Jacqueline. Show Way. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2005.

Woodson traces eight generations in her family, starting it off with Soonie’s great-grandmother being sold into slavery at the age of seven. Soonie’s skills and creativity is past down to each generation that will help each of the girls in their own way. Going from slavery to freedom with this timeline shows readers how life and this family changed throughout history and using the skills that have been given to them. Illustrator, Hudson Talbott, creates each page as if it was a part of the quilt that adds to the words and the history this story is portraying. Talbott uses a contrast between dark and bright colors like pink, purple, and yellow that truly makes each page stand out. The quilt patterns are amazing to look at as they are portrayed throughout the book. When reading this a person needs to take a moment and examine the art that is absolutely remarkable, and adds such a reality to this story. Between the amazing story that is being shared and the creation of each page this book is definitely a deserved Newbery Medal Honor.

The Three Questions: Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy by Jon J. Muth

Muth, Jon J. The Three Questions: Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy. New York: Scholastic Press, 2002.

Muth takes the story of Tolstoy’s about a tsar who asks three important questions. In this simpler version, a boy asks three questions to his animal friends: What is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do? When trying to discover the answers to the following questions from his friends and then consulting the wise old turtle, he manages to discover it on his own after saving a panda and her child. The illustrations for this book are done in smooth watercolors that blend very well. They are full page creations that allow the texture of the painting to make the pictures pop out. The shading is done with much detail to create drawings that portray the characters as standing out. Muth ends this story describing Tolstoy and his work. I would definitely recommend this book for readers.

Dahlia by Barbara McClintock

McClintock, Barbara. Dahlia. New York: Fances Foster Books, 2002.

Charlotte, who prefers to play in the mud and climb trees, receives a beautiful doll from her Aunt Edme. The doll, Dahlia, is dressed in beautiful attire, but do not fit into Charlotte and her toy bear Bruno's lifestyle. Charlotte excepting Dahlia begins her adventures of climbing trees and making mud pies and the looks of Dahlia begins to show this. Soon the doll falls out of the tree, and Charlotte is worried so she rushes to clean her and make her better. Aunt Edme soon arrives and wants to see the precious Dahlia. As she is looking at the doll, readers are waiting for her to become upset over this, but her response is totally different. She states, “She needed to be out in the sunshine, and played with, and loved.” The story line and the writing is just one part of this extraordinary book, the illustrations throughout are very detailed, precise, and has a wonderful Victorian appeal to it. The colors are muted, but grabbing to the eye. This book will capture the hearts of all its readers.

I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed by Lauren Child

Child, Lauren. I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2001.

Lauren Child did an impressive job with I am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed, with both the writing and the illustrations. Charlie, Lola’s older brother is trying to get her into bed, but her imagination is helping her stall for time. From a whale in the tub to the three tigers needing something to drink, Lola has an energetic mind that will have readers laughing. Child also does a fabulous job with the designs of the layout for each page. The words are printed in different patterns on each page that will intrigue all readers of all ages. The illustrations are bright and eye catching. Some of the pages offer few words, but the illustrations presented tell much more to the story. The one thing I liked about this book is Child discusses things Lola needs to do like brushing her teeth or take a bath, and she uses large illustrations of the items to enhance the words. Like the large bathtub with a whale in it or a large bottle of bubble bath with a sponge. This is great for students to match pictures and words. Also, this can be used as an educational book for any adult to read to their children that have this same conflict, and use this as a fun motivation to teach them the things to do before bed. This is an exceedingly fun read with a good flow to keep reader’s attention.

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen

Knudsen, Michelle. Library Lion. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2006.

Library Lion will catch readers right away with the beginning line of “One day, a lion came to the library.” As he just goes on in past the circulation desk like he truly belongs, Mr. McBee, the assistant, is ready to throw him out being he is a large cat and must not belong. The loving librarian, Miss Merriweather, informs him to leave him be since he is not breaking any rules. The lion becomes like any other visitor coming in to enjoy all the activities the library offers and even helps out with dusting, licking envelopes, and helping small children. When Miss Merriweather falls from a stool, the lion cries out for help, but is soon charged of breaking the rules. This upsets him so he does not return to the library with fear he can not follow the rules. Everyone misses his presence, even Mr. McBee. The closing of this story will have all readers cheering for joy. To add to this appealing book, the illustrations are done in a soothing tone that has much creativity. Taking a few moments on each page just to look at the details of the pictures and the expressions given by each character is a must. Children of all ages will love this book, and will finish with the great feeling that everyone belongs in the library and the library is for everyone.

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

Eastman, P.D. Are You My Mother?. New York: Random House, 1960.

As a baby bird is hatched and falls from his tree he will begin the adventure of finding his mother. He ventures all around asking everyone he meets like a cat, cow, and even a boat if they are his mother. When finally he runs into a snort that places him back into the nest right before his mother comes back with something to eat. The easy vocabulary used throughout allows this great classic to be a book that many children can learn to read with. The illustrations are simple, but delightful which adds a great deal more to this book. This fun, charming book will have young children all over turning the pages to see if this bird will find his mother.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss. Green Eggs and Ham. New York: Random House Books for Young Readers, 1960.

This classic book will be one that generations to come will be reading. Sam-I-am is determined to have the no name skeptic try the green eggs and ham with every possible scenario one could think of. As children turn each page a new possibility will be given, but also reviews previous ones allowing a reoccurring of vocabulary words. Finally, the no name character decides to take a bite to hush up Sam-I-am and realizes that green eggs and ham are great and he will eat them in any way given like in a house or with a mouse. To add to this great classic, the illustrations are done with bright colors, like green and red, which will catch young children’s eyes. So between the fun illustrations and the rhyming words readers will be mesmerized by this Dr. Seuss book.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Potter, Beatrix. The Tale of Peter Rabbit. New York: The Penguin Group, 2002.

In this captivating story, children of all ages will enjoy Peter Rabbit who does not listen to directions and heads right towards Mr. McGregor’s garden after told to stay away. Soon entering into the garden he is spotted by Mr. McGregor, and will have to work extra hard just to find his way out before getting caught. This is a great story for little ones to hear about the consequences that one will have if they do not follow directions, or just seeing the other siblings shows the advantages of doing the right thing. Potter’s illustrations only add to this tale which is done in a way that grabs readers. These eye catching pictures will help give readers a good image of the story and enhance the words as they read. This humorous story will hold your attention while at the same time teach a very valuable lesson. A must read for all ages!

Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano

Engle, Margarita. The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2006.

Using a free verse style, Margarita Engle will capture readers with the story of the Cuban boy, Juan Francisco. Using alternating points of view gives a vivid imagine of the feelings each character has. She starts this biography with Juan, age six, who is a slave that is a genius with words that helps his parents become free, including any future brother and sisters. His owner promises him freedom when she passes away, but he soon learns is not true when she does at age eleven and he is given to a woman who abuses him dramatically. Readers will get a thorough understanding of an enslaved person in Cuba during the late 1700s and see the cruelty that took place. Also, Sean Quall does an incredible job with the black-and-white sketches. These pictures help readers see the suffering that Juan encounters and gives readers a clear vision of the story. As you are reading along some of the pictures will pull at your heart as you can truly feel what Juan is going through. These illustrations only add more strength to the book that will give young readers a true feeling of this situation. Although, I did feel it took a few pages to get into the rhythm of the book and have an understanding of each character, once you are in full swing you will not be able to put it down.

Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan

Shan, Darren. Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2000.

Summary

Two boys, Darren Shan and Steve Leopard, who are best friends, are excited when they get to visit an illegal freak show. The two are just mesmerized by the fantastic, but disturbing show. However, when they get caught up in a deadly trap Darren must soon deal with the only person who can help, except the only problem is that he is a vampire in need of an assistant.

Personal Opinions/Reactions

If you love a book that is hair raising and humorous at the same time this book is for you. Cirque Du Freak is a movie in words that will have readers wanting more, but you better love spiders in this first book. Especially since a character throughout is a huge spider named Madam Octa that does tricks that will amaze the eye. I enjoyed this quick and easy read that caught my interest to continue reading the series, and it does with most young adults. However, a little clumsy on the editing side with several mistakes, but will definitely have reluctant readers wanting more.

I recommend this thrilling book to boys and girls ages ten and up.

Reviews

Publishers Weekly: "...compelling...[T]he author mines the exploitative history of early 20th century sideshows to create an artfully macabre cirque du freak."

Booklist: “Though originally published in England, there are no off-putting Briticisms, just a rip-roaring story full of oddities, low-key horror, and occasional, unexpected poignancy.”

Witness by Karen Hesse

Hesse, Karen. Witness. New York: Scholastic, 2001.

Summary

In the year 1924, Hesse uses a series of poems written in free verse to discuss the views of eleven people. They are located in a small Vermont town, that includes a young black and Jewish girl, which the Ku Klux Klan steadily infiltrates into the community.

Personal Opinions/Reactions

Starting the book off with pictures of all eleven characters allows readers to begin to attach to each one in one way or another. Karen Hesse, Newbery Medal winner, adds a memorable voice to each one that relates to Ku Klux Klan in some way. As several members embrace the Klan like Constable Johnson and retailer Pettibone, others will see the trouble coming in. With the book written in the voice of each character, the audience will be able to gain love for some while hating others. Readers will be flipping pages to see the impact of the Klan during this time period. When reading this I could not help but feel like I was right there in the middle of this ordeal wanting to reach out to Leonora and Esther as they are slowly being harassed. In the end it is great to see a community come together and protect it's own as they run the Klan out of their town.

I would recommend this book to ages nine and up. I also think this would be an exceptional book to use in a classroom study of this time period.

Reviews

Amazon.com: “The free verse format and distinct characterizations also make Witness a perfect choice for library or classroom reader's theater productions.”

From Publishers Weekly: “The author of Out of the Dust again turns language into music in her second quietly moving novel written entirely in verse. Here, 11 narrative voices chronicle actual events occurring in a sleepy Vermont town after the arrival of the Ku Klux Klan in 1924.”

Booklist: Add this to the Holocaust curriculum, not because every racial incident means genocide, but because the book will spark discussion about how such a thing can happen even now.

Kissing Tennessee by Kathi Appelt

Appelt, Kathi. Kissing Tennessee and Other Stories from the Stardust Dance. New York: Harcourt, Inc., 2000.

Summary

At Dogwood Junior High School the cafeteria is filled with paper moons and tons of glitter ready for the eighth-grade dance. Readers will love the short stories about Mason and Carrie not having the courage to ask each other to dance to Becca locking herself in the bathroom stall after a terrible even has happened. In these moving tales Appelt will captivate her audience with these unforgettable students and their tales of the Stardust Dance.

Personal Opinions/Reactions

With the start of this book is an invitation to the Stardust Dance, and readers will be ready to hear all the details given after reading the enchanted words of…

"For this one night, this one room is no longer the Dogwood Junior High cafeteria, not at all. It's the Stardust Dance. You're invited."

Now, that the audience is intrigued with the dance we will hear about the participants. Including Tawny who hopes no one will notice her borrowed shoes. Also, Mary Sarah whose life at home is hard, but she will tie a ribbon in her hair and put on the forbidden lipstick. Readers will love to hear of the unforgettable Annie P. Peggy Lee is enchanted by the magic of her childhood beau Tennessee's kisses, bringing out the great title. Between these remarkable stories and more, readers of all ages will eat this book up, and the amazing thing is that it can be read quickly. With a wide range of story topics, there is at least one that a person can relate with in one way or another. Between tears for some and joy for others, the worst part about this book is that we do not know what happens with each of their lives after the dance, but that is point of a short story.

I would recommend this book to grades six and up, especially to our readers who are indecisive about reading.

Reviews

School Library Journal: “This collection will spark conversation in contemporary literature discussions, will quietly unsettle readers, and will elevate the quality of short-story collections.”

Amazon.com: “Kissing Tennessee, Kathi Appelt's first book for older readers, is a nice mix of frothiness and substance. Appelt humorously and accurately describes the making and breaking of the eighth-grade heart, while still tackling weighty issues like date rape, same-sex crushes, and family violence. Best of all, the entire short novel can be devoured in one study-hall period. This is a great choice for reluctant readers.”

The Agony of Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds. The Agony of Alice. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1985.

Summary

Alice McKinley’s mother has been dead for years and she is on her way to becoming a teenager. The only problem is that she does not know how, and her father and nineteen-year-old brother have no idea about being a teenage girl. When the family moves and Alice starts the sixth grade she hopes to get a teacher for her new role model. The problem is she gets Mrs. Plotkins the pear-shaped teacher instead of Miss Cole the beautiful one, until she discovers it matters what is inside of a person that truly counts.

Personal Opinions/Reactions

Naylor takes her readers into a series of incidents both hilarious and emotional as Alice tries to deal with her emotions of becoming a teenager. Readers will feel her pain throughout, but laugh out loud at the new adventures that she will encounter. Audiences of all ages will be able to relate to the feelings and wants that Alice will have about growing up. Through mishaps at school to visiting her aunt and cousin, you will not be able to put this book down. It is a speedy and simple read for even your reluctant readers. At the end of this book, you will want to pick up the next one in the series to continue your adventure of Alice and her life.

I would recommend this book mainly to girls around the ages ten and up. This book would be a great suggestion to any girl living without her own mother.

Reviews

A Children’s Choice Book

School Library Journal: “The lively style exhibits a deft touch at capturing the essence of an endearing heroine growing up without a mother.”

Booklist: “A wonderfully funny and touching story.”

The Vanishings (Left Behind: The Kids) By Jenkins and Lahaye

Jenkins, Jerry B., and Tim LaHaye. The Vanishings (Left Behind: The Kids). Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1998.

Summary

Around the globe, in one shocking moment millions disappear. For those that are left behind will face the uncertain future, and especially for four kids who are now alone. As they search for answers they are told the truth behind the disappearances. The question they must ask themselves is that are they ready to believe? Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan must band together to find faith and fight the evil forces that threaten their lives.

Personal Opinions/Reactions

The Vanishings is just the first one of a series of books that will teach children about the Rapture and Tribulation, and is based on the adult series Left Behind. Jenkins and LaHaye do a fantastic job of explaining the Rapture through the eyes of four children who do not believe. They write the book in a very realistic fashion, and will have readers questioning their beliefs at the end. After reading the first book you can not help, but want to continue to read further into the series. It is an easy read for students, and the four children’s characters are relatable.

I would recommend this book for children ten and up who are interested in learning about the Rapture and Tribulation.

Reviews

This series is based on the best-selling book Left Behind.

Jenkins writings has reached the New York Times best-seller list three times.

LaHaye is the author of numerous international best-sellers with sales over eleven million copies.

The Great Fire by Jim Murphy

Murphy, Jim. The Great Fire. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1995.

Summary

Jim Murphy gives a vivid firsthand description by people who lived through the 1871 Chicago fire. This fire is known for the disaster of wiping out a wide part of Chicago. Murphy will also look at the origins of the fire, errors of judgments, and the problems with organization amongst the city’s firefighters, plus efforts to rebuild.

Personal Opinions/Reactions

Murphy does a fascinating job of laying out the facts concerning one of the biggest disasters to take place in American history. He includes accounts of witnesses that were involved in the fire, as well as historic photos, engravings, and newspaper clippings on almost every page. Readers will be fascinated with the stories and pictures included that will help the audience get a true understanding of what took place during that time. As the fire continues to spread through Chicago, Murphy includes a drawing that shows how the city continues to burn giving a detailed vision in a readers mind. The story is fact-based and suspenseful that will keep you turning the page, but gaining an educational insight as well.

I would recommend The Great Fire for those ten years old and up. This is a good resource to have in a classroom setting with the inclusion of lithographs, historical photographs, and a bibliography, especially with the drought and continuous problems of forest fires.

Reviews

Newbery Medal/Honor

Notable/Best Books (A.L.A)

The Horn Book: "Vivid firsthand descriptions by persons who lived through the 1871 Chicago fire are woven into a gripping account... Absorbing and riveting reading."

School Library Journal: “The diversity and multitude of personal accounts is presented in both text and voice so that there is no sense of frustration in the changes of viewpoints, but rather a better appreciation of the event as a dynamic experience from which we still have much to learn.”

Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos

Gantos, Jack. Hole in my Life. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2002.

Summary

Jack Gantos who was trying to become a writer was desperate for money to help with college and looking for a way out of a dead-end job. So in the summer of 1971, he thoughtlessly agreed to help sail a yacht that was loaded with hashish for ten thousand dollars. They traveled from Virgin Islands to New York City, where he and his partner eventually got caught by federal agent at the Chelsea Hotel. Gantos was sentenced six years in prison at the age of twenty. Gantos discusses his last year of high school, life as a smuggler, and his time in prison that pushed him to become a writer.

Personal Opinions/Reactions

This book has won several awards including Michael L. Printz Honor book that Gantos well deserves. The writing used will captivate readers making them want to know what happened next and how he survived. The book does slow down some when he discusses his days on the yacht, but with the urge to know what happens with his life readers will continue to read. The story is one of sacrifice, bad decisions, and Gantos turning everything around to become a success writer still to this day.

However, I was shocked with the continuous use of marijuana, and the details spoken about some scenes in prison. My shock was derived from this book being a young adult book, and I could not imagine what a twelve year old would think of these details. I do understand that this is a biography of Gantos’ life, but with feelings that this should be a book for older readers.

Many would recommend this book for ages twelve or thirteen and up, but I would have to disagree. I would definitely say at least a mature sixteen and higher to read this. As Gantos tells of his experience with scenes from his first night in prison to helping a fellow prisoner with a light bulb placed within him I feel this is not appropriate for a twelve year old.

Reviews

A Michael L. Printz Honor Book

A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

A Booklist Editor’s Choice

Amazon.com: “Using short, meaty sentences, Gantos manages to write in a way that dismisses the dubious "romance" of prison, drugs, and "life on the edge" without ever sounding didactic or heavy-handed.”

Publishers Weekly: “The book requires a commitment, as it rambles a bit at times, but it provides much food for thought and fuel for debate.”

Freedom Riders by Ann Bausum

Bausum, Ann. Freedom Riders: John Lewis and Jim Zwerg on the Front Lines of the Civil Rights Movement. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society, 2006.

Summary

Freedom Riders tells the experience of the segregated time period through the childhoods of John Lewis and James Zwerg that will help readers have a clear understanding of our past. As these men journey on a bus with the common interest in justice, you will see a first hand perspective of these freedom rides. The two young men were among the group who continued the freedom rides after the violence in Alabama which left the original bus in flames and riders injured. Both, Lewis and Zwerg kept on even knowing that their own fate could be death. Readers will see an in-death tale of how they shared the freedom ride through the Deep South that changed our nation’s history.

Personal Opinions/Reactions

As Bausum retells the experiences of Zwerg and Lewis, readers will be captivated with these two guys and their lives together and apart. Using a narrative style, Bausum presents the material in a manner that will keep a reader absorbed in the heart-stopping story as you travel through their tale. Bausum includes vivid black and white pictures on every page, including a full page picture to start each seven chapters. Captions are included by the pictures giving details that are engaging and clear. When readers turn the page it is hard to determine if you want to finish your sentence or just look at the pictures and read the captions first. The book could easily be used as a skim through, just looking at the pictures and reading the captions provided.

I would recommend this book to readers ten and up. This would also be a good recommendation to those classrooms studying about this or adults who have interest in the Freedom Riders.

Reviews

Booklist: “In another excellent work of nonfiction, the author of the acclaimed With Courage and Cloth (2004), covers a civil rights topic less frequently addressed than Brown v. Board of Education or the 1963 March on Washington”

School Library Journal: “The incredible courage and determination of young people, black, white, male and female, who risked great personal danger and even death as they participated in the freedom rides during the Civil Rights Movement are the focus of this remarkable book.”

Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth

Muth, Jon J. Zen Shorts. New York: Scholastic Press, 2005.

Summary

Addie, Karl, and Michael meet a giant panda who moves into the neighborhood that happens to tell great stories. Stillwater, the bear tells of a poor man who gives gifts to a robber, a farmer who knows that luck can be neither judged nor predicted, and of a monk who carries the weight of a burden long past. Muth uses bright ink colors to add to this delightful tale.

Personal Opinions/Reactions

When I finished reading this book, I felt I received a bonus of four books in one. Jon Muth takes a tale of a panda named Stillwater and then includes three more stories within that are told by him. As Stillwater shares to Addie, Karl, and Michael he links the conversation between each of them with the story topic making an easy shift between stories. He also does a fascinating job with the colors throughout using a different color tone for each story, so to help readers not become confused. Readers and listeners will be enthralled with the stories as well as the interesting use of colors created in this book. One can not help, but fall in love with the bear outside.

I would recommend this book for children in kindergarten through the fourth grade.

Reviews

Caldecott Medal/Honor 01/23/06

Notable/Best Books (A.L.A.) 01/01/06

School Library Journal: “Appealing enough for a group read-aloud, but also begging to be shared and discussed by caregiver and child, Zen Shorts is a notable achievement.”

Library Media Connection: “As well as being read for enjoyment, the stories in this book can be read and discussed several times, forming a basis for discussions about character building and decision making."

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Meyer, Stephenie. Eclipse. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2007.

Summary

In this third book of the Twilight series, Stephenie Meyer does an incredible job with the riveting love saga. Bella must make the hard decision of who her true love is Edward, the vampire or Jacob, the werewolf. At the same time Seattle is being destroyed by mysterious killings, and a spiteful vampire is to still out to get her. Now, Edward and Jacob will have to team up together to help Bella survive, plus she will have to decide between the two. To make matters worse, graduation is near and the question is whether to stay a human or become a vampire.

Personal Opinions/Reactions

Stephenie Meyer’s takes both Twilight and New Moon and combines the two together to create a great master piece with Eclipse. As Bella can’t live without Edward, but struggles with her friendship and possible love for Jacob readers will be mesmerized with this third book. As you continue to turn the page the tension created will just keep you wanting more especially when Jacob, Bella, and Edward are together on the mountain waiting for the big fight. Depending on if you are an Edward or Jacob fan the scene with Jacob kissing Bella will have you mad as can be or jumping for joy. Meyer's created a book for readers that have people talking all over and age isn't even an issue. With many conflicts created throughout, Meyer’s will have people waiting in line for the fourth book to see how she continues on this great saga, including myself.

I would highly recommend this book to at least 7th graders and up, plus some mature 6th graders. I would also suggest this book to adults who love to read.

Reviews

Kirkus Review: “Fans of Bella's angst-drenched love triangle will gobble this entry up, and the open-ended conclusion paves the way for Jake's story to come.”

School Library Journal: “Meyer knows what her fans want: thrills, chills, and a lot of romance, and she delivers on all counts.”

The Giver by Lois Lowry

1. Bibliography
Lowry, Lois. 1993. THE GIVER. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf. ISBN 0440237688

2. Plot Summary
In this perfect world, there is no fear of pain and no war. Everyone in the community is given the perfect assignment, so no one has any choices. Jonas, who turns twelve, receives the assignment of the future giver. With this position, Jonas will hold memories of the good and bad of life, with this knowledge there is no going back.

3. Critical Analysis
In this intriguing story by Lowry, he creates a world that has no pain and suffering. Ran by a committee of elders, they are responsible for building a community where everyone is assigned the perfect job, marriage, and children. On Jonas’ twelfth birthday he receives the prestigious position of Receiver of Memories, and “it’s the memories of the whole world.” As he begins his new job, Jonas will soon learn all the secrets of the society, and see the world in a different light. Lowry develops a creative story that will have readers seduced by this world of no pain, and question the morals of this city. As Jonas begins to learn what the real world entails by the touch of the Giver, he will have to decide what to do with this new knowledge and make the biggest verdict of what is right and what is wrong. Readers of all ages will be raising many questions in their mind while Lowry captivates his audience in this adventurous novel.

4. Review Excerpts
Newbery Medal
The New York Times: “A powerful and provocative novel.”
School Library Journal: “This tightly plotted story and its believable characters will stay with readers for a long time.”

5. Connections
*Other books by Lois Lowry
GATHERING BLUE. 0385732562
NUMBER THE STARS. 0440237688
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