Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday (8)

As part of the Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge 2012 (Twitter: #nfpb2012), my goal is to read and review as many of the new non-fiction picture books that are released this year.  Wednesdays will be my primary day to post the reviews.

This week's Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday is coming to you courtesy of Penguin Books. Thanks to Publisher Rep extraordinaire, Nicole, one lucky reader has a chance to win a copy of The Camping Trip that Changed America by Barbara Rosenstock and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba.  In addition to these two wonderful books, there is also a signed print from Maira Kalman's book Looking At Lincoln. 

The Camping Trip that Changed America
Author: Barbara Rosenstock
Illustrator: Mordecai Gerstein
Publisher: Penguin Group (January 19, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Can you imagine going on a camping trip with the President of the United States?  True, I am not much of a camper, it doesn't prevent me from thinking about what it would be like to have some undivided time with one of the most influential people in the world.  Of course, it wouldn't be very easy to accomplish this today.  Can you imagine how many Secret Service men would have to join you?  However, this story takes place in 1903, when it was still possible for the President to go off on an adventure. 

Though this is more of a fictionalized telling of a fateful camping trip that President Theodore Roosevelt went on with naturalist, John Muir, there is still some great information in this book. Barbara Rosenstock does a nice job depicting the enthusiasm which Roosevelt possessed and the sense of adventure and appreciation for nature as beheld by Muir.  My favorite part in the book is a two page spread where Roosevelt and Muir are camping out under the skies and Muir tells Roosevelt about all the wonderful things there were in the United States.  All I can imagine is how these two men influenced each other in some important way.

Mordicai Gerstein illustrations lend a certain mood that perfectly suits the book.  Rosenstock includes some quotes and important author notes at the end of the book which provide slightly more information.  I found this a fun read and would certainly recommend it for a classroom or school library.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Author: William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Publisher: Dial (January 19, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

"In a small village in Malawi, where people had no money for lights, nightfall came quickly and hurried poor farmers to bed.  But for William, the darkness was best for dreaming."  

In a world, where so many children have so much and sometimes believe that they should receive a grade or a position for just showing up, it was refreshing to read about William Kamkwamba's story.  In a poor village, in face of a drought, and without the funding to attend school, William used his ability to dream and his curiosity about how things work to develop a solution that would help his family and community.  Creating a windmill at a teenager in the best of circumstances would be a challenge, but having to scrounge the pieces from junkyards and wherever else he could find things made the challenge even that much greater.  William's story is inspirational and should be shared with children. 

Elizabeth Zunon's mixed media illustrations bring an extra dimension to this story and makes both William and his windmill stand out and pop off the pages.  A fascinating story paired up with well matched illustrations makes this a wonderful book to add to a classroom or school collection.

Looking At Lincoln
Author/Illustrator: Maria Kalman
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books (January 5, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Starting with the penny and a five dollar bill, Maria Kalman introduces children to the 16th president in quirky but factual manner.  As with the previous title, there is an element of the story being fictionalized but there is accuracy in the facts of the story.  It was particularly interesting for me to pick up a couple of other picture books written at very different times and by very different authors and find that certain aspects of Lincoln's life was prominent in each of the books. 

The often humorous, yet touching look at the life and habits of Lincoln, including his relationship with his wife, and how he stored notes in his hat, made this important president seem even more humble and significant.  The illustrations also done by Kalman add to the feeling of the book, and I especially liked how she tied the story together at the end with the Lincoln Memorial.  Though I believe children ages 7 and up will enjoy the book, I do think the 2nd and 3rd graders may particularly connect to the illustrations and story format.

Giveaway Rules:

1. Though comments are very much appreciated, please do not enter any personal information in the comments section (including your email, website, etc.).  If you do enter personal information, you comment will not be posted.

2.  You must complete the Entry Form to officially enter the contest.

3.  The Contest runs from 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on February 29, 2012 to 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on March 6, 2012.

4.  You must be 13 or older to participate in this contest.

5.  If you are selected as a winner, I will notify you by e-mail.  If you do not respond within 48 hours, I will select a new winner.

6.  International participants are welcome to enter the contest.

Thank you Katherine Applegate

Last Wednesday, we had a special visitor in our Literacy Café, author Katherine Applegate.

 Five special readers were lucky enough to have lunch with Katherine where she shared with them about her first rejection letter, what kinds of notes her editor writes on her manuscripts, and all the books that she has written.  She also brought them each a stuffed silverback Gorilla with a special T-shirt that said "The One and Only Ivan".

After lunch, about 18 students from grades 1 to 5 had the opportunity to come into the Literacy Café for a special writer's workshop.

Katherine shared about her research for The One and Only Ivan.  And she told them all about how she creates her characters, and figures out the setting and the plot.  I loved that she referred to the plot as a "what if..." as in "What if your principal turned into a cat?"

Students had an opportunity to create some of their own characters, and figure out where their story would take place, and decide on their "what if's".  While they were doing this, Katherine came around and chatted with them.

I know that if I had been 10 years old and having lunch with Katherine Applegate or having her give me feedback on my story idea that I would be in some kind of book heaven.  Hey, I am way older than 10 and I was in some kind of book heaven as I watched the students enjoying their time with our very special visitor.

Katherine is truly wonderful and we love Ivan over at my school.  We are also thankful to Kris and Maureen from Once Upon a Time for helping to arrange for the visit and for providing volunteer help and ordering all of the books.  You ladies rock!

Check out the animoto of Katherine's visit and don't forget to order of copy of The One and Only Ivan from your local Independent Bookstore.

What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA (13)

It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey.  Jen & Kellee from 

Teach Mentor Texts have adapted this to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.

Each week I'll recap what I've read/reviewed the week before 

and then look ahead to what I am planning on reading/reviewing in the upcoming week.

 

Last week's book adventures:

Just as I thought I was getting back into a steady reading groove, I had one of those weeks where I wasn't home most evenings.  This led to a pretty nominal reading week (1 YA, 1 early chapter book, 1 early reader, and 5 picture books).  I find I get cranky when I don't have time to read.  It probably has more to do with not having time to recharge, but reading is one of the ways I recharge.  I did have a great week in terms of books and author encounters.  I am working on some posts about the fabulous Katherine Applegate's visit to my school, the Breathless Reads Tour that stopped by Once Upon a Time, and also the wonderful SCIBA Dinner. 

 

Here are my favorites from the past week:

The Amazing Adventures of Supercat! by Kate McMuller; Illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre

The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

I am saving one of the books for Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday so I won't mention it yet.

Upcoming book adventures:

Timeless by Gail Carriger - If I read nothing else this week, I am going to read this book.  It is on my must read list and it comes out on Thursday.  I am addicted to Carriger's Steampunk Paranormal Series.  I admit that it is complete cotton candy reading fun, but sometimes that is the best kind of book.  Timeless is the final book in the series and I just can't wait to read it.

So, what are you reading this week? 

Please share! And remember to check in at Sheila's or Jen & Kellee's blog to see what they and others are reading!    

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday (7)

As part of the Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge 2012 (Twitter: #nfpb2012), my goal is to read and review as many of the new non-fiction picture books that are released this year.  Wednesdays will be my primary day to post the reviews.

Alien Investigation: Searching for the Truth About UFO's and Aliens
Author: Kelly Milner Halls
Illustrated: Rick C. Spears
Publisher: Millbrook Press (January 1, 2012)
Audience:  Grades 4 to 8
Source: Copy for review/giveaway

Description from Publisher:
Imagine . . . you're in the woods after dark. Eerie green lights appear in the distance. Then there's a sudden flash and everything is dark again. You decide to take a closer look. You come upon a saucer-shaped craft hovering silently just above the ground. You reach out to touch it, but the object suddenly shoots up into the sky. Have you just seen a UFO?

Some people say they have had experiences like this. Are they telling the truth? To find out, Kelly Milner Halls investigated stories of eyewitnesses from around the world. She explored UFO sightings, landings, crashes, aliens, and even a few hoaxes. She also interviewed several of the world's UFO experts. Examine her findings and decide for yourself whether visitors from other worlds are real.

My thoughts on the book:
Children often find stories about aliens and spaceships fascinating and interesting.  They typically have lots of questions too.  To find a book that provides children a mixture of facts, pieces of information from the news, and interviews all in an easy to understand format is not easy.  Kelly Milner Halls has provided just such a book.  The book is divided into four chapters that looks at UFO's or space ship sightings over the years.  This is followed by a chapter on Crashes and Landings.  Next up is a section on Aliens, and it is followed by Hoaxes and Misunderstandings.  Throughout the book, children are cued in by the term Imagine and a team of bold alien explorers provide a view point of the aliens preparing to travel.  The book concludes with the question "Real or Unreal?"

Though the book has only 64 pages, it is filled with a significant amount of text and information.  I sometimes find that teachers might consider a book of this length as not long enough for use for a report.  However, in reading through this book, Milner Hall has managed to do an admirable job of condensing extensive amount of research into a form that children will find accessible.   Additionally, the book does not lean in one direction or the other.  It allows the reader to form their own conclusions and to explore further the possibility that life exists beyond earth.

After reading through this book, I would recommend it for any school or classroom library.

For more information about Kelly Milner Hall and her books, please click here. 

Giveaway Rules:

1. Though comments are very much appreciated, please do not enter any personal information in the comments section (including your email, website, etc.).  If you do enter personal information, you comment will not be posted.

2.  You must complete the Entry Form to officially enter the contest.

3.  The Contest runs from 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on February 22, 2012 to 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on February 28, 2012.

4.  You must be 13 or older to participate in this contest.

5.  If you are selected as a winner, I will notify you by e-mail.  If you do not respond within 48 hours, I will select a new winner.

6.  International participants are welcome to enter the contest.

New Books & News for Author/Illustrator James Burks

If you follow this blog with any regularity, then you have probably heard me mention Gabby and Gator and creator James Burks.

James has a new picture book coming out on March 1st - Beep and Bah (Carolhoda Picture Books).
 
Here is the book trailer:


And he has more good news.  His graphic novel Gabby and Gator is being developed into a Television show.

Check out the promo clip:



And it doesn't end there.  In August, his newest graphic novel, Bird and Squirrel (Scholastic/Graphix), will be released.  I have shared the Advanced Copy with some students and they are already singing its praises.

Congratulations James - Looks like 2012 will be a wonderful year!

What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA (12)

It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey.  Jen & Kellee from 

Teach Mentor Texts have adapted this to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.

Each week I'll recap what I've read/reviewed the week before 

and then look ahead to what I am planning on reading/reviewing in the upcoming week.

Last week's book adventures:

This week's reading picked up, but I also started and stopped several books.  I'll come back to them but sometimes my mood points me to a different book than one I expected.  My quest to read all of the Caldecott Honor Books has resumed and I was able to get a few other books in.  To spare everyone a long list of books, I have selected my favorites to highlight.

 

Here are my favorites from the past week:

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson - I listened to this one on audiobook and at times I wish I had an actual hard copy because I wanted to read it faster than the narrator was going.  Don't get me wrong, the narrator was good, but there were times I just wanted to find out what was going to happen next to Hattie and I knew I could read it faster.  Regardless or audiobook or print copy, Larson did an amazing job creating characters that you cared about and you wanted to know.  I felt like Hattie and all of her neighbors were real and I became so engrossed in their lives.  I was so excited to find out on twitter today that there will be a sequel.  Yay!

Listen to My Trumpet by Mo Willems - Elephant and Piggie are back.  That is reason enough to celebrate.  This time Piggie has a special surprise for Elephant.  I won't spoil it.  Fans of this series will love the newest book.

And Then It's Spring by Julie Fogliano, Illustrated by Erin Stead - There are times when I hold a book in my hands and read it and know that it will win an award or be on a bunch of end of the year lists.  This was wonderful in both text and illustrations.  Stead, who won a Caldecott for A Sick Day for Amos McGee, has another winner on her hands.  I loved this one.

Just Behave, Pablo Picasso by Jonah Winter, Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes - A biographical picture book about Pablo Picasso and his stubborn determination to paint what he wanted to paint despite people who criticized him.

When Blue Met Egg by Lindsay Ward - This one is just simply a make you smile & chuckle book. 

Future Release:

Squid and Octopus Friends for Always by Tao Nyeu - If you haven't heard of this book, put it on your summer TBR pile.  This is going to be a favorite.  I loved this book. Mouse & Mole, Frog & Toad, Elephant & Piggie and now Squid and Octopus. Not truly an early reader but this one will appeal to the audience who loves all those other great friendships. The story is fun but the little side notes are almost funnier. I can't wait to see the final version of this book but I know I will be recommending it.

Caldecott Challenge Books:
I read 13 Caldecott Honor Winners this week.  This was the only one that I gave higher than a 3 star (a few would have received negative stars if that was an option).

Nothing at All by Wanda Gag -  This 1942 Caldecott Honor Book actually reminds me of a children's picture book.  It is quirky and fun.  It even has a different type set.

Upcoming book adventures:
I actually have to start tackling more reading for an Award Committee that I am serving on.  I will probably be digging into that pile this week.  Not sure which books though...so you will have to wait and see.

So, what are you reading this week? 

Please share! And remember to check in at Sheila's or Jen & Kellee's blog to see what they and others are reading!  

Book Review - Born Wicked

Author: Jessica Spotswood
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons / Penguin Young Readers (Released: February 7, 2012)
Source: Advance Readers Copy
Audience: Young Adult
Reviewed by: Kate G.

Good Reads Description:
"Blessed with a gift..."cursed" with a secret." 

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship - or an early grave. 

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra. 

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood - not even from each other.

Kate's thought's on this book:
A historical YA fantasy fiction set in the time of the Puritan- like society sounds like a winner, right? I am happy to say, “Yes”! I was a bit wary of this novel when I started to read it. I found myself getting angry and flustered in every chapter. About three to five chapters in, I figured out why. The author, Jessica Spotswood had me totally invested. I was experiencing the same emotions as the Cahill sisters. It started with the political and societal environment but is soon got deeper than that. I felt Cate’s anger at her mother. I resented the loneliness and feeling of neglect that Maura felt as a middle child.  (This hit very close to home being a middle child myself.) I envied the wisdom Tess gained from her curious and intellectual nature. Underlying it all, there is the constant undeniable push and pull of their bond as sisters and witches.

Even more surprising, I didn’t find the obligatory love triangle (between Cate, Paul, and Finn) trite or characteristically familiar. The guys are on equal footing. There is no extra talent or leg-up for either of them. (Ms. Spotswood does foreshadow a possible paranormal consequence to one of the pairings but to us readers, not Cate herself.) It was refreshing to see such a normal struggle in a world permeated with Magic.

This book is not without it’s curiosities, like why Dubai is mentioned as an ideal for these witches over and over again. I, for one, can’t wait to discover why and how the Cahill sisters will survive the politics, the Prophecy, and each other.

Check out this book trailer:



For more information about author Jessica Spotswood:
http://www.jessicaspotswood.com/

On twitter: @jessica_shea
Facebook:  The Cahill Witch Chronicles

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday (6)

As part of the Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge 2012 (Twitter: #nfpb2012), my goal is to read and review as many of the new non-fiction picture books that are released this year.  Wednesdays will be my primary day to post the reviews.

What Color is My World: The Lost History of African American Inventors
Authors: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Raymond Obstfeld
Illustrators: A.G. Ford, Ben Boos
Publisher: Candlewick Press (January 3, 2012)
Audience: Grades 3 to 7
Source: Borrowed Copy

Description from GoodReads:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, basketball legend and the NBA's alltime leading scorer, champions a lineup
of little-known African-American inventors in this lively, kid-friendly book.

Did you know that James West invented the microphone in your cell phone? That Fred Jones invented the refrigerated truck that makes supermarkets possible? Or that Dr. Percy Julian synthesized cortisone from soy, easing untold people's pain? These are just some of the black inventors and innovators scoring big points in this dynamic look at several unsung heroes who shared a desire to improve people's lives. Offering profiles with fast facts on flaps and framed by a funny contemporary story featuring two feisty twins, here is a nod to the minds behind the gamma electric cell and the ice-cream scoop, improvements to traffic lights, open-heart surgery, and more - inventors whose ingenuity and perseverance against great odds made our world safer, better, and brighter.


An interview with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

 

My thoughts on the book:
Some books make you wonder about the conversation that might have taken place between publisher, editor, author, illustrator.  If I was a more talented writer, I would recreate this hypothetical conversation for the entertainment of readers.  However, I will spare you that digression and jump into my thoughts on the book.

When I look at a book, especially a nonfiction picture book, I have a hard time stepping out of my educator mindset.  Yes, I want to enjoy a book simply because it is an enjoyable book.  However, with nonfiction, I am also trying to consider how to use it with children.  Basketball great - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has stepped into the role of celebrity debut author with his new children's book What Color is My World: The Lost History of African American Inventors.  His comment in the video above indicating his desire to show children a piece of African American History beyond Slavery and Civil Rights is most admirable.   I want children to know about the rich history and culture of African Americans too.  For that we are in agreement.  We are also seeing eye to eye on the wonderful facts provide on the various men and women inventors which are included in this book. 

Where we diverge, the format of the book and the voice of the story.  The format is a large-size picture book with flaps which in my mind is typically for younger audiences.  The text written for the facts about inventors is written for student in grades 4 and up.  The story portion of the book has an excessive amount of text (again for an older audience) but a voice that almost seems appropriate for younger readers.   

It is true that I haven't had a chance to look at this book with children, and so my opinion might change.  And though, I think there are wonderful facts and parts to this book, I would discover a way to share this book so children will get the most from it.

Click here to check out Candlewick's Book Trailer for What Color is My World?

It's that time of the week...add your nonfiction reviews to the Mr. Linky below.  

Book Review - Snowy Valentine

Author/Illustrator:  David Petersen
Publisher:  Harper Collins Children's (November 11, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 8
Source: Copy for Review
Picture Book * Fiction * Holiday * Valentine

Description from Publisher:

Step out into a snowy Valentine’s Day with Jasper the bunny as he searches the forest valley for a special gift for his loved one.

In his picture-book debut, David Petersen, the Eisner Award–winning creator of Mouse Guard, tells a delightful tale that becomes the perfect way to say “I love you.”

Bring this sweet story home to your Valentine today.

My thoughts:

I discovered the work of David Petersen last summer when I came across his Mouse Guard series while I was preparing for a presentation on Graphic Novels.  I was immediately taken by his illustrations which were vivid and beautiful.  A few months later I came across an advanced copy of Snowy Valentine; Petersen's first picture book.   

In a Snowy Valentine, Petersen brings his trademark style and uses it to tell the story of Jasper and Lilly Bunny.  Jasper loves his wife Lilly and sets out through the snow to find a gift for her.  He quickly discovers that gifts that might appeal to porcupines, toads, racoons, and cardinals just aren't the right match for Lilly.  The story even includes a bit of a close call when Jasper runs into a fox and almost ends up as a Valentine for Mrs. Fox.  However, Jasper's wanderings lead him to the perfect gift for Lilly. 

Holiday picture books can be scary territory to explore.  So many of them are overly sweet or silly, or somewhat annoying.  When I read this book months ago, my reaction was positive.  It was refreshing to come across a story that was charmingly illustrated and sweet without being cloying. The twist at the end seemed like a fitting way to conclude the book.  As I read the finished copy in preparation for this review, not only did I feel the same way about the story, but I felt like I picked up some new details in the illustration.  I was also excited to discover from reading Petersen's blog that the story originated as a gift to his wife.  What a lovely gift both for Petersen's wife and for readers.   

David Petersen talks about the making of Snowy Valentine on his blog.  You can follow him on twitter @mouseguard
Part I 
Part II
Part III

You can follow him on twitter @mouseguard

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA (11)

It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey.  Jen & Kellee from 

Teach Mentor Texts have adapted this to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.

Each week I'll recap what I've read/reviewed the week before 

and then look ahead to what I am planning on reading/reviewing in the upcoming week.

Last week's book adventures:

February has been a slow reading month.  As I started in on the Caldecott Honor Books, I found I needed a bit of a break.  Let's just say that picture books in the 1940's are nothing like picture books today.  Even though, I wasn't able to read a lot of books the ones that I read were wonderful. 

 

Here is what I read from the past week:

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Maureen Johnson is best known for her contemporary fiction and humorous presence on twitter.  I was curious to see what she would do with a supernatural suspense that blends together an American teenager from New Orleans, an English Boarding School, and Jack the Ripper-like murders.  Johnson created an interesting premise and I am curious to see where book 2 takes us.
 

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin
Eugene Yelchin garnered a Newbery Honor with his first Middle Grade book.  A fast read with complimentary illustrations that provides the reader with a glimpse at the life in the Soviet Union under the reign of Stalin.  

Hades by George O'Connor
The fourth installment in O'Connor's Olympians Series and once again he brings together various figures in Greek Mythology and gives readers a new glimpse into well-known stories.  This installment doesn't just focus on Hades but also on Persephone and Demeter.  Fascinating read.

A Boy Named FDR by Kathleen Krull; Illustrated by Steve Johnson, Lou Fancher
Kathleen Krull explores the early life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and how early experiences shaped him into the president he would one day become.

Worst of Friends by Suzanne Jurmain; Illustrated by Larry Day
There appears to be an interest in Thomas Jefferson and John Adams lately.  This is the second one that has come out in the last few months about their friendship.  Jurmain continues through the years of their feud and eventual reconciliation.  A book to add to a collection of biographical stories on presidents and just in time for President's Day.

On Wednesday, I will be posting the nonfiction picture books I read this past week.  There were some fun ones in the pile.

Upcoming book adventures:
My goal this week - try to get back into a regular reading routine again and back on track with #Nerdcott (Caldecott Challenge).

Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood - I started this one but didn't quiet finish it over the weekend.

Fake Mustache by Tom Angelberger -  Thanks to a friend I have an Advanced Readers Copy of Angelberger's newest book.  I can't wait to dive into this one.

So, what are you reading this week? 

Please share! And remember to check in at Sheila's or Jen & Kellee's blog to see what they and others are reading!

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday (5)

As part of the Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge 2012 (Twitter: #nfpb2012), my goal is to read and review as many of the new non-fiction picture books that are released this year.  Wednesdays will be my primary day to post the reviews.

Here is my first foray into February nonfiction picture book releases.

A Leaf Can Be
Author: Laura Purdie Salas
Illustrator: Violeta Dabija
Publisher:  Millbrook Press (February 1, 2012)
Audience:  Ages 4 to 8
Source: Copy for Review and Giveaway

Some books defy my image of nonfiction.  I have to admit that I was truly a solid fiction reader and that nonfiction usually meant dry, boring, and connected to coursework.  As I have searched for nonfiction picture books, my beliefs about them are changing.  Seldom anymore do I utter the words dry and boring when reading these books.

The team of Laura Purdie Salas and Violeta Dabjija has created a beautiful book.  With the simple phrase "A leaf can be...", Salas explores all of the roles a leaf can play from a water ladle to food maker to frost catcher and more.  Dabjija's gentle and whimsical illustrations are a perfect match to Salas' sparse text making the book completely accessible for younger readers.  The end of the book takes each of the descriptors used in the book and explains them with more details.  There is also a glossary and some further reading which can both be useful resources for a teacher.

A Leaf Can Be would be a wonderful addition to a primary grade level classroom.  It would also make a lovely gift for a young child.

Giveaway Rules:

1. Though comments are very much appreciated, please do not enter any personal information in the comments section (including your email, website, etc.).  If you do enter personal information, you comment will not be posted.

2.  You must complete the Entry Form to officially enter the contest.

3.  The Contest runs from 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on February 8, 2012 to 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on February 15, 2012.

4.  You must be 13 or older to participate in this contest.

5.  If you are selected as a winner, I will notify you by e-mail.  If you do not respond within 48 hours, I will select a new winner.

6.  International participants are welcome to enter the contest.

Follower Love Giveaway Hop

Thank you to Kathy from I am a Reader, Not a Writer and Rachel Renee Anderson for co-hosting this giveaway hop.  Since this is a giveaway hop, don't forget to check the links to more giveaways.

Recently, I read The One and Only Ivan.   It is simply a beautifully told story of a friendship between a Silverback Gorilla and a young elephant.  It will make a perfect read aloud for an elementary classroom.  The giveaway is a copy of the book signed by author, Katherine Applegate. 

Giveaway Rules:

1. Though comments are very much appreciated, please do not enter any personal information in the comments section (including your email, website, etc.).  If you do enter personal information, you comment will not be posted.

2.  You must complete the Entry Form to officially enter the contest.

3.  The Contest runs from 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on February 7, 2012 to 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on February 14, 2012.

4.  You must be 13 or older to participate in this contest.

5.  If you are selected as a winner, I will notify you by e-mail.  If you do not respond within 48 hours, I will select a new winner.

6.  International participants are welcome to enter the contest.

Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns

Author: Rae Carson
Publisher: Greenwillow
Release Date: September 20, 2011
Audience: Young Adult
Source: Purchased in Bookstore
Reviewed by: Renée
Fiction * Fantasy * Adventure * Romance

Description from GoodReads:
Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

I loved this book so much. This has been sitting on my shelf for months, waiting for me to find some time to sit down and read it, and when I saw that it was recently awarded a finalist for the Morris Prize, I decided it was time to give it a try. The Girl of Fire and Thorns is unlike anything I have read in the young adult genre. While it will definitely appeal to fans of Graceling, Blood Red Road, and Tamora Pierce, this novel is something completely new and original (and Rae Carson's writing is incredibly beautiful).

The fantasy world in The Girl of Fire and Thorns is very special. The concept of someone being born every century carrying a Godstone -- a jewel on his/her stomach -- that marks her for greatness by God was a unique twist on the "chosen one" trope that comes up frequently in many pst-Harry Potter series. I loved the way that religion played such a strong role in shaping the characters' destinies, and how it placed this heavy burden on the protagonist, Elisa, to rise to the task. I know that many people, myself included, are wary of novels that even vaguely reference religion, but the spirituality in this book is not of the preachy converting sort. It's more a of a plot device that puts heavier responsibility on Elisa to fulfill her prophecy and acts as a means to emphasizing each character's unique traits, such as loyalty, obedience, and fear. The spirituality in this book definitely will not alienate or offend anyone, and is purely fictional.

Another unique thing about this story was the culture of the characters. Although, it is never stated, many of the characters have names like Alejandro and Humberto, and Spanish-sounding city names, which suggests that they might all be Spanish or Castilian. I really liked this, because the majority of mainstream YA focuses on White Americans or English protagonists, so it was nice to read about a different landscape, foods, architecture, and people for a change. Despite the fantastical/magical elements that characterize a lot of the action and plot development of the story, these cultural touches made it feel very real and excited the traveler in me.

While the writing was truly superb and mature, and the setting was special, the best part of the novel for me was the character development. Elisa is such a great protagonist. She is the overweight, moody, 'dark-skinned' second daughter to the king, and she undergoes such an amazing emotional transformation throughout the book. I liked reading about someone who was genuinely unpopular and insecure in an obvious way (with her being rather plump) and seeing her grow from that and become more than just what people see on the outside. I loved how Rae Carson handled the issue of being overweight and how she made Elisa's maturity and emotional journey something that is not solely tied to whether she loses weight or not. I also loved some of the secondary characters. There were definitely some guys that I loved in the novel -- some who I hope will become more than Elisa's friends and some who I hope just remain as close friends (but I won't spoil it by naming names). Also, I loved Ximena and, eventually, Cosme. I always find it refreshing when young adult books can include some strong female friendships or alliances, instead of always pitting girls against each other as competitors or scheming frauds. Even the villains in the novel were complex, and of a breed that I was not expecting at all. I finished this book and honestly felt like I was being parted from my friends.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns is fantastic, and went immediately to my "favorites" shelf after reading. It is intense, and Rae Carson doesn't hesitate to hurt or kill off characters, so beware. You will become very emotionally attached. The action is non-stop, the heroine is strong, and the romance is so sweet, and it will leaving you dying for Crown of Embers (Book 2).

I write books about teens who must do brave things. I'm originally from California, but I moved to Ohio to marry my husband, who is the smartest and therefore sexiest man I know. We live in Columbus with my teenaged stepsons, who are awesome. My books tend to contain lots of adventure, a little magic and romance, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. I especially love to write about questions I don't know the answers to. Follow her on Twitter: @raecarson

Her website is: http://www.raecarson.com/ 

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday (4)

As part of the Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge 2012 (Twitter: #nfpb2012), my goal is to read and review as many of the new non-fiction picture books that are released this year.  Wednesdays will be my primary day to post the reviews.

If you are participating in the challenge and would like to link your recent reviews, please add your link to the Mr. Linky below.

My journey to read as many nonfiction picture books has been a lot of fun.  I am steadily working through the January releases and beginning to find a few February releases that have made it into the wild.  Here are the four that I read this past week.  I would gladly include any of these to a classroom or school library, and believe that teachers and students will enjoy sharing them in class.

The President's Stuck in a Bathtub: Poems About the Presidents
Author: Susan Katz
Illustrator: Robert Neubecker
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (February 8, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Yes, I know that this is a book of poems.  However, each poem is written about a different president and includes a fact box on each president that supports the information in the poem.  An overall fun book - part poetry, part nonfiction - and just in time for President's Day.

The Camping Trip that Changed America
Author: Barbara Rosenstock
Illustrator: Mordecai Gerstein
Publisher: Penguin Group (January 19, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Though this is more of a fictionalized telling of a fateful camping trip that President Theodore Roosevelt went on with naturalist, John Muir, there is still some great information in this book.  It also is simply an enjoyable read.  I also enjoyed Gerstein's illustrations.

I will be reviewing this one in more detail in the near future.  Look for the review and a giveaway as part of the nonfiction picture book challenge.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Author: William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Publisher: Dial (January 19, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Every once in awhile, I pick up a book and while reading it something really strikes me as interesting or unusual.  With this book, I was amazed by how young Kamkwamba was when he discovered the power of the wind.

This will be another book I will be reviewing in greater length in the near future.  I am also hoping to be able to feature either an interview or guest post with William Kamkwamba.  Did I tell you how much fun I am having with this challenge?

Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (January 24, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade


After reading this picture book, I went in search of a biography on Frederick Douglass.  Though this book is a somewhat dramatized version of the real events, it really moved me emotionally as I read this book.  Just as much as slavery makes me angry, it makes me angry that people would withhold another person's right to read books.  And it makes me admire Frederick Douglass so much more for how passionate he became about reading and writing.

Don't forget to check in next week, when there will be more great books featured and always the possibility of a giveaway.

 

Nonfiction Picture Book Releases February 2012

The Nonfiction Detectives and I are hosting a Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge.  At the beginning of each month, my goal is to post all of the new non-fiction picture books being released over the next 30 days. 

February 1, 2012

*A Blackhole is Not a Hole by Carolyn Cinami Decristofano, Michael Carroll

A Leaf Can Be by Laura Purdie Salas, Illustrated by Violeta Dabija

Snowmobile: Bombardier's Dream Machine by Jules Older

February 8, 2012

The President's Stuck in the Bathtub: Poems About the Presidents by Susan Katz, Illustrated by Robert Neubecker

February 14, 2012

Citizen Scientist by Loree Griffin Burns, Ellen Harasimowicz

*The Impossible Rescue by Martin W. Sandler

There Goes Ted Williams: The Greatest Hitter Whoever Lived by Matt Taveres

Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies, Illustrated by Mark Heard

February 15, 2012

I Lay My Stitches Down: Poems of American Slavery by Cynthia Grady, Illustrated by Michelle Wood

February 16, 2012

Women Explorers by Julia Cummins, Illustrated by Cheryl Harness

February 28, 2012

*Boston's Great Molasses Flood by Deborah Kops

Georgia in Hawaii: When Georgia O'Keeffe Painted What She Pleased by Amy Novesky, Illustrated by Yuyi Morales

The links for the above books will take you directly to the IndieBound.org book page for purchasing information, unless otherwise noted.  Please note, I do not make anything off these links or profit in anyway from posting the links.   If you know of a book that should be included in this list, please include the title and author in the comments section and I will update the list. 

* Indicates Non-fiction children's books that are not specifically picture books.