Book Review: A Black Hole is Not a Hole

Author: Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano
Illustrator: Michael Carroll
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing (February 1, 2012)
Source: Personal Copy
Audience: Ages 9 and up
Nonfiction * Astronomy * Science * Informational Text

Description from Publisher:

Get ready to S-T-R-E-T-C-H your mind!

What is a black hole? Where do they come from? How were they discovered? Can we visit one? Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano takes readers on a ride through the galaxies (ours, and others), answering these questions and many more about the phenomenon known as a black hole.

In lively and often humorous text, the book starts off with a thorough explanation of gravity and the role it plays in the formation of black holes. Paintings by Michael Carroll, coupled with real telescopic images, help readers visualize the facts and ideas presented in the text, such as how light bends, and what a supernova looks like.

A Black Hole Is NOT a Hole is an excellent introduction to an extremely complex scientific concept. Back matter includes a timeline which sums up important findings discussed throughout, while the glossary and index provide a quick point of reference for readers. Children and adults alike will learn a ton of spacey facts in this far-out book that’s sure to excite even the youngest of astrophiles. 

This book is good for your brain because:
Informational text, science, astronomy, photographs, diagrams

My thoughts on the book:
I am on the journey to help teachers understand that good Middle Grade nonfiction does not have to be a random 150 pages long.  If that was the true criteria for a good informational text, then these teachers and their classrooms will be missing out on many amazing books.  A Black Hole is Not a Hole is 74 pages including all the resource pages.  Clearly half the length of the arbitrary page limit set by some teachers.  Yet, I was amazed with both the readability of the text and the information provided for children.

Writers of informational text for children have a challenge. Too much dry techno-babble will turn off most children, except for those who may be highly interested in the subject.  Too little information and teachers won't view it as valuable for learning or as a source for a report.  DeCristofano does a remarkable job providing solid information about the phenomenon of black holes.  With the use of humor, scientific research, and practical analogies, DeCristofano provides basic information for students.  Carroll's illustrations work to provide the visual understanding and compliment DeCristofano's text.

At the end of the book, DeCristofano provides readers with a timeline, glossary, resources, websites, and most importantly an author's note.  She reminds readers that even reliable work can become outdated and that websites should be read with care for reliability. 

Though I tend to like my science in the form of fiction with minimal techno-babble and lots of character development, I will concede that if DeCristofano had been writing nonfiction when I was a child I may have developed other thoughts about science texts.  Teachers and librarians will find this a great resource for their students and a welcome addition to their libraries. 

Check out this interview with author, Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano, on Kirkus:
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/blog/childrens/wonder-science/

You can find more information about the author here:
http://www.carolyndecristofano.com/

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.

Nonfiction Picture Book Reviews

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.  Don't forget to stop by The Nonfiction Detectives for their review and giveaway of A Nation of Hope by Matt de la Peña, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

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

As I started to read through several of the books on the January release list, I began to realize that many of them were filled with accurate facts, but were more a fictionalized account of the lives of famous individuals or retelling of a significant tradition set during a historical time period.  Some present things in a somewhat humorous manner and others take a more serious look at the event or person.  Each of the books listed below did include either a list of factual dates and other important information, or included reference material.  I am excited to add each of these to the school library, and believe that teachers and students will enjoy sharing them in class.
 

A Boy Called Dickens
Author: Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: John Hendrix
Publisher: Random House (January 10, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Ever wonder who was Charles Dickens as a child and where he got his ideas for all of his books, Deborah Hopkinson obviously has.  In her book A Boy Called Dickens, she takes facts about Charles Dickens' childhood and creates a fictionalized story for those facts.  Written almost in the manner of a Dickens' book, Hopkinson captures the essence of Dickens' little known younger years and helps readers develop a connection as to what life experiences may have resulted in material for his future books.

I really loved John Hendrix's illustrations which complimented the text and conjured up images of how I imagined Dickens' London to look like if it were given an almost cartoon-like twist to them.  The additional layer of words and illustrations that incorporated images from scenes from Dickens' books made this enjoyable picture book more of a winner for me. 

Looking At Lincoln
Author/Illustrator: Maria Kalman
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
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.

Those Rebels, Tom & John
Author: Barbara Kerley
Illustrator: Edwin Fotheringham
Publisher: Scholastic Press (January 1, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Many children have heard of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, but they may not be able to tell you much about these two important men.  Part biography, part history, this story seeks to provide information for children to better understand the personalities and contributions made by these two historical figures.  The book is filled with many facts which are compiled in a manner that will provide the reader(s) with historical information layered with humor.

There are several very good Revolutionary time period picture books that seek to provide background for students in a manner that is exciting rather than dry.    Fotheringham's cartoon-like illustrations compliment the text and make this one book to consider adding to your collection.

Ellen's Broom
Author: Kelly Starling Lynons
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Publisher: Penguin (January 5, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

During slavery, African Americans were not allowed to be legally married.  A ceremony involving "jumping the broom" became the traditional way that slave couples would pledge themselves to one another.  In this post Civil War story, a young girl accompanies her parents as they register as lawful husband and wife.  This touching story is based on the author's own family history and shows pride and respect for the traditional customs that were created out of necessity while showing that there was an additional symbol of freedom in being able to participate in legal ceremonies that were once prohibited.  The decorating of the broom and returning it to it's place over the hearth connects the past with the future. 

Don't forget to check in next week, when there will be a special Nonfiction Picture Book giveaway.

What are you reading? Non-fiction Picture Book Reviews

As part of the Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge 2012 (Twitter: #nfpb2012), I am going to attempt 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.  

Here Comes the Girl Scouts: The Amazing All-True Story of Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low and Her Great Adventure
Author: Shana Corey
Illustrator: Hadley Hooper
Publisher: Scholastic Press (January 1, 2012)
Audience:

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, there were likely be a number of books coming out for all age readers.  However, I feel like I have already stumbled upon the best one and there is still another 3 months to go until the official anniversary date of March 12th.  Corey tells the delightful story of Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low who lived at the end of the 19th Century and into the early 20th century.  Low was way ahead of her time in how she viewed life, especially the role women could play in it.  During her travels, Daisy discovered a group called the Boy Scouts and their sister group called Girl Guides in England.  Daisy came back to the United States and on March 12, 1912 began the first Girl Scout meeting.  Corey's narrative text is punctuated with highlighted words and side comments.  Hooper captures the spirit of this adventurous woman and the era she lived in through her illustrations.

I had to pick this book up immediately upon seeing it.  I am already schedule to read it to the two Daisy Troops we have at the school.  Can't wait to see what they think of the book.  

We March
Author/Illustrator: Shane W. Evans
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (January 3, 2012)
Audience:Ages 5 and up

I first discovered Shane W. Evans' work about a year ago when his book Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom came out.  I was struck by the powerful simplicity of both his text and illustrations.  We March is done in a similar manner.  The focus of the story - the march from the Washington Monument to Lincoln Memorial where Martin Luther King, Jr. on August 28, 1963 delivered his "I have a Dream" speech.  The book provides readers with a sense of the emotions experienced particularly by the youngest participants of the event.  A great book to share with young children when talking about Martin Luther King, Jr.
 

Jazz Age Josephine: Dancer, Singer--Who's that, who? Why that's Miss Josephine, to you!
Author: Jonah Winter
Illustrator: Marjorie Priceman
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (January 3, 2012)
Audience:

From the cover, I knew this would be a fun read.  The team of Winter and Priceman match rhythmic text with sassy illustrations for a story that honors the uniqueness of entertainer, Josephine Baker.  After finishing Jazz Age Josephine, I kept thinking that I wanted to hear an audio recording of this book.  The illustrations that accompany the text are fun, quirky, and energetic. The text consequently reads like it should be read with a particular rhythm or voice, a jazzy/scat voice.  An enjoyable biographical picture book to add to a library collection.
   

Ebook/Book App Review - The Strange and Wonderful World of Ants

Title: The Strange and Wonderful World of Ants
App Developer: Amos Latteier, Illustrated by Melinda Matson
Version: 2.0 - April 3, 2011
Price: $1.99
Age Level: Ages 6 to 10
Available on iTunes
Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later.
Language: English
Features:  Read to Me (Beginner Level) * Three Reading Levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)*Optional drag white dot to navigate*Swipe the page turn feature*Extras (Glossary, Questions, Ant Resources)
Settings: Music - Volume Control; Narrator - On/Off Button - Beginning Level Only
Category: Non-fiction, Educational
Website: antsapp.com

Additional Review that may be of interest:  http://digital-storytime.com/review.php?id=70

Description from iTunes:
Explore the amazing world of the ants! The Strange & Wonderful World of Ants is a beautifully designed, educational, and quirky children's iPad App. Its adjustable reading level making it appealing to a wide range of children and adults.

Thoughts on this book app:
This app is brilliant!  I have looked at dozens of apps and though I am not an app designer, I can often think of several suggestions or ideas for how to improve the app.  In the case of The Strange and Wonderful World of Ants by Amos Latteier, I truly don't have any suggestions.  The only request is can we have more non-fiction ebook apps like this one?

This app has three levels - beginner, intermediate, and advanced which allows a parent to share the book with a young child, or a beginning reader to navigate the book independently, or even an adult to enjoy the advanced level information.  From the beginning of the book, there is a very realistic appropriately sized ant named E.O. who helps provide additional information. 

Here is an example of the language used by E.O. at the various levels:

Beginner Level: "Hello, I am E.O. the ant.  I am here to tell you about ants. Ants are everywhere.  Take a look.  Where you can find us?"


Intermediate Level: "Hello, I am E.O. the ant.  I will try to help you understand us ants better. Where can you find ants? Take a look.  You can find us almost everywhere, in the grass, on trees, and between the cracks in the sidewalk."

Advanced Level: "Hello, I'm E.O. the ant.  My nest suggested that I be the ant ambassador to you humans in the hope that you'll understand us better.  Where can you find ants? There are probably some ants in your house right now.  Take a look.  You can find us almost everywhere, in the grass, on trees, and between the cracks in the sidewalk."

iPad Screen shot

The illustrations that accompany the text are large and very detailed.  E.O., the ant ambassador, moves like a real ant, one that seems to have gotten under your iPad screen and is trying to find a way out.  The music that accompanies the text is pleasant.  The swipe feature for turning the pages works well.  You are able to scroll through the pages with a dotted line along the bottom of the book page.  The resources at the end of the book allow the app to be used for discussion or to assist a child with research.   Truly a beautifully created and well-thought out book app.

If you are looking for educational apps to share with your own children or in a classroom setting, I would certainly recommend this app.  Additionally, the price is very right at $1.99.  If you only download one ebook app this month, you may want to consider this one.     

A Reading Challenge for 2012: Non-Fiction Picture Books

As I was reading a few blog posts and comments, I noticed that many of my Twitter friends loved reading fiction but a common response was "I need to read more non-fiction".  I remember 2-1/2 years ago when I discovered some wonderful non-fiction picture books.  It was both exciting and fun.  This gave me an idea.  Why not a Non-fiction Picture Book Reading Challenge?  I put it out there to see who might like to help with the challenge and Cathy & Louise from The Nonfiction Detectives Blog agreed to help host this challenge.  Sarah (@pageintraining) is hosting the Passport Nonfiction over on her blog and will be helping to promote this challenge along with Sylvie (@sylvie_shaffer).

And if you want more of a challenge, Shannon (@mshoughton) is hosting the Sibert Challenge with the hashtag #nerdibert on her blog.  Check it out here. 

We are still working out some of the details but here are the basics of the challenge:

1.  Set a goal as to how many non-fiction picture books you would like to read over the course of 2012.  Maybe you want to read one a month or one a week.  Will they all be from 2012 or will you be reading ones previously published? Set a goal that will be fun and not stressful.

2.  The Nonfiction Detectives and Kid Lit Frenzy (that's me) will host a day each week for sharing or linking back reviews from the books that you have been reading for the challenge.

3. At the end of each month, we hope to do some kind of special non-fiction picture book related giveaway.  Keep an eye out for details.

4.  If you would like to participate in this challenge, please link up your blog or GoodReads Shelf using the Widget below.

5.  If you tweet about what you are reading as part of this challenge, please use the twitter hashtag #nfpb2012.  

6.  Finally, feel free to grab the Challenge image used in this blog.  I am working to get the html for bloggers to grab the badge for their websites.

Good luck everyone and happy reading in 2012.



 

Book Review - Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans

Author/Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Publisher: Balzer & Bray (September 27, 2011)
Audience: Fourth Grade and up
Source: Purchased Hardcover; Audiobook
History * Non-fiction * African Americans

Description from GoodReads:
In his Coretta Scott King Award-winning We Are The Ship, artist Kadir Nelson told the story of Negro League baseball. In Heart and Soul, he widens his scope to cover a wide range of African-American history, from centuries of brutal slavery to the Civil Rights era to the presidential election of Barack Obama. Nelson's focus is on African-American women and men who struggled through adversity while somehow maintain their integrity. This beautifully illustrated hardcover with a message for us all.

In March, I had a wonderful opportunity to hear Kadir Nelson speak and he shared about his work on Heart and Soul.  As a huge Kadir Nelson fan, I wanted to read the book right then but I had to wait a little over six months to finally get my hands on a copy and my first viewing was to just admire the amazing illustrations in this book.  

Recently, a twitter friend (@maryannscheuer) recommended the audiobook.  The initial thought that ran through my mind was "Why would you listen to a Kadir Nelson book?!".  Obviously you would want to read it so that you can experience the amazing artwork.  And at some level this is true.  However, when I heard that Debbie Allen was the narrator, I decided to give it a try.  And it was an amazing experience.  Of course, in this case, I would suggest listening to the audio if you had the book in hand or had previously viewed the pictures.

Allen as narrator brought Nelson's text and illustrations alive.  As I listened to the audiobook, I was reminded of the time I had lunch with an elderly African-American woman.  I sat there realizing how significant it was to hear the stories that this woman could tell.  First-hand accounts that would be lost as more of our elders passed on.  Nelson's choice to use this technique to share the story of American History through the eyes of an African American family is brilliant.  

This is one book that will end up on my best books of 2011 list.  I am glad to have it as part of my personal collection and would recommend it for any teacher or librarian for classroom, school, or public libraries.  

To get a greater sense of the book, I suggest checking out either the NPR link or the YouTube link listed below.        

To listen to an interview with Kadir Nelson on NPR, click here.  

To watch video about Nelson's work on this book, click below:

For more information about Kadir Nelson, check out his website http://www.kadirnelson.com/
You can follow him on Twitter: @kadirnelson 
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kadir.nelson 

Book Review: Pam Allyn's The Best Books For Boys

Author: Pam Allyn
Title: Pam Allyn's Best Books for Boys: How to Engage Boys in Reading in Ways That Will Change Their Lives
Publisher: Scholastic Teaching Resources (May 1, 2011)
Audience: Educators/Librarians/Parents
Source: Copy for Review

Description from GoodReads: 
Get all boys reading with this extraordinary guide—chock-full of a wide range of must-read titles organized by interest, age, and development. With this resource in hand, you'll never again struggle to find the right book for even your most reluctant readers. The carefully chosen book selections are accompanied by brief explanations of each book, and a recurring feature, Talk About It, will help you extend the book through conversation, supporting and enhancing the reading experience. In addition, ready-to-use lessons align with themes and topics of special interest to boys that will motivate and inspire them to read more. Finally, Pam answers your most pressing questions about the challenges for boys as readers and shows you how you can maximize environments, routines, and structures to ensure that boys are reading widely and passionately. For use with Grades K-8.


I must admit that I was slow in discovering Pam Allyn and her wonderful work to support literacy not just here in the United States but also globally.  My staff and I did our best (despite some District events) to celebrate World Read Aloud Day (March 9, 2011).  With a goal to increase student literacy and love for books, how could we not try to participate in some way?  And yet, I'm glad to have discovered Allyn, her books, and her passion for Global Literacy.


So when I was asked to review Allyn's new book - Pam Allyn's Best Books for Boys: How to Engage Boys in Reading in Ways That Will Change Their Lives - it was easy to say yes.  While I was reading the book, I couldn't help but think about teachers that I would like to give a copy to.  This practical resource for parents, teachers, librarians or anyone who cares about children and reading looks at why a book like this was needed as well as provides very practical ways to encourage and support reading with boys.

The book opens with an introduction, and if you tend to skim through introductions or think they aren't important, I encourage you to read this one.  Throughout the whole introduction, I wanted to verbally voice my agreements with her statements and observations.  I nearly cried at the story of Sammy who developed pride in his reading and shouted an emphatic agreement when Allyn indicated that "we need a Title IX for the classroom to equalize the gender opportunities for all..." (p. 8)

And I loved this explanation Allyn gives as to part of the purpose of the book:

"In this book, I will share with you the critical elements for helping boys build confidence, feel like contributing members of a reading world, and stretch the rope so that they can make progress in leaps and bounds." (p. 7)

Within the Key Question and Answer section, Allyn talks about the READ (Ritual, Environment, Access, Dialogue) Model and answers some very important questions about boys and reading.  I am already thinking about how I can use this section of the book as part of a discussion with the teachers that I work with.

As if it wasn't enough for the introduction and first two sections to have information that will just resonate with those who have spent any time with boys.  The final section is an amazing K-8 reading list in annotated bibliography format with talking points for specific books.  Each category looks at books for emerging readers, developing readers, and maturing readers.  The list is filled with old favorites and many new titles.  After reading the book, I find myself wanting to go back to read titles that I have missed or to keep referring the book to every teacher that I know (and librarians too).

If you are looking for a gift for a teacher or a librarian or parent, I would highly recommend Pam Allyn's Best Books for Boys: How to Engage Boys in Reading in Ways That Will Change Their Lives. I know that I will be handing out copies of this to both new and experienced teachers.

For more information about Pam Allyn, check out the following websites -

Her official website:  http://pamallyn.com/
Or her LitWorld page: http://litworld.org/
Or her LitLife page: http://litlifeinfo.com/

Friend her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pamallyn

Follow her on Twitter: @pamallyn

To purchase a copy of the book on Amazon, please go here: http://tinyurl.com/3mmfpwb

From July 1-7, 2011, you also have a chance to win a copy of Pam Allyn's book.  For details, click here.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - How They Croaked: The Awful Ends Of The Awfully Famous

Author:  Georgia Bragg
Illustrator: Kevin O'Malley
Publisher: Bloomsbury Walker (March 15, 2011)
Audience: Grades 5 to 8
Source: Copy for Review
Non-Fiction * Middle Grade * History

Description from GoodReads:
Over the course of history men and women have lived and died. In fact, getting sick and dying can be a big, ugly mess-especially before the modern medical care that we all enjoy today. How They Croaked relays all the gory details of how nineteen world figures gave up the ghost. For example:

It is believed that Henry VIII's remains exploded within his coffin while lying in state.
Doctors "treated" George Washington by draining almost 80 ounces of blood before he finally kicked the bucket.
Right before Beethoven wrote his last notes, doctors drilled a hole in his stomach without any pain medication.
Readers will be interested well past the final curtain, and feel lucky to live in a world with painkillers, X-rays, soap, and 911.

From the title of the book to the cover of the book to the actual content of the book, Bragg has a winner on her hands.  It is fun finding non-fiction that is written in an interesting, easily readable manner.  Each chapter centers on one of nineteen different famous people (many whom are related or connected in some manner) and is followed by two pages of historical facts related to that particular famous person or his/her manner of death. 

How They Croaked is fun in that gross sort of way.  The reader is treated to many of the gory details of how crude medical treatments of the time likely contributed more to the deaths of these famous individuals than possibly the actual diseases.  In a few cases, the causes of their deaths were related to the careers they were consumed by.  For example, I never really thought about how Marie Curie's research would contribute to her death which was caused basically by prolonged exposure to radiation.  

Bragg doesn't hold back with her descriptions but at the same time the tidbits about the lives, loves, relationships and quirky habits of each of these historical figures are woven into each chapter.  Never, in some ways, has history been so fun.  Catchy chapter titles, modern vernacular, and just the right amount of witty humor make each chapter a quick read.  The book can be read in order (which is also chronologically ordered) or can be read by picking and choosing your favorites.  I did a little of both.  However, I will say, the connections between some of the individuals are more evident when reading it in order.  Also, How They Croaked can be read in one sitting or a couple of chapters at a time, but once I got started I had trouble putting it down.

Parents, teachers, librarians looking to entice that elusive male reader may want to suggest that they give this one a read.  And though the book may be listed as being for 5th to 8th graders, I would suggest that this is one book that will be just as likely read by a 5th grader as an adult.  How They Croaked is definitely a book to add to a school library.  My guess is once it is book talked, it won't stay on the shelves for long. 

For more information about Georgia Bragg, check out her website: http://georgiabragg.com/
Here is the link to an interview that NPR did on How , click here to check it out.

* Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays were started by Shannon over at Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe. You can check out her Marvelous Middle Grade Monday choice and Giveaway Post here.

Book Review - Can We Save The Tiger?

Author: Martin Jenkins
Illustrated:  Vicky White
Publisher: Candlewick Press (February 22, 2011)
Audience: Ages 6 to 10
Source: Personal Copy
Non-Fiction * Elementary * Endangered Animals

Description from GoodReads:
Tigers are pretty special — and so are ground iguanas and partula snails and even white-rumped vultures. But these and many other animals are in danger of disappearing altogether, joining the dodo, the marsupial wolf, the great auk, and countless other animals we will never see again. Using the experiences of a few endangered species as examples, Martin Jenkins highlights the ways human behavior can either threaten or conserve the amazing animals that share our planet. Vicky White’s stunning portraits of rare creatures offer a glimpse of nature’s grace and beauty — and give us a powerful reason to preserve it.

It has taken me several months to track this book down. I had heard about it from various teachers and librarians, but none of my local booksellers or libraries had a copy of it.  Just as I was about to order it on-line, I finally came across an actual copy of the book.  While flipping through the book, I was amazed with the illustrations.  Jenkins and White have created an absolutely gorgeous non-fiction picture book focused on a variety of endangered animals.

Can We Save The Tiger? begins by sharing with the reader several animals that will never be seen because they are extinct.  Near each animal illustration are brief facts about the animal.  Jenkins then moves to animals that are endangered.  In simple, concise explanations, the author explains why these animals have been hunted or become endangered and what efforts are being made to save them.  White's illustrations are amazing and bring the text to a new level.

Can We Save The Tiger? will be a great addition to any classroom or  school library.  I'm glad that I finally found this book, and it was well worth the effort it took to find it. If you haven't seen it, I encourage you to find this one and add it to your collection.

Book Review - Jimi: Sounds Like A Rainbow: A Story of Young Jimi Hendrix

Author: Gary Golio
Illustrator: Javaka Steptoe
Publisher: Clarion Books (October 4, 2010)
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12 years
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Description from GoodReads: 
Jimi Hendrix was many things: a superstar, a rebel, a hero, an innovator. But first, he was a boy named Jimmy who loved to draw and paint and listen to records. A boy who played air guitar with a broomstick and longed for a real guitar of his own. A boy who asked himself a question: Could someone paint pictures with sound?
     This a story of a talented child who learns to see, hear, and interpret the world around him in his own unique way. It is also a story of a determined kid with a vision, who worked hard to become a devoted and masterful artist. Jimi Hendrix--a groundbreaking performer whose music shook the very foundations of rock 'n' roll.

Recently, I noticed that someone had mentioned this book on Twitter.  During my next trip to my favorite indie bookstore, I decided to check it out.  I was curious to read a picture book on Jimi Hendrix.  From what point of view would it be told? And what would it chose to focus on? I was pleased with the approach that author Gary Golio uses to tell about Jimi Hendrix the child.  The majority of the book focuses on his early youth, his love of music, and how he discovers his own signature playing style.  The reader learns about the musicians and bands that influenced Hendrix in the early years, as well as, how he began with a ukulele and then a second-hand guitar.  

Steptoe's mixed media focuses on providing a visual representation of Hendrix's music.  The colors splash across the page providing this incredible compliment to the text. 

Golio does a solid job with this biography. And the resources at the end of the book are quite valuable especially if a teacher or student decides to look at them more closely.  This would be a nice addition to a collection on biographies. Jimi: Sounds Like A Rainbow is definitely a book worth checking out.  

Book Review - Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Illustrator: Matt Faulkner
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (September 27, 2005)
Reading Level: Ages 4 to 10 years
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Description from GoodReads:

 

We the people of the United States...

 

Almost Lost Thanksgiving

 

Yes. That's right!

Way back when "skirts were long and hats were tall" Americans were forgetting Thanksgiving, and nobody seemed to care!

Thankfully, Sarah Hale appeared. More steadfast than Plymouth Rock, this lady editor knew the holiday needed saving. But would her recipe for rescue ever convince Congress and the presidents?

Join acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson on a journey of a woman and a pen that spanned four decades, the Civil War, and five presidents, all so you could have your turkey and eat it too!

 Thanks to @mrschureads on Twitter I have a new favorite Thanksgiving Picture Book - THANK YOU, SARAH: THE WOMAN WHO SAVED THANKSGIVING.  This non-fiction picture book tells the story of Sarah Hale.  A woman who was well ahead of her times.  Hale, a mother of five, had a well established career as an advocate, writer, and editor.  She even wrote "Mary Had A Little Lamb".  However, when she discovered that people were not observing Thanksgiving regularly and it was potentially going to be lost as a holiday, Hale began a 38 year letter writing campaign to convince the President to declare it a National Holiday on a set date.  It wasn't until 1863 and Abraham Lincoln that Hale finally met with success. 

Laurie Halse Anderson, though more well-known for her Middle Grade and Young Adult books (SPEAK, CHAINS, FEVER, FORGE, and more), tackles the re-telling of Hale's journey to rescue Thanksgiving in a delightful and humorous manner.  With a bit of irreverency in both text and illustrations, Halse Anderson brings alive Hale's perseverance and tenacity while Faulkner does an excellent job making the text pop with caricature style drawings.  At the end of the story, Halse Anderson challenges readers to "Pick up your pen. Change the world." And Hale certainly did that with her pen.

When I recently read the book aloud to a group of third graders, they were fascinated with the story.  Children wanted to spend time looking at the illustrations which definitely match the tone and intent of Halse Anderson's writing.  This is one book that I am going to need to keep several copies of so that I will always have one to loan out.

So what is your favorite Thanksgiving picture book or chapter book?