Archive for August, 2011

Series Review : Scientists in the Field

August 29, 2011 · Filed under Intermediate (3-5), Mackin Picks, Middle School (6-8), Nonfiction, Reviews, Science · Tagged , , , , , ,

Science educational standards for most states include scientific methodology, and Scientists in the Fieldis a great series to use for teaching kids in intermediate grades and middle school about the work of scientists.  Each book in the series follows real scientists as they seek to understand a specific topic in biology, zoology, earth science, astronomy, and more.  Authors and photographers follow real scientists out in the field, showing that science is more than cold laboratories and white coats.  Doing science is dirty, strenuous work, and can sometimes be very disappointing.

My favorite books in this series are usually about animals.  I especially liked Saving the Ghost of the Mountain : An Expedition Among Snow Leopards in Mongolia, in which author Sy Montgomery and photographer Nic Bishop joined scientist Tom McCarthy as he searched for these almost invisible felines in Mongolia.  They climbed steep mountain trails, collected samples—usually of scat (scientific term for poop)—and set up cameras to try to detect the snow leopard.  A good lesson taught in this book is that scientists do not always reach their goal; despite the information that they did uncover, no sign of a snow leopard was seen on this expedition.

Another favorite of mine is Kakapo Rescue : Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot, again by Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop. This time they travel to a small island off the coast of New Zealand where scientists are struggling to keep this small ground parrot from going extinct.  Again, despite all of the efforts of the scientists, they are not able protect every baby kakapo.  Kakapo Rescue won the 2011 Robert F. Sibert Medal for informational books for children.

Two new books in the series have come out in 2011.  In The Manatee Scientists : Saving Vulnerable Species, Peter Lourie travels to Florida, Senegal, the Amazon, and West Africa, and follows three scientists as they work to save the manatees from human encroachment, environmental hazards, and being hunted.  These scientists make an aerial count of manatees in Florida, try to save manatees trapped in a dam in Senegal, and search for a young manatee released into the Amazonian wild.

In The Elephant Scientist, scientist/photographer Caitlin O’Connell studies elephant behavior, especially the way they communicate.  While watching a family group heading toward a water hole, she saw them suddenly come to a stop while the matriarch leaned forward on her front feet.  She recognized this behavior from her studies of much smaller animals, including insects and scorpions, that communicate through their legs and feet.  Could it be that elephants also communicate with their limbs? Author Donna M. Jackson and photographer Timothy Rodwell travel along as Caitlin researches her theory.

Check out the over 20 titles in this fascinating and on-going series.

Bibliography:

The Elephant Scientist by Donna M. Jackson. 2011.

Kakapo Rescue : Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot by Sy Montgomery. 2010.

The Manatee Scientists : Saving Vulnerable Species by Peter Lourie. 2011.

Saving the Ghost of the Mountain : An Expedition Among Snow Leopards in Mongolia by Sy Montgomery. 2009.

OTHER ANIMAL TITLES in the Scientists in the Field series:

The Bat Scientists by Mary Kay Carson. 2010.

Emi and the Rhino Scientist by Mary Kay Carson. 2007.

The Frog Scientist by Pamela S. Turner. 2009.

The Hive Detectives : Chronicle of a Honey Bee Catastrophe by Loree Griffin Burns. 2010.

Project Seahorse by Pamela S. Turner. 2010.

Quest for the Tree Kangaroo : An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea by Sy Montgomery. 2006.

The Whale Scientists : Solving the Mystery of Whale Strandings by Fran Hodgkins. 2007.

Whaling Season : A Year in the Life of an Arctic Whale Scientist by Peter Lourie. 2009.

The Woods Scientist by Stephen R. Swinburne. 2002.

Blogger: Tracey L.

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Book Review: Blood Magic

August 25, 2011 · Filed under Fiction, High School, Horror, Novels, Paranormal, Reviews, Romance · Tagged , , , , , , ,

Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton. 2011.

Nothing has felt quite right to Silla Kennicot ever since her parents’ horrific deaths. That is, until a mysterious spell book arrives, a book that she believes will help resolve many unanswered questions. The spells in this magical book are very different from your typical ‘double, double toil and trouble’ witchcraft. These spells require only one ingredient: blood.

In her first attempt at performing magic, Silla is discovered by Nick, the new boy in town. Little does she realize that Nick is all too familiar with the allure of blood magic. Together, they venture into the world of dark magic, not knowing that a hundred-year-old blood witch is hot on their trail to reclaim the spell book and all of its power. If you are interested in a fresh insight into the world of magic, along with a pulse-racing story..Blood Magic is for you!

Blood Magic amazed me in so many ways. I loved the dual narrative between Silla and Nick. The frequent switching of perspectives between chapters intrigued me and engaged me in the story. This approach also helped me to see how their relationship develops from both sides, which I thought was an added touch for this dark Southern Gothic type novel.

The flashback diary entries were another wonderful edition to this novel. Going into the mind of Josephine Darley (the blood witch) was quite the experience! At first, her diary entries seemed harmless but as time goes on the reader will see a different side of her–a more dangerous and sinister side–that becomes more apparent in the present-day plot.

Just a friendly warning: if blood makes you queasy this novel might not be for you. Blood is featured pretty often (hence the title), with some disturbing scenes that are definitely not for the faint of heart (this is also why we recommend it for high school students). Despite some gruesome scenes, this novel will definitely appeal to teenage girls who love dark and disturbing paranormal elements, romance, and magic.

Be prepared for a shocking ending and serious repercussions. Believe me, it threw me for a loop! Blood Magic definitely has me anticipating its companion novel, The Blood Keeper, which comes out in Summer 2012.

On a more personal note, I had the amazing opportunity to meet Tessa Gratton on the Forever book tour with Maggie Stiefvater last month. It was so lovely to meet her (since I am a huge fan of hers) and express my excitement for her debut novel. Inside my copy of Blood Magic she signed it: ‘Beware body-snatchers.’ If that doesn’t give you a clue to how impressive her novel is, I don’t know what does!

Blogger: Kristin J.

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Exploring Addiction and Recovery in Teen Fiction

August 22, 2011 · Filed under Fiction, High School, Novels, Realistic · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

There are many books, both fiction and nonfiction, about the dangers of drug abuse for teens, but there are decidedly fewer about quitting drugs.  Since September, National Recovery Month, is just around the corner, it seems like a good time to highlight a few recent teen novels that let teens glimpse what it is like to try to get and stay clean.

Recovery Road by Blake Nelson was the book that inspired this post. It was as I read this book that I realized how few teen books took the reader beyond the moment when the user decides to get help.  That’s where this one begins. Maddie was a party girl.  Her friends called her Mad Dog Maddie because of the things she would do when she was drunk or on something.  Now she’s in treatment, and she’s not sure who she is anymore.  This book is an honest look at recovery, relapse, and resolve, which I think is an important addition to teen lit.

Do you remember Colleen from Stoner & Spaz?  Her story isn’t over.  Published nine years after the earlier book, Now Playing picks up right where Stoner & Spaz left off.  Seen through the eyes of Ben, who struggles with Colleen’s relapses, the story follows Colleen’s ups and downs as she tries to stay sober.  To Ben, a sheltered teen with cerebral palsy, Colleen is magnetic, but she is also a mystery.  He doesn’t know if they are friends or more-than-friends.  He never knows what she’s going to do next, but he does know that she gets him more than anyone else.  And he needs that as he tracks down his long-lost mom, much to the dismay of the grandmother who raised him. This is a strong follow-up to a novel that has become a classic of teen literature. (As a side note for libraries who need to replace their copy of Stoner & Spaz, there is a new paperback/Mackin-bound edition in print as of August 2011.)

Amy Reed takes us into a rehab facility in Clean.  It alternates perspectives between five different teens who have all turned to drugs or alcohol for different reasons.  Each of them are forced to evaluate themselves in therapy as part of their recovery, which makes for some heart-wrenching scenes.  This is a fast read with appeal to fans of Ellen Hopkins or other issue books.

Bibliography:

Clean by Amy Reed. 2011.
Now Playing : Stoner & Spaz II by Ron Koertge. 2011.
Recovery Road by Blake Nelson. 2011.
Stoner & Spaz by Ron Koertge. 2002.

Blogger: Mindy R.

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Graphic Novel: Level Up

August 18, 2011 · Filed under Graphic Novel, High School, Paranormal, Reviews · Tagged , , , ,

Level Up by Gene Luen Yang, art by Thien Pham. 2011.

Every parent’s dream for their children is drawn (no pun intended) to its highest level.  All that Dennis Ouyang’s parents wanted for their son was for him to grow up, finish college, graduate from medical school, and become specifically a gastroenterologist.  Gastroenterology is the study of the digestive system.  Not an easy future for a young boy in the third grade to consider.

But like most children of immigrant parents, Dennis complies with their directives.   It is only after his father’s death that he pursues his true passion–video games!  However, the video games eventually interfere with his studies, and he is kicked out of college.

Fortunately, Dennis has four angels that help “persuade” the dean to reconsider his expulsion.  The four angels help him with his daily chores, including the dishes and laundry, so that he can focus on his studies.

Sounds really cool, huh???  Now consider this story written by the award-winning graphic novelist Gene Yang (American Born Chinese) and expect an awesome story with a Hitchcock-type ending.  Thien Pham’s straightforward art combined with the traditional request of immigrant parents make this a familiar topic for many first-generation readers.

This graphic novel is recommended for 8th grade and up (mild language).

Blogger:  Tuan N

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Dirty Bodies and Filthy Houses : A History

August 15, 2011 · Filed under High School, History, Intermediate (3-5), Middle School (6-8), Nonfiction, Primary (K-2) · Tagged , , , , ,

I’ve never claimed to have a clean house.  In fact, with two dogs and three young men living in my house, I’ve pretty given up on anything close to a pristine environment.

Aayla, our Lab mix, is in the midst of a shed, and clumps and tumbleweeds of her hair can be found everywhere.  Nose- and paw-prints mar the view of the backyard through my patio door. Dried baked beans always seem to be part of the decor on my stove top. Twisty-ties don’t make it back onto the bread bag or into the garbage.

And lest you think only the boys and the dogs are to blame, I must confess that my dusting still isn’t done.

So I was intrigued when I saw these books on the histories of personal and household cleanliness (or lack of it).

When they were younger, my boys complained about cleaning their rooms…just as I did when I was young. Why Do I Have to Make My Bed? : or, A History of Messy Rooms explores bed making and other cleaning duties that, throughout history, were on children’s chore charts. This picture book takes a humorous look at everyday tasks when the narrator’s grandmother was a child, and then keeps going back in time through life in colonial America, with the Vikings, and all the way back to cave times.

A picture book for intermediate grades, Big Wig : A Little History of Hair focuses on how hairstyles have changed throughout history, and I include it here because these fashions affected personal cleanliness. In ancient Egypt, people shaved their heads to get rid of bugs and wore wigs to protect bald heads from sunburn. Women in the court of Marie Antoinette weaved various items into their hair—even a birdcage with live birds. And cures for baldness included everything from roasted mice, horse teeth, and deer marrow, to goat pee and pigeon poop.  Krull includes additional facts (“Hair Extensions”) at the end of this outrageous and funny history.

I expected Poop Happened! : A History of the World from the Bottom Up to be just a gross book, perfect for reluctant readers. It IS gross, and it IS perfect for reluctant readers, but it is also very funny and wonderfully informative. Poop Happened isn’t a science book about the digestive system; rather, it is the history of human sanitation and how it affected the development of civilization, and it should be recommended to social studies teachers from fifth grade to high school. Albee’s discussion of all things poo include inventions, discoveries, diseases, and plagues; and side-bars highlight “Hygiene Heroes,” bathroom fashions, and occupations. (Once a knight was in his armor, he could take no bathroom breaks; when he finally got out, one of his squire’s duties was to clean it out.) This book is not just for kids—my oldest sister thought it was great.

In Bill Bryson’s newest book, At Home : A Short History of Private Life, he travels throughout his house, providing a history of the ordinary items found in each room. Though the chapter on the bathroom specifically discusses hygiene and human elimination habits (even in royal abodes, people “went” in corners, hallways, wherever), every chapter made me happy that I live in cleaner times. Bryson’s usual droll humor makes this an entertaining and fascinating read.  At Home is marketed as an adult book, but older teens with an interest in history and trivia should also enjoy it.

Hmmm… now that I’ve read these books, I think my house actually sparkles, in spite of the dust!

Bibliography:

At Home : A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson. 2010.

Big Wig : A Little History of Hair by Kathleen Krull. 2011.

Poop Happened! : A History of the World from the Bottom Up by Sarah Albee. 2010.

Why Do I Have to Make My Bed? : or, A History of Messy Rooms by Wade Bradford. 2011.

Blogger: Tracey L.

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Book Review: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

August 11, 2011 · Filed under Fantasy, Fiction, High School, Horror, Novels, Reviews · Tagged , , , ,

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. 2011.

Ransom Riggs’ first novel is not only creep-tastic, it is a well-developed story that will have you fascinated until the very end. The story begins with the reader learning about Jacob’s profound relationship with his grandfather Abe. Abe was a Jewish refugee from the Nazis who found a home at Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children before enlisting in WWII. Growing up, Jacob was mystified by the stories of his grandfather’s adventures with children who had specific abilities such as invisibility and levitation. He also learned about the horrific monsters that were a constant threat.

Now, at 16, Jacob believes that his grandfather made up the peculiar children in order to deal with his emotional past. One day while Jacob is at work, he receives a panicked phone call from his father about his grandfather. His dad believes that Abe has gone mad, since he is agitated about the ‘monsters’ even more than usual (and he also demands the key to his gun cabinet). After work, Jacob goes with a friend to check on him. Will Jacob be able to reassure his grandfather that there isn’t any danger? Or will he find out that his grandfather wasn’t just telling fairy-tales?

I thoroughly enjoyed Miss Peregrine’s School for Peculiar Children and I cannot wait for the sequel! Yes, there will be a sequel! One of the many things to note about this amazing story are the vintage photographs that are included. They definitely sent shivers down my spine when paired with the well-drawn story. On his website, Riggs talks about the photos specifically: “I have an unusual hobby: I collect snapshots of people I don’t know.  I started collecting a few years ago — at swap meets, antique shops and the like — but the thing that got me started wasn’t the photos themselves so much as the scribbles I’d sometimes find on the backs.”

Are you intrigued yet?

I thought so!

Besides the creepiness associated with this story, the characters are positively authentic and well-played throughout (especially later in the story). Being the main character, Jacob is very believable, and I began to sympathize with him from the very beginning. I also favored the pacing of the novel because of how grandfather Abe’s long lost secrets were interwoven and realized. Teens and adults alike will enjoy this unique and entertaining literature roller-coaster for years to come!

Blogger: Kristin J.

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Book Review: The Abandoned Lighthouse

August 8, 2011 · Filed under Fantasy, Fiction, Primary (K-2), Reviews · Tagged , , , , ,

The Abandoned Lighthouse by Albert Lamb and David McPhail (illustrator). 2011.

This book may be named for the lighthouse, but it is the rowboat that will pique readers’ curiosity.

A bear finds a boat and accidentally floats away.  A boy and his dog do the same thing.  All three end up at an abandoned lighthouse together, where they catch some fish, cook dinner, and lay down for the night.  Soon they are awakened by a storm just in time to see a large ship coming straight for the lighthouse.  The boy and the bear work together to light the lamp which guides the ship onto a safer course.  In the morning, the bear, the boy, and the dog take the rowboat back to their homes, and the ship reaches its destination without incident.  The rowboat drifts in the sea, open to the possibilities of the tides.

This 32-page book is about the size of an early reader.  The spare text is easy to read, and the illustrations, which also have a spare-ness to them, pair with the narrative well.  There is a mystical quality to the story that raises more questions than it answers.  It won’t be every reader’s cup of tea, but it may have kids dreaming up their own adventures.  While this book can be read as a simple story, it might also be an opportunity for independent readers to explore a dreamlike world where coincidences happen and kids and animals can save the day.

Blogger: Mindy R.

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Book Review: A Tale of Two Castles

August 4, 2011 · Filed under Fantasy, Fiction, Intermediate (3-5), Middle School (6-8), Reviews · Tagged , , , , , , ,

A Tale of Two Castles by Gail Carson Levine. May, 2011

At the age of twelve, sorry, fourteen, Elodie bids her parents farewell and crosses the sea for the City of Two Castles. Her parents think she will become a weaver’s apprentice, but Elodie has bigger plans in mind. She is determined to become a masioner’s apprentice to learn how to captivate audiences from the stage. Elodie’s journey immediately sours as she learns that free apprenticeships have been abolished, and her only bit of money is stolen by a thieving cat. Elodie, determined to be a masioner, offers her free services for 15 years if a masioner will take her on as an apprentice. Rejected, starving, and alone, Elodie goes against her father’s warning of befriending dragons and ogres and agrees to work for Mistress Meenore, the city’s resident dragon. Elodie agrees to be Meenore’s assistant and goes undercover to solve the mystery of the ogre Count Jonty Um’s missing dog. But when she uncovers a more sinister plot against the ogre himself, it will take all of Elodie masioner talent to save the day.

I absolutely loved Ella Enchanted when it came out, and this latest novel by Levine has the same feel and personality. Elodie is a fantastic female lead. She’s resourceful, smart, feisty, and determined to succeed.  My favorite part of the book was Elodie’s audition to be a masioner’s apprentice. She plays Thisbe, grieving over the body of her love Pyramus. By this time, Elodie is practically starving so she pretends the apples on the table are her lost love. “ ‘O Pyramus…’ O Apple. ‘…do you yet breathe?’ Do you yet have pulp and juice?” It cracked me up. I also enjoyed reading Mistress Meenore’s Holmesian deductions about the mysteries around her. Girls will naturally be drawn to this book, but I also think boys would like it since it isn’t very heavy on romance and focuses more on the mysteries that surround Elodie and her friends. I for one hope for many more adventures with Elodie, Count Jonty Um and Mistress Meenore.

And if you’re looking for another great story featuring a feisty heroine and a dragon, try The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente. 

Lindsey L.

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Getting Ready for Kindergarten

August 1, 2011 · Filed under Picture Books, Primary (K-2) · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As the first day of school approaches, parents and preschool teachers are getting their soon-to-be kindergarteners ready.  They may be reviewing skills, visiting the new school, and talking about the upcoming changes.  Kindergarten teachers and school librarians will want to be ready, too, with the newest books to share with their newest students.

 

Parents and preschool teachers can build children’s confidence by reviewing basic concepts with Valorie Worth’s Everything I Need to Know Before I’m Five.  This brightly colored concept book covers numbers, letters, colors, and more with Worth’s signature toy photography.  Denise Fleming’s Shout! Shout it Out! Is another basic concept book for preschoolers and kindergarteners. This brightly colored book is perfect for group sharing, and it is sure to get even the quietest kids shouting out the answers.

The latest title in the Mrs. Madoff series from Anne and Lizzy Rockwell is all about the first day of school.  Though the story is about returning to school rather than starting kindergarten, it may set kids’ minds at ease as it follows the various steps in preparing for a new school year.  The series presents clear introductions to special days throughout the year in an inviting classroom setting.

Judy Sierra, author of one of my favorite picture books, Wild About Books, takes on the first day of school in her latest book, We Love Our School.  This read-together rebus will be a fun book to share with kids who want to “read” the pictures along with you.

Wow! School! is newly available in a paperback or Mackinbound edition.  Neubecker’s bright and enthusiastic format worked in Wow! City! And Wow! America!, and the same enthusiasm follows Izzy on her first day of school to great effect.  This book was first published in 2007, and it is still a solid purchase in paperback for libraries serving preschoolers and kindergarteners.

If you’re looking for something a little different, try Back to School Tortoise, in which a Tortoise worries about all the things that could go wrong on the first day of school.  He goes through all sorts of terrible “what if” situations in his head before he starts thinking about the positive things that might happen.  The twist at the end (Tortoise isn’t who you think he is) will be reassuring to kids who think that they are the only ones who worry.

These books are full of enthusiasm, information, and assurance for the new school year.  It’s going to be a great year!

Bibliography:

Back to School Tortoise by Lucy George. 2011.

Everything I Need to Know Before I’m Five by Valorie Worth. 2011.

First Day of School by Anne Rockwell. 2011.

Shout! Shout it Out! by Denise Fleming.  2011.

We Love Our School by Judy Sierra. 2011.

Wow! School! By Bob Neubecker. 2011 (pbk.)

Blogger: Mindy R.

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