Posts tagged Hachette

Character Ed & Picture Books

May 13, 2013 · Filed under Picture Books, Primary (K-2) · Tagged , , , , , , ,

Many picture books can be used to teach character education, and here are some recent books to teach having a positive attitude, courage, friendship, and self-esteem.

RainRain! by Linda Ashman, ill. by Christian Robinson. 9780547733951. 2013. Gr PK-2.

A grouchy old man and an enthusiastic young boy each make their way to the Rain or Shine café, passing along their moods as they go.  Everyone who meets up with the grumpy guy walks away with a scowl on their faces, whereas those who pass the joyful little boy end up smiling and cheerful.  But whose attitude will rub off on the other when they bump into each other in the café?  This Japanese proverb gives a hint: One who smiles rather than rages is always the stronger.

The DarkThe Dark by Lemony Snicket, ill by Jon Klassen. 9780316187480. 2013. Gr PK-2.

Most kids—and adults!—are afraid of something, and Laszlo is no exception.  He is afraid of the dark that lives at his house—in the closet, behind the shower curtain, and mostly in the basement.  One night, Laszlo’s nightlight burns out, and the dark comes to visit him in his room.  The dark tells Laszlo to follow—into the hall, down the stairs, into the basement.  And in the far corner of the basement, the dark tells Laszlo to open the bottom drawer of an old dresser, where Laszlo finds….a new nightlight bulb.  This wonderful book about facing your fears is from the powerhouse talents of Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen.

Grumpy GoatGrumpy Goat by Brett Hellquist. 9780061139536. 2013. Gr PK-2.

Sunny Acres was the friendliest farm in the county—the animals were friends and loved to play together.  Then… Grumpy Goat arrived.  He didn’t want to be friends and chased away anyone who wanted to play.  Finally, after crashing his way through the fence, he wandered to the top of the hill and saw—a dandelion! As he admires the beauty of the flower, the other animals wander closer, and soon all are friends until…one day, Grumpy Goat notices his flower is white, not yellow, and when the wind blows, all the white puffs away.  Will Grumpy Goat become…grumpy again?  This lovely read-aloud shows that friends can help you through good times and bad.

When No One Is WatchingWhen No One Is Watching by Eileen Spinelli, ill. by David A. Johnson. 9780802853035. 2013. Gr K-2.

Shyness can be disabling, keeping a person from doing something he or she might normally like to do.  In Spinelli’s picture book, a little girl loves to dance and leap and spin…when she is alone, but when everyone’s watching, she hides.  She loves to cheer and dunk the ball through the hoop with a whoop…when she plays by herself.  When everyone’s watching, she only passes the ball to a teammate.  But she has a friend—a shy friend—and when they are together, they don’t care who’s watching at all.  This picture book treats a painful feeling with respect and compassion.

TraceyBlogger : Tracey L.

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Telling Family Histories in Picture Books

May 2, 2013 · Filed under Picture Books, Primary (K-2), Social Studies · Tagged , , , , , ,

Everyone has their favorite tales of family histories and traditions, and one of mine is about something that we always did before opening presents on Christmas Eve.

Like most kids, my sisters and I were very excited to open our presents.  We usually did it after dinner, and after the dishes were done, and after Dad finished his bath.  And then—we had to drive to town and look at the Christmas lights.  Our town of Baldwin, Wisconsin, wasn’t very big, but I swear we saw every light that was up.  The longer Dad drove, the more excited we would get.   And every year, just as we thought we had seen them all, Dad would say, “I don’t think we’ve been here yet!” and turn down another street.  My sisters and I would roll our eyes and groan inwardly.  I really don’t remember much of what I got for Christmas as a kid, but I do remember the anticipation!

Each of these picture books tells about a family’s history and can be used to inspire students to find out about the lives of their own parents and grandparents.

Red Kite, Blue KiteRed Kite, Blue Kite by Ji-Li Jiang. 9781423127536. 2013. Gr 1-3.

This book is inspired by the friend of the author, whose family lived in China during the Cultural Revolution.  A little boy and his father love to fly kites together in the city.  When his father is sent to a labor camp, the boy is sent to a nearby village to live with a farmer.  At first his father comes to visit every weekend, but one day he sadly says he will not be able to come for a while.  But—they can still “talk” to each other with their kites:  the boy will fly his red kite every morning, and his father will fly a blue kite every evening.  They will see the kites and know they are thinking of each other.  Bad times are ahead, and the father is sent farther away.  But the boy continues to fly both kites every day.  The themes of family, Chinese history, and world cultures make this a versatile picture book.

Building Our HouseBuilding Our House by Jonathan Bean. 9780374380236. 2013. Gr PK-2.

A little girl and her family leave their old home in the city to build a new house in the country.  While the parents are building the house from scratch—most of it by themselves—the family will be living in a small trailer onsite.  The little girl tells the story of the process as it starts with reading the blueprints, having experts hook up water and electricity, and setting up the foundation.   Readers will be fascinated by the trucks and tools used at the construction site.   The house slowly changes as the seasons pass—and the mom slowly changes, too!  By the time the baby is born, the house is ready.  The book is based on the real-life experience of the author’s parents, told from his older sister’s point of view.

3099232The Matchbox Diary by Paul Fleischman. 9780763646011. 2013. Gr 1-4.

A young girl visits her great-grandfather for the first time, and to break the ice he asks her to pick anything in his room full of collections and he will tell her a story about it.  She brings to him a cigar box full of small matchboxes.  In each matchbox is a small item that the old man had saved from his childhood in Italy, his family’s immigration to the United States, and his life in America.  This was his diary, since no one in his family knew how to read and write.  On her way home, the five-year-old starts her own unwritten diary.  This book is great to use in talking about family histories and can inspire kids to start their own diaries—with or without words.

I tried to continue the Christmas light tradition when I became a mom, but my boys didn’t keep their groans and impatience to themselves.  Maybe when they’re older, they will tell me how much they appreciated it.  Maybe.

I’m not counting on it.

TraceyBlogger : Tracey L.

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Get Up and Dance!

April 18, 2013 · Filed under Picture Books, Primary (K-2), Reviews · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It’s been over two years since I started out the Mackin Books in Bloom blog with a post about ballet picture books, called “Dance, Dance, Dance!”  Here are some more recent picture books about ballerinas, including a few additions to series that I mentioned in the original posting.

Ballerina SwanBallerina Swan by Allegra Kent, illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully. 9780823423736. 2012. Gr PK-2.

From her pond, Sophie could see the dance students in Madam Myrtle’s Dance Studio, and she was intrigued.  She tried to watch through the window, but Madam Myrtle chased her away.  She peeked in from the corner for a few days, but that wasn’t enough—she just had to dance herself.  Despite obstacles, she did her best, and when the dance instructors announced that they would be trying out for the end-of-the-year performance of Swan Lake,  Sophie hopes that she will get a part.  But when the list goes up, she can’t find her name.  Has all her hard work been for nothing?

Vampirina BallerinaVampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie Pace, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 9781423157533. 2012. Gr PK-1.

Pace’s picture book is written as encouragement to a young ballerina.  Don’t worry; don’t be dismayed; mistakes are OK, just do your best—because “the road to ballerinadom can be bumpy.”   The illustrations show, however, that this ballerina wannabe is not your typical dancing student.  She can take classes only in the evening, her fangs frighten the other students, and when she makes mistakes, she tends to turn into a bat.  But the advice is the same no matter if you are human or vampire:  Practice!  Practice!  Practice!

Flora and the FlamingoFlora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle. 9781452110066. 2013. Gr PK-2.

I love words—big words, weird words, old words—so it always surprises me how much I like wordless books.  Flora and the Flamingo is no exception.  These two ballerinas, a little girl and tall bird, are new dancing partners; neither is happy with the situation, and their body language and facial expressions show it.  But as they begin to dance together, even their tumbles help them develop into graceful and gracious partners.  This book has large flaps on several pages, and checking to see what is underneath is vital to the story.  I usually do not suggest lift-the flap books to libraries, but this one is delightful and clever, and I heartily recommend it.

Series additions to books I recommended in my first post:

Miss Lina’s Ballerinas and the Prince by Grace Maccarone, illustrated by Christine Davenier. 9780312649630. 2011. PK-1

Miss Lina’s Ballerinas and the Wicked Wish by Grace Maccarone, illustrated by Christine Davenier. 9781250005809. 2012. PK-1

Tallulah’s Solo by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. 9780547330044. 2012. PK-2.

Tallulah’s Toe Shoes by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. 9780547482231. 2013. PK-2.

Traceylogger : Tracey L.

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Crossover Picks for Teens

April 15, 2013 · Filed under Dystopia, Fiction, High School, Historical, Novels, Realistic · Tagged , , , , , ,

The number of adult books I read last year was embarrassingly low.  I suppose that is fairly typical among those working in the children’s literature field, but I do try to make it a point to pick up some books that I can discuss with my friends.  It’s a bonus if they are good choices for teens as well.  Here are a few titles from 2012 that you can recommend to teens and discuss with your adult friends.

littlecenturyLittle Century by Anna Keesey. June 2012. 9780374192044. Gr. 11-Adult

This historical novel follows 18-year-old Esther Chambers as she heads west at the beginning of the 20th century.  After her mother dies, she is in search of direction in a world that seems full of possibilities.  Esther gets in contact with a distant cousin in a little frontier town in Oregon and travels from her home in Chicago to stay with him until she figures out what she wants to do next.  Once there, Esther finds herself talked into homesteading and caught up in the politics of ranching in a climate where land and water are very valuable.  This is all new to Esther.  She is a city girl, who hadn’t even ridden a horse before, much less experienced the harsh realities of homesteading.  There are definite comparisons to Hattie Big Sky here, and it’s a good choice for fans of historical fiction.

yearofthegadflyYear of the Gadfly by Jennifer Miller. May 2012. 9780547548593. Gr. 11-Adult

All the politics, secrets, and scandals that are typical of high schools everywhere are amped up at Mariana Academy.  The school has seen its share of issues over the years, and now there is an elaborate Code of Conduct to prevent bullying that a secret vigilante group enforces with blackmail.  Iris Dupont is looking for a fresh start at Mariana, but she can’t resist a good mystery.  Iris is determined to use her journalistic instincts to break into the secret society and expose them.  The twists and turns will keep readers guessing in this complex novel.

purePure by Julianna Baggott. February 2012. 9781455503063. Gr. 11-Adult

In the post-apocalyptic world in this novel, most people are disfigured in some way after surviving the Detonations.  The Pures are the ones who live inside the dome that protected them.  Pressia lives a survivor’s life outside the dome, where  she has it relatively good.  Her disfigurement is comparatively minor, and she barely remembers what life was like before.  Partridge lives inside the dome.  He is safe there, but he feels unhappy with the strict rules and his distant father. Partridge is certain that his mother survived the Detonations outside the dome, and he is determined to find her.  Together, Partirdge and Pressia discover secrets that affect both of their lives.  The next book in the trilogy, Fuse, came out in February

Ryan blogged about Pure and other crossover titles in his post about the recently announced Alex Awards.  Check it out!

MindyBlogger: Mindy R.

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Beach Reads for Winter

October 25, 2012 · Filed under Fiction, High School, Humor, Middle School (6-8), Novels, Realistic, Romance, Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Just because the temperature has dropped, and you wouldn’t be caught dead outside in a swimsuit doesn’t mean you can’t still  enjoy some nice, fluffy, chick-litty reads!  So if you’ve just finished re-reading some Austen or Dickens by the fireplace, take a break and try one of these titles.

A Girl Named Digit by Annabel Monaghan.  June, 2012.  9780547668529.  Gr. 7-12.

Seventeen-year-old Farrah is a math genius, a trait that earned her the humiliating nickname Digit in middle school and a fact that she hides now that she’s in high school. When Farrah uncovers a terrorist plot encoded in a popular TV show, she can no longer hide who she really is. On the run from terrorists trying to kill her, Digit embraces her gift in order to help the FBI uncover the truth. And the fact that her FBI handler John is young and attractive? That’s just a bonus. Girls will love this thin, fast-paced novel, and will root for Digit throughout.

Surviving High School by M. Doty.  September, 2012.  9780316220156.  Gr. 7-12.

Freshman Emily Kessler has one goal; to live up to her sister’s legacy.  After a tragic accident takes the life of her sister, Emily feels the pressure to be everything Sara was:  perfect.  Perfect grades, and an Olympic-bound record-breaking swimmer.  There’s just one problem in the form of Ben Kale, Branches High’s heart throb and bad boy.  The closer Emily gets to Ben, the more she realizes that she wants more than perfect grades and a swim record.  But can she convince her father/coach to back down?  And what is the real story behind Sara’s accident?  Readers will root for Emily as she comes to understand what she truly wants.

The List by Siobhan Vivian.  April, 2012.  9780545169172.  Gr. 9-12.

Every year at Mount Washington High School, The List is posted a week before Homecoming, naming the prettiest and ugliest girl in each grade.  Vivian shows how it affects each of the eight girls named on the list.  For sophomore Sarah, being named the ugliest sends her into a protest, refusing to shower or change her clothes to prove just how ugly she can get.  Another girl struggles to balance her new-found popularity with homework, and being named the prettiest junior sends another girl back to her anorexic habits.  While bullying, mean girls and popularity aren’t new topics, Vivian manages to take a fresh look at them through her very realistically portrayed characters.

This will also be my last post for awhile as I am on maternity leave!  I’m taking care of my beautiful little Annabelle, but you may see me on here from time to time!

Lindsey L.

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Graphic Novels for Middle School and High School

April 16, 2012 · Filed under Formats, Graphic Novel, High School, Middle School (6-8) · Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Is your graphic novel collection in dire need of some new titles? It’s your lucky day! Tweens and teens will love reading about Greek mythology, dragons, cowhands, rebels, and vampires. Check out the newest and best graphic titles for yourself (or your students)!

Hades: Lord of the Dead by George O’Connor. 2012. 9781596437616. Gr 5-8.

This amazing graphic novel tells the story of the famous God of the Underworld, who lures the beautiful Persephone into his lair. In the Olympians series, O’Connor uses information from primary documents in his re-tellings of these Greek myths. Action, drama, and romance make this series a perfect companion for fans of  Percy Jackson!

The Last Dragon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Rebecca Guay. 2011. 9781595827982. Gr 6-12.

Tansy, the youngest daughter of the village healer, discovers fireweed, a plant that was last seen 200 years ago when dragons roamed the Earth. Shortly after this discovery, her father goes missing, leaving only his burned herb pouch behind. The town decides that the only logical solution is to find a hero to fight the dragon. Will the village find a hero, or will Tandy have to use the skills of the entire village to save them all? Don’t miss this wonderful folktale.

Best Shot in the West: The Adventures of Nat Love by Patricia C. McKissack and Frederick L. McKissack, illustrated by Randy Duburke. 2012. 9780811857499. Gr 5-10.

Did you know that about a quarter of actual cowhands were African-American? This is a story about the champion horse breaker and rifle shot, Deadwood Dick. Otherwise known as Nat Love, he was a contemporary ‘Billy the Kid;’ born a slave in 1854, he eventually gained his freedom. He won recognition as a cowboy and mastered many things including sharpshooting, driving, and roping. A wonderful, inspirational story that celebrates the life of a legendary American.

Uglies: Shay’s Story by Scott Westerfeld, illustrated by Devin Grayson. 2012. 9780345527226. Gr 7-10.

Fans of Westerfeld’s Uglies and Pretties will enjoy Shay’s narration in this graphic novel spin-off. Shay, a young rebel, travels to the world ruins past the city, where she finds other teenagers wanting to escape their strict lives. Soon she must make a compelling decision: accept the way her society works and get the operation, or be true to herself.

Twilight: The Graphic Novel: 2 by Stephenie Meyer, illustrated by Kim Young. 2011. 9780316133197. Gr 7-12.

The second volume of Twilight: The Graphic Novel completes the graphic adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling novel. Bella has finally uncovered the mysterious secret about Edward Cullen, and has embraced her feelings for him. Will he be able to protect her from a rival clan of vampires, especially the tracker, James? Or will Bella have to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect everyone that is dear to her? An amazing companion to the Twilight Saga, this graphic novel is complemented by Young’s gorgeous artwork.

Kristin J.

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What would YOU do?

February 27, 2012 · Filed under Fiction, High School, Novels, Realistic · Tagged , , , , , ,

One of the best parts of reading fiction is the ability to put yourself into difficult situations without any of the risks of actually being in a spot.  It can be kind of interesting to immerse yourself in a book in which the character is facing a tough decision and wonder what we would do in their place.  What would you do if you were pregnant and on your own as a teenager?  Or if you faced a fifty-fifty chance of inheriting a terminal disease?  Would you get tested?  These books are for the readers who want to explore “what if’s” beyond their own experiences.

In Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan, Eleanor Crowe is pregnant.  She’s only 16, so her choices are pretty limited.  She can go to Kenya with her missionary parents, stay with her snooty sister in California, or marry the baby’s father and live on the grounds of the summer camp his parents run.  She chooses marriage as the option that buys her the most time to make her ultimate decision—whether she will keep the baby or put it up for adoption.  Eleanor’s obstacles feel huge, but she is determined to face them on her own terms no matter what.

Sara Zarr also takes on teen pregnancy in How to Save a Life, but she addresses it from two different perspectives. Mandy is looking for an escape from her emotionally abusive mother and her mother’s sexually abusive boyfriend.  She’s pregnant and not really sure of anything except that she needs to find somewhere safe for her baby.  That’s where Jill and her mother come in to the story, as they have agreed to adopt Mandy’s baby. Well, Jill isn’t entirely on board with the adoption.  As she tells her side of the story, we learn that her father has died unexpectedly, and readers can see that she is clearly still grieving. The two girls are at odds as each tries to make sure that she doesn’t get hurt again.  Zarr’s emotional story follows the girls as they create the futures they want for themselves.  (By the way, I liked this book so much that it made by Top 10 of 2011 list.)

In Someone Else’s Life by Katie Dale, Rosie is also grieving.  She has lost her mother to Huntington’s Disease, and she faces a fifty percent chance of inheriting the disease herself.  As Rosie wrestles with the question of getting tested or not, she receives news that changes everything: she is not her mother’s daughter after all.  She was swapped at birth, and her real family is out there somewhere.  It’s good news as far as the Huntington’s Disease is concerned, but it opens up a whole new set of decisions to make.  Should she track down her real family? What should she do when she finds them?  This drama-filled novel will keep teens guessing as more and more secrets are revealed and new decisions have to be made because of them.

I’m still not sure what I would do in any of these characters’ places, but they each had me thinking about the possibilities.  I can imagine teen girls who like realistic fiction, in particular, will love these books.

Bibliography:

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr. October 2011.

Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan. September 2011.

Someone Else’s Life by Katie Dale. February 2012.

Blogger:  Mindy R.

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New Teen Romances

February 14, 2012 · Filed under Fiction, High School, Novels, Realistic, Romance · Tagged , , , , , ,

One of my first posts on this blog last year was Stand-out Teen Romances, and I thought I’d reprise the post with a few new titles for those who want to spend Valentine’s Day curled up with a good book.

I can’t not mention Stephanie Perkins’ latest, Lola and the Boy Next Door.  This follow-up to Anna and the French Kiss, which I included in last year’s post, is every bit as good as the first book.  Anna and St. Clair take secondary roles in this story, which features Lola—a girl who never wears the same costume twice.  Yes, I said costume.  He wardrobe goes way beyond outfits.  But underneath the wigs and fabric, Lola is just a girl with a crush on the boy next door.  It’s complicated, of course.  Lola has a boyfriend, for one.  There’s a history between them, for another.  Not to mention, there’s a bit of family drama to bring Lola down just when she’s getting things figured out.  Strongly recommended to fans of Anna, but even if you haven’t read that one, don’t miss Lola.

In the tradition of Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Jennifer E. Smith offers a fast-paced romance that goes from first meeting to love in about twenty-four hours in The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.  Hadley and Oliver meet by chance in an airport.  It turns out that they are on the same flight to London and they’ll be sitting near each other on the plane.  A few quirks of fate later and Hadley is running around London in search of Oliver to make sure they don’t lose the connection they found oh-so-randomly in the airport.  This is a book that will make you believe that true love could be around any corner.

Finally, The Future of Us is the highly anticipated sophomore effort from Jay Asher after the phenomenally successful Thirteen Reasons Why.  He teams up with Carolyn Mackler for a trip back to 1996 with two friends who get a unique glimpse into their future via Facebook.  Maybe I’m a bit biased since I was a teenager in the ’90s, but I loved the opportunity to chuckle over all the references to now outdated technology and pop culture.  Teens looking for a romantic comedy should not miss this great collaboration.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Bibliography:

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler. November 2011.

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. September 2011.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith. January 2012.

Blogger:  Mindy R.

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ALA Mock Youth Media Awards – Kristin’s Picks

January 12, 2012 · Filed under Biography, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, High School, Historical, History, Horror, Humor, Intermediate (3-5), Language Arts, Magic, Middle School (6-8), Multicultural, Nonfiction, Novel in Verse, Novels, Paranormal, Picture Books, Primary (K-2), Realistic, Romance, Social Studies, Sports · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

If you are anything like us, you are eagerly anticipating the ALA Youth Media Awards on January 23rd. It’s like the Oscars for librarians, and the Collection Development department at Mackin has definitely been buzzing about their favorite books of the year! I chose to highlight the Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production, Coretta Scott King Book Awards, and—my favorite—the Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. Be sure to tune in next week when Mindy and Lindsey highlight their predictions for the Caldecott, Newbery, and many more! Also, feel free to share with us what you think of our choices as well as what your favorites are!

Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production

Beauty Queens written and narrated by Libba Bray. 2011.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if a plane full of Beauty Queens crashed onto an (almost) deserted island? You’re in luck! Prepare yourself for a clever tale of girl power and sarcastic spoofs on pop culture. As I said in a previous post, I really enjoyed how Libba Bray used theatricality by changing accents and pitch with such ease between characters. Listeners will definitely forget there is only one narrator. My favorite character of all (because of how she was portrayed) was Taylor Rene Krystal Hawkins (yes, that’s all one name). Bray gives this gun-carrying homecoming queen a fantastic drawl that will leave you in stitches! Don’t miss this one, you won’t regret it!

Liesl & Po written by Lauren Oliver, narrated by Jim Dale. 2011.
Children and adults will love this fairy-tale-esque story that centers around three characters. First we have Liesl, a lonely girl who is mourning the death of her father while she is trapped in an attic. Her loneliness is eased when a ghost named Po shows up with his pet, Bundle. Then there is Will, a boy that runs errands for his boss, the Alchemist. How will these three character’s lives collide? You will have to read (or listen) to find out. Once again, Jim Dale does an amazing job of narrating, and he pulls it off as if he is reading a dark bedtime story to the listener. Watch for Dale’s terrific old-lady sneezes and adorable animal noises! They are quite the treat! Lovers of Roald Dahl will especially enjoy this savvy cracked fairy-tale.

Goliath written by Scott Westerfeld, narrated by Alan Cumming. 2011.
Fans of the Leviathan series will enjoy this third and epic final chapter. Alex and Deryn are still aboard Leviathan struggling with their problems. Alex’s parents are dead, he’s the heir to Austria’s throne, and he’s struggling to make sense of things. Deryn has a huge crush on Alex, and she’s a girl disguised as a boy (if found out, she would be guilty of treason and kicked off Leviathan). If Alex and Deryn don’t have enough troubles already, they reach a new level when a new passenger comes aboard—Mr. Nikola Tesla.  Alan Cumming is a remarkable talent and has done a wonderful job narrating the whole Leviathan series. He is quite proficient at alternating between Alek’s German accent and Deryn’s Scottish brogue. Listeners will especially enjoy the Transylvanian sing-song voice for Mr. Nikola Tesla. Cumming provides a witty reminder that the adventures in the Leviathan series are extraordinary, and that the listener should just hang on for the ride!

*Honorable Mentions*:
Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos. 2011.
Forever by Maggie Stiefvater. 2011.

Coretta Scott King Book Awards

Underground by Shane W. Evans
Shane Evans presents a powerful look at the Underground Railroad – The road to freedom. With its few words, “The darkness. / The escape. / We are quiet. / The fear . . . / We run. / We crawl”, this picture book relies more on commanding images to acquaint young readers with the risks that families took to escape slavery. It also captures the pride they experienced upon first reaching freedom. You will be entranced by the author’s night-time collages as they highlight the fearful eyes of the fugitives and the bright stars above on every page. A brief author’s note provides more information about the Underground Railroad, which parents and teachers can use to teach about the history of slavery.

A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. 2011.
This impressive retelling of the 1938 boxing rematch between America’s Joe Louis and Germany’s Max Schmeling will leave readers wanting more picture books from the talented team of de la Peña and Nelson. Kids will appreciate the directness of de la Peña’s free-verse as well as the insistence of Nelson’s paintings. A Nation’s Hope is the sort of book that will have readers wanting more information about historical events and figures. This interest can lead to discussions about racism, tolerance, and good sportsmanship. An amazing story you do not want to miss!

These Hands by Margaret H. Mason, illustrated by Floyd Cooper. 2011.
You will not want to miss this moving picture book that combines the poignant story of a grandfather’s relationship with his grandson, and an unknown piece of the civil rights movement. Mason explains in an author’s note that during the 1950′s and 1960′s, African American workers at bakery factories were allowed to do all sorts of maintenance type work—but they were not allowed to work as bread dough mixers or handlers. This was “because the bosses said/white people would not want to eat bread/touched by these hands.” It is so sad to think that these events actually happened, but they did. This inspirational story will be enjoyed by readers, along with the touching photo-quality illustrations.

*Honorable Mentions*:
Bird in a Box by Andrea Pinkney, illustrated by Sean Qualls. 2011.
Heart and Soul : The Story of America and African Americans, written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. 2011.

Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature

Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol. 2011.
I have mentioned this title in a previous post, but I just had to include it in this category. I really enjoyed this tale of an angst-ridden, curvy teenage girl who desperately tries to abandon her Russian heritage in order to become accepted at school. Just when she thinks things can’t get any worse, she falls down a well. This is where she meets a ghost named Emily. Will Emily be the answer to all of her problems? Don’t miss this amazing graphic novel, which has hints of Coraline, Persepolis, and American Born Chinese.

Chime by Franny Billingsley. 2011.
This is one title that has been buzzed about ever since it was published (so of course I had to include it). After the death of her stepmother, Briony develops a repulsion for herself, a strong need to protect her mentally disabled sister, and a fear of the secret she knows she can never reveal. What is Briony’s secret? She’s a witch in a Victorian-era society that believes witches are guilty of all wrongs, and therefore should be hanged. When she meets a boy named Eldric, she learns that she’s not the only one keeping secrets. The haunting and unforgettable tone that Billingsley weaves into lyrical prose is amazing. Paranormal fans will love this wonderfully written tale of growth, loss, and romance.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. 2011.
Tracey already mentioned this one in a previous post, but I had to include it!

*Honorable Mentions*:
Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt. 2011.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. 2011.
A Monster Calls: Inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim Kay. 2011.

Blogger:  Kristin J.

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Mindy’s Top 10 of 2011

December 19, 2011 · Filed under Fiction, High School, Intermediate (3-5), Nonfiction, Novels, Picture Books, Primary (K-2), Realistic · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Narrowing my favorite books down to just ten titles is a daunting task.  In an attempt to represent the wide variety of book I’ve read this year, I’ve broken my picks into categories.

Books I’ve enjoyed with my preschool age daughter:

Shoe-la-la  

  • Monday is One Day by Arthur Levine – As a working mom, I appreciated this book for its countdown of the days until the parent and child could spend the day together, but it is also a great book for talking about diversity in family structure.
  • Shoe-la-la by Karen Beaumont – This one has also been on the blog before, in Read-alouds for Your Littlest Listeners.  It came out in January, and it is still in regular rotation at my house.
  • Red Sled by Lita Judge – Kristin included this one in her recent post featuring Wintery Picture Books, and it is my choice for celebrating the magic of winter here in Minnesota.  My kiddo’s delighted gasp at the end of the book was enough for it to earn a place on my year-end favorite list.  :)

Fascinating nonfiction:

 Raggin' Jazzin' Rockin'

My favorite fiction:

     

  • Sparrow Road by Sheila O’Connor – Lindsey reviewed this title, and I mentioned it in this post about connecting fiction to the curriculum. I can’t recommend it enough!
  • Summer Before Boys by Nora Raleigh Baskin – I’ve been recommending this book to my adult friends as well as to tween girls for its authentic portrayal of the complexities of female friendship.  I mentioned it in my post about connecting fiction to the curriculum along with Sparrow Road.
  • Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Yelchin – I have a review of this middle grade novel all written and ready to post in January, but don’t wait til then to read this small but powerful novel.
  • Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O’Roark Dowell – I wrote about how I was bound to love this book in my review last March, and here it is on my Top 10 list.  :)
  • How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr – Sara Zarr is certainly proving herself as an author to watch in teen contemporary realistic fiction.  This novel authentically explores the emotional territory of family.  It is one of many books  I’ve read recently that made me cry on my bus commute home from Mackin.

Blogger: Mindy R.

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