Shelf-employed

Monday Morning Miscellany

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:00:00 PST

First up,

It's Nonfiction Monday again. Please be sure to visit host, Wendie's Wanderings to read today's posts. I've got no reviews to offer today, however, I did read this book yesterday and loved it for its beautiful photos, sweet story, and simple sentence structure (perfect for sharing with little ones at storytime):

(Be assured that the quality of the book's photos exceeds the quality of the book trailer video.) A curiosity about this decidedly nonfiction book - the copyright page lists the classifying subject headings as the following:

1. Orangutan – Juvenile fiction. 2. Dogs – Juvenile fiction. [1. Orangutan – Fiction. 2. Dogs – Fiction. 3. Wildlife refuges – Fiction. 4. South Carolina – Fiction.]

I sent a note to the publisher to inquire if this is an error or a choice, but haven't had a response yet. This is not the first time that I've seen erroneous cataloging information in print. Can someone who is familiar with publishing enlighten me as to the source of the classifications? I'm a curious sort.

Next,

After many, many tries, I was finally successful in logging in to my White House account and signing the petition to

Ensure that every child in America has access to an effective school library program.

If you haven't signed the petition, please do. (You must create a White House account before signing.) The log in process seems to be temperamental. Please keep trying! As I'm writing, 4411 signatures are still needed by February 4, to ensure a response from the President. Do yourself, your children, your students, your school, and your community a favor and support strong school library programs.

Finally,

Next Monday, February 6, I'll be featuring an interview with Marcia Vaughan, author of 2012 Sydney Taylor Book Award honor winner, Irena's Jars of Secrets (Lee & Low 2011).

Ms. Vaughan's visit here is part of the larger Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour 2012. The tour kicks off on February 5 with the following:

Susan Campbell Bartoletti, author of Naamah and the Ark at NightSydney Taylor Honor Award winner in the Younger Readers Category
at Ima On & Off the Bima

Holly Meade, illustrator of Naamah and the Ark at NightSydney Taylor Honor Award winner in the Younger Readers Category
at Into the Wardrobe

Shelley Sommer, author of Hammerin' Hank Greenberg, Baseball PioneerSydney Taylor Honor Award winner in the Older Readers Category
at Great Kid Books

The complete schedule is available at the Association of Jewish Libraries blog, "People of the Books." Follow the tour and support the authors and illustrators of this year's winners!

Have a great week!

Saint Louis Armstrong Beach - a review

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:08:34 PST

Woods, Brenda. 2011. Saint Louis Armstrong Beach. New York: Nancy Paulsen (Penguin Group)

It's hard to believe that I'm labeling a book about Hurricane Katrina "historical fiction," but to middle-grade readers, that's exactly what it is. While memories of Katrina are still fresh in the minds of New Orleans and Gulf Coast residents, 2005 is a lifetime ago for a 5th grader, born in 2001.

This first-person fictionalized account of 11-year-old Saint Louis Armstrong Beach (named for his grandfather King Saint and the famous trumpeter), tells the brief story of the run-up to Hurricane Katrina, the storm (in which he is trapped with an elderly neighbor), and its aftermath. With freakish good luck and a family with money and decent jobs, Saint will fare better than many, if not most, New Orleanians actually did. However, Saint Louis Armstrong Beach: A Novel (a boy, a dog, and the hurricane that almost separated them) serves as an excellent middle-grade introduction to this important page in American history. The plight of the less fortunate provides a backdrop for Saint's story. When he wonders why others are not evacuating to shelter in other cities, his father reminds him that not all people can leave,

"And who's gonna pay for that? Some people got no jobs, others got no money, and when I say no money ... I mean no money. Some people got nuthin' except the clothes on their backs, Saint."
"Money's real important, huh?"
"Yep, but what you do with it is even more important. Most a the people who claim money's not important are folks who have plenty of it. You remember that."

If it's a tad didactic and Saint is a tad too saintly, so be it. Sometimes we need the obvious lesson. A short (136 pages) and accessible book for young readers. Light on scientific information, pair this one with an appropriate nonfiction title.

Brenda Woods is a Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner for The Red Rose Box.

Other reviews @
Kirkus Reviews
Waking Brain Cells
Bermuda Onion's Weblog

Teachers, there's a Reader's Companion for Saint Louis Armstrong Beach.

A Leaf Can Be ... a review

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:55:36 PST

Salas, Laura Purdie. 2012. A Leaf Can Be ... . Illustrated by Violeta Dabija. Minneapolis: Millbrook.
Advance Reader Copy supplied by NetGalley.

What's better than a beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book? One that can be used to delight preschoolers, introduce poetry, or present science concepts. A Leaf Can Be... does it all.

Introductory stanzas give way to descriptive phrases of a leaf's many uses and manifestations,

A leaf is a leaf -
a bit of a tree.
But when cool days come chasing,
it also can be a ...

Wind rider
Lake glider
Pile grower
Hill grow-er

The font is simple and pleasing, like printing with a fine point gel pen.

The illustrations, depicting each thing that "a leaf can be," are nothing less than enchanting. Blue is the color that anchors this journey through seasons and locales - posing as the sky, a lake, a hint of frost, the rainwater gathered in the palm of a leaf. Though whimsically drawn, the trees, people and animals in Dabija's paintings are rendered in the colors of nature - not the muted colors of nature, but nature in its most vibrant, most spectacular displays. Her use of "speckling" gives each illustration a hint of magic or fancy.

Also included are:

"Glossary"
"Further Reading."
"More About Leaves," in which each descriptive tree phrase used throughout the book is explained,

Mouth filler - leaves can be tasty! Apes, giraffes, insects and many other animals eat leaves. Humans do too. Have you eaten lettuce or spinach lately?

Highly recommended. It's early in the year, but I think this will be a favorite!

Manufactured in the United States of America.

Check Laura Purdie Salas' site for a teaching guide and bookmarks, coming soon.

Due on shelves March 1, 2012. (You can request it now on NetGalley from Lerner Publishing. Don't read this one on a black and white reader!)

It's Nonfiction Monday and I'm today's host.

Please leave your link below and visit the other links. If you have trouble using Inlinkz, leave your link in the comments and I will add it to today's roundup.

Thanks for participating in today's Nonfiction Monday roundup.

Today's guests include:

Gathering Books

Ms. Yingling Reads
Prose and Kahn
The Nonfiction Detectives
NC Teacher Stuff
Archimedes Notebook
Hope is the Word
Jean Little Library
Anantomy of Nonfiction
Wrapped in Foil
The Fourth Musketeer
Geo Librarian
Check it Out
Apples with Many Seeds
Better with a Book
100 Scope Notes
Nonfiction Book Blast

Don't forget! You can watch the ALA Youth Media Awards announcements live from Dallas today, beginning at 7:30 am.

ALA Youth Media Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:18:57 PST

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the day that the winners of the ALA Youth Media Awards will be announced at ALA Midwinter in Dallas.

ALA will host a live webcast of the event, beginning at 7:30am CT.

I can't wait to hear the winners, and hope I've read them all. Next week, I'm planning a storytime based on Caldecott Medal winners. I'm hoping to share the winner with my storytime crowd (unless, of course, its a behemoth like The Invention of Hugo Cabret - you never know)

While you're waiting for the winners to be announced, feel free to enjoy this video which "captures Newbery Award-Winning authors Virginia Hamilton and Jean Craighead George talking about how those awards (for Julie of the Wolves and M.C. Higgins The Great respectively) changed their lives."

Video provided courtesy of Open Road Media.

Tomorrow is also Nonfiction Monday and the roundup will be here.

Ghetto Cowboy - a review

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:15:56 PST

Neri. G. 2011. Ghetto Cowboy. Ill. by Jesse Joshua Watson. Somerville, MA: Candlewick.

Advance Review Copy supplied by publisher

Like Byron Watson's Michigan mother in Christopher Paul Curtis',The Watsons go to Birmingham 1963, Cole's mother, too, is at the end of her rope, nerves frayed by his constant juvenile delinquency. In desperation, she takes Cole south - from the Motor City to the City of Brotherly Love, where she leaves him unceremoniously with his father, a black cowboy in a small ghetto neighborhood of North Philadelphia, where he must get to know the father he's never met, come to terms with his own shortcomings, and learn to survive "the Cowboy Way," in this inner city version of the Old West.

Though this first person account features a hardened kid from the city living within earshot of nightly gang violence, Ghetto Cowboy is a novel of hope and possibility. It is about the love of horses and the ability of poor people to care for them, and for one another. It is a story in which people, even "bad" people, sometimes do the right thing,

They come up to do whatever they can to help. Some people is carpenters, some electricians, some handymen; some is just kids who don't know nothing. But a body is a body that can help out somehow.

"...a body is a body that can help out somehow." Amen to that.

Black and white illustrations help bring this unique culture to life. My particular favorite is a double-spread of the neighborhood cowboys and Cole, relaxing in the evening, in their street clothes with cowboy boots, two in cowboy hats, one in a hood, most bare-headed. They're sitting in old lawn furniture or leaning against a barren wall, hoisting an odd assortment of beers, laughing, joking, shootin' the breeze - and one can imagine that they're not so different from the cowboys of old.

Ghetto Cowboy is a short and easy read, its small size belying its powerful emotional punch.

The real-life ghetto cowboys of Philadelphia were the subject of controversy when the PSPCA removed some of their horses several years ago. Ghetto Cowboys, though fictional, offers an insider's view of these very real urban horsemen. Watch them and decide for yourself.

Check out the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club here.

The official book trailer is below, but, meaning no disrespect to its creator, I believe that the book is better than its trailer.

G. Neri's "Ghetto Cowboy" book trailer from Greg Neri on Vimeo.

Listen to a sample of the audiobook from Candlewick.
Teacher's Guide here.
Ghetto Cowboy is a finalist in the 2011 Cybils Middle Grade Fiction category.

I received my copy of Ghetto Cowboy for attending a webinar on upcoming releases (obviously, I’m behind in my reviews as the book was released in August).I wouldn’t usually request a YA title, but I’m willing to give most anything from Candlewick a try.(Good call)

Nonfiction Monday miscellany

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:00:00 PST

It's Nonfiction Monday again.

As I'm in the midst of writing reviews of Cybils finalists that I can't post yet, this is my Nonfiction Monday miscellany missive.

For nonfiction news, I've been checking out these sites lately:

I.N.K. Interesting Nonfiction for Kids - a great site written by a group of nonfiction authors - always something interesting here!
Nonfiction Matters - Marc Aronson's blog, hosted by School Library Journal - news of interest to librarians interested in nonfiction (if you can't access the blog today, try again - apparently there's been server trouble @ SLJ.)
Another Side: American History Revisited - this site has nothing to do with children's literature, but it a brilliantly written blog by Barry Denenberg, author of (among other books), Lincoln Shot! and Titanic Sinks! Each post is thoroughly researched and offers a wealth of information on whatever topic intrigues the erudite, Mr. Denenberg. He describes it best:
ANOTHER SIDE is a subjective, serendipitous and idiosyncratic investigation into the evolution of words, phrases and objects in America. Its entries are unique, thoroughly researched, hand-crafted historical short stories that collectively take a kaleidoscopic alternative look at American culture. The provocative perspective is politically incorrect by design and irreverent and iconoclastic by nature.

Do you have any "go-to"sites for kidlit-related news, not reviews?

In other news:

Politically savvy librarians and library supporters (and we all should be politically savvy - we can't afford not to be) are debating the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Take time out of your busy day to learn about how these issues may affect you, your job, your children, or your students.

SOPA sounds plausible on the surface, but "the devil is in the details." It appears that it will cause more harm than good. As for ESEA, I believe in supporting strong school media centers. As a public librarian, I view the local school media specialists as my partners. We are both essential components in the success of young students.

Any thoughts on SOPA or ESEA?

Next, if you haven't heard ...

Walter Dean Myers has been chosen by the Library of Congress as the 2012 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. I love his chosen slogan,

Reading is not optional

And finally, it's MLK, Jr. Day. If you don't have to work today,

"Make it a day on, Not a day off."

Today's Nonfiction Monday roundup is at The Swimmer Writer. Please stop by.

Nonfiction Monday will be here next week, January 23.

Bigger than a Bread Box - a review

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:44:45 PST

A brief review today with lots of extras...

Snyder, Laurel. 2011. Bigger than a Bread Box. New York: Random House.

Like Wendy Mass' "birthday series" books, Bigger than a Bread Box is realistic fiction infused with an element of magic - in this case, a mysterious bread box that appears to grant whatever wishes can fit inside its limited dimensions. At first 12-year-old Rebecca is delighted,but she belatedly discovers the consequence to her wishes.

Told in the first person, Bigger than a Bread Box is a unique story in which magic doesn't necessarily makes things right - or wrong, just different. Most touching in the story is the evolving relationship between Rebecca and her brother, Lew, a toddler. With no one else to turn to after her mother spirits them away to Georgia against their father's will, Rebecca "discovers" her younger brother,

The only difference was that now, when I was alone in the afternoons, I wasn't so alone. Each day I spent a little more time with Lew, and that felt different. It was like he'd been a piece of furniture before, a big doll, and now he was a person, just because I'd noticed he was.

Worth checking out.

Read an excerpt here.
A Study Guide is available here.

Other reviews @

Dumpling Days - a review (redux)

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 04:41:05 PST

Lin, Grace. 2012. Dumpling Days. New York: Little Brown

I very seldom, if at all, repeat reviews, however, today I make an exception of sorts. I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of Grace Lin's Dumpling Days, more than six months ago. There is some debate within the kidlitosphere about when is the best time to post reviews of Advance Reader Copies. Most would agree that mine was too early.

In any case, when the publisher mentioned that I had posted my review a tad early (6 months - can I help it? I liked the book!), I offered to re-post it at a later date.

Well, the time is now. Dumpling Days is due out on January 21. However, rather than re-post my review, I offer you a booktalk, a link to my previous review, and a look at Grace Lin's book trailer.

So without further ado ...

a booktalk

In Dumpling Days, Pacy Lin, her parents and two sisters (one older, one younger) are going to Taiwan for Pacy's grandmother's 60th birthday - for 28 days! Twenty-eight days?! What is Pacy supposed to do for 28 days without her friends in a country where she may look like everyone else, but inside, she's definitely not. At least there will be dumplings!

my review

Click here

the trailer

and, just for fun, a photo of me and Grace Lin

She was ever so gracious at her book signings in New Orleans.

Enjoy Dumpling Days!

Cybils shortlist

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 04:00:09 PST

After months of hard work by the first round judges, the shortlists are out for the 2011 Cybils, the Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards. I'm pleased, honored and humbled to be a Round 2 judge in the Nonfiction Picture Books category.

Following are this year's finalists in the NFPB category (linked to my review where applicable):

All the Water in the World by George Ella Lyon
Atheneum

Bring On the Birds
by Susan Stockdale
Peachtree

Can We Save the Tiger?
by Martin Jenkins
Candlewick Press

I Feel Better with a Frog in My Throat: History's Strangest Cures by Carlyn Beccia
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Planting the Wild Garden
by Kathryn O. Galbraith
Peachtree

The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs: A Scientific Mystery by Sandra Markle
Millbrook Press

Thunder Birds: Nature's Flying Predators
by Jim Arnosky
Sterling Publishing

To date, I've read only four of the seven finalists and reviewed only two, but I will be posting more reviews as we lead up to the announcement of the winners on February 14th. I look forward to working with my fellow judges, Terry Doherty, Family Bookshelf, Adrienne Mason, Tough City Writer, Karen Terlecky, Literate Lives, and Laura Wadley, PCL Children's Book Review. Thanks to our organizer, Fiona Bayrock, Books and 'Rocks.

Let the fun begin!

Links to the Cybils finalists in all categories may be found here.

Titanic Sinks! a review

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 04:21:41 PST

Barry Denenberg. 2011. Titanic Sinks! New York: Viking.

Employing the recently recovered journal of a fictional journalist on board the Titanic, Barry Denenberg has seamlessly and expertly blended fact and fiction to create a gripping re-telling of the Titanic's doomed voyage. Titanic Sinks! is well-researched and documented with extensive use of period photos. Timelines, menus, and more are also included in this large-sized picture book for older readers.

Titanic at the docks of Southampton
April 1912
Public domain photo

As historical fiction, Titanic Sinks! is a phenomenally successful exercise in creating an exciting method of presenting history to young readers. As nonfiction, Titanic Sinks! is a wealth of well-documented facts, quotes, photos, and timelines from one of modern history's worst and best-known disasters. As a "unique presentation of fact and fiction," as stated on the book's jacket, I find Titanic Sinks! mildly troubling. Barry Denenberg has done such a tremendous job of creating the fictional Modern Times magazine, complete with masthead, table of contents, an explanatory "Letter from the Publisher," and even editor's notes, that it will be difficult for readers (both young and old) to discern fact from fiction. Granted, there is "A Word from the Author" in the book's final pages which explains the melding of fact and fiction, however, a reader might easily pass over the author's note, or be so convinced by the previous publisher's letter and editor's note that he is left confused and unsure of what is fact and what is fiction.

That being said, I would not discourage anyone from reading this compelling account of the Titanic's sinking. In fact, I highly recommend it, but with a word of caution that some explanation may be in order. Alternatively, it would make excellent subject matter for older students to learn the process of determining authenticity in a work of nonfiction.

Other reviews @
Kirkus
Publishers Weekly

Barry Denenberg's previous book, Lincoln Shot! is done is a similar vein. He is a prolific author of quality nonfiction and historical fiction titles. His website offers a link to his blog Another Side, which, if you are a lover of history, you will find incredibly well-written and interesting! It's now on my list of "must read" blogs.

It's Nonfiction Monday. Today's roundup is at The Nonfiction Detectives.

The Shape Song Swingalong

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 06:31:14 PST

Some fun with shapes today!

Stevesongs. 2011. The Shape Song Swingalong. Ill. by David Sim. Cambridge, MA: Barefoot Books.
(with included DVD)

With the new year approaching, my thoughts turn to storytime series. I know that there are proponents of storytimes without themes, as well as those with themes. Personally, I often offer the themed variety, and I have great fun with the theme of "shapes."

This new book from Barefoot will definitely be a new addition to my "shapes" session. I never pass up an opportunity to dance in storytime. (I once developed an entire chicken-themed storytime just to accompany a "Chicken Dance" lesson. Next time they're invited to a wedding, they'll be prepared!)

So what's the big draw in The Shape Song Swingalong? Besides the brightly-colored, multicultural illustrations? Why, it's the dance, of course! A "YMCA" styled dance, featuring lines, triangles, circles and squares.

Pair this one with a few great shape-centered books, Hap Palmer's song, "Triangle, Circle or Square" song, and the opportunity to create pictures from pre-cut shapes. Words, dance, music and art together - the home run of storytime!

Wish I’d read that

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:02:18 PST

Today is Nonfiction Monday, and while I’m not ready to contribute today (still gathering my thoughts on Titanic Sinks! - should fact and fiction be blended so expertly?), you can enjoy today’s roundup at Jean Little Library. I’ll be hosting Nonfiction Monday on January 23rd.

And now that the year’s end is fast approaching, it’s time to think about all the books we didn’t have time to read this year. Bread is on my mind. I didn’t get around to reading Bigger than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder or Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu, though it’s on hold for me at my branch, so I may still squeeze this one in. Are there any books on your “wish I’d read that” list?

Favorite Juvenile Fiction 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:19:23 PST

There were so many great books this year, but without a doubt,

my favorite Juvenile Fiction book of 2011 is:

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of her own Making

by Catherynne M. Valente ( Feiwel and Friends)

(my reviews are linked to book titles)

"Tell me the rules," said September firmly. Her mother had taught her chess when she was quite small, and she felt that if she could remember which way knights ought to go, she could certainly remember Fairy rules.
"First, no iron of any kind is allowed. Customs is quite strict on this point. Any bullets, knives, maces, or jacks you might have on your person will be confiscated and smelted. Second, the practice of alchemy is forbidden to all except young ladies born on Tuesdays --"

"I was born on a Tuesday!"

"It is certainly possible that I knew that," the Green Wind said with a wink. "Third, aviary locomotion is permitted only by means of Leopard or licensed Ragwort Stalk. If you find yourself not in possession of one of these, kindly confine yourself to the ground. Fourth, all traffic travels widdershins. Fifth, rubbish takeaway occurs on second Fridays. Sixth, all changelings are required to wear identifying footwear. Seventh, and most important, you may in no fashion cross the borders of the Worsted Wood, or you will either perish most painfully or be forced to sit through a very tedious tea service with several spinster hamadryads. These laws are sacrosanct, except for visiting dignitaries and spriggans. Do you understand?

This is a rich, complex, and thoughtful story, yet it reads as a delightful and enchanting romp through a bizarre Fairyland, where we may be frightened, but not terrified, and joyously giddy, but on guard nonetheless. Don't wait for an invitation from the Green Wind. Read The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of her own Making today.

... and barely missing out as my favorite are all of the following:

Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt (Clarion)

Wonderstruck by Brian Zelznick (Scholastic)

Horton Halfpott: Or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or, The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset by Tom Angleberger (Amulet)

As usual, a very mixed bag.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and joyous holiday season.

Favorite Nonfiction 2011 *

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 03:49:45 PST

At this time of year, I usually have plenty of nonfiction titles to choose from for my "best of" lists. This year, however, my nonfiction list comes with an asterisk.

* I'm looking forward to serving as a 2nd round judge in the 2011 Cybils Non-Fiction Picture Books category, and while I've read many of the nominated books, I haven't read them all, and won't receive the "shortlist" until next month. My personal reading list to date did not mirror the Cybils nominees and there is a possibility that I may have missed a great nonfiction title. When the shortlist comes out, I will certainly give each book careful consideration.

That being said, to date, my favorite 2011 nonfiction titles (linked to their reviews) are:

Peña, Matt de la. 2011. A Nation's Hope: The story of boxing legend Joe Louis. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. New York: Dial.

Additionally (in no particular order)

Lewis, J. Patrick and Jane Yolen. 2011. Self Portrait with Seven Fingers: The Life of Marc Chagall in Verse. Mankato, MN: Creative Editions.
Gibbs, Edward. 2011. I Spy with my Little Eye. Somerville, MA: Templar. (Candlewick)
Yezerski, Thomas F., 2011. Meadowlands: A Wetlands Survival Story. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux.
Bildner, Phil. 2011. The Unforgettable Season: The Story of Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams and the Record-Setting Summer of '41. Ill. by S.D. Schindler. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Adult Nonfiction

I read/listened to only three major works of adult nonfiction this year. Here are the two that I loved! They cannot be more different.

Fishman, Charles, 2011. The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water. New York: Free Press.
Fey, Tina. 2011. Bossypants. Boston: Hatchette Audio.

(I did not review Bossypants, but will mention here that it is smart, insightful and hilarious - much like Tina Fey herself. Contrary to what one might think, there is no political agenda in Bossypants. Despite her Saturday Night Live parodies, Fey speaks well of Sarah Palin. There is, however, much adult language which may be off-putting to some. The audiobook is read by Ms. Fey herself and contains audio clips from SNL, and numerous asides to the listener of the audiobook. It is clear that many passages were added specifically for the audiobook version. Very funny!)

Today's Nonfiction Monday roundup is at Practically Paradise.

Planet Middle School - a review

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:45:11 PST

Grimes, Nikki. 2011. Planet Middle School. New York: Bloomsbury.

Ever since I heard Nikki Grimes read "Breathless" in New Orleans at the 8th Annual Poetry Blast, I've been waiting to read Planet Middle School, the book inspired by the poem.

Want to see Nikki Grimes reading "Breathless?" Click here to watch the video at Poetry for Children. Note: "Breathless" is the 4th video down from the top.

I finally received a review copy from a colleague and was pleased that the book did not disappoint! Was is disappointing, however, is the fact that in the midst of moving between library branches, I've misplaced my book.

So, in short, without benefit of quotes or notes, this brief review will have to suffice.

In Planet Middle School, Nikki Grimes proves that she has the gift of distilling the entire range of adolescent emotions into an easy reading novel in verse. With a brevity of words that belies the depth of content, Nikki Grimes takes us into the heart and mind of 12-year-old Joylin Johnson as she navigates middle school, changing friendships, uncomfortable family dynamics and her first crush.

This is a short and quickly read book that contains enough intensity to satisfy older readers. A perfect choice for poetry fans, reluctant readers, and young teens who may find themselves in similar situations. And yes - also for the reader who waited too long to choose a book for her book report - a perfect opportunity to help out a student, spark an interest in poetry, and introduce a reader to Nikki Grimes.

Read reviews from Kirkus, Hornbook, SLJ, and Booklist on Bloomsbury's website.

Another review @
Abby the Librarian

A Teacher's Guide is available here.

ARC supplied by a colleague.

Best Historical Fiction 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:32:34 PST

Best Historical Fiction 2011

McCaughrean, Geraldine. 2011. The Glorious Adventures of the Sunshine Queen. New York: Harper.

Yes, we had Dead End in Norvelt, Okay for Now, Wonderstruck and other greats this year (those will receive their due, I’m sure!), but for the sheer joy of being plunged into another era and loving every minute of it, Geraldine McCaughrean’s, The Glorious Adventures of the Sunshine Queen has my vote for Best Historical Fiction of the year. It’s also one of the funniest books I’ve read this year.

"Yesterday I was a butler, Miss Cecelia. Today I seem to be the Prime Minister of England, ... Sometimes life has a way of asking us to take a step up."

And step up they do! To the direst, funniest, most improbable situations that might be found on a dilapidated paddle steamer plying the 1890 Numchuck River, calling on such colorful ports as Salvation, Patience, Plenty, Woodpile, Blowville, and Boats-a-Cummin. The Glorious Adventure of the Sunshine Queen is not for the reluctant reader; the reader who struggles with contextual clues. Rather, it is for the reader who glories in wordplay, colorful language, and magnificent adventures. Ms. McCaughrean does not stop to ensure that the reader has "gotten," the joke (and there are many!), she keeps on moving, toward greater exploits downriver. Get ready to be swept away from Salvation to Golden Bend on an exuberant trip with the Bright Lights! Highly recommended.

(Click to read my full review)

Other reviews

Hope is the Word
KidsReads.com
SLJ starred review
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books starred review

Dead End in Norvelt - a review

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:32:13 PST

Gantos, Jack. 2011. Dead End in Norvelt. New York: Macmillan.

I don't know how much of Dead End in Norvelt, featuring the fictionalized Jack Gantos, is true and how much is not, but I'll venture that the author Jack Gantos had a secure (albeit austere) childhood with two well-meaning, working-class parents, a tendency for nosebleeds, and a few very quirky neighbors.

Bomb shelters, WWII surplus equipment, a dying town, the Hell's Angels, a local newspaper, the sharp-tongued elderly neighbor, Miss Volker, and of course, Jack Gantos and his family are the foils for a very funny, yet affecting book of life in rural, post-war America.

The story begins as young Jack is grounded for the summer due to an unfortunate incident involving a loaded firearm and the drive-in theater. Things get progressively worse as Jack, following his father's orders, mows down the cornfield to make room for a bomb-shelter, which in actuality is merely cover for a private airstrip. The usually kindly and practical Mrs. Gantos quickly takes charge of her two wayward men,

"Well, mister," she informed me with no trace of sympathy in her voice, "I'm going to march your father into this room and make him cut you down to size. And when he finishes with you I'll make him wish he had already built that bomb shelter because he might be living in it." ... It took two days for Dad to march into my room and cut me down to size. He knew he had gotten me in trouble with Mom and so he quickly wrangled a construction job in West Virginia for a couple days of paid work. He thought Mom might cool down, but he could have been away for two years and she would still have been just as angry. It was as if she could preserve her anger and store it in a glass jar next to the hot horseradish and yellow beans and corn chowchow she kept in the dank basement pantry. And when she needed some anger she could just go into the basement and open a jar and get worked up all over again.

Throughout the long, hot summer, Jack's only respite from digging the bomb shelter and reading in his room are the frequent calls from the elderly Miss Volker, the town medical examiner and writer of obituaries for the local paper. Her arthritic hands prevent her from typing and Mrs. Gantos, ever solicitous of neighbor's needs, sends Jack to help. In doing so, Jack learns much more than the history of his town, founded by Eleanor Roosevelt.

Realistic fiction with a humorous and historical twist, Dead End in Norvelt is one of the year's best novels.

Best for grades 6 and up.

It's interesting that many of the best books in recent memory, including Dead End in Norvelt, prominently feature a wise, older or elderly non-relatives (Moon Over Manifest, Okay for Now, Wendy Mass' Birthday series, I'm sure there are more). Unfortunately, although these books are realistic fiction, there are far too few of these older, helpful, non-relatives in reality. If you are in a position to be one, please do!

There is an abundance of resources available for Dead End in Norvelt. Enjoy!

An audio excerpt is available here.
Read an excerpt here.
Teacher's Guide here.

Other reviews @

Mary and Her Little Lamb: The True Story of the Famous Nursery Rhyme - a review

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:00:09 PST

Moses, Will. 2011. Mary and Her Little Lamb: The True Story of the Famous Nursery Rhyme. New York: Philomel.

Most children in America will grow up learning the rhyme or the song about Mary and her little lamb, but few will give it any serious thought. We may similarly prattle about Old King Cole, Wee Willie Winkie, or Jack Sprat, but we don't expect to know anything more about them than their propensities for pipe smoking and music, late night excursions in inappropriate clothing and a distaste for high-fat diets.

Luckily for children, however, we can know a little more about Mary and her little lamb. Will Moses' detailed folkart paintings (many double-spreads), are a perfect accompaniment to the true story of Mary Sawyer of Sterling, Massachusetts, circa 1810. The pastoral images of 19th century Sterling and the simple features of the one-room schoolhouse are beautifully rendered in colorful oils. The story is somewhat lengthy, but Moses employs artistic license to add story enriching details that create a fast-paced, enjoyable read-aloud story. Delightful in words and pictures!

Note:
Earlier this year on the KidLit Celebrates Women's History Month blog, I highlighted Laurie Halse Anderson's book, Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving. Sarah Josepha Hale (1788-1879) was a fascinating woman. Not only did she almost single-handedly create the national Thanksgiving Holiday, she was also a writer, editor and a poet. I noted that she penned the ditty, "Mary Had a Little Lamb," which I learned from the back matter in Thank You, Sarah. However, there is apparently more to the story. According to the afterword in Mary and Her Little Lamb, John Roulstone wrote the first stanza of the now-famous poem in the 1810s. Sarah Hale published the poem in 1930, apparently adding three more stanzas. Later, musician Lowell Mason, set the rhyme to music, adding the repetitive lines that we all sing today. Regardless of its evolutionary process, it's amazing that a 4-line ditty about a girl and her lamb could so enchant the schoolhouse visitor John Roulstone, the accomplished writer Sarah Hale, and the famous musician, Lowell Mason. How much more simple life must have been in the early 1800s! There is no end to the things one can learn from picture books.

Today's Nonfiction Monday roundup is at Geo Librarian.

Note: If you're a regular Nonfiction Monday contributor, you'll want to make note of the roundup schedule's new location.

Thursday news

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:25:00 PST

I’m blogging at ALSC today about one of my favorite storytime props.

Please join me for “It’s a Wonderful World."

By Stefan Kühn (Own work) [GFDL
(www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html),
CC-BY-SA-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/),
CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)
or GFDL (www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

In other Thursday news, time is running out to nominate works for consideration for the 2012 ALSC Notables lists for books and DVDs. December 15th is the deadline, so click on over if you’re interested.

If you’re a book blogger, you might want to check out this recent article from the LA Times. At least one publisher thinks we’re not doing enough. Mr. Morrow forgets, perhaps, that book bloggers do not work for publishers. In most cases, book blogging is a labor of love - done in our spare time because we enjoy sharing books. If I don’t review a book that a publisher provided for me, it may be that I’ve been busy, or that I didn’t like it, and I’m being kind. Why waste my time (and yours) writing a review of a bad book? Many publishers are happy to send out advance copies of their books for review. If they’re not, I just wait for the book to arrive at the library. Either way works for me. I’ll keep blogging.

Books that will change your world view

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:00:03 PST

My posts have been few in the last week or so. We are in the midst of renovations and the house is in chaos. Without cabinets or counter tops, I have been without water in the kitchen since last Friday. Even now, with the new cabinets in place, I am still without water, waiting for the counter top installers and plumber to install my new sink and dishwasher. It’s a hassle. I’ve been complaining. I’m washing dishes in the bathroom. Why am I sharing this? Because as I make my “best of” lists for 2011, I am reminded of the two books that I read this year that will remain with me throughout my life. Both concern water.

So here they are, my 2011 choices for

"Books that will Change your World View”

(One children’s book and one adult book)

Park, Linda Sue. 2010. A Long Walk to Water. New York: Clarion.

Fishman, Charles, 2011. The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water. New York: Free Press.

The book titles are linked to my earlier reviews. I sincerely hope that if you haven’t read either of these books, you will consider it. A Long Walk to Water, in particular, is a book that will stay in your mind for years to come - both haunting and hopeful. Both will change the way you think of water forever. Shame on me for complaining about my sink.

It’s Nonfiction Monday again. Today’s round-up is at Gathering Books. Please stop by.

Frog and Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:23:00 PST

Favorite Easy Reader for 2011

Bunting, Eve. 2011. Frog and Friends. Ill. by Josée Masse. Ann Arbor, MI: Sleeping Bear Press.

I don't like too many easy readers. This one's great!

Picture Book Roundup - Best of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:23:18 PST

Here they are - my favorite fiction picture books of 2011!

(an eclectic mix, to be sure)

If I have reviewed the book, the title is linked to the review.

My top three choices
(I couldn't pick just one!)

Ray, Mary Lyn and Marla Frazee. 2011. Stars. New York: Beach Lane.

Henkes, Kevin. 2011. Little White Rabbit. New York: Greenwillow.

Lyon, George Ella. 2011. All the Water in the World. New York: Atheneum.

Also making my list of favorites (in no particular order) are:

DeKockere, Geert. 2011. Willy. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Milgrim, David. 2011. Eddie Gets Ready for School. New York: Cartwheel (Scholastic).

Gibbs, Edward. 2011. I Spy with my Little Eye. Somerville, MA: Templar. (Candlewick)

Crum, Shutta. 2011. Mine! Ill. by Patrice Barton. New York: Knopf.

Shea, Susan A. 2011. Do You Know Which Ones Will Grow? Maplewood, NJ: Blue Apple.

Becker, Bonny. 2011. The Sniffles for Bear. Ill. by Kady MacDonald Denton. Somerville, MA: Candlewick.

Are any of these your favorites?

My other lists will be coming soon. Stay tuned ...

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever - a review

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 04:00:08 PST

Kinney, Jeff. 2011 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever. New York: Abrams.

The wait is over. Cabin Fever has finally arrived!

I've seen a lot of movies where a kid my age finds out he's got magical powers and then gets invited to go away to some special school. Well, if I've got an invitation coming, now would be the PERFECT time to get it.

A big snowstorm has Mrs. Heffley and the boys snowed in. Greg is fearful that the police will be coming for him at any minute (it wasn't really vandalism - it just looks that way), Manny's reprogrammed the parental controls so that no one can watch any programs except his favorites, the basement's flooded and Rodrick moves into Greg's room, Greg has to care for Manny since Mom's glasses are broken (oops!), Dad's stuck in a hotel (cue the bubble bath, robe, slippers, and cable TV), and the power's out. Just a typical month in Greg Heffley's diary. Amidst the laughter, Jeff Kinney coaxes out a spirit of community, of giving, of Christmas, and family togetherness - whether Greg Heffley likes it or not.

Another great addition to the Wimpy Kid series!

One of the reasons I find the Wimpy Kid books so funny is that for all intents and purposes, I am Greg Heffley's mom (although my eyesight's better). I see myself in her character and I laugh and I'm thankful that my children are turning out OK in spite of me. ;) Hoping you have something to be thankful for, too.

Happy Thanksgiving!

And thanks to Abrams books for my review copy.

1st and 10: Top Ten Lists of Everything in Football - a review

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 03:53:12 PST

Gramling, Gary, Christina M. Tapper, and Paul Ulane. 2011. Sports Illustrated Kids 1st and 10: Top Ten Lists of Everything in Football. New York: Time.

Here are thirty-six "top ten" lists of some of football's great achievers (touchdown leaders), achievements (Super Bowls), and curiosities (wackiest weather, nicknames, quotes, etc.)

Do you know the top ten undrafted players? The top ten biggest players? Comeback games? Famous quotes? Craziest hairstyles? (yes, Troy Polamalu is #1) You'll know them all after reading 1st and 10.

The large size (over 11" square), makes this the perfect browsing book for football season. Books of this sort often have a relatively short shelf life, as players retire and records are broken; so if you've got a copy of this book in your library, put it out on display and start it moving!

I'm not a football fan, but I'm a pretty good judge of what kids will check out of the library. Football fans are sure to find something to interest them in this 95-page volume filled with photos.

In light of the recent football scandals at two universities, it should be mentioned that 1st and 10 features only professional teams.

Today's Nonfiction Monday roundup is at Books Together.

Just a Second: A different way to look at time - a review

noreply@blogger.com (Shelf-employed) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 03:46:50 PST

Jenkins, Steve. 2011. Just a Second: A different way to look at time. New York: Houghton Mifflin.

What can happen in a second?

Earth advances 18 1/2 miles (30 kilometers) in its orbit around the sun.

What can happen in a day?

People use the equivalent of 200 billion sheets of letter-size paper.

In a year?

A termite queen will lay almost 3,000,000 eggs.

With his trademark illustrative style, customary accuracy, and imaginative perspective, Steve Jenkins shows us the concept of time through a variety of aspects. From the briefest second in which a cheetah can sprint 100 feet, to the unfathomable span of 2,000,000,000 years that it would take a spacecraft to traverse our galaxy, Jenkins offers illustrated facts, charts and graphs that are sure to interest kids of all ages. Facts are presented in white text on colorful pages, accompanied by cut paper illustrations.For teachers, it is a cross-curricular treasure trove. Highly recommended.

Included are books for additional reading and a note about the use of credible estimations for certain facts (e.g., the number of babies born each day).

Other reviews @:

This week's STEM Friday roundup is at Dig This Well.