Favorite Books
As with most readers, those books I find most satisfying have some
element with which I strongly identify. I don't necessarily look for
"award winners" although some of these surely would be candidates I
look mostly for those comfortable reads which add to the dimension of a
reader's life. Each of these have an element that particularly appeals
to me, i.e. a fascination with legends, the technique of stippling (who
could think that a person who can't draw a straight line might be able
to "dot" his or her way to a beautiful drawing), survival stories,
strong women, a fascination with the underground railroad and its
organization, etc.
McElmeel's 2003 List
Saba: Under the Hyena's Foot by Jane Kurtz. Cover
illustration by Jean Paul-Tibble. Series: Girls of Many Lands (2003)
Reading Level: Ages 9-12. 207 pages. Pleasant Company. ISBN:
1-58485-747-1 pbk; 1-58485-829-X hc.
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by Jane Kurtz
This book is an outstanding new addition to Pleasant Company's "Girls
of Many Lands Series." Saba had no idea that she was part of the royal
family that once ruled Ethiopia. She and her older brother were being
raised by their grandparents when both were kidnapped and they become
embroiled in the political upheaval and fierce struggle for control of
the throne. The history is spell binding and the plot intriguing.
Kurtz's knowledge of Ethiopia clearly helped make the setting vivid in
the reader's mind. Her historical research is evident and creates
curiousity to know more about the history of this often ignored part of
the world. A well-written - well-researched book sure to keep readers
turning the page. A great read. Publication date: September 2003,
accompanying doll will be available on the publisher's website.
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Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo
by Greg Leitich Smith
What a great read from first time novelist Greg Leitich Smith! Three
young friends: Elias, Shohei, and Honoria have been friends forever.
When Elias's dad, a college instructor, is asked to judge Peshtigo
School's science fair a natural ploy to get out of it is conflict of
interest. So Elias is "forced" to enter the fair. That begins the
shenanigans that bring Elias to the school's model court room as a
defendant. Along the way Elias proves the falsehood in a long revered
study citing the positive effect of classical music on plants, a
romance develops, and Shohei convinces his adoptive parents that
surrounding him with "his heritage" is too much. Friendships are firm,
the humor engaging, and the science interesting. A quick read that will
bring science into reading and reading into science. Bill Nye the
Science Guy would love this book -- and so will readers. Publication:
October 2003.
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Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo by Greg Leitich Smith (Little Brown & Company, 2003). ISBN: 0316778540.
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by Jane Kurtz
I love it when history is woven in with a good tale. Especially history of strong women. After reading Bicycle Madness
I knew I wanted to know more about Frances Willard -- a member of Susan
B. Anthony's circle. I loved the references to the "dangers" men
thought women would suffer if they learned to ride a bicycle. An early
chapter book that will be a great read for young readers -- and a great
introduction to a great woman in history for older readers who will
surely want to learn more about this period of our history. Don't miss
this one!
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Bicycle Madness by Jane Kurtz. Illustrated
by Beth Peck. (2003) Reading Level: Ages 8-12. 122 pages. Henry Holt
and Company. ISBN: 0-8050-6981-X.
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E.J. and Kylie -- the youngest Dawdle Duckling readers.
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Dawdle Duckling by Toni Buzzeo, with illustrations by Margaret Spengler (Dial, 2003)
That fourth little duckling plays and preens and nibbles flies, he is
not quick to obey when Mama Duck wants him to hurry along and catch up
with her and the rest of the family. Young readers will want to hear --
again and again, what happens next across the bay. (Picture book,
PreS/primary)
Read the story behind the writing and publication of Dawdle Duckling.
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This book will make a great gift for any young reader,
with or without the cute little duck dress from Carter. I found this
one at Kohls -- a department store here in Iowa. Kohls has a website
but I couldn't find this particular dress online. They do have a
nautical duck dress and the extensive collection of Eric Carle inspired
clothing for babies and infants -- including my favorite coral colored
butterfly dress inspired by the beautiful butterfly from Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
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McElmeel's 2002 List
Sea Chest by Ton Buzzeo; with illustrations by Mary GrandPr�. (Dial, 2002)
This book is a wonderful lyrical embellishment of a sparse 19th
century legend that tells of a baby in a sea chest who is washed ashore
at Hendricks Head Light. Great connections to Lighthouses and to
adoption or family studies. School Library Journal, in a starred
review, described the book as a "combination of exquisite language and
enchanting illustrations." (Picture book; primary/middle grades)
When Eagles Fall by Mary Casanova (Hyperion, 2002)
Set in the Northwoods this is the story of Alex Castille-Reed
who after getting in trouble is sent to join her biologist father on an
eagle-banding expedition. In an attempt to rescue and eagle she finds
herself in a situation where she confronts a storm, a bear, and hunger
in an effort to survive. In the process she is taken on a journey of
self-discovery. (middle grades/middle school)
Cecile: Gates of Gold by Mary Casanova (Pleasant Company, 2002)
Set in the court of Louis XIV, a young girl finds herself in
the midst of the royal happenings. She is witness to the good that can
come from being true to one's own convictions when the practice of
blood-letting threatens the health of a young royal. (middle
grades/middle school).
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Barn Raising by Craig Brown (Greenwillow, 2002)
Craig Brown has produced yet another book celebrating the work ethic
and spirit of the Midwest. This simply told story portrays an Amish
barnraising in Kalona, Iowa where life is simple and neighbors help
neighbors. Wonderfully executed illustrations created with stippling
and pastels tell this sparse tale of a barn raising in an Amish
community in the heart of Iowa. Illustrative details tell much about
the rural Amish life and the sense of "community."
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Dork on the Run by Carol Gorman (HarperCollins, 2002)
Unconventionally cool Dork in Disguise
star Jerry Flack jeopardizes his new un-dorklike reputation by running
for class president. Filled with humor this book will easily draw
readers This time Jerry uses his intelligence and his wit to campaign.
Those same traits are among the traits that has labeled him a "Dork"
but now he is using those attributes to win the election. Readers who
first met Jerry in Dork in Disguise will enjoy meeting him once again in another page-turner. Don't miss Dork on the Run. (middle grades/middle school)
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Under the Quilt of Night by Deborah Hopkinson; with illustrations by James Ransome (Atheneum, 2002)
Described as a breathtaking slice of African American history
this story chronicles the flight of a family from the clutches of a
cruel slave owner who plans to sell members of the family. Ransome's
luscious oil paintings complement and embellish the lyrical text.
Companion title from the author/illustrator of Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt which will soon be reissued to celebrate its 10th anniversary. (primary/middle grades/middle school)
Water Hole Waiting by Jane Kurtz and Christopher Kurtz. Illustrated by Lee Christiansen. (Greenwillow/HarperCollins, 2002)
In the African Savannah a water hole draws animals to its banks
for a nuturing drink of the water it holds. Their is a hierarchy
dictating who will drink when and for monkey the waiting is difficult.
A quiet look at a daily routine. Christiansen's pastel illustrations
are superb. (primary/middle grades)
Rain Romp by Jane Kurtz; with illustrations by Dyanne Wolcott (Greenwillow/HarperCollins, 2002)
An energetic book for rainy days whether a wintery day in the
Northwest or a spring day in the midwest this book will find readers
who also find that grouchy days can turn sunny when surrounded by love
and understanding. The watercolor illustrations are splashed with
brilliant colors. (primary)
When Lightning Comes in a Jar by Patricia Polacco (Philomel, 2002)
Polacco brings together memories of a family reunion from years
past with a reunion more than 40 years later. Everyone who has ever
caught a lightning bug in a jar or who has traditions associated with
family reunions will revel in this view of one family which has enjoyed
both. Polacco's watercolors star once again. (primary/middle grades)
Magnificent Voyage: An American Adventurer on Captain James Cook's Final Expedition by Laurie Lawlor. (Holiday House, 2002)
This is a riveting account of James Cook's final voyage from
the POV of twenty-five-year-old American John Ledyard.-- a member of
the voyage. Cook was involved in the "discovering" of the Hawaiian
Islands but in this voyage was searching for the Northwest Passage. An
intriguing account filled with history. (middle grades/secondary)
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