The Book Bag, Books for Ages 9 to 12 (November/December 2008)

The middle-grade audience is probably one of the toughest for writers. These are savvy readers ... they can see through junk easily, and won't waste time if they don't connect to a story quickly. This is also the audience that is most likely to be pulled away from reading as something fun to do. So when our reviewers came back with "wow, this is really good," they made my day.

Click the book's title to visit our website and get more details. Click the cover to connect with a bookseller. The Reading Tub uses its earnings from purchases to donate books to at-risk readers and keep the website subscription-free.

Football Hero by Tim Green Ty Lewis is a 12-year-old whose parents were recently killed in an auto accident. Ty's brother, Thane “Tiger” Lewis, is getting ready to graduate from Syracuse University. He also expects to be a first round draft choice of the NY Jets. Ty's Uncle Gus believes he's entitled to Tiger's signing bonus; but Uncle Gus is involved in activities that could ruin Tiger's career. Is there anything Ty can do? "There are several themes that complement the narrative: importance of family; the phenomena of bullying; friendship; responsibility for one’s actions; and being true to your self. There is much more than a good story between the covers of this book." (HarperCollins, 2008) Reading Level 5.0

Ghost Files: The Haunting Truth by Eugene Yelchin and Mary Kuryla. If you are into apparitions, ghosts, spirits, haunted houses, and the like, this is the book for you. It is the most thorough and up-to-date resource on paranormal phenomena available on the planet. "When I first saw Ghost Files I wasn't impressed. Once I opened the book and saw all of the cut-sheets, envelopes, folding notes, diary sheets, etc., it became a piece of art as well as a tongue-in-cheek encyclopaedia of spooky stuff. It is exceptionally well written and superbly illustrated. " This book has potential as a book that reluctant readers would be interested in. (HarperCollins, 2008) Reading Level - not determined

The Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney by Suzanne Harper. Sparrow Delaney is happy to be at a new school, away from Lily Dale and her eccentric family of spiritualists. Try as she might to hide her talents, fate - and her spirit guides - have other plans. Sparrow is about to learn that running away won't make things go away. "Teens will enjoy this fast-moving, humorous look at life as a high school sophomore. Spiritualism is really just an element that strings together a group of great characters. This book has great potential as a high interest/low readability title." (Greenwillow, 2008) Reading Level 5.7

So Far from the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawashima Watkins. Eleven-year-old Yoko Kawashima and her family live in Japenese-occupied Korea. World War II has ended, and the Japnese army has left. They miraculously escape from Korea, only to find their homeland totally devastated and their family, friends, and neighbors suspicious and wary of them. This is an historical fiction recounting of the author's life experiences. "This is a terrific story. It highlights some of the most horrible attributes of war and man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. At the same time, it demonstrates the impact that simple works of human kindness have in helping people successfully cope with challenge." This is a book that has potential as a high interest/low readability title. (HarperTrophy, 1986) Reading Level 5.8


JUST ONE MORE BOOK
Learn about some great books to share with your kids at JOMB. Andrea and Mark have started adding video to some of their reviews. This video review of Bird by Zetta Elliott is just amazing.


The Lamp, the Ice and the Boat Called Fish written by Jacqueline Briggs, illustrated by Shadra Strickland. "Soothing speculation, striking details and spellbinding scratchboard art present a gripping account of The Karluk’s last icy voyage and the strength and resourcefulness that beat all odds." (Lee & Low Books, 2008)

Read more!

The Book Bag, Books for Ages 9 to 12 (November/December 2008)

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/12/book-bag-books-for-ages-9-to-12.html

Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 9 to 12 (September/October 2008

Books for this age group cover the waterfront not only for subjects but also in readability. Some kids in this range still prefer picture books, but they need more sophisticated content. Some are ready for full-length stories that verge on YA. Thankfully, authors and publishers cover the whole range. Here are a few things that we're looking forward to reading over the winter.

Click the book's title to visit our website and get more details. Click the cover to connect with a bookseller. The Reading Tub uses its earnings from purchases to donate books to at-risk readers and keep the website subscription-free.

Becoming Charlemagne: Europe, Baghdad, and the Empires of A.D. 800 by Jeff Sypeck. Unless you are in a parochial school or in AP history, this isn't a period of time you know much about. This is a non-fiction book, but it has the look and feel (I skimmed a couple pages) of a novel. The more robust, informative footnotes caught my attention, too. (Ecco, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2007) Reading Level - not yet determined

Little Leap Forward, a Boy in Beijing written by Guo Yue and Clare Farrow, illustrated by Helen Cann. I'm sure this book came out in time for the 2008 Summer Olympics, but it just arrived here. This is a middle-grade chapter book set in China during the summer of 1966, and the arrival of the Cultural Revolution. It sounds fascinating. (Barefoot Books, 2008) Reading Level 5.5


Looking at Paintings: An Introduction to Fine Art for Young Readers by Erika Langmuir. What caught my attention was the effort to connect Mickey Mouse and Goofy to fine art. Thumbing through, various classic Disney characters (not the princesses) introduce kids to the elements of paintings and various media. I particularly like that it's a hand-held book, about the size of an easy reader. (Bunker Hill Publishing, 2002) Reading Level 5.7

The Summer of Cecily written by Nan Lincoln, illustrated by Walt Smith This is a lightly-illustrated, semi-autobiographical story of a Harbor Seal pup who is orphaned and then rescued by a family in Maine. The author, who was part of the rescue, tells the story. When I hold this book, Trumpet of the Swan comes to mind ... but I don't know why. (Bunker Hill Publishing, 2004) Reading Level 4.4

Read more!

Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 9 to 12 (September/October 2008

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/12/reading-ahead-books-for-ages-9-to-12.html

The Book Bag, Books for Ages 9 to 12 (September/October 2008)

Some wonderful stories -- seasonal, valuable, and just plain fun -- fill this edition of the book bag for independent readers. If you've read and reviewed any of the books, be sure to click on the titles. That way you can add your link via Mr. Linky on the Reading Tub website and as a comment on the Just One More Book! website.

When I Grow Up written by Jessica Loy. This photo-illustrated picture book introduces kids to 14 non-traditional career choices (cheese maker, chocolatier, robotics engineer, etc.). A byproduct is they also get to see how things are made (like cheese). Here's what reviewer Bob Walch had to say: "Everyone can enjoy this book that has good information about career choices. The color photos used to illustrated each occupation are excellent." (Henry Holt and Company, 2008)


Declare Yourself: Speak. Connect. Act. Vote. written by Declare Yourself. Declare Yourself is a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on increasing citizen participation in local, state, and national campaigns. %ifty celebrities from political writers to rappers offer personal stories about the importance of participating in the voting process. "Everyone will benefit from reading this interesting and creative approach the subject of the importance of the electoral process. This is an excellent tool." (HarperTeen, 2008)


The Dragon's Child written by Laurence Yep with Dr. Kathleen S. Yep The year is 1922, and Gim Lew Yep (10) and his family are emigrating from China to the United States. To live in America, they must all pass a rigorou exam. For Gim Lew, this seems insurmountable. He is left-handed, and when he gets excited, he stutters. "This is a powerful story with solid characters and a strong plot. The immigration and cross-generational themes, as well as the historical context, create a wonderful mosaic." (HarperCollins, 2008)


MySpace/Our Planet; Change is Possible by the MySpace Community. This a comprehensive program that identifies the problems; shares up-to-date environmental data; and offers suggestions for short and long term change. This is a handbook to help teens promote making change. "This handbook is exceptionally well written and illustrated. The suggestions, if adopted, will have a positive impact on the global environment." (HarperCollins, 2008)



Coraline adapted by Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell. Coraline and her parents just moved into a very old house. It was too large for a single family to maintain so they rented out sections of the house. Along with the tenants, there is a ghost family who is trying lure Coraline to live with them in another part of the house. Will Coraline realize what’s happening in time to free herself? or will the ghost family entrap her forever? This is a verbatim transformation of the classic novel into a graphic novel. "The author's and illustrator's collaboration on this project has produced an extraordinary and enjoyable piece of literature." (HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)

My Dad's a Birdman written by David Almond, illustrated by Polly Dunbar. The Great Human Bird Competition is coming to town and Lizzie’s Dad, Jackie, is preparing to enter the contest. Hoping to find her "old dad," Lizzie decides to help him. Family and friends think the contest is too dangerous and try to persuade them not to participate. Are their fears justified? " This is a quality piece of work. I would place it in top 10% of children's literature for both the author and the illustrator." (Candlewick Press, 2008)


"A podcast about the children's books we love and why we love them -- recorded in our favourite coffee shop." As I mentioned in the Book Bag of books for kids ages 5 to 8, Andrea has selected a collection of books for Remembrance Day (November 11). These are her chapter book recommendations. As she points out "they are all great for ages 4-12 (well, for all ages). The issues of war and peace highlighted in these books are ones we should read throughout our lives."


What We Remember written by Leslie Airth, illustrated by Mervyn Finch. Six simple, stirring stories help us slip into the shoes of real children as they deal with the impacts of war. (General Store Publishing House, 2005)

Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up In A War written by Kathy Henderson, illustrated by Jane Ray. This warmly worded and intricately illustrated epic enchants our daughters with its exotic beauty and its underlying themes of kindness and generosity, in spite of its war and gore and shark-toothed, eagle-taloned Anzu birds. (Candlewick Press, 2006)

If I Die Before I Wake: The Flu Epidemic Diary of Fiona Macgregor, 1918 written by Jean Little. Beautifully bound in a soft unevenly edged journal and told with humour, innocence, intimacy and affection, the daily entries of a fictional twelve year old disclose the spellbinding details of life during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918-19. (Scholastic, 2007)

Janusz Korczak's Children written by Gloria Spielman, illustrated by Matthew Archambault. Uncommonly rich illustrations and detailed, yet accessible, early reader text relay the haunting, true story of Janusz Korczak — doctor, writer, educator and champion of children’s rights. (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2007)

Read more!

The Book Bag, Books for Ages 9 to 12 (September/October 2008)

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-bag-books-for-ages-9-to-12.html

Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 9 to 12 (September/October 2008

In these last two months, chapter books have been the biggest collection of "new additions" to the Tub ... by far. It looks like there will be something for everyone, covering every genre and every reading level. Here were a few that really stood out.

Enchanted Thyme (Book 1: The Delicious Adventure Series) by Adriane Smith, with recipes by Chef Michael Wilson. A middle grade reader with recipes. It sounds so fun (Big Word Press, 2008)


The Porcupine Year by Louise Erdrich This is the third book in this trilogy of a young Native American girl. I have not heard of the others, but this one caught my attention. It is billed as just as fun for new readers as people who have read the previous titles. We'll see. (HarperCollins, 2008)


America: The Making of a Nation by Charlie Samuels, illustrated by Sally Launder, Michael WOods, and Tom Connell. This interactive book, with all it's flaps and illustrations looks like it could keep you busy for days. It strikes me as a book kids will love to explore. (Little, Brown and Company, 2008)

Football Double Threat (Matt Christopher series) text by Stephanie Peters We're in the throes of football season now, and this one looks like it might just catch a reluctant reader's eye: sports, friendship, suspense. (Little, Brown and Company, 2008)

Kris Kringle by Maria L. Ciampi This book is set out as a script for a play. That helps bring the reading level down and get kids engaged in the reading. I liked this twist: Charles Dickens had a private writing study, where he would develop his characters through acting. (AuthorHouse, 2008)


Hiding Glory by Laura Chester, illustrated by Gary A. Lippincott. This is an illustrated, chapter-book fairy tale about a girl, a horse, and a magical kingdom. The presentation has that timeles look about it, particularly the pen and ink sketches. (Willow Creek Press, 2008)


Ghost Medicine by Andrew Smith I am so excited about this book. I met Andrew before BEA, when he was still waiting for the book to launch. It is a high interest/low readability book that looks like it will have great appeal for reluctant readers, particularly boys.This coming-of-age novel about three friends that has the sense of being Western and modern all at the same time. (Feiwel and Friends, 2008)

The Mystery of Journeys Crown: An Adventure Drawing Game written and illustrated by K. Michael Crawford This one is hard to nail down. It's part puzzle book, part workbook, and part mystery. It looks very clever and very engaging ... perfect for reluctant readers or kids who want something "to do" when they read. (VirtualBookworm.com, 2008)


Humpty Dumpty Jr: Hardboiled Detective by Nate Evans and Paul Hindman, illustrated by Vince Evans and Nate Evans. The subtitle grabbed me on this one! We have two cases we're going to solve: The Case of the Fiendish Flapjack Flop and The Mystery of Merlin and the Gruesome Ghost. (Jabberwocky, an Imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc., 2008)


If you've read any of these books, be sure to click the title. That will take you to our review page, and you can add your link with Mr. Linky.

Read more!

Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 9 to 12 (September/October 2008

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/10/reading-ahead-books-for-ages-9-to-12.html

The Book Bag, Books for ages 9 to 12, July/August 2008

This is probably one of the more melancholy Book Bags I post all year. We've read lots of great books all summer, but now, kids are heading back to school. For this age group, in particular, it is a lot harder to squeeze in these read-for-fun books when so much other required reading fills their time.

Speaking of required reading ...Head over to TubTalk to see A Rare Sunday Post about what teens think of all this reading we have planned for them. You'll also get a link to Shelly Tremaglio's essay, For the Love of Reading - A Book-loving Teen's Perspective.

The Songweavers (Notherland Journeys trilogy) by Kathleen McDonnell. This is a fascinating, allegorical journey about what happens to the imaginary world you created when you grow up and leave it behind. Although this is the third title in the Notherland Journeys trilogy, it read like a monograph. It would be nice to have the background of the other two books, but you didn't feel lost for not having read them. (Second Story Press, 2008)

Roscoe Riley Rules #1 (Don't Glue Your Friends to Chairs) and Roscoe Riley Rules #2 (Never Swipe a Bully's Bear by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Brian Biggs. Roscoe spends a LOT of time in Time Out. He means well, but life as a first grader just has way too many rules! "The story is so funny and moves so fast, it is hard to read just one chapter at a time. The author has pegged the age groups (first graders, older siblings, younger sisters) and their sense of humor." This is a delightful series for read-aloud, remedial readers, reluctant readers, and their parents! (Flesch Kincaid readability 3.0) alike. (HarperTrophy, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)

Do the Math 2: The Writing on the Wall by Wendy Lichtman. Graffiti with coded messages is appearing on walls around school, and Tess (our math-loving heroine) believes the graffiti artist may want to harm her. The school principal caught Tess responding to a graffiti message and suspended her from school. How can she identify the graffiti tagger and prove her innocence? "The book will raise the reader's curiousity because it integrates math formulas and puzzles into the plot. They keep him/her actively engaged from beginning to end." (Greenwillow Books, 2008)

The Tygrine Cat by Inbali Iserles After Mati’s mother is killed, Mati finds himself in a new place (Cressida Lock), trying to fit in. He looks and acts differently than the other cats, but because of a spell of protection that his mother put on him, he can’t remember his true identity. Little by little he discovers who he is,as he must face his past and accept his destiny. The main character in this story, a cat, draws on mythology for this magical adventure. "I don’t usually enjoy books where the main characters are animals, but I found this one exciting and fun to read!! The theme of true friendship also runs throughout the story, making it a great book to read and discuss with children." (Candlewick Press, 2008)

Up All Night; A Short Story Collection by Peter Abrahams, et al. This collection of short stories is about what happens at night. They cover anything from asking someone "What's up?" and meaning it to going to a rock concert. The authors in this collection each tell a story about something that happens after dark. "Although you might be tempted to read them all in one sitting, it was actually more fun to read one at a time because there is so much detail you feel like you're part of the 'experience.'" (Laura Geringer Books, 2008)


JUST ONE MORE BOOK "Podcasts about the children's books we love and why we love them -- recorded in our favourite coffee shop."

In this set of podcast reviews, we add to the variety by expanding beyond the current year and including some non-fiction (yea!), as well. These are the "dog days" of summer. Keep reading to catch the theme.


Desert Zest: 52 Days By Camel (My Sahara Adventure) by Lawrie Raskin and Deborah Pearson, photography by Lawrie Raskin. Passion sparked by childhood reading leads us through snow, salt, sandstorms, camel spit and souks in this eye opening introduction to the wonders of the Sahara and the sensational potential of curiosity and pluck. (Annick Press 1998)

Addictive Non-Fiction: Little Lions, Bull Baiters & Hunting Hounds by Jeff Crosby and Shelley Ann Jackson, illustrated by Shelley Ann Jackson and Jeff Crosby. Rich, realistic, edge-to-edge illustrations full of action, maps and lovable hounds combine with history, humour and friendly, accessible text to provide the full scoop on 43 canine breeds in this quickly dog-eared non-fiction tome. (Tundra Books, 2008)

Soul Tonic and Spoonerisms: If I Had a Million Onions by Sheree Fitch, illustrated by Yayo (Diego Howard) Tangy rainbow-fashioned sketches and popping, crackling, soaring, gliding rhyme make these sixty three pages of wordplay and warmth a poetry medley for all ages. (Tradewind Books, 2005)

Sizzling Rhythm: Dirty Dog Boogie written and illustrated by Loris Lesynski. If these thirty-two pages of flipping, flopping, bouncing, buzzing, twitching, itching, hissing, humming, fizzing, popping, whizzing, waltzing, shaking, leaping, rug-cutting rhyme don’t get your toes tapping, we’d like to hear about it. (Annick, 1999)

Read more!

The Book Bag, Books for ages 9 to 12, July/August 2008

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/08/book-bag-books-for-ages-9-to-12.html

Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 9 to 12 (July/August 2008)

The bookshelves continue to fill up with largely fantasy and science fiction ... all of which are one volume or another of a series. Specific plot elements and character names aside, they are running together. Here's what looks cool ... and distinguishes itself because it's NOT in that mix.

Man in the Moon by Dotti Enderle This is a story set in Texas in the summer of 1961. What catches my eye about it is this part of the blurb: "When Ricky takes sick, really sick...Janine feels powerless to help her brother, but Mr. Lunas has a plan." More and more, kids are having to deal with seriously ill relatives. This may be a story that helps them understand life. (Delacorte Press, an Imprint of Random House, Inc., 2008)

Reaching for the Moon by Buzz Aldrin, illustrated by Wendell Minor. I am always happy to highlight potentially great books that are (a) non-fiction and (b) books that can engage boys. This illustrated biography (reading level 6.1) looks like it could be perfect for reluctant and remedial readers. (Collins, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)


Listen! by Stephanie S. Tolan. There are lots of books about kids and pets, but usually they're for younger kids. This is the story of a young girl who, while dealing with her own pain, crosses paths with an abused dog. It's nice to see something that ISN'T princess or intergalactic! (HarperTrophy, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)


Out of Bounds; Seven Stories of Conflict and Hope by Beverely Naidoo. We loved Web of Lies, and this collection of short stories looks like they could be as equally compelling as that novel was two years ago. These are stories about apartheid in South Africa, in a "youth voice." HarperTrophy, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)



Ghost Files by the Ghost Society Just thumbing through this book is neat. There are pages within pages, tabs to pull, and things to move as you learn about ghosts and ghost-lore. The reading level is grade 8, so it offers something for kids who want/need to keep busy while they read. NOTE: The book will be available next month (which in reality is next week). (HarperCollins Publisher, 2008)

Read more!

Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 9 to 12 (July/August 2008)

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/08/reading-ahead-books-for-ages-9-to-12.html

The Book Bag, Books for ages 9 to 12, May/June 2008

Part of what makes this book bag the most fun to write is that it gives us a chance to showcase the reader's work. The 9 to 12 target audience is the first one where we get to read what the kids think in their own words. As I previously mentioned in the Winder 2008 newsletter, we had lots of school requests for the Use Your ABCs program this past spring. It is so energizing to read what the kids are writing. Remember: these are the struggling and reluctant readers!

The Dragon Tree by Jane Langton. Fans of the Hall Family Chronicles will love this next installment. We've never read any of the other titles in the series and enjoyed it, too. "This is a well written and enjoyable mystery/fantasy story that adolescents will have fun reading...it is perfect for building and sustaining a young student’s interest in reading. " (HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)


Ever by Gail Carson Levine. Olus, the Akkan god of the winds, studies mortals. His first attempt to interact with an Akkan boy failed. In his second attempt, disguised as a shepherd, he meets and falls in love with Kezi, the landowner's daughter. Olus is too late to stop Kezi from uttering an oath that will change her life forever. "The story is well-constructed, with some predictable elements but enough suspense and new paths to keep you going. This is one of those books where you are really tempted to read the end before you get to chapter five! Don't dismiss this as chick lit." (HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)

Gone by Michael Grant. Yes, I know this is a repeat ... but now we have the Teen STAR Review Team input. They wrote a truly professional review and the effort is worth mentioning!



Jim and Me by Dan Gutman. With the help of vintage baseball cards, Joey Stoshack can travel through time. When Bobby Fuller, the school bully, learns about Joey's "talent" he wants Joey to take him back in time to meet his great great grandfather, Jim Thorpe. "Any Little League player will love this book. Time travel and the dangers therein provide the excitement and danger that grab young readers." (HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)

The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas Conn is a thief who picks pockets and locks. The day he decides to pick Nevery's pocket, his life changes forever. Nevery is a wizard and Conn has lifted a magic stone. The stone should have killed him, but it doesn't. Nevery decides to bring Conn home, making him a servant. Conn is now saved from a life on the street...but how safe is the city? Here's what our student reviewer thinks: "I was drawn to this book when I saw the word 'magic' in the title. I thought it was going to be a good book after the first page, and I was right. It was a really fun book to read."

Paraworld Zero (Parallel Worlds, Book 1) by Matthew Peterson. Simon is a boy who lives in an orphanage. One day he meets Tonya, who is from a parallel universe. She has powers, and together, Tonya and Simon must face monsters. They also have to protect Tonya from the evil people who don't like magic. This is sci-fi adventure for young adults. Here's our student reviewer's thoughts: "This book is good for kids 13 and older. I picked the book because I like science. From the very beginning it held my attention and was easy to get into. I liked how it was futuristic." (Blue Works, a Division of Windstorm Creative, 2007)

The Seer of Shadows by Avi. Horace Carpetine, an apprentice photographer, and Pegg, a black servant girl, realize that a wealthy family's dead daughter has become a ghost, looking for those who mistreated her while she was alive. During their dangerous quest, they discover who Eleanora, the ghost girl, really was and how and when she actually dies. This is a mystery/suspense/ghost story from Newbery Medal Winner Avi. Here's what our student reviewer thought: "I liked that it had all different genres at points. Sometimes it was suspenseful, sometimes mysterious, and all of it exciting and adventurous. I was very surprised about VonMacht's mother." (HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)

Sisters of the Sword by Maya Snow. In feudal Japan, girls do not become samurai. Even though they have trained with their brothers, they can never attend the dojo, the samurai training school. After witnessing their fathers' and brothers' murders, they escape with their lives and immediately set in motion a plan to regain their family honor. Their first step: disguise themselves as boys and find a way to become samurai. "This ensemble cast, led by sisters Hana and Kimi, offers teens - including boys - a wonderful story with characters they will relate to." (HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)

Up All Night: A Short Story Collection by Peter Abrahams, et al. This collection of short stories is about what happens at night. They cover anything from asking someone "What's up?" and meaning it to going to a rock concert. The authors in this collection each tell a story about something that happens after dark. Here is what our student reviewer had to say: "I really liked it because each of the stories was different. I picked the book because it was written by some of my favorite authors (Libba Bray, David Levithan), so that helped. There is something to learn in each of the stories (but I'm not telling what they are)." (Laura Geringer Books, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)

We are very proud to offer you the podcast reviews that Mark and Andrea publish at "their favorite coffee shop." Yesterday, they published a wonderful, inspiring story about a Val Willis, who found the manuscript of a book her daughter Kenra had written when she was eleven years old. Kenra lost her battle with cancer at age 49, but Val (who is about to turn 88) is using the book to inspire others. It is the change-your-perspective story you have to hear.

Click the titles for these books and you'll go to Just One More Book where you can listen to the podcast.

Lady Liberty: A Biography by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Matt Tavares. Stunningly warm, intimate illustrations and eleven candid first person accounts capture the crescendo of Lady Liberty’s creation, from idea to unveiling, and give us an enduring appreciation for the landmark, her creators and the many lives she has touched. (Candlewick Press, 2008)

My Dad's a Birdman by David Almond, illustrated by Polly Dunbar. Airy illustrations, playful, British dialogue and sprightly dipping, gliding narrative give flight to a zany father-daughter adventure that dances delicately between tenderness, tomfoolery, hope and despair landing lightly in the comfort of allied abandon. (Candlewick Press, 2007)

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis. Creativity, dexterity, integrity and retentivity are raised to the rank of super-power as four stray eleven year olds battle mind-numbing media, personal misgivings and the elaborate scheming of a mind-sweeping megalomaniac in this puzzle-filled, cleverly hilarious page-turner. (Little, Brown and Company, 2006)

Read more!

The Book Bag, Books for ages 9 to 12, May/June 2008

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/07/book-bag-books-for-ages-9-to-12-mayjune.html

Reading Ahead - Books for ages 9 to 12 (May/June 2008)

Welcome to the May/June 2008 Reading Ahead edition of the Book Bag. We seem to be over-run with beach reading and chick lit these days. Good stuff, but the themes/plots are starting to sound alike. Here are some of the titles that separated themselves from the pack.

Bringing the Boy Home by N. A. Nelson There are two boys, both from the same Amazon tribe, who are beginning their quest toward manhood. I'm always on the lookout for books that have strong male characters, and I like the idea of traveling to another culture (as opposed to a galaxy far, far away!). (HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)


Chessie Bligh and the Scroll of Andelthor by Thora Gabriel. The premise is sad but intriguing ... a young teen, essentially neglected by her parents, decides to trade places with a friend from boarding school. Who hasn't wished they could trade places with someone? In this story, it looks like Chessie ends up in a different Universe. (iUniverse, 2007)


Declare Yourself: Speak. Connect. Act. Vote: More than 50 Celebrated Americans Tell You Why by Declare Yourself. This is a collection of essays. It is also one of the few get-involved type books for teens/Young Adults that has crossed my desk that I think actually may grab their attention. I like the fact that the cover is a "mirror" and the array of essayists from Molly Ivins (whom kids won't know) to Romeo and America Ferrar (whom they will). The publisher bills this as a book for teens 14 and up, but the reading level is fourth grade. PERFECT for older reluctant and remedial readers who need more sophisticated content. (HarperCollins, 2008)

Discovery of Glow (Glowmundo Series) by Jennifer Jazwierska and Candice Bataille Popiel, illustrated by Thom Buchanan and Jill Haller. The cover is cool: a girl with two test-tupes. One has a rainbow, the other lightening. Given yet another recent report about girls and science, this illustrated, science-adventure novel looks like it might get their attention. (Glowmundo Creations, LLC)


Dodger and Me by Jordan Sonnenblick. The blue primate on the cover made me laugh out loud. Willie Ryan (fifth grader) is our narrator in this middle-grade novel. A boy, baseball, and humor. Looks like a home run to me. This is a book we picked up at Book Expo America. (Feiwel and Friends, an Imprint of Macmillan, 2008)



Shifty by Lynn E. Hazen. I'm not sure how to completely characterize it. My first thought is "urban," because it talks about a teen in the foster care system. It looks like its got some cold, hard, realities-of-life elements that teens don't often see (but maybe need to read more of). Looks like it could be a great conversation-starter. (Tricycle/TenSpeed Press, 2008)

Read more!

Reading Ahead - Books for ages 9 to 12 (May/June 2008)

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/07/reading-ahead-books-for-ages-9-to-12.html