The Long Way Home

The Long Way Home is Book 2 in the series Family Tree by Ann M. Martin.  This series covers four generations of mothers and daughters, sisters and aunts…four different girls.

Book 2 is about Dana who loves loving in New York City. Yes, her twin sister, Julia, can get on her nerves.  And the heat in the summer can drive people a little crazy.  But it feels like she is in the heart of the world, and she is living to its beat.  Her father is a famous writer and takes her to parties most people can only read about in newspapers. It’s an exciting life.

Then things start to go wrong.  Dana’s father dies in a tragic accident, and Dana’s family must move to Maine for financial reasons.  Dana vows that it won’t be forever and somehow she will make her way back home to New York City.

There was enough suspense in every chapter to hold my attention and to draw me back to the book on my nightstand.  The setting is in the early 1950’s and Ms. Martin makes accurate reference to the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Assassination of President Kennedy.

I look forward to ordering Books 1, 3 & 4 which will introduce Abby, Francie, and Georgia and the challenges they will face.  This is a family I’ll never forget.

Robots at Home

Robots at Home is part of a series which features robots in various locations.  There isn’t a great deal of detail as to how they work or how they are programmed, but it’s basically a picture book showing the robot and telling what it does.  I kind of wondered if they can be customized, where to get one, how much they cost, etc., but I guess the target audience doesn’t ask those kinds of questions.   Some of the robots mentioned are familiar to students, such as the robot pet, the floor cleaner, and the wheelchair.

Goodnight Football

Goodnight Football is such an appealing books on many different levels.  First of all, the text is in rhyme, and clearly explains the different parts and players of the game.  Secondly, the illustrations are colorful and clear and not cluttered with unnecessary details. And, thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, it is reminiscent of the classic children’s book Goodnight, Moon, in which the little boy (instead of bunny) says goodnight to all the football related items he’s seen that night.  This book is a terrific introduction to the game for those kids who aren’t so familiar with it and also for those kids who love the game.  How great to find a book in which football doesn’t depict violence and toughness.  This is a must purchase for all elementary school libraries.

War Game: The Legendary Story of the First World War Football Match

2014 was the 100th anniversary of WWI. Author, illustrator Michael Foreman brings to readers a taste of what it was like in the trenches of the Western Front of France and Belgium through the eyes of his four uncles- WWI soldiers.

The young men of England were recruited to fight for “King and Country.” “As strange as it may seem today, football [soccer] played an important part in the First World War. It was used to recruit volunteers and to drive men on as they went ‘over the top’ into no-man’s-land; and it famously brought together the warring armies during the historic Christmas truce of 1914.” (page 78)

Young men who had never been away from home volunteered to fight. It would be an adventure, a chance to see the world. At first, it was parades and cheering later as the troops traveled toward the front line they encountered families fleeing the war zone and saw their first wounded troops. Eventually, they entered their life in the trenches: mud, little shelter, poor food, and firing on the Germans at dawn and dusk. Other than sentry duty, not much happened mid-day.

Enemy line could be as close as 30 yards away. Voices and the smell of food could drift in from the other side of no-man’s-land. And no-man’s-land often contained barbed wire, artillery crater holes, and dead bodies.

The war was not over by Christmas, as had been thought when the men were recruited.

Christmas Day of 1914 brought a quiet. Little by little, both sides came out of their trenches and buried their dead. Later, a Christmas tree was brought out, little gifts were exchanged, then a football [soccer ball] came out and the rest of the day was spent with both sides playing friendly, but crazy football  together.

In the days that followed, both sides saw troops moved to different parts of the front because how could the war continue to be fought if the enemies were so friendly towards each other.

Ice Dogs

In an Alaskan setting, the story of a 14-year-old dog sledder and a lost city boy collide. The dog sledder, Victoria Secord, and the city boy, Chris, are lost in the woods together after Chris has a snowmobile accident. Together the two of them and her dog sled team have to survive the cruel Alaskan night and the dangers of the wild forest to make it back to civilization before they both die.
This fast-paced novel will keep the reader wanting to know if the pair survived the night. Victoria is bullheaded and stubborn; if she puts her mind to it, she will do it. Chris is sensitive and doesn’t understand new surroundings very well. The author brings the characters to life making them very believable. This is a powerful story for those who enjoy reading survival or dog stories.
— Kellyn S.

Dogs of Winter, The

Based on a true story, this novel is about a young Russian boy who is abandoned on the streets of Russia during a great time of poverty where children are abandoned in abundance. A pack of dogs find the boy and start treating him better than the other homeless children where he eats and sleeps with the pack. He takes care of the dogs and they take care of him. This book is told through the eyes of a five-year-old child. It is about survival in a harsh world. The moral of the story is that one can find love and family in the most unlikely circumstances.

At first, I did not realize that this was a true story. I was really connected to the realism of it all – everything that happened I believed to be true. The author’s writing was very vivid – written from a child’s perspective. The story was so well-written that it felt like it was a biography. The book paces itself with heart-felt moments and action-packed adventure. This is a compelling read for those who like stories about animals, survival and family. I highly recommend this book.

–Hannah M.

The Statue of Liberty

In large text, this 300 foot national symbol is described and explained.  The statue is of a woman holding a torch signifying the light of freedom while holding a tablet representing our laws.  Built in France, it was delivered to the U. S. in 1884.  Photographs and illustrations portray different aspects of the statue – construction, placement in New York, cleaning, and as a tourist destination.  Sentence structure is simple yet full of significant facts.  Great introduction to a national symbol for young readers.  Glossary, index, bibliography, internet sites, and three Common Core questions are included.  Other titles in the set are: The American Flag, The Bald Eagle, The Pledge of Allegiance, The Star-Spangles Banner, and Uncle Sam.  Judging from the quality of this book, I would recommend acquiring the series.

My Blue Bunny, Bubbit

A young girl and her favorite stuffed toy, Bubbit, learn there will soon be a new baby in the house.  Told in the third person, the girl and Bubbit decide to draw a welcome picture for her new brother.  When grandma Nonni arrives with her sewing basket, the two of them create a new stuffed toy for her newborn brother.  They fashion a yellow elephant out of fabric from an out-grown jacket.  Sewing steps are beautifully illustrated as the text portrays the love and friendship between Nonni and the granddaughter.  Colorful digital artwork is detailed, warm, and engaging.  This story can be used with a variety of themes and/or writing skills: new siblings, family, sewing craft, and word choice.  Pleasant book filled with the special relationship between granddaughter an grandmother.

Voices from the March on Washington

This book in verse tells the story of the March on Washington through the (fictional) voices of many. The focus is on the voices of six, representing a cross-section of those who were there on the mall in Washington. While many think of that day as the day Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous speech, the amazing poems in this book speak of what some people endured to get to D. C., why they came, what their hopes and aspirations were. They describe personal moments: hearing Mahalia Jackson sing, drinking from the same water fountains as whites for the first time in their lives, the awe inspired by such an immense yet peaceful demonstration when they were so conditioned to violence. The inspirational poems make this historical event accessible to students who might not pick up a history book by choice.  Another excellent addition to any library in commemoration of those events.

The Space Between

This dark fantasy is about Daphne, the child of Lucifer and the demon Lilith, and her half-brother Obie. Obie is in love and is going to abandon his family, his job and his home in Hell for the girl he loves. When Lilith tells Daphne that Obie is in danger, Daphne sets off to rescue him. But she has little of the knowledge or skill necessary to navigate Earth and help her brother. She has nothing but her connection to a boy who might be the last one who saw Obie.

Daphne has always been sheltered. On this quest, she must learn self-reliance, perseverance, and most of all trust – who she can and can’t trust. She must navigate the politics of both Hell and the angels on Earth who are determine to destroy all demons. The reader can see the growing changes in Daphne through her first person chapters; the boy who is helping her appears more distant in his third person narrative. The motivation of characters is complex, as is the setting. This detailed story is intriguing and hard to put down.

The Manhattan Project

This reference begins with the Allies’ fears that Germany would be the first to create the atomic bomb and then proceeds through the steps taken to make sure the Allies beat them to it. From the selection of the scientists and the military commander in charge of the project to the selection of the facilities where the work would take place, Wukovits provides clear information, interesting sidebars, and photos to give students insight into this devastating event in history. The majority of the book details the planning and construction of the bomb; information on Hiroshima and Nagasaki is included although more detail is readily available elsewhere.  While the book does touch on the opposing views on whether atomic bombs should be used, it is not explored in depth here. This resource does a good job illustrating the planning and execution of the creation of the bomb.

Essential Lives: Malala Yousafzai

This biography begins with the assassination attempt on Malala on her way home from school in 2012. The next few chapters provide background information: on Pakistan, Islam, the Taliban, and Malala’s childhood. The author does a good job illustrating how committed Malala and her father were to her education despite the obstacles they faced. The dangers they faced and the living conditions they endured when they had to flee their province are mentioned; however, the book seems to be targeting a young audience. It describes the living conditions in refugee camps as “less than ideal,” which I am sure is grossly understated. I do think kids will be interested in how Malala got started as an activist, with her diaries, blogs and documentaries. There is no mention of her Nobel Prize; the book was published in 2013. However, many students might already be aware of her award. The book ends with a timeline of events, important facts, a glossary and a list of resources for those wanting more information. This is a good overview, but there is not a lot of in-depth information or analysis of Malala’s life, beliefs or actions.

Walter Dean Myers

Washington Post reporter Jim Naughton called Walter Dean Myers a “one man movement.” Myers told stories about the lives of African American youth at a time when literature for youth was “monochromatic,” written by white authors about white characters. This book tells Myers’ story, from his troubled childhood and lack of success in school, to his time in the military to his career as a writer.  Fans of his writing will see the roots of many of his characters in his childhood. His struggle to  achieve and his perseverance in becoming a writer is inspirational. There is also a chapter on his efforts to reach children, especially troubled youth, through his writing.  Myers is such a popular writer that this biography is bound to circulate well, especially after his recent death. The book is appealing, with many sidebars and photographs, and ends with a timeline of important events and a list of resources for further information.

At Issue: Fracking

This volume provides a range of opinions on issues related to fracking: the environmental risks, possible contamination, pollution, chemicals used and more. The sources range from government agencies to news reports to industry reports. The articles are short and accessible; the reading level is appropriate for high school students. The resource contains a list of organizations to contact for more information and a bibliography. This book is a useful addition to a secondary school library for research and could be used to support more nonfiction reading in the classroom as teachers align curriculum to ELA Common Core Standards.

Current Controversies: Violence in the Media

In this volume of the series, violence in music lyrics and videos, exposure to violence in television and movies, violent video games and society’s reaction to violence in the media are considered. Opposing views on each of these issues are presented.  The topics are timely and likely to appeal to teens. I think many teens will enjoy the article that questions whether PacMan will lead to the demise of a generation. (If they know what PacMan is.) Each chapter begins with an overview  or a preface and several includes a list of references. The book ends with organizations to contact and a bibliography. With Common Core Standards necessitating the need for more nonfiction reading in the classroom, a book like this with timely, interesting articles is a good addition to a secondary school library.

Opposing Viewpoints: Civil Liberties

In this volume of the series, free speech, religious freedom, due process and privacy rights are considered. Balanced views on each of these issues are presented, along with questions to promote critical analysis. The views include the prominent opinions on each side of the issue as well as some that are lesser known.  The articles are timely: hate speech, Citizens United, the treatment of terrorist suspects and privacy on the Internet. There is a particularly interesting article on why schools need to teach about religion. Each chapter has a preface and bibliography of Internet and print sources. The book ends with questions for further discussion, organizations to contact and a bibliography of books. With Common Core Standards necessitating the need for more nonfiction reading in the classroom, a book like this with timely, interesting articles is an excellent addition to a secondary school library.

Little Eskimo, The

This is a great little story that teaches children that they have choices about what they will become.

The pictures are fun.  The story gives the animals interesting characteristics.  There is a lot of repetition, so it is great for younger readers.  The font is blue or white, which I found easy to read.  Nice little story.

First Bood of Nursery STories

This book is full of short versions of classic children’s stories. Many of them have morals.   It’s a great book if you want a quick story.

The pictures are cute and colorful.  The font is large, clear and easy to read.

I found the version of the Three Little Pigs rather shocking, but I had fun reading through stories that have been around for many years.

Cat & Dog

Mama cat and her three kittens were homeless.  As mama cat went out searching for food for her babies, a dog wandered by and seeing them, thought ‘Food!’  But taking pity on them, he curled up next to them and they kept each other warm.  Mama cat comes back and both she and the dog are surprised.  Mama cat tells them of her adventure of being trapped in the fish seller’s van and going to sea.  They want to see for themselves, so she takes them to where the van was parked.  The fish seller decides to give them all a home in his net shed by the harbor.  This is a gentle story about opposites learning to get along and the kindness of others.

Golden Boy

Habo is the cause of all of his family’s troubles.  He has known this his entire life.  Habo was born albino – a condition terrifying to his rural Tanzanian community.  When his mother and siblings find themselves no longer capable of survival in their village, they begin a cross-country journey which will put Habo in harm’s way over and over again.  This riveting tale is based on fact.  Although Habo and the specifics of his story are fictional, albinism is a source of fear and danger in Tanzania.  Some believe that certain parts of an albino body can bring good luck – leading to albino people being literally hunted in the streets of some areas.  Sullivan takes those facts and spins a spellbinding adventure story of a boy discovering both the world and his unique place in that world.  Highly recommended for all libraries serving teens.

Pet Crafts: Everything You Need to Become Your Pet’s Craft Star!

This non-fiction books joins two popular subjects for elementary and middle-school age students:  pets and crafts.  Directions are clear and easy to follow; the list of supplies are simple and easy to find or inexpensive; and the results are pretty cute.  My favorites are the bird swing, the critter crawlspace (cats will love it!), the pet treats tin, and the pet treats recipes (which I’ll definitely make).  I would have liked to see some ideas how to make some easy doggy chew toys, but I guess I can figure that out.  A couple of crafts had me concerned; for example, the dry shampoo with glitter for both dogs and cats.  Both of these animals lick themselves and consuming glitter can’t be good for them.  I understand that it’s fine glitter, but still.  Really?  Another concern is that my dog really likes to chew things and I would be afraid that she would chew and choke on some of the items used as decoration such as jewels, pom poms, etc.   I don’t think I want to chance it.   Most of the crafts are easy, cute, and harmless, but you still need to choose carefully, keeping your pet’s nature in mind.

Stone Giant: Michaelangelo’s David and How He Came to Be

In this non-fiction picture book, Sutcliffe explains the art world in which five hundred years ago, Michelangelo came to sculpt the famous statue known as David.  This statue resides in Florence, Italy in the Galleria dell’ Accademia (an art gallery/museum).  Most young children know Michelangelo as a Teen-age Mutant Ninja Turtle.  But the original Michelangelo of the art world is about as famous as an artist can get.  All of Italy is full of fantastic, unbelievable art, plus the history or story behind the artists is equally fantastic.  I recently spent some time in Florence and got to see the original in the Accademia as well as the copy in front of city hall.  But the story I heard from two different art historians is a little different from Sutcliffe’s.  Her story is a partial truth, significant facts omitted perhaps for the purpose of a young audience.  But the whole truth is very interesting and adds an element that kids will remember.  The story I was told was that the statue David was commissioned by the cathedral in Florence.  Upon it’s completion, the church was horrified at the frontal nudity and refused to have it in the church.  Because of this, it remained outside, in front of what is now city hall (but what I believe then was a palace) and became weathered.  It was decided to move the statue into the newly built Accademia to protect it, and a copy of the statue was put in it’s former location outside.  When you see such flawless beauty, you can only wonder at how Michelangelo was able to create such an exact likeness to man.  The statue isn’t perfect–you can see his arms are longer than should be in order to be proportionate.  But it works.  So how did Michelangelo do it?  Yes, a sculptor needs to see his subject in the stone, however, mathematics play an important role in being able to create such a masterpiece.  Michelangelo built a small model of David and put it into a box, similar to a coffin but without the lid.  He then filled the box with water covering the model.  He slowly released the water and sculpted what was revealed, using mathematical theories devised by Archimedes, and using mathematical proportions to create the giant statue.  As an educator I believe that children, even young children, need to hear the whole story.  This book would be terrific to use to tie together art and math.  Add a science experiment and try the model, box, and water project to see how it works.  The artists in the Renaissance were true geniuses–and we should remember how they did what they did, as well as appreciate the results.  P.S.  As an elementary school librarian, I can already see the bruhaha the nude picture of David will create among students.

Aviary Wonders Inc. Spring Catalog and Instruction Manual

I can honestly say that I have never read a book like this one–it is truly unique and one-of-a-kind!  Aviary Wonders, Inc. is a beautifully crafted picture book which reads like a catalog of the future.  In the future, Samworth’s takes the stand that natural habitats have disappeared, along with all of God’s creatures which inhabited them.  This ‘catalog’, allows the purchaser to buy and build various birds that once existed or create a totally new bird.  Each pair of pages displays fantastically and elaborately drawn ‘bird parts’–choose the wings you want, the beak, the feathers, the feet, and so on.   It also gives tips as to how to properly choose parts so that your bird will look proportionate.  Also included in the instruction manual part, are ways in which to teach your bird to fly and how to sing, and also includes a helpful troubleshooting tips just in case your bird isn’t behaving.  An order form completes the book.  This book is truly eye candy and the idea is totally fascinating.  This is Samworth’s first book.  She is quite the accomplished artist who has expanded her talents into a new form of art and creativity.  I can’t wait to see what else she will deliver.  This book is a must purchase for all libraries.

The Hueys in None the Number: A Counting Adventure

Who are “The Hueys?” …little, minimalist oval shapes, with stick legs and arms.  They dialogue throughout the book starting with the question “Is none a number?”  A Blue Huey confirms that it is indeed a number because it is one less than one.  Then he points out items that illustrate each number up to ten.  Putting all items on one page together towards the end of the book, makes for a fun “I Spy” opportunity.  And finally…when you take them all away…you get NONE.  However, the confused Huey ends the book with a repeat of the puzzling question…”Is none a number?”  When a concept is a little too hard to wrap your mind around, you’ve just got to ask the question more than once!  I love The Hueys…and so will the kids!