by Judith Hayn

Vaught, S. (2012). Freaks like us. New York, NY: Bloomsbury.

Jason Milwaukee is 17 and like his best friends Derrick and Summer, he shares a self-contained classroom with other “alphabets,” so labeled because of their acronymic disorders. Jason is called "Freak" because the voices in his head perpetually echo that name accompanied by other epithets and visions because he has GAD (General Anxiety Disorder) and is SCZI (Schizophrenic). Derrick or "Drip" is ADHD while Summer is SM (Selective Mute), and it is her sudden disappearance after school one afternoon that triggers this compelling mystery. Freak’s feelings for Summer have apparently morphed into romance, but will the friendship the three friends share be mistaken for his and Drip’s guilt in her disappearance? Freak cannot verbalize his racing unsynchronized thoughts to uncover what he does know about Summer’s despair and hopelessness.

Susan Vaught delineates Freak’s character through first person narrative by using his rational observations accompanied by his troubled thoughts which only he can discern. This makes for challenging reading that is well worth the effort. Freak is much more than mentally unstable as Vaught meshes his illness into action, and the reader enters his chaotic mind. The fear and panic that engulf Freak are almost visceral as he tries to prove his innocence and find his friend.Freaks Like Us is a powerful reminder that there is something freakish in all of us—indeed, a novel to arouse empathy and awareness.

Dr. Judith A. Hayn is an associate professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

This article is part of a series from the Network on Adolescent Literature Special Interest Group (SIGNAL).

In honor of Dr. Seuss’s March 2nd birthday and NEA’s Read Across America celebration, the International Reading Association's Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group would like to present a Tribute to Literacy in this week’s column. Today’s classrooms and libraries offer reading selections for children that they can freely select and enjoy. Reading will truly put tomorrow’s citizens on the path to success.

ReadWriteThink offers lesson plan ideas to support teachers and their individual celebrations of Read Across America. NEA offers a plethora of “Resources to Get Reading.”

GRADES K-3

Abouraya, Karen Leggett. (2012). Hands around the library: Protecting Egypt’s treasured books. Illus. by Susan L. Roth. New York: Dial Books.

Although the January 2011 uprising against Egypt’s regime received much media attention, one smaller act of courage concerned books and the country’s literary treasures. This picture book describes how some of the nation’s most unlikely heroes banded together to protect the library of Alexandria from possible damage as the Egyptian protesters took to the city’s streets to express their displeasure with the current state of politics. Angry individuals intent on being heard by destroying whatever lies in their path don’t often stop to think about what might be lost by their actions. In this case, the quick thinking of those onlookers and protesters who linked hands with the building’s librarian, Dr. Serageldin, kept the building and its contents safe. They risked their lives by forming a human chain to protect the library. The library itself is a treasure, not just for the books it contains but for its architecture, its cultural significance, and the sanctity it provides to citizens. It even features stones containing letters or signs from 500 different alphabets. The book’s illustrations consisting of collage and photo montages are stunning and inspire contemplation of the power of literacy to form bonds among strangers. The love of some humans for their libraries knows no bounds, and acts of heroism are inspired for many different reasons.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Alexander, Claire. (2012). Back to front and upside down! Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

After Miss Catnip's students learn that today is the birthday of their principal, Mr. Slipper, they decide to make birthday cards for him. Stan is full of great ideas for what he plans to draw on his card, but he is frustrated once he realizes he must write a message as well as provide an illustration. No matter how hard he tries, he just can't get those letters to look like Miss Catnip's examples on the board. With encouragement from a friend, he asks his teacher for help, and realizes that he isn't the only one who is struggling with letters that seem to come out backwards and upside down. The soft colors of the illustration and text itself may feature a classroom of animals, but the simple story describes a common classroom challenge while offering suggestions for coping when things that seem easy for others are very hard for you. The expressions on the faces of these earnest students are endearing, adding to the pleasures of reading this title, whose author/illustrator is a recent recipient of the Schneider Family Book Award for this book.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Asim, Jabari. (2012) Fifty cents and a dream: young Booker T. Washington. Illus. by Bryan Collier. Boston: Little Brown Books for Young Readers.

Written in a free verse style, this beautifully illustrated biography tells the life story of Booker T. Washington. Previous interpretations of Washington’s life have often run contrary to concepts of the fight for freedom and true emancipation than other versions and approaches to civil rights. Author Jabari Asim has presented the determination of a young man born into slavery but given his freedom by the end of the Civil War years. Through hard work and just a few pennies in his pocket, he walked 500 miles to begin the academic life he so earnestly sought when he received admission into the Hampton Institute in 1872 Virginia. Working as a janitor while he was at Hampton, Booker earned his degree and went on to become a teacher truly living the dream he had placed before himself as a young boy. Detailed author notes at the end of the book provide a timeline and further details of the life of this determined young learner. Teachers will find an interesting interview with both author and illustrator at this popular children’s literature blog, Mr. Schu Reads.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Cline-Ransome, Lesa. (2013) Light in the darkness; a story about how slaves learned in secret. Illus. by James E. Ransome. New York: Disney/Jump at the Sun.

Under the cover of darkness, Rosa and her mother, both slaves of the master’s plantation, sneak away to find the “pit school” of Morris. Though expressly forbidden by law, Morris, himself a slave, was taught to read the Bible by the master’s wife. Now he has set up pit schools to teach other slaves who are willing to risk these clandestine learning sessions. Pit schools are shallow holes dug into the ground and often covered with branches and twigs so as not to be discovered by the plantation night patrollers. Rosa and her mother slip away as often as they can and are slowly learning their letters. Rosa is most anxious to learn whole words and now, even after a close call with the night patrollers, risks a harsh whipping with lashes for each letter learned, she is willing to continue learning. Pair this picture books with Gary Paulsen’s novel Nightjohn (1993), young readers will understand the strong desire these folks had to learn to read. Teachers might like to introduce this book with the video showing how illustrator-husband James Ransome created the beautiful watercolor illustrations for this story.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Fleischman, Paul. (2013). The matchbox diary. Illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Despite his inability to read and write, an Italian immigrant finds a way to keep a record of the events in his life. Finding several small matchboxes, he places a token of each important event in each of them, and then later stashes them in a cigar box. When his great-granddaughter comes to pay her respects and get to know her ancestor, she is fascinated with his treasure trove of interesting objects. He tells her that each of them represents a story. When she chooses the cigar box, he uses its contents to describe his story about life back home during desperate times when the family had little to eat and their subsequent journey to the United States. Once they join his father who had originally come to the country seeking a better life, they face prejudice and mistreatment. Eventually, he goes to school, learns his new country’s language, becomes a printer, and later, opens his own bookstore. As the stories draw the great-granddaughter closer to her relative, she expresses a desire to keep a diary of her own so she, too, can keep a record of the things that matter. The story is tenderly told, and is perfectly supported by the book’s lovely, light-filled acrylic and gouache illustrations showing perfectly the mixed emotions of the book's characters.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Grant, Joyce. (2013). Gabby. Illus. by Jan Dolby. Markham, ON: Fitzhenry & Whiteside.

Like many novice readers, Gabby loves reading her book. When the letters somehow spill from its pages, Gabby gathers them up and forms simple words, including cat, fish, and bird. As the letters make words, the animal each work represents appears on the page, and Gabby has quite a menagerie around her. But a cat, a bird, and a fish all in the same room might spell disaster unless Gabby moves quickly. She manages to swiftly fashion another word since the three animals aren't getting along. After they become friends, she can go back to what she really longs to do: her reading. The illustrations are filled with bright colors and a smiling Gabby, and the back matter includes two activity pages to add to readers' enjoyment of the book.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Winters, Kari-Lynn. (2012). Gift days. Illus. by Stephen Taylor. Markham, ON: Fitzhenry & Whiteside.

Reminding readers not to take for granted the right to go to school and become educated, this understated story about a young girl's desire to learn to read will tug at readers' heartstrings for several reasons. After the death of her mother in Uganda, Nassali assumes responsibility for her younger siblings and spends her days performing the necessary household chores. There is no time or money for school, at least not for a girl. Nassali longs to learn how to read, and after reflecting on their mother's goals for both of them, her brother gives her a precious gift. Once a week he gets up early and takes care of the chores so that his sister can practice reading and writing. This inspiring story shows just how important an education can be in attaining a better life. The softly-colored illustrations reveal the sheer joy on Nassali’s face once she has a chance to dream of a brighter future. The book’s back matter includes a glossary and discussion of Article 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as statistics about the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

GRADES 3-5

Pattison, Darcy. (2012). Desert baths. Illus. by Kathleen Rietz. Mount Pleasant, SC: Sylvan Dell Publishing.

Teaching students to wonder is the most crucial role of a teacher. To keep readers turning the pages is the work of an author. In this well-written and illustrated book, young readers learn about the inhabitants of the American desert. Readers will be amazed at the diversity of creatures living in the desert. Since these animals show up at different times of the day, the narration flows in a natural chronology. The accurate illustrations provide details to situate the young readers in the desert habitat. Using text and illustrations, readers actively participate in trying to figure out how each creature will find different ways to stay clean when there is no rain or water. One by one, the bobcat licks her cub, the pallid bat takes a spit bath, and the javelina rolls over thick, cool mud. In addition to six pages of activities, the book is accompanied by a teaching guide and numerous tools for classroom activities that provide opportunities for engaged learning. A great resource for any teacher because of its focus on the desert, this title may encourage many reluctant readers to search out similar texts.

- Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Polacco, Patricia. (1998). Thank you, Mr. Falker. New York: Philomel Books.

The well-loved author/illustrator returns to a painful period in her own childhood to describe the ultimately heartwarming story of little Trisha, who is at first overjoyed at the thought of starting school and learning how to read. But her initial excitement turns to dread and embarrassment as the numbers and letters in the school books jumble together in her mind. As Trisha struggles to read and write, school becomes even more challenging for her. A move to a new school and new city only results in Tricia’s being teased for being unable to read, and Trisha starts to hate school. Mr. Falker, a new teacher in the fifth grade, changes Trisha’s life when he stops a classmate from bullying her and gives her hope by promising that she will learn to read. Teaming with the reading teacher, Mr. Falker works with Trisha every evening after school, and four months later, she can read sentences and even a complete paragraph. Once opened for Tricia, the world of words never closes again. Decades after its events occurred, this autobiographical story is still potent, filled with the palpable pain and pride of self-determination, an everlasting tribute to literacy and readers.

- Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Scieszka, Jon, editor. (2013). Who done it? An investigation of murder most foul. New York: Soho Teen.

Kids love to have fun while reading … and writing, so what better way to show the fun and power of words than to start with Jon Schieszka as the editor who puts together over 80 of the most celebrated authors in children’s and YA literature and accuse them of the murder of the disgusting editor, Herman Q. Mildew? Through all sorts of responses from quick quips, Tweets, eulogies, denials and illustrations, the authors provide hilarious comebacks to adamantly prove their innocence. Just a few of the authors include David Leviathan, John Green, Lemony Snicket, Mo Willems, Libba Bray, Maureen Johnson, Peter Brown, Barry Lyga, Rita Williams-Garcia, Lyren Miracle, Elizabeth Eulberg, Mandy Hubbard, Mac Barnett and more! This fabulous collection of hilarity will make for a great read aloud in addition to providing an example of the numerous forms writing can take.
Watch this TED production of Dave Eggers as he talks about the writing program called 826 Valencia or visit the website of the 826NYC project to learn about the history and background of this writing and tutoring program.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

GRADES 5-8

Fitzmaurice, Kathryn. (2013). Destiny rewritten. New York: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins.

The day before she is born, Emily’s English-professor mother buys a book of poems by Emily Dickinson. As fate would have it, her mother names her new daughter, Emily, and her destiny begins. Her mother would have her become a poet but young Emily does not even like poetry. In fact, she has another genre of writing she is much more interested in and that is romance novels and writing wonderful happy endings. Emily discovers one day the original book of poetry where her mother has actually written notes in the book including one page that reveals the identity of her long-absent father. The book somehow is misplaced, given away and Emily and her friends begin a desperate search trying to find where this book has ended up in second-hand bookstores. Set against the backdrop of the 2006-2008 Oak Grove tree-sitter controversy in Berkeley, California, this book is layered with several other themes as Emily learns about environmental issues as well as her own identity. Teachers might like to pair this book with The Emily Sonnets (Yolen, 2012) reviewed later in this column. Read more about the book or view the book trailer at the author’s website or download the detailed discussion guide at the publisher’s website. Learn more about the Oak Grove Tree Controversy at Berkeley at.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Hitchcock, Shannon. (2013). The ballad of Jessie Pearl. North Andover, MA: Namelos Publisher.

Based on the author’s own family history, Jessie Pearl’s life in the era of a 1920s North Carolina tobacco farm is not easy. Her own mother has died and now her older sister, Carrie, has tuberculosis. When Carrie passes, her infant son is left behind to be cared for by Jessie. Jessie’s own high school education is put on hold and that is devastating to her because graduating and attending teacher’s college is her lifelong ambition. She has always loved school, studied hard and been a good student. First her mother’s death and now the responsibility of her sister’s child make her dream seem impossible. J.T., a nearby farmer, has also entered Jessie’s life and has offered her a life being his wife and partner. In time for Women’s History Month, this book offers a realistic and heart-wrenching story of the choices, or lack of choices, women of earlier eras faced. Throughout the book readers will be eagerly awaiting the choice that Jessie makes to determine her future. Learn more about the author and her book at the author’s website, where she has created a CCSS curriculum guide for download.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Yolen, Jane. (2012). The Emily sonnets; the life of Emily Dickinson. Illus. by Gary Kelley. Mankato, MN: Creative Company.

Author/poet Jane Yolen has created a collection of sonnets to pay tribute to the distinguished poetic voice of Emily Dickinson. Through this series of 15 sonnets penned by Yolen she presents the life of Emily sometimes through the voice of her sister, sometimes a friend, sometimes a critic and also by Yolen herself. Jane Yolen actually lives near the family homestead of the Dickinson family in Amherst, Massachusetts, so the setting and period have given the author the appropriate backdrop for this volume. Gary Kelley’s somber and somewhat dark paintings add the right atmosphere that surrounded Emily’s solitary life. Yolen has included biographical information throughout the book interspersed with the sonnets. Teachers might like to use the volume with the book reviewed earlier, Destiny Rewritten (Fitzmaurice) or the 2012 YA novel, Emily’s Dress and other missing items (Burak). Read more about Jane Yolen on the Engage blog. 

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

GRADES 9-12

Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux. (2012). No crystal stair: A documentary novel of the life and work of Lewis Michaux, Harlem bookseller. Illus. by R. Gregory Christie. Minneapolis: Lerner/Carolrhoda Books.

Life was surely no crystal stair for Lewis Michaux, who grew up during a time when segregation still existed. After trying to make a living in various ways, Lewis started his own bookstore in Harlem with only five books, peddling his wares on the city streets. Eventually, his store became a meeting place for anyone interested in black heritage as well as a home away from home for writers such as Nikki Giovanni, and political figures such as Malcolm X. Amazingly, Michaux even encouraged patrons to use his bookstore as a library if they couldn’t afford to buy the books he had for sale. This story about the author's own great-uncle is inspiring, a fresh reminder that knowledge gained from literacy is power. Nothing mattered more to this man than providing literature written by African-American writers to African-Americans. The inclusion of FBI notes on its observation of Lewis over the years is rather chilling, reminding readers that those who spoke out against the status quo were often suspect. Clearly, this single-minded man and his bookstore were community treasures. Check out the interview with Vaunda Micheaux Nelson on the Engage blog. 

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Sa, Rachel. (2012). The Lewton experiment. Vancouver, BC: TradeWind Books/Imprint of Orca Books.

Seventeen-year-old Sherri has accepted a summer internship as a newspaper reporter in Lewton, Ontario. When she arrives in Lewton expecting a city teeming with activity, she is sorely disappointed to discover a near-phantom like downtown existence. She soon learns that the newly constructed big-box store, Shopwells, has hired many of the people who formerly worked at the businesses on Main Street. Sherri finds it odd that these people have boarded up their businesses to support and work for “the enemy” business so she sets out to investigate what is happening in this town and why these changes have taken place. As the mystery proceeds, a love interest turns up for Sherri that gives her pause to reflect on the relationship with her boyfriend back home. This fun mystery read with a touch of romance and investigative journal writing will appeal to aspiring writers.
Read about the author’s experience as a reporter at her website.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online. The International Reading Association partners with the National Council of Teachers of English and Verizon Thinkfinity to produce ReadWriteThink.org, a website devoted to providing literacy instruction and interactive resources for grades K–12.

Mentor texts or texts that serve as examples for different types of writing can be especially helpful for writing teachers at every grade level. Teachers can use them as exemplars for good writing or can draw examples of one of the six traits of writing from their pages so that their students know exactly what conventions and presentation, ideas and content, organization, sentence fluency, voice, word choice involve. By relying on published texts that epitomize one of the six traits, teachers can help students gain confidence as they develop into proficient writers. This week’s book reviews from members of the International Reading Association's Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group focus on writing mentor texts. Learning from expert writers or mentors can reap bountiful harvests when it comes to writing and self-expression.  Teachers may be interested in checking out “Plugged In: Coming to You Live … Mentor Texts” on Engage or ReadWriteThink's multitude of lesson ideas for using mentor texts. Also check out the teacher-created blog called Teach Mentor Texts.

GRADES  K-3

Dahl, Michael. (2013). Goodnight, baseball. Illus. by Christina Forshay.
Mankato, MN: Capstone Press/ Picture Window Books in conjunction with Sports Illustrated for Kids.

A father/son day at the baseball park is the setting for this book. Told in somewhat uneven rhyme, usually from the boy’s point of view but also from an outside narrator, the thrill and excitement of a baseball game is described. Borrowing the nocturnal pattern from Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight Moon (1947), the young boy ends his baseball-filled day saying goodnight to the teams and continues with “Goodnight, diamond. Goodnight grass/ Goodnight, home plate/ where each runner ran past.” (pp. 19 & 20). After reading this book aloud, teachers might pose the question to students about a big day they themselves experienced and how they would say goodnight to the many things that they encountered during that special day. Readers can enjoy a book trailer at the publisher’s website. 

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Fandel, Jennifer. (2012). You can write awesome stories. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

Perfect for beginning writers or even those who are a little bit older but lack confidence about being able to write, this book offers tips for how to tell a story effectively. The author briefly covers essential writing topics such as character development, setting, plot, mood, and dialogue as well as how to add details to a story. The author reminds readers that it’s important to grab readers’ attention from the beginning of the story, but as important as the way a story starts may be, the ending is also important. For each topic, there is an example and an exercise for would-be writers to try out. This is a good introductory text even though it is not comprehensive in its scope. Writing teachers can use the exercises as starting places upon which they can build with their own examples and lessons.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Ganeri, Anita. (2012). Action words: Verbs. Mankato, MN: Heinemann Library.

Writers, especially those who are just learning to practice their craft, are always looking for words to use in their writing. Part of a series on different parts of speech and words that can add vibrancy to writing, this introductory book provides an explanation of the role of grammar in writing and then offers a brief tutorial on verbs, including examples exploring verb tense and active and passive verbs. The author even acknowledges that passive sentence construction may function in a more gentle way than active construction; for instance, “The boy hit the ball” may be a stronger sentence than “the ball was hit by the boy,” but there are times when passive construction is more appropriate. The book contains examples in simple sentences accompanied by photographs that help young writers understand this important part of speech. Although brief, the book covers a lot of ground. Teachers will want to use this title as a starting place before introducing even more examples of how verbs can enliven sentences.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Nunn, Daniel. (2013). True or false? Seasons; True or false? Colors; True or false? Farm animals; True or false? Transportation; True or false? Weather. Mankato, MN: Capstone Publishers/Raintree.

Almost everyone knows how to play the True and False game. The author has created a series of books that uses this familiar format to present the topics of season, colors, farm animals, transportation and weather. Each book begins with a statement such as: “The Seasons. A season is a period of time. The year is divided into four seasons. How much do YOU know about the seasons?” (p. 4). Each book then launches into statements, or sometimes misconceptions, about the topic. The bottom of each page has a large red and green box asking readers to decide if the statement is true or false. The following page holds the answer as well as explanatory statements. For teachers who are looking for early research activities with young students, this nonfiction series provides a mentor text series of books that will guide the reading and research of primary age students.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Parish, Peggy. (1963). Amelia Bedelia. Illus. by Fritz Siebel. New York: Harper and Row.

For fifty years, teachers have been using the many Amelia Bedelia books, including this one, as mentor texts to illustrate vocabulary, idioms, homonyms, and homophones as Amelia and her feather duster share her hilarious mix-up of words and expressions. This year HarperCollins has prepared a 50th Birthday celebration of the character and book that started it all. Teachers can enjoy the downloadable party kit “friend” Amelia on Facebook or Twitter. There are Amelia Bedelia books for a plethora of occasions and everyday situations. Although the book’s originator died in 1988, her nephew Herman Parish picked up the family trade and continued writing the Amelia Bedelia stories. There are numerous videos available on YouTube depicting many, many of the Amelia books through book talks, book trailers, and full readings of her stories.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Shapiro, David. (2013). Tool. Time. Twist. A brief history of tools through time. Illus. by Christopher Herndon. Portland, OR: Craigmore Creations.

Teachers who are looking for a way to introduce simple machines might like to start with this interesting approach to the history of tools, in addition to trying this particular format as a writing prompt or mentor text. Each double-page spread introduces a tool chronologically according to when the tool was developed. Page 2 opens the history with “What’s the tool? Sticks and stones! What’s the time? 2.5 million years ago!” Page 3 continues the chronology, “What’s the twist? Humans and our ancestors are not the only ones to use tools. Otters, octopuses, chimpanzees, and crows have all been known to use them too.” The format is launched, and the Tool Time Twist begins. This writing pattern could be applied to any nonfiction topic as guided research for information.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

GRADES  3-5

Asselin, Kristine Carlson. (2013). Think for yourself: Avoiding plagiarism. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

After defining what plagiarism is for those who may not know or who may regard copying someone’s words as a form of flattery, the author offers suggestions about how to avoid it and why someone else's work cannot be used without crediting the source. This is an excellent introductory text on plagiarism since students often start writing reports during the early years of school. A unit on report writing and research would be remiss if it failed to address this particular topic since even many college students don't realize what plagiarism is, why it's wrong, and its possible consequences. Colorful photographs showing young scholars hard at work accompany the text, part of the Research Tool Kit: Think for Yourself series, the titles of which provide support for academic writing lessons, even on an introductory level.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Florian, Douglas. (2012). UnBEElievables. New York: Simon & Schuster/Beach Lane Books.

Using poetry as an entrance point to science, nonfiction, or nature is not new. The poet however creates a word-filled world brimming with the warmth of the sun and the variety of a garden, peppered with rhymes that are fun to hear and say, and yes, interesting information in the book’s pages. Readers are introduced to the bee’s world and its various parts, the hive, anatomy, queen bee, drone, worker bees, the bee dance, life cycle, swarm, the pollen and honey. Much of the poetry and information can be discussed with students, read aloud, or used to inspire drawings.  This is also a great mentor text for students working on projects involving bees or any life cycle. The book is perfect for an entire class project (where students choose to do a small bit of the whole) or a small group project (where students get to do a part that is of interest to them). Students can practice writing poetry and non-fiction passages by following the text styles. This book is a great addition for classrooms dedicated to exploring the world around us.

- Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Guillain, Charlotte. (2012). Jobs if you like reading and writing. Mankato, MN: Heinemann Educational Books.

As is the case with the other titles in this series, this entry in the Jobs if You Like...series encourages young readers to draw upon their skills and interests as they consider the right jobs for them later in life. It’s never too early to begin preparing for a career. Someone who enjoys reading and writing, for instance, might enjoy being a librarian, a journalist, an editor, a bookseller, a translator, or a web content manager, among the other careers listed in the book. The author explains how reading and writing skills are useful in those fields and then includes a table that describes the best part of each job. Some of the jobs such as acting are jobs that many readers will not have linked to reading and writing. The photographs that accompany the text show all sorts of individuals enjoying what they are doing. Maybe with a little more foresight and preparation, more adults will enjoy their own lifework. This book might provide a gentle nudge in the right direction.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Hopkins, Jackie Mims. (2013). Prairie Chicken Little. Illus. by Henry Cole. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree Publications.

What happens when you cross a Chicken Little story with a new ecosystem? You get a variant on the original Chicken Little story, but this time there is an unexpected “rumbling and a grumbling and a tumbling” (p.1). Mary McBlicken, the prairie chicken, is “out on the grasslands where bison roam” (p.1) when she hears these outrageous sounds, fears “A stampede’s a coming” (p.2), and hightails it back to the ranch. On her frantic trek she runs into her friends the prairie dog, the jackrabbit, the meadowlark, and then … Slim Brody, the sly coyote. Slim helpfully offers to show the prairie friends a shortcut to the ranch. As young readers will predict, Slim is up to no good. Teachers will want to share other versions of the Chicken Little story such as Rebecca Emberley’s Chicken Little (Roaring Brook Press, 2009) or Steven Kellogg’s Chicken Little (HarperCollins, 1985). Teachers might also like to introduce Prairie Chicken Little with this video rendition. They might want to connect a short science lesson with a photograph and paragraph about the endangered Prairie Chicken. 

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Marsalis, Wynton. (2012). Squeak, rumble, whomp! Whomp! Whomp!: A sonic adventure. Illus. by Paul Rogers. Somerville, MA: Candlewick.

With several distinctive visual and textual references to the sights, sounds, and flavors of New Orleans, this picture book illustrates how much rhythm can be found in everyone’s daily lives. A boy starts off his morning by opening a back door with its familiar squeak and pauses a moment to savor the sounds that typify his home and neighborhood. As he follows the routines of the day, he hears music in the simple act of buttering toast or the sounds made by a barber's clippers gliding along his now-smooth and close-cropped head. The various sounds are interesting enough in their own right, but when they all come together in a cacophony of notes on the book's last pages, readers will be tempted to tap out some beats of their own. This is a great read aloud title filled with several examples of onomatopoeia for budding writers and musicians. The ink illustrations that were finished digitally allow the sounds to receive attention as they move across the book's pages in harmony.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Rissman, Rebecca. (2012). Be the best at writing. Mankato, MN: Heinemann/ Raintree.

This helpful writing primer provides several simple but effective tips on how to be a better writer. Late elementary and early middle graders will find it helpful to be reminded of the importance of purpose and audience when they choose words for their written pieces as well as the necessity to narrow their focus before they begin a piece. The author even makes suggestions about preparing and polishing a paper so that it looks finished before turning it in and how to get organized before writing or studying. For instance, it’s a good idea to gather all the necessary materials, including snacks, before beginning to write. The tips that have been provided are also tested throughout the book as readers have a chance to respond to a question about writing after each tip section.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Salas, Laura Purdie. (2011). Picture yourself writing poetry: Using photos to inspire writing. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

Teachers and budding writers can find lots of advice on poetry writing in this book. Even if they choose not to write poetry but to use the photographs or exercises as writing prompts, so much the better. Topics range from choosing a topic or focus for a poem to enhancing a piece by adding sensory details, moody verbs, unexpected words, unusual characters, and even arranging words on a page to create the intended effect. The author even discusses concrete poems and provides brief examples of all the techniques being explored in the book. This is a great writing primer, filled with ideas teachers can use with little modification. Readers will wish for even more tips, examples, and full-page photographs to inspire writers. This title is sure to build confidence in even the most inexperienced writing teacher.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online. The International Reading Association partners with the National Council of Teachers of English and Verizon Thinkfinity to produce ReadWriteThink.org, a website devoted to providing literacy instruction and interactive resources for grades K–12.

Sometimes it’s easy to feel as though it’s impossible to make much of a difference in a world as big and as fast-paced as our own. It’s also easy to slip into a sense of complacency and comfort ourselves with the thought that everyone is treated fairly in these modern times. Surely, the fights for civil rights and social justice were fought—and won—decades ago. But that’s not the case at all. Wars and violent conflicts continue to rage across the world, and injustices crop up on a daily basis, both at home and abroad. As the calendar indicates that the days have moved firmly into the second month of the year with the promise of spring in a few weeks, there is no better time to examine our own actions and those of others as well as taking a closer look at books that center on issues of social justice. This week’s books chosen by members of the International Reading Association's Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group celebrate individuals and groups that make a difference, making them perfect choices for classroom read alouds or as discussion starters. Interested teachers may be interested in the World Day of Social Justice on February 20. ReadWriteThink offers a wide variety of lesson ideas using concepts of social justice. Additionally, the Jane Addams Book Awards website is a great place to find lists of books on concepts of peace and social justice. The Pirate Tree: Social Justice and Children’s Literature has a useful list as well.

Grades K-3

Lyons, Kelly Starling. (2012). Hope’s gift. Illus. by Don Tate. New York: Penguin/G.P. Putnam’s Sons.

Released in time to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, this story takes place in 1862 while the Civil War is raging. Hope and her enslaved family are kept working the cotton fields on a Southern plantation. After Papa has had enough on this particular Christmas Eve he decides to join the Union forces to fight for freedom. He leaves Hope and her brother Henry a conch shell and tells them to listen to the shell, and each time they hear the sounds within, they are to think of the sounds of freedom. That January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation. Though nothing much changes for Hope, Henry, and Mama, they continue to hope and pray for Papa’s safe return. As the war comes to end, one day they see a figure in a Union uniform come home, and it is Papa, ready to take them into the new and free life he fought so bravely to earn. Teachers may be interested in reading a letter from the author to her readers at the ReaderKidz blog.
Hope’s Gift is also featured on The Brown Bookshelf blog.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

McKissack, Patricia & Fredrick. (2013). Booker T. Washington: African American leader. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Elementary Publishers.

This brief biography provides basic facts about Booker T. Washington and his determination to gain an education. So keenly did he feel the need for book-learning that he held a job while attending school and walked great distances for the classes for which he signed up. Once he had his diplomas in hand, he wanted to offer the same possibilities to others since he considered education to offer a way out of poverty and despair. By working to provide a place where others could follow his lead and attain an education, he instilled hope in a brighter future for poor African Americans. Archival photographs and drawings add to the inspiring story of one man who refused to let poverty keep him from learning and succeeding.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

McKissack, Patricia & Fredrick. (2013). Jesse Owens: Legendary track star. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Elementary.

Despite his family’s poverty and his own health issues, Jesse Owens worked hard to overcome adversity. Eventually he grew up to become a track star, but he still faced the racism and prejudices of his times. Although Owens could run fast, earning a track scholarship at Ohio State University, he could not outrun the unfairness that surrounded him even during athletic events. That was particularly noticeable during the 1936 Olympics. The pressure was on Jesse when he represented the United States in Berlin since Adolph Hitler considered the Olympics as a proving ground for his belief in white supremacy. Much to the Nazi’s disappointment and to the delight of many African Americans, Jesse proved him wrong by winning four gold medals and breaking five world records in track. The book is divided into short chapters describing Jesse's journey and following him briefly after the glory of the Olympics faded. There are several photographs included in this introduction to a fascinating man who used his own fame to help others.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University, Pullman

Nelson, Kadir. (2013). Nelson Mandela. New York: HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books.

Kadir Nelson has once again created a children’s book masterpiece with his free verse writing and exquisite oil paintings on birch plywood illustrations, depicting the life of Nelson Mandela. Beginning with the full cover portrait of Mandela on the front and the title appearing on the back of the book, he tells the life story of Mandela, or Rolihlahla, his Xhosa name, which means troublemaker. It was a schoolteacher who gave him the name Nelson. As a bright child, Nelson was captivated by the stories of the village elders which taught him the history and exploitation of his country by Europeans. At the age of nine he leaves his village to get an education and eventually becomes a lawyer. While he is on his path to education he also experiences the injustices of apartheid and gets a close look at what is happening in his cruelly segregated country. His decision to become politically involved to end apartheid eventually leads to his arrest and 30 years in prison. Upon his release from prison years later, he again returns to the political scene to become the President of South Africa and lead his country into a state of equality. The book’s poetic prose does not describe all the difficulties Mandela encountered both politically and within his own personal life, instead focusing on the more philosophical journey of Mandela. The author notes at the end provide further back matter into Mandela’s life and triumphs. Teachers will want to visit Kadir Nelson’s webpage for a closer look at many of the illustrations in his new book or listen to this book summary on YouTube.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Smith, Charles R. (2013). Brick by brick.  Illus. by Floyd Cooper. New York: HarperCollins/Amistad.

Building the White House in Washington, D.C. required the hands of many people to get the job done. In rhyming text complemented by the illustrations of Floyd Cooper, this team of Coretta Scott King Award winners tells the story of slaves, laborers, and the many people who worked side by side to complete the construction of the home of the new nation’s President. Slaves in chains, rented from Southern plantation owners, were part of the construction crew since workers were a shortage at this time. The skills learned in the building trade that many of these slaves acquired on the job eventually helped them to buy their way out of slavery and give them a way to earn a living in their newly-earned freedom. An outstanding feature of this book, in addition to the facts of this little known story, is the way the illustrator has painted the expressions on the faces of the people involved in the enormous building project. The sweat, the hard labor, and yet the pride in being part of this project combine with the expressions of hope for the future to make this an inspiring story to share. Smith has added a detailed historical note at the end to add further information. Readers will want to visit the author’s web page for news about his writing, activities and other resources for students. 

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Tallec, Olivier. (2012). Waterloo and Trafalgar. Brooklyn, New York: Enchanted Lion Books.

An editor’s opening note explains this French author/illustrator’s choice of the character names Waterloo and Trafalgar as being the two battle names that the French lost during the Napoleonic Wars. With orange for one character and blue for the other, the two military guards are on opposite sides of their walls where they keep constant vigil through their telescopes, all through the seasons of the year. Various little annoyances cause them to flare up and almost start shooting at one another. When a bird comes along and lays an egg that is speckled orange and blue, which eventually hatches into an orange and blue bird, reconciliation is in the air. Told wordlessly, this book is a tribute to visual storytelling as it presents the foolishness of war. Readers will want to listen to this French illustrator discuss his work on an international level on YouTube.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Tutu, Desmond. (2012). Desmond and the very mean word. Illus. by A.G. Ford. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Using gentle language and avoiding the "mean word" that hurt him so deeply as a child in South Africa, Archbishop Desmond Tutu draws from his own life experiences for a lesson about forgiveness. While riding his new bike through a neighborhood, young Desmond is frightened by a group of boys who surround and heckle him, even calling him a name, thus spoiling his pleasure in the bike excursion. Even though his mentor, Father Trevor, advises him to forgive the bullies, Desmond feels unable to do so. After stewing over the injustice for a while, he fails to turn the other cheek, instead insulting the boy who called him a name the next time he sees him. After seeing the same boy picked on by his brothers later, Desmond’s conscience pricks him, and he eventually does the right thing. The story makes clear the ripple effect of our actions and the joy of choosing to forgive others. Pairing this title with Each Kindness (2012) by Jacqueline Woodson would add to its discussion possibilities. The facial expressions of the characters in the oil illustrations and the author's note providing information about the real Father Trevor offer readers much food for thought. This gentle rumination on forgiveness is a gentle reminder of the impact of our actions, large or small, on ourselves as well as on those around us. For more information, read "5 Questions With... Doug Abrams" (Tutu's co-author) on the Engage blog. 

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 4-8

Arkham, Thomas. (2013). Latino American civil rights. Broomall, PA: Mason Crest.

From the Hispanic Americans series, this volume depicts the history and evolution of the civil rights of Latinos in America. Topics included are: What are civil rights, anyway?; Fighting for justice; Hispanic Americans over the year; Hispanic civil rights at work; Hispanic civil rights in the home; Hispanic civil rights and politics; Hispanic civil rights and education.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Cheng, Andrea. (2013). Etched in clay: The life of Dave, enslaved potter and poet. New York: Lee and Low Books.

Written as historical fiction, this biography of Dave the Potter tells in beautiful fashion through poetic verse the story of this South Carolina slave and craftsman. Some of the poetry is the author’s and some of the lines are the inscriptions Dave himself crafted into his pottery. Setting the story in the early 1800’s, the author has pieced together the life of Dave as few facts or documents are available to provide actual information. According to the author’s research, it is believed that Dave was probably purchased at a slave auction in Georgia by Harvey Drake and taken to South Carolina to work at Pottersville near Edgefield, South Carolina. It is here that he learns the pottery business and is taught the use of the alkaline glazes created by the owners of the company. As Dave becomes a master potter he begins not only to sign his pots but adds inscriptions and poetry of his own. Because it was forbidden by law for slaves to learn to read or write, this was a brave but dangerous thing for Dave to do since it showed his defiance for a system that was unjust and wrong. Cheng’s own black and white woodcut illustrations, paired with her poetry alongside Dave’s provide a dramatic novelized biography of Dave the Potter. Dave the Potter (Laban Carrick Hill, 2010) is the perfect picture book companion to Cheng’s new book on the same topic. Using the two books together will create a lesson for readers to compare the information and artistic format used to tell Dave’s story. In addition, the publisher’s website offers a close reading lesson guide for Etched in Clay . Readers may also find a detailed teacher’s guide from Lee and Low.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Delano, Marfe Ferguson. (2013). Master George’s people: George Washington, his slaves, and his revolutionary transformation. Illus. by Lori Epstein. Washington, DC: National Geographic.

Filled with intriguing nuggets about how the nation’s first president changed his mind about the matter of slavery, this engaging nonfiction title relies on primary documents such as George Washington's papers and records to trace his radically evolving attitude. The author provides brief accounts of individuals who worked for Washington: Frank Lee, Washington's butler; Davy, an enslaved overseer; Hercules, the president's chef; Charlotte, the Mount Vernon seamstress; and William Lee, huntsman and personal servant. The few stories and names that are recorded and whose stories are told in this book will remind readers of lost lives and blighted futures as well as the cruel practices of selling slave family members to different owners. Photographs of historical interpreters at Mount Vernon add to the book's appeal and liveliness. There is even a poignant photograph of the slave burial ground on Washington's property. This slim volume packs an emotional punch and adds to the nation’s historical record.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Ford, Carin T. (2013). The Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln, and slavery through primary sources. Berkeley, NJ: Enslow Publishers.

After providing historical context for the Civil War and how it occurred, the author relies on primary sources, including photographs and documents, to detail how President Abraham Lincoln came to write the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed slaves in the Southern states. The document helped show the world that the issue of slavery was at the center of the nation’s deep divisions. Filled with photographs and original documents, the book allows readers to focus on the impact of one important document whose effect rippled slowly but inexorably across the countryside.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Fradin, Judith Bloom and Dennis Brindell Fradin. (2013). The price of freedom: How one town stood up to slavery. Illus. by Eric Velasquez. New York: Walker Books for Young Readers.

This always-reliable husband and wife research and writing team offer to young readers an incident from history known as the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue. In 1856, escaping slave John Price along with two other slaves crossed the Ohio River from Kentucky by means of the Underground Railroad. As Price made his way to Oberlin, Ohio, and found that he liked the people there, he stayed on and started a life for himself. In 1858, two years later, a group of slave hunters found him and tried to take him back to the South. However, the entire citizenry of Oberlin banded together, faced off the slave catchers, and refused to give up John Price. Velasquez’s mixed media and oil paints deftly portray the emotional confrontations that day. In double-page spreads and a page-by-page representation of the anti-slavery fever, the book shows how one community adamantly fought not only the slave catchers but also the law behind the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. An interesting community comparison might be to look at Janice Cohn’s book, The Christmas Menorahs: How a Town Fought Fate (Whitman, 1995) to discuss how communities can band together to fight social injustice.An author’s note at the end of the book adds further information about this historical landmark action in the history of fighting slavery. Teachers might like to use a short text reading with archival photographs of the Rescuers provided by Oberlin College (Ohio) for an introduction to this book.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Lanthier, Jennifer. (2012). The stamp collector. Illus. by Francois Thisdale. Markham, ON: Fitzhenry & Whiteside.

Readers will have to decide for themselves for what age group this book will be most effective. It is a beautifully illustrated book, with flowing text about the power of words and the consequences of written expression in some parts of the world. Two young boys living far apart in China and unknown to each other eventually have their lives intersect. The city boy finds a postage stamp when he is young, and from that moment, he envisions all the places a postage stamp can travel. In the meantime, the country boy has discovered reading and begins to write stories. As they grow up, the city boy continues his fascination with stamps but knows he has to earn a living and eventually takes a job as a prison guard. The country boy grows up to write a story about freedom, and one day gray men in uniforms lock him away in prison. It is here that the two, now grown men, meet. As the young prison guard watches the imprisoned writer spend each day feeling more and more despondent and growing weaker and weaker, as his cough worsens, he reaches out to the writer. The writer has been receiving letters from all over the world but has not been allowed to see them. The guard is fascinated with the stamps so he has carefully saved the letters in a box. As he watches the prisoner’s health decline, the guard begins to slip him a stamp or two … and then a few letters. With his last breaths, the prisoner tells the guard a story, which he writes down, completing the cycle. Based on the lives of two imprisoned political writers, this poignant story will prompt deep discussions. Teachers may want to use it with Antonio Skarmeta’s The Composition (Groundwood, 2003) for a comparative thematic discussion. The Stamp Collector has also been selected for the 2013 Outstanding International Books List sponsored by USBBY. A portion of the proceeds for this book will go to PEN Canada, which supports the Writers in Prison campaign.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Rosenstock, Barb. (2012). The camping trip that changed America: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and our national parks. Illus. by Mordicai Gerstein. New York: Penguin/Dial Books for Young Readers.

The vast network of national parks, protected areas, and beautiful nature reserves that survives in America today is mostly the work of one president and one famous naturalist. John Muir, who was born to immigrant farmers, hiked the wilderness alone and wrote about his travels. Although brought up in the city, President Theodore Roosevelt loved being in the outdoors. In March 1903, he happened to read Muir’s book calling on the federal government to save the nation’s trees. Roosevelt wrote to Muir with a request to have him take the President around the Yosemite wilderness. In May 1903, they rode horseback and camped in various places in the wilderness for four days. They visited the grove where giant sequoia trees grew, the glacier point, and finally reached the famous Yosemite Valley. The trip changed the President forever, inspiring him to work to create many national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and national forests. The illustrations show the beauteous splendors of wild areas. This is a great book for use during units on natural history or conservation.

- Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Rubin, Susan Goldman. (2013). Diego Rivera: An artist for the people. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Filled with sumptuous samples of the famous Mexican artist's work, this book is an excellent introduction to Diego Rivera, a man whose appetite for life was as large as the large, colorful murals for which he became known. In text and in photographs, this biography traces how the man’s painting evolved over the course of his lifetime. Young readers will be interested in the influences on the art he created as well as how controversial and political some of it was considered. Almost larger than life in many respects and imperfect in many ways, Rivera was nevertheless clearly a genius and a visionary. Unlike many of his artistic predecessors who chose to paint wealthy clients and to paint for a more high-brow audience, Rivera drew his inspiration from the working class and poor citizens in his native country, often illustrating their struggle to make a living against tough odds. Additionally, he portrayed unsavory parts of his native country’s history, including its exploitation by Spanish conquerors. Although it's pretty near impossible to tell the artist’s story without mentioning his second wife, Frida Kahlo, the author focuses chiefly on Rivera and his many passions. Well-written, engaging and carefully designed, this biography is an excellent addition for a biography or art text set.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Skrypuch, Marsha Forchuk. (2013). One step at a time: A Vietnamese child finds her way. Toronto, Ontario, CA: Pajama Press.

This companion book to Last Airlift: A Vietnamese Orphan’s Rescue from War (2012) provides the chapters that follow in the life of young Tuyet, a Vietnamese orphan stricken with polio and raised in a Vietnamese orphanage until her adoption by a Canadian family. As Tuyet becomes part of her new family, she also faces the surgeries that are required to repair her inward-turning foot. Unable to speak much English, the young girl is frightened by the hospital and surgical lights, the doctors, the consultations and examinations since she is still dealing with the nightmares of war-torn Vietnam and near-death experiences with guns and helicopters. As the surgeries conclude and the painful physical therapy begins, her new life starts to take shape. The cover of the book and the red shoes pictured take on a very special meaning by the end of this heart-warming book that will leave readers in tears. Teachers can read an interview with the author on the back matter for her book.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Grades 9-12

Lewis, J. Patrick. (2013). When thunder comes: Poems for civil rights leaders. Illus. by John Parra. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

Social activism comes in different shapes and sizes, but when it comes, the changes it inspires spread across the social landscape just like the sonorous tones of thunder moving across the sky. NCTE Excellence in Poetry for Children recipient J. Patrick Lewis, the nation’s Children’s Poetry Laureate, has crafted fifteen poems celebrating the lives of seventeen social activists. Some of them, such as Coretta Scott King, Mohandas Gandhi, and Aung San Suu Kyi, will be familiar to readers while others, like Mitsuye Endo and Helen Zia, won't be as familiar. But they will gain some attention now, thanks to the efforts of Lewis to honor them through his words. Lewis uses his poetry to mine history for civil rights material, serving up poems such as "The Slugger" in celebration of baseball slugger Josh Gibson who never got the chance to play in baseball's major leagues because of the color barrier, and "The Child," which describes Mexican-Puerto Rican-American civil rights leader Sylvia Mendez who began fighting for the right to a high quality education when she was just a young girl. Her determination and the subsequent court case that her fight necessitated eventually paved the way for the better-known Brown v. Board of Education civil rights case heard by the Supreme Court in 1954. Filled with poetic snippets that illustrate the many ways the battle for civil rights has been fought across the world, not just this nation, this is another must-have literary treasure for any teacher wishing to integrate literacy with social studies while discussing the power of voice or one individual willing to stand up for his/her rights and the rights of others. The oil, acrylic, and watercolor illustrations add enormously to readers' enjoyment of the poems.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Mullenbach, Cheryl. (2013). Double victory: How African American women broke race and gender barriers to help win World War II. Chicago: Chicago Review Press.

Rosie the Riveter became a popular WWII icon to represent all the women who entered the work force while men were fighting overseas. But Rosie does not really represent ALL the women. Double Victory provides a comprehensive look at the many African American women who had to overcome first prejudice and all kinds of discrimination in order to prove their worth in the war effort. This book examines not only the popular entertainers with familiar names such as Lena Horne but also other women whose names have gone unremarked. The book is divided into several sections: War Workers, Political Activists; Women in the Military, Volunteers, and Entertainers. These women served as journalists, war correspondents, Red Cross workers, pilots, nurses, factory workers, political activists and more. Interestingly, it was many of their brave and heartfelt deeds that led to increased civil rights efforts after the war. Quotations open each chapter, and archival photographs throughout the entire book add to the value of this book, which is indeed, a Double Victory in many ways and a new and valuable addition to women’s history, especially African American women. An epilogue, notes, and extensive bibliography and index are found at the end of the book.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Pearsall, Shelley. (2012). Jump into the sky. New York: Random House/Alfred A. Knopf.

As WWII seems to be winding down in 1945, thirteen-year-old Levi Battle is sent South by the aunt with whom he has been living in Chicago. Aunt Odella has spent so much of her life taking care of others that she has little time for herself, and she has decided that it’s time for Levi’s father to do his duty by his son. Levi takes a train from Chicago to Washington, D.C., and then on North Carolina where his father is stationed. Along the way, he learns first-hand about segregation, prejudice, and hatred as he is forced to ride in a separate section of the train from the white passengers and realizes that in some places, even the simple act of buying a soft drink can have disastrous consequences. After Levi realizes that his father's squadron has relocated to Pendleton, Oregon, he is befriended by a kind-hearted couple, Cal and Peaches, who provide him with a home, and then bring him along when Cal also is sent to Pendleton to join the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, the nation's first African-American paratroopers. The initial encounters and relationship between father and son are every bit as bumpy as might be expected, but the author creates several likeable characters while telling the fictionalized story of a ground-breaking military unit. She manages to capture perfectly the flavor of those times and the different forms in which prejudice existed. Readers will be caught up in Levi’s journey and root for his story to have a happily ever after ending.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Stone, Tanya Lee.  (2013). Courage has no color: The true story of the Triple Nickles, America’s first black paratroopers. Somerville, MA: Candlewick.

Ironically, while WWII was being waged to right the wrongs of Adolph Hitler’s Nazi Party, civil rights was only an idea whose time had not yet come back among the nation’s fighting men or back home. African American enlisted men often found themselves in segregated military units, and they were not allowed to fight. This engaging title tells the story of the Triple Nickels, the United States’ first black paratrooper battalion. The brainchild of First Sergeant Walter Morris, the unit allowed the men to feel a sense of pride that their contributions mattered, and proved that they could behave as courageously as their white counterparts. The book’s nine chapters provide historical context and explain the impact of racial stereotypes while also serving up an inspiring, little-known piece of history. The men’s voices, stories, and photographs make it clear that courage truly comes in all sizes, shapes, and colors. 

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Wilson, Diane Lee. (2012). Tracks. New York: Simon & Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry Books.

In order to provide for his family back home in New York City, Malachy Gormley heads west to find work doing whatever he can for the intercontinental railroad. The work is much harder and more dangerous than he ever imagined, and he finds solace in playing cards and spending time with Brina, the stray dog he has adopted, and Blind Thomas, a sturdy workhorse. Anger consumes Malachy, and he is angry at his father for dying, his mother for relying on him to pay the family's bills, and eventually himself for the wrong choices he makes. Among the laborers trying to tunnel through the steep mountains on the west coast are several Chinese men that the whites call Celestials. Malachy quickly notices Chun Kwok Keung since he is fearless when it comes to working with explosives and in resisting unfair practices. In fact, he leads the men in a fruitless strike for more pay. But Malachy’s anger and insecurity make him refuse the friendship Keung offers and causes him to join his comrades in making fun of the Chinese laborers. The author vividly depicts the harsh conditions of railroad building while also describing the prejudices of the 1860s. Brina functions as Malachy's conscience, looking at him in disappointment when he is thoughtless or cruel, but never forsaking him as he blunders through several costly decisions. The author’s vivid descriptions take her readers into the mountains and deserts through which the train tracks pass while offering hope for the future and for these two young men who turn out to have more in common than either of them might think.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online. The International Reading Association partners with the National Council of Teachers of English and Verizon Thinkfinity to produce ReadWriteThink.org, a website devoted to providing literacy instruction and interactive resources for grades K–12.

Those pesky love bugs can strike when we are most unaware or most disinterested in being bitten. But love and Valentine’s Day don’t always have to be associated with romance. Sometimes this holiday can be the perfect time to celebrate the things and people we love the most, including family, friends and jokes about the all-too confusing nature of love. This week’s reviews from members of the IRA Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group just may expand your definition of love. Teachers may want to visit ReadWriteThink, which provides several lesson ideas for Valentine’s Day and more.

Grades K-3

Bozzo, Linda. (2013). Funny Valentine’s Day jokes to tickle your funny bone. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Elementary.

Elementary school children will enjoy reading and sharing with classmates and adults the many Valentine's Day jokes in this particular title. There are plenty of knock, knock jokes and some groaners, but there are also several jokes guaranteed to make anyone laugh out loud. Rather than reach for a chocolate, the lovelorn might be well-advised to reach for a joke or two. This one would be useful in a unit on word play too.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Farmer, Jacqueline. (2013). Valentine be mine. Illus. by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge.

This visually interesting and well-researched book provides the history of Valentine’s Day and its romantic associations. Drawing from its possible inception during Roman times, the author provides several scenarios, from pagan to religious, on the origin and evolving celebrations that accompany Valentine’s Day. Stories, legends, and traditions for young readers, historical facts, jokes, activities, and more are found within these pages that are decorated with collages that offer a feast for the eyes. Craft and construction paper ideas and, of course, the popularity of chocolate attached to this holiday are also part of the treats offered within this book. This nonfiction look at Valentine’s Day is a wonderful addition to any classroom or library. Although intended for booksellers, teachers will enjoy the toolkit resources for bookmarks and mini-posters that are available at the publisher’s website.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Ferber, Brenda A. (2012). The yuckiest, stinkiest, best Valentine ever. Illus. by Tedd Arnold. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.

As the story opens, Leon is making a red construction paper heart Valentine for Zoey Maloney, the girl with whom he has fallen madly in love. When he writes “I love you” on the back of the Valentine, the Valentine comes to life and responds with “Yuck” and goes on to inform Leon that he will make a fool of himself if he gives this heart to Zoey. He continues to say that Valentine’s Day is about CANDY, not love. And with that, he hops out the window and runs away. The chase is on as Leon runs after this runaway heart. Along the way, Leon finds others that are tagging along to help catch the fleet-footed heart. As Leon explains the reason for the chase, his friends offer different views on love, from boys who agree with the heart to girls who think it is sweet and are ready to swoon. Before reading this book, teachers might consider reading aloud one or more versions of The Gingerbread Boy so that the comparison to this yucky Valentine tale can be enjoyed on different comparative levels. Arnold’s cartoon-like illustrations, especially the expressions he draws on the face of the red heart, are hilarious. A sure hit at any classroom Valentine’s party, this title begs to be a Valentine’s Day read aloud. Teachers will enjoy the colorful resource activity kit available at the author’s website in addition to an author interview on how she was inspired to write this book, which is based on her son’s school Valentine experience.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Kirk, Daniel. (2013). Ten things I love about you. New York: Penguin Group Publishers/Nancy Paulsen Books.

Rabbit and Pig are good friends. Rabbit decides he wants to make a list of all the things he really likes about his friend, but he picks a time when Pig is really busy doing other things. As Rabbit follows Pig around asking for his help on this new project, he joyously adds things to the list that note Pig’s wonderful qualities. Pig is starting to grow a little impatient with what he perceives as being badgered by Rabbit. However, Rabbit just adds to the list how polite Pig is when he emphatically says, “Please, Rabbit!” (unpaged). The story concludes when Pig drops a piece of paper, and readers find out that Pig is a list-maker, too! Kirk’s illustrations are not the usual style readers see in his Library Mouse series. For this book he has used painted wood panels and ink-on-paper drawings that are scanned into a computer and then enhanced through digital art tools. The lists in the book will give teachers a jumping off point for writing ideas for students or they may decide to use Georgia Heard’s Falling down the Page: A Book of List Poems (2009) to create poems from children’s ideas, individually or a class poem. Teachers who are looking for authors that Skype will find that information and a great deal more at the author’s website.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Kranz, Linda. (2012). Love you when. Photos by Klaus Kranz. Lanham, MD: Rowan Littlefield Publishing Group/Taylor Trade Publishing.

“Do you think of me during the day?” you ask … “Tell me when” (p.1). This little book that appears to be told from parent to child or grandchild goes on to answer the question of when the adult thinks of the child in everyday settings. Using natural as well as painted and/or decorated rocks, the author presents different scenarios throughout the day when the adult thinks of the child; for example, from the morning sun or the smell of flowers. Beautifully illustrated with a motif of rocks and stones, this might be a more personal book as a gift. Teachers will enjoy the writing pattern templates on the author’s website.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Manushkin, Fran. (2011). Katie Woo: No Valentines for Katie. Illus. by Tammie Lyon. Mankato, MN: Capstone/Picture Window Books.

The giving and receiving of Valentines can be exciting or traumatic. When exuberant Katie doesn't receive a Valentine from the box Miss Winkle has placed in class for the cards for her students, she is hurt until the reason for the slight is discovered. It turns out that she has plenty of friends, and she and Barry, the new boy in class, have a lot more in common than their glasses. This is a sweet way to discuss the feeling of being left out although Katie is upset over nothing in the end. It’s also a gentle reminder not to forget that everyone needs a little love now and then. The illustrations capture the sweet nature of Katie and her classmates.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Rotner, Shelley. (2013). What’s love? Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

First published in 2008 by Roaring Brook Press using black and white photographs, this 2013 edition has added beautiful color photography and a variety of fonts to pose the title question: What is love? Sometimes tangible and sometimes not, the concept of love can be answered for children with a wide range of responses. “Love opens our hearts/ It makes us giggle and sometimes cry/” (p. 6-7) “We love the buzz/ of ideas and/ stories in our heads.” (p. 24). Teachers will enjoy using this book as a read-aloud that might inspire some creative writing or at the very least thoughtful brainstorming. Or possibly it will inspire a little more love throughout the classroom community.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Grades 4-7

Krishnaswami, Uma. (2013). The problem with being slightly heroic. Illus. by Abigail Halpin. New York: Simon & Schuster/Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Some love stories occur in privacy while others play out between one person and millions of admirers or fans. In this book, the love story of Dolly Singh, a celebrated movie star, is of great interest to her fans in India and America. The sequel to the earlier The Grand Plan to Fix Everything (2011), this title brings Dolly and Dini to the U. S. where Dolly’s latest movie has its inaugural screening. Naturally, Dini and her friend and fan Maddie are thrilled, but oh, so much can also go wrong. Dolly loses her passport, but luckily evades the darts that were meant for Mini the truant elephant who has strolled out of her restricted yard at the Smithsonian Institution. She must deal with scattered jewelry and a fiancé who has been darted instead of Mini. With so much going on, Dolly needs her milkshake with its special rose petal ingredients to relax her. Dini finds allies in the kitchen where Armend Latifi rules with an iron fist and is able to negotiate for the supply of rose petals with a touch of chocolate, just the way Dolly loves it. Somehow, Dolly has befriended Mini, the adventurous elephant, and takes off to spend time with her without telling anyone. The flowing pencil sketches and the light-hearted text come together beautifully (and amusingly) in this book. 

- Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

McMullan, Kate. (2012). Nice shot, Cupid! Mankato, MN: Stone Arch Books/Capstone Press.

From the Myth-O-Mania series from Kate McMullen, the author uses the voice of Hades to tell this story in updated contemporary language and setting. The teenaged god Cupid, complete with braces and pimples, falls in love with the beautiful mortal young girl, Psyche. Shy and somewhat bumbling, Cupid is reluctant to approach her so Zeus comes up with a plan to bring them together – a kidnapping! Using a humorous tone to tell the tale, the author is sure to captivate today’s young readers with the pop culture references, the lattes, Hades’ horses Harley and Davidson and other jokes and laughter without straying too far from the original Greek myth. Also listen to the audio book summary of the book.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Grades 9-12

Couloumbis, Audrey. (2012). Not exactly a love story. New York: Random House.

The setting is the 1970’s, the pre-cell phone era. Fifteen-year-old Vinnie is reeling with horrible acne, a girl friend who moved away without saying goodbye, his parents’ divorce, his mother’s remarriage (to Mr. Buonofuoco, his gym teacher!) and now a move from Queens to Long Island. Lonely and self-conscious, he has to find his way into a new life at a new school. He develops a crush on the very pretty girl next door, Patsy, but lacks the courage to approach her. When he accidentally finds her unlisted phone number on a slip of paper, he places an anonymous midnight phone call that turns into something rather obscene. Embarrassed at the way the nocturnal phone call has turned out, he calls back the next night to apologize, still not revealing who he really is. As he calls again the following night, the persona of “Vincenzo” takes shape. Patsy decides to carry on the conversations each night that he calls back. In a Cyrano de Bergerac style, their relationship evolves. Meanwhile, their daytime friendship is actually developing as well, and Patsy confides in Vincenzo that she is interested in Vinnie. Not surprisingly, the two eventually meet face to face when all is revealed and true identities, as well as inner feelings, are exposed. This charming almost-love story will appeal to teen readers.
Teachers may want to watch this “60second Recap” of this book at or this interview with the author based on some of her earlier works and the research process.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Powell, Martin (reteller). (2012). Shakespeare: Romeo & Juliet. Illus. by Eva Cabrera. Mankato, MN: Capstone/Stone Arch Books.

Although this graphic novel simplifies much of the classic star-crossed love story of Romeo and Juliet and the disagreement between the two families while also leaving out much of William Shakespeare's language, it still may find a receptive audience in readers struggling to understand the play’s nuances. Teachers might find it useful to hand this version to some of their students while discussing the various scenes. Juliet and Romeo are depicted as attractive youngsters, falling head over heels without knowing the other’s background. After sharing a kiss at a masked ball, both realize that they have been keeping company with their family’s enemy. It would be hard to find a more romantic or tragic story than this of Juliet and her Romeo. Moreover, it's encouraging to note that the Bard's story lives on in this particular format.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Yomtov, Nelson. (2011). Shakespeare: A midsummer night’s dream. Illus. by Fares Maese. Mankato, MN: Capstone/Stone Arch Books.

This graphic novel version of William Shakespeare's classic comedy of errors is filled with lots of silliness as several characters find themselves behaving in surprising ways and developing crushes on the most unlikely of individuals, in one case, even a furry animal with a donkey’s head. Readers unfamiliar with the original play may be a bit lost, but the humorous absurdity of love in various forms fills the book's pages, reminding readers of how foolish love can make us all. While few English teachers would choose this offering over the great bard's work since so much has been left out, it still provides a gentle, accessible introduction to his work while also poking fun at the vagaries of love.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online. The International Reading Association partners with the National Council of Teachers of English and Verizon Thinkfinity to produce ReadWriteThink.org, a website devoted to providing literacy instruction and interactive resources for grades K–12.