Amazing Faces

Amazing Faces
poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
illustrated by Chris Soentpiet

2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet Book

Elementary



This collection of sixteen poems portrays the many kinds of people that make up our nation.  Diversity in race, age, gender, and various emotions are present.  The book is full of expressive illustrations that help bring each poem to life.  Each reader will be able to relate to some of the poems on a personal level because they are about life.  I especially enjoyed A Young Soldier by Prince Redcloud.  This collection of poems will help readers celebrate what America is all about.

I created this Animoto book trailer to highlight the diverse nature of the poetry in Amazing Faces.

The Storm in the Barn

The Storm in the Barn
by Matt Phelan

2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet Book

Tweens




Jack is an 11 year old boy living in Kansas during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.  Jack's family has not seen rain for four years, and they are beginning to suffer.  Crops will not grow, his sister is suffering from dust pneumonia, and Jack questions if the things he sees in a neighbors barn are real or if he is suffering from dust dementia.  The failed crops and lack of rain have hindered Jack's ability to prove himself a man.  Will Jack trust his heart and be a hero for the town that is dying?

This graphic novel is part historical fiction and part folk tale.  The illustrations are simple sketches, yet they are able to express a great deal of emotion.  Muted grays and browns set the mood and setting of the dust storms.  When Jack's mother describes what life was like before the drought, the colors are rich and vibrant.  Children of many ages will enjoy this book filled with history and mystery. 

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

by Tom Angleberger

2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet Book

Tweens

Origami Yoda is a finger puppet Yoda that gives advice to McQuarrie Middle School students.  The real question is whether the advice is magical or just the quirky ideas of Dwight, the nerdy kid who created the puppet.

Each chapter of the book is a personal account of one student's experience with Origami Yoda's advice.  The personal accounts humorously depict typical middle school awkward situations.  Yoda repeatedly comes up with clever solutions that readers will enjoy.  I appreciated the variety of fonts and the illustrations added throughout the book.  These features could very well attract reluctant readers to pick up the book.  Read you must...

Abram Books created a YouTube video with Tom Angleberger demonstrating how to fold an Origami Yoda.  Watch this video and create your own Origami Yoda! 

                   

Nothing

Nothing
by Janne Teller

2011 Printz Honor Book

Teens

This novel tells the story of a group year 7 students in Denmark.  At the beginning of the school year, Pierre Anthon declares that nothing in life has meaning and that everything is a waste of time.  To prove his point, Pierre climbs up a plum tree and taunts his classmates with his ideas.  They are bothered by the idea that everything is meaningless, so they devise a plan to prove to Pierre wrong.  They begin building a "heap of meaning" at an old abandoned sawmill.  Their collection consists of meaningful items from each person in the group; and to be sure that a real sacrifice is made, each person decides what someone else must contribute.  As the collection grows, the demands become more and bizarre and sinister.

This book was disturbing to read and  will not be easily forgotten.  Does life have meaning?  This book explores what people do when they are confronted with the idea that life may be meaningless.  I enjoyed the fact that the chapters varied in length, some chapters were only one sentence long, and some were poetic.  I found it interesting that the book was originally written in Danish and won the Best Children's Book Prize from the Danish Cultural Ministry.

Matched
by Ally Condie

2011 Lone Star Reading List

Teens




On the evening of Cassia's 17th birthday she attends her Match Banquet and learns that The Society has chosen Zander to be her match - her future mate.  In fact, The Society controls all major decisions, and Cassia has never questioned this authority until now.  Circumstances lead Cassia to wonder about The Society's motives and especially to wonder about Ky, a young man who, unfortunately, is not her match.

The futuristic setting of Matched captured my attention and heightened my curiosity.  Fans of the Hunger Games series will also enjoy this dystopian novel which is part mystery, part romance.  I especially appreciate the book's cover.  I feel the image captures the controlling nature of The Society.  Matched is the first book of a trilogy.  The second book in the trilogy, Crossed, will be released November 2011.

Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty

Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty
by G. Neri
illustrated by Randy DuBurke

2011 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book

Teens




Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty is a graphic novel that tells the true story of an 11 year old gang member. Robert "Yummy" Sandifer grew up on the streets in Chicago.  Like many young boys in his neighborhood, Yummy did not have a father figure in his life, and he longed to belong to a family.  He joined the Black Disciples gang and quickly became involved in serious crimes.  The gang members routinely found minors to commit crimes because the penalties were not as severe for  minors.  When Yummy accidentally shoots a young girl from his neighborhood during a turf war, he learns that his "family" is not as loyal as he thought. 

The combination of illustrations and text  help readers understand the harsh realities of life on the streets in urban America.  The book will bring up questions about who is to blame for street violence and what can be done to change the situation.  The book would be an excellent tool to discuss the consequences of gang life with students.

I created a Voki presentation using one of Yummy's friends to describe the events in the book.

Moon Over Manifest

Moon Over Manifest
by Clare Vanderpool

2011 Newbery Award Book

Tween

Manifest - verb. To reveal to make known.  The setting of this historical fiction novel is Manifest, Kansas during World War I.  Twelve year old Abilene Tucker's father has sent her to spend the summer in Manifest, the only town he ever really called home.  Abilene is determined to learn all she can about her father's past, but she gets more than she bargained for.  By piecing together mementos found in a hidden cigar box, old newspaper articles, old letters written from a soldier, and stories from the diviner, Miss Sadie, Abilene learns the colorful history of Manifest and many of its citizens. 

Vanderpool uses the setting and time period to weave an incredible story.  The book switches back and forth between the present day (1936) and 1918.  I found the plot to move slowly in the beginning, but as the book progressed, I was just as anxious as Abilene to find out about her father and the secrets of the past.  I appreciated the author's notes at the end of the book letting readers know what parts of the book were fact and fiction and where much of the information was obtained.

To hear Clare Vanderpool give information about the making of Moon Over Manifest:

http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=4890&a=1

Fat Cat

Fat Cat
by Robin Brande

2011 Lone Star Reading List

Teens

Cat is a bright high school senior who struggles with weight issues.  Although Cat would like to lose weight, she is more focused on winning this year's science fair and beating Matt McKinney.  When Cat receives the photograph that she must use to develop a science fair topic, she comes up with a brilliant plan.  Her plan involves using her body as a test subject.  Cat plans to eat and live a lifestyle like the early hominids as much as possible.  She stops eating processed foods, gives up cosmetics and technology, and walks whenever possible.  Cat learns that she is treated differently when she begins to lose weight, but most importantly, she learns about herself and true friendship.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  The topic was interesting and approached in such a unique fashion.  Robin Brande did a marvelous job of developing each character in Fat Cat.  Cat was such a well rounded and likeable person.  I also appreciated the friendship that existed between Cat and her best friend, Amanda.  The theme of true friendship and looking within a person to find their true worth was apparent, without being preachy.

Lockdown

Lockdown
by Walter Dean Myers

2011 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book

Teens

Maurice 'Reese' Anderson is a 14 year old boy that is currently being held in an institution for juvenile delinquents called Progress.  Reese was convicted of stealing prescription pads from a local clinic and selling them to known drug dealers.  The book describes prison life and the relationships that develop in prison.  Reese's character is revealed when he stands up for a younger, vulnerable inmate, Toon and through his love for his younger sister, Icy.  Reese is chosen to participate in a work release program near the end of his sentence and  is assigned to a nursing home, Evergreen, where he meets Mr. Hooft.  Mr. Hooft is a survivor of a Japanese youth prison camp during WWII.  Although he professes to not like African Americans or criminals, he grows fond of Reese and has a lot of good advice to offer.

Walter Dean Myers does a remarkable job of relating day to day life in prison and highlighting how difficult it is for children raised on the streets to break the cycle of violence and crime.  The characters are well developed and I came to understand Reese and the reasons that brought him to this point in his life.  Myers also has a message for readers about the importance of having a plan for your life and working hard to accomplish goals.  The message is not overpowering for readers, it simply flows from the story.

Here is a book trailer I created using Animoto.

The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle
by Jeanette Walls

2011 New York Times Bestseller List

Teens

The Glass Castle is a memoir of Jeanette Walls' childhood.  The book begins with her earliest memories of her dress catching fire when she was cooking hot dogs at the age of three and continues with detailed memories that will shock most readers.  Jeanette grew up in a dysfunctional home with an older sister and a younger brother and sister.  I would characterize her parents as being brilliant nonconformists.  Although they loved their children, Rex Walls' alcoholism and Rose Mary Walls' depression led to poor decisions that often put the children in grave danger.  The family was frequently on the move to evade bill collectors and often went without food and other bare essentials.  The children learned to be self sufficient and looked forward to the day when they could leave home.  Despite all this, the author does not seem to harbor ill feelings for her parents.  She seems to accept them for who they are and appreciate what she was able to learn from her childhood.

This book captivated me from the very beginning.  I found it hard to imagine the unconventional way this family lived and how the children were treated.  At the same time, I sensed the love that they had for one another and felt the parents had instilled good qualities in their children.  This book is on the New York Times Bestseller's List and has also been added to the Outstanding Books for the College Bound.  I would recommend this book to mature high school students.

One Crazy Summer

One Crazy Summer

by Rita Williams-Garcia

2011 Coretta Scott King Author Book Award

Tweens

One Crazy Summer tells the story of three young African American sisters, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern, who travel from their home in Brooklyn to stay with their mother in Oakland, California for the summer.  The girls do not know much about their mother and they long to get to know her and understand what prompted her to leave them seven years earlier.  Unfortunately, Cecile wants nothing to do with her daughters.  Instead she sends them to a day camp where they receive free breakfast and indoctrination from the Black Panther Party.  The girls find themselves performing at a huge rally supporting Huey Newton and the Black Panthers.  This summer is one they will never forget!

Rita Williams-Garcia uses a captivating story and unforgettable characters to educate readers about a significant time period in American history.  After I read this book, I was prompted to read more about the Black Panther Party, Huey Newton, and the Free Breakfast Program sponsored by the Black Panther Party.  Reading about this time period from a child's point of view was an unforgettable experience.  I'll be thinking about this book for a while. 


I created a glogster to go along with this award winning book.

Out of My Mind

Out of My Mind

by Sharon Draper

2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet Award List

Tween

Melody is a bright, inquisitive girl who faces daily challenges because she has cerebral palsy.  Melody has a photographic memory and is surrounded by words, yet she is unable to speak.  Unfortunately, most of the people in her life do not realize Melody's potential. Things finally begin to change when a new teacher arrives for Melody's fifth grade class.  She arranges for Melody to be in inclusion classes for the first time.  This eventually leads to Melody receiving a sophisticated keyboard device, a Medi-Talker, that allows her to "speak".  Everyone is surprised when Melody "speaks" for the first time, and takes notice when she earns a spot on her school's academic quiz bowl team.  Unfortunately, not everyone is happy for Melody and her new voice.  Melody learns some hard lessons that will not be forgotten easily.

Out of My Mind is a fascinating book because it takes the reader into the mind of a physically disabled person.   I feel it is an excellent tool to help students understand others who are disabled.  I'm sure all students will be able to relate to Melody's embarrassment when she is unable to feed herself or go to the bathroom by herself.  Writing the book from Melody's point of view, is a terrific way to share this story.

Me, Frida

Me, Frida
by Amy Novesky
illustrated by David Diaz

2011 Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor Book

tween

This inspiring story tells how Frida Kahlo moved to San Francisco with her famous husband, the artist, Diego Rivera.  Frida and Diego explored San Francisco and went to social events, yet Frida felt alone.  Eventually Frida found the courage to step out of her comfort zone and explore her own talents and dreams.  She became a famous artist in her own right, and her story is an inspiration to others.

David Diaz is a well known artist, and his illustrations in this book have brought even more recognition to his name.  The paintings were done with a combination of acrylic, charcoal, and varnish on primed linen.  This unique combination gives Diaz's paintings a distinct style.   Many of the illustrations appear to have drips of color coming down the page, a likely result of the varnish. 

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot
text by Sy Montgomery
photographs by Nic Bishop

2011 Robert F. Sibert Award Book

tween


  

Kakapo Rescue introduces readers to the kakapo (KAR-ka-po), the world's strangest parrot.  This endangered species cannot fly and is also the world's heaviest parrot.  This unique species is on the brink of extinction with only 91 alive today.  All surviving kakapo have been relocated to a remote island, Codfish Island, in southern New Zealand.  Volunteers study the birds and assist with their nutrition, breeding, and general well being.  Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop were given the unique opportunity to visit Codfish Island and see the kakapo for themselves.  The photographs captured during their 10 day excursion are incredible and tell the story of the volunteers' commitment and the kakapo's fight for survival.

 I created a Voki presentation to help tell the kakapo story.

 

Olivia Goes to Venice

Olivia Goes to Venice
written and illustrated by Ian Falconer

New York Times Bestseller

Elementary

Olivia Goes to Venice is another delightful tale from Ian Falconer.  Olivia travels to Venice with her family and experiences many of the main tourist attractions.  Her favorite attraction is the gelato!

I found myself drawn to the unique illustrations.  Olivia and her family are simply drawn, primarily using the colors black, red, and white.  The attractions of Venice are detailed paintings that are so realistic they could almost be mistaken for photographs.  The combination is a unique experience.

Stolen

Stolen
by Lucy Christopher

2011 Printz Award

Teen

Stolen is a gripping YA novel that takes place primarily in the Sandy Desert of Australia.  Ty, a handsome young man with a troubled background, has a dream to live a self sufficient lifestyle in the remote desert of Australia with Gemma.  Unfortunately, Gemma knows nothing about this plan.  In fact, she doesn't even know Ty.

I felt the author did a tremendous job of capturing my attention with this book.  I found it difficult to put it down.  The book is actually a letter Gemma has written to Ty telling how she felt about everything that took place between them.  By writing the novel from Gemma's point of view, the author helped me understand and empathize with the confusion Gemma had about her feelings for Ty and what happened to her.  

I created a book trailer for Stolen using Animoto.  Check it out.

Grandma's Gift

Grandma's Gift
written and illustrated by Eric Velasquez

2011 Pura Belpre Illustrator Award Book

Elementary

Eric is excited to be spending his Christmas vacation with his Grandmother in El Barrio.  He knows they will be busy getting ready for the holidays.  Along with Christmas preparations, Eric's teacher has given him an assignment to write a report on a famous painting by Diego Velazquez.  Traveling to the museum to view the painting is an exciting adventure, but not as exciting as what Eric discovers when he locates the painting.  The experience gives Eric's grandmother an idea for a perfect Christmas gift for Eric.

This book honors the special relationship between a grandparent and a grandchild.  It also celebrates the Puerto Rican culture by introducing a Spanish speaking family of African descent.  Spanish is introduced as Eric translates for his grandmother throughout the story.  The illustrations are realistic and help the reader visualize the story.  The end pages of the book look like a gift with a large bow, quite fitting for the book.

To learn more about Eric Velasquez, you can visit his Web site from the following link:

http://www.ericvelasquez.com/

Interrupting Chicken

Interrupting Chicken
written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein

2011 Caldecott Honor Book

Elementary

It's bedtime and the little red chicken insists on a bedtime story.  Papa agrees to read a story, but becomes frustrated when the little red chicken keeps interrupting the stories.  The little red chicken has heard the stories before and feels compelled to tell the characters what is about to happen.  Finally, the little red chicken reads a story for Papa.  Is anyone ready for sleep yet?

This book received the Caldecott honor award for its illustrations.  There are three distinct styles of illustrations throughout the book.  When Papa is reading, the illustrations primarily consist of bold, vibrant colors which completely fill the page.  When chicken interrupts the story, the illustrations show the storybook in muted colors and little red chicken jumping into the story with her bold, vivid colors.  And finally, when it is little red chicken's turn to tell the story, the illustrations resemble a child's illustrations.  Each of the styles work well together to create this charming tale.

Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night

Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night
by Joyce Sidman
illustrated by Rick Allen

2011 Newbery Honor Book

Tween

This Newbery Honor book is a collection of twelve beautifully crafted poems about what occurs during the nighttime.  Each poem has a unique style and uses various approaches to convey the beauty of nighttime.  Rick Allen's illustrations are created with a unique process of relief printing.  The illustrations were actually printed in layers using sheets of linoleum and then hand colored with gouache.  The results are stunning.  A glossary and facts about each poem are included for those readers who are eager to learn the science behind poetry. 

                       Wordle - Created by Eileen Corbett  http://www.wordle.net/

Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin

Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin
written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh

2011 Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor Book

Elementary

Charlie and his cousin (primo), Carlitos, exchange letters and learn about each others' lives.  Although Charlie lives in America and Carlitos lives in Mexico, they discover that their lives are similar in many ways. 

Students reading this book will relate to the activities that Charlie and Carlitos discuss in their letters.  They will also appreciate the engaging illustrations.  Tonatiuh emphasizes some part of each illustration with a unique textured appearance.  Pages that illustrate Carlitos' letters also include labels of Spanish words.  This will be a learning experience for English speakers and will help define these new words.  For those who need further explanation, there is a glossary in the back of the book.

Ballet for Martha

Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring
by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
illustrated by Brian Floca


2011 Sibert Honor Book

Elementary

Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring explains how the ballet, Appalachian Spring, was created.  Many artists came together to combine their talents and produce this unique performance.  Martha Graham, a dancer, Aaron Copland, a musician, and Isamu Noguchi, an artist were the key figures in the process.  Appalachian Spring was performed for the first time in 1944 and has since become an American favorite.

This informative book not only teaches how great works of art come about, it also leads readers to discover the beauty of different art forms and the magic that can happen when they all come together.  The bibliography and notes are evidence that this book was a product of extensive research.

Below is a You Tube Video created by RoyalDukeJam. Enjoy Aaron Copeland's Appalachian Spring.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDRWdNn_nLk

Dave the Potter, Artist, Poet, Slave

Dave the Potter, Artist, Poet, Slave
by Laban Carrick Hill
Illustrated by Bryan Collier

2011 Caldecott Honor Book

Elementary



Dave had a special eye for seeing what things could become and an artist's touch that brought his visions to reality.  With no formal training, Dave's talents were remarkable.  Dave's life was restricted by the fact that he was a slave, but he is remembered as a potter, artist, and poet.

This book tells a beautiful story of a man whose freedom of expression was not stiffled by his physical bondage.  Laban Carrick Hill uses expressive language to tell Dave's story, and this book is another form of art.  Bryan Collier's illustrations take the reader far beyond the written words.  His water color collage images take the reader back to South Carolina in the 1800s.  The middle page of the book folds out to reveal Dave's hands shaping clay in various stages.  The book also offers historical background and photographs of Dave's pottery as well as an extensive bibliography and useful web sites.

Turtle in Paradise

Turtle in Paradise
by Jennifer L. Holm

2011 Newbery Honor Book
2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet Book

Tween

 

Turtle is an 11 year old girl growing up during the depression.  Turtle and her single mom often struggle to get by.  Turtle is sent to live with family when her mother's live-in housekeeping job does not allow children.  Turtle arrives in Key West and is immediately surrounded by family members she has never met before and lots of adventure.  Archie, one of Turtle's mother's boyfriends tells Turtle that everyone has a dream.  Turtle thinks all of her dreams have finally come true, and maybe they have, just not at all like she had planned.

This is such an enjoyable book.  It is no wonder that it is a 2011 Newbery Honor book.  Jennifer Holm did a marvelous job of developing these unique characters.  Despite their quirky nicknames, they were such a likable group.  The plot was fast moving and unpredictable with plenty of twists and turns along the way.  In my opinion, the prevalent theme was one of the strongest points of the book.  "Don't take what you have for granted, it may be exactly what you have been searching for all along."  Historical details are well woven into the book, it was educational without feeling forced at all.  The author's notes at the end of the book are quite informative as well.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

A Sick Day for Amos McGee
by Philip Stead
illustrated by Erin Stead

2011 Caldecott Book

Elementary

A Sick Day for Amos McGee tells the story of a dedicated zoo keeper who faithfully cares for the animals he considers friends.  When Amos is sick and unable to come to work one day, the animals pay him a visit and repay his kindness.

Erin Stead uses a woodblock printing technique and soft pencil sketches to illustrate this book.  The illustrations may seem understated at first glance, but after a close examination, they are filled with details that help share Amos' story.  Color is effectively used to express the gentle nature of the story and to highlight certain features on each page.

The following link is an interview with award winning illustrator Erin Stead.

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/01/14/caldecott-winner-erin-e-stead-on-a-sick-day-for-amos-mcgee/

Fiesta Babies

Fiesta Babies

2011 Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor Book

Elementary




FIESTA BABIES is a book that will introduce young readers to Mexican culture and vocabulary.  Babies are shown spending time in town and enjoying Mexican food, music, dancing, and family.

The award winning illustrations accurately depict the importance of families and celebrations to the Mexican culture. Young readers will be drawn to the babies and to the vivid colors.  Each page introduces a new Spanish word.  The glossary in the back of the book defines each word in simple terms.

                        Wordle created by Eileen Corbett  http://www.wordle.net/

Goal!

Goal! by Mina Javaherbin
illustrated by A. G. Ford

2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet List

Elementary


Soccer or "football" is a sport enjoyed all over the world.  When Ajani earns a new federation-size ball for being the best reader in his class, he and his friends are eager to play.  In the South African town where they live, the streets are not always safe, and they must have a look out to watch for trouble.  When bullies show up and interrupt the game, Anjani must think fast in order to save his prized ball.

Javaherbin does a good job of developing an interesting plot for elementary readers.  Children will also appreciate the topics of friendship, enjoying a good game, and bullies.  Children all over the world have to deal with bullies, and this book would be an excellent way to start a conversation about bullies. 

Balarama - A Royal Elephant

Balarama - A Royal Elephant
by Ted and Betsy Lewin

2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet List

Tween

This nonfiction book shows the importance of elephants to the Indian culture.  Elephants are trained to do work and to participate in festivals.  Dasara is a festival that is celebrated each fall, and the elephant, Drona, has led the festivities for many years.  When Drona dies another elephant must be chosen to take his place.  This elephant will carry the howday, a golden ceremonial carriage.  Is Balarama worthy to become the new royal elephant?

This book uses a captivating story to teach readers about Indian culture.  The detailed illustrations use vivid colors to match the colors of India.  Sections for "Elephant Facts", "Royal Elephants of the Mysore Dasara", and a "Glossary and Pronunciation Guide" all serve to make this an informative book.

The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity

The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity
by Mac Barnett

2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet List

Tween

Twelve year old Steve Brixton is a huge fan of the Bailey Brothers detective series.  Although Steve is fascinated by the detective stories he reads, he is surprised to actually find himself in the middle of a real case - a case that involves one of America's most important secrets.  Steve discovers he is the main suspect in the case and the only way to clear his name is to solve the mystery himself.

This mystery is filled with suspense and plenty of humor.  Those who have read The Hardy Boys series will pick up on the subtle similarities.  School librarians will be amused by the role of librarians as secret agents.  The following quote will give students a new way to view their librarian,  "Every librarian is a highly trained agent. An expert in intelligence, counterintelligence, Boolean searching, and hand-to-hand combat."  Tween readers will appreciate the fast pace and numerous close calls Steve faces while trying to clear his name.

Broken Memory

Broken Memory: A Novel of Rwanda
by Elisabeth Combres

2011 Tayshas Reading List

Teen




"Slide behind there, close your eyes, put your hands over your ears.  Do not make the slightest move, not the slightest noise.  Tell yourself that you are not in this room, that you see nothing, hear nothing, and that everything will soon be over.  You must not die, Emma!"

Emma, a young Tutsi girl, was only five years old when she witnessed her mother being murdered during the genocidal war in Rwanda.  This riveting novel reveals how Emma escaped, the nightmares that have haunted her both day and night, and how she eventually faced her fears and created a new life for herself.

Although the characters in this novel are fictional, the horrific events did actually take place  in 1994.  This novel is easy to read and provides accurate information about this time period.  It would be an excellent tool to promote awareness on the topic and generate discussion about this tragic event in Rwanda's history.

Here is my first attempt at a book trailer. 

Jumped

JUMPED
by Rita Williams-Garcia

2011 Tayshas Reading List

Teen

Latisha, Trina, and Dominique were all at school early for different reasons.  Latisha is misunderstood by her teachers and parents and would much rather be gossiping with friends on her cell phone than be in school.  Trina is a fashion queen and artist who is full of herself and thinks everyone else is too.  Dominique is a star basketball player that has recently been benched because of grades and is ready to take out her frustrations on the world.  Although the teens lead different lives and do not know each other, their lives become intertwined when Latisha overhears Dominique say that she is going to jump Trina after school because Trina cut into her space in the hallway.  Latisha wrestles with the idea of warning Trina or just minding her own business.  Readers come to realize we must all live with the choices we make - both good and bad.

Each chapter of this book is told from one of the three character's point of view.  By hearing from each character, I felt like I got to know each girl and know the thoughts that were driving their actions.  Rita Williams-Garcia does an excellent job of developing each character through this rotating point of view and providing the reader a connection with each of the girls.  Everyday high school culture and the urban teen culture are both well portrayed.  I feel this book could be an excellent tool for a discussion about school violence.

Wordle - Created by Eileen Corbett through http://www.wordle.net/