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/

Imogene's Last Stand

IMOGENE'S LAST STAND
by Candace Flemming
illustrations by Nancy Carpenter

2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet List

Elementary

Imogene Tripp is a young history buff who is fighting to save the museum in the Liddleville Historical Society.  She uses her cleverness, wit, and knowledge of history to show the townspeople the importance of preserving history for future generations.  Things are not looking good for Imogene and the Historical Society until a very special person joins her cause.

IMOGENE'S LAST STAND is a fun book that will inspire young readers learn more about history and to take a stand for what they believe.  Nancy Carpenter's adorable illustrations capture Imogene's spunk and charismatic personality. The endpapers of the book contain short biographies of the historical figures Imogene quotes in her quest.  I wouldn't be surprised if we see more of Imogene in the future.

Purple Heart

PURPLE HEART by Patricia McCormick
2011 Tayshas Reading List
Teen

An excellent book trailer was created by Carmen Escamilla of Laredo, Texas and is available at 4shared through the following link:

https://www.4shared.com/video/mmUEM99u/Purple_Heart.html

Eighteen year old Private Matt Duffy wakes up in an Army hospital in Iraq suffering from a traumatic brain injury after an RPG exploded in his vicinity.  Matt receives the Purple Heart medal for his injuries, and yet he struggles to remember the details of what took place and make sense of it all.  He is especially troubled by visions of a small Iraqi boy, Ali, whom he had befriended.  Matt questions whether Ali was also injured in the fighting and whether Matt himself could have been responsible.  As Matt gains strength in the hospital, readers will be touched by the close bonds he has with his fellow soldiers and his determination to return to his squad and continue with his mission.

I would recommend this book to students interested in the military and in learning about the day to day life during war.  I felt this book was an honest representation of what war is like and that Patricia McCormick was able to reveal that war has no real winners.  Although the young men and women in Matt's squad create many diversions to help them forget about the harsh realities of war,  some of what they face will be forever etched in their minds.