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.