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/