Little-known story of a young boy who played the role of spy for George Washington.Although his "spying" amounted to little more than riding through tLittle-known story of a young boy who played the role of spy for George Washington.Although his "spying" amounted to little more than riding through the British and Hessian camps taking careful note of the number of soldiers and how well-supplied they were while pretending to be lost, young readers might find it interesting to see how someone their age genuinely aided in the Revolutionary War effort.
This book presents a cataloging dilemma for libraries: where to put it? They can't really put it in non-fiction because it contains undocumented conversations and thoughts. Put it in fiction and it will remain on the shelf unread. Ultimately, I believe the most common solution will be to just not purchase it in the first place....more
Political correctness didn't matter in 1941 when this book won the Caldecott Medal. I love the dark, bold lines. When I read this, I immediately thougPolitical correctness didn't matter in 1941 when this book won the Caldecott Medal. I love the dark, bold lines. When I read this, I immediately thought how wonderful it would be if my mother used it as a model for telling our family story (she is a writer). This could be an excellent springboard for student family research/writing projects in upper elementary....more
As with the first book about Callie Vee, I really enjoyed this book, but cannot see it circulating well in my library. I just don't believe many kids As with the first book about Callie Vee, I really enjoyed this book, but cannot see it circulating well in my library. I just don't believe many kids will give this a shot. It's very well-written, full of interesting vocabulary (I looked up a lot of words I wasn't sure about) and historical facts about the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, but I just don't see much of an audience for it among elementary school readers. I kind of wish the author had chosen to make Calpurnia 14 years old, which would put her books in the middle school market, where they might be more popular....more
It’s 1948, and the teacher of Tate Ellerbee’s class has given them the assignment of writing to a pen pal. Though the teacher encourages them to choosIt’s 1948, and the teacher of Tate Ellerbee’s class has given them the assignment of writing to a pen pal. Though the teacher encourages them to choose a pen pal from Japan, Tate chooses to write letters to the singer Hank Williams, who is just beginning to gain some popularity. She listens to him every Saturday night on the Louisiana Hayride radio program and aspires to be a famous singer one day, too. Although she never receives more than an autographed photo in reply, she continues to write faithfully and in her letters we learn about her life in post-WW2 Louisiana. She tells Hank all about how her momma is a famous singer so she travels a lot, and her father is a photographer who’s off shooting in some remote and dramatic site, so Tate and her little brother, Frog, live with Aunt Patty Cake and Uncle Jolly. Tate always tries to find the bright side of things; her life is comfortable and happy even though Frog drives her crazy sometimes, following her around asking, “Whatcha, whatcha?” (“Whatcha doin’?”), trying to outrace cars on his bicycle, and wearing his daddy’s way-too-big boots everywhere.
As time goes by Tate begins to reveal more truths about her life in her letters, and before long we realize that her momma is not quite as famous as Tate has led Mr. Hank Williams to believe, and her daddy isn't quite the picture she painted, either.
Tate has just the right mix of friendliness, resolve, pride, orneriness, and sentimentality and her desire to be loved by her parents is almost tangible. But Aunt Patty Cake and Uncle Jolly are wonderful surrogates, and though their little family has its struggles, it is full of love and understanding. I think I would like to be friends with all four of them, and Garnett and sweet Mrs. Applebud, too.
[SPOILER ALERT]
Because I hadn't read anything that hinted there was a surprise at the end, I did not see it coming at all. It left me a little incredulous and heartbroken. After I finished the book I went back and skimmed it to look for foreshadowing, and it was everywhere, I had just not noticed. That’s good writing, in my book. Well, in any book. And a book that can make me do that—say, “No way…” and go back to reread--I count that a winner. ...more
Sugar lives on a sugar cane plantation in Louisiana. She and all those who live in the old slave shacks on the plantation with her are free-- technicaSugar lives on a sugar cane plantation in Louisiana. She and all those who live in the old slave shacks on the plantation with her are free-- technically-- since President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, but it sure doesn’t feel like free. They do back- breaking every day in the sugar cane fields, often from dawn and into the night. Sugar hates sugar.
Sugar is always getting into trouble because she’s a dreamer and just a tiny bit rebellious. She wants to be good, she really does. But she misses her mother, who died on New Year’s Day. Mister and Missus Beale take good care of her, but she doesn’t want to stay on the plantation forever. She dreams of seeing other places, going up north with all the other former slaves who have left them, like her friend Lizzie. The only other child around to play with is Billy Wills, the son of the plantation owner. Sugar knows friendship with Billy is forbidden, but they’re both adventurers who are willing to stretch their boundaries—and the rules-- for friendship.
I enjoyed getting to know Sugar, Bill, and the Beales, and Bo (Beau), who arrives of the halfway through the book. I learned a few things about sugar cane, and some history about how Chinese workers were brought in to work on the southern plantations after the slaves were freed. I had no idea. I found this book really interesting and I will definitely recommend it to third to fifth graders, especially those who are wanting to read books from the Sequoyah master list.
2016 Oklahoma Sequoyah Children’s Book Award Master List ...more
Teddy Roosevelt doesn’t care one whit what you or I think; he is going to do just what he thinks is best. That’s what I learned from this book. The maTeddy Roosevelt doesn’t care one whit what you or I think; he is going to do just what he thinks is best. That’s what I learned from this book. The man had a death wish, I think, and let me just go ahead and say it: if I worked in the White House at the time I’m afraid his children would have driven me insane. I’m pretty sure I would’ve thought, “How can he run the country when he won’t even control his own children?!”
However, I think when kids read it they’ll notice the ways Roosevelt was like them—he had asthma, he loved to read books about animals, he wanted to be an explorer, a mountain climber, brave and bold. Perhaps his courage and determination will inspire some children to their own form of greatness.
I appreciate the way Doreen Rappaport extracts characteristic quotes from her subjects and places emphasis on them to draw readers’ attention. I also love the cover illustration of President Roosevelt laughing; right off the bat it gives a real sense that he was such a happy man and it reinforces the last quotes in the book, one of which reads, “No man has had a happier life than I have led; a happier life in every way.”
This book is on the 2016 Oklahoma Sequoyah book award master list, and I’m so glad. Some of our children will be introduced to this man who dared to do mighty things for the very first time. ...more
I’m not sure how many 3rd-6th graders are really interested in learning about the cholera epidemic in London 150 years ago, but I found this book realI’m not sure how many 3rd-6th graders are really interested in learning about the cholera epidemic in London 150 years ago, but I found this book really interesting. I learned some things, and I enjoyed the mystery and race against time.
2016 Oklahoma Sequoyah Children’s Book Award Master List ...more
The blocky illustrations and short verses make it clear this book is for the 2-4 year-old crowd, but some of the vocabulary is too difficult for that The blocky illustrations and short verses make it clear this book is for the 2-4 year-old crowd, but some of the vocabulary is too difficult for that age to understand and will likely lead to confusion, many questions, or disinterest....more
I cannot imagine an elementary art teacher anywhere in America who, upon seeing this book for the first time, would not declare with wide open eyes, II cannot imagine an elementary art teacher anywhere in America who, upon seeing this book for the first time, would not declare with wide open eyes, I have got to have this book. It's wonderful!
The story is all about how looking at the world around you can inspire creativity and dreaming. Hadley Hooper's illustrations, done in relief printing, are absolutely beautiful, whether it is in the big blocks of color, or the intricate designs.
The author's and illustrator's notes at the back of the book give insight into the book's creation, and while kids are most likely to skip right over this page, adults--especially art teachers--will want to give special attention to it for the artists' explanations of why they made the decisions they did, and how they researched before and during the building of this book.
Although it was not enough to make me a fan of Matisse's art, which I've never really liked, this is a wonderful introduction for children to the French painter. ...more
I enjoyed it all the way up until the ending. What??? This is historical fiction. Supernatural events like the one here are entirely out of place. RuiI enjoyed it all the way up until the ending. What??? This is historical fiction. Supernatural events like the one here are entirely out of place. Ruined it for me. ...more
Okay, Nancy is really dated in this one. It's all about violin music and collectible dolls stolen from/by gypsies. Lots and lots of gypsies. Are they Okay, Nancy is really dated in this one. It's all about violin music and collectible dolls stolen from/by gypsies. Lots and lots of gypsies. Are they all terrible people? Surely not! But they're gypsies, with their strange gypsy music and strange gypsy ways!
Without much "gypsy knowledge " to go on, this one was a little too wacky for me. Crazy Nancy, always tromping off with George (the tall. athletic beauty) and pleasingly plump Bess (who is always looking to go shopping or eat at a new tea house she's found.) ") Not the best from the Stratemeyer syndicate. ...more
27th President of the United States, William Howard Taft was the only president to serve as chief justice of the Supreme Court. (He also gave us the f27th President of the United States, William Howard Taft was the only president to serve as chief justice of the Supreme Court. (He also gave us the federal income tax, but I'm trying to overlook that.) But if you ask most people what they remember about William Howard Taft, it’s usually only that he was our largest president, weighing in at over 300 pounds.
I’m pretty sure that’s not what I would want to be remembered for, but there are some memorable stories to go along with it. This funny new picture book by Mac Barnett and Chris Van Dusen immortalizes the day President Taft got stuck in his bathtub (or did he?). The illustrations are colorful and robust, the story is told well, and I guarantee kids will get some laughs out of the President’s embarrassment in the pictures.
The Author’s Note of the back includes a photograph of the Taft’s actual bathtub with four men seated inside and room for more. There’s also a list of facts pertaining to President Taft and bathtubs, and speculation as to whether he ever really was stuck in the bathtub or not. No newspapers, letters, or diaries confirmed that he ever was really stuck in the White House tub, but it sure makes an entertaining story.
Whether or not it’s actually appropriate for us to be laughing at a very personal moment in the life of a President can be debated. It’s easy to see how some people would find this book offensive and degrading. I’m trying to look at it from the other point of view: is there a way to use this book in the classroom?
As I read the book I kept being reminded of Audrey Wood’s King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub. There are several similarities here, including the stream of people being brought in in an attempt to get the big men out of the tub. Each suggestion is either rejected or fails. The simple solution turns out to be the best in each case, and the men in the bathtub are not spared embarrassment in either book. I think these two titles would pair fantastically well for a compare/contrast lesson that would have the kids really giggling. Whether or not it fits into the curriculum, outside of just learning to use compare and contrast, I couldn’t say, but it sure would be a lot of fun. ...more
If this one is sort of hard to place. I think I would put it in the middle school realm. It is the story of a young girl who wakes in in the night andIf this one is sort of hard to place. I think I would put it in the middle school realm. It is the story of a young girl who wakes in in the night and finds her grandmother sitting along, upset. When she encourages her grandmother to share her feelings, she is surprised by the story she hears. Her grandmother begins telling the truth of her childhood, how she grew up in the middle of the disappearances of the Jews from Europe. Her own parents taken, she was forced to live with a neighbor, and then someone new, moved around for her safety.
This is all told in a sort of oddly comforting cartoon style, but it’s told very well. This might be a good discussion starter for kids who are just beginning to open their eyes and discover the truth of the Holocaust. ...more
I understand how some librarians are having a difficult time deciding how to catalog these books in their collections. They're not strictly biography,I understand how some librarians are having a difficult time deciding how to catalog these books in their collections. They're not strictly biography, as they are fictionalized, but they are really very, very good for introducing significant historical figures to our younger students. The cartoon illustrations, shorter sentences, and child-like appearances of the characters all lend more appeal to young readers. Highly recommended....more
Sequoyah was the first human in history to create a written language entirely on his own. He faced great opposition from tribal leaders but continued Sequoyah was the first human in history to create a written language entirely on his own. He faced great opposition from tribal leaders but continued to develop his syllabary because he believed it was crucial to the survival of the Cherokee language.
While highly fictionalized, this play (or reader’s theater) brings Sequoyah to life for young readers in a way that allows them to understand just what he achieved with his syllabary, and the opposition he faced along the way.
In Oklahoma, every school child who has reached third grade has heard the name Sequoyah, because our state children’s book awards are named for him. That does not mean that they remember who he is, however. This reader’s theater would be a good way to introduce him to an entire classroom of children at once. ...more
I read this book when I was a young girl. My mother had great respect for Roy Rogers & Dale Evans (I did, too), and she had both this book and DearestI read this book when I was a young girl. My mother had great respect for Roy Rogers & Dale Evans (I did, too), and she had both this book and Dearest Debbie, about their adopted daughter from Korea. The deaths of both Robin and Debbie made me sad and scared at the same time. I still remember portions of both books that mentioned how the girls' dogs each whined inconsolably the nights the girls died, before word had even reached the family. Odd, the things that stay with you....more
I read this book when I was a young girl. My mother had great respect for Roy Rogers & Dale Evans (I did, too), and she had both this book and Angel UI read this book when I was a young girl. My mother had great respect for Roy Rogers & Dale Evans (I did, too), and she had both this book and Angel Unaware, about their daughter Robin. The deaths of both Robin and their adopted daughter Debbie made me sad and scared at the same time. I still remember portions of both books that mentioned how the girls' dogs each whined inconsolably the nights the girls died, before word had even reached the family. Odd, the things that stay with you....more
This small picture book makes the story of Abraham Lincoln's assassination accessible to middle elementary readers. While there is not a tremendous amThis small picture book makes the story of Abraham Lincoln's assassination accessible to middle elementary readers. While there is not a tremendous amount of detail, and some events are represented as fact when history has never proven them to be so (Mary Surratt's involvement in the plot against Lincoln, despite her conviction and hanging, is still in doubt by many experts, for example), there is still enough here to keep young readers involved in the story.
My biggest problem with this book is the quote attributed to Edward Stanton upon the president's death. While it is possible that he said of the president, "Now he belongs to the angels," most historians believe the proper quote to be, "Now he belongs to the ages." To find the word "angels" there instead of "ages" was a big surprise to me. I suppose the author thought the quote would make more sense to children with the word "angels", but that is just my guess.
It's far from perfect, but it's still one of the best books about Lincoln's assassination that I have read for young children, so it will find a permanent place in my school library collection....more
On his twelfth birthday Lee Sun Chor begins preparing for a move to America, where his father owns a store and his three older brothers live. But becaOn his twelfth birthday Lee Sun Chor begins preparing for a move to America, where his father owns a store and his three older brothers live. But because of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, Sun must enter America through Angel Island. Before he can leave Angel Island he must be able to prove he is his father's true son by answering many, many very specific questions about his family and his home in China.
Sun studies long hours to pass the interrogations he knows will come, and he remembers most of the information easily. He only has trouble with questions about direction: which direction does his room's window face at home? Which direction is his school from his home? Which directions does the front door of the family home face? Sun cannot remember his directions, and worries he will not be "landed"--allowed off of Angel Island and into San Francisco.
This book was loaned to me by one of my library volunteers, a man of Chinese descent. He and his wife had purchased this book for their family library because his mother-in-law was landed in the United States in a fashion similar to Sun. I had never heard the term "landed" before, nor had I heard of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Very interesting story. Kids with Chinese heritage may find this of particular interest....more
A shillelagh is handed down from one member of an Irish family to another, from the time of the great potato famine to present day, with each member tA shillelagh is handed down from one member of an Irish family to another, from the time of the great potato famine to present day, with each member telling "the story of the St. Patrick's Day shillelagh" to the person who's inheriting the walking stick. The story is, simply, the tale of how it has been handed down from one to another over time, and what it has meant to those who owned it and used it.
I don't think this is a great read-aloud or is the best fit for classroom reading on St. Patrick's Day, but Irish families who hold to tradition may like it for sharing with their families. It's a nice story, it just doesn't fit into the curriculum well. ...more
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