I really enjoyed this book from the cover art to the last page. Reading historical fiction is something I usually enjoy, so I'm not surprised I liked this novel. I found myself wanting to know more about life in the 1960's, especially regarding the Black Panthers. I think that kids interested in history will enjoy that aspect; however, the characters and plot are strong enough to pull in readers who aren't that into the historical details. Like Christopher Paul Curtis, Williams-Garcia has a talent for putting history into her stories that makes the period interesting and accessible.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
A Curious Collection of Cats
A Curious Collection of Cats by Betsy FrancoMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Betsy Franco and Michael Wertz have created a fun, colorful, lovely book of poetry. The illustrations and text work together in such a clever way that kids and adults will surely enjoy this one. I read a few selections to my second grade classes, and they were rushing to check out the book next! As a cat lover I was excited about the subject matter, but even dog-people will appreciate the humor here.
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Sunday, September 11, 2011
The Case of the Lost Boy
The Case of the Lost Boy by Dori Hillestad ButlerMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a great mystery chapter book for children who are just beginning to read longer books. Butler uses the lovable Buddy (or King) the dog as the mystery-solving protagonist and narrator. This should be a fun series.
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Saturday, September 10, 2011
Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie
Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie by Julie SternbergMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a wonderful book! I hope Julie Sternberg is busy writing more books about Eleanor because I would love to read more. Eleanor's voice is so authentic and the plot and characters are engaging as well. I can't wait to recommend this one to my students and their parents. Matthew Cordell's black and white illustrations are a great match for the story.
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The Dunderheads
The Dunderheads by Paul FleischmanMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a fun book this is! I can think of so many so many students (especially boys) at my school who will appreciate this book. Fleischman's plot and characters combined with Robert's illustrations will attract both advanced and reluctant readers.
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The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity
The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity by Mac BarnettMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mac Barnett's mystery novel is a quick, exciting read. Kids will enjoy this book for its humor and protagonist Steve Brixton's sense of adventure. I love a chapter book with illustrations, so I was happy to see the retro (and kind of creepy) drawings by Adam Rex. This one is perfect for boys, but I think that girls would enjoy it, too. Reading this book aloud to a class or small group would be fun as well.
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Amazing Faces
Amazing Faces by Lee Bennett HopkinsMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lee Bennett Hopkins has done a wonderful job choosing poems for this book. The style of poetry is varied, as are the subjects discussed and cultures represented. The vibrant and detailed illustrations by Chris Soentpiet make the poems even better. I read a five selections aloud to my fifth grade classes yesterday, and both the poems and illustrations were met with approval.
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