tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76733144927699085712018-05-28T23:27:58.832-04:00Best Books 2007Welcome to the 2007 Best Books blog. Nominations should consider the ALA/ALSC criteria for Notable Books and the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. The title of the posting should be the book title and author. The entry includes the illustrator. The first one or two sentences provide a succinct description of the book. The remainder of the posting points out the notable features of the book and curriculum. Include recommended grade levels. Labels highlight curriculum connections.Kimmelsnoreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-23007469612437685822008-05-30T09:59:00.001-04:002008-05-30T17:49:07.201-04:00Ballerina Dreams: A True Story by Lauren Thompson, Photographs by James EstrinAbbey, Nicole, Shekina, Monica, and Veronica range in age from 3 to 7 years. They all shared the dream of being ballerinas. Joann Ferrara, a physical therapist and their dance instructor made that dream come true. Each girl is challenged by Cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy, but they don’t let that keep them from working hard to fulfill their dream. Bright action photos show each girl and her teenage helper as they work to hold their bodies in the various ballet poses. Their story is inspiring and conveys a lesson of perseverance. <br /><br />PreK-2bullarchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09151351536966179887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-27259589157462325192008-05-30T09:03:00.003-04:002008-05-30T09:16:58.637-04:00Roanoke: The Mystery of the Lost Colony by Lee MillerMiller presents a conspiracy theory in an attempt to solve the mystery of the lost colony. Along with primary documents and John White's beautiful illustrations, she describes the colonists' journey, the decsion to return for supples, delayed efforts to return, and the final discovery that the colonists were missing. It is a unique perspective of what happened both in England and in the colony and why. Includes maps, time line, source notes, and photographs. A thought-provoking book examining a fascinating part of NC's history. It would be great to use with NC studies / 4th and 8th graders.<br /><br />Grades 4 - 8Karen Gaviganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17570915602468420380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-71880042144282160032008-05-28T14:08:00.002-04:002008-05-28T14:13:03.425-04:00Yum! MmMm! Que Rico! America's Sproutings, by Pat MoraIllus. by Rafael Lopez<br /><br />A haiku and an informational paragraph introduce several foods native to the Americas including chocolate, potatoes, corn, and papaya. Influenced by Mexican murals, the illustrations have a bright and distinctively Southwestern feel. This would be a fun accompaniment to geography or nutrition units.<br /><br />Grades 1-4Kimmelsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-34934549362686471762008-05-27T13:17:00.002-04:002008-05-27T13:22:58.771-04:00Pass it down: Five picture book families make their mark, by Leonard S. MarcusShort biographies take a different twist in this collection that focuses on families who create picture books: Donald Crews, Ann Jonas and Nina Crews; Clement and Edith Hurd and Thacher Hurd; Walter Dean Myers and Christopher Myers; Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney; and Harlow and Anne Rockwell and Lizzy Rockwell. Family photographs, artist sketches, and final illustrations accompany the stories.<br /><br />All ages.Kimmelsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-4140303220320532722008-05-26T22:13:00.004-04:002008-05-26T22:40:25.244-04:00Feathers by Jacqueline WoodsonThis compact novel tackles prejudice, faith, hope and fear through the eyes of Frannie, a sixth grader in a predominately black school. One day a white-looking boy shows up at her school, seeming out of place. He is quickly knick-named Jesus-boy because of his long, flowing hair. Frannie puzzles over her classmates’ mixed reactions to this newcomer. The class bully instantly starts making fun of him while her friend Samantha, whose father is a conservative Baptist preacher, believes that he really <i> is </i> Jesus. Meanwhile, Frannie contemplates her family’s future. Her mother is expecting another baby after having lost her last three and her older deaf brother, Sean expresses a desire to be able to live in everyone else’s world as well as his own deaf world. All of these concerns are woven together as Frannie learns more about herself and the meaning of an Emily Dickenson poem “Hope is a thing with feathers that perches in the soul...” This thought-provoking novel could foster lively discussion among middle-school students.bullarchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09151351536966179887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-13083202909538370052008-05-23T11:07:00.003-04:002008-05-23T11:18:11.461-04:00Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems by John GranditsThese 34 creative poems are told by fifteen-year-old Jessie who voices typical teenage concerns such as annoying siblings, bad hair days, problems with parents, AP classes, jocks and cheerleaders. Students will laugh aloud at the poetry, hilarious illustrations, and surprises. For example, there is a clever poem on Grownups Talking (A+) and Grownups Listening (D-) Although the poems deal with high school life, they will appeal to students in Grades 5 - 8. Students would enjoy listening and comparing these poems to those written by Grandits in <em>Technically, It's Not My Fault</em> (poems by Robert, Jessie's younger brother). I can see this title being used for poetry, writing, and art activities .Karen Gaviganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17570915602468420380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-91332997129710434142008-05-23T10:24:00.004-04:002008-06-02T16:22:48.945-04:00Traveling Tom and the Leprechaun by Teresa BatemanIllustrated by Melisande Potter. An Irish princess, Kathleen declares that she will marry "only a man who could win a leprechaun's pot of gold in a single day's time." Tom, a wandering minstral who falls in love with the princess, vows to be that man. Readers will enjoy how he outwits a leprechaun so that he can claim the hand of the fair Kathleen. Watercolor illustrations vividly portray the Irish countryside. Grades K-3.Karen Gaviganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17570915602468420380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-51682476117402421372008-05-23T09:56:00.004-04:002008-06-02T16:23:31.996-04:00Fiona's Luck by Teresa BatemanIllustrated by Kelly Murphy. During the Irish potato famine, a leprechaun king steals away the luck of the Irish. A clever young girl named Fiona outsmarts the leprechaun and manages to trick him into setting luck free again. Shamrocks, leprehauns, and the Irish countryside are beautifully illustrated which helps make this a delightful read aloud at St. Patrick's Day or during a unit on folktales. Grades K-3.Karen Gaviganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17570915602468420380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-56294450269722523382008-05-21T07:34:00.004-04:002008-05-21T07:42:13.313-04:00The Escape of Oney Judge: Martha Washington's slave finds freedom, by Emily Arnold McCullyOney Judge was a young slave owned by first lady, Martha Washington. Her father had been an white indentured servant and her mother was a slave. Favored by the Washington family, Oney moves to Philadelphia with them for Washington's presidency. There she encounters freed slaves and the Quakers active in helping others to escape. In this fictionalized account, Oney realizes that Martha Washington plans to give her away to one of her married daughters and decides to escape. This story serves to round out our understanding of early American history.<br /><br />Grades 3 and upKimmelsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-21747855603877800912008-05-18T20:17:00.004-04:002008-05-18T21:27:17.018-04:00Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller by Sarah MillerAnne Sullivan had always been called Miss Spitfire because she was so unruly and feisty, and she learned how those traits would serve her well when she became teacher to Helen Keller, every bit a Miss Spitfire herself, at all of six years old! From the moment Anne meets Helen, the psychological, emotional, physical and mental battles begin. Anne had nowhere else to go when she took the job as a teacher to Helen. She daily reminds herself of that fact, as she struggles to gain respect from all the Kellers, who have let little Helen terrorize their lives, and to reach Helen, who seems so frustrated, angry and isolated. The story is engaging and quite a page-turner, as we read of Anne's struggles and hope for a breakthrough with Helen. The chapters begin with exerpts from the letters Anne really wrote to her former housemother at Perkins Institute for the Blind. Miller also includes an Author's note, photos, a Chronology, and Bibliography.A. Barbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733932407374984456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-15860063939843239212008-05-12T22:02:00.003-04:002008-05-12T22:12:39.811-04:00Jazz Baby by Lisa WheelerThis razzy, jazzy picture book will make you want to get up and dance. Daddy puts a record on and the tapping, and the snapping, and the clapping begin, with baby in the center of the action. The beat brings in the extended family and even the neighbors get in on the dancing. The illustrations are as energetic and joyful as the text. A great read aloud for pre-K-1 with lots of opportunities for audience participation.wheelewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02132532579043106833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-60765723891052181092008-04-24T16:10:00.003-04:002008-04-24T16:21:00.992-04:00Champions on the Bench: The Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars by Carole Boston WeatherfordIllustrated by Leonard Jenkins<br />The first-ever African American little league team in SC (1955) was not allowed to play in the series tournament when the other white teams refused to play them. Instead, they are invited to watch the Little League World Series from the stands. This story puts the history of racial discrimination in sports into perspective for younger readers. Weatherford does a nice job of blending fact and fiction with the inclusion of an Author's Note and photographs of the team in 1955 and in 2002 when they were hoored at the Little League Baseball World Series.Karen Gaviganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17570915602468420380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-63246682756226574602008-04-24T12:31:00.006-04:002008-04-24T12:44:37.872-04:00Good Sports: rhymes about running, jumping, throwing and more by Jack Prelutsky and Chris RashkaA collection of poems about a variety of sports (baseball, basketball, gymnastics, frisbee, swimming, etc). Lots of humor. many of the poems are about NOT winning, NOT making the team, or dropping the ball. All sorts of defeated things but the kids are still playing and enjoying what they're doing. It's quietly about sportsmanlike attitude! Other poems are about the joy the kids have in the activity itself - not winning, just doing it! (pun, intended!)<br /><br />Rashka's illustrations are whispy, bright and action packed. The movement of each game or activity is included in the mood of the artwork.Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12596105202783828790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-860152141515522462008-04-24T12:14:00.005-04:002008-04-24T12:47:42.956-04:00The Great Smelly, Slobbery, Small-Tooth Dog retold by Margaret Read MacdonaldA story of the Language of Flowers wrapped in a fairy tale.<br /><br />This folktale from Great Britian tells a somewhat familiar tale of a beast (in this case a big smelly slobbery dog) rescuing a man from peril. The man offers the beast whatever he wants and the beast wants his daughter. She goes away with him but hates him, often calling him a"big,smelly, slobbery, small-tooth dog" and hurts his feelings. However, in great folktale, fairy tale fashion, she eventually comes to love the big smelly dog and they live happily ever after.<br />Oh, forgot to mention, of course he turned into a prince once she declaired her love.<br />Personally, I might have wanted to keep the dog! But what's a fairy tale with out the prince!<br /><br />The Langauage of Flowers is demonstrated on the endpapers with a pattern of the flowers and their emotion or meaning. Throughout the story, the painted tapestry-like illustrations include the flowers that correspond to the events in the story. Very pretty and an interesting way to show a nice aspect of British cultural.Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12596105202783828790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-90959788395771247762008-04-24T08:16:00.003-04:002008-04-24T08:25:46.187-04:00The All-I'll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll by Patricia C. McKissackIllustrated by Jerry Pinkney.<br />This beautiful picture book is set in the "poorest place in America" during the Depression. Laura wants a Baby Betty doll of her very own. however, Santa brings one doll for three sisters and the girls are told by their father to "work this out." Pinkney's rich watercolors portray a warm family life during a cold and challenging time. Based on a true story, McKissack' s telling provides a wonderful lesson on sharing.<br />Grades K-3.Karen Gaviganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17570915602468420380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-7106764536429783472008-04-23T20:23:00.003-04:002008-04-23T20:41:14.101-04:00Jesse Owens: Fastest Man Alive by Carole Boston WeatherfordIllustrated by Eric Velasquez<br />This is a well-researched, poetic, second-person tribute to Jesse Owens (Go Jesse, Go. Trounce Jim Crow). Details are provided about how he won four Olympic gold medals as well as the controversy surrounding his accomplishments. Nice pastel illustrations add to the story. The final pages provide a summary of his life and a bibliography of titles for further reading.<br />Grades 2-6.Karen Gaviganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17570915602468420380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-15035676864775881832008-04-23T20:07:00.002-04:002008-04-23T20:17:17.515-04:00Hello, Bumblebee Bat by Darrin Lundellustrated by Patricia J. Wynne<br />A delightful look at a bat that is one inch long and six inches wide. This short book contains nine questions and answers in a pattern that makes for an appealing read-aloud for young children. The illustrations are warm yet realistic. The last two pages provide additional facts about this endangered species.<br />Grade K-1.Karen Gaviganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17570915602468420380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-71555192990943024162008-04-23T19:53:00.002-04:002008-04-23T20:02:54.478-04:00The Purple Balloon by Chris RaschkaThis tiny, yet powerful book is for terminally ill children, their family and friends. The simple text tells the touching story that dying is hard work but others, such as medical workers, clergy, friends, and family, can help. Raschka provides a list of "What You Can Do to Help" for friends at the end. <br />All ages.Karen Gaviganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17570915602468420380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-9971549196917754002008-04-23T19:42:00.002-04:002008-04-23T19:52:34.350-04:00I Love You Always and Forever by Jonathan EmmettIllustrated by Daniel Howarth<br />A father fieldmouse and his daughter play games in the woods where the daughter learns that losing to her father won't last forever but his love for her will. Delightfully realistic illustrations fill the pages making this a great read-aloud for young children. Grades PreK - 2.Karen Gaviganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17570915602468420380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-35548109168784921622008-04-23T19:16:00.003-04:002008-04-23T19:28:15.179-04:00Jazz on a Saturday Night by Leo & Diane DillonThis beautifully-illustrated tribute to jazz is a 2008 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor book and it is easy to see why. The illustrations almost jump off the page alongside brief descriptions of jazz masters such as Monk, Fitzgerald, Parker, Coltrane and others. An accompanying CD provides an intro to jazz. Grades K-4 but this would be a great picture book to use with older students as well.Karen Gaviganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17570915602468420380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-74041032222973437322008-03-18T14:35:00.004-04:002008-04-24T08:51:57.461-04:00Tap Dancing on the Roof; Sijo (Poems) by Linda Sue ParkA new twist for our poetry units. Sijo is a form of poetry from Korea; similar to haiku, it is dependant on a certain number of stressed syllables, and has an unexpected joke or twist at the end. (Maybe you guys knew about this form, but I'd never seen it)<br /><br /><br /><br />These poems are neither monumental or side splittingly funny but this book and poetry style are charming. These little poems are playful and light and the illustrations are a little odd but are equally as spirited.<br /><br /><br /><br />The author gives sufficient but not overwhelming background on the form and includes further reading and some tips on how to write your own.<br /><br />A fun "something new" and I learned a new word in one of the poems: sesquipedalian - lots of syllables.Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12596105202783828790noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-79944915110896617522008-03-10T09:22:00.004-04:002008-03-10T09:32:45.560-04:00Into the Woods by Lyn GardnerIllustrated by Mini Grey. Three sisters battle an evil villain and his bloodthirsty wolves in this novel filled with fairy tale allusions. Elements of Hansel and Gretel, the Snow Queen, Rapunzel, and Sleeping Beauty are woven together in a plot that is filled with hair-raising suspense and narrow escapes. The sisters have well-developed personalities and learn about bravery and family loyalties as they discover their own unique gifts. The black and white drawings that are scattered through the text add a note of whimsy to the story. <br />Grades 4-7Bruciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12255863895817158024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-47827250499807838292008-03-04T17:48:00.003-05:002008-03-04T17:59:29.079-05:00The Bearskinner : A Tale of the Brothers Grimm retold by Laura Amy SchlitzIllustrated by Max Grafe. A dejected young soldier makes a bargain with the devil. He will live seven years encased in a bearskin, during which time he may not clean himself in any way, nor may he pray. However, he will have all the gold he wants. If he fails to fulfill this promise, his soul will belong to the devil. As the years go by, he becomse increasingly disgusting but saves himself by giving his money away and asking the poor people whom he helps to pray for him. Dark brooding illustrations reinforce his sense of hopelessness. Older readers will respond to this story of mainitaining hope when all hope seems lost. The final spread, detailing the happy ending, shines golden. This will make a great discussion starter. <br />Grades 4-8Bruciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12255863895817158024noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-5638844997599685282008-03-04T17:30:00.002-05:002008-03-04T17:47:31.226-05:00One Thousand Tracings : Healing the Wounds of World War II by Lita JudgeIllustrated by the author. A young American farm girl and her mother collect necessities such as food and clothing, especially shoes, to send to families in post-war Germany. The tracings of the title are of shoe bottoms, enclosed with the poignant letters that they receive. The story is based on real events in the lives of the author's mother and grandmother. It represents an untold part of the history of World War II. Soft, slightly out of focus watercolors and photographs of actual artifacts from the period complement the text. This is a heartwarming tale, told in a gentle, low key style.<br />Grades 2-6Bruciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12255863895817158024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673314492769908571.post-2122606334217485422008-03-04T10:10:00.002-05:002008-03-04T10:19:42.408-05:00Who Was First? Discovering the Americas by Russell FreedmanFive clearly written chapters explore the issue of who the first people to discover the Americas actually were. Columbus, the Chinese, the Vikings, and the Indians all receive a thorough treatment. The author has used the most recent research to explain the questions and controversies. Superbly reproduced paintings, maps, and photographs liberally illustrate the text. A selected bibloigraphy and index are included. This book will be relevant for any study of American history and could be utilized in the North Carolina history curriculum. <br />Grades 5-8Bruciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12255863895817158024noreply@blogger.com1
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