Some of My Recent Favorites

My last few posts are all about what the students are liking.  Here is a list of books that I have recently enjoyed.


PICTURE BOOKS

I Yam a Donkey! by Cece Bell uses humor aplenty to show how confusing good grammar can be and how unimportant it is if you are about to be eaten.  As soon as someone is ready for the humor (maybe the middle of first grade) this book will be a winner.  Adults will get things that the younger set does not, but that is what makes it possible for adults to read the same book over and over.

Steve, Raised by Wolves by Jared Chapman reassures that no matter how hard a student's first day of school may seem it probably won't be worse than the first day of school for a boy raised by wolves.  It has the good moral of remembering to "Just be yourself" and lots of humor.  Grades 1-4 will get a chuckle out of this one.

Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman is a joy to read to groups of children, most of whom go back to read it again and again by themselves.  It addresses the pressing question of what might happen if a family of bunnies were to adopt a baby wolf.  I have read to first grade up to fifth grade and it has gotten the same positive reactions from all of them.

Take Away the A - An Alphabeast of a Book by Michael Escoffier is a great start to word play.  It illustrates that a word can change by removing just one letter.  I predict many writing projects will be inspired by this book for grades 2 and up.

Toys Meet Snow by Emily Jenkins is lovely, sweet story on its own and good introduction to the chapter books about the toys (Toys Go Out and others).  The picture book is aimed at grades preK to 2 and the chapter books are for grades 2-5.

Alphabet School by Stephen Johnson finds the letters of the alphabet in things found in a school.  There is something about this concept that fascinates me.  I see anyone from kindergarten to retirement enjoying this beautifully illustrated book.

Lucy and Lenny by Phillip Stead, Illustrated by Erin Stead charmed me with the perfect fit of the illustrations to the story of a boy getting settled in a new home.  What is not to love about guardians made from pillows and blankets?  Don't forget that the Steads live right here in Ann Arbor which makes them almost like family.  This perfect for grades K-3.


CHAPTER BOOKS

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate is a gentle story about the tough subject of homelessness that includes a caring family and an imaginary friend in the form of a giant cat.  It is great for grades 4-6.

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley is a perfectly strange story of a magic (or is it imaginary) circus that can change lives if only one believes.  Readers in grades 4-7 should get drawn into this unusual tale.

The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry is a little bit  of many familiar old-fashioned stories and whole lot of originality.  It tells of girls in a small boarding school with a very Victorian feel who are suddenly faced with what to do when their head mistress dies suddenly at dinner.  They decide to pretend that all is normal as the humor and the adventures spiral out of their control.  Middle school is the perfect audience for this book.

George by Alex Gino has gotten a lot of talk this year as the first book for grades 4-7 to openly deal with transgender issues.  It is well written and written in a way that will not make students uncomfortable and will add understanding.

Anyone But Ivy Pocket by Caleb Krisp  is a mystery with a great sense of humor.  Grades 4-7 will laugh along with the confusion a well-meaning young girl creates around her.

Kung Pow Chicken--Bok! Bok! Boom by Cyndi Marko is part of a series about a young chicken who is a superhero that has students in grades 1-3 laughing and asking for more.

Fuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar uses what first appears to be a normal school conflict story to talk about environmental threats.  I would suggest it for grades 4-7.

The Odin Inheritance by Victoria L. Scott.  Yes, Emerson's own Victoria Scott has written a powerful, well-researched Steampunk adventure that does not stay on our library shelves.  It features strong, interesting characters, plot twists, and some good humor.  None of this surprises anyone who knows Victoria.  Her book is aimed at middle school and high school students and will be enjoyed by adults as well.

NON-FICTION

A Nest is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long  is the newest by this author/illustrator duo that makes nature into a work of visual and poetic art.  There is plenty of information about nests and all the creatures that build nests here, but what readers grades 2 and up will remember is the beauty that is depicted here.

I Am Lucille Ball (And others in this I Am...Series) by Brad Meltzer is a picture book biography that will appeal to young readers (Grades K-3) who like plenty of illustrations and careful touches of humor while learning about the childhoods of famous people.

GRAPHIC WORKS

Written and Drawn by Henrietta by Lineirs comes to us from a cartoonist who is well-known in Brazil.  The story is simply a girl drawing pictures and forming a story and monsters.  The pictures change from appearing to be the art of the little girl to the most sophisticated art of an artist.  I think it is for everyone, but I suppose it is aimed at grades K-3.

Lumberjanes, Volume 1--Beware the Kitten Holy by Noelle Stevens and Grace Ellis, illustrated by Brooke Allen is a graphic story of girls at camp and facing strange occurrences that has a clear, strong, and often funny feminists bent.  Grades 5 and up will enjoy this one.


A FEW ADULT BOOKS

The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elizabeth Tova Bailey is part memoir and part a natural science of snail life.  When Bailey was forced by illness to spend an extended period of time in bed with little or no movement, a friend brings her a snail that she watches for hours on end.  The snail, like this book, is calming and reassuring.

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a must read for anyone who cares about racial issues in this country.  It is beautifully written as a letter from a father to his son on surviving as an African American in the world today.  The message to all people is angry yet calming, sad yet hopeful, cautious yet urgent.  Everyone will find something worthy of  pondering and discussing.

Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth is a change from what I usually read and I enjoyed the break.  This lengthy novel offers a peak into court life at Versailles with the Sun King along with a re-imagining of the tale of Rapunzel.

Being Mortal : Medicine and What Matters in The End by Atul Gawande made me think about what is truly important in life and how to help myself and others find the time to let it end.  That might sound depressing but this book is actually very uplifting.  I recommend it if you have aging parents or are thinking about your own aging.  It will make you feel better about your ability to deal what may seem like insurmountable issues.  If you want a graphic memoir to complement this, especially when dealing with parents, consider reading Roz Chast's Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? : A Memoir.

The Summer Book by Tove Jansson  is by a beloved children's book author but here looks at the relationship of a grandmother and grandchild as they spend a summer together on an island that they have visited for years.  The beautiful writing evokes a sense of place and an appreciation of nature.  It is worth owning so you can reread it to savor every word.

The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan takes place in the middle of the Atlantic ocean in a lifeboat in 1914.  The boat is overcrowded and everyone is worried about surviving as the chances of being rescued become more and more remote.  The end finds one of the women who did survived on trial for murdering others so that she might survive.

Happy reading!

Great for grades 4 and 5

Here is a list that combines ones that I have shared with a couple of families of girls headed for fourth grade.  They are both good readers who will be able to tackle these, though their interests vary.  This is an ages when likes are clearly developing but summer is a good time to encourage exploration, too.  Parents and children need to remember that summer is a great time to get lost in a book.  Reading for pleasure helps develop a real love of books that will last a lifetime. That is my hope for the people who use this list--that they find a book that will change how they view their world or at least inspire them to keep looking for those special books.

 

Beverly Cleary books like those about Ramona Quimby and her friends are classics of children's literature.  Ramona may have been the first of the now popular genre of realistic fiction about young, strong girls. They are certainly some of the best books in this genre to this day.  Readers are also encouraged to explore some of her other books that include new characters and adventures.

Edward Eager was my favorite author when I was young.  All of them are great tales of simple magic that takes four siblings on adventures that carry them far from any possibility of boredom.  My favorite is still Half Magic, but you can't go wrong with any of Eager's book.

 

The Moffats by Eleanor Estes is another series of books that I loved as at this age.  I was so taken by the adventures of this family who seemed familiar despite the fact that they lived in a different time and place than I did than I fantasized about meeting them and joining their adventures.

McBroom's Wonderful One Acre Farm by Sid Fleischman is very short but is filled to the brim with interesting characters and clever plots twists.  The McBroom family goes in search of a new farm and ends up buying a farm that is small but so filled with rich soil that plants grow in matter of hours, causing many interesting events and much jealousy from the cranky neighbor who sold the farm to them.

By the Grace of Todd by Louise Galveston drew me in with its interesting cover and intriguing title.  The premise is satisfying to anyone who has neglected to clean their bedroom (or had children who were less than stellar about picking up dirty socks.)  Todd is engaged in issues at school when he realizes that his dirty sock has grown a tiny civilization of its own.  Soon he is dealing with their worship of him as well as school bullies and science fair projects.

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes is simply the story of the daily life of a young boy.  There is not heart racing peaks and valleys of activity but it is a charming story that will ring true with many readers.

Chomp by Carl Hiassen is a book I know I have mentioned on my blog before.  It is one of the many adventure/humor/nature stories that Hiassen has set in Florida.  This just happens to be my favorite because the characters are so quirky while also seeming very real.

Mr. and Mrs. Bunny--Detectives Extraordinaire by Mrs. Bunny and Polly Horvath has more than detective bunnies.  It also has a girl who has lost her, for lack of a better term, "hippie" parents who have been kidnapped by foxes.  When Madeleine learns she can speak to animals, she enlists the help of novice detectives who are well-intentioned but not always efficient.

Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath has a bit more substance to it than the one above about bunnies.  It looks at the ponderings of a little girl in British Columbia whose parents have been lost at sea.  There is some humor to soften the story as she grows through grief and loss to self-reliance and self-discovery.

Unhooking the Moon by Gregory Hughes is an oddly compelling tale of two children, 12 year old Bob and his ten year old sister Mille, who set off alone to find their uncle in New York City after their widowed father dies.  Bob and Millie are quirky, strong, and determined young people who support each other while challenging their roles in the relationship.  This story requires a reader who can handle some uncomfortable situations.

How to Catch a Bogle by Catherine Jinks takes the reader to a smoggy, dark, Victorian England reminiscent of scenes in the movie  "Oliver" to meet a ten year old girl named Birdie who is apprenticed to a bogler.  Her mentor is a curmudgeonly but caring older man who makes his living trapping and destroying evil creatures called bogles who often live in houses throughout London.  Birdie is a strong character with courage, skill, and heart.  I found this book to be fascinating and great fun.

Ben and Me by Robert Lawson was another of my favorite books in about great four.  It is a novel that makes the audacious and often hilarious claim that Ben Franklin got all of his best ideas from a friendly mouse, the narrator of this book.  I think I learned more American history from this book, include a thirst to learn more, than I did from any history class until college.

Bliss by Kathryn Littlewood starts a trilogy about a bakery where magic is cooked up along with fine pastries.  Readers in my library have been eating up this fantasy adventure with a sweet tooth.

A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd will appeal to word lovers of all ages as well as to those who love stories about kids in slightly unique, but very relatable settings.  To regain the magic, a town must solve an old legend and mend some broken hearts. The protagonist is a word collector who reminds me why I love words so much.

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry will appeal to people who have read a variety of genres already, especially tales that follow classic formats of orphan children and/or not so nice adults.  This is a great parody of all those stories as the children of a family decide that maybe they would be happier if they were like the orphans in so many of the stories they love just as their parents wonder if life might be easier without children.  That almost sounds morbid but it is actually hilariously funny.

Wanderville by  Wendy McClure has a deceptively sweet cover showing three kids playing in a field.  It is actually a story based on the lives of children sent West from New York City on the Orphan Train.  The three happy looking children on the cover must first escape from people who are eager put them into enforced servitude on a ranch that gathers as many child workers as they can.  After their escape, these three work to begin a community deep in the woods that will be the focus of promised sequels.

Sugar by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a beautifully written story of a ten year old girl on a Mississippi plantation in the years just after emancipation.  When Chinese workers are brought in to join the former slaves in working the sugar cane, everyone is fearful of the others.  Curiosity leads young Sugar, an orphan, to get to know these new people and find there commonalities.

Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes is another fine example of the quality of the writing Rhodes puts into her novels for upper elementary age readers.  This novel about surviving Hurricane Katrina will give everyone new understanding of the storm and of human relations.

The Secret Box by Whitaker Ringwald starts with young Jax going on a quest to find out about a mysterious box that arrives on her birthday from a woman named Juniper.  The box comes as a birthday gift but Jax's mother immediately tries to make it disappear.  Jax reclaims it and drags her cousins along on what becomes a harrowing trip that may become a matter of life and death.  I like that Jax is one brave, spunky girl nearly as much as I like the tension-easing humor that is sprinkled throughout this tale.

Dragon Breath by Ursula Vernon appeals to those readers who want humor, fantasy, and real-life problems plus lots of graphics.  This series about a dragon who is trying to fit in as the only dragon at a school for reptiles alternates prose and graphic content.  They are great, light summer reads.

NON-FICTION

How I Discovered Poetry by Marilyn Wilson is a memoir in a collection of poetry.  It is not an ordinary life that Wilson led.  She is an African-American who grew up in the 1950s and 60s, mostly on military bases.  These sonnet length poems offer a unique look at the times through the author's unique window on her world. They are moving and charming and tell a story that could not have been as well told in any other format. 

Mrs. Harkness and the Panda by Alicia Potter may have the appearance of a picture book at times, but it is actually a fact-filled tale of the woman who traveled to China to fulfill the dream her husband died trying to fulfill.  Mrs. Harkness travels up the Yangtze River to get a baby panda which she tends  through some rather harrowing adventures while bringing it safely back to the United States.  There is an adult book on the same topic, The Lady and the Panda:  The True Adventures of the First American Explorer to Bring Back China's Most Exotic Animal by Vicki Croke,  that parents might want to read as kids are reading this.

Unlikely Loves:  43 Heartwarming True Stories From the Animal Kingdom by Jennifer S. Holland offers a lovely selection of short essays for upper elementary through adult readers about surprising friendships that cross animals species.  All are accompanied by full color photographs of the unusual pairs.  There is a new series for younger readers that features just a few of these stories in simplified form.

 

National Geographic's Weird But True series is appealing to all ages with bright illustrations and photographs to go with little known facts about just about everything.  They are generally one fact per page, making them great for travel and bathroom reading as well as for quizzing parents and siblings.

Summer Reading for Second Grade

It is summer break and parents have been asking for suggestions for their students.  Here are some suggestions that I sent specifically to a young girl going into second grade.  There is a fairly wide range of reading difficulty included in this list so you can find something that fits needs from emergent readers to those who feel comfortable with a bigger reading challenge.  I have included fiction (with a separate section for series books) as well as non-fiction. 

The goal of the summer should be to have fun with reading.  I can not plead enough that you not worry so much about what is being read or even if reading takes place every day as you are about finding something that brings joy.  No one will being reading the classics without a firm foundation and that the secure knowledge that there is pleasure in reading.  Leave books around where they are easy to pick up and read.  Read to children and then stop at the exciting part so they have to finish by themselves.  Just read to your kids, whether they read alone or not.  In addition to inspiring your budding reader, you also get a special time with a very wonderful child.

Let your kids see you read for pleasure.  If mom and dad (I have read a lot of literature that suggests that dad has the greatest influence on encouraging kids to read) read for the sheer joy of it and kids see them doing it, those kids are going to sense that reading is a good idea.  If parents are too busy to read, it doesn't take long for children to get the message that there are more important and more enjoyable things to do than read.

Finally, encourage kids to play outside.  The fresh air and creativity will stimulate areas of their brains that often get neglected and any mental stimulation will make reading (and most of the rest of life) easier and more enjoyable.

Here is the list aimed primarily at readers ages 6 to 8.

The #1 Train Spotter and Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke are very popular with people just beginning to read chapter books by them self. They both have sequels.   The Train Spotter books have a detective bent to them.  Anna Hibiscus is a little easier to read and is the story of a young girl living in Africa.  Her mother is not from Africa which offers opportunities to discuss cultural differences in a pleasant, familial setting.

Ivy and Bean by Ann Barrows has grown into a good sized series about two little girls who were reluctant to become friends but soon find that they have much in common.  They are nice kids with a generous dose of mischievousness in their lives. Their adventures will seem very familiar to most girls aged 6 to 10.

Rabbit and Robot:  The Sleepover by Cece Bell will be an easy read as it is a first chapter book.  It is a cute story about a rabbit and a robot who can't seem to find the perfect thing to do on a sleepover because they have very different personalities and interests.  Of course they eventually find the perfect way to enjoy each other's company.  I found this book to be very enjoyable with some good surprises from the usual friends-getting-along story.

The Pain and The Great One by Judy Blume are great for a first introduction to the humor and real feel of childhood interests for readers not quite ready for Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.  A brother and sister give humor to the complications of deciding who is bothering whom.

Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel is a series that includes both picture books and easy, highly-illustrated chapter books about, you guessed it, a bad kitty.  Luckily the kitty is also pretty lovable and has fun adventures.

Beverly Cleary books like those about Ramona Quimby and her friends are classics of children's literature.  Ramona may have been the first of the now popular genre of realistic fiction about young, strong girls. They are certainly some of the best books in this genre to this day.  Ramona and Beezus and their friends have become a part of our literary culture so I think every child deserves to have exposure to them.

Amber Brown by Paula Danzinger is featured in a growing series.  She fits nicely into the realistic fiction about lower elementary age girls.  Amber's parents divorce in this series which may make them especially relevant for some families.

Bink and Gollie by Kate DiCamillo  now have more than one book.  These quirky friends like each other despite their differences and they have a good time together going on simple, enjoyable adventures.

Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DeTerlizzi is a lovely fantasy of a boy who meets a dragon.  Much to his surprise (he has heard stories about dragons all his life), the dragon is not mean and scary.  How is going to convince everyone that this dragon is not going to destroy their homes?

Edward Eager was my favorite author when I was young.  They may be still a read-aloud for many who are entering second grade, but what a great read aloud these books are.  All of them are great tales of simple magic that takes four siblings on adventures that carry them far from any possibility of boredom.  My favorite is still Half Magic, but you can't go wrong with any of Eager's book.

21 Fairmont Avenue by Tomi DePaola is the first in a collection of stories based on DePaola's life.  If his picture books about his childhood are popular, these are perfect for a second grader who is ready for a little more information and interesting stories, all accompanied with DePaola's familiar art.

My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett is another children's classic that appeals to children of today as much as it did when it was first published in 1948.  This first of the trilogy is the story of a boy saving a baby dragon who is being used by a bunch of wild animals as a ferry.

Clara Lee and the Apple Blossom Dream by Jenny Han brings a multi-cultural twist to the story of a little girl who wants to be her small town's Little Miss Apple Pie.  Can a Korean girl win this coveted title while still honoring her own culture?

Sadie and Ratz by Sonya Harnett tells of a little girl whose hands keep getting her in trouble, especially around her little brother.  She names those hands Sadie and Ratz so they can take the blame when things go wrong.  This is an early chapter book and a great way to start the summer reading.  Just thinking of this book makes me smile.  Parents will enjoy it as much or more than the young reader.

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes is simply the story of the daily life of a young boy.  There is not heart racing peaks and valleys of activity but it is a charming story that would make a good read aloud for those who are just beginning to read chapter books.  More accomplished readers will enjoy it by themselves.

Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins appeals to the child in me.  I love stories where toys come alive and the toys in this story are interesting things like a stingray, a buffalo, and a ball known as Plastic.  The format of being a collection of stories is also a good introduction to the joys of short stories and they are easy to read in a single setting.  There are more books in this series awaiting your eager reader.

Lady Lollipop and George Speaks by Dick King-Smith are two of his easier to read books. Lollipop is a pig that is presented to a very spoiled princess.  The pig and her dedicated swineherd help teach the princess some social graces.  George, in the other book, is a new born baby brother who swears his older sister to silence when he reveals that he can already talk and make some interesting comments about the world around him and the oddities of adults.

Ling and Ting:  Not Exactly the Same  by Grace Lin tells of identical twins who prove that they are not identical in all ways.  They are charming little girls so it is no surprise that there are more books about them.  The books are easier reads and good for readers who are not sure they really want to tackle a more difficult book.

Ruby Lu:  Brave and True by Lenore Look is different from other young girl stories because Ruby is Chinese-American who goes to Chinese school and deals with other cultural issues.  She is also a very typical young girl who deals with school, friendships, and other issues that will be familiar to everyone.

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald has long held a reputation for being a great read-aloud as well as a book that kids love to read and re-read.  Mrs.  Piggle-Wiggle is a sweet, grandmotherly woman who has a cure for common childhood ailments like bossiness or not be able to share.  There is enough fun in these stories that they never seem preachy.  Each chapter tells its own story about children who are cured of their ailments in a pleasant and funny manner.

Akimbo and the Elephants by Alexander McCall-Smith is just one of the books in this series about Akimbo, the son of a game warden in Kenya.  Akimbo wants to help his father which leads to some harrowing adventures as he battles to save animals. Yes, this is the same McCall-Smith who writes The Ladies Number One Detective Agency and other books for adults.

Tales for Very Picky Eaters by Josh Schneider is a beginning chapter book that details a father's attempts to get his son to try new foods.  Each new food option is more ridiculous than the one that came before.  I promise that parents will hear about the amazing ideas that are presented.  This is a very early chapter book.  If you have a picky eater in your family, this is an especially great read.

SOME SERIES THAT APPEAL TO THIS AGE

A-Z Mysteries and Calendar Mysteries by Rob Roy are good, short mysteries for newly independent readers.  There is enough mystery to keep the reader guessing while being short enough that they do not require a huge time commitment.  As you can guess by the series titles, there are several books available.

Andrew Lost  by  J. C. Greenberg is a series with a concept that will appeal to many readers.  Andrew creates a machine that accidentally shrinks him and his friend Judy down to an almost microscopic size.  Each, beginning with On the Dog, takes them on a new adventure.  The great part is the quantity of interesting scientific facts that are worked into the simple text and black and white illustrations.

The Bailey School Kids by Debbie Dadey find all kinds of creatures from aliens to witches behaving in amazing ways.  They are great fun.

Cam Janson by David Adler is a young girl detective with a knack for solving mysteries.  There are two levels of these books so an emergent reader can begin with the easier ones and then move easily into those for a more advanced reader.

Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown has grown to be a series so kids can keep following this the adventure of this happy young lad who was accidentally flattened until he is the thickness of a piece of paper.  What child doesn't want to imagine be a kite or getting mailed to visit relatives?

My America by Mary Pope Osborne is a series of historical fiction written in diary format.  This form appeals to many readers.  Some readers are less than trilled to read diaries, so don't push if that is the case.

Oliver Moon by Sue Mongredian tells the adventures of a young wizard in training.  The books are funny and exciting and quick reads for the budding wizard in your family.

Ready, Freddy by Abby Klein is about a typical boy doing typical boy things.  They are full of humor and some adventure.

Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo is a pig who is quite spoiled by her human family.  She may spend most of her time eating but that seems to help her be in the right place at the right time to solve problems, often problems she created.  The bright colored illustrations and large font make these chapter books that emergent readers can enjoy with little help from adults.

Geronimo Stilton by "Geronimo Stilton" appeals to many readers in no small part because of the bright illustrations and the fun that is had with text fonts.  They are also funny and filled with adventures.

NON-FICTION

Who Was.../Who Is... biographies by various authors  offer just the right amount of information and readable life story to keep kids coming back for more.  There are now 100 of these and I could keep most of them in circulation most of the time.  The kids I work with started with familiar people and were soon reading about people that were totally new to them just because they discovered a love of biographies.  Many of these readers then moved on to other biographies.

Usbourne Beginners offer a wide range of non-fiction topics with lots of bright photos and illustrations, solid information, and interesting side-bars/ They are perfect for someone just discovering the many joys of reading for information.

Poetry may also be a good choice for reading that seems easy but is filled with meaning and challenges.  Everyone loves Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky, but don't miss others who are less well known like Douglas Florian, J. Patrick Lewis, and science related poetry of Joyce Sidman.  Explore the poetry section for more good reads.

Other non-fiction areas that are great for developing an interest in reading include, but are clearly not limited to, cookbooks, crafting books, and folk and fairy tales.

Finally, National Geographic's Weird But True series is appealing to all ages with bright illustrations and photographs to go with little known facts about just about everything.  They are generally one fact per page, making them great for travel and bathroom reading as well as for quizzing parents and siblings.

GRAPHIC WORKS

Recently a co-worker and I were supposed to present a discussion of using graphic novels and non-fiction to teach diversity and justice.  Unfortunately, our presentation was cancelled due to lack of participants in the workshop, but I am not about to let my annotated bibliography go to waste so I will present it here.

My people are a bit put off by graphic works, viewing them as too simplistic or silly.  Perhaps people are remembering the many hours that they spent illicitly reading comic books by Marvel and the like under the blankets after being told to go to sleep.  Such memories are generally too pleasant to have possibly been good for a growing mind.  Recent research seems to be pointing to the opposite being true.  There are strong suggestions that reading a work in graphic format actually increases the ability to remember it.  I don't know if this is true, but I do know that graphic works open up worlds to kids that they might otherwise never enter.  Many of the students who use my library gravitate to the graphic works as a jumping off point to reading more traditional formats.

Don't write off these works until you have had a chance to read them and, perhaps, witnessed a young person reading them.  Graphic works have a lot to offer.  Start with some from this list and then go on to read more.  They are addictive.  (P.S.  They are not just for kids anymore either.  More and more adult level graphic works are being published, especially memoires.)


FICTION

Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword and Hereville: How Mirka Met a Meteorite by Barry Deutsch—Grades 4-7   This book will capture readers so completely with trolls and magic and adventure that they will not realize how much they are learning about and appreciating Orthodox Judaism and its customs. Mirka wants to fight trolls and dabble in magic but she does not want to forget the meaningful traditions of her faith. This is a good way to look at communities that we may not understand while discussing religion, self-identity, and women’s rights.

Sticky Burr: Adventures in Burrwood Forest by John Lechner –Grades 1-4   This carries an overt
anti-bullying message along with a story of crazy adventure and some facts (and plenty of imagined
information) about burrs. Toss in a generous dose of humor and kids will find that this book sticks to
them like a burr to wild dog.

Take What You Can Carry by Kevin C. Pyle—Grades 7 and up   In 1978, Kyle, a troubled teen, can only take what he can carry when he shoplifts from a convenience store. In 1941, Ken and 110,00 other Japanese Americans sent to internment camps were instructed to only take what they can carry. These two stories are told side by side unit as it gradually becomes evident that Kyle is stealing from Ken. This novel offers both history and compassion.

Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow by James Sturm and Rich Tommaso—Grades 5 and up   It is not easy to separate fact from fiction in this story of a young man who hopes to follow Satchel Paige into the Negro League. Emmet, the narrator, tries out against Paige in 1929 but suffers an injury that keeps him back home as a sharecropper but always following baseball and his heroes. There are short updates of his life and world affairs until on September 2, 1944, when Satchel Paige and the All-Stars play against the local all-white team of the Tuckwilla All-Stars. With all the excitement of a good baseball game, readers learn about Jim Crow, standing up for your rights, and pride in one’s actions in this powerful story.

The Arrival by Shaun Tan—Grades 7 and up  My co-worker and top-notch 7th grade teacher, Beth Nazario, uses this wordless book to teach writing along with helping students experience what it means to be an immigrant.  The students write about what they are reading and imagine themselves being one of the un-named immigrants depicted inside the front cover.  After much discussion and introspection, the students each experience an imaginary interview with a customs officer who does not speak English.  Older students or adults who are fluent in another language interviews the student with typical questions.  The experience is often quite powerful.  Even without this in-depth study, this is a powerful book.

Lost and Found by Shaun Tan—All Ages   It takes a more sophisticated reading and guidance to get all of the nuances of the short graphic stories in this collection which will be enjoyed by all ages for their quirky humor. For discussing the reception to immigrants (“the immigrant problem”) my choice would be to read and discuss “The Rabbits” (words by John Marsden). It resonates especially if you have seen the documentary movie “Rabbit Proof Fence” which also comes from Australia.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier—Grades 6-9 This novel won a Stonewall Honor Book Award in January 2013 for its balanced portrayal of gays in a middle school setting. The story follows members of a drama department in their budget strapped production of a musical. The protagonist, Callie, is the set designer who dreams big both for the production and for finally finding a meaningful relationship. Will one of the two cute boys be the answer to her dreams? She deals with declarations of sexual orientation in a way that seems very realistic and appropriate.

WORLD FOLKLORE

Trickster: Native American Tales: A Graphic Collection edited by Matt Dembicki—Grades 5 and up   Dembicki sent requests throughout North America to find Native American storytellers willing to tell their traditional stories and let noted graphic artists illustrate them. The tellers selected the illustrator who they thought would best fit their story. Everyone loves a good trickster tale, making this book an especially good introduction to Native American folklore. Whether you are selecting based on the graphics, the moral, the humor, or the adventure, you are sure to find several here that will be appealing.

The Shark King by R. Kikuo Johnson—Grades 1-5   First and foremost, this is an intriguing telling of the Hawaiian tale of Nanaue. It is also simple enough for emergent readers while engaging enough to keep older readers interested until the final page. Nanaue is the son of a mortal woman and the shark king.  His father disappears before his birth, leaving a cape and instructions that his son will need it. Parental separation is one topic dealt with in the book, but more intense is its discussion of bullying and survival.

The Legend of Hong Kil Dong: The Robin Hood of Korea by Anne Sibley O’Brien—Grades 3-6 Folktales from Korea are not in abundance so you will want to give this award winning graphic novel a try for many reasons. First of all it tells a story little known in this part of the world. Add to that the
comparison to the European Robin Hood and then top it off with the colorful illustrations and you have an enjoyable way to dig deeper into the culture of Korea.

NON-FICTION

Little White Duck: A Childhood in China by Na Liu and Andres Vera Martinez—Grades 4-7 China in the 1970s was in flux so being a child in that time and place could not have been easy. The eight short stories in this collection are based on the author’s life and give a unique glimpse into life in China before and after the death of Chairman Mao. The text and illustrations provide a glimpse not only into the life of the author, but also the history of China and the wealth and beauty of traditional Chinese teachings.

Best Shot in the West: The Adventures of Nat Love by Patricia C. McKissack and Fredrick L. McKissack, Jr. Illustrated by Randy DuBurke—Grades 4 and up   This biography uses the writings of Nat Love to follow his life from his 1854 birth into slavery through his life as the most famous African-American cowboy in the Old West. He knew such luminaries as Bat Masterson and Billy the Kid, was well known for his skills in roping, shooting, and roping, and was a real character of the time. Love published his autobiography in 1907; his words are mixed with a little bit of creative fiction to make a compelling read.

Around the World by Matt Phelan—Grades 4 – 8    Phelan is an award winning graphic novelist and historical fiction writer who has turned to the true tales three daring adventurers of the nineteenth
century who circumnavigated the globe in ways never seen before. Former miner Thomas Stevens rode his bicycle around the world in 1884 when bikes still had that amazing big wheel in the front; reporter Nellie Bly only needed 80 days in 1889 for her trip; and retired sea captain quietly set sail in a small sloop in 1895 and became the first person to sail around the world alone. This stories encourage bravery, creativity, endurance, and the power of both sexes to do the impossible.

Smile by Raina Telgemeier—Grades 5 and up   Here is a memoir that will resonate with tweens and
teens. When Raina was about to start Middle School, she fell and damaged her two front teeth. To fix
this dental nightmare required that she experience surgery, implants, and most embarrassingly for a
girl trying to fit in with the cool kids, headgear and false teeth. Use this book to begin discussions about disability, bullying, or just trying to fit in when you are obviously very different looking.


 

Non-Fiction is True Enjoyment

Non-fiction is not dull reading. New and beautiful books on topics from poetry to pandas and biographies to ball games come out every month. While I will indicate ages of the intended on audience on this, keep in mind that non-fiction appeals to all ages.

1. Panda Kindergarten by Joanne Ryder is aimed at humans in kindergarten through second grade but everyone will enjoy the photographs of panda babies at play. Learn how panda rescue efforts are keeping these amazing creatures alive.



2. Can You Survive the Titanic? An Interactive Survival Adventure by Allison Louise Lassieur is part of an interesting new series of choose your own adventures. In these historically accurate stories, the reader is asked to make decisions that a person would have had to make in the actual situation. Should a young person on the Titanic go above deck or wait for friends or family? Should he jump overboard and try to swim to safety? A wrong choice can lead to death. A great deal of historical fact is presented in a format that will appeal to readers in grades three and up.



3. Odd Ball: Hilarious, Unusual and Bizarre Baseball Moments by Timothy Tocher helps verify what I have always suspected--part of baseball's appeal is the expectation of the unexpected. With funny drawings to illustrate the many odd facts, this will be enjoyed by baseball fanatics who will surely share the stories with everyone within ear shot. This book will hit a home run with readers in grades three and up.



4. Demi creates some of the most beautiful biographies in any collections. Her illustrations are detailed and intricate and so are the stories she tells. Look for biographies of a wide range of people such as Tutankhamun, Muhammad, Buddha, Jesus, Marco Polo, Gandhi, The Dalai Lama, Mother Theresa, and many more. The illustrations make these seem as though they may be picture books, but you will find solid, well researched biographies inside the covers. It will take reading ability at the fourth grade level or above to digest all of the information provided.



5. Lemonade: and Other Poems Squeezed From a Single Word by Bob Raczka with illustrations by Nancy Doniger is a playful exploration of words, anagrams, and poetry that delights those who are able to see how the poem grows out of a single word. The revelation of this trait and the often pun filled nature of the poems are perfectly amplified with simple illustrations. The illustrations in my other favorite poetry book of the year are lush and filled with fairy tale charm. Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse by Marilyn Singer with illustrations by Josee Massee offers two views of familiar fairy tales in poetry that reads up and down to offer differing perspectives. Poetry lovers, aficionados of word play, and those who simply enjoy a fairy tale will all enjoy this unique collection.



6. I Feel Better with a Frog in My Throat : History's Strangest Cures by Carlyn Beccia admittedly plays on the gross factor while introducing medical treatments from days gone by. Who doesn't squirm at the thought of swallowing live frogs or sprinkling ground up mummies on a wound? The book's multiple choice quiz format encourages discussion and sharing with others. Many of the cures that may seem crazy are shown to have a sound scientific basis while others are revealed to be more harmful than helpful. Readers in grades two and up will find much to share in this unusual book.
   

Enjoy the facts and fun of a good non-fiction book.

Non-Fiction Not to be Missed

Non-fiction for young readers becomes more interesting and and eye-catching every day. The books on this list are not so much designed for research as for enjoyment. They tell interesting stories that just happen to be true. To add to the pleasure, they are full of fabulous illustrations or, in a couple of the titles, amazing photographs. These are a great way to get younger readers to realize that there is much to enjoy in non-fiction and an ever better way to spark interests that may well lead to deeper investigations.

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill ( grades 2 and up) won both a Caldecott Honor award and the Coretta Scott King Artist Award this year for its amazing illustrations by Brian Collier. With little text, this magnificent work of art tells of an impressive artist who was also a slave known only as Dave the Potter. Dave crafted huge clay pots for the plantation owners but his special touch is obvious in their beauty. Additionally, he added a simple poem to each of his pieces which are still be uncovered today. Even if you don't feel the urge to rush out and make a pot, you will be moved by the stunning book.

Wonder Horse: The True Story of the World's Smartest Horse by Emily Arnold McCully (grades K-4) tells of another slave who did amazing things. Bill Key was born a slave in 1833 and grew up with a special affinity for animals. After Emancipation, he became a veterinarian who believed in the power of kindness which led him to raise an injured Arabian colt that he taught to recognize letters, identify the primary colors, tap out answers to simple arithmetic, make change, and dance. Key took his horse out on the road, billing it as an "Equine Wonder". When a newspaper questioned the horse's intelligence, Key brought in Harvard professors to confirm that his horse was no a hoax. Do not overlook the final notes that talk about discrimination that Key faced as well as the work of organizations like the SPCA.

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot by Sy Montgomery (grades 4-8) is the latest in the Scientist in the Field series. This one takes the reader to a small island off of New Zealand to meet the flightless, nocturnal Kakapo who, at about nine pounds, weighs in as the world's heaviest parrot. They have cat-like whiskers and a growl like a dog. Although they can live to be 100, there are only 87 of them left in the world, in large part because they have never thought of humans as a threat. Montgomery covers just one short part of the hatching season, showing the ups and downs that are all part of the hard work, scientific methods and pure luck that fill each day. The photos by Nic Bishop beautifully capture both the birds and the scientists who are working to save them.

Nic Bishop also publishes books of his own work. His latest is Nic Bishop's Lizards. If you have not seen Bishop's other books you will be rushing out to find them after seeing the brilliant, colorful, energy packed photos here. Each photo is accompanied by a brief essay filled with fascinating facts. Don't forget to read the author's note at the back of the book which describes the lengths to which Bishop will go to get the perfect picture. Other subjects that have been "shot" by Bishop include Butterflies and Moths, Frogs, Marsupials, and Spiders as well as many more critters in books with other authors.

A Butterfly is Patient by Dianna Hutts Aston (grades K-5) features beautiful soft illustrations by Sylvia Long. The illustrations are matched with descriptions and facts that are almost poetic as they lead to new appreciations of butterflies. Equally beautiful and informative are two other titles by the same author and illustrator--A Seed is Sleepy and An Egg is Quiet.

The bright colors of Biblioburro: A True Story from Columbia by Jeanette Winter (grades K-6) will catch your eyes but is the story that will capture your heart. Luis Soriano is a teacher in a remote area of Columbia who decided that people in the villages around him needed access to books. He loaded up his two donkeys, Alpha and Beta, with a small collection of books and set off with stories to tell and books to loan. That collection has grown since he began in 2000 and now even has a building in which it is stored. Students who have easy access to books and libraries can find new appreciation through this simple story that includes not just books and donkeys, but also bandits.

Chris Van Allsburg, a master illustrator best know for fantastic fantasy picture books like Jumanji, now offers us non-fiction that suits his black and white illustrations to a tee. Queen of the Falls (grades 1-5) is the story of Annie Edson Taylor who at 62 became the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. She hoped for fame and fortune but found little of either. People were skeptical of an elderly woman claiming to be such a daredevil. Van Allsburg captures the magnitude of both her courage and her disappointment.

Pop! The Invention of Bubblegum by Meghan McCarthy ( grades K-4) is as bold and pink as a chunk of Double Bubble and as full of surprises as a bubble that pops just a minutes too soon. Walter Diemer was an accountant at the Fleer family candy factory who could not give up on a project in the next door office to find a gum that made bubbles. His boss had long given up hope, but Walter kept working until, in 1928, he found a recipe that worked. The rest, it could be said, is history, though if you want more history and trivia of gum and bubbles there is plenty of that here too.