Module 8 Book Reviews: Informational

Boys' Life Magazine

Boys' Life Magazine.  March 2008.  Irving, TX:  Boy Scouts of America.  ISSN:  0006-8608.

Specifically geared for boys, particularly the outdoor enthusiast, this magazine is packed with information in a variety of formats - from half and quarter page tidbits to full-blown medium print quality articles, a comics style portrayal of real-life heroes, and regular old comics and jokes.  Flush with plenty of graphics, photographs, and drawings to break up the text and catch the eye, topics are broad and in tune with the interest of today's kids - this particular issue features articles on rock climbing, snow-skiing, a TV newsman reporting on war, shuttles and collections.  The accomplishments and input of readers are highlighted throughout the magazine in recurring sections.  Boys' Life is a contemporary magazine that encourages participation, personal growth and strength of character in an appealing and well-planned presentation.        

Module 8 Book Reviews: Informational

Mis Fiestas - My Celebrations by George Ancona

Ancona, George.  2005.  Mis Fiestas - My Celebrations.  New York, NY:  Children's Press.  ISBN:  0-516-25290-9.  

This brightly bordered book explores Latin American holidays as celebrated by four children in the United States - Jose, Valeria, Cr istobal, and Zofia.  With families originating in Puerto Rico, Bolivia, Ecuador, and southwestern Spain, the celebrations are diverse and flamboyant, merging heritage with modern day excitement.  Candid photographs capture decor and colorful cultures on each page.  First-person accounts, in English and spanish, personalize the explanations of the festivals.  Accompanying the simple and direct look at four holidays - Three Kings Day, Bolivian Independence Day, Day of the Dead, and Christmas Festival, are the families' stories, a map, a short list of English/spanish words from the story, and index.  

Module 8 Book Reviews: Informational

Satchel Paige by David Adler

Adler, David.  2007.  Satchel Paige.  Ill. by Terry Widener.  Orlando, FL:  Harcourt, INC.  ISBN:  0-15-205585-1.

A fresh look at the life of African-American pitcher Satchel Paige, Adler's biography is clever - sharing both the hardworking and humorous sides to Paige's personality while sensitively addressing the racial inequalities that Paige countered nearly his entire life, both on the field and off.  Paige's own words, 'Only one person can pitch like me.  I could nip frosting off a cake with my fast ball,' among other quotes, are quite memorable and contribute to the pizazz of this hall of famer.  Bold, stylized illustrations are reminiscent of the olden days of baseball - when the ladies wore hats and the men wore baggy trousers.  With highlights of Paige's life and a list of sources, this sound work is a credit to perseverance and the belief in change.  

Module 8 Book Reviews: Informational

Quest for the Tree Kangaroo by Sy Montgomery

Montgomery, Sy.  2006.  Quest for the Tree Kangaroo.  Boston, MA:  Houghton Mifflin Company.  ISBN:  0-618-49641-6.

Superior in photo content, organization, storyline, and accessories, it is no wonder this book was selected as the 2007 Orbis Pictus Award winner.  The photography by Nic Bishop is striking and flawless.  An array of New Guinea's spectacular creatures, including an eclectus parrot and green tree python, as well as colorful plant-life, the people of New Guinea, and the island's wild mountains and forests pop off of the page with clarity and personality.  More than just recounting a quest for the mysterious tree kangaroo, this informational, first-person story provides a framework of knowledge for the reader by exposing the  geography, culture and history of the island, it's relation to the tree kangaroo and the visiting researchers (lead by scientist Lisa Dabek), and the many preparations for the journey to the island.  The book concludes with information on conservation, zoo locations, the Tok Pisin language, acknowledgements, notes from the author and photographer, and an index.  Concise headings every 5-8 pages and large photographs break the text into very manageable sections.  The language is straight-forward and never overwhelming.  Readers will leave this book feeling that they, themselves, have taken the trip to New Guinea, hiked the rugged mountains, captured the illusive Matchie's tree kangaroo, rubbed it's soft tummy, taken it's measurements, and aided in protection of this endangered species.