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.   

Module 7 Book Reviews: Fantasy

The Children of Green Knowe by L.M. Boston

Boston, L.M.  2002.  The Children of Green Knowe.  New York, NY:  Harcourt, Inc.  ISBN:  0-15-202468-9.

A lonely little boy with a grand family history leaves his dreary boarding school and travels to a new home - meeting his great-grandmother Oldknow for the first time.  Toseland, or Tolly, is immediately taken in by her warm nature and delightful company, having never quite felt loved since the death of his mother.  But the young lad is in for an even greater surprise!  Sneaking about with giggles and games are three other children at Green Noah - Linnet, Toby, and Alexander - who slowly reveal their ghostly identities, and pets, to a very happy Tolly.  In dreamlike fashion, Boston shares the daily romps of Tolly, his growing menagerie of critters, visits with caretaker Mr. Boggis, and of course, the three magical friends.  This inviting story of days long ago is a treat for any reader who cherishes the love of family of friends.        

Module 7 Book Reviews: Fantasy

The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan

Riordan, Rick.  2005.  The Lightening Thief.  New York, NY:  Hyperion Books for Children.  ISBN:  0-7868-3865-5.  

Perseus Jackson, "Percy" for short, is used to getting kicked out of schools and into fights.  What he's not used to is having the power to command the water, the ability to breathe under water, and polished enough skills to defend himself with a sword.  But that's what it's like when you're a half-blood - half human and half god.  The adventures begin long before circumstances force Percy to leave home and begin life anew at Camp Half-Blood.  Percy faces much danger yet no one seems to want to give him all the facts.  The truth slowly unravels as Percy and his cohorts set out on a quest to find Zeus' stolen thunderbolt and prevent a war between Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades.  Excessive adventures add a bit too much length to the book - an unnecessary 375 pages, and transitions between each mini-battle are arduous.  Laden with mythological characters and references to US locales, the story does provide a contemporary springboard for teaching readers mythology and US geography.

Module 7 Book Reviews: Fantasy

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Haddix, Margaret Peterson.  1998.  Among the Hidden.  New York, NY:  Aladdin Paperbacks.  ISBN:  0-689-81700-2.

Luke and Jen are two of the "shadow children" - illegal children that must remain hidden from the government by their families.  Luke's farming family tries to convince him that sleeping in the attic, leaving the blinds closed on hot summer days, and never going to school are really what's best for him.  He leads a life of fear - fear that someone in the new housing development will discover and report him to the Population Police.  Jen, on the other hand, goes shopping with her mother, cooks during the day, eats prohibited junk foods, and chats on the computer with other shadow children.  When they finally meet - their disparate upbringings shock each other.  Jen believes that if all shadow children unite in protest, the government will be forced to change it's policy.  Luke is not so sure.  With dreams beyond themselves, Jen and Luke forge ahead toward tragically tainted destinies in a climax that wrenches the heart.  Readers will come a way with a deeper understanding of human rights, freedom and the costs they bear.  Haddix has produced a novel well worth its 153 pages of raw, honest 1st person narration and ethical insights.

Module 7 Book Reviews: Fantasy

Babymouse - Queen of the World!  by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

Holm, Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm.  2005.  Babymouse - Queen of the World!  New York, NY:  Random House.  ISBN:  0-375-83229-7.

Meet Babymouse - a spunky mouse with a bow in her hair and a pink heart on her dress. With imagination galore, she turns one boring school day into a plethora of action-packed fantasies.  Written in comic form, Babymouse's antics are easy to follow.  Lively black and white ink illustrations with a few pink touches sketch a picture of Babymouse's school day while stylishly pink backgrounds with heavy black borders capture Babymouse's assorted giant squid, cowgirl, and space explorer fantasies, among others.  In her quest to befriend snobby Felicia Furrypaws and clinch an invitation to an exclusive slumber party, Babymouse learns a valuable lesson about being true to one's self.  The narrator, at times, serves as another antagonist to Babymouse, adding a little more depth to the humor.  This simple read will delight many a fan of the funnies!