2008 Schneider Family Award WINNER

Kami and the Yaks
By Andrea Stenn Stryer

The award bestowed on this book is for best picture book exhibiting a disability. Kami, a Sherpa boy in the Himalaya, is deaf and helps his family by braving through treacherous weather to locate their lost yaks. Upon discovery of the yaks, he determines that one of their legs is stuck between two heavy rocks. When Kami courageously makes it back to his family, he manages to communicate the problem by gestures. The family accompanies Kami to rescue the yaks and they are very appreciative. What surprised me in this book is that he uses no formal sign language to communicate considering the boy’s age. I did like the way the author so vividly depicted the harsh environment of the Himalayas. The author's note about the culture at the end of the book will be a valuable tool to explain Sherpas. However, information about hearing impairment in another culture would have been additional bonus! Overall, this is a great story on persistence and bravery. I think children will recognize Kami’s frustration and appreciate his perseverance, courage and success. This also is an amazing teaching tool to illustrate that we ALL have something to contribute in this world.

2008 Printz Award WINNER

The White Darkness
By Geraldine McCaughrean

This is a story of a young teenage girl, named Symone, affectionately referred to as Sym who is captivated with stories of Antarctic exploration. It seems that she had always had a fascination with the subject, however, upon the death of her father, she seem to become obsessed by reading every book and watched every movie on the Antarctic. She identifies with the purity, isolation and silence of the white continent. Because Sym doesn’t fit in at school, she’s bullied, imagines conversations with historical people in her head, and doesn’t really get what the fuss is about boys. She has a vivid imagination and a sense of drama that her friends cannot understand. Sym embarks on a trip to France from England with her mother and family friend known as Uncle Victor. Although when they arrive at the airport her mother cannot find her passport, so Victor and Sym go ahead without her. As the story develops, the reader is given a sense of uneasiness and distrust about Uncle Victor. The author shows us a view of the Uncle that makes us question his motives. I think there is a horror in this survival story that is difficult to describe. The White Darkness is told entirely from the point of view of the main character, offering her observations of the other travelers and sharing her thoughts on the Arctic. I think the fact that the author is able to hold the readers interest while portraying the character in the manner that she did is amazing. This book is filled with action, mystery and a touch of the supernatural.

2008 Printz Honor Books (2)

One Whole and Perfect Day
By Judith Clarke

Seventeen-year old Lily has just about had it with her strange family as most teenagers do. Lily’s family is filled with an older brother who can't get his act together, her mom who continually brings home clients from the adult daycare center where she works, and her grandmother has an imaginary friend. Lily is very tired of always being the responsible one, and would like to fall in love. However, when her grandfather and brother begin feuding, Lily must put her plans on the back burner. While juggling other boiling pots and defusing family fueling flames, Lily helps to plan a family party. While reading, you wonder if Lily will ever get out of the kitchen with so many dirty dishes. Overall, One Whole and Perfect Day by Judith Clarke is a story of family relationships and no matter how “freakish” they are, they’re still family, the tie that binds.



Repossessed
By A M Jenkins

Kiriel wants to experience a bit of life although he is a demon, who prefers the term “Fallen Angel.” Before he begins his journey, he must acquire a body, which he finds from Shaun. Kiriel’s philosophy was that Shaun wasn’t going to need it anyway since his demise was near. Kiriel was determined to experience everything he could in Shaun's body before he gets caught. After having experiencing teenage life, Kiriel discovers that he wants to make a difference in the world. He finds that helping people is much more satisfying than seeking personal gratification. He also learns that what he really wants is to get a response from the Creator. Although he is in many ways different than the teen whose body he acquired, he is clearly a teenager in the cosmic sense, both rebelling against and seeking attention. I think this is an ingenious yet funny book with a lot of teen appeal. Told through Kiriel’s voice in the first person makes it distinctive and enjoyable. This is a book for mature readers for those who can delve into theological aspects, such as separation from the Creator. However, it is left up to the reader to decide, which is what a good book should do, make you think. Overall, I believe this book is an appreciation for creation and the attempt to find one’s place in the world.

WINNER of the 2008 Newbery Award

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!
Voices from a Medieval Village
By Laura Amy Schlitz

Schlitz wrote these brief monologues to be performed by students at the school where she is a librarian. Because no one wanted a small part in the medieval production, so evolved Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Set in England in 1255, various people communicate about their lives, such as Hugo, the lord’s nephew, forced to prove his manhood by hunting a wild boar, Pask who has run away from his harsh ruler, the local lord, Piers, the glassblower’s apprentice determined to get it right, Alice the shepherdess struggling to save her "sister" sheep, and many more. I think the well researched details and footnotes of information aid in the powerfulness of this performance. I feel that Schlitz wrote with a deep appreciation for the period that can be read silently or performed. Not being a huge fan of poetry or Shakespeare, overall, I thought it was a good book, well-researched and presented in an engaging manner. It would be a great book for a school unit on medieval history and an excellent choice for facilitating class discussions, or for sparking an interest in further research for motivated students.

2008 Newbery Honor Books (2)

Feathers
By Jacqueline Woodson

Perception can be different about this book. One could contend that it’s about bullies, good girls or social/racial relations. Others may say it is the story of a family holding itself together through many trials and tribulations. You will have to judge for yourself. This story begins with a new boy arriving at school who is different from the other kids or is he? He is named “Jesus Boy” because of his appearance and behavior. Frannie senses a sort of connection with Jesus, partly because she remembers being a stranger at a new school and partly because the boy knows Sign Language which she has known for quite some time since she has a hearing impaired brother. The author explores, through Frannie's eyes, many facets of growing up. Because she has experienced sorrow in her life (her brother's deafness, her mother's miscarriages) Frannie is able to see beyond it all and to look ahead to a time when the pain subsides. Frannie learns to deal with religious ideas, racism, the meaning of friendship, family love, and simple human kindness. I felt slim novel packed with power calls you to look beneath the surface and find hope.



The Wednesday Wars
By Gary D. Schmidt

Holling Hoodhood, a seventh-grader at Camillo Junior High and the only Presbyterian student, must spend Wednesday afternoons with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, while the rest of the class has religious instruction. Holling, who believes Mrs. Baker hates him because of this situation, spends that first month's Wednesday afternoons completing classroom chores that she gives him. Due to a classroom mishap, (rats escape) Mrs. Baker decides to shift gears and spend the Wednesday afternoons doing Shakespeare. Mrs. Baker tells Holling that Shakespeare wrote about being human more beautifully than anyone else. I think Holling is quite funny as he relates his tragic/comical journey through 7th grade; including his Perfect Family, his part in a Shakespearean play (in yellow tights! with feathers!), his friends and enemies, his adventures and misadventures, all the while quoting Shakespeare's!

2008 Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults (3)

Skulduggery Plesant
By Derek Landy

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy is an excellent adventure for students who like to escape to a world of fantasy. The turns and twists along with humor and witty dialogue will keep teenage readers on their seats with every turn of the page. Skulduggery Pleasant is a detective with mystical powers, cunning skill, and a sharp edge for a skeleton with no brain. The main character, Stephanie Edgely alias Valkyrie Cain, became involved with Skulduggery when she determines that her uncle’s books were more than frightening fiction. I think it was an indication of what was to come. This book is a blend of fright, horror and odd images to keep adolescent readers laughing and squirming from page to page.

The Arrival
By Shaun Tan

This wordless graphic novel depicts an immigrant man who leaves his family in order to find a better life for them. The panels of illustrations show the people and places he discovers in the course of finding a place to call home. This book not only tells the story of this particular man, but represents the vast number of immigrants who preserved to find an improved life for their families. Readers will be able to sympathize with this man as he experiences the oddness in new surroundings. I felt a sigh of relief as he met other immigrants who told their own stories of hardship and escape to show he was not alone in his quest. Although this may appear as a picture book, I would not suggest it for younger readers. The concept may escape them due to the symbolism of the man’s journey. In addition, this book could be a good tool to remind us that change is hard and sometimes necessary but the results can be wonderful.

Before I Die
By Jenny Downham

Let me begin by saying, this is not an easy book to read. The main character, Tessa, is a teenager with terminal leukemia. She decides to refuse treatment in order to take advantage of her remaining time and therefore makes a list of things she’d like to do before she dies. This list is that of a typical teenage consisting of sex, drugs, and criminal behavior for which consequences would not have to be endured. However, Tessa’s illness forces her to appreciate things in a different way and to look for the things that truly matter. Ultimately when our last days arrive as some day they will, we should be as lucky as Tessa to be allowed a death that is comfortable, meaningful and surrounded by the love of friends and family.

2008 Best Books for Young Adults (2)

The Deep: The Extraordinary Creatures of the Abyss
Edited by Claire Nouvian

This beautifully photographed nonfiction book conveys underwater life extraordinarily well. I believe the pictures provided in large full color will delight readers with images that most will not be afforded the opportunity to see firsthand. I think readers will be able to absorb meaningful information from the outstanding depictions of deep sea life. These visuals are also accompanied by essays from deep-sea biologists who add even more realism. The large format of this book presents the uniqueness of the abyss to reflect the beauty the lies beneath.




What They Found: Love on 145th Street
By Walter Dean Myers

In a neighborhood, most of the families and friends have a common thread that draws them together. This book picks up from a previous novel by Myers entitled 145th Street Short Stories about the lives that revolve on 145th Street in Harlem. What They Found: Love on 145th Street centers on exactly that, LOVE. Young adults will be attracted to this book’s revelations to the complexities of love. It is the different facets of love portrayed on 145th Street that is revealed and each story shares a relationship - romantic love, sibling love, parental love, and more. For example, the frustration of loving a brother who is a constant disappointment to the family and leading a life of drugs and crime takes its toll on love. Myers describes the tough love of women raising children alone or trying everything to hang onto the father of a child. Love in some relationships beat the odds stacked against them, while others continue to exist only in fantasies. I felt that each chapter shares a story and many of them overlap and intertwine as readers are reacquainted with the neighborhood of 145th Street and the love that is shared. I think Myers leaves the reader with an explanation of the frightening need for love while facing the world beyond 145th Street.

2008 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature

Touching Snow
By M. Sindy Felin

If you were an immigrant in this country, what would you endure to stay? This is the story of a young Haitian girl, Karina, who is balancing two cultures. She and her family who have migrated to the suburbs of New York have a secret until social services intervenes. This novel is an excellent way to highlight the realities of immigrant living. It also depicts the double lives some of its first generation Americans experienced. Readers can see first hand, the compromises the family makes to live and achieve the American dream. I think while this book is an emotional read with contents of some brutality and inhumane treatment, will have its audience cheering for the young heroine and provide proof of a resilient adolescent dealing with adversity to find her voice. To me, this book should definitely open the discussion of the line between discipline and abuse.

2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2)

Doing It Right:
Making Smart, Safe and Satisfying Choices about Sex
By Bronwen Pardes

This informational nonfiction book will provide teenagers information they want to know, but are too embarrassed to ask about. Chapters such as “What Is Sex”, and “Doing it Right” will be appealing to teens because of its nature and the developmental stages of natural curiosity in adolescents. Discussion of sexual activity is explicit however it is straightforward and unbiased. I think this fact-based book provides a wonderful guide for those going through adolescence wondering about what all the changes in their bodies mean, and especially for those contemplating having sex for the first time. I’m sure we all remember the awkward teenage years and wished there was a book to provide the accurate information we needed without having to ask those embarrassing questions to our parents or getting the wrong info from friends. If this book is too advanced, I highly recommend to It’s Only Normal by Robie Harris. It provides the same information just a little more simplistic.


Headlock
By Joyce Sweeney

The cover of this book alone will grab readers’ attention of a wrestler jumping into the ring. Young adults with a high interest in WWF, Wrestle Mania, NWO, and WCW will be drawn into the realistic portrayal of wrestling including descriptions of detailed moves. The high school character, Kyle, trains to become a professional wrestler and quickly becomes somewhat of a star. Along the way, Kyle also discovers love and develops relationship with other wrestlers. Everything seems to be going fine until Kyle’s grandmother, who raised him, becomes ill and he halts his dreams to take care of her. Meanwhile, Kyle’s estranged mother returns and he will have to choose between family obligation and professional success. I think this is a great story for readers about making choices, dedication and commitment. There’s a little something for everyone, realistic fiction, sports, family and romance.

Top 10 2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (3)

Tupac Shakur
Legacy
By Jamal Joseph

Let me start by saying, I’m not a huge Rap fan. The lyrics are racy and depict a lifestyle that many are unaware of. However, I must say I enjoyed this book and can see why young reluctant readers would be drawn to it. This nonfiction book chronicles the life of Tupac Shakur from infancy through his untimely death. Readers will be provided a 60 minute CD of Shakur on subjects such as his challenges, movies, and hip-hop rivalries. I was impressed with the realistic scrapbook approach with enclosures of handwritten poetry, high school term papers, an actual composition notebook, a letter from Columbia Pictures about one of his movies, his inmate ID and sooooo much more. After reading this moving book, I think many will walk away with a better sense of who he was and his tremendous impact on music.



Graffiti L.A.
Street Styles and Art
By Steve Grody

Art appears in many forms. Reluctant readers will not only appreciate the illustrations, but the bonus CD with audio interviews and extra photographs. This history lesson provides the explanation of Los Angeles street art that began in the 1930s. Grody explains how graffiti began as marking territory by gangs, but then evolved to “tagging,” ”throw ups,” “pieces,” and “productions.” There are many beautifully photographed pictures and statements from some of the artists. This in-depth analysis of style and technique can serve as inspiration for today’s aspiring artists. I imagine it takes great ability and talent to portray artistry the way these originators of street art have. In addition, it is evident that this gift takes effort, skill, and dedication. I think the best part of this book is the background the artists give to provide voices to their art. I also believe this story will be a precious resource for graffiti fans and artists alike.

THALIA: !BELLEZA!
Lessons in Lipgloss and Happiness
By Thalia with Belén Aranda-Alvarado

This is definitely a girl’s book. Thalia, a Latina singer who has sold over twelve million records, provides beauty tips, but more importantly discusses how to find the beauty within oneself. In revealing her personal beauty secrets, she discusses skin type, foundation application and tools, facial shape, lip care, colors, and much, much more. The well illustrated pages supply techniques and steps to beauty of different hues of women. Before and after photos are sure to inspire readers to find the look that’s right for them. I found this particular book to be a huge plus as all women are not the same. As I say, “One size does NOT fit all,” and so falls true for makeup. As an added bonus, there are quotes from other influential Latina women such as Daisy Fuentes and Gloria Estefan. We all want to look our best no matter what age and I can definitely understand why this book is one of the Top 10 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers.

2008 Batchelder Honor Book

The Cat
Or, How I Lost Eternity
By Jutta Richter

Everyday an eight-year-old girl named Christine walks to school and passes an alley cat. On one particular day, she passes this same old, white alley cat but she discovers it has the gift of speech. Is the cat really talking or can Christine hear inside her own head the “wisdom” of the cat? This book is a bit deep as the cat talks about “watching the cows in the fields can teach you what you need to know about being alive,” math, loneliness and eternity. The cat also revealed to Christine to always look out for yourself which I thought was quite a concept to leave a child contemplating. Christine eventually decides to part ways with the cat and realizes it actually mean and cruel. I think the message of this book will be difficult for some readers and definitely not suggested for youngsters as it has the appearance of a picture/chapter book. This read left me with questions, like who was the cat? Was it Christine’s alter ego? Was the cat her nemesis? I’m not really sure! However, in the end, she starts to make her own decisions about what she believes is right and wrong.

2008 Corretta Scott King Award

WINNER FOR ILLUSTRATION

Let it Shine
By Ashley Bryan
Illustrated by Ashley Bryan

A celebration of art, music, and history is the theme of this book. The author, Bryan, displays three spirituals "This Little Light of Mine," "Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In," and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." They are brought to life through wondrous colors, designs and shapes. The characters project a melting pot of individuals in different shapes, sizes, and hues. The songs with sheet music as well as the meaning of spirituals is provided as an appendage which could help those not familiar with this form of expression and its influence in the African American culture during slavery. I think this book is a wonderful way to make a connection between the library and music class, especially in younger grades. Additionally, I feel during Black History Month, Let It Shine would be a wonderful way to show the great effect of African American music in the American musical experience.

2008 Coretta Scott King Award WINNER

WINNER FOR TEXT

Elijah of Buxton
By Christopher Paul Curtis

Christopher Paul Curtis has presented historical fiction through the story of Elijah, an 11-year-old boy who is the first freeborn black in Buxton, Canada. This Canadian town founded in 1849 by a white Presbyterian minister served as a safe haven for runaway slaves. Although life is better in Buxton, most are still disturbed by the horror of slavery. Many have left behind friends and family in order to find freedom. Then when a dishonest preacher (isn’t this an oxymoron?) steals money from Elijah’s friend who had been saving to buy his family’s freedom, Elijah bravely embarks on a dangerous mission to America to help. In America, Elijah comes face-to-face with the atrocities of slavery. This story does come with a historical warning. Be cautioned because after all this is a story told during a different time. Therefore, much of the language is, to many, grammatically unfamiliar, incorrect and/or misspelled. Because of this, younger readers may find this book difficult to read. Overall, I think Elijah's story is a powerful page-turner, full of humor, adventure, sorrow and promise while addressing the subject matter of slavery realistically through a child’s perspective. If this type of genre interests you, may I suggest 47 by Walter Mosley which also provides some fantasy elements.

2008 Belpre Award for Illustration WINNER

Los Gatos Black on Halloween
By Marisa Montes
Illustrated by Yuyi Morales

For those of us who are limited in Spanish, you will still be able to obtain the meaning in this award winner for its illustrations. The author integrates Spanish words throughout the poem, but is careful to make their meanings known through repeated text in English in the next line. The poetry with scattered Spanish words will send chills down your spine in celebration of Halloween. Some of the pictures may seem a bit grotesque but add to the overall “spookiness” of the book. In this eerie parade of witches, skeletons, black cats, and more, is ultimately poetry in motion. Realistic illustrations are portrayed with an equally chilling poem with a shock conclusion. I think this book will open up a HUGE discussion about this holiday, so I suggest pre-reading and use the glossary of terms in the back for pronunciation. This book is little scary than most, so I suggest being cautious in the audience you chose to share it with. This is not a book for those little ones who are afraid of goblins and ghosts or scare easily.

2008 Belpre Award WINNER for Text

The Poet Slave of Cuba
A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano
By Margarita Engle
This book would be an asset to explore with middle school students during Hispanic Heritage Month. It is the story of the poet Juan Francisco Manzano, who lived in slavery in Cuba. His story is told in verse, allowing readers to see the horrors of slavery and the injustice committed against Juan. Engle provides the Spaniard role in the slave trade and allows us to attempt to understand the cultural mixture that makes up Cuba today and other Latin American Countries. I think this story also provides a view of other cultures who were slaves in addition to Africans and descendants of Africans in America. This is truly a deep read of cruelty, despair and suffering, as well as provides history, culture, hope, and inspiration.

2008 Caldecott WINNER

The Invention of Hugo Cabret
By Brian Selznick

THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET, about a Twelve-year-old orphan will turn some readers away initially because of its size. However this new approach to chapter books for some reluctant readers would be perfect. Once over the “sticker shock” of such a large book, readers will be able to see that making the jump from shorter books to denser ones is not as intimidating as one thought. Brian Selznick has provided a solution with Hugo Cabret. Readers will be surprised at this hefty book of more than 500 pages is filled with many dramatic illustrations to tell the story of Hugo who lives in the walls of a Paris train station during the 1930s. He tends to the clocks after his uncle goes missing and results to thievery to get what he needs to survive. Obsessed with reconstructing a broken automaton, Hugo is convinced that it will write a message from his deceased father that will save his life. However, caught stealing small mechanical parts from the station’s toy shop; Hugo’s life intersects with the elderly shop owner and his goddaughter, Isabelle. The children are drawn together in solving the linked mysteries of the automaton and the identity of the artist, illusionist and pioneer filmmaker, Georges Méliès. It somehow seems that each character possesses secrets and something of great value to the other. A drawing, a cherished notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this complex, gentle, and fascinating mystery. I love a good mystery and this book definitely delivered. I too was overwhelmed at the size of this book, but upon discovery of the MANY pages of illustrations and understood how they offered explanation of the story, I was able to overcome by reluctance to such a "BIG" book and realize this was a good read.

Odyseey Award for Audiobooks WINNER

JAZZ
By
Walter Dean Myers

This audiobook by father and son is the education of music from the beginning to the end. James "D-Train" Williams and Vaneese Thomas read the 17 poems in this musical journey. The multiple narrators which means “more than one narrator, but not necessarily an actor for each character, nor recorded as an ensemble at the same time” lift the words from the pages and beg you to get out of your seat. This style of narration worked as with multiple narrators whose voices were strong and bold to accompany the multiple instruments that comprise the making of Jazz. I did not get bored or annoyed by the narrators’ tones and found no frequent or obvious intakes of breath. I also did not observe any accents that deterred from the story line. The narrators’ voices were good matches for this book and easy to listen to for the forty-three minutes and two seconds in duration. It was easy to distinguish between the two with obvious voice distinctions of male and female. They were able to use deep tones to match low notes and upbeat inflection with high notes. The narrators were also able to deliver appropriate verbiage and sounded quite “hip” with the language of Jazz. The pace of this audiobook varies to highlight dramatic elements of the different song selections. This exceptional pacing added to the overall tone of the story which made it pleasurable to listen to. As this was a Jazz audiobook, the music was throughout which was appropriate. Due to the briefness of this audiobook, compare to others, there are no end-pints of each CD. This audiobook was similar to the print version which offered an accompanying introduction, glossary of jazz terms, and timeline of jazz history to offer more depth to the understanding of Jazz. This audio was clear of hissing sounds, skipping or white noise. The packaging for the CDs was well-built and the cover was that of the print version.

Overall, I believe I enjoyed this audiobook the best because of my love for music and particularly Jazz. I don’t see how this book can be read without the audio version. It’s what brings the book to life. Readers will appreciate the audio because of the realness it gives Jazz. It’s like your favorite songs, sometimes they're just not the same reading it as a poem. Although we know most musical selections begin as poetry, this would be a perfect avenue to teach the fusion of the two art forms to students to produce a great work. If you like this book, try Dizzy by Jonah Winter.

2008 Notable Books for Children (5)

Knuffle Bunny
A Case of Mistaken Identity
By Mo Willems

This is a classic tale of how children become friends at a young age. It reminds us of when times were simpler and all we had to focus on was our prize childhood possession, mine was a brown teddy bear named Teddy. The main character, Trixie, in this follow up to Knuffle Bunny has now learned to talk and is enjoying the excitement of sharing her Knuffle Bunny at school, to only be surprised that another classmate has the same “one-of-a-kind” Knuffle Bunny. Of course there’s bickering and the teacher has to remove the bunnies from the girls. Upon the teacher returning the bunnies unknown to the girls, they receive the wrong bunny and each household is disrupted by the switch. As with most children, the girls are able to make up with help from the dads and become friends. I liked the focus of the dads of both girls who play integral parts getting them to school and making the “exchange” in the middle of the night. These father daughter relationships are to be commended and appreciated. Also, the expressions captured by the colored cartoon style illustrations against the realistic black surroundings aid in the charm of this simply enjoyable read.

Jazz Baby
By Lisa Wheeler

This rhyming story of a baby is exposed to jazz and doesn’t know it yet. The baby surrounded by loving family is enveloping jazz from the time he wakes up until the time he goes to bed. Jazz is not only in his home but in his surrounding neighborhood. I think any music or dance teacher of early childhood students would appreciate the musical tones and notes. I believe students will enjoy the colorful illustrations of happy faces enjoying themselves. It is quite evident that this story is a celebration of life as baby is the center of its musical theme. I also enjoyed the happy depiction of the African American family with generations of love.

Fred Stays with Me!
By Nancy Coffelt

A small girl’s bond with her beloved pet helps her handle the disruption of her parents’ divorce. This is an excellent book to share with students whose parents are divorcing or are divorced. It showed that although there are different houses, beds and activities, compromises can still be made in the best interest of the child. The main female character makes it clear that no matter where she goes, her beloved pooch, Fred, stays with her. I believe kids will appreciate the simple text, but the impact that Fred will never leave the girl, is most relevant. Written in first person narrative, can also help readers' connect more with the main character. This is an adorable story with great illustrations to address divorce and separate households. I also appreciated the ability to provide the reader with a positive view on how parents can find ways to make separation easier on a child and most importantly how they can work together.

Yo, Jo!
By Rachel Isadora

In this neighborhood on a typical day, Jomar and his bother, Franklin reveal to us the different ways they communicate with others. Phrases like Yo!, Hey! S’up, Chilling!, and others are used in everyday conversation to one another. However, when the boys’ grandfather comes to visit, this vernacular is not quite appropriate and the generation gap is quite evident. Kind of reminds you what kids say to adults today and most grownups are bewildered with “What did he say?” I think the illustrations capture today’s youth very well with characters dressed in baggy pants, hats worn backwards, big chains and bandanas. I liked the urban landscape as the backdrop for this collage styled view, which celebrates family, language, and culture. Young grade school children will have no problem decoding the phrases in this book.

Hello, Bumblebee Bat
By Darrin Lunde

Young readers interested in not just animals but nocturnal animals will enjoy this question and answer exchange of the life of a Bumblebee Bat. This juvenile nonfiction book provides the characteristics, behavior, diet, enemies and habitat of the exotic and endangered Bumblebee Bat. By the end of this book, I thought an activity of furthering the discussion by having students write their own interview book to ask additional questions from the Bumblebee Bat would be an asset. This book could also encourage youngsters with the help of their teachers to discuss nature and mammals. I liked the simplistic questions because they are truly phrased as if from a child. I can appreciate how it avoids overwhelming facts that may be too much to digest for small children. I like the repetitiveness in the story that helps children focus and if you like this question format, I suggest Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? by Bill Martin.

2008 Geisel Award Winner

There Is a Bird on Your Head!
by Mo Willems

What would you do if you had a bird on your head? You probably wouldn’t like. This is the dilemma faced by the elephant in the story There Is a Bird on Your Head by Mo Willems. The elephant’s friend, Piggie, tries to help out by telling him he actually has two birds on his head. What are friends for? I enjoyed the humor of his book and the illustrations that were simplistic in nature but made a tremendous impact without distracting background influences. I also liked this book because of its easy repetitive text for early readers and direct message of just asking for what you want, which goes with the adage, “You don’t know unless you ask.” This will hopefully encourage young reader to speak up for themselves. If you like this book, may I also suggest, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! It’s just as funny:o)

2008 Sibert Award Winner

The Wall
by Peter Sis

The 2008 winner of the Sibert award, The Wall by Peter Sis, is an historical autobiographical account of the author’s life from childhood to adolescence. His unusual and very graphic form to depict and illustrate his youth growing up in Czechoslovakia during the time when Communism existed is presented first hand. The author’s ability to maintain his individuality, culturally, artistically, and spiritually was inspirational considering the historical circumstances. While growing up in a time when control of freedom and stifling of creativity was dominated, Sis was able to attribute his escape through his drawings and memories of hope. I think this book will call to young adolescents as the content may be difficult for some younger readers to grasp. I believe the history aspect will be quite appealing to those interested in events that occurred in the past.

2008-2009 Bluebonnet Nominee and Texas 2X2 (5)

One Potato, Two Potato
by Cynthia DeFelice

This 2008-2009 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee is a story of a poor, elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. O’Grady, who no longer have anyone but each other since their children had grown up and ventured into the world to lead their own lives. In One Potato, Two Potato by Cynthia DeFelice, this couple lived simply. The O’Grady's also share one potato per day. “Mr. and Mrs. O'Grady were so poor they dug one potato from their little garden every day, called it breakfast, lunch, and supper, and considered themselves lucky to have it.” Even though the couple loved each other dearly, more than anything they each wished for a friend. One day, while Mr. O'Grady was digging, he uncovers a giant pot, which he put the potato in and carried home. The couple eventually discovers the pot's magic powers: whatever goes inside the pot automatically doubles. Then hilarious chaos results when Mrs. O'Grady trips into the pot, and her husband pulls out - you guessed it - two Mrs. O'Gradys. With the presence of an extra wife, he throws himself into the pot, to create not only a husband for the second Mrs. O'Grady, but a friend for himself as well. Now that the O’Gradys’ have friends, they rebury the pot for someone else to find. I thought it was unusual to see elderly people as main characters in a picture book, but the intended message will certainly be understood by young children. This sweet book tugs at the heartstrings while it celebrates friendship. This is also a good one to prompt discussions of: What would you like to double if you had a magic pot? Or discovery of wants and needs.


Up, Down, and Around
by Katherine Ayres

This Texas 2X2 is a great introduction to the process of growing vegetables for young readers. In Up, Down, and Around by Katherine Ayres, a little boy and his family plant seeds and then we are surprised to find out which vegetables grow “up”, “down”, and “around.” With simple text and colorful, entertaining illustrations, this celebration of an abundant garden is prone to encourage children to consider that having a vegetable garden might be fun. Children can learn how vegetables grow and they will see how vegetable gardens are alive with little creatures, flowers, birds, and people, trying to control zucchini and tomato plants. Best of all, when the vegetables are ripe, the boy and his family get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. This book reminded me of the Hidden Valley commercial, where in a perfect world, all the kids are eating their vegetables. This is a delightful book that if it does not interest students in planting, it will definitely leave them wanting a snack.


Very Hairy Bear
by Alice Schertle

This Texas 2X2 takes the reader season by season as the hairy bear prepares for hibernation. In Very Hairy Bear by Alice Schertle, this hairy bear, with no hair on his nose, perseveres through bee stings, angry squirrels, and cold river water to stock up for winter. I believe nature-loving kids will enjoy following the hairy bear throughout the year, and will learn the very simple way bears keep their noses warm during the long winter months. I felt the wonderful, soft illustrations done in pastels, by Matt Phelan add calmness to this beautiful book and enhance the gentle story-line. This book will allow students to discuss seasons as the hairy bear gets ready for winter, overcoming obstacles as the bear did, and making preparations for inclement weather as we do for hurricane season.



Babies in the Bayou
by Jim Arnosky

Babies in the Bayou, by Jim Arnosky, is a great visual to portray mothers’ protection of their young. This 2008-2009 Texas 2X2 book beautifully illustrates the Southern marshlands with animals in their natural habitats scouring for food while trying not to become someone else’s meal. This would be a great book to use for science in lower elementary grade levels to emphasize habitats or an animal unit. I felt this book could also be seen as an informational picture book for young readers. I did enjoy this book because of its simple text and rich depictions of the bayou. It very much reminds me of some parts of Louisiana.



Lily Brown's Paintings
by Angela Johnson

This picture book is the story of Lily Brown who loses herself through her imagination of her paintings. Lily Brown’s Paintings by Angela Johnson is also a celebration of family as her adventures begin and end with her two parents and baby brother no matter where her drawings take her. This would be an excellent book to use in creative writing because of the language to add details. I like this 2008-2009 Texas 2X2 book for the sheer presence of creativity and freedom of expression through art. So many times, in teaching we are focused on the reading, mathematics, science, etc. As children get older, we wonder why creativity can not be shown and why the joy of art is lost? It is stifled through core subjects and often times difficult to work in. I’ll get off my art soapbox now. Sorry!