Sparrow Girl by Sara Pennypacker

Pennypacker, S. (2009). Sparrow Girl. New York: Hyperion Book Ch.

I loved this book! Not only is it a wonderfully illustrated picture book, but it' very inspirational. First of all, I don't recall ever hearing about the Famine of 1958 in China, however, Sara Pennypacker, writes this story with a little twist of the facts, and teaches a lesson: By solving one problem, a bigger one may lie ahead - which is exactly what happened once all the sparrows died. I can't wait to read this to my class, I know many of them will love hearing about Ming-Li and how she saved "the world". This was one of my favorite Bluebonnet Award Nominee books that I read this year.

Eidi by Bodil Bredsdorff

Bredsdorff, B. (2009). Eidi: The Children of Crow Cove (The Children of Crow Cove Series). New York: Farrar, Straus And Giroux (Byr).

This is the 2nd book in the series The Children of Crow Cove, and as such the first couple of chapters were confusing, as I was trying to understand Eidi. However, as the story line progressed, I was able to understand the new story and plot that was overturning.  I think Brodil Bredsdorff wrote a fine book about the adventures that one can find and the struggles of reality and being true to oneself, despite social and societal setbacks. I thought this book was a good read for children. It is from the Notable Books for Children list.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Colfer, Eoin. Artemis Fowl (new cover). New York: Hyperion Book Ch, 2001. Print.

Artemis Fowl is on the New York Times Best-Seller list. Artemis is the main character.Eoin Colfer is a wonderful writer and grabs the reader's attention by quickly developing the plot and bringing the reader into Artemis' adventure to restore his family's wealth. The author creates a separate world inhabited by mythical creatures. After learning of this world Artemis develops a plan to exploit this world for his own benefit. Throughout the story, the author uses these mythical creatures to voice her own opinions regarding social issues. 
Since this book is about fairies and trolls and dwarfs, it was a bit more challenging for me to get into. I know this type of books is popular among the younger readers, which is why it has been on the Best Sellers list for 115 weeks. It has been compared to the Harry Potter Books in popularity.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

 Kinney, J. (2007). Diary of a Wimpy Kid. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid has been a New York Times Best Seller for 90 weeks. This graphic novel series is sure to be a delight to all kids. It's reading level is ages 9-12. I know at our school, our 5th grade English teacher has students read this series to get them into reading. It is full of pictures and the kids like that - later in the year, she will introduce them to more novel type stories.
In Diary of Wimpy Kidd, we see friendship and the significance of what friendship is as the main theme throughout this realistic fiction story. Greg is always trying to  come up with new ideas to become popular and he drags his best friend Rowly into everything, despite the fact that Rowly just wants to do good. However, as the story unfolds, Rowly sees his friendship with Greg is really one sided and takes steps to make new friends without Gregg. In the end, it's Greg who realizes the importance of friendship and that Rowly really is a good friend. This graphic novel is such a popular series among young readers that recently a movie was made about the first book.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

 

Stead, R. (2009). When You Reach Me. New York: Wendy Lamb Books

I enjoyed reading this book and I think it soon will be on my list of "classics". This is a Newberry winner and I love how Rebecca Stead intertwined "A Wrinkle in Time" into the story line- I guess because I read Wrinkle in Time, I was able to really understand and relate to Miranda, as she conquered her role. Rebecca Stead did a great job using voice and setting to make this book believable through the eyes of young readers. I also think one of the things that really struck me about this book, are the details that surround Miranda and the fact that the events could really happen - like a realistic fiction story, that young readers would be able to relate too.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird: 50th Anniversary Edition. Anv ed. New York: Harper, 2010. Print.

I really enjoyed reading this book, again. It's been many, many years since I read it and I was motivated again to read it after going to ALA and sitting in on an interview with the director of an upcoming documentary, paying tribute to the anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird.  Reading this as an adult, I have a much stronger and deeper sense of satisfaction and understanding, then when I read it as a teenage. Probably because I have life experiences now and I can better relate, or rather understand the struggles that Atticus faced, as well as, the actions of Scout. I can understand why this book is challenged: the language is less than desireable. However, language and vocabulary make the book! Thanks for allowing me an opportunity to read it again!

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

L'Engle, M. (2007). A Wrinkle in Time. New York: Square Fish. (Original work published null)

As one my my challenged book readings, I am always eager to find out what the challenges are. In reading a Wrinkle in Time, I read that the challenges were based more upon religion Christianity and the issues raised. I thought this to be very ironic because I don't understand this challenge. I look at this book as the early stages of our new science fiction ere, with it being on a more basic level than Harry Potter and even Twilight. I enjoyed reading this book as I think about the adventures Meg went on in search for and further understanding of her father.

Anything But Typical by Nora Baskin

Baskin, N. R. (2010). Anything But Typical. New York: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.

I really enjoyed reading Anything But Typical and learning a little bit of what life is like as Jason. As I try to relate him to my life, I can completely understand his social inequalities and his new found safety nets on the internet, as he writes his stories on the storyboard.  Sometimes our society focuses too much on the physical characteristics of a person, that one cannot get in and really learn the good of people. In this Notable Children's Book Award, Nora Baskin hits the nail on the head when Jason must decide if he should meet Pheonix in person, or continue what he feels most safe doing.

The Lion and The Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

  Pinkney, J. (2009). The Lion & the Mouse. New York: Little, Brown Young Readers.

I love this updated version Aesop's Fable. This NY Times best seller is a must read: one small catch, there are no words, which makes it even better. Reading it to a pre-schooler is so much more different than reading it with a 4th grader, but the main story line is still there.

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal by Vaunda Nelson

Nelson, V. M. (2009). Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal (Exceptional Social Studies

This book is written about a time when minorities struggled with equalities. Written in a time line type format, the book discusses the Tribulations and triumphs Bass Reeves faced as he fought against those who broke the law. This book is a Most Notable Childrens Award winner. It is an easy reader for those students who want to learn more about individual struggles for human rights, as well as, doing what needs to be done to make the world a better place. I personally don't like the illustrations, as they are dark and not inviting. However, they do help tell the story, and for that the reader would probably enjoy them.

Down, Down, Down by Steve Jenkins

Jenkins, S. (2009). Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea. Cookery: Houghton Mifflin Books For Children.

Based on the cover alone, I probably would never have picked this book. However, I found this easy read, non-fiction book, to be fascinating and filled with a plethora of information about what's inside our oceans - those bodies of water that cover more than 2/3 of our Earth's Surface. Steve Jenkins does a great job at presenting the information, and the illustrations are great.  This Most Notable Children's Book should be a staple in the library and/or any classroom.

Gracias Thanks by Pat Mora

Mora, P. (2009). Gracias / Thanks (Bilingual ed.). New York: Lee & Low Books.

What a cute book. Pat Mora did a nice job when she wrote about how grateful she is for everything and everyone. In this Pura Belpre award winner and Notable Children's Book Award winner, we read that Pat is thankful for many things and many people. This book is written in an easy to read format for the young reader and filled with colorful illustrations. It is also in both English and Spanish, so all children can benefit from this great piece of work.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Meyer, S. (2008). Twilight (The Twilight Saga) (Mti ed.). New York: Little, Brown Young Readers.

With all the Twilight hype around, I was curious to see if it was as good as everyone made it out to be. Turns out, the book was great!! The plot was well written and really made me want to keep reading. Who knew that a love story between a human girl and vampire boy could be so exciting. The story is filled with love, suspense, drama and lots of romance. The novel was much better than I expected. I can now see what all the fuss is about. I am definitely interested in completing the series (when this class is done, of course)!

Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary

Cleary, B. (1990). Beezus and Ramona. New York: HarperTrophy.

What a neat series New York Times Best Seller. I can't wait to get my hands on more Ramona books. I enjoyed reading this clean, funny, and very enlightening adventure between Beezus ( Beatrice) and her sister Ramona. As I read each chapter, I continued to have vivid pictures of the events between these 2 girls, because I've been there.... My own girls are just like Beezus and Ramona, competing with each other and always the scowl when the older one needs to look after, or even be nice, to the younger sister. Beverly Clearly has written this as a classic that continues to be a good, appropriate read for children of all ages. One more note: This summer Beezus and Ramona was made into a movie. My husband took my daughters this summer, now I think its my turn.

The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Alexie, S. (2009). THE ABSOLUTE TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN (Trade Paperback Edition ed.). Boston: Little Brown & Co.

 I can see why The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a New York Times Best Seller. It is well written, keeps the readers attention, allows the reader to understand the characters and feel as sense of reality, as the story is written.

As the story progresses,  we see Junior moving from his safety net, the rez, to bigger and better opportunities. But, these opportunities come at at a price, as we see new relationship developed, and old ones becoming minimized. Sherman Alexie does a wonderful job portraying the challenges that face Junior as he strives to become a better person.All is fair in love and war, when Rowdy finally accepts Junior for who he is, someone who won’t let his hope die.
I think this book is inspirational because we see so many people content to do what they do: just like Rowdy. But I think we strive to want to know or be like Junior - seeking out better opportunities.

Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff

Graff, L. (2009). Umbrella Summer. New York: HarperCollins.

I have been looking forward to reading this for a while. Looking at the cover, I  thought this would be a really cure story: the cover draws me in right away. But, I must admit, I thought this story started of very slowly. It was hard for me to get into and really understand the story line. However, somewhere, somehow, the story line changed, and I became completely enthralled into the text and the plot that I became very emotionally connected as I read about Annie and her parents and how they come to cope with the loss of Jared. I always try to make connections with my personal life and this story really hit home. I have a 9 year old who is just like Annie.  I was hoping the story line with Mrs. Finch was more developed, I had a hard time making the connection between the fish pictures and the open umbrella? But, as a Bluebonnet Award Nominee, this was a good read.

Just in Case: A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book by Yuki Morales

Morales, Y. (2008). Just In Case: A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book (Bilingual ed.). New Milford: Roaring Brook Press.

This Pura Belpre Award book has a neat story line about a boy looking for a present. He goes through all the letters of the alphabet in search for presents. The English translation is under each letter of the alphabet present. I think some of my students would enjoy reading this book, as this bilingual book would draw interest from some of my challenged readers - seeing both Spanish and English in print may surprise them.

Dying to Meet You: 43 Old Cemetery Road by Kate Klise

Klise, K. (2010). Dying to Meet You: 43 Old Cemetery Road: Book One. New York: Sandpiper. (Original work published null)

What an interesting story!This story is told primarily through letters written between Mr. Grumply, Seymour Hope, Anita Sale, E Gadds, and Page Turner, although Professor and Mrs. Hope and Frank N. Beans have minor communications. I thought this book we very funny and I caught myself laughing out loud, especially in the beginning of the book. The storyline got a bit more serious towards the middle and ending of the book, but kept me interested. It's a good thing Seymour and Mr. Grumply have someone like Olive around.  This is a good clean book I would encourage anyone to read. I like that it is a series book, as well as, a Bluebonnet Award Nominee.

Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate

Applegate, K. (2008). Home of the Brave. New York: Square Fish.

What an amazing and well written book. I continually felt myself reading every word and becoming all encompassed with the story. Home of the Brave is a Bluebonnet Award Nominee. It is written in stanza, but reads like a story. Katherine Applegate did a fine job as she draws the reader into the story of Kek and the challenges he faces as a boy just coming to America. One of the things that strikes me is how grateful he is, for everything! I love her use of  language, from the very precise vocabulary, to the use of similies and metaphors. Throughout the story, I kept wondering about Kek's mother...I'm glad it had a happy ending.

14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy

Deedy, C. A. (2009). 14 Cows for America (1 ed.). Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers

This Bluebonnet Award nominee is a beautifully written story about the Maasai tribe in Kenya and what they gave up to help those less fortunate than them after America was hurt by the devestations of September 11. The story is told from the point of View of Kimeli Naiyomah, a native of the Massai, who travelled to America for an education, and get caught up in the emotions and affects of the terrible day. As a result of his personal gift, his tribe also gave of themselves in an emotional way to help support people half way around the world from them.
September eleventh is such a memorable day in our history, books like 14 Cows for America, touches our hearts as we learn to understand how many people, for across the world, were touched by what happened.
The illustrations are drawn to tell the story that Kimeli tells. The use of color helps the reader feel the story, too.

That Book Woman by Heather Henson

Henson, H. (2008). That Book Woman. New York: Atheneum.

This Bluebonnet Award nominee is a great read. It tells the story of a boy knows only the land he has. He is not interested in books and thinks there are many more important things to do than to sit and read. A traveling librarian come to Cal's house to drop off books to his family. Then Cal begins to think what type of person would travel to such extremes just to loan books to his family. One day, he decides to ask his sister, a book lover, to show him how to read and he begins to learn. When it's time to change out his books for new ones, he has no gift to give the riding librarian, except the gift of reading.

Heather Hanson wrote this story in tongue and the language leads the reader to critically think and draw conclusions. I enjoyed reading this book, always making the reader think. I like the message in this book too, because, everyone knows a Cal, and asks, what is is going to take to get him/her to become a life long reader?

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

Dahl, R. (1961). James and the Giant Peach. New York City: Puffin.

I can't believe I missed out on James and the Giant Peach as a child. I think the story line is cute and even almost funny in parts. James started off as a malnourished boy ( not just in nutrition, but also in love), and becomes friends with characters who allow him to flourish.  While I was reading I was keeping in mind why this book could be challenged. I thought maybe the story line of James and how he feels (lonely, insecure, depressed), or how James is treated by his aunts (cold, unruly, and without love). But I was shocked to hear what the challenges were:  I read about some underlying sexual ideas, minuit references to other cultures, and even inappropriate character traits of minor characters, such as the old man who gave James the little green magic "things". I didn't like the use of ass, and thought other words could be used without losing the story line, however, the other suggestions just don't make sense. Maybe I'm naive,but I was reading for the story line, not to get hung up on every word that is written. As I think of my own children, I would have them read this - I don't think they would understand any of the challenges - except my own, with the word (ass).

Arrorro, Mi Nino Latino Lullabies and Gentle Games by Lulu Delacre

Larcre, L. D. (2004). Arrorro Mi Nino: Latino Lullabies and Gentle Games (Pura Belpre Honor Book. Illustrator (Awards)) (1 Blg ed.). New York: Lee & Low Books.

Arrorro, Mi Nino is a Pura Belpre Honor Book. Just as the title says, its filled with lullabies to sing for babies, and gentle hand games to play with your baby. I enjoyed reading and learning more about the Latino Culture. Each page has a Spanish lullaby and the translated English Version right next to it.  This book is beautifully written as Lulu DeLarcre shares her customs through the collection of poetic lyrics. The end of the book has the music to accompany the beautifully collection of lullabies that she shares. The illustrations are very colorful and give more depth the the lyrics.

All Stations ! Distress! by Don Brown

Brown, D. (2010). All Stations! Distress!: April 15, 1912: The Day the Titanic Sank (Actual Times). asd: Flash Point.

All Stations! Distress is a Bluebonnet Award Nominee and what a great Biography! I thought this would be an interesting fictional story about the Titanic. Boy, I was wrong. If I recognized the author, I would have known that Don Brown writes biographies in simpler terms- to present information to younger readers- at their level. This book tells the story of the Titanic, with the key players, and tells the chilling account of  what happened when the unsinkable ship hit an ice burg and began to meet the ocean floor, through actual accounts.
One of the aspects of this book that I liked is the 3 stages that Mr. Brown uses to write his story. He starts off by discussing the beginning of the ship making process and describing who the "rich and famous" were, then the events and activities of what was happening on that fateful evening, and concludes with some of the survivors accomplishments, or lack thereof,  after this horrific accident. Mr. Brown uses simple language to convey meaning and feelings for the lives lost. As my 9 year old daughter said " this story is scary and sad".
Mr. Brown has done his research and is evident by including a bibliography that he consulted when writing this book.
I checked this book out from the public library because it's always checked out in our school library. I will bring it into my classroom and have my history buffs read this book. I think they will be amazed at how easy it will be to read and learn information about the Titanic.