This is a nonfiction book with visual appeal, as it has great photographs,

colorful format, captions, vocabulary and the usual index, web sites, and important facts.  One aspect that is unique about this book, is the varied reading level.  The main narration is in a large size font with mostely easy to read wording.  The captions are in a smaller size font with more complicated vocabulary.  This would make for a great book for an adult and child to read together.  Great addition to a library.  Recommended.

According to the Author’s Postscript, this beautiful work of art was accomplished over two decades of collaboration between the author and illustrator.  Each illustration was created from oil paintings inspired and largely completed on-site in Assisi.  The subject is a fictional day in the young life of Saint Francis of Assisi as the author and illustrator imagined what Francis’ boyhood experiences must have been.  In this story, Francis who appears to be around seven years old, wakes early and goes outside to the barn to gather breakfast.  On the way he encounters the wolf that had recently been worrying the local townspeople.  With his gentle manner, he calmly comforts and secures the animals into the barn and goes about his business of gathering breakfast.  He then shares some milk with the wolf who repays him by leaving the animals safe and helping him back up the hill toward home.  No one comes to any harm and Frances begins his day in peace.  A lovely story and perfect for our Catholic school library.

This excellent juvenile non-fiction series accomplishes a well-rounded look at individual countries around the world.  This book about Iran covers history and government, regions and resources, wildlife, infrastructure, culture, and Iran today.  There are interesting, bright and sharp, full-color photographs throughout which complement the well-written text.  There are timelines, various thematic maps, and graphs along with a glossary which further explain the text.  This series would be excellent for students who are writing country reports as well as those just reading for interest.  I highly recommend this book and the Countries Around the World series.

In this romantic fantasy, Helen Catwright goes through several mysterious events in which she must find herself and attempt to understand and accept her destiny.   Helen’s parents are killed by demon underlings in a fire because Helen is a “Keeper” – someone who controls the balance of the earth.  The demons want a key that Helen possesses without her knowledge.  Thus begins her journey through  a realm of possibility that she never knew existed.

The author incorporates both mystery and romance in a twist of fanciful happenings.  The players in this novel were written with expressive emotion that makes the reader understand the characters’ feelings.  The creative and innovative plot is, in my opinion, nothing like I have ever read before.  The message to readers is clear:  Accept yourself for who you are.

— Erika W.

This is a graphic novel by Nol Yomtov and Berenice Muniz retelling Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  This version provides the basic storyline of the original but is stripped of the details and period language.  There is a helpful pictorial character guide in the front of the book.  In the back is a short biography about William Shakespeare, a brief history of the play as well as some discussion questions, writing prompts and notes about Shakespearean language.  The illustrations are colorful and expressive.  Hopefully this book will inspire readers to delve into the original play to discover the richness to be found there.

This is a beautiful picture book version of the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast complete with Jan Brett’s beautiful illustrations.  Ms. Brett retells this story in a gentle way, appropriate as a read aloud for all.  There is so much intricate detail woven into each illustration, one savors each page before turning to discover the next.  Even more important, are the underlying themes of bravery, integrity, love, compassion, and not judging by appearances.  I highly recommend this book.

Great photographs of vintage airplanes from various countries involved in WWII.The table of contents includes several key battles, famous people, paratroopers, strategic bombing, and glossary and index.  The reading level is intermediate to junior high, but the passages aren’t too long, approximately 200 words per page.  Interesting format and should appeal to most enthusiasts.

Five chapter of accurate and detailed information about the Afghanistan war, beginning with unrest in Afghanistan, the Taliban, Operation Enduring Freedom, Rebuilding, Insurgency, and Obama’s new Plan.  Details such as influential individuals, timeline, book and website resources, glossary, index and many color photographs are included in this book.  Great for intermediate learners.