This is account of the 33 Chilean miners who were trapped in a mine after a collapse is absolutely riveting. The photographs of the miners in the mine, their families above ground waiting, hoping and praying, the rescuers, the technical pictures of the rescue equipment and the reunion of the miners with their families and the outside world are incredible. Every chapter had the word “together” in the title, Working, Surviving, Waiting, Planning Together, and more. It is clear that if the men had not worked together as one group they might not have made it. And if experts from all over the world had not offered their expertise the rescue might not have been a success. Natural leaders emerged in the group underground, men who understood that if the miners did not continue to work at something, they might languish and die. The story was incredible and this telling of it captures the despair, the fear, and the ultimate joy.
Author Archives: SSBRC Former Member
A Midsummer NIght’s Dream: The Graphic Novel
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, another volume in Gale’s Classic Graphic Novel Collection, did not disappoint. I have read and enjoyed several in this collection and this one is very good. The illustrations change color pallette depending on the location of the action, the characters involved or the type of action. The language is simplified; very little of the text is in Shakespeare’s original words, although occasionally speeches are in the original. I can’t figure out if there is a pattern behind which speeches retain the bard’s own words. However, that does not distract from the graphic novel. The art is well-done; the layout draws the reader into the story. I would highly recommend this series.
Emergency Vehicles
Thick, heavy pages free the young reader to turn the pages with enthusiasm and no worries. Although, the binding on this particular copy wasn’t strong enough to withstand library use, it may be that it was stitched this way because it’s a demo and will have stronger binding in publication. The visual layout of the book is exceptional. It feels “layered”. There are pictures that are larger, some have frames, and there are captions along with regular text. Just the right amount of visuals, not overdone, as is the case with more and more nonfiction books. Glossary and Index at the end. No websites listed in this book, but there was a free e-book download. Got the book to download, but it was complicated to operate. I recommend this book for a primary reader.
Trick or Treat
Not too spooky, this is an adorable book about the famed holiday, Halloween. Gentle illustrations softly convey the sweet personality of the ghost Oliver, as he readies the house for his holiday guests. He “dusts” the house, wakes the black cats, and delivers invitations. The doorbell rings and he has human trick or treaters: a jack o’lantern and a cow. What to do? Scare them away, or invite them in? They are “treated” to a wonderful party by Oliver. The next morning Oliver finds a birthday invitation on his doorstep, to Jack (o’lantern)’s home!
All Kinds of Friends
Preschool and primary age story explaining the different types of friendships: other children, adults, pets, stuffed animals, etc. Bright pictures and a good size to the book, help make this a nice book to share with young children. This story would make a good addition to a primary library.
Quincy Finds a New Home
Wow! This is a beautiful story with beautiful pictures. A young girl, about 10 years old, meets her new horse for the first time. The seller is an elderly man who feels he is too old to ride his horse any more. The horse’s point of view about the transition is portrayed in the story. He goes through the predicted feelings of astonishment and shock, sadness, disbelief, and finally love for his new owner. Every girl’s dream. Recommended. Mom’s Choice Award, Honoring Excellence.
David, Fish & Penguins…
This simple story is about one little boy’s vivid imagination as it plays out from his waking in the morning, until his settling in for sleep at night. Each two page spread is awash in beautiful, rich colors that depict different animals. The main character, David, is a cartoon outline with no color, while the animals from his imagination appear more alive than David with their lively color. This book is a visual feast and children will find the illustrations engaging.
Translated from Spanish.
One Cool Friend
Elliot and his father visit an aquarium for the day. Elliot politely asks his father for a penguin. When his father agrees, Elliot hurries off to get one. What Elliot failed to realize is that his father may have been thinking of the stuffed penguins on sale in the gift shop, not the real one he manages to stuff into his backpack. This is a layered story with subtle clues that are missed on the first read through. Children and adults alike will enjoy it even more the second and third time as they will now clearly see the signs that were missed on the first read through. David Small’s choice of cool, pale blues and sparse color compliment the story nicely and evoke a wintry feel. This is an enjoyable story that children and adults will love.
A curriculum guide can also be found at:
http://www.tonibuzzeo.com/onecoolfriendcurriculumguide.pdf
The Eleventh Plague
Stephen is a scavenger. He travels around a post-biological-attack America with his father, looking for usable items and avoiding threats. One day he finds himself in need of help and a group of strangers come to his rescue. They have built a microcosm of civilized society in what used to be a gated neighborhood. Dystopian and post-apocalyptic settings are all the rage in teen literature today. In a field overflowing with books of this type, this is one of the good ones. In a blurb on the jacket, Suzanne Collins (author of The Hunger Games) describes this novel as “taut,” and she has found just the right word to describe it. The first chapter opens with Stephen and his father burying Stephen’s grandfather and they are immediately thrust into a dangerous situation. Eventually Stephen is forced to make important decisions without the help or advice of his father. As he struggles to decide what the “right” thing to do is in a world where every choice is life-or-death, the reader witnesses a true coming of age. This is a novel which will catch teen’s attention at the very beginning, make them think, and keep them reading through to the end.
Being Frank
Frank is a name you don’t hear much anymore, nor is it word often used to describe being totally honest. But it’s a word that shouldn’t be forgotten, as this book so aptly shows. Being totally frank with someone does not make one popular. Learning how to be honest without hurting someone’s feelings is a skill in diplomacy of which we all need a reminder. Frank learned from his grandpa that you can still say what you think, and be honest, without alienating people. A great book with a great lesson.