What does it take to establish one’s self in an inner city St. Louis school – as the new girl, the overweight new girl with bright curly red hair? Erica wants to be accepted like all kids, but she’s also brash. She wouldn’t get pushed around and when she’s not afraid to speak her mind, it lands her in a fight with one of the “tough girls” in the school. But the opportunity comes to save face while in the principal’s office and it’s there that Alicia makes her first new friend. This friend is in a rough crowd though. The outside activities of this crowd include assaulting random people for fun. Called the “Knockout Game”, Erica gets caught up in it for two reasons. First, she’s a good videographer and people like that love to watch themselves even more than doing the evil deed. Second, the gang leader takes a liking to her. But video of these assaults could never lead to something good. This novel is for the student who thinks tough acts are the way to go and for those who probably watch that on TV. G. Neri’s Knockout Games is not for the faint of heart. This story is somewhat sickening, but it will get circulation in most high school libraries.

Gorgeous photographs illustrate this informative book on dolphins, written in Spanish.  These intelligent mammals are fast swimmers that hunt and play together.  Physical characteristics,  the life cycle, and habitats are explained.  This is a terrific resource for anyone looking to know more about this amazing animal with few enemies.

This book on ancient Egyptians, written in Spanish, is jam-packed with information and fascinating photos.  One can almost imagine life 4000 years ago.  There are many facts about pharaohs, the methods of preserving mummies, the construction of pyramids, and activities of these ancient peoples.  In the back are questions and with answers from Anna Garnett, an Egyptologist and expert on mummies, along with information concerning Cleopatra VII, the last queen of Egypt, and Julius Caesar, emperor of Rome.  The layout is captivating and spectacular.

Gilbert Stuart painted portraits of several famous people, but capturing a pleasing likeness of President Washington was a challenge.  This book begins with a letter of apology from Charlotte, one of Stuart’s 12 children, promising Mr. Washington that she and her siblings would be better behaved the next time he came to the house for a portrait sitting.  The grim president sent them a book of Rules for Good Behavior for Boys and Girls – some of which are mentioned.  In another letter, Charlotte suggests he should smile as it would make him “very Nice”.  Stuart also unsuccessfully tried to have his children play away from home when Washington was there.  The book is filled with the children’s humorous antics – which finally elicited a smile from Washington.  Portrait accomplished!  There is an author’s note in the back.  Even though there is no record of the behaviors of Stuart’s children, this rendition presents a humanizing look at both Washington and Stuart.  The amusing illustrations are a colorful combination of ink, acrylic, and digital media.

Five, tired sheep wander home in this tale written in simple, soothing rhyme.  They settle down but cannot get to sleep until collie comes to tuck them in.  He gives hugs, drinks, a teddy bear, a quilt, and sings a lullaby until, one by one, each sheep falls asleep.  And what of collie?  He can be found taking a morning nap under a haystack.  The colored pencil illustrations are just as relaxing as the text.  A perfect end-of-day story for bedtime.

This simple rhyming book highlights many things children can do to make their dads happy.  The families are international, the dads are of various ages and abilities.  The one thing that makes all dads happy is a great, big hug.  Large, cheerful illustrations are a combination of acrylic and collage.

The 1800s was a challenging and changing time for our country.  Men and women were not expected to be friends and people with different skin color were not suppose to fraternize.  Susan B. Anthony had a privileged childhood, Frederick Douglass was a slave.  Despite their different backgrounds, both were vocal about their beliefs – liberty and justice for all: slavery should be abolished, women should have the same rights as men, everyone should be able to own land, go to college, and vote.  They gave speeches together, agreed and disagreed, and remained close friends for 45 years.  This book was extensively researched by both the author and the illustrator.  Beautiful illustrations accurately portray the volatile emotions and fashions of the time as well as the enduring strength of their friendship.  This would be a great discussion starter about the topics of  gender and equality.

Razia lives in Afghanistan and has a strong desire to go to school and learn to read.  She sees a new school being built in her community but needs to convince her father and brothers to allow her to go.  She begs her mother and grandfather to speak to them on her behalf.  Through the story and illustrations, one has a accurate impression of Razia’s life.  The artwork is impressive: muted colors, a collage of portraits, and photos of ordinary objects superimposed over images of life in a rural village.  The result is a realistic representation of Afghan life, traditions, and customs.  This story is inspired by Razia Jan, who was born in Afghanistan but moved to the United States as a young woman.  In 2001, she returned to Afghanistan to build a school for girls.  Included in the back: information about education around the world and Southern Asia, a short bio of Razia Jan, and a list of Dari words used in the text.

Alex loves soccer and desires to be on the Longhorn Lightning Jr. High soccer team.  Even though his past tryouts were poor, he has decided to try again.  Jake, a loud-mouth bully on the team, continually belittles and taunts Alex.  Errol is a new student from Scotland.  Errol has a strong accent, uses odd terms, and has a huge knowledge of the game.  He and Alex begin practicing together.  Errol stresses practice and teamwork and encourages Alex to keep pushing.  Sports action is exciting, the book is easy to read, and the story is fast paced.  The characters are two dimensional and the conclusion comes a bit quickly, but all-in-all this is a satisfying read for sports fans and reluctant readers.  Included are: a paragraph about the author, glossary, discussion questions, writing prompts, and additional soccer facts.

Interesting color photographs illustrate features of a variety of snakes.  Details of physical traits and behaviors are accompanied with humorous comments.  Both venomous snakes and constrictors are described.  There is a list of the top 10 snakes with the deadliest venom.  Attention-getting photos and facts are sure to captivate young readers.  Included with the glossary and index is a game and stickers.