Category Archives: Reviewer’s Library Type

Dogs of Winter, The

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Based on a true story, this novel is about a young Russian boy who is abandoned on the streets of Russia during a great time of poverty where children are abandoned in abundance. A pack of dogs find the boy and start treating him better than the other homeless children where he eats and sleeps with the pack. He takes care of the dogs and they take care of him. This book is told through the eyes of a five-year-old child. It is about survival in a harsh world. The moral of the story is that one can find love and family in the most unlikely circumstances.

At first, I did not realize that this was a true story. I was really connected to the realism of it all – everything that happened I believed to be true. The author’s writing was very vivid – written from a child’s perspective. The story was so well-written that it felt like it was a biography. The book paces itself with heart-felt moments and action-packed adventure. This is a compelling read for those who like stories about animals, survival and family. I highly recommend this book.

–Hannah M.

The Statue of Liberty

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In large text, this 300 foot national symbol is described and explained.  The statue is of a woman holding a torch signifying the light of freedom while holding a tablet representing our laws.  Built in France, it was delivered to the U. S. in 1884.  Photographs and illustrations portray different aspects of the statue – construction, placement in New York, cleaning, and as a tourist destination.  Sentence structure is simple yet full of significant facts.  Great introduction to a national symbol for young readers.  Glossary, index, bibliography, internet sites, and three Common Core questions are included.  Other titles in the set are: The American Flag, The Bald Eagle, The Pledge of Allegiance, The Star-Spangles Banner, and Uncle Sam.  Judging from the quality of this book, I would recommend acquiring the series.

My Blue Bunny, Bubbit

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A young girl and her favorite stuffed toy, Bubbit, learn there will soon be a new baby in the house.  Told in the third person, the girl and Bubbit decide to draw a welcome picture for her new brother.  When grandma Nonni arrives with her sewing basket, the two of them create a new stuffed toy for her newborn brother.  They fashion a yellow elephant out of fabric from an out-grown jacket.  Sewing steps are beautifully illustrated as the text portrays the love and friendship between Nonni and the granddaughter.  Colorful digital artwork is detailed, warm, and engaging.  This story can be used with a variety of themes and/or writing skills: new siblings, family, sewing craft, and word choice.  Pleasant book filled with the special relationship between granddaughter an grandmother.

Voices from the March on Washington

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This book in verse tells the story of the March on Washington through the (fictional) voices of many. The focus is on the voices of six, representing a cross-section of those who were there on the mall in Washington. While many think of that day as the day Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous speech, the amazing poems in this book speak of what some people endured to get to D. C., why they came, what their hopes and aspirations were. They describe personal moments: hearing Mahalia Jackson sing, drinking from the same water fountains as whites for the first time in their lives, the awe inspired by such an immense yet peaceful demonstration when they were so conditioned to violence. The inspirational poems make this historical event accessible to students who might not pick up a history book by choice.  Another excellent addition to any library in commemoration of those events.

The Space Between

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This dark fantasy is about Daphne, the child of Lucifer and the demon Lilith, and her half-brother Obie. Obie is in love and is going to abandon his family, his job and his home in Hell for the girl he loves. When Lilith tells Daphne that Obie is in danger, Daphne sets off to rescue him. But she has little of the knowledge or skill necessary to navigate Earth and help her brother. She has nothing but her connection to a boy who might be the last one who saw Obie.

Daphne has always been sheltered. On this quest, she must learn self-reliance, perseverance, and most of all trust – who she can and can’t trust. She must navigate the politics of both Hell and the angels on Earth who are determine to destroy all demons. The reader can see the growing changes in Daphne through her first person chapters; the boy who is helping her appears more distant in his third person narrative. The motivation of characters is complex, as is the setting. This detailed story is intriguing and hard to put down.

The Manhattan Project

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This reference begins with the Allies’ fears that Germany would be the first to create the atomic bomb and then proceeds through the steps taken to make sure the Allies beat them to it. From the selection of the scientists and the military commander in charge of the project to the selection of the facilities where the work would take place, Wukovits provides clear information, interesting sidebars, and photos to give students insight into this devastating event in history. The majority of the book details the planning and construction of the bomb; information on Hiroshima and Nagasaki is included although more detail is readily available elsewhere.  While the book does touch on the opposing views on whether atomic bombs should be used, it is not explored in depth here. This resource does a good job illustrating the planning and execution of the creation of the bomb.

Essential Lives: Malala Yousafzai

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This biography begins with the assassination attempt on Malala on her way home from school in 2012. The next few chapters provide background information: on Pakistan, Islam, the Taliban, and Malala’s childhood. The author does a good job illustrating how committed Malala and her father were to her education despite the obstacles they faced. The dangers they faced and the living conditions they endured when they had to flee their province are mentioned; however, the book seems to be targeting a young audience. It describes the living conditions in refugee camps as “less than ideal,” which I am sure is grossly understated. I do think kids will be interested in how Malala got started as an activist, with her diaries, blogs and documentaries. There is no mention of her Nobel Prize; the book was published in 2013. However, many students might already be aware of her award. The book ends with a timeline of events, important facts, a glossary and a list of resources for those wanting more information. This is a good overview, but there is not a lot of in-depth information or analysis of Malala’s life, beliefs or actions.

Walter Dean Myers

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Washington Post reporter Jim Naughton called Walter Dean Myers a “one man movement.” Myers told stories about the lives of African American youth at a time when literature for youth was “monochromatic,” written by white authors about white characters. This book tells Myers’ story, from his troubled childhood and lack of success in school, to his time in the military to his career as a writer.  Fans of his writing will see the roots of many of his characters in his childhood. His struggle to  achieve and his perseverance in becoming a writer is inspirational. There is also a chapter on his efforts to reach children, especially troubled youth, through his writing.  Myers is such a popular writer that this biography is bound to circulate well, especially after his recent death. The book is appealing, with many sidebars and photographs, and ends with a timeline of important events and a list of resources for further information.

At Issue: Fracking

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This volume provides a range of opinions on issues related to fracking: the environmental risks, possible contamination, pollution, chemicals used and more. The sources range from government agencies to news reports to industry reports. The articles are short and accessible; the reading level is appropriate for high school students. The resource contains a list of organizations to contact for more information and a bibliography. This book is a useful addition to a secondary school library for research and could be used to support more nonfiction reading in the classroom as teachers align curriculum to ELA Common Core Standards.

Current Controversies: Violence in the Media

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In this volume of the series, violence in music lyrics and videos, exposure to violence in television and movies, violent video games and society’s reaction to violence in the media are considered. Opposing views on each of these issues are presented.  The topics are timely and likely to appeal to teens. I think many teens will enjoy the article that questions whether PacMan will lead to the demise of a generation. (If they know what PacMan is.) Each chapter begins with an overview  or a preface and several includes a list of references. The book ends with organizations to contact and a bibliography. With Common Core Standards necessitating the need for more nonfiction reading in the classroom, a book like this with timely, interesting articles is a good addition to a secondary school library.