As a practicing super hero, Tom is proud of the things he can do. However, he is not sure how he feels about his new baby brother, Nathaniel, AKA the Blob. The Blob receives a lot of attention and Tom’s super hero talent of invisibility happens now with no effort. As relatives show up to see the new baby, each one mentions how cute he is and that they could just eat him up. What?! Now as the protective older brother, Tom offers cookies and shows off his tricks to get their minds off nibbling on the Blob. One day his mom tells Tom they are having a party so everyone can meet the baby. Eat the baby? Tom gets worried and decides to hide the Blob. He is much relieved to discover dinner is really chicken and mashed potatoes with apple pie for dessert. And the Blob, AKA Nathaniel, now notices his awesome older brother with a huge smile. Cute “new baby” story which also introduces idioms. Many older siblings may recognize similar thoughts and behaviors. Bright acrylic illustrations add a touch of humor as Tom imagines different scenarios.
Category Archives: Reviewer’s Library Type
Octopuses
The octopus is an amazing invertebrate. Large, plain text tells: the kind of animal they are, where they live, about their unusual bodies, ways they camouflage themselves, and ways they learn. Scientists gather many varieties of octopuses to study their abilities. Since the parents die when eggs hatch, they do not teach their young. Scientists hope to find out how octopuses learn and solve problems. Many inventions have been inspired by the octopus – suction cups for diverse uses, for example. Diagrams show external body parts and the location of the brains and hearts. Clear photographs are well captioned. Many pages contain extra sidebars with facts. Glossary, index, resources, and websites included.
Camping: A Mr. and Mrs. Green Adventure
Mr. and Mrs. Green, an alligator couple, make plans for going camping. First they think of all they want to take along – food, clothing, tents, and a map. Then Mr. Green begins to get worried about the dark, strange spooky sounds, and mosquitoes. Mrs. Green bravely leads the way. Hiking along, they pass many familiar places. When Mrs. Green finally decides to stop, Mr. Green looks closely at the map. Mrs. Green had led them around the neighborhood back to their own comfortable backyard! Mr. Green relaxes, knowing he could now enjoy their night out camping. Bright acrylic illustrations include the variety of items packed, their journey around local blocks, and their relaxing site at home.
A Matter of Souls
Most of the stories in A Matter of Souls are snapshots, of an event, a character, a time in the lives of African Americans. Patrick does a remarkable job infusing each story with the hope, courage, and despair of the characters who are faced with relentless prejudice. Some of the characters defeat it, some are defeated by it, but all of them have something to teach us. One, a woman considered “simple” by the community, defends her husband from attackers and calculates how to use the law to their advantage. Another, a young woman who desperately want to be beautiful which to her means to be light-skinned, almost kills herself trying to attain her ideal but learns what is important in the process. The stories are incredibly moving although librarians and readers should be warned that some are violent. This will be an excellent addition to a school library.
At Issue: WikiLeaks
In 2007, documents detailing the way officials at Camp Delta, located at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and actually a prison for suspected terrorists, were hiding prisoners from the International Committee of the Red Cross. Over the subsequent years hundreds of thousands of documents were released, leaked, to journalists and/or published on-line. Some of the most controversial leaks documented events in America’s wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Some of that documentation diminished the nobility of the American effort.
(Submitted by the Washington State Civics Educator of the Year, Ed Bergh)
A Marked Man: The Assassination of Malcom X
Challenging the racial status quo in America could get you killed during the 1960s. Among the martyrs who died trying to change society was Malcolm X. The slim volume by Matt Doeden, A Marked Man: The Assassination of Malcom X, documents the transformation of Malcolm Little, street hustler, into Malcolm X, a “marked man.”
Doeden sets Malcolm’s story in the context of the broader Black American narrative of racism, slavery, and racism after slavery, Jim Crow segregation. As important to Malcolm X’s biography is Malcolm Little’s conviction for burglary and sentencing to prison. There he learns about and is attracted to the teachings of Elijah Mohammad and his Nation of Islam (NOI), a combination of self-discipline and a virulent racism toward whites.
Converting to Islam, Little, emerges from prison in 1952 with a greater sense of purpose and starts life anew as Malcolm X. He quickly established himself as an effective spokesman for the NOI, inspiring blacks who listen to him speak and frightening some whites who note his depiction of them as “white devils.”
Going on a haj to Saudi Arabia, Malcolm is emotionally moved by the multi-ethnic and social nature of Islam. He returns from this road to Mecca experience understanding that “all men are brothers.” This puts him on a collision course with Elijah Mohammed and the NOI which leads to his striking out on his own mission.
Doeden cover this story quickly, but effectively. With an outstanding set of pictures and select quotes the author captures the complicated rise of Malcolm X.
The final third of the book is about Malcolm’s assassination which he evocatively captures in detail, picture, quotes, and prose. Doeden also does an outstanding job separating what we know and what we don’t know, in particular, who ordered the Malcolm’s murder.
A handy chronology about Malcolm’s life and a final “Where Are They Now” section about the major players in the story round out this satisfying volume.
(Submitted by the Washington State Civics Educator of the Year, Ed Bergh)
The Cat With Seven Names
The cat with seven names is told from the viewpoint of six lonely people in an urban community. This large, obviously over-fed cat wanders into each home and is welcomed as a stray. Each person gives him a different name as they enjoy the cat’s company for a while. One day, the cat is almost hit by a car – the driver of which is in search for her missing cat! As each of the neighborhood people gather to check on “their” cat, they begin talking to one another and new friendships are made. Davenier’s pastel illustrations add many details to the story throughout the book. The front end-pages show everyone going about their separate lives. As the cat enters each home, different neighbors can be seen in the background. By the final end-pages, the individuals are involved in friendly conversations as the cat calmly watches from the side.
Birds
Two true/false questions are posed on the first page of the books in this series, the answer to which is found within the chapters. (The last page indicates which is the true fact.) Beginning with three distinct types of birds – penguins that swim, hummingbirds that fly, and ostriches that run – many commonalities are presented. Although all birds have characteristics related to flight, not all birds fly. Information comparing wings, feathers, beaks, and habitats vary, depending on their use. All birds lay eggs, so the chick can develop outside the mother’s body as the added weight would prevent her from flying. Global warming, vanishing habitats, and human pollution are some of the factors affecting the survival of many species. Photographs are large, colorful, and captioned. A migration map, a life-cycle diagram, and a quick facts chart provide additional data. The migration map, while interesting, is small and hard to read. Overall, the quality, accuracy, and presentation of material is well done. This book is a fine resource for reports or simply reading for pleasure. Glossary, index, and a page about the author are included in the back. Additional resources include two books, one written at a similar level, one for younger readers, and an excellent website provided by Scholastic.
Every Cowgirl Goes to School
Spunky cowgirl Nellie Sue is charged up and ready for a brand-new school year. Her teacher has sent her a bag to fill with items to describe herself during show-and-tell. Instead of starting out smoothly, Nellie Sue is faced with one little disappointment after another: no hats at school, her best friend Anna sitting with the new girl, Maya, and having to sit between the irritating J-twins in class. As the day continues, other problems develop: having to wear tennis shoes in gym and falling face-first into the sand pit. A final indignity results with Maya’s drawing of Nellie Sue looking like a cow! Embarrassed, Nellie Sue runs from the classroom. Maya follows her out to explain she didn’t mean to hurt her feelings – she simply thought cowgirls liked cows! Returning to class, Nellie Sue decides to take charge of her day and give it a positive spin. When she shares the contents of her bag, Nellie Sue extends her cowgirl hospitality and includes Maya’s picture. Lynne Avril’s expressive ink, watercolor and gouache illustrations are a great match for Nellie Sue’s active and emotional first day of school. Fans of Nellie Sue will enjoy this 4th book of “Every Cowgirl” adventures.
Dark of the Moon
Barrett reimagines the tale of the ruling family of Knossos – Minos, Pasiphae, Ariadne, the Minotaur – and the foreigner who changed their lives – Theseus. Instead of monsters and queens mating with animals, she tells the story of the clash between a matriarchal society and the men who want to change that tradition. Barrett crafts a tale that is much more believable than the traditional myth of the queen who mates with a bull and give birth to the Minotaur; the male law-giver’s title is the Minos, the High Priestess’ son is known as the Minotauros and he is no half beast. He is child who is both physically and mentally handicapped, conditions unacceptable for the child of the goddess. He is hidden away in the basement beneath the palace. More for fans of Friesner’s books than Riordan’s or Scott’s, readers who like historical fiction or mythology or both should enjoy this.