January 1905 by Katherine Boling

ordinary life is not only shaken by his fears of war, but compounded by several other Literary worries: losing his father to illness; witnessing the suffering of others; and dealing with an abusive situation at his Lagniappe school. In a manly fashion, Burns University of New Orleans overcomes his fears by standing up to his Spring/Summer, 2005 oppressors and by accepting fate. As Burns Issue # 33 climactically reaches these terms, all of the subplots merge with the resolution of Burns The word “lagniappe” (pronounced ‘lan discovering that happiness in life is yap’) is a common term used in Louisiana. It experienced by joyfully sharing it with those means “a little something extra.” The he cares for. The author manages to expose literary community of the University of New the bleak realities facing an impressionable Orleans offers our readers a literary young man living through stressful lagniappe–reviews of recently published conditions, while at the same time, children’s books. Within categories, books interweaving the reassuring influence of are arranged alphabetically by the author's family and friends who become the real last name. heroes and cause for celebration in this story. Age appropriate readers will find this FICTION read challenging as well as rewarding. — Nancy Pearson

January 1905 by Katherine Boling. Harcourt, 2004. $16.00 Ages 10 and up. Set in 1905, this novel gives readers a glimpse into what life was like for a child who labored in a mill from dusk until dawn and another child who was responsible for The Fire Eaters by David Almond. all of the household responsibilities from Delacorte, $15.95 Ages 8-15. cooking to milking the cow. The simple, yet This fictional story offers readers hardworking lives of ten-year-old twins, many dimensions of interest—history, Pauline and Arlene, are detailed throughout England, love, hope—all in a believable and the story. Pauline works in a cotton mill compelling, yet complicated narrative. The with her parents and her brother Josh, while Fire Eaters is a coming-of-age story set Arlene stays at home to tend to the chores, against the backdrop of the 1962 Cuban since she has a crippled foot. The sisters’ Missile Crisis—a time when world powers hatred for each other is fueled by their threatened one another with weapons of beliefs that the other has a better life. Daily, mass destruction. With a conflict both of the twins let their imaginations run impending, its potential devastation is wild by daydreaming about what the other anticipated in far off regions such as those in sister is doing. A series of events help the story’s setting of Keely Bay where Pauline and Arlene realize that life is not British teenager Bobby Burns is struggling always what it seems to be. The sisters learn to reach manhood. Through the story’s to appreciate each other for who they are, several subplots, readers learn that Burns’ 1 and they finally create a sisterly bond. The that make her look so weak. All of this is author separates each chapter into two baffling to Ruby, that is until she meets sections. The first section is Pauline’s Travis, and her so-called views of the world perspective and the second section is come crashing down around her. She may be Arlene’s perspective. Interestingly, the more like her mother than she ever author does not need to label who is expected! speaking because the reader will learn the Featuring non-traditional values and voices of each character enough to realize families, mixed in with old-fashioned each distinct narrative. Even though the text romance warmed up the novel to grace it is simple enough for a ten-year-old to with striking realism. The use of comprehend, the realistic story is compelling foreshadowing and character reflection enough for adults to enjoy. The author’s added great depth, and made the novel a descriptive writing really lets the reader into page-turner. Teens will feel for Ruby’s lack the minds of Pauline and Arlene so that their of control over her emotions and sometimes feelings and emotions can be truly her actions. Though the book had a understood. Also the details and imagery somewhat slow start, the reader has to hold that the author inserts help the reader obtain on to enjoy the exciting, if not bizarre, a visual of the setting. This novel can teach journey Ruby finds herself on. readers about the joy of sibling bonds as -Paulena Gross well as what life was like at the turn of the 20th century.–Regina Finch

Klimt and His Cat by Berenice Capatti. Illustrated by Octavia Monaco. Eerdmans Books. $18.00. Ages 7-11. This picture book portrays the life of Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti. Gustav Klimt through the eyes of his cat, Simon and Schuster. $15.95 Ages 12+. Katze who introduces readers to the artist’s Ruby McQueen was not looking for lifestyle while also introducing his artwork. her identity, but on the summer before her It also hints about the battle modern artists senior year she happened to find it. face because of the comparison of their art Amongst bad boys, some illegal activity, with traditional art. This short story cleverly and a hysterical group of the elderly, Ruby shows the importance of hard work, learns about love, family, trust, and most of dedication, continual education, and being all how to look at her mother as a woman. true to oneself. Ruby labels her mother as a strong Along with the text’s view of his life, and intelligent woman with a pathetic soft the book’s illustrations mimic Klimt’s spot for one thing, her sleazy father. She is original style. They show readers the not able to accept or understand her wonderful borders of flowers, architectural mother’s behavior, and she cannot fathom designs, and shapes Klimt painted which why she constantly puts herself in situations were emphasized through the use of gold 2 and silver. The end pages display some of conform. Her adult books, Educating Esme: Klimt’s most famous paintings. Diary of a Teacher’s First Year and How to -Kristy Ramirez Get Your Child to Love Reading both promote the view that childhood is immeasurably enhanced by books and zaniness. In this chronicle of Esme’s childhood, she portrays what it feels like to grow up amid poetry and drama, romance and realism, open minds and open hearts. –Ann Marie Coviello

Sing a Song of Tuna Fish: Hard-to- The Wish List by Eoin Colfer. Hyperion. Swallow Stories from 5th Grade by Esme 16.95. Ages 12-16. Raji Codell. Hyperion, 2004. Grades 4 up. The Wish List was an enchanting Sing a Song of Tuna Fish is the story novel with a spiritual touch that dealt with of Esme Raji Codell’s childhood in Chicago serious teen issues. The story takes place in in the seventies, but it will appeal to readers Ireland where two teenagers, Meg and Belch who have never been to Woolworth’s or are always into trouble. When a robbery survived the blizzard of 1979. Young goes sour, unfortunately Meg and Belch find readers will connect with the story because themselves dead. Meg, however, is equally Esme writes about her experiences with good and bad so neither heaven nor hell will details that make her world—and her accept her. The only way Meg will be worldview—come alive. Her voice is fresh accepted into paradise is to go back to earth and confiding; she invites the reader into her and help someone in need. At the same time, life as if to say, “You’re sure to find this as Meg’s evil counterpart, Belch, is trying to funny and odd as I do.” ruin her chances of going to heaven. Colfer Esme is “growing up absurd” with has done a wonderful job of making his two eccentric parents. Her mother characters come to life giving each character encourages her to egg a rich man’s car and so much depth that readers feel they know her father tells her “Mazel tov” when she them. This page-turner is too hard to put decides not to attend temple anymore. The down and leaves readers with a feeling of depiction of the “free” school where happiness and a little sadness too. Although students wear Halloween costumes everyday published as a YA title, The Wish List is a and take classes in puppet making and disco not-to-be missed book for adults as well. – dancing will fascinate young readers who Toni Williams attend schools driven by standardized testing. There are also timeless aspects to Inside Grandad by Peter Dickinson, her tale, such as her dawning awareness of Wendy Lamb Books, $15.95. Ages 7-12. boys and her love of reading. Many children Gavin tosses a fish to a whale, and the will relate to the matter-of-fact way she creature gives Gavin a mysterious smile. deals with hard times, from her parents’ Could it really be a selkie, one of those financial trouble to the death of a classmate. mysterious sea creatures that comes ashore Sing a Song of Tuna Fish is a story at night and sheds its skin to take on human that treasures differences, rejects form? Grandad’s Celtic tales fascinate materialism, and describes a young life Gavin. Does Grandad really believe in unhindered by pressure to succeed and 3 selkies? Grandad was talking about the selkies when he had his stroke. Grandad cannot speak or respond in any way. Gavin spends most of his after school hours and nights with Grandad at the hospital. The therapist even lets Gavin help with Grandad, but Grandad is not responding to any treatment. If only Gavin could get inside Grandad and tell him how much he loves him? Should he ask the selkies for help? Bindi Babes by Narinder Dhami. Delacorte. Gavin takes a special present to the selkies. $14.95. Ages 11-15. The present is a model boat that Grandad Told by Amber Dhillon, this book recently made for Gavin’s upcoming begins at Coppergate Secondary School birthday. Gavin carefully paints the boat where she and her two sisters are known as and names it “Selkie.” He takes the boat the “Bindi Babes.” Amber-12, Jazz-11, and down to the edge of the water and sends it Geena-14, are known around school as the on its way to the selkies. Gavin does coolest, hottest girls around, but they are literally get inside of Grandad. Did the secretly struggling with the loss of their selkies work this magic when Gavin took mum who recently passed away. Because hold of Grandad’s hand? Once inside, their father is uninvolved, the girls have Gavin finds that he can communicate always gotten what they wanted until an through thoughts. He explains to Grandad unexpected guest arrives and ruins about the stroke and shows Grandad how to everything. Auntie is interfering and move his hand by helping him remember cramping their style. The girls desperately how to cast a fishing line. Gavin’s family need to get rid of her and there is only one and the hospital staff witness Grandad way. They need to marry her off. Will tightly holding Gavin’s hand. Gavin returns Auntie ever fall in love with someone? The to his own body. Grandad shows more signs girls go through twists and turns in this of recovery from the stroke. Gavin’s rocky story to get rid of Auntie while all birthday present “Selkie” comes floating along what they really need is the love of back to him one evening. Could these Celtic their father, their acceptance of Auntie, and tales of selkies be true? Dickinson writes of the memories of their mum to keep them a this special bond that exists between happy family. Narinder Dhami captures the grandparents and grandchildren with humor involvement of real situations. She attracts a and warmth. Dickinson handles the tough younger female audience by telling a tale of issues of illness and loss with sensitivity. death, love, and life lessons. This novel was The selkie magic adds a delightful delightful. -Ashley Bernard mysterious twist to the story. -Verna Geihsler A Blue So Blue by Jean-Francois Dumont. Sterling. $14.95. Ages 4 up. A Blue So Blue, translated from the French by Michel Bourque, is a children’s book about a little boy who lives in the middle of a big, gray city. He loves to paint and draw and is consumed with his art. A recurring dream of the perfect blue color sets 4 in motion his quest for a “blue so blue, the Dina is accused of being a French spy, her blue of his dreams.” He journeys to a mama quickly arranges for her to leave museum, the big blue sea, a tropical island, a Germany and go to her uncle in Brooklyn, jazz club, and even an African desert. In America. She travels alone for fifty-four each place he receives help from a different days on that dreadful journey. Though Dina source – a security guard, a sailor, a turtle, a wants to escape sewing, it seems like it’s her bluesman, and a tribesman. After traveling destiny when she steps foot into another the world, he discovers that the perfect blue house of tailors. She soon becomes color is at home, in his mother’s eyes. homesick and yearns to see her loving Jean-Francois Dumont uses bright family again. As Dina adapts to the new colors, soft, subdued hues, and different environment, she discovers priceless family perspectives to both capture the moods and values and learns how to care for the people allow us a glimpse into this small boy’s around. Her courage shows through during a world. Through this journey, we learn that time when smallpox is common. Dina’s what we seek “may never have been very far bravery during a fire amazes her neighbors away.” The language is rich and varied; his and strengthens the relationship between her descriptions are stunning–“He dipped his and the Uncle. brush on the edge of a tear.” He also Giff brilliantly allows the reader to employs rhyme when the little boy tries to sense compassion from Dina’s Mama and describe the exact blue he seeks, each time sister by including their brief but warm altering the description as he struggles to letters. The setting of 1870s Brooklyn define it. “’Night after night I’ve been establishes the mood, letting readers feel as dreaming of blue’ the little boy said. ‘A though they are witnessing young Dina’s blue so blue, it’s both warm and cool. A growing and changing into a more blue so blue, it shines like a jewel.’“ This responsible person. Even though the plot book is a new jewel in the treasure of seems to be based on big events that the children’s literature and is certain to become characters can’t control, their actions and a beloved classic.– Lydia Badon behaviors drive the story to its best moments. - Shella Nguyen

The Get Rich Quick Club by Dan Gutman. HarperCollins. $16.89. Ages 8 – 12. The Get Rich Quick club, led by CEO Gina, has discovered a way to make a million dollars. Gina and her friends devise a wacky plan that involves a UFO, a picture, and a newspaper geared to gullible readers. A House of Tailors by Patricia Reilly Giff. If the club can get someone to buy their Wendy Lamb Books. $15.95. Ages 9-12. phony picture, then they will be instant This memorable book is told through millionaires. Or so it seems. But the eyes of thirteen-year-old Dina Kirk. something’s too good to be true. The truth Even though Dina has a gift for sewing, she gets out. What will happen to the Get Rich grows tired of it because she has been Quick club? The twist ending will keep working in her family’s dressmaking readers intrigued till the very last page. business every day since age four. When

5 Gutman’s story telling ability keeps being home schooled and by selling a part of readers turning the pages. He can grab a the orchard to a family to build a home. child’s interest and hold on to it till the end. Brokenhearted, Ida B. must come up with He uses a vocabulary that is easy for ways to chase away the new neighbors, children to understand and uses short bring Mama and Daddy back to their normal chapters to keep the plot moving. The states, and regain control of her once-was- book’s action rises as the club devises new fun-and-exciting life. This nine-year-old ways to get rich and falls every time the plan future super hero soon discovers that it’s fails, but there’s always a spark of hope easier said than done. waiting at the end of each chapter. This Ida B. will take readers out of their spark is what keeps the reader engaged to world and into hers. This charming book had the last chapter. Gutman’s humor is over the me chuckling to myself in a roomful of top with crazy schemes, and readers can’t grown-ups, brought back fond and help but laugh out loud!–Heather Catoir mischievous childhood memories, and filled my heart with delight.– Vinh “Vinnie” Tran

The Cats in Krasinski Square by Karen Hesse. Illustrated by Wendy Watson. Wendy Lamb Books, $16.95. Ages 6 up. This picture book is set during World War II in Warsaw, Poland, where the entire Jewish population was herded into a ghetto and suffered terribly. The illustrator’s use of simple water color drawing adds a greater Ida B … and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, dimension to the telling of the story. The Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the narrator of the story is a little girl who has World by Katherine Hannigan. managed to escape the ghetto because of her Greenwillow. $16.89. Ages 9 -12. Polish looks. This character is fictional but Nine-year-old Ida B. Applewood her voice is used to convey the true story of lives in her own world following her own the Jewish Resistance. This child is rules (second to Mama and Daddy’s rules, of concerned about the well being of her course). Her bestest of best friends include friends and neighbors who are being starved. Rufus the slobbering K-9, Lulu the sassy In a child-like way, she speaks of the feline, the brook, and her apple tree orchard. abandoned pets, specifically cats, who no Life-loving Ida B. prides herself in creating longer have homes, but are free to roam fun-filled days of adventure, mischief (the wherever and feast on mice. These cats do kind you don’t get into trouble for), not go hungry. They can find their own inventing time saving devices, and coming food, but the people in the ghetto have no up with tactics to outwit all kinds of such hope. This child conveys the story of badness. how the resistance workers each carrying Out of nowhere, Ida B’s world gets satchels filled with breads, groats, and sugar flipped upside down, and she’s left to follow will be arriving by train. The Nazis learn of rules that are not her own. She doesn’t this plan and are ready with their attack understand why Mama’s not herself and dogs. The Jewish Resistance in the city is why Daddy has turned into the meanest ready too. Many of those abandoned cats person ever by sending her to school after 6 are stuffed in satchels and when the train the author pokes fun at Catholicism, such as arrives, the cats are let out of the bags. Mass his comparing communion to cannibalism, confusion occurs. The resistance workers the story reflects the critical thinking that are able to carry out their plan. The food is often occurs when teenagers question their crammed into cracks in the ghetto wall to faith. Godless is a fast-paced novel that offer some relief to those imprisoned there. presents an interesting look at of the The story is written with clarity and consequences of both having, and lacking, sensitivity. The story is one of bravery and faith in a higher power.- Allison Tine determination set in a terrible time and a terrible place. Even though the subject Fourth-Grade Fuss by Johanna Hurwitz. matter may be considered heavy for a young Illustrated by Andy Hammond. child, Ms. Hesse delivers a message that Harpercollins. $16.89. Ages 7-10. children can readily understand: caring Fourth-Grade Fuss is a comical about others. This book could be an account of events that takes place over the effective way of sparking chilren’s interest course of a school year. The story takes the about unpleasant facts of life while not reader from the first day of class to almost taking away their innocence. the end of the school year. The tale includes -Verna Geihsler the trials, tribulations, and fun that fourth graders Julio Sanchez and his fellow classmates have. The children are anxiously preparing for the “dreadful” statewide test. Leading up to test day, Julio and his friends begin to rely on superstitions to get them a passing grade. The children hope that using a “lucky” pencil or wearing their underwear inside out will get them into to the fifth grade. Most young readers will be able to Godless by Pete Hautman. Simon & relate to this story. The book contains Schuster. $15.95. Ages 12- 16. several illustrations, which provide a When sixteen-year-old Jason Bock glimpse into Julio’s happy family life, the and his friends jokingly create a religion joy he receives when with friends, and the whose deity is the town’s water tower, they sheer agony he is going through on test day. never expected things to get so out of Hurwitz does an exceptional job of control. Beginning with the ascent of the providing a humorous story, true- to- life water tower for the churches first mass, a character development, an interesting plot harmless homespun religion turns into an that entices the reader, with a setting that out of control cult. This thought-provoking makes readers feel like they are personally tale provides the reader with a creative look in the story. –Judy Fenasci at the problems that arise when you attempt to create your own religion. With the The Wedding Planner’s Daughter by critical cynicism of a teenager questioning Coleen Murtagh Paratore. Simon & his faith, Pete Hautman captures the essence Schuster. $15.95. Ages 9-13. of the young imagination with such satirical Willa Havisham is the twelve-year- commandments as, “Thou shalt not be a old daughter of a wedding planner. Both jerk” and “Thou shalt not eat asparagus.” mother and daughter are still dealing with While some may take offence with the way 7 the loss of the father Willa has never known. worth. Inner beauty shines stronger than To make matters worse, Willa’s mom is anything, and intelligence and personality determined that Willa’s life should be will be with you always; beauty is fleeting. nothing like her own. Throughout the book The book demonstrates the message that the reader is introduced to many interesting when you look in the mirror you should see characters that help Willa to deal with her and believe in your wonderful qualities, but life and dreams. And in the end Willa learns not just because others do. You should that what she thinks she wants is not believe in these attributes because you, necessarily as good as what she gets. Told yourself see them, and what an unexpected through the voice of this young girl and set development that will be. This novel may in the magical Cape Cod, readers are treated open both teens’ and adults’ eyes to help to a romantic atmosphere and are given a them see a different point of view. –Jessica glimpse of what it is like to live in the Cape. Wadge Young readers may relate to the events that occur in Willa’s world. This is a really Tales of Mystery and Madness by Edgar delightful read. -Lauren Hage Allan Poe. Illustrated by Gris Grimly. Atheneum. $17.95. Ages 11 up. This collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s work with illustrations by Gris Grimly offers the same great taste with a brand new package. The book is composed of the tales The Black Cat, The Masque of the Red Death, Hop-Frog, and The Fall of the House of Usher. Illustrating Edgar Allan Poe’s tales in a comic book format, Gris Unexpected Development by Marlene Grimly has created horrifying yet hilarious Perez. Roaring Book Press 2004. pictures. Readers will laugh at the insane $16.95. Ages 15-18. characters and be left guessing on what is The first thing that drew me into this going to happen next. Grimly fills the book book was the fact that it is immensely from the front cover till the last page with realistic. While some books deal with young ghoulish, dark, and eye-catching pictures girls who haven’t developed yet and are and font. The illustrations lighten and add jealous of those who have, Perez brings to humor to the text, which is perfect for light the reality that girls who develop at a younger readers. Designed to grab the young age are often embarrassed. This book attention of readers of any age, this book is is simply refreshing. Told by Megan, a high appropriate not only for Edgar Allan Poe school student, the book is written in letters fans, but also for new readers and children. to her teacher Mrs. Westland whom she -Fariha Khan trusts wholeheartedly. Megan has physically matured very quickly and in her How I live now by Meg Rosoff. Wendy opinion, she is overdeveloped. Perez’ use of Lamb Books. $16.95. Ages 12 up. similes, metaphors and other colorful how I live now by Meg Rosoff is a imagery brings the novel to life and really young adult novel, telling the contemporary taps into a reader’s senses. story of Daisy. This self-possessed, yet As a whole, the novel’s lesson to troubled fifteen-year-old New Yorker is sent teenage girls in particular is that of self 8 by her recently remarried father and artist but also an avid scientist and inventor. stepmother to live with her aunt and cousins As they talk with him and flip through his in rural England. Since Aunt Penn’s peace books, they discover the genius of his ideas, work requires her to travel to Oslo, Daisy well before his time. The trio’s exciting and her cousins are left without any adult excursion is overshadowed, as Captain supervision to enjoy the simple, country life. Nassti infringes upon their learning This bucolic existence is forever changed experience. The trio does not let him keep when England is invaded and occupied by them down for long, and they’re back to an enemy. Daisy and her cousins are left to business! The Time Warp Trio comes away their own devices to survive. She develops a from their encounter with da Vinci with close relationship with all of her cousins and invention aspirations of their own—even if finds true love. England’s military they do involve pizza, television, and subsequently take over their home so Daisy underarm tricks! Jon Scieszka’s novel is and Piper, her youngest cousin, are fast-paced and fun-filled! Adam separated from the others, and all must face McCauley’s zany illustrations add to the difficult conditions and challenges to story’s excitement. With its “go out and get survive. ‘em” feel, this book is sure to intrigue young Rosoff’s novel is filled with readers, especially boys. -Ayreca Berthelot wonderful descriptions and believable characters. She creates an extraordinarily Seen Art? by Jon Scieszka. Illustrated by vivid voice for Daisy. “’What impressed Lane Smith. Museum of Modern Art, me,' Daisy says vaguely, 'is how simple it Viking. $16.99. Ages 6 and up. seemed to be to throw a whole country into Seen Art? is the latest genius of the chaos by dumping a bunch of poison into Scieszka and Smith collaborations. The some of the water supplies and making sure main character walks through the city streets no one could get electricity or phone in search is his friend Art. Helpful New connections and setting off a few big bombs Yorkers send him to MoMA (The Museum here and there in tunnels and government of Modern Art), where he repeatedly asks, buildings and airports.'” Readers get to “Where is Art?” The patrons send him from know the many sides of Daisy- an angry room to room of the museum where he daughter; a clever, funny, and sarcastic views mobiles, oils, watercolors, collages, teenager; and a focused, creative survivor. murals, inks, furniture, photography, and This Printz Award winner explores the even cinema, but still asks, “Where is Art?” themes of love, survival, and how war Scieszka’s play on what is considered art changes forever those it touches.–Lydia and therefore where to find it is humorous. Badon Smith’s quirky illustrations blended with full-color reproductions of the artwork serve Da Wild, Da Crazy, Da Vinci by Jon as a delightful virtual tour of great pieces of Scieszka. Penguin. $14.99. Ages 8-12. modern art found in the famous museum. – Yet another adventure of the Time Christine L. Henderson Warp Trio, this time takes readers in search of Leonardo da Vinci. Fred, Sam and Joe set out to travel back in time to meet the man behind the legend. They are amazed to find that not only was da Vinci a renowned

9 The Boy From The Basement by Susan inclusion of photographs of the era, Myers Shaw. Dutton. $16.99. Age 12 and up. again manipulates the reader’s perception by Charlie is a twelve-year-old boy having audiences create images from his trying to survive being abused by his words and evoke meaning from his parents. After accidentally locking himself photographs. What he ultimately crafts is a outside of the house one night, he gets lost window into his Harlem, a place that he has and passes out. He wakes up scared in the immortalized in a way that prose cannot hospital and wants to return to the only type duplicate. Through his words, readers of home he has known. He cannot tell the perceive the strength of character and pride authorities anything about himself except his that embodied this culture of people who name because he does not know anything were striving for a better way of life while else. On the journey through his past, living and working in a racially biased Charlie begins to realize that things in his country that did not enforce the principles of house are not right and that he cannot return. equality. The intensity of Myers’ depictions Once authorities learn what is going on in rely heavily upon the use dialect and cultural Charlie’s life, they place him with a foster references, and while his poetry is rich in parent. Through that loving and caring meaning, younger audiences may experience environment, Charlie begins the road to difficulty deciphering his cultural allusions recovery. and understanding the intricacies of his Susan Shaw portrays the realities of artistry without the aid of an instructor. child abuse without getting into graphic Regardless of the complexity of his work, details. Having Charlie tell the story in first his book offers a unique sense of time and person narrative gives the reader an inside place, and is well worth the effort of look into his thoughts and feelings. Through contemplation.—Nancy Pearson Charlie’s eyes, readers experience an emotional roller coaster ride. This heart- wrenching novel is sure to have you gasping for breath. –Kazia Brister

POETRY A Wreath for Emmett Till by Marilyn Here in Harlem: poems in many voices by Nelson. Illustrated by Phillipe Lardy. Walter Dean Myers. Holiday House, $16.95, Houghton Mifflin. Ages 12 up. Ages 12+. This stunning book is unlike any The poems in this book recreate other–exquisite and tragic. It is a collection authentic locations and real people through of fifteen interlinked sonnets, called a heroic the poet’s manipulation of point-of-view. crown of sonnets, a form that the author Myers’ technique involves writing from the admits to knowing only one other example perspectives of residents from his childhood of. Marilyn Nelson further explains that she neighborhood of Harlem to create vivid used the form as “a kind of insulation, a way impressions that reveal characters of protecting myself from the intense pain of representative of a people, an era, a way of the subject matter.” The subject matter is life, a struggling, yet persevering African- the death of Emmett Till, a fourteen-year-old American community. Through the boy whose lynching in Mississippi in 1955 descriptive nature of his poetry and his

10 was a galvanizing force behind the civil Even More rights movement. Parts by Tedd Arnold. Dial Books. $15.99. Throughout the series of poems, Ages 5-9. Marilyn Nelson imagines that she is This colorful book is the third in a weaving a wreath to memorialize Emmett series of books by Tedd Arnold, but you Till, and the poems abound with lush plant don’t need to read the first two to enjoy this imagery. At the same time, she is creating a one. It is about a young boy who becomes heroic crown for Till, in the form a ring of concerned about commonly used phrases sonnets, each connected to the other. Her describing body parts. Elementary students ability to master both the horror of Till’s would definitely enjoy this book. The level death and the intricacy of the poetic form is covers first grade through fourth grade, but breathtaking. Phillippe Lardy’s illustrations it could be enjoyed by students of all ages. perfectly adorn the poet’s work. This book The format of the books gives readers will take its place among the most moving many sayings to reflect upon. Each page and profound books for young adults. introduces a new idiom about a body part –Ann Marie Coviello with an illustration in the center of the page. Then along the bottom of the pages are smaller versions of different idioms and illustrations that reflect the same subject matter. An example of what you might find in this book would be “my ears are burning” showing a boy running with his ears on fire. Science Verse by Jon Scieszka. Illustrated This book cleverly depicts sayings we use by Lane Smith. Viking. $16.99. Ages 8 & on an every day basis, but never stop to up. think about what they mean literally. Science Verse is Scieszka and Lane’s Arnold skillfully depicts these pictures complement to Math Curse. Again the without any sign of disturbing images. He student has been cursed and can now hear just uses humor. only scientific poetry. He shuffles through The art of this book would definitely the day where he finds the poetry of science appeal to school age children. The text of everywhere. The author parodies traditional the idioms is written in hand letters by the nursery and jump rope rhymes, children’s artist. The illustrations are completed in songs, classic poetry, and much loved stories color pencils and watercolor wash. with scientific theories and proofs that will -Kristy Ramirez amuse readers of all ages. A favorite, for this reviewer, is a jab at teachers’ overuse of Langston’s Train Ride by Robert Burleigh. the thematic unit of dinosaurs. The author Illustrated by Leonard Jenkins. Scholastic. suspects that this over-teaching was what $16.99. Ages 7-10. really caused their extinction. When the A fast-paced sense of anticipation student awakens, he realizes that the curse starts our journey. Short, concise phrases has been lifted and it was all a dream, but and sentences create an aura of excitement unfortunately his art teacher hints that there The pace slows as the sound of clicking might be another curse on its way. — heels on the sidewalk triggers a memory. It Christine L. Henderson is 1920 and we are riding across the country with Langston Hughes. His rambling

11 thoughts parallel the rumbling journey of the youngest of Germany’s people, these train. The Mississippi River comes into children and more draw the reader to feel view and “Whoosh. Words and phrases their personal devotion, hope, and come rushing into my head” as Hughes confusion. From 1926 with the Hitler Youth conceives a poem. Robert Burleigh membership at 6,000 to the 1945 collapse respectfully chronicles the intense ethnic reaching 7,031,226 members, their pride and sense of accomplishment interactions with parents, families, embodied in Hughes’ poem. Burleigh’s commanders, and other youth, including book flows smoothly and pointedly like a Jewish and other outcasts, are remarkably stream of consciousness mirroring the train presented in the most neutral tone possible ride, the journey of a people, and the poem while subtly connecting it to corresponding “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” itself. The political and world events. bold, distinctive colors of Leonard Jenkins’ A cover-to-cover reading of this illustrations vividly portray the symbolic book leads to an opportunity for teachers to journey narrated by Burleigh. draw students into the world of history and –Charmaine Costa nonfiction writing. The access features and layout allow students to see into the research NONFICTION and writing process. Particularly helpful is the “Quote Sources” section. Each quote is simply organized by chapter with a number behind it. The number corresponds with a specific numbered bibliography reference to help readers easily locate citations of interest and to recognize the delicate way of Hitler Youth: Growing Up In Hitler’s inserting quotes into nonfiction writing. The Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti. timeline, summary in nature, helps to put the Scholastic. $16.96. Ages 10 and up. distant past into perspective. Adding to its Susan Campbell Bartoletti has done historical ambiance are the consistent it again. Her research and extraordinary antique white pages, black and white photos, ability to present this blistering story as if black font, and light gray side borders, never heard before deserves medal chapter headings and page numbered recognition. Bartoletti lets the reader know frames. The engaging photos capture the from the beginning this is a story of the soul of each chapter and clarify the complex youth during Hitler’s time, not Hitler emotions and events crafted into the text. – himself. With phenomenal research noted in Myra Mitchell the foreword, epilogue, author’s note, photograph sources, and bibliography, The Prairie Builders: Reconstructing Bartoletti seemingly tells this story with her America’s Lost Grasslands by researched characters sitting beside her. Sneed B. Collard. Houghton Mifflin. Their quotes, naturally placed, authentically 17.00 Ages 11up. interject each perception. In narrative and photographs, Collard An initial attention-getting section is captures a fascinating view of the efforts of a glimpse inside the main characters. a group of scientists to reconstruct a large Throughout this historical narrative of Hitler grassland area in Iowa. Thanks to the efforts planning to build a new world with the of Congressman Neal Smith, Congress made

12 this area a National Wildlife refuge. The The artwork shown is taken from drawings story chronicles the lengthy, complicated Ingpen of the more than a hundred books he reconstruction process. Along with has illustrated for both children and adults. organizing the task force to do the work, the While the pictures are breathtakingly project directors created a learning center to stunning and make up at least 90% of the teach the local community and other visitors book, the focus is not on artistic technique about the grasslands and the varieties of but rather homage to the art of storytelling plant and wildlife associated with the prairie. and the illustrator’s duty to convey the Collard’s exceptionally sharp photographs author’s meaning as accurately as possible dramatically document the beauty of the while leaving “space” for the reader’s grassland and the wildlife that was imagination. introduced back into this habitat. The clear, Sarah Mayor Cox provides several concise narrative flows easily from page to commentaries throughout the book page and is organized to nestle in amongst explaining Ingpen’s technique and his the photos. Inserted boxes provide the reader reasons for choosing to draw pictures in with information about plants and animals certain ways. It is the artwork, however, Through both text and photos, the author did that makes this book memorable. Many of a masterful job of documenting the ongoing the paintings and sketches Ingpen has process of prairie building. Collard brings illustrated throughout the years are three important lessons to our attention. reproduced. Some are small, rough drafts, First, we need to protect the healthy while others are completed works enlarged ecosystems we still have left. Second, we and shown on double-pages. All artwork need to realize the importance of scientific have captions, and these pictures and research. Finally, we need to realize that we captions almost serve as a review of some of humans are part of the world around us – the greatest literature written. Gerald Gooch The strength of the artwork could not completely compensate for the somewhat confusing organization and text. This is definitely a book where the introduction should be read. The chapters are 15 to 20 pages of drawings and captions followed by a commentary on Ingpen’s process. While this style is uniform throughout each Pictures Telling Stories: The Art of chapter, a better understanding of each Robert Ingpen commentary by Sarah picture discussed in the commentary would Mayor Cox, illustrated by Robert Ingpen. have been achieved if the explanation would Penguin, $29.75 Grades 10th and up. have come before the pictures. Also, the Australian illustrator Robert Ingpen captions for each picture lacked consistency. uses his more than forty years of experience Some were explanations of the pictures, in illustration to survey the role of some were excerpts taken from the books in illustrations in stories. Not intended to be a which they appeared, while others were definitive or comprehensive collection of his reasons by Ingpen for the decisions he made work or a book about his life, this book concerning the techniques he used. The gives an explanation of the thinking and book ends with a chronology of Robert preparation that goes into each illustration.

13 Ingpen’s life and a catalog of the reproduced in musical notes) from the illustrations are illustrations. sourced! Humorous touches throughout the This book is quite successful in text and illustrations lighten the subject and showcasing the work of Robert Ingpen and spark interest. An enjoyable read, which in demonstrating the amount of thought just happens to be a true story, Davies’ book necessary to accurately represent the is also distinctive in that it reveals a author’s vision. It is a worthwhile read for snapshot of the scientific method in action. art enthusiasts as well as students of –Michelle Posey illustration. –Susan Guidry W. E. B. Du Bois: A Stranger in My Own House. Bonnie Hinman. Morgan Reynolds. $27.00, Grades 5-12. This enlightening, well-written biography chronicles not only Du Bois’ broad career as scholar, trailblazer, activists, writer, and cofounder of the NAACP but also the African American experience. The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of Hinman presents DuBois’ academic John James Audubon by Jacqueline accomplishments from high school to being Davies. Illustrated by Melissa Sweet. the first African American to receive a Ph.D. Houghton Mifflin. $15.00. Grades 2 to from Harvard. He emerged as one of the adult. greatest black leaders in U. S. history and Jacqueline Davies focuses on a fought for the liberation of black people all vignette from the early life of Audubon in over the world. He used his position as a this biographic picture storybook. On his writer and editor of The Crisis to educate farm in Pennsylvania, Audubon becomes so masses of people. Du Bois’ ideas conflicted attached to a family of flycatchers that he with the ideas of Booker T. Washington and devises a plan to see if the same bird family Walter White (executive secretary of the will return to him in the spring. The author NAACP) often creating unrest among writes using colorful language and authentic Americans. His quest for the truth about his details that capture the fabric of colonial life own people and his outspoken beliefs and Audubon’s unabashed enthusiasm for eventually caused him to flee the U. S. for birds. For example, when Audubon dashes Ghana, Africa, where he died at the age of in to tell the housekeepers about his 97 in 1963. This engaging narrative is flycatchers, she points her wooden spoon at readable and contains table of contents, his muddy boots in dismay before she timeline, sources, chapter headings, maps, responds. Illustrator Melissa Sweet’s archival portraits and documents, distinctive combination of watercolor sketch bibliography, websites, and index that add and collage (seen previously in Girls Think credence to the work. Hannah Trufant of Everything) is well chosen to reflect the style and nature of Audubon’s journal sketches and natural collections, interspersed throughout the story illustrations. The book is well researched, including a bibliography and notes on sources from both the author and illustrator. Even the bird songs (written 14 numerous sepia photographs are striking, (reminiscent of Russell Freedman’s Immigrant Kids), and well chosen to illustrate the text. Hopkinson’s book is definitely engaging, if not riveting. Her Shutting Out The Sky: Life in the specialized non fiction work sheds light on Tenements of New York 1880-1924 by the historical shadows surrounding Deborah Hopkinson. Orchard Books. immigrant life in the slums of New York. – $17.95. Grades 5 to adult. Michelle Posey Hopkinson focuses on the immigrant experience of living in the tenements in the The Story of Halloween by Carol Greene, Lower East Side of New York in the early illustrated by Linda Bronson. HarperCollins nd th 20th century. She follows the lives of five $16.89. Grades 2 – 5 . different immigrants as they struggle to At first glance, this book appears to survive in abominable housing, find decent be a simplistic overview of Halloween. employment, and educate themselves against After the first couple of pages, however, it is frightening odds in a strange country. The quite apparent it is more than that. Carol scope of Shutting Out the Sky is broad, Green explains the entire history of ranging from topics such as immigrant home Halloween in enough detail to keep readers life, working conditions, and child labor, to curious and interested. Although no informational chapters about historical documentation is provided regarding events such as the Triangle Fire, union research done for the book, its content is formation, and Jacob Riis’ call for decent, quite thorough. The book spans from Celtic affordable housing. The immigrants’ stories, celebrations of 2000 years ago to Halloween told in narrative form and punctuated by as it is known today. The easy-to-follow quotes from autobiographies, alternate with narrative shows how ancient customs and and pepper the informational writing about traditions spanning thousands of years have the conditions in New York at this time. been altered and carried on into modern Stylistically, Hopkinson’s switchbacks from times. It provides a wealth of information in informational to the narrative immigrant an easy-to-read, straightforward, and stories are sometimes awkward and appealing way with enough depth to keep disconcerting, especially since there are five readers interested without presenting too different immigrant stories woven into the many elements that may confuse young book. Perhaps Hopkinson’s flaw with this readers. It ends with pumpkin art projects book was her ambition to portray the and Halloween riddles. The book starts off individual nature of each immigrant’s and remains strong until the end, but does experience (stated in the foreword and contain a couple of areas that seem reiterated in the author’s note.) If she had somewhat detached from the greater part of focused on a single immigrant’s experience the book. A section toward the end in depth, rather than five, the book’s balance describing ways people have made of informational and narrative might have Halloween unsafe and how communities flowed, creating less confusion. On a have dealt with the problem makes that positive note, the book is superbly segment uneven and somewhat difficult to documented, containing a bibliography, follow. In addition, the illustrations, author’s notes, timeline, and index. The although colorful, tend to cause further 15 distraction. The drawings are stretched and story are personal preferences of favorite slightly distorted, and have muted colors colors, foods, religion, and yes, even race. which give an eerie mood that contradicts With vivid and figurative descriptions, the lighter tone of the text. Because the Lester actively involves the reader into book is so full of factual information, having understanding his stance that race is only to stop to figure out what is going on in the one detail of their individual story. illustrations distracts from the content Everyone is rudimentarily the same, made of without offering any additional insight or the common bones. meaning. Despite these minor weaknesses, The sporadic changing font size is this is definitely a book worth reading for not particularly effective. Although it’s anyone interested in the origins and more distracting than interesting, it makes evolution of Halloween. –Susan Guidry the format visually unique. Karen Barbour nicely complements the voice and tone of this sensitive topic. In harmony, her thick black outlines, bold color overlays, facial expressions, and character stances speak loudly to emphasize Lester’s passion for all to consider taking off their skin and looking deeply into each other. Every librarian, teacher, and parent should share aloud Let’s Let’s Talk About Race by Julius Lester. Talk About Race. The message is very Illustrated by Karen Barbour. current and needed with today’s ethnic HarperCollins. $16.89. Grades 1 – 6. unrest. –Myra Mitchell Julius Lester, Newbery Honor Award winning author, says, “I write because our Remember the Journey to School lives are stories. If enough of those stories Integration by Toni Morrison. Houghton are told, then perhaps we will begin to see Mifflin. Ages 6 and up. that our lives are the same story. The Toni Morrison has created a differences are merely in the details.” photographic and narrative memoir of Through his strong and passionate school integration. Ms. Morrison states tone, Julius Lester immediately makes “Because remembering is the mind’s first readers feel they are conversing with a step toward understanding, this book is potentially new friend. Diversity is brought designed to take readers on a journey to the forefront in a uniquely succinct through a time in American life when there manner. Lester’s ability to promote higher- was as much hate as there was love; as much order thinking while using natural and anger as there was hope; as many heroes as casual vocabulary to support a young cowards.” The photographs selected vividly reader’s understanding is admirable. portray the intense emotional fervor of the Through his narrative story, subtle era while contrasting the courage and statements and occasional questions spur cowardice of the players. The black and discussions of a reader’s personal opinion. white lettering on sepia pages symbolically Metaphorically, Lester compares the forwards each collection of photographs human race to a story. He conveys that while the fictional dialogue illustrates a readers have their own stories. The people sincere empathy with the emotional intensity and events occurring in their lives are part of of the event. –Charmaine Costa their personal story. The elements of their 16 topic. The chapters are color coded, but this The Great Brain Book, An Inside Look at seems unnecessary. All pages have a small the Inside of Your Head by HP Newquist. medical illustration of the brain and there are Illustrated by Keith Kasnot and Eric Brace. many large clarifying medical illustrations. Scholastic. $18.99. Grades 6-12. This reference book about the brain will HP Newquist’s book about the brain actually excite children to learn about this will engage even the most reluctant science amazing organ. –Julie Schneider student. The cover is bright and flashy, and the accompanying photographs, medical illustrations, and cartoons add even more appeal. The reader will understand the author’s sense of awe towards the human brain after reading the text. Newquist briefly introduces the brain and then follows Turtle Tide: Ways of the Sea Turtle by with more complex chapters. Within the Stephen R. Swinburne, Illustrated by Bruce chapters there are many subtopics. By Hiscock, Boyds Mill Press. Ages 8-11. having less technical, yet interesting topics Stephen R. Swinburne uses a as his beginning chapters, the reader will descriptive story to cover the journey of a feel compelled to read the more scientific, loggerhead turtle to a sandy Atlantic beach subsequent chapters. Newquist introduces in search of a place to make her nest. There many technical terms and complex ideas she will lay about 100 eggs. After laying about the brain. A phonological guide is her eggs, she makes her journey back to the missing, however, for all the medical ocean. Bruce Hiscock uses vivid watercolor vocabulary. The author writes about the scenes to provide readers with a visual history behind the brain, humans’ account of the sea turtle’s life cycle. Once understanding of the brain, what’s inside our the eggs are laid and covered, life begins for brains, how our brains work, and more; all the new generation of loggerheads. the while he emphasizes that we still know Swinburne shows how threats to their very little about this organ. Newquist uses survival by raccoons, ghost crabs, a blue medical illustrations, sidebars, photographs, heron, sand sharks, and sea gulls are reduced and many metaphors to help support to one lone survivor. Two-paged appended understanding. At times, he uses too many section entitled “About Sea Turtles” metaphors that seem too simplistic given the provides ore information about these complexity of the brain. There is white mysterious creatures.–Hannah Trufant space between paragraphs; this allows the reader to more easily process the Gorilla Doctors: Saving Endangered information. Newquist writes in a Great Apes by Pamela S Turner. Houghton conversational style whenever possible, Mifflin. $17.00. Ages 12 up. which makes the book easy to read. This The author tells an interesting, makes the humorous cartoons seem informative, and compassionate story with somewhat superfluous since the tone has photographs and narrative of the mountain already been established by the writing style. gorillas of Rwanda. The crystal clear There are large printed leads for every photographs are fascinating in their chapter; they invite the reader to imagine, revelation of the life of the gorilla ask questions, or just ponder the upcoming population in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans and of the dedicated people who 17 care for them. Perhaps not indicated but readers to 1692 where they learn some implied in the photos are the inherent factual details about the witch trials. Two dangers when dealing with these wild girls named Betty and Abigail become very animals. sick. They did strange things and shouted Turner brings readers to 1902 when things that people did not understand. The scientists first learned of the mountain town became frightened when other people gorillas from a German officer who shot two in the village began to act the same way. of the apes and for whom the scientific name The local doctor Mr. Griggs did not know is derived. Because the forests were cut what to do so he pronounced the two girls down to make farmland, mountain gorillas bewitched, and the town was in an uproar. were forced higher up the mountain. Later it was discovered that perhaps Another hunter came in 1921 to collect someone in the town had bewitched the specimens for museums and realized that girls. these animals were not the “hellish This book was very good at creatures” he thought. Ashamed that he had explaining the vocabulary to young readers. shot one of the gorillas, he persuaded the I liked how each page had word boxes with government to create a national park. Other definitions. The book was very factual and scientists in the late 1950s followed to study well documented. The authors were sure to the mountain gorillas. Dian Fossey did much let readers know that some things were to bring the plight of the mountain gorilla to unknown. The young narrator explains how the world’s attention, laying the groundwork these stories are only theories and not for the Morris Animal foundation to fund definite facts about what truly occurred. At the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project. the end of the book, readers will be able to Turner relates events of current day read several theories of what might have veterinarians as she alerts readers to new occurred in 1692, and they can be the dangers facing the mountain gorillas–– detectives and decide which theory holds human diseases and injuries caused by true for them. The pictures are very vibrant poachers. and fun to look at. The pictures capture the Turner has done an excellent job of readers’ attention, as they show a notebook documenting the continuing story of the of clues that invites the readers’ mountain gorillas. She has not only provided participation.This is not just a boring beautiful photographs of the apes, the historical book, it is worth picking up. countryside, and the people but also she has – Toni Williams provided maps, informative insets, additional resources, web sites, and Editor: Patricia Austin compassionate stories about the animals. – Reviews by undergraduate students of Gerald Gooch children's literature. Many thanks to the publishers who support The Salem Witch Trials An Unsolved the UNO Children’s Literature Examination Mystery from History by Jane Yolen and Center. Heidi Elisabeth Yolen Stemple. Illustrated LITERARY LAGNIAPPE is NOW by Roger Roth. Simon and Schuster. 16.95 AVAILABLE online at Ages: 8-12 http://ed.uno.edu/Faculty/SI/PAustin/home This very informative book told from a young girl’s point-of-view transports