Written by Mark Greenwood, Illustrated by Frane Lessac

Review
This book gives a totally different perspective on war, and the way in which wounded men were transported during the years of 1914-1918. Teachers looking for a book about World War I will appreciate it. Specific information about the two main characters can be found at the back of the book. The only negative would be the size of the pictures. They are small and would be difficult for students to see, if one was doing a read aloud in class.  

Written by Suzanne Slade, Illustrated by Siri Weber Feeney

Review
I thought this was a well written and easy to understand book. It was very interesting to learn about Booker T. Washington. He was a slave who really wanted to go to school. Finally, when he was freed he was able to go. At 16, he left home to continue his schooling. He graduated from the Hampton Institute for African Americans. He then began training teachers. He soon began training industrialists. He worked very hard at getting blacks the opportunities so that they could someday become equal. I enjoyed the facts and history that was presented.  

Written and Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully

Review
This is a true story of 14 year old Manjiro, a Japanese boy working on a small fishing boat in 1841 that was caught in a storm and shipwrecked on a small island. Japan was closed to the outside world. Anyone who tried to return to the country after leaving could be sentenced to death. After 6 difficult months on the island, the crew was rescued by an American whaler. Manjiro went to live in Massachusetts and was treated like the Captain's son. Manjiro never gave up his dream of trying to make it home someday, and later helped to open Japan to Western trade and ideas. This true story tells of wonderful adventures and determination of Manjiro, illustrated with colorful pictures that add to the understanding of the story. A map and author's notes at the back of the book contribute even more information.  

Written by Carla Killough McClafferty

Review
An interesting look at a brave attempt to save targeted refugees and victims of Hitler's regime. Varian Fry was an American who went to Marseilles to help those who were trying to flee from the Nazis. He was especially targeting famous artists, poets, writers and award winners such as Marc Chagall and Andre Gide. He was to stay a couple of weeks and ended up being in Marseilles for over a year battling against the Gestapo, French Police and the American embassy. It is said that he was responsible for obtaining freedom for over 2000 individuals and their families. Varian had witnessed first hand what the Nazis were doing to Jews and tried to make the world aware of the problem and the disasterous results if no help was given.  

Written by Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Matt Tavares

This book is a series of mini-biographies of people that took part in the creation of the Statue of Liberty. The people include de Laboulay, Bartholdi (sculptor), Eiffel (engineer), Lazarus (poet), Pulitzer (publisher), de Forest (young donor).

At the end of the book are quotations from immigrants as they first saw the Statue of Liberty on their journey to America.  

Written by Tim O'Shei

This biography is part of the series "Queens and Princesses."  It tells the history of the life of Princess Diana, and includes photographs. I like the way words on the pages are highlighted and defined at the bottom of the page. Girls show a particular interest in the lives of princesses, especially one who is more current.  It also lets them know that not everything is a fairytale, as it describes the sadness in her life. A good information book on her life with glossary, other recommended reads, and an internet site.

Review by Sandy Brigman, Robert Frost Elementrary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩


A brief look at the life of Diana, Princess of Wales. The book details her childhood, her romance and marriage to Prince Charles. It also shows her struggles and discontent with the marriage. The book includes a glossary, index and bibliography.

Review by Fay Mason, Churchill Jr. High Library Media Teacher  

Written and Illustrated by Mike Venezia

The text of the book gives you a knowledge how Einstein lived and what was important to him. It showed that no matter what people thought that he was true to himself and tried to help people understand the universe.  

Written and Illustrated by Mike Valencia

Between the graphic picture and the real illustrations the book keeps your interest. The text is a little dry and without the illustrations I do not believe it would keep the interest of a child.  

Written by Matt Doeden

This book tells us just who Jeff Gordon is and also gives information about the Nascar race circut. Find out how young he was when he started racing.  

Written by Katie Frank

I like how in this book it tells about Miley and her journey to become the star the she is today. It tells how important her family is to her and how they support her. I also like that they say how Hannah Montana and Miley Cyryus are able to be good role models for young girls.

Nancy Jenkins, William Penn Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Miley Cyrus
Rosen Publishing Group
24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-40424-467-2
Release Date: September 2008
 

Written by Li Cunxin, Illustrated by Anne Spudvilas

A young boy from an impoverished family in China is chosen to become a student at the Beijing Dance Academy. After years of hard work he was able to travel to America. From there he danced all over the world.

Kathleen Okleberry, Woodrow Wilson Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Dancing to Freedom
Walker & Co.
40 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9777-3
Release Date: July 2008


 

Written by Ethan Edwards

A short informative book on the football player's life and his accomplishments. Nice format with highlighted words and glossary.

Review by Kim Liston, Woodstock Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades K-6

Meet Tom Brady
Rosen Publishing Group
32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-40424-492-4
Release Date: September 2008

 

Written by Susan Hughes, Illustrated by Willow Dawson

The people they chose to highlight were good choices. This was a much easier book than I like.  It is for lower level readers. I prefer more explanation on a person's trials, but this book just skims the highlights without any of the extras. Set up in a comic book format that helps keep the interest of the lower level readers.

Review by Erin Tanner, Cyprus High Social Studies Teacher and School Technology Specialist
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-7

No Girls Allowed: Tales of Daring Women Dressed as Men for Love, Freedom and Adventure
Kids Can Press
80 pages
ISBN: 978-1-55453-177-6
Release Date: September 2008


 

Written by Sean Stewart Price

Pictures and short chapters help this nonfiction book become a useful tool. The chapters follow Cixi's life chronologically. The question of what makes someone wicked is addressed in the book. Overall, it was interesting.

Review by Erin Tanner, Cyprus High School Social Studies Teacher and School Technology Specialist
Interest Level: Grades 4-9

Cixi: Evil Empress of China? (A Wicked History Series)
Scholastic
125 pages
ISBN: 978-0-531-18555-1
Release Date: September 2008


 

Written and Illustrated Mike Venezia

A brief biography of Marie Curie, that discusses her childhood, career as a governess, education, marriage, work with radium, and her achievement as the first women to earn a doctorate degree in France.  This is a great book on the life of Marie Curie, who was one of the first women scientists who truly made "glowing discoveries" in her lifetime.

I loved the black and white photos of Marie Curie from when she was a little girl until she had her own family of two little girls. In this series the author has also included his own colorful, humorous cartoon-like illustrations and simple text that will hold the interest of most readers.

This book would be an great resource to use with your class when doing a unit on scientists, their research work, and other contributions that they made to better the world.  Book is complete with a glossary, index and reinforced library binding.

Review by Bonnie Prime, Taylorsville Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Marie Curie: Scientist Who Made Glowing Discoveries
Scholastic Children's Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-531-14977-5
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Li Cunxin

This is the story of a young Chinese peasant boy, Li Cunxin, who is chosen to attend Madam Mao's dance academy. He spends part of his time learning dance and a good portion studying Mao's Little Red Book, thus becoming a staunch Communist and developing a great love for Mao and his teachings. His family, including his seven brothers, remain at home depending on him to succeed to help them rise above their starvation level poverty. Li is driven and advances slowly in the dance world. The book starts out quite slow, but I couldn't put it down for the last quarter of the book. Amazing things happen to Li during these pages!

Review by Fay Mason, Churchill Jr. High Library Media Teacher
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 6-12

Mao's Last Dancer
Walker and Company
288 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9779-7
Release Date: July 2008  

Written by Michael P. Spradlin, Illustrated by Ard Hoyt

This biography is based on a short portion written in Boone's autobiography, when he is captured by Shawnee Indians. They are furious because settlers have killed their chief. Boone somewhat befriends them and lives with with them for several months. He then escapes before they are able to carry out a plan to attack his fort. Much of this book seems like a Hollywood tale, including the illustrations, but it is based on a true story and will most likely get and keep students' attention with the adventure.

Review by Sandy Brigman, Robert Frost Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-5

Daniel Boone's Great Escape
Walker and Company
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9581-6
Release Date: July 2008
 

Written by Philip Brooks

This book is one volume in the series A Wicked History. The format is very appealing and visual with classical art, maps and charts. The text is compact and easy to read. This book will appeal to the most reluctant reader interested in warfare and battle. A good introduction to ancient civilizations. Includes an index, glossary and suggested books and web sites for more information.

Review by Carol Burmester, Evergreen Jr. High Library Media Specialist
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

Hannibal: Rome's Worst Nightmare (A Wicked History)
Scholastic
128 pages
ISBN: 978-0-531-18553-7
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Dennis Brindell Fradin, Illustrated by Larry Day

This book documents the historical feud between Andrew Hamilton and Aaron Burr in a picture book format. It begins by describing their similarly difficult childhoods and what brought them together. It describes the dishonest acts that existed in politics (similar to today) and what brought them to a duel. The results of the duel are explained and the fate of each man and their history. The illustrations are excellent and support the text. The story is clearly written, with the facts well presented. I highly recommend this book.

Sandy Brigman, Robert Frost Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 1-6

Duel! Burr and Hamilton's Deadly War of Words
Walker & Company
40 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9583-0
Release Date: June 2008
 

Written by Clive Gifford, Illustrated by David Cousens

The concept of this book caught my attention and interest. This book briefly describes the life and contributions of 10 leaders of the world during the 20th century. The leaders included are Mohandas Gandhi, Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaule, Franklin Roosevelt, Mao Zedong, Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Mikhail Gorbachev, Fidel Castro and Nelson Mandela. The links from one person to the next are informative. Each person is treated fairly, noting both strengths and weaknesses, but all seem to be recognized as heroes. I found this to be somewhat unsettling. The layout is confusing and some of the text needed to be reread to be understood. The illustrations are done in the graphic novel style which may appeal to some young readers, but seemed distracting to me. There are better books available that provide information on these world leaders.

Review by Carol Burmester, Evergreen Jr. High Library Media Specialist
Rating: ★★½✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

Ten 20th Century Leaders Who Changed the World
Kingfisher
64 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7534-6104-4
Release Date: October 2008
 

Written by Deborah Heiligman

This is the story of Charles Darwin's and Emma Wedgwood's marriage. The focus is on his life with Emma. As the title suggests, there was an underlying issue of religion during their marriage. The book begins with Darwin's return from five years aboard the HMS Beagle. This voyage lead to the writing of The Origin of Species. This story is well written and interesting as it develops the relationships and family of Charles Darwin.  Emma Wedgwood was Charles' first cousin. He had known her all his life, and yet he was worried about how his views on the mutation of species would effect Emma and possibly cause her harm. The book provides wonderful details about Charles' views and concerns about his beliefs and the impact they would have on people he loved. I very much enjoyed reading this book and found it informative and interesting. It offers wonderful insights into the thinking and perspectives of Victorian England. It is also important to note that it took Charles twenty years to publish The Origin of Species.

Curriculum Ties: This is a good biography about the life of Charles Darwin. It offers an important look at Victorian England. It is interesting to compare what was going on in England as the United States was becoming more and more divided over slavery.

Review by Robin Larsen, Matheson Jr. High Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Upper Middle School and High School
A 2009 National Book Award Finalist, Young People's Literature Category

Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith
Henry Holt
236 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8050-8721-5
Release Date: December 2008  

Written by Martin W. Sandler

Great Photos. I found many things in this book that i did not know about Lincoln and events surrounding his life. I think it has a great feel to it, the reading is very easy to understand, and it utilizes the photos to enhance your understanding of his life.

Review by Dean Bressler, Library Media Specialist, Brockbank Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: 978-0-8027-9666-0

Lincoln Through the Lens
Walker & Company
96 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9666-0
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Michael Rosen, Illustrated by Robert Ingpen

Well-written book about Dickens in a very accessible format. Great illustrations.

Review by Joy Brown, Language Arts Teacher, Granite Peaks Alternative High School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 6-12

Dickens: His Work and His World
Candlewick Press
95 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3888-7
Release Date: August 2008


 

Written by Jeanne M. Lesinksi

Bill Gates has been the leader of one of the most successful companies for nearly 30 years. This biography uses stories from USA today to highlight both his public and personal triumphs and challenges. It gives interesting insight into his childhood and how he discovered his interest in computers at such a young age. Beyond his business and technology savvy, Bill Gates and his wife Melinda have created a vast charitable foundation that gives billions of dollars to help support people all around the world by impacting health care, education and poverty issues.  Gates' legacy has been remarkable and it still continues today beyond the office walls of Microsoft.

Review by Lorraine Wyness, Library Media Specialist, Taylorsville High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Bill Gates: Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
Twenty First Century Books
112 pages
ISBN: 978-1-58013-570-2
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Ruth Gruener

This book is about a young Jewish child striving to survive the Holocaust. The girl gets put into hiding a couple of times. She is without her family and then loses some of her family. She is reunited with her family, but does have to move several times.
It is written front the child's point of view. It is written at a fourth grade level. It is a chapter book.

Review by Diane Scott, Western Hills Elementary
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Destined to Live: A True Story of a Child in the Holocaust
Scholastic
156 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-89204-9
Release Date: October 2008


 

Written by Sean Stewart Price

A small book that chronicles the life of Henry VIII painting him as a powerful but despotic ruler who brought England to power and glory while the people suffered much from his reign. The illustrations are black and white. The book includes a time line, glossary, and index.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Specialist, Churchill Jr. High
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 5+

Henry VIII: Royal Beheader (A Wicked History Series)
Scholastic Children's Press
127 pages
ISBN: 978-0-531-18550-6
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Pamela S. Turner

An awesome account of how a biologist has helped make the world aware of the endangerments to many animals world-wide.

Review by Dayanne Coombs, Library Secretary, Granite Peaks Alternative High School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 8-12

A Life in the Wild: George Schaller's Struggle to Save the Last Great Beasts
Farrar, Straus & Giroux
103 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-345-78-5
Release Date: October 2008
 

Written by Pamela Dell

An excellent book about the life and times of Egypt's first female pharaoh. This book has a time line with dates and colored pictures, a glossary of terms, index, and a list of online website resources.

Review by Dayanne Coombs, Library Secretary, Granite Peaks Alternative High School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 6-12

Hatshepsut: Egypt's First Female Pharaoh
Compass Point / Capstone Press
112 pages
ISBN: 978-07565-3835-4
Release Date: July 2008


 

Written by John DiConsiglio

This is the perfect biography for those reluctant readers. The cover and the format will entice readers and yet the book has enough information to complete any biography assignment. The black and white illustration and the large print make it an easy but interesting read. It includes a time line and a glossary.

Review by Cindy Moyle, Granite School District Library Specialist
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 8-12

Francisco Pizarro: Destroyer of the Inca Empire (A Wicked History Series)
Scholastic Children's Press
121 pages
ISBN: 978-0-531-18551-3
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Kathryn Lasky, Illustrated by Stan Fellows

This 2009 Beehive Nominee for Informational Books certainly lives up to its nomination. It begins with Muir's childhood in Scotland and spans his lifetime, ending with his involvement with Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Club. Breathtaking acrylic on paper illustrations complement Lasky's lovely writing style. Beautiful book, highly recommended. AR level 6.1, 1 point.

Review by Cathie Cox, Library Media Assistant, Plymouth Elementary
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

John Muir: America's First Environmentalist
Candlewick Press
42 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3884-9
Release Date: August 2008  

Written by Don Herweck

Simply written for some elementary students to read and understand, this book explains what Einstein did for the world of science and how it impacts our lives today.

Review by Judy Mitchell, Library Media Assistant, Calvin Smith Elementary School
Rating: ★★½✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Albert Einstein And His Theory of Relativity
Compass Point / Capstone Press
40 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7565-4072-2
Release Date: January 2009  

Written by Roald Dahl, Illustrated by Quentin Blake

This book brings a delightfully well-told story to the reader, describing many of Roald's experiences while he was growing up. It is interesting to learn of the differences in the way things were in the 1920s as compared to now (2009). It's also interesting how things were in another country. He has written many books, but this one gives more of an idea of his life.

Review by S. Hiskey, William Penn Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 5-6

Boy: Tales of Childhood
Puffin / Penguin
176 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-130305-5
Release Date: February 1999 (reprint)  

Written by Meish Goldish

Patience, practice, perseverance and good goal-setting make for a champion. Just ask Michael Phelps! Super book! 5 stars for Michael!

Review by Kathleen Okelberry, Library Media Assistant, Wilson Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

Michael Phelps: Anything is Possible!
Bearport Publishing
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-130305-5
Release Date: January 2009  

Written by Mary Englar

Do you know how old Queen Nefertiti was when she married King Amenhotep? Or who her famous son-in-law was? Or what attire wealthy young Egyptian girls wore? Students will learn the answers to these questions as well as many more interesting facts when they read this book, which is part of the Capstone Press Queens and Princesses series. The book is separated into five easy-to-digest chapters which generally deal with portions of the Queen's life. Included are lots of photos, illustrations, and interesting "side paragraphs" which have extra information of special interest. Even the colors the book is printed in are reminiscent of ancient Egypt. Includes a table of contents, a glossary, Internet sites, and a section with ideas for additional reading on the subject. Clearly written and "just long enough" for learning about an ancient queen and her period in history. Recommended! Answers to questions: Age 12, King Tut, and nothing ( ! ) except for on special occasions. . . .

Review by Cathie Cox, Library Media Assistant, Plymouth Elementary
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Nefertiti of Egypt
Capstone Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4296-2309-4
Release Date: January 2009  

Written by Elizabeth MacLeod, Illustrated by John Mantha

Part of the Kids Can Read series, level 3, read alone, this biography simply states the life of Marie Curie. Some of the information helps the reader to understand the struggles of women in the 1800s and the rights they did not have. Other information is not precise enough, although the three statements at the end of the book help somewhat. Each page is illustrated with supporting text. It is difficult to write an easy read biography and get all the pertinent facts. This is satisfactory.

Review by Sandy Brigman, Library Media Assistant, Robert Frost Elementary
Rating: ★★★½✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-4

Marie Curie
Kids Can Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-55453-296-4
Release Date: February 2009  

Written by Kathryn Lasky, Illustrated by Matthew Trueman

This book is centered around the travels of Darwin on a five year voyage to South America with Captain Robert Fitzroy. It begins with the young Darwin and his interests, which conflict with what his father wants for him. It describes the life, his discoveries, and his rocky relationships with Captain Fitzroy.  The illustrations alone are very entertaining and make it worth picking up this book. The above-average reading level of the text in this picture book lends it toward the upper elementary grades.

Review by Sandy Brigman, Library Media Assistant, Robert Frost Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

One Beetle Too Many
Candlewick Press
48 pages
ISBN: 9780763614362
Release Date: January 2009  

Written by Robin S. Doak

It's always difficult to find biographies or Civil War books that are appropriate for elementary students. They tend to be too long for their attention span or the reading level is too high. This book is great because it is long enough to give detailed information and the reading level is appropriate for elementary students. I also liked the double spacing used as the print format. Any "We the People" book, especially a "good" biography is appreciated at our school.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Confederate General: Stonewall Jackson
Compass Point / Capstone Press
48 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7565-4110-1
Release Date: January 2009  

Written by Lucia Raatma

I love the "We the People" series. I wish our budget allowed us to have all of them. The format is so easy to read, even slow readers can finish the book and feel a sense of accomplishment. Our 5th grade teachers were excited about the addition of this book to our library. There's enough information for "Biography" reports, as well as great factual information on the Revolutionary War. Students can gain an appreciation for the signers of the Declaration of Independence. If your library doesn't have this book, I'd advise you to purchase it.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

A Signer for Independence: John Hancock
Compass Point / Capstone Press
48 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7565-4122-4
Release Date: January 2009  

Written by Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by S.D. Schindler

If you've ever been to Texas, you'll like this book. John A. Lomax recorded many cowboy songs, but may have burned them after a Harvard professor told him they were "rubbish." This is a fascinating, short biography of someone who loved music and helped preserve its history. The pictures are a little washed out, but the book deserves a place in all libraries that can afford it.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Home on the Range: John A. Lomax and his Cowboy Songs
Putnam / Penguin
40 pages
ISBN: 978-0-399-23996-0
Release Date: January 2009  

Edited by Richard Stengel

A photographic story of Barak Obama's life, from where he was born (Hawaii), to Indonesia, to Chicago. Also has brief biographies of his parents and maternal grandparents.

Review by Althea Bennett, Library Media Specialist, Wasatch Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

President Obama: The Path to the White House (TIME)
TIME / Lerner Publishing Group
95 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7613-5034-7
Release Date: January 2009

 

Written by Rosemary Wells, Illustrated by P. J. Lynch

I didn't care for the washed out illustrations. (Okay, I know they are supposed to represent pictures or photographs from that time period, but they are still not appealing). The "Civil War Artist" book we have is better in this respect. Biographies are also very difficult to get students to read. They remain the hardest sell in our library. Giving an account of Lincoln's life through his son's eyes was an interesting perspective, though.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩
Interest Level: Grades 3+

Lincoln and His Boys
Candlewick Press
96 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3723-1
Release Date: January 2009
 

Written by Marlene Targ Brill

Gives background on our newest President -- his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia, education in public and private schools and universities and career.

Review by Kay Thomas, Library Media Assistant, Eastwood Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Barak Obama: Presidet for a New Era
Lerner Publishing Group
46 pages
ISBN: 978-1-57505-950-1
Release Date: May 2009  

Written by B. A. Roth

This book is - as the title indicates - about the major league baseball star Derek Jeter. It tells about his love for baseball, his determination, and the influence of his parents on his life. I think it's a great book to have for boys because it has not only the baseball interest, but Derek sets a good example of the importance of hard work - both on the baseball field and in life in general.

Review by Marsha Clark, Library Media Assistant, Granger Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades K-6

Derek Jeter: A Yankee Hero
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin
48 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45040-7
Release Date: March 2009  

Written by Tony O'Brien and Mike Sullivan

This book is a collection of children of their dreams and visions for the future. All the children in the book are from different parts of Afghanistan and have different economic backgrounds. Their stories are heart wrenching and full of hope. Thanks for a wonderful book.

Review by Susan Seegmiller, Library Media Assistant, Roosevelt Elementary School
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Afghan Dreams: Young Voices from Afghanistan
Bloomsbury
69 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-287-6
Release Date: September 2008

 

Written by Russell Martin and Lydia Nibley

The story of how a lock of Beethoven’s hair made it from the head of its deceased owner in 1827 to a laboratory in the 1990s and how it was analyzed to determine the general health of Beethoven (there were high amounts of lead). The story gives the background of the composer’s life and music as well as the story of the chemical analysis of the lock.

I did find the story vaguely interesting, but wonder why a junior high school student would be interested in it unless they were an avid fan of Beethoven. The book does have a smattering of black and white pictures and photos.

Review by Althea Bennett, Library Media Specialist, Wasatch Jr. High School
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

The Mysteries of Beethoven's Hair
Charlesbridge Publishing
120 pages
ISBN: 978-1-57091-714-1
Release Date: February 2009  

Written by Ann Arnold

German scientist Georg Steller set out across Siberia in the mid 1700s to Alaska. He met the indigenous people and identified many plants and animals of the region. The author tells Steller’s story by using his journal entries. There are numerous line sketches that are on nearly every page. This would be a particularly good book for 5th grade U.S. history students. Includes a bibliography and index.

Review by Althea Bennett, Library Media Specialist, Wasatch Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

Sea Cows, Shamans, and Scurvy: Alaska's First Naturalist, Georg Wilhelm Steller
Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
227 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-39947-4
Release Date: October 2008
 

Written by David Bergen Brophy

An interesting but somewhat incomplete biography of Michelle Obama.  While it gives the general outline of her accomplishments, it is somewhat short on interesting details.  A lot of the book is general background information about conditions and the universities she attended.  The book was a good first look at a very talented, intelligent person.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Specialist, Churchill Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-8

Michelle Obama: Meet the First Lady
HarperCollins
114 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-177990-9
Release Date: December 2008



 

Written by Roberta Edwards, Illustrated by True Kelley

I would recommend this book for all libraries. It it a very comprehensive and easy to read book. It is long enough for many of the biography reports that children are asked to write. It was very easy to understand and follow the life of George Washington. It gave just enough information, but not too much to lose the young reader.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 3-9

Who Was George Washington?
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin
104 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-44892-3
Release Date: January 2009


 

Written by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan

This book is about a huge art project: 7,503 panels of fabric hung in New York's Central Park. The story is told from concept to implementation. It goes into the story behind the artists' background and how they came to the place in their lives where they had the ingenuity and courage to create such a massive art project.  The story helps young people understand the public's connection with art and also what drives artists to create.

Review by Jean Hagen, Library Media Specialist, West Lake Jr. High
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5+

Christo and Jeanne Claude: Through the Gates and Beyond
Roaring Brook Press
50 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59643-071-6
Release Date: October 2008   

Written by Kathryn Lasky, Pictures by Ora Eitan

A picture book of a day in the desert for Georgia O'Keeffe in her later years. Touches on the artistic perspectives of how O'Keeffe thought and was inspired. This would be a great picture book to share with students as they study the artist and her methods.

Curriculum Ties: Meet the Masters

Review by Julie Johnsson, Librarian, Oakwood Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-6

Georgia Rises: A Day in the Life of Georgia O'Keefe
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
34 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-32529-9
Release Date: May 2009  

Written by Darlene R. Stille

Percy Lavon Julian's life wasn't always easy, yet he overcame great prejudice and obstacles to become one of the world's great chemists. This is a "Signature Lives" book, so it's not "easy" reading, but some of our students will nonetheless pick it up. Any students interested in science would do well to read it. Since we have a strong science program at our school, it will be a nice addition to our library. It's just the right length.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

Percy Lavon Julian: Pioneering Chemist
Compass Point Books / Capstone Press
112 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7565-4089-0
Release Date: Jan 2009
 

Written by Sarah Sawyer

Readers will enjoy learning about this popular musician's life in the Contemporary Musicians and Their Music series. Bright pages, full of photographs tell how Arvil Lavigne got her start and introduce the reader to her world.

Review by Karen Migacz, Librarian, Howard Driggs Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 6-12

Avril Lavigne
Rosen Publishing Group
48 pages
ISBN: 978-1-43585-128-3
Release Date: Sep 2008


 

Written by Stephanie Fitzgerald

We don't usually think of the part women played in the Civil War. Mary Walker went against all norms and was eventually awarded the Medal of Honor in the face of great prejudice as a surgeon. I didn't enjoy this "Signature" biography as much as others I've read. Mary was just too eccentric, but I have teachers that will love this book. Interesting students in it will be more difficult.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Librarian, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-7

Mary Walker: Civil War Surgeon and Feminist
Compass Point Books / Capstone Press
112 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7565-4083-8
Release Date: Jan 2009

 

Written by Kerry Madden

This is an interesting glimpse into the life of Harper Lee, who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird. The author states up front that it was not easy to obtain information on Harper Lee, because she was unwilling to share information about her life. However, Kerry Madden does an adequate job by citing letters, interviews that were available and by contacting as many people as possible who were associated with Harper Lee. She has obviously drawn heavily from her own experience in the South and people in her own life to create the Mockingbird story. Harper Lee loved to write, so it is interesting that this is the only book of hers that is really in the limelight. An interesting read, but leaves the reader wanting to know so much more.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Teacher, Churchill Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 6-9

Upclose: Harper Lee
Viking / Penguin Group
223 pages
ISBN: 978-0-670-01095-0
Release Date: Mar 2009
 

Written by Elly Gross

This is a personal story for Elly Berkovits Gross and her imprisonment in a concentration camp during World War II. As a young girl of 15, she, her brother, and mother were taken by cattle car to Auschwitz-II/Birkenau concentration camp. There she was separated from them and never saw them again. She tells of her imprisonment and her survival during this horrific time. The tale is told in short, cryptic chapters. Her father was also taken and killed by the Nazis previous to her internment. In addition, Elly was forced to work as a slave laborer for the Volkswagen factory. When later reparations were paid by Volkswagen, she donated all her share to charity. Her effort here is to keep the memory of the holocaust alive and make sure the story is told.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Teacher, Churchill Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Elementary and Secondary

Elly: My True Story of the Holocaust
Scholastic
125 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-07494-0
Release Date: Mar 2009
 

Written by Wilborn Hampton

This biography chronicles the life of George Herman "Babe" Ruth from his childhood to his fame as a baseball player and later years. The book tells of his difficult childhood; his mother was absent and his father was busy with his saloon. Babe was left on his own and eventually sent to a convent school to try to help straighten him out. It was there he learned to play baseball from Father Matthias, who also became the only person that could control him. The books tells of his years with the Orioles, the Yankees, his early marriage, his carousing and womanizing. Although he was often reproved for his behavior, most tolerated it because of the huge crowds that he drew to view games in which he played. He was a natural player, and could play any position. For the Orioles he was mostly a pitcher. They often played him at other positions so he could continue on the batting lineup. The records he made stood for many years, but the book leaves a sour taste of the lifestyle he chose to live.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Teacher, Churchill Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 6+

Up Close: Babe Ruth
Viking / Penguin Group
203 pages
ISBN: 978-0-670-06305-5
Release Date: Mar 2009  

Written by Whitney Stewart, Illustrated by Nancy Harrison

Summerizes the life of Walt Disney. Talks about animation and the advances he made in this area. Also talks about the whys and hows of creating Disneyland and Epcot Center.

Review by Elizabeth Walton, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Who Was Walt Disney?
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin Group
106 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45052-0
Release Date: Apr 2009


 

Written by James Haskins, Illustrated by Benny Andrews

Westly Wallace Law was a black man who grew up in the segregated south. The book briefly describes separate schools and drinking fountains, and how black people were treated while shopping.  At a young age Westly becomes involved with the NAACP and helps many black people register to vote. As an adult he didicated his life to promoting peaceful demonstations that led to the end of segragation in Savannah, Georgia. I thought this book contained good information and had nice illustrations.

Review by Jane Walton, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Delivering Justice: W. W. Law and the Fight for Civil Rights
Candlewick Press
30 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3880-1
Release Date: Sep 2008


 

Written by Kathleen Krull, Illustrated by Boris Kulikov

It takes a couple of pages to get into the story. It was great story about a scienist. I learned things I did not know.  It was neat to follow Marie as she was a child and thru her life. She had many accomplishments and disappointments. It would make a good social studies book and a biography book report.

Review by Diane Scott, Western Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Marie Curie (Giants of Science)
Puffin / Penguin Group
132 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241265-7
Release Date: Mar 19, 2009 (paperback)



 

Written by Douglas Wood, Illustrated by Jim Burke

True story of the author's struggle with learning to read and a special teacher who kept him after school to teach him.  Introduces ADHD symptoms (without saying that is the problem) and the author's note at the end gives further explanation. The book Douglas is reading is The Little Island, so as a read aloud, it might be fun to have that book available to show also. The book was well written and the illustrations were very good also. Mr. Wood also give kudos to teachers who are dedicated and patient in dealing with difficult learners. This book made me cry. I loved how Douglas compared his own experiences camping and fishing with The Little Island. I felt like I was witnessing this boy's frustrations and then getting excited about learning how to read.

Review by Terrie Bishop, Library Media Assistant, Academy Park Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-6

Miss Little's Gift
Candlewick Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-1686-1
Release Date: Aug 11, 2009


 

Written by Elizabeth MacLeod, Illustrated by John Mantha

A very good book about the famous escape artist Harry Houdini. This is a simple biography with wonderful illustrations. It contains a lot of information about his life, written so the beginner reader can understand it. This is from the Kids Can Read series.

Review by Debbie Singer, Library Media Assistant, Bacchus Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 1-4

Harry Houdini
Kids Can Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-55453-298-8
Release Date: Aug 1, 2009



 

Written by Terrell Harris Dougan

Caring for a disabled person can be quite challenging. The author tells about her childhood and adult experiences after it's discovered that her sister will never be able to do some things. There's some swearing, so the book is not appropriate for K-6, at least. The author is quite manipulative, but gets things done. Overall, a fairly positive book.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 10+

That Went Well
Hyperion
224 pages
ISBN: 978-1-40132-329-5
Release Date: Jan 6, 2009




 

Written by Roberta Edwards, Illustrated by John O'Brien

Gives readers a brief glimpse into Barack Obama's life, growing up to becoming this nation's first African American president. Readers will be surprised to learn that he had a pet ape as a child, was a talented basketball player in high school, and studied law (where he met his wife) as an adult before entering politics.

Review by Karen Migacz, Library Media Assistant, Howard R. Driggs Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Who Is Barack Obama?
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin Group
105 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45330-9
Release Date: Dec 24, 2009