Mesquite Independent School District

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Book Title: 1,000 Reasons Never To Kiss a Boy

Rating: Good
Author: Martha Freeman
Series:
Publisher: Holiday House
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 5-8

Book details the love life a sixteen year old Jane who is experiencing betrayl in a relationship or more accurately she caught her boyfriend kissing another girl from their work!. This betrayl causes her to come up with her list of reasons to never kiss a boy (she only gets to reason 43!). Jane searches with her friends for the perfect clothes and relationships and the perfect Jane. She realizes they do not exist. Jane finally wraps her life into more than her and gets involved in the flair and fun of float building for the towns annual parade. The parade turns out to be a fun adventure as does next school year and her next kiss.

Reviewed By: Krystal Laroux
Date of Review: 6-6-08

Book Title: 11 Planets : A New View of the Solar System

Rating: Excellent
Author: David Aguilar
Series:
Publisher: National Geographic
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 3-5
Reading Level: 3-5

This book is an excellent reference book about the planets. Each page tells a brief history of the planet and has beautiful photographs. The resource page has an activity for students or teachers to help them understand the size and distance of each planet. Plus, there are charts listing facts about each planet.

Reviewed By: Kyra Harwell
Date of Review: April 15, 2008

Book Title: A Child's Guide to Common Household Monsters

Rating: Excellent
Author: James Thach
Series:
Publisher: Front Street Press
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: k-1
Reading Level: k-1

An excellent book, with a twist, for young children. Though the book focuses on common household monsters (under the bed, in the closet, etc.), the monsters are not frightening to read about. The illustrations are wonderfully done, with soft colors and lines. It is a fun book to read as the orientation of the pages change for the reader throughout the book, and the final pages describe what the monsters fear.

Reviewed By: Marnie Cushing
Date of Review: September 4, 2007

Book Title: A Dog On His Own

Rating: Excellent
Author: Mary Auch
Series:
Publisher: Holiday House
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3-6

This delightful tale is tale from the point of view of K-10, a mixed breed dog that has been disappointed so many times by owners that he just wants to be on his own. After getting caught and taken to the animal shelter he makes quite unusual alliances with three other dogs in the facilities. This book is ideal for those children who have suffered from disappointments by the adults in their lives. It also could be used for the purposes of point out the dangers of being part of a gang.

Reviewed By: Mary Ann Shupe
Date of Review: 11-08-08

Book Title: A Hippo's Tale

Rating: Good
Author: Lena Landstrom
Series:
Publisher: Choose One …
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: k-2
Reading Level: k-2

This is a great book to use with students to explain how to make good from a bad scenario. All Mrs. Hippopotamus wants to do is take her evening bath in private and eat her yummy seaweed pudding. But when she goes to her private beach, there is a monkey doing his night fishing. So, she gets a great idea to build a bathhouse. Finally some privacy! The next night she made her yummy seaweed pudding and headed off to the beach to bathe while her pudding cooled. When she got to her bathhouse, all of the other hippos were playing and bathing on her beach and the baby hippos were using her bathhouse to jump off and land in the water. She headed home and then realized that the beach where all of the other hippos normally play was deserted. So she bathed in peace and quiet and decided that the next day she would build a diving board for the baby hippos at their beach so she could have her bathhouse and beach to herself.

Reviewed By: T. Solis
Date of Review: 12/5/07

Book Title: A Poet's Bird Garden

Rating: Average
Author: Laura Montenegro
Series:
Publisher: FSG
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: k-2
Reading Level: k-2

The illustrations are great in this book. Some of the names would be difficult for a student to read. This book is about a bird, Chirpie, that gets let out of his cage and he flies high up in a tree. Natalie, Chirpie's owner, runs to tell Monica that Chirpie is out. So Monica calls the poets. Five different poets show up at the garden to help get Chirpie out of the tree. Each poet has a unique method to try to get Chirpie out of the tree. But then Natalie suggests that something beautiful will get Chirpie down. So each poet does something different and beautiful to the garden. Then it is discovered that Claude, the cat, is in the garden. As soon as they get Claude out of the garden, all of the birds, including Chirpie come out of the trees and enjoy the beautiful garden.

Reviewed By: T.Solis
Date of Review: 12/5/07

Book Title: A Story with Pictures

Rating: Excellent
Author: Barbara Kannineg
Series:
Publisher: Holiday House
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 1-2
Reading Level: 1-2

A Story with Pictures is a humorous story that shows what happens when an author forgets to give her manuscript to the illustrator. The author finds herself in her own story and it is nothing like she imagined; it seems the author and illustrator are not quite on the same page (no pun intended). Using the characters that the illustrator has drawn, the author gains control once again by writing a new story, which she comes to realize is actually better than her original manuscript. This book could easily be used to teach parts of a story (i.e. character, problem & solution, setting, etc.), and is a great way to demonstrate how text and illustrations relate to one another.

Reviewed By: Anne Goodner
Date of Review: December 9, 2007

Book Title: A Strange Day

Rating: Average
Author: Iris van der Heide
Series:
Publisher: Boyd Mills Press
Copyright: 2006
Interest Level: k-3
Reading Level: k-3

This story is mainly told through the illustrations and while the pictures are expressive the text is weak. The main character, Jack, is disappointed to find out that he did not receive a letter informing him that he has won a drawing contest. The illustrations however depict that a gust of wind has blown the letter from the mailman’s hand, who ardently chases the letter through the village. As Jack sulks around the village he inadvertently acts as a hero by absent mindedly preventing a baby carriage from rolling into a pond, saving a dog from a bike crash, etc. He is oblivious to all the good deeds he has done. When Jack returns home he finds the letter inside the mailbox and is ecstatic to find out that he did indeed win the drawing contest. He also finds several villagers who have come to thank him (all the while Jack not having a clue as to what they are thankful for). This title would make an easy addition for anyone looking for a simple story.

Reviewed By: Anne Goodner
Date of Review: 11/30/07

Book Title: A Train Goes Clickety-Clack

Rating: Excellent
Author: Jonathan London
Series:
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: K-1
Reading Level: K-1

This book has short easy sentences and uses several sight words. It describes how trains can look different, sound different, and how trains are used for different things. Trains can be used to haul cattle or steel and they can carry people. There are a few different train parts mentioned and the different sounds those parts make. Overall it is a great book and the illustrations are wonderful!

Reviewed By: T. Solis
Date of Review: 12/5/07

Book Title: A Young Man's Dance

Rating: Excellent
Author: Laurie Knowlton
Series:
Publisher: Boyd Mills Press
Copyright: 2006
Interest Level: k-2
Reading Level: k-2

This book is wonderful! It is brilliantly illustrated! It is about a grandmother who has Alzheimer's disease. Her grandson does not understand why she does not want to make cookies anymore, dance, and why she does not remember who he is. Every Saturday his mom makes him go to the nursing home with her to visit his grandmother. He tries to get his grandmother to remember him. He bakes cookies, and tries to talk to her about dancing. His grandmother paints a beautiful picture and his mother asks what it is and the grandmother explains that it is people dancing. When in reality it is several swirling lines in different colors. At the end, when a band comes to the nursing home, the grandson pulls the grandmother's wheelchair and dances with her. This is a great book for explaining Alheimer's disease to kids.

Reviewed By: T. Solis
Date of Review: 12/6/07

Book Title: Adell and the Secret Well

Rating: Average
Author: Anders Hanson
Series: First Rhymes
Publisher: ABDO
Copyright: 2006
Interest Level: 1-2
Reading Level: 1-2

I found this book to be both too easy for my first graders, yet I would think too confusing for Pre-k to K students. It was all in rhyme, with no real story line at all. You start off thinking it is going to be a cute little story with characters, a setting, plot, and the works. However, the story kind of fizzles at the end, leaving the reader lost. And although rhyming is an important task when learning to read, this book goes a little over the top. I found it confusing. It did not flow easily, making it difficult to read in a rhythm. Although the illustrations were very colorful, I found the story to be lacking enough substance.

Reviewed By: Kathryn Ponder
Date of Review: May 16, 2008

Book Title: Afghanistan

Rating: Excellent
Author: Susan Whitfield
Series: Countries of the World
Publisher: National Geographic
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3-6

This book has a compact history of the country of Afghanistan beginning 7000 B.C. and going through 2004 A.D. The front end covers contain a world map showing the specific location of Afghanistan and the back end covers showing a time line. The book contains a Table of Contents, Foreword, Index, Bibliography and suggestions on how to complete a successful report of the country, with Web sites to visit. The author makes note of a February, 2008, article in National Geographic that would give additional information and lists three movies that show some of the everyday life of someone living in Afghanistan. There are five maps (Physical, Vegetation and Ecosystems, Historical, Population and Political) set up in portrait style rather than the traditional landscape format found in books. The photographs are colorful and depict a wide range of conditions found in that country.

Reviewed By: Mary Ann Shupe
Date of Review: 11-02-08

Book Title: African Critters

Rating: Excellent
Author: Robert Haas
Series:
Publisher: National Geographic
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3-6

If you can’t afford to go on your own personal African safari this is a nice way to go. The photographer and narrator of this book has made several trips to Africa just for this purpose. He does a photographic story for eight of the larger animals of Africa, only leaving out the giraffe. The book lends itself well to creating a food web. There is a Table of Contents, a Glossary and an Index with References. The author also includes a “Cast of Critters” that gives a short description of that particular animal.

Reviewed By: Mary Ann Shupe
Date of Review: 11-08-08

Book Title: Air & Sea Mysteries

Rating: Good
Author: Sue Hamilton
Series: Unsolved Mysteries
Publisher: ABDO
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 4-6
Reading Level: 4-6

Kids who love history will be drawn to the cover of this book. It has a black and white photo of a pilot. The photos throughout the book are wonderful. There are five mysteries in this book for kids to explore. Some of the stories are well known such as Amelia Earhart. Some are not as well known. The stories are long and detailed. For good elementary school readers and history enthusiasts this is great. The average student may get bogged down by all the details. The index and table of contents will help find specific information.

Reviewed By: Colleen Duke
Date of Review: 12-21-07

Book Title: Airman

Rating: Excellent
Author: Eoin Colfer
Series:
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 8-12
Reading Level: 8-12

From page one, Eoin Colfer’s book Airman, is an interesting read, but on page 111, it soars. Reminiscent of The Count of Monte Cristo, but not so melodramatic, Airman is a fast moving, exciting adventure of a tale. Young Connor Broekhart was born to fly, or to be specific, he was born flying. In a hot air balloon, above the Paris World Fair, his destiny as the Airman is sealed. As a boy, he lives a pleasant life, friend to a Princess and student of a gifted airman. Yet, it is only when he has apparently been abandoned by his friends and family and left to rot in a prison island, performing brutish and dangerous tasks that he sets on the path that will lead to his dream of building an air machine a reality. What kind of brilliance allows a young boy to escape his prison by air? The answer is found in Airman.

Reviewed By: Tamara Brown
Date of Review: 04/09/08

Book Title: Airplanes

Rating: Average
Author: Maria Hosley
Series: First Drawings
Publisher: ABDO
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 2-6
Reading Level: 2-4

This book is a step by step guide to drawing airplanes. The drawing concept of proportion is discussed and a method to determine correct proportions is introduced. The artist/reader is shown how to move from using basic shapes to creating a final outline and then adding details, keeping proportion in mind throughout the process. The book leaves room for creativity by discussing caricatures. However, the series is geared toward the lower primary grades, yet the readability and skills involved require a moderate level of skill. The book includes a table of contents, glossary and index.

Reviewed By: Anna Biggs
Date of Review: December 29, 2007

Book Title: Albert Einstein : A Biography

Rating: Good
Author: Milton Meltzer
Series:
Publisher: Holiday House
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 2-4
Reading Level: 2-4

This simple but interesting biography of Albert Einstein should prove useful for younger students. It can be read in one sitting which is helpful because of the main drawback of the book- there is no index. The text is illustrated with black and white photographs and captions. The book does have a Bibliography and Timeline. Einstein's achievements and contributions are explored in clearly written text.

Reviewed By: Donna Loftin
Date of Review: 2/18/08

Book Title: Alex Rodriguez

Rating: Excellent
Author: Marylou Kjelle
Series:
Publisher: Mitchell Lane
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 2-4
Reading Level: 2-4

Part of the Robbie Reader series aimed at younger readers, the design and layout of this book, as well as others in the series, should appeal to students. Complete with Table of Contents, Chronology, Glossary, To Find Out More, and an Index, this book provides an excellent source for beginning research. There are many high-interest titles in the series. Numerous beautiful photos cover the pages. Terms in bold print (with pronunciations given) appear in the glossary. This particular book documents the life of professional baseball player Alex Rodriguez. Readers will be entertained and inspired by Rodriguez’s rise to fame from humble beginnings. Highly recommended nonfiction for beginning readers.

Reviewed By: Terri Cowart
Date of Review: 9/13/2007

Book Title: Alfie the Apostrophe

Rating: Excellent
Author: Moira Donohue
Series:
Publisher: AW
Copyright: 2006
Interest Level: 1-2
Reading Level: 1-2

A "Punctuation Talent Show" is the vehicle for illustrating the uses of several punctuation marks. However, the emphasis is on Alfie the Apostrophe who is able to do magic (making letters disappear). The first page tells the origin of the apostrophe which is also reinforced in the story. Students will enjoy hearing the question marks tell jokes, the exclamation points performing cheers, etc. I would recommend this book as an addition to the sometimes mundane presentation of punctuation.

Reviewed By: Donna Loftin
Date of Review: 9/10/07

Book Title: All About Tide Pools

Rating: Good
Author: Monica Halpern
Series: National Geographic Science Chapters
Publisher: National Geographic
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 3-5
Reading Level: 3-5

Like other books in this series, this is a compact book that covers the basics and is to the point. Students are shown, with pictures and words, some of the living and nonliving things to expect to see in a tide pool. They are also given a list of safety tips to follow when exploring tide pools. The book contains a Table of Contents, a Glossary, and an Index. The book gives guidelines to create an A+ Report, and a page that gives a list of books and Web sites to visit for additional information.

Reviewed By: Mary Ann Shupe
Date of Review: 11-03-08

Book Title: An Amish Year

Rating: Good
Author: Richard Ammon
Series:
Publisher: Boyd Mills Press
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3-6

Non-fiction book told in story format. People usually know little about the Amish way of life. This book does an excellent job of explaining where the Amish came from and their way of life today. Illustrations match the story. Not a book most students will pick up but it would be an excellent book to pair with a fictional account of Amish life.

Reviewed By: Elizabeth Warrick
Date of Review: 6/3/08

Book Title: An Apple for Harriet Tubman

Rating: Excellent
Author: Glennette Turner
Series:
Publisher: AW
Copyright: 2006
Interest Level: 1-3
Reading Level: 1-3

This very short, simplistic overview of Harriet Tubman’s life is beautifully told and illustrated with gorgeous oil on canvas paintings. A great book to foster student interest in pre-Civil War times in the United States. Children will likely respond to the child who was whipped simply because she gave in to temptation when she sampled one of the delicious apples she was forced to pick and polish but never allowed to taste. Tubman’s life is very briefly outlined from childhood through adulthood. Highly recommended as a springboard for discussion or prelude to a more in-depth study of slavery and the underground railroad.

Reviewed By: Terri Cowart
Date of Review: 9/7/2007

Book Title: An Elk Dropped In

Rating: Average
Author: Andreas Steinhofel
Series:
Publisher: Front Street Press
Copyright: 2006
Interest Level: 1-3
Reading Level: 1-3

Although the publisher promotes this book as interest and reading level as 1-3, this book is better suited for an older age group. It is translated from German and set in Germany. While a family is celebrating Christmas, a lost elk falls through the roof. breaking the IKEA coffee table. As it turns out, it is a flying and talking elk (Mr. Moose) who made a wrong turn while on a trial run of Father Christmas' sleigh. The family decides to keep the elk while he recovers from a sprained leg and they hide him in the garage. He entertains the family with stories of his adventures. Eventually Father Christmas comes looking for the elk, but he gets arrested and locked in a psychiatric ward. The children and the elk have to rescue him and save Christmas. To show his thanks, Father Christmas allows Mr. Moose to go on the real Christmas Eve run. There is also a subplot of the divorced parents and the children's desire to have their parents back together. This story might be an interesting comparison with the Rudolph story. While not a picture book, the book does contain some simple color illustrations which enhance the humor of the book. Students will also enjoy a glimpse of the holiday celebration in another country.

Reviewed By: Donna Loftin
Date of Review: 2/18/08

Book Title: An Overview of World War I

Rating: Good
Author: Jim Whiting
Series: Monumental Milestones
Publisher: Mitchell Lane
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 7-12
Reading Level: 7-12

An Overview of World War I briefly explains how shifts in political power, nationalism, and advancements in technology helped to lay the ground work for a new war in Europe. This book describes issues such as the causes of World War I, warfare tactics and military leaders, both the isolation and the participation of the United States, the League of Nations, and the onset of World War II. There are useful “FYI” inserts between chapters that gives information about specific battles, leaders, and other events occurring during World War I. The book also includes captioned photographs, chapter notes, timelines, glossary, index, and suggestions for further reading.

Reviewed By: Anne Goodner
Date of Review: February 1, 2008

Book Title: Ancient Maya : Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of the Maya's Past

Rating: Excellent
Author: Nathaniel Harris
Series: National Geographic Investigates
Publisher: National Geographic
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3-6

This book covers a myriad of details and facts, many of them new. Using a Table of Contents, a map, a timeline, Glossary, Bibliography, Index, sources for other information and many colorful facts you may feel like you’ve been on location without the benefit of the mosquitoes and humidity. Ancient locations are mixed with the modern discoveries and theories. You even get to travel beneath the earth and under water for some discoveries. An interview with the archeologist is also included.

Reviewed By: Mary Ann Shupe
Date of Review: 11-05-08

Book Title: Ancient Pueblo : Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of America's Past

Rating: Excellent
Author: Anita Croy
Series: National Geographic Investigates
Publisher: National Geographic
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3-6

This book is divided into five chapters that cover the history from 200 A.D. to the present. With a time line and map to show different segments of time and locations you have the skeleton to start the construction of a puzzle. The author covers different theories from different groups of archeologists. The colorful pictures of pueblos and artifacts are sure to keep readers intrigued and wanting to learn more in the years to come. A Glossary, eases readers through unfamiliar terms and the Bibliography, Index and other information provided insure that anyone wishing to write a report has ample material to do so. The interview with one of the archaeologists is sure to be of interest to someone considering that profession.

Reviewed By: Mary Ann Shupe
Date of Review: 11-07-08

Book Title: Anglerfish

Rating: Good
Author: Deborah Coldiron
Series: Underwater World
Publisher: ABDO
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 2-4
Reading Level: 2-4

Table of contents,index, glossary, website and a list of fascinating facts included. Fast facts included for each chapter. Good pictures. Glossary words are in bold print in the text. Great book for fish lovers.

Reviewed By: Elizabeth Warrick
Date of Review: 6/2/08

Book Title: Angling to Zorbing : Sports from A to Z

Rating: Average
Author: Mary Salzmann
Series: Let's See A to Z
Publisher: ABDO
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 1-4
Reading Level: 1-4

My students found this book to be intersting, yet lacking at the same time. They learned about sports they had never heard of before, but there was not enough information about each sport to keep the attention of eager learners. After about the 4th new sport with little information, the students became bored with the book and tuned me out. I think this book only wets the taste buds of the reader but requires the students to research other texts to find the real answers they seek. The sentence structure and language is simple enough for the lower grades, the photographs are great, but it lacks the depth of most non fiction/informational texts.

Reviewed By: Kathryn Ponder
Date of Review: May 9, 2008

Book Title: Animal Friends

Rating: Excellent
Author: Michael Hague
Series:
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: K-2
Reading Level: K-2

This poetry book used simple descriptive language. It was a good introdution to poetry that rhymes. It also had a few poems that were short and did not rhyme. The topics were friendly to children, i.e. puppies, kittens, nature, etc. I would use this with my first graders and would even like to have a classroom copy.

Reviewed By: Kathryn Ponder
Date of Review: 5-30-08

Book Title: Animal Mischief

Rating: Average
Author: Rob Jackson
Series:
Publisher: Boyd Mills Press
Copyright: 2006
Interest Level: 1-3
Reading Level: 1-3

Book of animal poems that describe the characteristics of specific animals.Illustrations are amusing and fir the descriptions. A compliation of fun facts about some of the animals at theback of the book. Too bad not all of the animals are given that treatment.

Reviewed By: Elizabeth Warrick
Date of Review: 6/3/08

Book Title: Anne Frank

Rating: Good
Author: Joe Dunn
Series: Bio-Graphics
Publisher: ABDO
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 1-3
Reading Level: 1-3

Graphic novel about the life of Anne Frank. Table of contents, index, glossary,timeline websites, and further readings included. Factual information in a form students are drawn to and request.

Reviewed By: Elizabeth Warrick
Date of Review: 6/2/08

Book Title: Anthill Home Repair

Rating: Average
Author: Patricia Stockland
Series: Safari Friends - Milo & Eddie
Publisher: ABDO
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: K-2
Reading Level: K-2

Additional Purchase to go with ant or savanna unit. There are a few brief facts about the savanna at the end. A huge ant family is moving because their anthill is in disrepair. Elepant and Monkey offer to help them repair it. In some of the dialog, the triple repetition of words is annoying. The illustrations are humorous, but do not overcome the lackluster dialog, although the book does have some good vocabulary.

Reviewed By: Donna Loftin
Date of Review: 4/22/08

Book Title: Anthony and the Girls

Rating: Excellent
Author: Ole Konnecke
Series:
Publisher: FSG
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: K-1
Reading Level: K-1

This book is hilarious! It is about a little boy, Anthony, that is trying to get the attention of two girls that are playing in the sand box. Anthony tries everything! He brought over fancy toys, made a "house", and then when the house fell, he cried. When he cried, the girls noticed him and gave him a cookie. Then Anthony got to play with the girls in the sand box. At the end of the book another little boy, Luke, walked up! The author uses small sentences with a simple sentence structure. It is a great book for k-1.

Reviewed By: T. Solis
Date of Review: 12/6/07

Book Title: Any Way You Slice It

Rating: Good
Author: Nancy Krulik
Series: Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo
Publisher: ABDO
Copyright: 2003
Interest Level:
Reading Level:

This is another book in the series about a girl who magically transforms into someone else. Katie loves the pizza at Louie's Pizza Shop in the mall. However, a new place that opens in the mall proves to be too much competition for Louie's and Louie must close his restaurant due to a lack of customers. Katie is upset and offers to help Louie regain customers by helping him run a pizza-eating contest. The "magic wind" turns her into Louie, the chef, and Katie, who has never cooked without her Mom's help, is forced to find a way to help. The solution is a successful, "sweet" ending for all! Transitional readers will enjoy this book and the illustrations are reminiscent of current, comic book art.

Reviewed By: Anna Biggs
Date of Review: December 29, 2007

Book Title: Archie Quiet Please

Rating: Good
Author:
Series: The Archie Digest Library
Publisher: ABDO
Copyright: 2006
Interest Level: 4-6
Reading Level: 4-6

Archie and the gang return in this comic book turned graphic novel format. It is not actually a novel in the sense of one story. There are independent "stories". This is classic Archie portraying humorous scenes in the life of teenager Archie, for example: riding the bus to school,interacting with friends and school personnel, all with a safe, humorous touch. These stories are a flash to the past with no cell phones or I Pods mentioned. Only one scenario features a computer. Because the characters are high school students, many younger students may not relate to the scenarios, but the book would be popular for its graphic format.

Reviewed By: Donna Loftin
Date of Review: 9/12/07

Book Title: Are You Grumpy Santa?

Rating: Excellent
Author: Gregg Spiridellis
Series:
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: PK-1
Reading Level: PK-1

This is an excellent board book about what happens when Santa has a bad day. The sturdy construction will hold hold up to many readings, which will happen. The kids will laugh and giggle as Santa's bad day on gets worse. His clothes are shrunk, his tush gets sprained, and he breaks the chandelier. Of course, his day is made better by a sweet note and some cookies.

Reviewed By: Colleen Duke
Date of Review: 11/21/08

Book Title: Are You Ready to Play Outside?

Rating: Excellent
Author: Mo Willems
Series: An Elephant & Piggie Book
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: K-2
Reading Level: K-2

Mo Willems has done it again. He could even be using adults or students as his models for Elephant and Piggie. When rain spoils Piggie’s plans for playing outside Elephant comes up with a solution. It works, but when the rain stops Piggie reverts back to his upset and angry self, all because now the rain has stopped. Once again Elephant comes to the rescue and all is well. Counselors might even want to add this to their books to have on hand. Even older students and adults could take a hint from this delightful book.

Reviewed By: Mary Ann Shupe
Date of Review: 11-11-08

Book Title: Artemis Fowl : the Graphic Novel

Rating: Excellent
Author: Eoin Colfer
Series:
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 6-8
Reading Level: 6-8

This graphic novel has remained faithful to the original print version. Throughout the book you will find pages devoted to giving information about the main characters and their history. It is printed on high quality paper and students who are reluctant readers could possibly be drawn into reading the print version to make a comparison. It would make an interesting study for literacy circle groups to do a thinking map comparing the two different formats.

Reviewed By: Mary Ann Shupe
Date of Review: 11-20-08

Book Title: Artemis Fowl : The Time Paradox

Rating: Excellent
Author: Eoin Colfer
Series:
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 5-9
Reading Level: 5-9

This new adventure of Artemis and his fairy friends has enough twists and turns to qualify for a Gordion knot! You won’t find a dull moment anywhere and sometimes you’ll even wonder if you’re coming or going in time! Just when you think Eoin Colfer can’t come up with another twist he does. Artemis’ attempt to trick his younger self keeps all of the characters on their toes, wings, or any other means of travel that can be located. Visit the friends and enemies and of Artemis and keep your seat belt on until the end of this rollicking adventure.

Reviewed By: Mary Ann Shupe
Date of Review: 9-23-08

Book Title: Ashlee Simpson

Rating: Poor
Author: Marylou Kjelle
Series: A Blue Banner Biography
Publisher: Mitchell Lane
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 2-4
Reading Level: 2-4

"Ashlee Simpson", one of the Blue Banner Biography titles, provides a brief overview of the life of Jessica Simpson’s younger sister. Though this title has a copyright date of 2006, information is only current through 2005, rendering this book practically obsolete since its subject is a teenager. An attractive format that includes photos and extras such as a chronology, discography, filmography, and additional resources, does not make up for the whiney sounding, unprofessional style of the narrative text. Perhaps other titles in this series written by different authors overcome this problem, but this title is not recommended.

Reviewed By: T. Cowart
Date of Review: 2/23/2008

Book Title: Ashton Kutcher

Rating: Average
Author: Jennifer Torres
Series: A Blue Banner Biography
Publisher: Mitchell Lane
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 2-4
Reading Level: 2-4

This is a short biography of the actor, Aston Kutcher. It begins with his childhood by discussing his parents divorce and his twin brother's illness. It continues with his plans for the future and concludes with his current TV and movie endeavors. Much of his current personal life is omitted. A timeline, filmography, further readings, table of contents and index are included.

Reviewed By: Anna Biggs
Date of Review: January 17, 2008

Book Title: Atomic Ace and the Robot Rampage

Rating: Good
Author: Jeff Weigel
Series:
Publisher: AW
Copyright: 2006
Interest Level: 1-4
Reading Level: 1-4

In the same graphic novel format as Atomic Ace: He's Just My Dad, the young son is anxious to have his superpowers develop so he can save the world like his dad instead of going to school. However, he gets more adventure than he was prepared for when robots come after him at school one day and he realizes he can't save himself. A superhero does save him but the twist here makes a great surprise ending! Young comic book fans will especially enjoy this story and it's illustrations.

Reviewed By: Paula Reeve
Date of Review: September 4, 2007

Book Title: Attack of the Valley Girls

Rating: Good
Author: Greg Trine
Series: Melvin Beederman, Superhero
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 3-5
Reading Level: 3-5

This sixth episode of the Melvin Beederman series has the flying-impaired superhero and his civilian sidekick Candace battling the valley girls, who are out to kidnap the mayor's dog and take over the city. The mayor, however, has secrets of his own. Frequent references to events taking place in future episodes are an annoying ploy to sell more books, but kids probably won't notice. The series is filled with stereotypical villians and humor likely to appeal to the intended age group. Fans of Captain Underpants will be drawn to Melvin Beederman, which may be equally appealing to males and females due to the two main characters. Recommended.

Reviewed By: T. Cowart
Date of Review: 11/14/08

Book Title: Australia

Rating: Excellent
Author: Kate Turner
Series: Countries of the World
Publisher: National Geographic
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 4-6
Reading Level: 4-6

One of a series called Countries of the World, published by National Geographic, this book costs more than the average book price, but it is an excellent book if you are updating your countries collection. The layout is very attractive, which you would expect from National Geographic. The text is broken up in manageable chunks by bold headings, photographs, and "spotlight" boxes of interesting information. Even the endpapers of the book are useful. In the front there is a world map with the country highlighted. In the back, there is a timeline. Along with the usual table of contents and index, the book has other nonfiction features such as glossary, bibliography, "further information" (including websites), charts and maps. With a copyright date of 2007, the information is up-to-date. This book is highly recommended.

Reviewed By: Donna Loftin
Date of Review: 9/13/07

Book Title: Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?

Rating: Good
Author: Bill Martin
Series:
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: k-2
Reading Level: k-2

In classic Bill Martin, Jr. style, this book follows the predictive pattern of Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you see? and the others that followed. Eric Carle again provides great collage illustrations to the ten different types of North American wildlife in their habitats that the book mentions. Young readers will love having another book available that they can read all on their own.

Reviewed By: Paula Reeve
Date of Review: September 4, 2007

Book Title: Baby Day

Rating: Excellent
Author: Susan O'Keefe
Series:
Publisher: Boyd Mills Press
Copyright: 2006
Interest Level: k
Reading Level: k

This book is about different things babies do during the day. Most of the sentences are two words. "Baby ____" It is a great book for Pre-K and K. The illustrations are great-not too much, not too little. There are a few longer sentences, but it is not difficult.

Reviewed By: T. Solis
Date of Review: 12/6/07

Book Title: Barefoot : Poems for Naked Feet

Rating: Excellent
Author: Stefi Weisburd
Series:
Publisher: Boyd Mills Press
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 2-6
Reading Level: 2-6

This is an adorable book of poems all about feet. Kids will love reading about feet and shoes. Some of the poems rhyme, some are concrete, and some are loaded with great vocabulary. The illustrations are watercolor paintings that add to the whimsical nature of the book. This is a great addition to an elementary poetry collection.

Reviewed By: Colleen
Date of Review: 10-28-08

Book Title: Beauty and the Beaks: a Turkey's Cautionary Tale

Rating: Excellent
Author: Mary Auch
Series:
Publisher: Holiday House
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 1-2
Reading Level: 1-2

This “Cautionary Tale” will have the older children laughing. The figurative language is delightful. When the turkey discovers that not only is he a guest, but the main entree for that meal, his excitements is quickly “eggtinguished”! The graphics enhance this tale that the publishers recommend for first and second grades. Middle school girls will get catch on to the “beauty shop” setting. Lift your spirits and laugh along with this wonderful tale.

Reviewed By: Mary Ann Shupe
Date of Review: 8-28-08

Book Title: Beetle Mania

Rating: Excellent
Author: Anders Hanson
Series: Critter Chronicles
Publisher: ABDO
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 2-6
Reading Level: 2-4

This is one of a series of books for beginning readers from ABDO Press. It has a very interesting format which is very versatile in the classroom. Fact and Fiction passages are on facing pages. Facts are accompanied by photos and fiction passage are accompanied by color illustrations. This is great for comparing fact and fiction side by side. Other features include a glossary, a true or false quiz and a unique feature called Speed Read which is a text only version of both the fiction and nonfiction sections of the book, so that the student can practice fluency and comprehension.

Reviewed By: Donna Loftin
Date of Review: 2/15/08

Book Title: Being Teddy Roosevelt

Rating: Good
Author: Claudia Mills
Series:
Publisher: FSG
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 3-5
Reading Level: 3-5

Riley lives with his single mom after his dad walked out of their lives. Money is scarce, despite the two jobs his mother works. Riley struggles in school. When the teacher assigns biographies for the students to write and act out, concluding with a dreaded tea party, Riley reluctantly goes to the library to find books about Thomas Jefferson. Meanwhile, the school band director speaks to the fourth grade students about participating in the band. Riley is excited and wants more than anything to play the saxophone. He asks his mom, already knowing she'll say his grades aren't good enough and they don't have the money. Sure enough, she responds exactly as expected. Things begin to change though, as Riley learns about strength of character and inventive problem solving - two traits possessed by Thomas Jefferson . Upbeat, encouraging story for any student who has ever struggled in school. Good read aloud for lower grades.

Reviewed By: T. Cowart
Date of Review: 6/27/08

Book Title: Benjamin Franklin

Rating: Good
Author: Jim Whiting
Series: The Life and Times of
Publisher: Mitchell Lane
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 6-8
Reading Level: 6-8

This is a nice overview of the life and accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin. Whiting includes information about Franklin's early life, information often needed for research reports. Each chapter is coupled with an "FYI" article relating to the chapter. For example, the third chapter is called "becoming famous" and the FYI gives a brief explanation about the history of electricity. A glossary and index are included.

Reviewed By: Mary Kirkpatrick
Date of Review: November 7, 2007

Book Title: Betty and Veronica : Color Blind

Rating: Average
Author:
Series: the Archie Digest Library
Publisher: ABDO
Copyright: 2006
Interest Level: 4-6
Reading Level: 4-6

This is a selection from the Archie Digest Library. It is a collection of 10-15 "shorts" of the adventures of Betty and Veronica is graphic format. Younger students may not grasp some of humor, but there is nothing objectional here.

Reviewed By: Donna Loftin
Date of Review: 1-14-08

Book Title: Big City Song

Rating: Good
Author: Debora Pearson
Series:
Publisher: Holiday House
Copyright: 2006
Interest Level: K-2
Reading Level: K-2

The illustrations in this book look like finger painting on canvas. This book would be a good resource for rhyming words. It is a fun book and the words are all over the place! The book describes the different things that go on in the city throughout the day. It describes all of the noises, jobs, and people in the city.

Reviewed By: T. Solis
Date of Review: 4/4/08

Book Title: Big Plans

Rating: Good
Author: Bob Shea
Series:
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 1-3
Reading Level: 1-3

This circular text features a little boy who is sent to the corner of the classroom for a timeout. While he sits he begins to think about his “big plans.” At first his ideas are somewhat simple (i.e. getting dressed up and marching to the highest hill in town), but then as the story unfolds his plans grow bigger and bigger (i.e. becoming president of the USA and traveling to the moon). Children will probably enjoy this book more for the illustrations, which of course have a nice blend of mixed-media (illustrator Lane Smith does not disappoint). Still Big Plans could easily be used to reiterate the idea of dreaming big.

Reviewed By: Anne Goodner
Date of Review: May 1, 2008

Book Title: Birmingham, 1963

Rating: Good
Author: Carole Weatherford
Series:
Publisher: Boyd Mills Press
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 4-7
Reading Level: 4-7

This book is told from the voice of a ten year old girl. The narrator is a fictional character, but tells about the actual events that occurred during one day in Birmingham. It is a good book for teaching how to look at a snapshot in time, through a personal narrative. My 4th graders loved this book, and it prompted many questions and discussions about the time period and the incidents surrounding the era.

Reviewed By: Laura Storms
Date of Review: 12-5-07

Book Title: Blackbeard

Rating: Good
Author: Sue Hamilton
Series: Pirates
Publisher: ABDO
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 4-6
Reading Level: 4-6

Students, especially boys, should be interested in this well-researched biography of a real pirate. They will also be fascinated by the colorful illustrations. The books has a Table of Contents, Index, Glossary. Attribution is given for the photos and illustrations. Unfortunately, however, there is no Works Cited, or suggestions for further reading which I find to be a weakness. It does not set a very good example for students in that regard. However, students who pick it up for pleasure reading will probably not notice, and it will certainly entertain them.

Reviewed By: Donna Loftin
Date of Review: 4/4/08

Book Title: Boo and Baa Have Company

Rating: Average
Author: Lena Landstrom
Series:
Publisher: FSG
Copyright: 2006
Interest Level: K-2
Reading Level: K-2

Boo and Baa are a couple of sheep who decide to rake leaves one Auatumn day.They discover a cat up in a tree and believe it to be stranded. The then embark on ways to get it down. Of course the cat has known all along how to get down. Illustrations are cute but the story is definiltey not a first choice purchase.

Reviewed By: Elizabeth Warrick
Date of Review: 6/3/08

Book Title: Booth's Daughter

Rating: Average
Author: Raymond Wemmlinger
Series:
Publisher: Boyd Mills Press
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 9-12
Reading Level: 9-12

Edwina Booth's struggles are a result of her infamous uncle, John Wilkes Booth, assasinator of President Lincoln, her famous father, Edwin Booth, a widely respected actor, an unhealthy stepmother, and a suicidial fiancee. This book of historical fiction is a quick and easy read with a satifsying end.

Reviewed By: Jakki Nelson
Date of Review: 12-6-07

Book Title: Bossy Bear

Rating: Good
Author: David Horvath
Series:
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: K-1
Reading Level: K-1

This book is very colorful and the illustrations get right to the point. Bossy Bear is very bossy and he tries to tell everyone what to do and tries to take things away from other people. Until he realizes that he is all alone and no one wants to be around him if he is so bossy. Then he takes a balloon away from turtle and turtle tells him that he doesn't have to be so bossy. Bossy Bear buys turtle a crown so they can match and then turtle tells Bossy Bear what to do.

Reviewed By: K.Harwell
Date of Review: 3/13/08

Book Title: Break a Sea Leg, Shrimp-Breath!

Rating: Good
Author: Nadia Higgins
Series: Barnacle Barb & Her Pirate Crew
Publisher: ABDO
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 1-2
Reading Level: 1-2

It was a great pirate story with an interesting twist. But I felt the ending was lacking. There were a few parts that I felt young students would have a difficult time understanding. But it was fun to read.

Reviewed By: Kathryn Ponder
Date of Review: June 5, 2008

Book Title: Brittany Murphy

Rating: Average
Author: Marylou Kjelle
Series:
Publisher: Mitchell Lane
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 2-4
Reading Level: 2-4

Although I'm not sure if students will be very familiar with this TV/Movie star by her name, most respond to anything in pop culture. such as singers, entertainers and movie stars. This book is a "Robbie Reader" from Mitchell Lane and follows the patten of short chapters highlighting Ms. Murphy's life and career. She is presented as a positive role model exemplifying hard work, perseverance and compassion. The book contains numerous photographs, a "Filmography, an index and a timelines as well as "Works Consulted". Bonuses include a glossary, websites and bibliography of magazine articles. The weakness of this book may be in her name recognition and staying quality of her career. But as I said students will probably like it since it is about a "star".

Reviewed By: Donna Loftin
Date of Review: 3/28/08

Book Title: Bronte's Book Club

Rating: Excellent
Author: Kristiana Gregory
Series:
Publisher: Holiday House
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3-6

Bronte named after the author Charlotte Bronte decides to start a book club in her new town on the seaside. Four other girls with different personalities and their own sets of problems join her. Appropriately for the setting, Bronte chooses Island of the Blue Dolphins for their first book. However, it is hard to keep the discussions on topic. After a near drowning and secrets are revealed, the girls forge a strong bond of friendship. Students might be inspired to participate in a book club and enough information is given about Island of the Blue Dolphin to motivate students to read it. This book is also great for vocabulary development as the main character loves words and always is looking for new and unusual words.

Reviewed By: Donna Loftin
Date of Review: 4/8/08

Book Title: Bugs

Rating: Excellent
Author: David Harrison
Series:
Publisher: Boyd Mills Press
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: k-2
Reading Level: k-2

This book is full of poems. The illustrations are minimal and all black and white. The poems are about bugs, worms, insects and some are real and some are made up creepy things! It is a good book for rhyming words and different kinds of poems.

Reviewed By: T. Solis
Date of Review: 4/7/08

Book Title: Buried Alive : A Mystery in Denali National Park

Rating: Excellent
Author: Gloria Skurzynski
Series: Mysteries In Our National Parks
Publisher: National Geographic
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: 4-6
Reading Level: 4-6

Like others in this series of books you get an opportunity to visit a National Park; this time it is Denali National Park in Alaska, the home of Mr. McKinley. As usual the family goes alone as their veterinarian mother is called in to solve the mysterious deaths of wolverines. This story allows readers to learn about survival during an avalanche, building a snow cave for survival, and the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Throw in the trials and problems of being a foster child, or adding a foster child to a brother and sister relationship, and you have an intriguing book from many aspects. Covering facets of science and social studies creates a worthwhile read.

Reviewed By: Mary Ann Shupe
Date of Review: 10-26-08

Book Title: Buster Goes to Cowboy Camp

Rating: Excellent
Author: Denise Fleming
Series:
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: K-2
Reading Level: K-2

Denise Fleming's illustrations are always an outstanding feature of her books. They bold and vivid and created with unusual methods. In this book, Buster, reluctantly goes to Sagebrush Kennels for Cowboy Camp while his owners are away. It is obvious that the main characters of the books are the animals; the human faces are never shown, only their shoes for which they are named by Buster, Brown Shoes, Pink Slippers, Red boots. The story then describes Buster's experiences at camp, ending with the realization that he is looking forward to the next day.

Reviewed By: Donna Loftin
Date of Review: 4/9/08

Book Title: Calendar

Rating: Excellent
Author: Myra Livingston
Series:
Publisher: Holiday House
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: K-1
Reading Level: K-1

The text of this book was orginally in a compendium of poems by Myra Cohn Livingston. It has been paired with wonderful illustrations by will Hillenbrand and reissued as a stand-alone book. The text is very simple as the book progresses through the months of the year with outstanding, full spread illustrations. This book would supplement a study of the months, the changing seasons, etc. It is also good for inference and vocabulary.

Reviewed By: Donna Loftin
Date of Review: 9/19/2007

Book Title: Camp SpongeBob

Rating: Average
Author: Molly Reisner
Series: SpongeBob SquarePants : Ready-to-Read. Level 2; #5
Publisher: ABDO
Copyright: 2008
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: K-3

Spongebob and Sandy recruit friends to open a camp for the children of Bikini Bottom. Each person practices to teach what he knows best, but Spongebob is so excited he becomes bossy and drives the others to exhaustion. Due to extensive camp preparations, they forget to advertise for campers, so Spongebob is made a camper while his friends work the camp. The ending fails to adequately deliver much of a solution to the bossiness problem, but Spongebob fans won't mind. Recommended for libraries with Spongebob followers.

Reviewed By: T. Cowart
Date of Review: 11/14/08

Book Title: Castles

Rating: Good
Author: J. Patrick Lewis
Series:
Publisher: Boyd Mills Press
Copyright: 2006
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3-6

This book does a wonderful job of showing how different castles from different parts of the world can be. I am sure that most kids to not think of Japn when they think of castles. The illustrations are magnificent. The poetry is beautiful but the vocabulary is a little higher level than I would have expected. I could see using this for a history lesson.

Reviewed By: Colleen Duke
Date of Review: 12-21-07

Book Title: Castles and Dungeons

Rating: Good
Author: John Hamilton
Series: Fantasy and Folklore
Publisher: ABDO
Copyright: 2006
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 5-8

Castles and Dungeons is an attractive book divided into eight sections, including a glossary and an index. Stunning illustrations and photographs are interspersed with informative text, which, though moderate in length, is enough to help younger researchers with their projects. The entire book is only 32 pages, but the print is small and vocabulary is upper elementary/middle school. Recommended for libraries needing this specific type of information.

Reviewed By: T. Cowart
Date of Review: 6/27/08

Book Title: Cat Power!

Rating: Excellent
Author: Daniel Kirk
Series:
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 1-3
Reading Level: 1-3

A book of poems written from the cat's point of view by Daniel Kirk, this is a great book for voice, vocabulary, character development and figuarative language. Readers will surely have a better understanding of cats, and cat lovers will adore the iluustrations that truly capture the many moods of their feline companions. The books is accompanied by a CD of the poems set to music, however; mine was scratched so I was not able to listen to it.

Reviewed By: Donna Loftin
Date of Review: 2/25/08

Book Title: Cave of the Dark Wind

Rating: Good
Author: Dave Barry
Series: A Never Land Book
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3-6

Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have collaborated to write a series of books called Never Land which tell of the further adventures of Peter Pan, the Lost Boys and their nemesis Captain Hook. The chapters are short and great for class read aloud. The pen and pencil illustrations enhance the reading. This particular episode includes "blind luck" treasure, a forbidding cave, and an escape adventure. For students looking for fantasy, this book would be a welcom addition.

Reviewed By: Donna Loftin
Date of Review: 3/31/08

Book Title: Celebrate Christmas With Carols, Presents, and Peace

Rating: Excellent
Author: Deborah Heiligman
Series: Holidays Around the World
Publisher: National Geographic
Copyright: 2007
Interest Level: 1-4
Reading Level: 2-4

National Geographic has a series titled Holidays Around the World geared for children in grades 1-4. Some titles include Celebrate Valentine’s Day, Celebrate Independence Day, Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Celebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur, and Celebrate Christmas. Bright color photographs depict various people from around the world celebrating Christmas. Clear, simple text (written in first person) provides information about the history of the holiday, celebrated traditions, how customs vary in parts of the world, and the significance of the holiday itself. Each book contains a fact sheet, glossary, game/activity, recipes, map, and suggestions for further readings.