For Younger
Readers:
Carle, Eric. "Slowly,
Slowly, Slowly," said the Sloth.
A gentle message about accepting yourself is conveyed in this
story of a sloth whose placid ways appear lazy to other rain forest
animals. Paper collage in luminous jewel tones brings the lush
jungle vibrantly to life. ( j Carle)
Dillon, Leo and Dillon, Diane.
Rap
a Tap Tap: Here's Bojangles - Think of That!
A spritely text punctuated by an exuberant refrain provides a
glimpse into the life of Mr. Bojangles Robinson. Lively paintings
convey a strong sense of movement and rhythm as he dances across
the pages. A 2003 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book (
j Dillon)
Dunrea, Olivier. Gossie
& Gertie.
Short sentences combine with delightful, crisp illustrations to
tell the sweet and funny story of the friendship between two goslings. (
j Dunrea)
Fleming, Candace. Muncha!
Muncha! Muncha! Illustrated by G. Brian Karas.
Three mischievous bunnies outsmart Mr. McGreely and nibble the
yummy veggies from his garden, no matter how he barricades it.
Repetitive refrains and child-appealing illustrations make this
a rollicking good read and read-aloud. ( j Fleming)
Fleming, Denise. Alphabet
Under Construction.
From airbrushing the A to zipping the Z, a playful mouse literally
constructs the alphabet. Each bold letter fills the page in this
imaginative and clever picture book.
Gerstein, Mordicai. What
Charlie Heard.
Composer Charles Ives took everyday sounds and made a new kind
of music. This picture biography entices the reader to tap, drum,
whistle, and toot right along. (j780.92 Gerstein)
Johansen, Hanna. Henrietta
and the Golden Eggs.
An innovative book design captures the heart of this allegorical
tale of a persistent and clever hen that pursues dreams leading
to better conditions for the 3,333 chickens on a poultry farm.
A 2003 Batchelder Honor Book ( j Johansen)
Lowry, Lois. Gooney
Bird Greene. Illustrated by Middy Thomas.
Exuberant second grader Gooney Bird Greene bursts into her classroom
and immediately demands attention as she shares her seemingly
unbelievable stories. This multi-layered book will encourage the
storyteller in everyone. (Juv Fic Lowry)
McCarty, Peter. Hondo
& Fabian.
A beach outing for the dog and a full day at home for the cat
are skillfully interwoven in this quiet tale of friendship. Spare
text describes the day's events while soft, glowing illustrations
tell the real story of parallel activities with subtle humor.
McCarty's design choices from font and page layout to size and
inviting cover art show great attention to detail in this masterfully
executed picture book. When the day ends, we see 'Hondo and Fabian,'
full and fat in their favorite places once again. A 2003 Caldecott
Honor Book ( j McCarty)
McMullan, Kate. I
Stink! Illustrated by Jim McMullan.
A guzzling garbage truck with plenty of personality converses
with readers as he makes his nightly rounds. Bold, bright illustrations
and onomatopoetic text combine to create one of the most endearing
machines since Mike Mulligan's steam shovel. ( j McMullan)
Mills, Claudia. 7
X 9 = Trouble! Illustrated by G. Brian Karas.
Third grader Wilson Williams struggles to learn his multiplication
tables, stay ahead of his math whiz kindergarten brother, and
convince his parents that he needs a pet. Comical illustrations
complete this gentle and funny package. (Juv Fic Mills)
Paye, Won-Ldy and Lippert, Margaret
H. Head,
Body, Legs: A Story from Liberia. Illustrated by Julie Paschkis.
All the parts of the body learn to work together in an hilarious
creation story from the Dan people of Africa. Bold gouache art
work adds to the fun. ( j Paye)
Rohmann, Eric. My
Friend Rabbit.
Mouse shares his brand-new toy airplane with his friend Rabbit,
and no-one can predict the disastrous - but hilarious - results.
When the airplane lands in a tree, the chaos only builds as Rabbit
drags, pushes and carries the whole neighborhood, including Elephant,
Hippo and Crocodile, to the rescue. It's a lighthearted celebration
of a friendship that will last - even if whatever Rabbit does
and wherever he goes, trouble follows. The 2003 Caldecott Medal
Book ( j )
Shannon, David. Duck
on a Bike.
Dramatic perspectives, expressive illustrations, and an appealingly
predictable text chronicle Duck's precarious barnyard ride. Shannon
expertly renders the horse's hauteur, the cat's aloofness, and
the chicken's panic as Duck inspires others to follow suit. (
j Shannon)
Sis, Peter. Madlenka's
Dog.
Madlenka's walk around the block with her newly imagined dog is
richly detailed through Sis' cross-hatched ink drawing, bird's-eye
perspectives, and color-coded index. A visual feast and a not-so-typical
child-gets-a-dog story. ( j Sis)
Thomas, Shelley Moore. Get
Well, Good Knight. Illustrated by Jennifer Plecas.
"Fear not," the good knight has returned to care for
three sick dragons in this appealing easy reader. Repeated phrases
and words that mimic the action ("chat-chat-chattering")
make it an excellent choice for reading aloud. (E Thomas)
Wilson, Karma. Bear
Snores On. Illustrated by Jane Chapman.
With rollicking rhythm and a memorable refrain, this cozy story
features a bear who slumbers as a number of forest animals use
his lair for an impromptu party. ( j Wilson)
Winter, Jonah. Frida.
Illustrated by Ana Juan.
This intimate look at a woman who overcame suffering to become
a gifted artist combines a simple yet powerful text with rich
paintings that echo the folk art of Mexico. (j759.972 Winter)
For Middle
Readers:
Andrews-Goebel, Nancy.
The
Pot that Juan Built. Illustrated by David Diaz.
Noted Mexican potter Juan Quezada's work is highlighted in this
inventive book that fairly glows with desert colors. A cumulative,
rhyming story for younger readers is paired with informative prose
further detailing Quezada's technique. (j738.092 Andrews-Goebel)
Bauer, Joan. Stand
Tall.
Standing 6'3", Tree is the tallest seventh grader in the
history of his middle school. His story of struggle and triumph
in the face of family changes, school pressures, and natural disaster
is told with humor and compassion. (YA Fic Bauer)
Blake, Robert J. Togo.
The compelling story of Togo, the lead dog in the harrowing 1925
diptheria serum run is told in fast-paced text and broad painterly
illustrations that capture the snowy desolation of their desperate
race. ( j Blake)
Creech, Sharon. Ruby
Holler.
The so-called "trouble twins" eventually find home in
this funny, modern tall tale. Elements of mystery pervade this
story distinguished by exceptional use of language, extraordinary
recipes like "beat the blues" broccoli, and poignant
longing for acceptance. (Juv Fic Creech)
Delano, Marfe Ferguson. Inventing
the Future: A Photobiography of Thomas Alva Edison.
This biography of the inventor of the light bulb, the phonograph,
and the motion picture emphasizes his devotion to hard work and
his belief that "genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine
percent perspiration." Handsomely designed and including
many historic photographs. (j921 Ed487de)
Denslow, Sharon Phillips. Georgie
Lee. Illustrated by Lynne Rae Perkins.
In this pleasing early chapter book, nine-year-old J.D. shares
a birthday and a surprisingly unquiet summer on the farm with
his grandmother, her intelligent cow Georgie Lee, and Boots the
cat. (Juv Fic Denslow)
Ferris, Jean. Once
Upon a Marigold.
Full of bad jokes, endearing characters, and wacky hardships,
this original fairytale with modern sensibilities chronicles Chris'
madcap adventures as he sets off to meet the girl next door (who
just happens to be a princess). (Juv Fic SF Ferris)
Fine, Anne. UP ON CLOUD NINE
While his best buddy Stolly lies comatose in the hospital following
a near fatal fall, Ian recalls some of their best and worst times
together as he writes a biography of his eccentric best friend.
Fradin, Dennis Brindell. The
Signers: The 56 Stories Behind the Declaration of Independence.
Illustrated by Michael McCurdy.
Profiles of the signers of the document that established a new
country are presented in short, readable and carefully illustrated
essays organized by colony. Black and white scratchboard illustrations
complete the portrait and help place each individual in an historical
context. (j920 Fradin)
Freedman, Russell. Confucius:
The Golden Rule. Illustrated by Frederic Clement.
Confucius comes alive to readers through Freedman's meticulously
researched and readable biography. Clement's Chinese-style, old-looking
paintings, as well as the end notes and supporting materials,
bring to life this philosopher who lived more than 2500 years
ago. (j299.512 Freedman)
Funke, Cornelia. The
Thief Lord.
Two orphaned brothers, Prosper, 12, and Bo, 5, come to Venice
on the run from relatives who intend to separate them. A band
of street kids, a mysterious Thief Lord, a nosy detective, and
a magical carousel are all part of an enchanting story that combines
mystery, adventure, and fantasy. The 2003 Mildred L. Batchelder
Medal Book (Juv Fic Funke)
Gaiman, Neil. Coraline.
Illustrated by Dave McKean.
In a chilling tale, rich in atmosphere, Coraline must use her
wits to rescue her family and several lost children from the evil
force that exists on the other side of the door. (Juv Fic
M Gaiman)
Giff, Patricia Reilly. Pictures
of Hollis Woods.
12-year-old Hollis Woods unfolds her story of foster care and
a search for family in images from her sketchbook, which reveal
both her memories and her artistic soul. Strong visual imagery,
multi-layered structure, and memorable characters create an emotionally
satisfying story. A 2003 Newbery Honor Book (Juv Fic Giff)
Grimes, Nikki. Talkin'
about Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman. Illustrated
by E.B. Lewis.
The story of the early African-American aviator is revealed in
snapshots, free verse poetry, and luminous watercolors that create
a memorable family album by the people in and around her life.
The 2003 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Book and a 2003
Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book (j921 C677g)
Ibbotson, Eva. Journey
to the River Sea. Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes.
Maia's life suddenly experiences twists and turns just like the
Amazon River as she travels from her post-Victorian private school
to meet her relatives in Brazil. Surprises, adventures, tribulations
and new friendships ensue as she realizes her dreams. (Juv
Fic Ibbotson)
Mak, Kam. My
Chinatown: One Year in Poems.
From one winter to the next, a boy from Hong Kong gradually adjusts
to his new life in New York City's Chinatown. Realistic paintings
combined with free verse poems evoke universal feelings in a specific
locale. ( j Mak)
Martin, Ann. A
Corner of the Universe.
With the surprising arrival of a mentally-disabled uncle, 12-year-old
Hattie Owen's world is turned upside down. Ann Martin used her
own childhood memories to create a 1960's small town setting,
perfectly suited to this poignant story. A 2003 Newbery Honor
Book (Juv Fic Martin)
McKay, Hilary. Saffy's
Angel.
The search for a mysterious angel sends the members of an eccentric
British household on a riotous adventure in this poignant tale
of self-discovery. (Juv Fic McKay)
Old, Wendie. To
Fly: The Story of the Wright Brothers. Illustrated by Robert
Andrew Parker.
Each of fifteen warm and easy chapters is illustrated by at least
one full-page watercolor painting that recreates the early twentieth
century and the first airplane flight. (j921 W9937o)
Pinkney, Andrea Davis. Ella
Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa. Illustrated. by
Brian Pinkney.
Illustrations and language swirl and dance to create a rhythmic
portrait of a jazz great. (j784.092 Pinkney)
Rubin, Susan Goldman. DEGAS AND
THE DANCE: THE PAINTER AND THE PETITS RATS, PERFECTING THEIR ART
Degas' perfectionism, evidenced by his many hours of observing,
drawing, and painting young ballerinas at the Paris Opera is compared
to the long hours of practice by these young women to master the
dance. Illustrated by 30 of Degas' works.
Ryan, Pam Muñoz. When
Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson, the Voice of
a Century. Illustrated by Brian Selznick.
This gloriously designed and thoughtfully researched book encapsulates
the life of famed African-American contralto Marian Anderson.
Ryan's vibrant text melds perfectly with Selznick's sepia-toned
illustrations to portray Anderson's passion for singing and her
perseverance in overcoming the barriers to both train and perform
because of her race. A 2003 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book (j784.092
Ryan)
Stanley, Diane. Saladin:
Noble Prince of Islam.
Meticulous paintings in a Persian style enhance this sympathetic
biography of the great Muslim leader who led his people during
the time of the Crusades. (j921 Sa31s)
Testa, Maria. BECOMING JOE DIMAGGIO
Illustrated by Scott Hunt.
A powerful love story between a boy and his grandfather is told
in 24 poems. Small charcoal drawings set off the lyrical and spare
writing, which gives a strong sense of the World War II setting.
Tolan, Stephanie S. Surviving
the Applewhites.
Tolan features pierced and spike-haired Jake, who has been expelled
from every possible public school before his unwilling arrival
at Wit's End, N.C., and the homeschool run by the chaotic and
outrageous Applewhite family. The eccentric characters and fast
pace culminate in a hilarious musical production that forces Jake
to grow. A 2003 Newbery Honor Book (Juv Fic Tolan)
Walker, Sally M. Fossil
Fish Found Alive: Discovering the Coelacanth.
Thought extinct for 70 million years, this fish was found still
swimming in the oceans off Africa and Indonesia. Superior attention
to design, organization, and clear language distinguish the story
of this startling discovery. (j597.46 Walker)
For Older
Readers:
Alvarez, Julia. Before
We Were Free.
In a setting steeped in the ambience of the Dominican Republic,
Anita gradually becomes aware of her family's part in a plot to
kill the dangerous dictator, Trujillo. (YA Fic Alvarez)
Avi. Crispin:
The Cross of Lead.
An action-filled page-turner set in 14th-century England. "Asta's
son" is the only name the 13-year-old title character has
ever known when he is suddenly orphaned and stripped of home and
possessions. Accused of murder and wanted dead or alive, Crispin
flees his village and falls in with a juggler, Bear, who becomes
his protector and teacher. Relentlessly pursued by Crispin's enemies,
the pair flees to solve the mystery of his identity and fight
the injustices of feudalism. The 2003 Newbery Medal Book (Juv
Fic Avi)
Blumenthal, Karen. Six
Days in October: The Stock Market Crash of 1929.
A grippingly written account of the chaotic events preceding the
1929 stock market crash. Using numerous primary sources, the text
is enhanced with photographs, editorial cartoons and sidebars
explaining terms such as stocks and bonds and the Dow Jones Average.
A 2003 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book (j338.54 Blumenthal)
Colman, Penny. Where
the Action Was: Women War Correspondents in World War II
The extremes dedicated women writers and photographers went to
in order to get to "where the action was" makes for
exciting reading. The uniqueness of women's perspective provides
an important piece of missing history. (j940.53 Colman)
Cooney, Caroline. Goddess
of Yesterday.
Ancient Greece and its mythology come to life through the voice
of 12-year-old Anaxandra in this compelling novel of war, deceit,
and false identities. (YA Fic Cooney)
Farmer, Nancy. The
House of the Scorpion.
Farmer tackles the provocative topics of cloning, the value of
life, illegal immigration, and the drug trade in a coming-of-age
novel set in a desolate futuristic desert. A 2003 Newbery Honor
Book (YA Fic SF Farmer)
Fleischman, John. Phineas
Gage: A Gruesome but True Story about Brain Science.
A detailed and fascinating look at the 1848 case of a man who
lived 11 years after a large iron rod was shot through his brain.
(j362.197481 Fleischman)
Gantos, Jack. Hole
in My Life.
Gantos courageously recounts his turbulent youth and young adulthood
in this powerful and heart-wrenching memoir. He weaves literary
quotes and allusions in superb text to echo the impact of the
printed word on his life. The arresting book design mirrors his
graphic prison experience and compelling vignettes engage the
reader. A 2003 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book (YA 921 G158AAh)
Giblin, James Cross. The
Life and Death of Adolf Hitler.
Giblin poses and answers three questions in this compelling, accessible
account of Hitler, his world and his legacy. What sort of man
could plan and carry out such horrendous schemes, how did he win
support for his deadly ventures and why did no one stop him until
it was almost too late? The 2003 Robert F. Sibert Medal Book (j921
H638gi)
Hiaasen, Carl. Hoot.
Hiaasen's wildly funny satire features the new kid, Roy, joining
forces with tough Beatrice and the elusive Mullet Fingers to defeat
a bully, thwart an avaricious corporation and save a colony of
burrowing owls. Hiaasen's work is both a rollicking adventure
and a serious examination of values that threaten our environment.
A 2003 Newbery Honor Book (YA Fic Hiaasen)
McCaughrean, Geraldine. The
Kite Rider.
In this fast-paced adventure set in thirteenth century China,
12-year-old Haoyou joins the circus and meets Kublai Khan. Filled
with thrills, colorful details, and plenty of humor. (Juv
Fic McCaughrean)
Nye, Naomi Shihab. 19
Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East.
The small format of this collection contrasts with the powerful,
rich, and evocative poetry that explores universal questions of
family, people, conflict, and hope. (j811.54 Nye)
Park, Linda Sue. When
My Name Was Keoko
In alternating chapters, a young girl and her brother share details
of their difficult life in occupied Korea. A strong sense of optimism
pervades the text as they gain pride in themselves and their country.
(Juv Fic Park)
Partridge, Elizabeth. This
Land Was Made for You and Me: The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie.
This well-researched and thoughtful biography of a difficult and
sad life ultimately shows the triumph of the human spirit. Impressively
illustrated with black and white photographs. (j782.4092
Partridge)
For All Ages:
The
Declaration of Independence.
A visual interpretation helps young readers puzzle out the words
and phrases of this pivotal American document, humorously illustrated.
(j973.313 United)
Greenberg, Jan and Jordan, Sandra.
Action
Jackson. Illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker.
Greenberg and Jordan capture Jackson Pollock's spirit and artistic
style through succinct narrative and purposeful words. Detailed
source notes enrich this informational picture book, which superbly
portrays a brief period in Pollock's life. Parker's watercolor
illustrations splash out of their frames, reflecting the action
and movement for which Pollock is renowned. A 2003 Robert F. Sibert
Honor Book (j959.19 Greenberg)
Howitt, Mary. The
Spider and the Fly. Illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi.
DiTerlizzi's wickedly delicious tribute to silent film - based
on the cautionary tale penned by Mary Howitt in 1829 - presents
an old-fashioned, cackling villain and a naïve damsel in
distress in this ambient, moody picture book with all the allure
of the flickering silver screen. Skillful use of tone, line and
perspective add to the mystery of this melodramatic tale, executed
entirely in eerie shades of black and white. Children of all ages
will shiver with dread and delight as DiTerlizzi entangles them
in his hypnotic web. A 2003 Caldecott Honor Book (j821.8
Howitt)
Kalman, Maira. Fireboat:
The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey.
First launched in 1931 in New York City, the fireboat John J.
Harvey fought fires once again on September 11, 2001. Vivid paintings
and spare text highlight the way people came together after this
terrible event. (j974.71044 Kalman)
Karas, G. Brian. ATLANTIC.
Sweeping double-page illustrations and free flowing verse capture
the vastness and fluidity of the Atlantic Ocean.
Martin, Bill Jr. and Sampson,
Michael. I
Pledge Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance with Commentary.
Illustrated by Chris Raschka.
Words of the pledge are broken down and explained for children
and adults. Raschka's torn-paper collages of stylized children
are respectful of the subject and accessible to children. (j323.6
Martin)
Pinkney, Jerry. Noah's
Ark.
In this strikingly beautiful rendition of Noah and the Great Flood,
Jerry Pinkney has integrated the well-known story from Genesis
with masterful pencil and watercolor illustrations creating a
stunning whole. Vibrant paintings evoke the tone of the story
from lush, sweeping views of the Earth to intricate details of
the massive ark, myriad animals, faithful Noah and his family,
and finally to the restoration of the planet. The muted earth-toned
colors are enlivened throughout with carefully placed touches
of reds, blues, and greens. Pinkney captures the story's joyous
yet reverent mood with his vigorous, distinctive illustrations.
A 2003 Caldecott Honor Book (j222.11 Pinkney)
Zelinsky, Paul O. KNICK-KNACK
PADDYWHACK!
The familiar song is inventively transformed into an interactive
moving parts book in which not one but ten old men cavort through
the landscape.
8/26/11
Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802