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Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Friday, August
4, 2006,
at the Neptune Public Library from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Announcements
Upcoming meeting dates are October 6 &
December 1, 2006; February 2, April 13, June 1 and August 3, 2007.
Congratulations to Carolyn Heuser who has retired
from Freehold Public Library.
Book Notes
Brothers & Sisters
The Lemon Sisters
Cheng, Andrea
Mai-Wyss, Tatjana (illus.)
Putnam Juvenile, 2006
PS-Gr. 2, Fry 2
An elderly woman watches 3 young girls playing in the snow and
reminisces about her own adventures in the snow with her 2 sisters.
The endpapers include a recipe for lemon ice. Recommended by Susan
Brozena.
But Excuse Me That is My Book
Child, Lauren
Dial Books for Young Readers, 2005
K-Gr. 2, Fry 2
The endearing brother and sister, Charlie and Lola, are back in
another adventure that revolves around Lola's love of an "extra
specially special" library book. Lorri
Ann Wahlgren feels this story would enhance a library lesson
for young students on the value of expanding one's reading horizons.
Younger Brother's Survival Guide by Matt
Kopelke, Lisa
Simon & Schuster, 2006
K-Gr. 3, Fry 3
Matt's older sister torments him in many ways, as only a sister
can. Matt gives the reader 8 tips on how to deal with pranks from a
sibling in this book reviewed by Darwin Page.
Bunny Rabbits
Rabbit Pie
Ives, Penny
Viking Books, 2006
K-Gr. 3, Fry 2
Barbara Mason reviewed this gentle
book that really does provide a recipe: a recipe of Mother Rabbit
putting her little ones to bed. This charming book is a lovely way
to end a day.
Carrot Soup
Segal, John
Margaret K. McElderry, 2006
PS-K, Fry 3
After planting his carrot seeds and tending his garden, Rabbit
finds his garden empty at harvest time. Finally, dejected, Rabbit
goes home to find a surprise: all his animal friends waiting with
bowls of carrot soup. Frances O'Brien
says with its spare text and visual storyline, this will be asked
for again and again.
Lettice: The Flower Girl
Stanley, Mandy
Simon & Schuster, 2006
PS-Gr. 2, Fry 4
Lettice, a rabbit, receives a letter inviting her to be the
flower girl in her dance teacher's wedding. This is simple, yet
festive, sweet and sparkly, and many little girls will love it
according to Elaine Pollak.
Easter
Milo the Really Big Bunny
Krensky, Stephen
Suber, Melissa (illus.)
Simon & Schuster, 2006
Milo, an oversized rabbit, wants to be like the other rabbits
until one rainy Easter he is able to help the Easter bunny in ways
no other rabbit could. Marianne Schumann
calls this a useful addition to pre-school Easter collections.
Minerva Louise and the Colorful Eggs
Stoeke, Janet Morgan
Dutton Children's Books, 2006
PS-Gr. 2, Fry 2
Even the youngest kids will know it's Easter time, but Minerva
Louise, clueless as ever, can't begin to guess why "some hen is
forgetting her eggs" all over the farm. Typical Minerva Louise,
Elaine Pollak says this title should
circulate throughout the year.
Fitness
Get Up and Go!
Carlson, Nancy
Viking, 2006
PS-Gr. 2, Fry 3
Energetic animals of all shapes and sizes cavort throughout this
fun filled tribute to good health. Vibrantly colored illustrations
depict the animals engaged in organized sports, playground games,
and everyday activities designed to keep their bodies healthy. Lorri
Ann Wahlgren notes that it would be a terrific addition to an
early childhood health curriculum.
The Monster Health Book
Miller, Edward
Holiday House, 2006
Gr. 3-6, Fry 5
A not so scary, overweight Monster is guided through this book
and taught how to eat well and stay healthy. This is a great choice
for a library and any physical education teacher could use it as a
great teaching tool raves Karen Enggren.
Immigration
Ask Me No Questions
Budhos, Marina
Atheneum, 2006
Gr. 7-10, Fry 7
As immediate as today's news, this novel follows the efforts of a
Muslim family, post 9-11, as they flee to Canada to conceal their
expired visas. Although the delivery of so much information about
immigration may make some readers ignore the personal side of the
immigration question, there is an important message here reports Catherine
Miller.
Landed
Lee, Milly
Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2006
Gr. 3-5, Fry 5
This book is an account of the immigration of the author's
grandfather, based on fact. Maggie Hanley
calls this an interesting look at immigration strategies on the west
coast.
Drita: My Homegirl
Lombard, Jenny
G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2006
Gr. 3-6, Fry 5
Drita and her family come to New York from Kosovo and the war
there. Speaking little English, she joins a 4th grade class and
meets Maxie, who becomes her friend. Maggie
Hanley says this would make a great read aloud.
Maggie's Amerikay
Russell, Barbara Timerlake
Burke, Jim (illus.)
Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2006
Gr. 2-4, Fry 3
Maggie and her family have arrived from New Orleans from Ireland
in 1898. Full page illustrations capture the poverty, but also the
hope and pride, of the new immigrants. Denise
Geier calls this a great addition.
School
The Last Day of School
Borden, Louise
Gustavson, Adam (illus.)
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2006
Gr. 1-3, Fry 3
Borden neatly juxtaposes memories of the year gone by with last
day of school excitement in the endearing story reviewed by Lorri
Ann Wahlgren.
Mr. Tanen's Ties Rule!
Leffler, Maryann Cocca
Albert Whitman & Co., 2005
K-Gr. 3, Fry 2
Mr. Tanen, the principal, uses his collection of ties to assign
students jobs on Career Day at the school, when students take over
and the teachers become students for the day. As luck would have it,
this is the same day that is selected by the Department of Education
to be evaluated. Susan Brozena says the
illustrations highlight the text and enhance the humor.
Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the Last Day of Kindergarten
Slate, Joseph
Wolff, Ashley (illus.)
Dutton Children's Books, 2005
PS-K, Fry n/a
Miss Bindergarten has 26 children in class and their first names
each begin with a different letter of the alphabet. It must be
difficult for them on the last day to leave this happy, joyous
classroom. Carolyn Heuser invites us to
have fun romping through the alphabet and enjoying the detailed
drawings that sing with joy.
Stormy Weather
Tsunamis
Carruthers, Margaret W.
Watts Library, 2005
Gr. 5-8, Fry 7
Nancy Cornell reviewed this book
which examines the science of tsunamis. Appendices and descriptions
are clear and easily accessible to 4th graders, even if the
terminology boosts the reading level.
Hurricane Hunters!
Demarest, Chris L.
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2006
K-Gr. 4, Fry 4
This book describes a typical airplane flight into a hurricane on
a 12 hour mission and the jobs of the 6 crew members are explained. Maggie
Hanley reviewed this title.
Tsunamis
Orme, David & Helen
Children's Press, 2005
K-Gr. 3, Fry 5
This book presents a brief introduction to tsunamis in simple
text with illustrations. Patricia Dobbin
recommends this as needed.
Hurricane Wolf
Paterson, Diane
Albert Whitman & Co., 2006
K-Gr. 3, Fry 3
As a category two hurricane approaches, Noah and his parents
prepare for the storm and discuss basic facts about hurricanes.
Following the entertaining story are several pages of additional
hurricane information. Lorri Ann Wahlgren
feels this is a good way to address children's curiosity about
hurricanes.
Strong Women
Of Numbers and Stars: The Story of Hypatia
Love, D. Anne
Paparone, Pam (illus.)
Holiday House, 2006
Gr. 2-4, Fry 4
This picture book biography tells the little known story of
Hypatia, a young woman who lived in Alexandria, Egypt during the 4th
century. In a culture dominated by males, Hypatia became renowned
for her knowledge and learning and many people came to study with
her. Karen Enggren says this is a great
addition for Women's History Month.
Jeannette Rankin: First Lady of Congress
Marx, Trish
Andreasen, Dan (illus.)
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2006
Gr. 3-6, Fry 7
Jeannette Rankin , born in Montana in 1880, was the first woman
to be elected to Congress in 1916. Recommended by Jenny
Mischner.
Marvelous Mattie: How Margaret E. Knight Became an Inventor
McCully, Emily Arnold
Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2006
K-Gr. 3, Fry 3
The holder of 22 patents, Margaret Knight, who was born in 1838
and left school at age 12 to work in a factory, is an inspiration to
those, especially women, with mechanical talent. Carolyn
Heuser calls this book an interesting read for younger
elementary students.
YOUNG ADULT
True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet
Douglas, Lola
Razorbill, 2005
Gr. 8+, Fry 8
A teen starlet tries to attend a Midwestern high school incognito
while she attends meetings to strengthen her resistance to the drugs
and alcohol which ruined her career. Catherine
Miller notes that a sequel is planned.
Freaks: Alive, on the Inside!
Klause, Annette Curtis
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2006
YA, Fry 11
In 1899, Abel Dandy, a "normal" teenager, has spent
most of his life at Faeryland, a resort for people with physical
abnormalities. Abel wants a life of adventure and romance so he runs
away to find a circus where he can perform as a knife thrower. In
this coming of age novel, the author brings together fantasy,
reincarnation and reality to show the cruelty of labeling and what
one person can do to stop it. Recommended by Terrie
Katz.
Dreamhunter
Knox, Elizabeth
Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2005
Gr. 7-10, Fry 8
Laura and her cousin Rose are dreamhunters and have set out to
find Laura's missing father. Once the plot gathers momentum, it
builds inexorably to a nightmare climax that satisfies fully while
pointing to the promised sequel. Alice Burnett
calls this book provocative and compelling.
Prom Anonymous
Nelson, Blake
Viking, 2006
YA, Fry 10
Three friends have been together since grade school, but have
gone their separate ways since freshman year in high school. It is
their junior year and time for the prom. As expected, prom night has
its crises but it all works out in the end. Teenage girls will find
it a lot of fun because they will be able to identify with one of
the girls, according to Terrie Katz.
Enthusiasm
Shulman, Polly
G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2006
Gr. 7-10, Fry 8
Comical misunderstandings are inevitable in this innocent book of
first love. Julie and Ashleigh are best friends and find themselves
in the middle of a real life Pride and Prejudice tale. Alice
Burnett feels this is a cute narrative of friendship,
courtship, and true love.
Disappointments of the
Day
Raisin and Grape
Amico, Tom & Proimos, J.
Snair, Andy (illus.)
Dial Books for Young Readers, 2006
K-Gr. 3, Fry 2
This story of the relationship between a grandfather and his
grandson is at times funny; however its tongue in cheek humor goes
over the heads of the intended audience. Norah
Magrini does not recommend this book.
Edgar Allan Poe: Master of Suspense
Binns, Tristan Boyer
Franklin Watts, 2005
Gr. 5-8, Fry 7
Not a lot is known about Poe' life, so the author uses a lot of
white space, sidebars and photos to take up the slack. This dry
recitation of timeline facts does not seem to be worthy of the price
or the subject according to Barbara Mason.
The Adventures of Vin Fiz
Cussler, Clive
Philomel Books, 2006
Gr. 3-6, Fry 6
Based on the real airplane that crossed America in 1911, Cussler
meshes fantasy and adventure in this tale which opens on a
California farm. Jean MacMillan says
that gender stereotypes and lack of any real suspense make for a
dull read.
The Fire
Griessman, Annette
Gore, Leonid (illus.)
G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2005
PS-Gr. 2, Fry 2
This is a story of a family whose house catches on fire and they
suffer the loss of everything. Susan Brozena
does not recommend this title because the mother in the story leaves
her children in the kitchen while she searches for the fire instead
of evacuating the house when they first see smoke.
Marly's Ghost
Levithan, David
Dial Books, 2006
Gr. 7+, Fry 7
In this modified version of A Christmas Carol, 16-year-old
Ben has shut down because Marly, his girlfriend, has died of cancer.
The night before Valentine's Day, he is visited by Marly's ghost and
three spirits. Cecelia Ruegsegger feels
the book is too slow moving and does not have enough action to keep
readers to the end.
Rare Beasts
Ogden, Charles
Carton, Rick (illus.)
Simon & Schuster, 2006
Gr. 4-6, Fry 4
Volume one of a series, this title is similar to the Lemony
Snickett Series of Unfortunate Events, but the nastiness is
somehow more realistic because Edgar and Ellen, the predatory twins,
are so thoroughly repellent. Marianne Schumann
says it is no wonder Edgar and Ellen's parents abandoned them.
Rave Reviews
The Great Math Tattle Battle
Bowan, Anne
Zollars, James (illus.)
Albert Whitman & Co., 2006
K-Gr. 3, Fry 2
This book is the story of two students who try to out tattle each
other. Norah Magrini points out that it
has the added bonus of illustrating how to solve a math word
problem, as well as making friends and working together.
Shock Point
Henry, April
G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2006
Gr. 8+, Fry 8
Cassie, 16, has a new psychiatrist stepfather that she does not
like and has good reason for that. This fast paced thriller starts
fright from the very beginning with Cassie's arranged abduction to a
juvenile rehabilitation center. A solid plot, a likable heroine, and
plenty of suspense will keep young readers turning the pages to get
to the exciting ending according to Cecelia
Ruegsegger.
Memories of Survival
Krinitz, Esther Nisenthal & Steinhardt, Bernice
Hyperion, 2005
Gr. 4-8, Fry 8
In this poignant book, Steinhardt has written down stories told
by her mother, Krinitz, about her childhood in Poland in the 1930's,
her family's experiences during the Nazi invasion, and her escape.
Krinitz's story is powerful as are the detailed embroidered pictures
she sewed illustrating these stories of her childhood and survival.
Rated outstanding by Jenny Mischner.
A Pair of Polar Bears
Ryder, Joanne
Simon & Schuster, 2006
K-Gr. 3, Fry 3
Two orphaned polar bears are the stars of this terrific San Diego
Zoo book reviewed by Lorri Ann Wahlgren.
The book has enormous child appeal and is a wonderful addition to
any collection.
The Last River
Waldman, Stuart
Manchess, Gregory (illus.)
Mikaya Press, 2005
Gr. 3-6, Fry 4
This is a wonderful and exciting account of John Wesley Powell's
1869 expedition to survey the Colorado River which is rated
outstanding by Susan Brozena.
Paths to Peace
Zalben, Jane Breskin
Dutton Children's Books, 2006
Gr. 3-6, Fry 7
This book is a collection of 16 short, 1 page biographies about
people who sought and are seeking peace. Maggie
Hanley feels the author's artwork is thoughtful and relates
to each person in a special way. |
