Douglas Wood
Illustrated By Jim Burke
Written in the first person, this is a memoir of the author’s experience from second grade and his struggle in learning to read. Douglas had just moved with his family from Kentucky to Iowa, so he had a Southern accent that set him apart from the other children. They thought he ‘talked funny’. On top of that, he was the youngest, the smallest, and the newest student in Miss Little’s class. To make things worse, Miss Little was asking him to read out-loud in class! Reading was a struggle for him … the words looked like “lines, blobs, and squiggles”. The one place he did not want to be was in school … he did not like school; he did not like sitting still, reading, and today, he did not like Miss Little. He wanted to be outside playing ball. Miss Little told him she would help him with reading – after school. The only time he had stayed after school before was because of getting into trouble. Learning to read did not sound like fun. He thought, ‘Rats!’ Miss Little was persistent, bringing books she thought he would enjoy. The first one was about an island that reminded him of an island he and his family and granddad used to go to. That caught his attention. Maybe reading wouldn’t be so bad. Throughout the seasons, autumn, winter, and spring, Miss Little was determined that he would read. Douglas realized what a gift Miss Little had given to him … her time, and care, even more than that, the gift of reading and books. At the end of the book, Douglas reveals why reading was such a struggle for him and how her help, and the help of others, helped him to succeed.
This book should be in every elementary school class and every home that has a child with the same struggle that Douglas has dealt with. Douglas has shown through perseverance and compassion from educators and family, that success is possible. Kudos, Douglas.
BIBLIO: 2009, Candlewick Press, Ages 4 – 7, Pre - Gr 2, $16.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-7636-1686-1
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 1/2510
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Patricia Nixon
Jill C. Wheeler
Patricia Nixon was First Lady of the United Stated from 1969 to 1974, supporting her husband, Richard Nixon during his political career. Although Mrs. Nixon never saw herself as political wife, she believed in helping others and supported the cause of volunteer work. Through her volunteering she was remembered for her work as a First Lady. Mrs. Nixon came from a humble beginning; her dad was a miner until the family moved to a farm in California. The whole family worked the fields, harvesting vegetables that were sold from the back of their pick-up truck. Patricia had many obstacles through her young life, but she persevered and earned her high school degree, even after the death of both of her parents. Determined to go to college, even during the Great Depression, Patricia worked a variety of jobs, one of, which took her to New York City where she graduated with honors in 1937. She returned to California where she met her future husband, Richard Nixon, who was working as a lawyer. They married in June 1940, and he joined the Navy in 1942. They moved many times during his service, where she worked with the American Red Cross. After the war was over in 1945, their first daughter was born, and Richard began his political career. Patricia worked very hard to keep their family life separate from the limelight of politics. In January 1953, Richard became Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Patricia became very involved in official appearances. She enjoyed connecting with Americans, and traveling to other countries acting as a Goodwill Ambassador. The press considered Patricia to be cold and too formal, yet in private, she was charming and fun loving. While being First Lady, Mrs. Nixon traveled to Vietnam, during the war, making her the First Lady to enter a war zone since Eleanor Roosevelt. In 1970 she visited Peru after an earthquake that left thousands homeless and she delivered food, clothing, and medical supplies. For her efforts, she was recognized by the Peruvian government with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Sun. Despite a desire to stay away from a political limelight, Mrs. Nixon lived a remarkable life, and was true to her desire to help others.
Included is a Timeline, a Did You Know?, a Glossary, and an Index. I recommend this book for home libraries, public and school libraries. It is an excellent reference tool for school projects. This book is not available at the publisher’s web site.
BIBLIO: 2010, ABDO Publishing, Ages Gr 3 - 6, $25.65
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Junior Novels / Reader Series
ISBN: 978-1-60453-632-4
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 1/2510
Patricia Nixon was First Lady of the United Stated from 1969 to 1974, supporting her husband, Richard Nixon during his political career. Although Mrs. Nixon never saw herself as political wife, she believed in helping others and supported the cause of volunteer work. Through her volunteering she was remembered for her work as a First Lady. Mrs. Nixon came from a humble beginning; her dad was a miner until the family moved to a farm in California. The whole family worked the fields, harvesting vegetables that were sold from the back of their pick-up truck. Patricia had many obstacles through her young life, but she persevered and earned her high school degree, even after the death of both of her parents. Determined to go to college, even during the Great Depression, Patricia worked a variety of jobs, one of, which took her to New York City where she graduated with honors in 1937. She returned to California where she met her future husband, Richard Nixon, who was working as a lawyer. They married in June 1940, and he joined the Navy in 1942. They moved many times during his service, where she worked with the American Red Cross. After the war was over in 1945, their first daughter was born, and Richard began his political career. Patricia worked very hard to keep their family life separate from the limelight of politics. In January 1953, Richard became Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Patricia became very involved in official appearances. She enjoyed connecting with Americans, and traveling to other countries acting as a Goodwill Ambassador. The press considered Patricia to be cold and too formal, yet in private, she was charming and fun loving. While being First Lady, Mrs. Nixon traveled to Vietnam, during the war, making her the First Lady to enter a war zone since Eleanor Roosevelt. In 1970 she visited Peru after an earthquake that left thousands homeless and she delivered food, clothing, and medical supplies. For her efforts, she was recognized by the Peruvian government with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Sun. Despite a desire to stay away from a political limelight, Mrs. Nixon lived a remarkable life, and was true to her desire to help others.
Included is a Timeline, a Did You Know?, a Glossary, and an Index. I recommend this book for home libraries, public and school libraries. It is an excellent reference tool for school projects. This book is not available at the publisher’s web site.
BIBLIO: 2010, ABDO Publishing, Ages Gr 3 - 6, $25.65
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Junior Novels / Reader Series
ISBN: 978-1-60453-632-4
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 1/2510
Abigail Adams
Jill C. Wheeler
Abigail Adams was an influential part of the development of the new United States of America. She was the wife of the second U.S. President, John Adams, and mother of the sixth President, John Quincy Adams. Growing up she had the opportunity to hear opinions from many people, government and political leaders, her prominent family. Abigail listened to conversations around, and learned from her mother to be active in the community. She was not afraid to share her opinion … she voiced her beliefs, she supported the fight for independence from Great Britain, she supported education for women, she was against slavery … even though most of her opinions were not very popular. Her husband was an attorney and traveled a lot. To keep their relationship strong they wrote letters back and forth for 39 years, amounting to more than 1,000 letters. She and her husband had seven children, unfortunately two did not live very long.
This is a very informative book on a woman who was in the midst of one of the most iconic times in our nation’s history, the American Revolution, and the writing of the Declaration of the Independence. Included is a Timeline, a Did You Know?, a Glossary, and an Index. I recommend this book for home libraries, public and school libraries. It is a good reference tool for school projects. This book is not available at the publisher’s web site.
BIBLIO: 2010, ABDO Publishing, Ages Gr 3 - 6, $25.65
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Junior Novels / Reader Series
ISBN: 978-1-60453-629-4
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 1/2510
Abigail Adams was an influential part of the development of the new United States of America. She was the wife of the second U.S. President, John Adams, and mother of the sixth President, John Quincy Adams. Growing up she had the opportunity to hear opinions from many people, government and political leaders, her prominent family. Abigail listened to conversations around, and learned from her mother to be active in the community. She was not afraid to share her opinion … she voiced her beliefs, she supported the fight for independence from Great Britain, she supported education for women, she was against slavery … even though most of her opinions were not very popular. Her husband was an attorney and traveled a lot. To keep their relationship strong they wrote letters back and forth for 39 years, amounting to more than 1,000 letters. She and her husband had seven children, unfortunately two did not live very long.
This is a very informative book on a woman who was in the midst of one of the most iconic times in our nation’s history, the American Revolution, and the writing of the Declaration of the Independence. Included is a Timeline, a Did You Know?, a Glossary, and an Index. I recommend this book for home libraries, public and school libraries. It is a good reference tool for school projects. This book is not available at the publisher’s web site.
BIBLIO: 2010, ABDO Publishing, Ages Gr 3 - 6, $25.65
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Junior Novels / Reader Series
ISBN: 978-1-60453-629-4
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 1/2510
Hot Cha-Cha!
Josephine Nobisso
Illustrated by Joan Holub
Who … what … why … when … where … and how? The kids wanted to know. That is the basis for this book of poetry. WHO … found somethin’ in the cookie jar? It was not Hector, Shanequa, or Ali Kumar, but it was Maria. The WHAT … when Maria put her hand in the cookie jar, the kids wanted to know, what did she find! Maria found the key to the playground lock. She was so excited of her find she went up and down her block telling all the kids she had found the key. The WHY … the kids had a hard time with remembering how the key had been lost. Could it have been lost when they were swinging so high? The key had not been seen since the Fourth of July … but what part of the day? WHERE could the key have flown? Just how far away … Tunisia, maybe even Korea. They went real high on the swings. Finally, the HOW. How, did Maria manage to come across the key? Laughing and singing, the children were glad to have the cookie jar to keep the key safe.
This book was listed twice with two other publishers before Gingerbread House picked it up in 2009. The publisher is excited to be offering this rhyming book and is looking for comments from readers. Unusual for most books, the entire jacket is a tutorial for understanding the rhyming and writing poetry. The illustrations are amazing. Bright colors and children’s faces full of joy. The pages are a medley of color, swirls, action, and children. I would suggest reading the book to children when they can view the pages.
BIBLIO: 2010, ABDO Publishing, Ages Gr 3 - 6, $25.65
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Junior Novels / Reader Series
ISBN: 978-1-60453-629-4
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 1/2510
Illustrated by Joan Holub
Who … what … why … when … where … and how? The kids wanted to know. That is the basis for this book of poetry. WHO … found somethin’ in the cookie jar? It was not Hector, Shanequa, or Ali Kumar, but it was Maria. The WHAT … when Maria put her hand in the cookie jar, the kids wanted to know, what did she find! Maria found the key to the playground lock. She was so excited of her find she went up and down her block telling all the kids she had found the key. The WHY … the kids had a hard time with remembering how the key had been lost. Could it have been lost when they were swinging so high? The key had not been seen since the Fourth of July … but what part of the day? WHERE could the key have flown? Just how far away … Tunisia, maybe even Korea. They went real high on the swings. Finally, the HOW. How, did Maria manage to come across the key? Laughing and singing, the children were glad to have the cookie jar to keep the key safe.
This book was listed twice with two other publishers before Gingerbread House picked it up in 2009. The publisher is excited to be offering this rhyming book and is looking for comments from readers. Unusual for most books, the entire jacket is a tutorial for understanding the rhyming and writing poetry. The illustrations are amazing. Bright colors and children’s faces full of joy. The pages are a medley of color, swirls, action, and children. I would suggest reading the book to children when they can view the pages.
BIBLIO: 2010, ABDO Publishing, Ages Gr 3 - 6, $25.65
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Junior Novels / Reader Series
ISBN: 978-1-60453-629-4
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 1/2510
Hannah Montana – Don’t Bet On it
Adapted By Ann Lloyd
In part one, Miley Stewart, with her dad, Robby, and her brother Jackson live a regular life, not affected by her public persona, Hannah Montana. Still, Miley must make public appearances. Today, her dad is not feeling well, and her brother must be her driver. A next door neighbor suggests he is too ill to care for his niece, Patty. Given all the noise that comes from the Stewart home, they should care for Patty while he gets some rest. A bet between Miley and Jackson ensues as to who will survive the afternoon with Patty the longest. For Miley, the bet means Jackson will be her driver without argument, if she wins. Patty has her own agenda. The Stewart siblings have a challenge between them. Will Miley make it to her public appearance on time?
In part two, Hannah Montana is finishing a concert appearance and does not believe it is necessary to change her limo on the way home. That was her first mistake. Jackson, her brother, was in the limo with her and a very persistent member of the paparazzi caught them. The next day, pictures and headlines showed Hannah Montana with her current boyfriend! Miley and Jackson were stuck. Who knew brother and sister would show up in the tabloids as ‘boyfriend and girlfriend’! It would be quite an adventure for the two of them before things would be made right. The most important thing for Miley and Jackson, though, was their relationship should stay in tact.
Eight full-color pictures are included for each part. This book was a quick-read, and is part of Spotlight’s series for Hannah Montana, based on the TV series. Fans of Hannah Montana will enjoy reading these stories several times, and collecting the other stories available.
BIBLIO: 2008, Disney Press, Ages Gr 6 - 9, $22.78
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Junior Novels / Reader Series
ISBN: 978-1-59961-626-1
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 1/25/10
In part one, Miley Stewart, with her dad, Robby, and her brother Jackson live a regular life, not affected by her public persona, Hannah Montana. Still, Miley must make public appearances. Today, her dad is not feeling well, and her brother must be her driver. A next door neighbor suggests he is too ill to care for his niece, Patty. Given all the noise that comes from the Stewart home, they should care for Patty while he gets some rest. A bet between Miley and Jackson ensues as to who will survive the afternoon with Patty the longest. For Miley, the bet means Jackson will be her driver without argument, if she wins. Patty has her own agenda. The Stewart siblings have a challenge between them. Will Miley make it to her public appearance on time?
In part two, Hannah Montana is finishing a concert appearance and does not believe it is necessary to change her limo on the way home. That was her first mistake. Jackson, her brother, was in the limo with her and a very persistent member of the paparazzi caught them. The next day, pictures and headlines showed Hannah Montana with her current boyfriend! Miley and Jackson were stuck. Who knew brother and sister would show up in the tabloids as ‘boyfriend and girlfriend’! It would be quite an adventure for the two of them before things would be made right. The most important thing for Miley and Jackson, though, was their relationship should stay in tact.
Eight full-color pictures are included for each part. This book was a quick-read, and is part of Spotlight’s series for Hannah Montana, based on the TV series. Fans of Hannah Montana will enjoy reading these stories several times, and collecting the other stories available.
BIBLIO: 2008, Disney Press, Ages Gr 6 - 9, $22.78
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Junior Novels / Reader Series
ISBN: 978-1-59961-626-1
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 1/25/10
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