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book reviews and awards
 

Make thy books thy companions. Let thy cases and shelves be thy pleasure grounds and gardens.

--Judah ibn-Tibbon (12th Century)

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Book Reviews and Awards Section

Book Reviews
New book publications--are they "literary bombs"? Does a book have literary quality or artistic value? Please share your professional expertise with the library media specialists in Alabama by submitting reviews of books. We encourage the reviews of fiction and non-fiction titles. Fill out the form below and click SEND to submit your review.

Awards
View the latest in book awards!

http://www.kidsreads.com/

Book Reviews:

Name: Judith Lechner
School: Auburn University, Dept. EFLT, School Library Media Program
Position: Professor
Book Title: Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale
Author: Deedy, Carmen Agra, Illus. by Martin Austin
Publisher: Peachtree Pub.
Grade Level: K-2
ISBN#: 978-1-56145-399-3
Book Review: When Martina can’t decide whom to choose for a husband, her grandmother gives her wise advice: try the coffee test. It works as each boorish suitor – rooster, pig, lizard - reacts in a nasty fashion, until cute little mouse comes along and plays the coffee test on her. True love follows. This humorous story is told using natural sounding dialog with a smattering of Spanish words. The bold, colorful illustrations with their purples and pinks depict beautiful Martina's home, with details such as her staircase banister made of a comb and her vanity stool made of a spool of pink thread. Her foolish suitors are humorously grotesque.

Name: Lanie House
School: Excel School
System: Monroe County
Position: Library Media Specialist
Book Title: Forever. . .
Author: Judy Blume
Publisher: Pocket Books
Grade Level: AR 4.1
ISBN#: 978-0-329-10529-7
Book Review: We bought this book for our elementary students. We were shocked! This book is very sexually explicit. It is definitely not appropriate for elementary students. Some page references for this are pages 9, 26, and 33.

Name: Michelle Barnett
School: Providence K-8 School
System: Huntsville City Schools
Position: Library Media Specialist
Book Title: Clementine's Letter
Author: Sara Pennypacker
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Grade Level: 2-5
ISBN#: 0-7868-3884-1
Book Review: The irrepressible third grader, Clementine, returns in this third book in the series.  Clementine is faced with the possibility of her adored teacher, Mr. D’Matz, winning a contest that will require him to leave for a year to complete research in Egypt.  When the principal, Mrs. Rice, requests that each student write a letter to the judges about Mr. D’Matz, Clementine decides to write a letter explaining why he shouldn’t leave.  To top things off, Clementine is especially unhappy with the substitute teacher who doesn’t seem to know the “rules” or how to react to Clementine’s behavior.  Unfortunately, Clementine’s efforts to “pay attention” do not always work out the way she would like.  Combine all this with wonderful story lines about a book written with her building manager dad, efforts to purchase her artist mom an art kit, and escapades with friends Margaret and Mitchell.  Frazee’s pen and ink drawings interspersed throughout the book capture the heart of this character.  The length of this book lends itself to readers needing chapter books that aren’t too long.   Recommend this series to fans of Park’s Junie B. Jones who need a transition before reading Cleary’s Ramona.

Name: Michelle Barnett
School: Providence K-8 School
System: Huntsville City Schools
Position: Library Media Specialist
Book Title: Sheep Blast Off!
Author: Nancy Shaw
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Grade Level: K-2
ISBN#: 0-618-13168-X
Book Review: Nancy Shaw’s sheep are back, this time going where no sheep have gone before:  outer space.  In this lively book, the sheep notice that a spaceship has landed in their pasture.  The curious sheep’s snooping and exploring lead to an inadvertent take off.  Once in the ship, the sheep don spacesuits and attempt to fly the aircraft.  Thankfully a green space creature, looking awfully sheep-like except for the additional eyes, is able to take control and guide the spacecraft safely back to Earth.  As with the other books in this series, the words are easily sounded-out and the colored-pencil illustrations will help new readers deduce the meaning.  The rhythm, rhyme, and wordplay will engage young readers, particularly those already familiar with the sheep series.

Book Awards:

   

Caldecott Medal Caldecott


The Caldecott Medal, which honors the best children's picture book of the year, is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.

2010 Medal Winner

LionMouseThe 2010 Caldecott Medal winner is The Lion & the Mouse, illustrated and written by Jerry Pinkney (Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers)

An unlikely pair learn that no act of kindness is ever wasted. After a ferocious lion spares a cowering mouse that he'd planned to eat, the mouse later comes to his rescue, freeing him from a poacher's trap. With vivid depictions of the landscape of the African Serengeti and expressively-drawn characters, Pinkney makes this a truly special retelling, and his stunning pictures speak volumes.



2010 Honor Books

All the World, written by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Marla Frazee (Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster)

Readers share a joyful day with a diverse, multigenerational community. Flowing lines and harmonious colors give vibrant life to Scanlon's poetic text. 

Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors, written by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski  (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children)

An exploration of seasons and their colors. Computer illustration and mixed-media paintings on wood combine rich textures, intriguing graphic elements, stunning colors and stylized figures to reward attentive readers with a visually exciting interplay of poetry and illustration.

Newbery Medal Newbery

The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.


2010 Medal Winner

WhenYouReachThe 2010 Newbery Medal winner is When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead and published by Wendy Lamb Boks, An Imprint of Random House.

 

"Twelve-year-old Miranda encounters shifting friendships, a sudden punch, a strange homeless man and mysterious notes that hint at knowledge of the future. These and other seemingly random events converge in a brilliantly constructed plot.

2010 Honor Books

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice written by Phillip Hoose and published by Melanie Kroupa Books/Farrar Straus Giroux

"Hoose reveals the true story of an unsung hero of the Montgomery bus boycott. Hoose's work stands out for its creative approach to a narrative biography. Colvin's own recollections are merged seamlessly with the narrative voice, providing a uniquely personal view of Colvin and the Civil Rights Movement."

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate written by Jacqueline Kelly and published by Henry Holt & Comapny

"On the eve of the 20th Century, 11-year-old Calpurnia awakens to new possibilities, and through her evolving relationship with her naturalist grandfather, learns to think like a scientist. Kelly's rich, evocative language captures Callie's distinctive voice and lively observations of the natural world."

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon written by Grace Lin and published by Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers

"A rich tapestry of stories, both original and traditional, transports readers to a fantastic world where Dragon joins Minli on a fortune-changing quest. Grace Lin found inspiration for this tale while traveling in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan."

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg written by Rodman Philbrick and published by The Blue Sky Press, an Imprint of Scholastic Inc.

"This rollicking yarn, presented through the voice of 12-year-old Homer, uses humor and pluck to mitigate the horror of the Civil War."

Carnegie

The Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video


The Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video, supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, was awarded for the first time in 1991 to honor outstanding video productions for children released during the previous year. The annual award is given to the video's producer by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of ALA, through a Carnegie endowment.

2010 Medal Winner

Paul R. Gagne and Mo Willems of Weston Woods Studios, producers of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus are the 2010 recipients of the Andrew Carnegie Medal for excellence in children’s video.

(Theodor Seuss) Geisel MedalGeisel

The Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal honors the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished contribution to the body of American children's literature known as beginning reader books published in the United States during the preceding year.

2010 Medal Winner

BennyPennyBenny and Penny in the Big No-No! written and illustrated by Geoffrey Hayes  (TOON BOOKS, A Division of RAW Junior)

Benny and Penny in the Big No-No! is a perfect example of a graphic novel designed just for young readers. Siblings Benny and Penny encounter trouble when curiosity about a mysterious neighbor leads them into unexpected adventures. The characters' emotions are revealed in the rich artwork within each panel. Children will connect with the realistic dialogue and page-turning appeal of the story. They will be thrilled to enter the world of graphic novels.



2010 Honor Books

I Spy Fly Guy!,  written and illustrated by Tedd Arnold (Cartwheel Books, An Imprint of Scholastic)

"Fly Guy and his pal Buzz are back in a fresh beginner chapter book. A disastrous ending to a game of hide and seek finds Fly Guy hauled away to the local dump in this new take on a lost pet. Arnold's watercolor and colored pencil cartoon-like illustrations are fun and fanciful."

Little Mouse Gets Ready,  written and illustrated by Jeff Smith, (TOON BOOKS, a Division of RAW Junior)

“Little Mouse narrates this story with humor and excitement as he dons clothes and dreams of adventures to come. The simplified bubble dialogue and one or two panels per page combine to create an appealing and effective format for new readers.”

Mouse and Mole:Fine Feathered Friends, written and illustrated by Wong Herbert Yee (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

”In this quiet story of friendship, artistic Mole and poetic Mouse join forces to hatch a clever plan for watching skittish birds. They create their own book of paintings and poems to celebrate their bird-watching adventures. The soft illustrations reflect the gentleness of the text.”

Pearl and Wagner: One Funny Day, written by Kate McMullan, illustrated by R. W. Alley (Dial Books for Young Readers, A Division of Penguin Young Readers Group)

”In three short and simple chapters, friends Pearl and Wagner experience the hijinks and pranks of April Fools’ Day. Beginning with the cover art, McMullan and Alley set the stage and draw the reader in immediately. Readers will be delighted as Wagner gets the last laugh!”

(Robert F. Sibert) Informational Book MedalSibert


The Sibert Medal honors the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published during the preceding year.

2010 Medal Winner

AlmostAstronautsAlmost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream, written by Tanya Lee Stone  (Candlewick Press)

Women in space – not a big deal now, but it took more than 20 years for NASA to recognize that women have the Right Stuff. “Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream,” published by Candlewick Press, tells the story of the women aviators and aspiring astronauts known as the “Mercury 13,” who in the early 1960’s repeatedly proved themselves capable but could not overcome prevailing prejudices. Meticulously researched and handsomely illustrated with archival materials, Stone’s insightful, passionately written chronicle is sure to inspire.

2010 Honor Books

The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer's Bright IDeas and Brand-New Colors,  written by Chris Barton, illustrated by Tony Persiani  (Charlesbridge)

Ketchup bottles, magic tricks, kitchen experiments…and Day-Glo paint? Through an affectionate narration and eye-catching, retro illustrations, Barton and Persiani take readers on the serendipitous journey of “The Day-Glo Brothers,” culminating in practical Bob and entertainer Joe’s invention of these bright colors that have saved lives, changed advertising and become a staple on desks everywhere.

Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11, written and illustrated by Brian Floca (Richard Jackson/Atheneum Books for Young Readers)

Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 brings to life the grandeur, excitement and technological daring of the first lunar landing. This large-format picture book marries poetic text with heart-stopping watercolor, ink, acrylic and gouache illustrations that take readers to the moon and back.

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice, written by Phillip Hoose (Melanie Kroupa Books/Farrar Straus Giroux, an Imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group)

Hoose tells the long-overlooked story of a teenager who, nine months before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. This meticulously researched book fuses history with Colvin’s recollections of her experiences as a linchpin in the case that ended the historic boycott. Hoose lives in Portland, Maine. 

(Laura Ingalls) Wilder AwardWilder

The Wilder Medal honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children.

2009 Medal Winner

Ashley Bryan is the winner of the 2009 Laura Ingalls Wilder Award honoring an author or illustrator, published in the United States, whose books have made a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children. His numerous works include “Dancing Granny,” “Beat the Story-Drum, Pum-Pum,” and “Beautiful Blackbird.”

The Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature

The Michael L. Printz Award is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. It is named for a Topeka, Kansas school librarian who was a long-time active member of the Young Adult Library Services Association. The award is sponsored by Booklist, a publication of the American Library Association.

2009 Award Winner

JellicoeRoadJellicoe Road
by Melina Marchetta
published by HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

Haunted by the past, Taylor Markham reluctantly leads the students of the Jellicoe School in their secret territory wars against the Townies and the Cadets.  Marchetta’s lyrical writing evokes the Australian landscape in a suspenseful tale of raw emotion, romance, humor and tragedy.

Melina Marchetta lives in Sydney, Australia, and is the award-winning author of two previous novels. A former high school teacher, she is recognized for the authenticity of her teen characters’ voices.

“This roller coaster ride of a novel grabs you from the first sentence and doesn’t let go.  You may not be sure where the ride will take you, but every detail—from the complexities of the dual narrative to the pangs of first love—is pitch perfect,” said Printz Award Committee Chair Mary Arnold.

Coretta Scott King Book Awards



Given to African American authors and illustrators for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions, the Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream.

2010 Author Award Winner

BadNewsBad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal, written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie (published by Carolrhoda Books, a division of Lemer Publishing Group, Inc.)









2010 lllustrator Award Winner


MyPeopleMy People, illustrated by Charles R. Smith Jr., written by Langston Hughes (published by ginee seo books, Atheneum Books for Young Readers)

 

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