46) Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought)

Bibliography: Krull, Kathleen (Ill by Hewitt, Kathryn); Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought); Harcourt Brace & Company; San Diego, CA; 1994; 95 pages; ISBN 978-0-15-248009-9.

Plot:  Shakespeare wrote with a feather quill and ink; Emily Dickinson wrote with a fountain pen; Isaac Bashevis Singer wrote on a Yiddish typewriter. But what did such writers do when they weren't writing? What did Jane Austen eat for breakfast? What could make Mark Twain throw his shirts out the window? Why would Zora Neale Hurston punch a fellow elevator passenger? Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) tells all that and more, including plenty about writing, how these writers viewed the world of literature—and how their neighbors viewed them.

In this companion to the highly praised Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought), Kathleen Krull and Kathryn Hewitt offer the inside scoop on twenty literary luminaries. Even famous writers are real people with odd habits, secret hopes, dismal failure, and wild successes; Lives of the Writers reveals it all with wit and style. (http://www.kathleenkrull.com/books.html)

Review:  This book is so interesting.  It contains information about some of the greatest authors in an easy to understand format.  It provides information that will help students working on school reports, or who are just interested in biography.  The facts will keep readers interested in each writer.  The drawings of each author are very detailed and visually pleasing.  Hewitt includes little pieces in each drawing that are discussed in the biography of each author.  The text covers authors that many students will be introduced to in junior high and high school.  The authors include Murasaki Shikibu, Miguel de Cervantes, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Hans Christian Anderson, Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Dickens, Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Emily Dickinson, Louisa May Alcott, Mark Twain, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jack London, Carl Sandburg, E.B. White, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and Isaac Bashevis Singer.  I absolutely loved reading the life stories of these writers and can’t wait to share this book with students in the future.

Genre: Nonfiction; Biography

Interest Level: age 9-12

Related Books:  Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull; Who Was Jackie Robinson? by Gail Herman; Who Was Pablo Picasso? by True Kelley.

Awards:

The 2011 Children’s Book Guild of Washington, DC – Nonfiction Award Winner for Body of Work

Author Information: http://www.kathleenkrull.com/author.html

43) Knucklehead: Tall Tales and Almost True Stories of Growing up Scieszka

Bibliography: Scieszka, Jon; Knucklehead: Tall Tales and Almost True Stories of Growing up Scieszka; Viking; New York; 2008; 106 pages; ISBN 978-0-670-01138-4.

Plot: Jon Scieszka was born the second of six boys to Shirley and Louis Scieszka in Flint, Michigan.  Knucklehead is the mostly true story of his upbringing in a family of six boys.  Scieszka tells humorous tales of how he stayed out of trouble, “I didn’t do it. Tom did it,” avoided doing the dog related chores, and watched his younger brothers.  He explains to boys how growing up in Flint, Michigan really was in a very funny way.  He includes many pictures so readers can imagine they are in his shoes.

Review:  This is probably the funniest book I have ever read.  I found myself laughing out loud at the different situations Scieszka writes about in this book.  Growing up as the second of six boys can’t be easy and Scieszka explains how he stayed alive during this crazy time in his life.  Any boy will love this book and even relate to some of Scieszka’s crazy stories.  Girls will also love this book as a chance to see the inside workings of boy life.  This is a great read for reluctant readers, and parents will be impressed by tweens willingness to dive right into this book. 

Genre: Nonfiction/Autobiography/Humor

Interest Level: age 9-12
Related Books:  Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney; Guys Read: Funny Business by Jon Scieska.

Author Awards:

·         1989: The New York Times Book Review Best Books of the Year citation "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs"

·         1989: American Library Association Notable Children's Book citation The True Story of the Three Little Pigs"

·         1989: Maryland Black-eyed Susan Picture Book Award "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs"

·         1989: Parenting Reading Magic Award "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs"

·         1992: The New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Books of the Year citation The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

·         1992: School Library Journal Best Books of the Year citation The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

·         1992: Booklist Children's Editors' Top-of-the-List citation The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

·         1992: American Library Association Notable Children's Book citation The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

·         1994: Rhode Island Children’s Book Award The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

·         1995: Best Children's Book citation "Math Curse"

·         1995: Bulletin Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon citation "Math Curse"

·         1995: Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books citation "Math Curse"

·         1995: Booklist Top-of-the-List and Editors' Choice citations "Math Curse"

·         1995: Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book "Math Curse"

·         1996: American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults citation "Math Curse"

·         1997: Golden Archer Award for The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

·         1997: Maine's Student Book Award for "Math Curse"

·         1997: Texas Bluebonnet Award for "Math Curse"

·         1997: New Hampshire The Great Stone Face Book Award for "Math Curse"

·         1999: National Education Association Kids' Top 100 Books "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs"

·         2001: Los Angeles Times Book Review Best Books of the Year citation Baloney, (Henry P.)

·         2001: Reading Magic Award, Parenting magazine Baloney, (Henry P.)

·         2001: The New York Times Book Review Notable Books Baloney, (Henry P.)

·         2001: Reading Magic Awards; Parenting Baloney, (Henry P.)

·         2002: Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 2002 Baloney, (Henry P.)

·         2002: Golden Duck Awards for Excellence in Children's Science Fiction Literature Baloney, (Henry P.)

·         2004: Parent's Choice Award Gold Non-Fiction Science Verse

·         2005: American Library Association Notable Children's Book Award Science Verse

·         2005: Golden Duck Awards for Excellence in Children's Science Fiction Literature Science Verse

·         2008: National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, Library of Congress (inaugural award)

·         2009: Bank Street Best Books of the Year "Robot Zot"

·         2009: Irma S. Black Award Honor Book "Robot Zot"

·         2009: The New York Times Book Review Bestseller "Robot Zot"

Author Information: http://www.jsworldwide.com/

38) Justina Ford: Medical Pioneer

Bibliography:  Lohse, Joyce B.; Justina Ford: Medical Pioneer; Filter Press, LLC; Palmer Lake, CO; 2004; 56 pages; ISBN 0-86541-074-7.

Plot:  Justina Ford was born in Knoxville, Illinois in 1871.  Her mother was a practical nurse to slaves and inspired Justina to be a doctor.  When she was younger she would play hospital with her siblings and friends and always insist on being the doctor.  Justina worked hard in school and went to medical school at Chicago’s Hering Medical College.  In 1902, Justina and her husband, Reverend Ford moved to Denver.  Justina set up her practice in Denver and would birth babies of all races at a time when Denver would turn away mothers based on race and economic situation.  In her time she delivered over 7,000 babies. 

Review:  This is such an interesting biography.  The book is published by a small Colorado publisher that has recently started publishing books about interesting figures that made their life in Colorado.  The series is great for grade schoolers assigned to write a paper on important historical figures.  Since the series focuses on Colorado history, students in Colorado will be able to learn about people that helped shape their community and state. 

The book is short and focused on the importance of Justina Ford.  The book provides a dictionary of some of the new terms that readers may encounter.  It also lists a couple of resources for additional exploration.  While this is helpful, I found that the resources were a bit dated.  I feel that grade schoolers will like this series and be very interested in using the books for any biography research they need.

Genre: Nonfiction/Biography

Interest Level: age 9-12

Related Books:  Helen Keller by Margaret Davidson; Harry Houdini by Vicki Cobb; The First Woman Doctor by Rachel Baker.

For Further Information:  http://www.denverstorytrek.org/people/e7e3b37e2334156c480767b40ae2a88393058742

37) The Boy's Body Book: Everything You Need to Know for Growing Up YOU

Bibliography:  Dunham, R.N, Kelli; The Boy's Body Book: Everything You Need to Know for Growing Up YOU; Applesauce Press; Maine; 2007; 112 pages; ISBN 978-1-933662-74-9.

Plot: As boys reach adolescence, everything changes: their bodies, their feelings, and their relationships. Their world turns shaky just when they find it hardest to talk with the adults in their lives. But even if they won’t say what’s on their mind, they still want straight answers. The Boy’s Body Book provides them, in a readable, reassuring, and illustrated guide. It covers a boy’s every concern: hygiene, exercise, teachers, peer pressure, sex, and siblings. He’ll learn about what’s going on physically (vocal changes, body hair) and how to handle academic pressures, deal with out-of-control feelings, make new friends, and stay safe through it all. (www.amazon.com)

Review:  This book is a great resource for boys starting the process of puberty.  The book covers many topics and explains some of the “why” that boys may be wondering about.  The book is short and to the point, which will appeal to reluctant readers wanting to know more about their changing bodies.  The book covers the care of the changing body, an explanation of the changes that are happening to the body, the various issues that boys will find in school and with their friends, as well as, their home life, and finally talks about the new feelings that pop up during puberty.  This book will answer most of the questions that boys have about their changing body and gives a number of resources to explore if they still have questions. 

Genre: Nonfiction/Self Help

Interest Level: age 10 and up

Related Books:  It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health by Robie Harris; My Body, My Self for Boys: Revised Edition (What's Happening to My Body?) by Lynda Madaras.

For Further Information: The book lists several resources for further exploration.  I would suggest exploring Preteen Health Talk at www.pamf.org/preteen

27) The Girl’s Body Book: Everything You Need to Know for Growing up YOU

Bibliography: Dunham, R.N, Kelli; The Girl’s Body Book: Everything You Need to Know for Growing up YOU; Applesauce Press; Maine; 2008; 116 pages; ISBN 978-1-60433-004-5.

Plot: Dunham provides honest answers to girls' most pressing (and embarrassing) questions. The text reassures girls entering puberty that their changing bodies and feelings are perfectly normal. Breast development, body hair, and menstruation are explained along with practical information about bras and sanitary products. The later chapters discuss the emotional side of entering adolescence—one's changing relationships with friends and family and the effects of surging hormones. The author maintains the neutrality of a good healthcare provider and does not waver into a lecture. However, the "Notes from a Real Girl" passages don't always ring true. They sound like a real girl who was an adolescent in the 1980s. Overall, the book's tone and lively cartoon illustrations are friendly and nonthreatening. While this title does not stand out as groundbreaking or new, it's still a solid choice for basic information about puberty. (www.amazon.com)

Review:  This book is chocked full of information for girls starting to go through puberty.  The book includes information on everything from periods to bullying.  The book also offers advice for actual preteens that have gone through the same things.  Preteen girls will be able to use this book to have all of their questions answered.  They can also use this book as a supplement to find an adult that can help them find their answers.  Preteen girls will love all the information they gain by reading this book.

Genre: Nonfiction/Self Help

Interest Level: age 8 and up

Related Books: Friends: Making Them and Keeping Them by Patti Kelley Criswell; What Would You Do? by Patti Kelley Criswell.

For Further Information: The book lists several resources for further exploration.  I would suggest exploring Preteen Health Talk at www.pamf.org/preteen

26) The Feelings Book: The Care and Keeping of Your Emotions

Bibliography: Madison, Dr Lynda; The Feelings Book: The Care and Keeping of Your Emotions; American Girl Books; Wisconsin; 2002; 106 pages; ISBN 1-58485-528-2.

Plot: The Feelings Book is the emotional counterpart to the best-selling The Care & Keeping of You. It takes pretty scary questions-"Is it okay to feel this way? Am I normal?" and answers them in a friendly and understandable way. When girls are younger, their feelings seem simple--happy, sad, angry, mad--there isn't much to it. But as they get older, they may feel as if they're on emotional rollercoasters. Feelings get more complex and moods start swinging. This title helps girls learn to deal with their feelings. They'll get tips, how-to's, and straightforward advice on expressing feelings, understanding them, and handling them. Topics covered include: Sweaty Palms and Knocking Knees, Why Do You Cry?, Feeling Out of Control, Sorting it Out, Feeling Positive, Reaching Out to Others, Includes a section with strategies for coping with specific emotions (fear, anxiety, jealousy, anger, loneliness, sadness, grief, feeling safe). The overriding message is that if you learn about your feelings you can keep them from spinning out of control. You can be in the driver's seat--and that makes the ride on the rollercoaster a whole lot easier.

Discusses a variety of emotions girls might experience and suggests ways of dealing with them. (www.bn.com)

Review:  One thing that tweens have to deal with on a daily basis is their ever changing emotions.  This is a great book to help tweens understand better how they are feeling and how to deal with these feelings.  The book provides quizzes and letters to help tweens see that they are not alone in their ever changing world.  The book shows examples of other tweens dealing with their emotions and offers suggestions on how to work through what they are feeling.  This is a great book for tweens that are experiencing major changes and the emotions that come with that change.

Genre: Nonfiction/Self Help

Interest Level: age 8 and up

Related Books: Friends: Making Them and Keeping Them by Patti Kelley Criswell; What Would You Do? by Patti Kelley Criswell.

For Further Information: www.americangirl.com

4) The Look Book: 50 Iconic Beauties and How to Achieve Their Signature Styles

Bibliography: Stalder, Erika; The Look Book: 50 Iconic Beauties and How to Achieve Their Signature Styles; Zest Books; 2011, ISBN 978-0981973388

Plot: A how-to book on beauty.  The book focuses on lips, eyes, brows, skin & face, and hair.  Each section shows a celebrity that made the look famous and a bit of background of the celebrity.  The book then shows the materials that are needed to create the look, as well as, a step by step guide on how to master the look on you.  The book also gives examples of other celebrities that have rocked the look. 

Review: This is a great book for young girls just starting to wear make-up.  The step by step guide is easy to understand and very user friendly.  Young girls will love learning all of the new ways to style their hair, eyes, and lips.  A great benefit of the book is that every look lists who the look will work best on.  Luckily, most of the looks are for anyone, but there are a few looks that are best used on certain skin types or hair types.  The downfall of the book is that some of the celebrities are very dated.  Many young girls looking at this book may find the celebrity not relatable.  Other than that I feel that this is a great book for girls who love to make up their face.

Genre: Nonfiction/Beauty

Interest Level: ages 12 and up

Readers Annotation:  Have you ever wanted to look like you belong in movies or on the cover of a magazine?  This book will show you how to perfect your makeup and hair to impress all of your friends.

Related Books: Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Style; Style Book: Fashionable Inspirations; Style Eyes  

Author Information can be found at http://erikastalder.com/home/.