DIAMOND WILLOW By Helen Frost (genre 3 book 3)

Trying to come up with the words to describe Diamond Willow, a novel in verse was challenging. In reading it, the words flowed almost effortlessly. The main character is twelve but the narrative reads in a way that is simple enough for a nine year old to read and captivating enough to hold an adults attention. The writing style creates a simple read, however, there is nothing simple about this book.

Printz Honor Book author Helen Frost writes the story of Willow, a girl trying to find herself in the midst of interior Alaska. Most pages are illustrated with a variety of diamond shaped verse which mirror the markings found on a diamond willow branch.  When the bark is stripped away and the wood polished, diamond shapes are revealed creating beauty from what began as a scar. The narrative evolves in a similar fashion as Willow's thoughts unfold. 

The individual poems on each page contain highlighted words within them. As a reader follows the page the bold text jumps out and creates a poem within the poem. Interspersed within pages of diamond shaped poems are additional pages of narrative from other character's points-of-view. These are animals that are given voices in this novel as souls of Willow's ancestors who keep watch over her. The animals create a unique imagery within the story. Such as Willows great-great-great grandmother as a Spruce Hen who watches over her when she gets stranded in a blizzard; and Diamond, Willow's twin sister who came back to the family as a puppy. This book will appeal to many readers with its coming of age story, strong adventure theme, and animal characters.  


Review excerpts:
"This story in easy-to-read verse blends exciting survival adventure with a contemporary girl's discovery of family roots and secrets." -Booklist

"This complex and elegant novel will resonate with readers who savor powerful drama and multifaceted characters." -School Library Journal


Connections:
*Children can be asked to write a diamond shaped poem of their own. For an extra challenge ask them to put a hidden message inside of it.

* The structure of different types of poetry can also be discussed. Students could even create their own rules and try to follow them. 

* A person's relationship with an animal can be discussed in relation to friendship. How is it different than a friendship with another person?

*Death could also be a topic of discussion. Have any readers ever felt like someone who had died was still with them?   


Bibliography:
Frost, Helen. 2008. Diamond Willow. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. ISBN 9780374317768.

QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO (genre 4 book 1)

Is it a bear with a long tail? Or a monkey with a bear's head? It has a pouch which means it is a marsupial, correct?

It is called a Matschie's ("MATCH-eez") tree kangaroo and it is so rare and unstudied that it almost seems a make-believe creature. Sy Montgomery (author) and Nic Bishop (photographer) join an expedition led by Lisa Dabek to help document and bring awareness to this amazing animal. The whole of this book was written to journal their experiences and to bring to light the need to conserve this amazingly rare animal.

Sy Montgomery wrote this book in a conversational manner which makes it easy to understand. Many details have been included about the study process of the researchers, Lisa Dabek's work specifically, and the various creatures that inhabit the world of the tree kangaroo. Explanation is also included about the various roles of members of the exhibition and their backgrounds which encourages readers with different strengths to seek out their own way to make a contribution. There is enough information included for older students to use it as a resource but not so much data to make the reading heavy or dry. Even adults will enjoy reading about the experience on their own or with a younger reader.

The photography in the book is amazing! Nic Bishop was able to take so many varied shots of seldom seen animals. The exquisite details make the animals and the forest leap off of the page. Montgomery also includes an narrative about how Bishop was able to plan and pack for an expedition like this one and get such amazing photos. Bishop's photography, such as the lush green lichen and ferns, makes the reader understand the nature of the conditions the members of the expedition team experienced. When combined with Montgomery's text such as his quote from a member's announcement of being "SpongeBob WetPants" it brings the story to life and makes it relevant to the reader.

Another notable part of this book is the attention to the human element. Bishop's photographs of the native trekkers who assisted and became a part of the team are personal. These natives have made conservation of the tree kangaroo part of their culture. Having their efforts documented by Bishop and Montgomery is insightful and beautiful. The sum total of the book is valuable on so many levels. It is certainly a book worth investigating.


Review Excerpts:
"Another beautifully illustrated entry in the Scientists in the Field series." -Booklist

"The book's fascinating glimpses into a little-explored region will hold the attention of anyone interested in unusual creatures and the efforts to study them." -School Library Journal


Connections:
*Have students choose one of the animals introduced in the book and do further research. Another options is to discuss how to make a plan to study the animal as they did in preparation for the expedition in the book.

*Children could keep a journal of their week and then turn it into a story-type book.

* The sections titled Lisa's Advice for Kids and Tree Kangaroos Near You give options for further discussion and discovery such as researching other endangered species or occupations that could effect conservation.


Montgomery, Sy. 2006. Quest For The Tree Kangaroo. Ill. by Nic Bishop. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 9780618496419

DOGS by Seymour Simon (genre 4 book 2)

The nonfiction section reserved for dogs is one of the most commonly sought out areas in the library. Dogs by Seymour Simon is a great addition to this much loved genre. Children are often curious about the world around them and Simon has made a career out of encouraging this curiosity.

This introductory book to dogs in written in a conversational manner. There are no clearly defined chapters or sections, which encourages a child to read through the whole book. Broad topics are touched on such as how historically different breeds of dogs evolved, as well as behavior and physical characteristics of each. Another important topic included is the responsibilities of dog owners. While not really a book filled with data, it does give many interesting facts. For example, racing dogs such as the greyhound can run over forty miles an hour while the fastest human distance runner can only run fifteen miles an hour.

The book is illustrated with color photos of a variety of dogs. Some are close-ups giving a sense of familiarity while others show dogs in action running,  playing and swimming. While the breeds are mentioned, there are no titles under most pictures identifying which breed the dogs might be. The front and back inside cover does list different groupings of dogs such as terriers and herding dogs. Within those lists a few dogs are given a red arrow from the breed name to a corresponding photo. The combination of adorable pictures with conversational text, and sprinkled with interesting facts will help hold readers attention.


Review Excepts:
"Simon writes crisply for a young audience, who will eagerly turn the pages to see the next endearing color photograph." -Booklist

"Readers will thoroughly enjoy every word and every photograph..." -School Library Journal 


Connections:
*This book can be paired with Why Do Puppies Do That? also by Seymour Simon.

*Children can talk or write about what they need to do to take care of a dog.

*Younger listeners can color a dog coloring page. Older readers can draw their own dog (real or imaginary) and name them. They can then share their dog and why they named him what they did.


Simon, Seymour. 2004. Dogs. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN: 9780060289423

LINCOLN TELLS A JOKE (genre 4 book 3)

One of the most frequently mentioned names in history, Lincoln is a figure whom many only know of his role in politics.  Lincoln tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer uses humor to connect with a wide age range of readers. This connection will foster an interest in learning more about Lincoln and the history that surrounds him. 

This picture book biography is an excellent introduction to the man as a personality. Commonly known facts are presented such as his birth in a log cabin, his vocation as a lawyer, and his wife Mary Todd. However, it is the addition of the humor that infused Lincoln's life, shared within this book, that brings the pages to life.  

The acrylic illustrations by Stacey Innerst are done in a non-literal fashion. The resulting stylized images resound in a contemporary fashion. However, the historical feel is still maintained within the book such as with the creation of a parchment like texture. The addition of Lincoln's well known quotes such as "Four score and seven years ago..." as part of the illustrations create interest and reinforce the importance of literacy in his life. This adds to the text creating interest for the reader.  The resulting whole of this work is informational and entertaining. It will draw readers in and leave them thirsting for more knowledge.

Review excerpts:
"A positive portrait that humanizes the lionized man for whom it was a love of laughter that kept him going." -Booklist

"Krull is an expert at teasing out the fun, quirky sides of her subjects and sharing them in a way that is both genuine and engaging." -School Library Journal

Connections:
*Discuss how people can use humor to make a difficult subject easier or to make fun of someone while trying to hide it in a joke.

*Have students find other facts about Lincoln. Alternately, they can take a fact given in the book and do further research on it. 

Krull, Kathleen. Brewer, Paul. Lincoln Tells a Joke. Ill. by Stacy Innerst. Boston: Harcourt Children's Books. 2010. ISBN  9780152066390

THE GAME OF SILENCE (genre 5 book 1)

In this Scott O'Dell Award winning book nine year old Omakayas comes of age as the world is changing for her tribe. Set in 1847 Erdrich uses native language to transport the reader to another time and place. However, the book is written in a clear and clean manner allowing for easy reading. Young readers can also easily relate to a child's day of playing, fishing, and being told what to do by adults.

Pencil illustrations by author Louise Erdrich help to bring the story to life. They also help introduce the elements of nature, culture, and crafts of Ojibwe tribe. These rich details provide insight into the time period and the history in which this novel is set. The author's notes and glossary are included on the Ojibwe Language along with a pronunciation guide. This is the second book in the trilogy by Erdrich and based on her research of her own heritage. This series will be much read and loved.


Review excerpts:
"In this heartrending novel the sense of what was lost is overwhelming." -Booklist

"Erdrich's captivating tale of four seasons portrays a deep appreciation of our environment, our history, and our Native American sisters and brothers." -School Library Journal


Connections:
*The seasons are a strong theme throughout this book. A variety of discussions can ensue from this such as the traditions of the culture described by the book or the seasonal traditions of our own cultures. It can also be discussed how the seasons can be a metaphor for the phases of life; birth, growth, and death.

*Book two in the trilogy, readers can be encouraged to go back and read The Birch House and then follow up by reading The Porcupine Year by Erdrich.


Erdrich, Louise. 2006. The Game of Silence. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 9780064410298

PENNY FROM HEAVEN (genre 5 book 3)

Barbara Ann Falucci is called Penny after her father's favorite Bing Crosby song "Pennies from Heaven." Penny's world is that of many kids at eleven; summer dreams limited by her mom, a friend who keeps getting into trouble, and oddly endearing relatives. Her diverse family is divided by her father's death and words have been left unspoken. When Penny is injured in an accident, the old family wounds are reopened and she must try to repair her world.

This historical novel about an Italian American family in the 1950's is beautifully written by Jennifer L. Holm. Penny's relationships with her family of characters is enthralling such as her eccentric uncle who lives in his car and her hilarious cousin Frankie.  The authenticity of the time period is built upon Holm's own family history on whom the book is based. Children from divided families will connect with the theme of a child's desire to find her place. Other readers will also be drawn in by the enduring love of family and the desire to heal.


Review excerpts:
"Penny's present-tense narration is both earthy and observant, and her commentary on her families' eccentricities sparkles." -Kirkus Reviews

"Penny and her world are clearly drawn and eminently believable." - School Library Journal


Connections:
*Have students discuss how Penny's life is different than modern society, such as her wringer washing machine and listening to sports on the radio.

*Readers can research Italian American families of the 1950's and what was happening at that time in America.


Holm, Jennifer. 2006. Penny From Heaven. New York: Random House Children's Books.  ISBN 0375936874

BABYMOUSE # 15: A VERY BABYMOUSE CHRISTMAS (genre 6 book 3)

It was the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except for...Babymouse!

The holidays are here and everyone is excited to be celebrating with their own traditions but Babymouse has only one thing on her mind. Presents! Only one specific present will do and Babymouse will do anything, including tricking Santa to get it. Will she get the gift she wants or will she learn something more about the season?

Written and illustrated by the award winning duo of Jennifer and Matthew Holm, the Babymouse series of graphic novels are designed for the 3rd to 5th grade set. Comic style illustrations are paired with shades of pink as Babymouse goes back and forth from daydreaming to reality. Readers will identify with her antics in this graphic novel that serves as a great stepping stone from picture books to chapter books. Reluctant readers will enjoy the humor, adventure, and fantasy of Babymouse's world.


Review Excerpts:
"Fun, as always, will be had by all." -Booklist

"Nobody puts Babymouse in the corner!" -The Horn Book


Connections:
*Readers can research and learn about the different holiday celebrations referenced within the novel.

*Babymouse often daydreams. Have students identify how Babymouse takes an everyday problem and turns it into a fantasy situation. Students can also create their own Babymouse version of a fantasy from their own lives.


Holm, Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm. 2011. Babymouse #15: A Very Babymouse Christmas. New York: Random House. ISBN 9780375967795